Program, job generation method, and job generation device

Abstract

To easily and appropriately specify conditions for processing to be executed based on an image. [Solution] A program that causes a control device (14), which is a computer, to generate a job indicating image-corresponding processing, causes the control device (14) to perform a processing-corresponding image determination process that determines a processing-corresponding image based on an input image, and a job generation process that generates a multiple-image job based on a template, wherein the multiple-image job indicates the conditions for image-corresponding processing for each processing-corresponding image, and at least some of the multiple processing-corresponding images in the multiple-image job are images to be printed by a printing device (12), and in the job generation process, the conditions for image-corresponding processing for each processing-corresponding image are determined based on the template, and the conditions for image-corresponding processing to be executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images are made different from the conditions for image-corresponding processing to be executed based on any other processing-corresponding image.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a job generation method, and a job generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, printing devices such as inkjet printers have been widely used. When a printing device is made to print, for example, the operation of the printing device is controlled by supplying data generated by RIP processing to the printing device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-10862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When printing on a printing device, it is usually necessary to perform RIP processing and other processes according to the printing conditions. In addition, in this case, specifying the printing conditions requires, for example, setting various parameter values ​​according to the configuration of the printing device. However, when using a printing device with diverse functions, such as an industrial inkjet printer, the number of parameters to be set and the items specified by the parameters can become large, making it difficult to specify the printing conditions. To address this issue, it is possible to simplify the specification of printing conditions by, for example, registering pre-set printing conditions and loading the registered printing conditions. However, even in this case, depending on the printing content to be performed by the printing device, specifying the printing conditions and other information can be a significant burden on the user. Furthermore, this problem also arises when a processing device is used to perform image-based processing other than printing. Therefore, there has been a demand for an easier way to specify conditions for image-based processing. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a job generation method, and a job generation device that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into methods for specifying conditions for image-based processing, particularly when multiple processing operations are combined. In this case, if a processing operation based on an image is defined as an image-based processing operation and an image associated with the image-based processing operation is defined as a processing-corresponding image, a combination of multiple processing operations can be considered, for example, as performing a predetermined process on each of the processing-corresponding images. In this case, such a combination of multiple processing operations can also be considered as performing multiple image-based processing operations based on the multiple processing-corresponding images. In this case, it is necessary to specify processing conditions for each image-based processing operation. More specifically, an example of such a combination of multiple processing operations is multi-layer printing. In this case, a printing device performs multi-layer printing by, for example, drawing one image in one ink layer and then overlaying multiple ink layers. In this case, the image drawn on each layer can be considered to correspond to the processing-corresponding image. Furthermore, the operation of forming one ink layer can be considered to correspond to, for example, an image-based processing operation. In this case, it may be necessary to specify printing conditions individually for each ink layer.

[0006] In this regard, as described above, it is possible to simplify the specification of printing conditions by registering pre-set printing conditions and then loading the registered printing conditions. However, when performing multi-layer printing, it may be preferable to set different printing conditions for each layer. In such cases, even when loading the registered printing conditions, it is necessary to load the printing conditions for each layer, which requires a lot of effort from the user. Furthermore, when setting different printing conditions for each layer, it becomes difficult to appropriately specify the printing conditions for each layer unless the user has sufficient knowledge of, for example, the performance of the printing device. Therefore, depending on the user's experience and skills, it may be difficult to appropriately specify the printing conditions for each layer. Furthermore, this problem also occurs when the processing device is used to perform image-based processing other than printing.

[0007] In response to this, the inventors of the present application have devised a method for performing multiple image-corresponding processes based on multiple process-corresponding images, such as in multilayer printing, by using a template that indicates the processing conditions for the multiple image-corresponding processes. Furthermore, in this case, a multi-image job, which is a job indicating multiple image-corresponding processes corresponding to multiple process-corresponding images, is generated based on such a template, and, if necessary, the conditions for the image-corresponding processes performed based on at least some of the process-corresponding images are differentiated from the conditions for the image-corresponding processes performed based on any of the other process-corresponding images. This configuration allows, for example, even a user with little experience or skill with an image-corresponding process device to more easily and appropriately specify the processing conditions for the multiple image-corresponding processes. This also allows for more appropriate specification of the image-corresponding process conditions, for example, in cases where it is preferable to use different processing conditions for each image-corresponding process. Furthermore, in this case, for example, by specifying at least some of the conditions for the multiple image-corresponding processes collectively based on a template, the user's effort can be appropriately reduced. Therefore, this configuration allows, for example, for easier and more appropriate specification of the conditions for processes performed based on images.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventors of the present application have conducted further intensive research and have found the characteristics necessary to obtain such effects, which have led to the present invention. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to generate a job indicating an image-corresponding process, which is a process for determining a processing-corresponding image, which is an image that is associated with the image-corresponding process, and for determining the processing-corresponding image based on an input image, which is an image that is input, and for generating a multiple-image job, which is a job corresponding to a plurality of the processing-corresponding images, and for generating the multiple-image job based on a template that indicates at least some of the conditions of the image-corresponding process, wherein the multiple-image job indicates, for each of the multiple processing-corresponding images, the conditions of the image-corresponding process to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image, and at least some of the multiple processing-corresponding images in the multiple-image job are images to be printed by a printing device, and the job generation process determines, based on the template, the conditions of the image-corresponding process to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image for each of the processing-corresponding images in the multiple-image job, and makes the conditions of the image-corresponding process to be executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images different from the conditions of the image-corresponding process to be executed based on any other of the processing-corresponding images.

[0009] With this configuration, for example, by using a template, conditions for multiple image-corresponding processes corresponding to multiple process-corresponding images can be easily and appropriately specified. Furthermore, in this case, for example, individual conditions can be easily and appropriately specified for each image-corresponding process as needed. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, conditions for processes to be performed based on images can be more easily and appropriately specified. In this configuration, a job indicates, for example, a process-corresponding image and conditions for image-corresponding processes to be performed based on the process-corresponding image. Also, in this configuration, a job is, for example, a job that causes a printing device to perform printing. In this case, a multiple-image job can be considered, for example, a job that causes a printing device to perform a first printing process, which is a first printing process, and a second printing process, which is a second printing process. Furthermore, the first printing process can be considered, for example, as an image-corresponding process that forms an ink layer corresponding to the first process-corresponding image by printing an image based on the first process-corresponding image. The second printing process can be considered, for example, as an image-corresponding process that forms an ink layer corresponding to the second process-corresponding image by printing an image based on a second process-corresponding image that is different from the first process-corresponding image. In this case, the job generation process determines, for example, first conditions that are at least a portion of the printing conditions for the first printing process and second conditions that are at least a portion of the printing conditions for the second printing process and are at least partially different from the first conditions, based on one template. This configuration allows the printing device to appropriately perform multi-layer printing, for example. In this case, the printing conditions for each ink layer can be easily and appropriately specified.

[0010] A multi-image job to be printed by a printing device can be considered, for example, as a multi-layer printing job. Furthermore, the process-corresponding image in a multi-image job can be considered, for example, as an image corresponding to a plate indicating the printing content of each layer. In this case, the multi-image job can be considered, for example, as an image indicating the plate for each layer in multi-layer printing and the printing conditions for forming each layer. In this case, one of the process-corresponding images in the multi-image job can be, for example, a color image indicating the design to be expressed in printing. Another of the process-corresponding images in the multi-image job can be, for example, an image corresponding to a spot color plate. The multi-image job may be, for example, a multi-layer printing job with three or more layers. In this case, the multi-image job indicates, for example, a process-corresponding image and printing conditions for each ink layer. In this configuration, the second condition is, for example, a condition in which at least the printing resolution is different from the first condition. With this configuration, for example, in multi-layer printing, the printing conditions corresponding to one ink layer can be appropriately differentiated from the printing conditions corresponding to another ink layer.

[0011] More specifically, when a multi-image job for multilayer printing is used, a color printer may be used as the printing device. In this case, the printing device uses, for example, process color inks, which are a predetermined number of colors that serve as base colors for color expression, and spot color inks, which are inks of colors different from the process color inks. An inkjet printer or the like may be suitably used as such a color printer. In this case, the first printing process is, for example, a process of forming a color layer, which is a layer of ink representing a color image, using at least the process color inks. The second printing process is, for example, a process of forming a spot color layer, which is a layer of spot color ink, using one spot color ink. In the second printing process, for example, the spot color layer is formed so that at least a portion of the spot color layer overlaps at least a portion of the color layer. The printing device may, for example, perform the second printing process before the first printing process. The printing device may, for example, perform the second printing process after the first printing process. As the input image, for example, an image representing the color image to be printed by the printing device in the first printing process may be used. In this case, a process-compatible image corresponding to the spot color ink may be automatically generated, for example, based on the input image. More specifically, in this case, the first process-compatible image is, for example, a color image showing content corresponding to at least a portion of the input image. Then, in the process-compatible image determination process, a second process-compatible image, which is a process-compatible image for the spot color layer, is generated based on the input image, for example, based on a template. In this case, the second process-compatible image can be considered, for example, as a spot color image, which is an image drawn with one spot color ink. With this configuration, for example, a spot color image corresponding to a spot color plate (spot color plate) can be appropriately generated without having to prepare it in advance as an input image. This also makes it possible, for example, to more easily and appropriately perform multilayer printing using spot color ink.

[0012] Furthermore, when using a multi-image job for multilayer printing, it is also possible to use a template that indicates the inter-layer relationship in multilayer printing. In this case, the template indicates, for example, the relationship between color layers and spot color layers as the inter-layer relationship. In this case, the job generation process, for example, differs at least a portion of the second condition from the first condition based on the inter-layer relationship indicated by the template. More specifically, in this case, the inter-layer relationship can be indicated by, for example, indicating the uses of the color layers and spot color layers in the template. The use of the color layers can be, for example, indicating that they are ink layers that express a color image. The use of the spot color layers can be, for example, indicating the color of the ink used to form the spot color layers. Furthermore, the use of the spot color layers can be, for example, indicating the characteristics of the layers, such as a primer layer, a white layer, or a clear layer. This configuration, for example, allows for more appropriate setting of printing conditions tailored to the use of each layer based on the template. Furthermore, when generating spot color images corresponding to spot color plates, for example, the generation of the spot color images can be more appropriate based on the inter-layer relationships.

[0013] In this configuration, a template can be created using, for example, a multiple-image job created in the past. In this case, the computer can further perform, for example, a condition extraction process that extracts at least some of the image-related processing conditions indicated by the multiple-image job from the multiple-image job, and a template creation process that creates a template. In the template creation process, the template can be created based on at least some of the image-related processing conditions extracted from the multiple-image job created in the past by the condition extraction process. In this case, the multiple-image job created in the past may be a job created without using a template. With this configuration, for example, a template that indicates processing similar to a multiple-image job created in the past can be easily and appropriately created. Furthermore, by using a template created in this way, for example, a multiple-image job that causes a printing device or the like to perform processing similar to a multiple-image job created in the past can be easily and appropriately generated. More specifically, in this case, for example, a job in which the processing-related images are replaced while maintaining the same processing conditions can be easily and appropriately generated by using a previous multiple-image job registered in a job history or the like. Furthermore, for example, a template that indicates items that are independent of the model of the device performing the image-related processing can be used. In this case, the template may, for example, indicate only items that are independent of the model of the device that will execute the image-associated processing. In this case, the job generation process determines the image-associated processing conditions for each process-associated image in a multi-image job based on the template and the model of the device that will execute the image-associated processing, tailored to the device that will execute the image-associated processing. This configuration allows, for example, a single template to be more easily and appropriately used in common for various models of devices. In this case, by performing the job generation process taking into account the device that will execute the image-associated processing, it is possible to appropriately generate a multi-image job tailored to the model that will actually execute the processing.

[0014] In this configuration, some of the processes indicated by the multiple-image job may be processes other than printing. In this case, the multiple-image job may be, for example, a job in which a printing device and a cutting device perform printing and cutting processes. More specifically, in this case, the printing process may be considered, for example, as an image-corresponding process in which an image based on a first processing-corresponding image is printed on a medium. Furthermore, the cutting process may be considered, for example, as an image-corresponding process in which a medium is cut based on a second processing-corresponding image. In this case, the job generation process determines, for example, at least some of the conditions for the printing process and at least some of the conditions for the cutting process based on a single template. With this configuration, for example, multiple-image jobs corresponding to a variety of processes can be easily and appropriately generated. Furthermore, as a configuration of the present invention, for example, a job generation method or a job generation device having the same characteristics as described above may also be considered. In these cases, for example, the same effects as described above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to easily and appropriately specify conditions related to processing to be executed based on an image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 10 that uses a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. FIG. 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of a printing device 12 in the printing system 10. FIG. 1(c) shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 102 in the printing device 12. FIG. 1(d) shows an example of the configuration of a printed material produced by printing in the printing system 10. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that the control device 14 shows to the user when a job is generated. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of how to create and use a template. [Figure 4]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for creating a template. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for generating a job using a template. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of a job generated by the control device 14. Fig. 6A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10 in this modified example. Fig. 6B shows an example of a display screen that the control device 14 shows to the user when a job is generated in this modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 10 that uses a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. FIG. 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of a printing device 12 in the printing system 10. FIG. 1(c) shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 102 in the printing device 12. FIG. 1(d) shows an example of the configuration of a printed material produced by printing in the printing system 10. Except as described below, the printing system 10 and each part of the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their respective parts. In this example, the printing system 10 includes a printing device 12 and a control device 14. The printing device 12 is a device that performs printing under the control of the control device 14 in the printing system 10. For example, a known industrial inkjet printer or the like can be suitably used as the printing device 12. In this example, the printing device 12 is a color printer that performs color printing using inkjet printing with multiple colors of ink, and has a head unit 102, a base unit 104, a scan drive unit 106, and a control unit 110, as shown in FIG. 1(b), for example.

[0018] The head unit 102 is configured to eject ink onto a printing target medium 50 and includes multiple inkjet heads 202, as shown in FIG. 1C. More specifically, in this example, the head unit 102 includes inkjet heads 202 for each process color and inkjet heads 202 for specific spot colors. The inkjet heads 202 for each process color include inkjet heads 202 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The inkjet heads 202 for specific colors include an inkjet head 202 for white (W) and an inkjet head 202 for a primer ink, which is an ink used as a primer. Process colors can be considered, for example, as basic colors for color expression. Process colors can also be considered, for example, as colors used as basic colors for color expression using a subtractive color mixture method in color printing performed by the printing device 12. Spot colors can be considered, for example, as inks of colors different from the process color inks. A spot color can also be considered, for example, to be a color other than the basic colors used to express colors using a subtractive color mixture method. A spot color can also be considered, for example, to be a color treated as a spot color in the specifications of the printing device 12. In this example, as shown in the figure, the multiple inkjet heads 202 in the head unit 102 are aligned in a predetermined sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) preset in the printing device 12 and arranged in a main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. Each inkjet head 202 has a nozzle row in which multiple nozzles are arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. In the head unit 102, the multiple inkjet heads 202 may be arranged in a different arrangement from the above. The head unit 102 may also have inkjet heads 202 for colors different from those described above. For example, the head unit 102 may have inkjet heads 202 for spot colors different from those described above.

[0019] The base unit 104 is a platform-like member that supports the medium 50 at a position facing the head unit 102. The scan driver 106 is a driver that causes the head unit 102 to perform a scanning operation, moving relative to the medium 50. In this case, causing the head unit 102 to perform a scanning operation can also be considered, for example, as causing the inkjet head 202 in the head unit 102 to perform a scanning operation. In this example, the scan driver 106 causes the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation as the scanning operation. The main scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation of ejecting ink while moving in the main scanning direction relative to the medium 50 (scanning operation). The sub-scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation of moving in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium 50. The scan driver 106 causes the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation between main scanning operations, thereby changing the portion of the medium 50 that faces the head unit 102 with each main scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation can also be considered as, for example, a feeding operation that feeds the medium 50 relative to the head unit 102.

[0020] The control unit 110 is, for example, the CPU of the printing device 12 and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 12. In this example, the control unit 110 receives RIP-generated data, which is data generated by RIP processing (Raster Image Processing), from the control device 14 and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 12 based on this RIP-generated data. According to this example, for example, the printing device 12 can appropriately print on the medium 50. In this case, for example, by using inks of each process color, color printing that draws a color image on the medium 50 can be appropriately performed. Furthermore, by using inks of special colors as needed, it is possible to perform, for example, a variety of printing. In addition to the above configuration, the printing device 12 may further have configurations that are the same as or similar to those of known printing devices. For example, the printing device 12 may further have a fixing unit that fixes ink to the medium 50.

[0021] The control device 14 controls the operation of the printing device 12 by supplying RIP-generated data generated by the RIP process to the printing device 12. A suitable example of the control device 14 is a computer such as a PC that executes a program for RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as a RIP program). In this example, the control device 14 also executes a job management program (hereinafter referred to as a job management program) that generates jobs indicating processes to be performed by the printing device 12. The job management program and the RIP program work together to execute RIP processing based on jobs generated in accordance with the job management program, thereby generating RIP-generated data. In this case, the printing process performed by the printing device 12 is an example of image-based processing, which is processing performed based on an image. The job management program is also an example of a program that causes a computer to generate jobs indicating image-based processing. The control device 14 can be considered to function as a job generation device that executes a job generation method by generating jobs in accordance with the job management program.

[0022] In this example, a job indicates an image to be printed by the printing device 12 and printing conditions for printing based on this image. In this case, the image to be printed by the printing device 12 is an example of a processing-corresponding image, which is an image associated with image-corresponding processing. The printing conditions are an example of conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on the processing-corresponding image. Therefore, a job can also be considered to indicate, for example, a processing-corresponding image and conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on the processing-corresponding image. In this example, the control device 14 generates, as a job indicating a printing process, a multi-layer printing job that causes the printing device 12 to perform printing to form multiple ink layers. The multi-layer printing job may be, for example, a job for multi-layer printing of three or more layers. In this example, the multi-layer printing job is an example of a multiple-image job that corresponds to multiple processing-corresponding images. A multiple-image job can be considered to indicate, for example, conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on the processing-corresponding image for each of multiple processing-corresponding images. A multi-layer printing job can be considered to indicate, for example, a process-corresponding image corresponding to each ink layer and the printing conditions used when forming the ink layer for multiple ink layers formed by the printing device 12. In this case, the image associated with the ink layer (process-corresponding image) can also be considered to correspond to, for example, a plate indicating the printing content of that ink layer. Therefore, a multi-layer printing job can also be considered to indicate, for example, the plate for each layer in multi-layer printing and the printing conditions used when forming each layer.

[0023] Furthermore, with regard to a multiple-image job, which is a higher-level concept than a multi-layer printing job, if a job corresponding to one process-corresponding image is defined as a single-image job, the multiple-image job can be considered to be, for example, a job that indicates the same or similar matters as a composite job that combines multiple single-image jobs. A composite job can also be considered, for example, as a job that handles multiple single-image jobs collectively. Furthermore, when considering a job that causes the printing device 12 to perform a printing process, as in this example, the composite job can be considered, for example, as a job generated by combining multiple jobs that cause the printing device 12 to perform printing to form a single ink layer. Furthermore, a multi-layer printing job, which is an example of a multiple-image job, can be considered, for example, as a job that causes the printing device 12 to perform a first printing process, which is a first printing process, and a second printing process, which is a second printing process. In this case, the first printing process can be considered, for example, as an image-corresponding process that forms an ink layer corresponding to the first process-corresponding image by printing an image based on the first process-corresponding image. The second printing process can be considered, for example, as an image-based process that forms an ink layer corresponding to the second process-based image by printing an image based on the second process-based image that is different from the first process-based image. In this example, the control device 14 generates a multi-layer printing job using a pre-prepared template (job template). The operation of generating a multi-layer printing job using a template will be described in more detail later.

[0024] In this example, the printing device 12 receives RIP-generated data generated by the control device 14 based on a multi-layer printing job from the control device 14, and performs printing based on this RIP-generated data to create a printed material in which multiple ink layers are formed on the medium 50, as shown in FIG. 1(d), for example. In the example shown in FIG. 1(d), the printing device 12 forms multiple ink layers on the medium 50, including a primer layer 52, a white layer 54, a white layer 56, and a color layer 58. In this example, the primer layer 52 is an ink layer formed with primer ink. The white layer 54 and the white layer 56 are ink layers formed with white ink. The primer layer 52, the white layer 54, and the white layer 56 can also be considered, for example, as ink layers formed only with one spot color ink. In this example, the primer layer 52, the white layer 54, and the white layer 56 are an example of a spot color layer, which is an ink layer formed with spot color ink. The spot color layer can also be considered, for example, as an ink layer formed using only spot color ink. The special color layer can also be considered to be an ink layer formed using, for example, one special color ink. The color layer 58 is an ink layer formed using process color ink. The color layer 58 can also be considered to be an ink layer on which a color image is drawn.

[0025] Furthermore, when causing the printing device 12 to perform the above-described multi-layer printing, in this example, the control device 14 generates a multi-layer printing job in accordance with the job management program, which indicates the formation of the primer layer 52, the white layer 54, the white layer 56, and the color layer 58 as described above. Then, the control device 14 generates RIP generation data based on this multi-layer printing job in accordance with the RIP program. Also, in this case, as described above, the control device 14 generates the multi-layer printing job using a template prepared in advance. Therefore, the operation of the control device 14 to generate the multi-layer printing job using the template will be described in more detail below.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a display screen that the control device 14 presents to the user when generating a job. This example illustrates a display screen that the control device 14 displays on a display device, such as a monitor, of the control device 14 when generating a multilayer printing job using a template. In this case, the control device 14 displays a display screen including an input image display unit 302, a template selection button 304, a processing condition display unit 306, a numerical value input unit 308, and an execute button 310, in accordance with, for example, a job management program. The control device 14 then generates the multilayer printing job based on, for example, user instructions received via this display screen. Among the components of this display screen, the input image display unit 302 displays an input image, which is an image input to the job management program. The input image can also be considered, for example, as an image that serves as the basis for a processing-compatible image. For example, the control device 14 reads an image specified by the user as an input image and displays it on the input image display unit 302. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the input images include a color image representing an image to be drawn with process color inks and a spot color image representing an image to be drawn with spot color inks. The color image can be considered to represent, for example, an image to be drawn using the color layer 58 (see FIG. 1). The color image can also be considered to represent, for example, a design to be expressed by printing. The color image can also be considered to represent, for example, an image corresponding to a color printing plate. The spot color image can be considered to represent, for example, an image indicating the positions where spot color inks are to be ejected in the primer layer 52, the white layer 54, and the white layer 56 (see FIG. 1). The spot color image can also be considered to represent, for example, an image corresponding to a spot color plate (spot color plate). In this example, the color image and the spot color image are examples of processing-compatible images. In this case, the example shown in FIG. 2 can also be considered to represent, for example, an example in which a processing-compatible image is input as an input image. The control device 14 may also generate a spot color image based on a color image. In this case as well, the spot color image generated from the color image can be considered as an input image input to the job management program.In this case, the spot color image can also be considered as, for example, an input image generated based on another input image. Depending on the configuration of the job management program, it is also possible to consider only the color image as the input image, rather than the spot color image generated from the color image.

[0027] The template selection button 304 is a button that accepts an instruction to select a template from the user. When the user presses the template selection button 304, the control device 14, for example, displays a list of selectable templates and accepts an instruction to select a template from the user. The control device 14 then loads the template selected by the user and reflects the items specified in the template in the processing condition display unit 306. In this example, the template specifies at least some of the printing conditions, for example, by specifying favorite settings in association with at least some of the ink layers. In this case, the favorite settings can be considered, for example, as settings that specify at least some of the printing conditions in association with one process-compatible image. In addition, in this example, the favorite settings specify at least some of the printing conditions for one ink layer. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the template specifies favorite settings individually for each of the multiple ink layers formed on the medium 50, namely, the primer layer 52, the white layer 54, the white layer 56, and the color layer 58. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the template specifies favorite settings indicated as fav4-1 in the figure for the primer layer 52, the white layer 54, the white layer 56, and the color layer 58. Furthermore, these favorite settings specify, for example, at least the print resolution, the number of passes (passes), and the color adjustment method as printing conditions to be used when forming the corresponding ink layer. In this case, the favorite settings specify, for example, the profile (color profile) to be used for color adjustment, regarding the color adjustment method. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately register profiles.

[0028] The processing condition display unit 306 is a display unit that displays processing conditions, etc., specified in a multi-layer printing job. In this example, the processing condition display unit 306 displays at least a portion of the printing conditions for each ink layer formed based on the multi-layer printing job, in association with the image (read image) read as an input image. In this case, the processing condition display unit 306 displays, for example, items related to multiple items for each ink layer. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the processing condition display unit 306 uses items related to output, feed information, plate information, read image, favorites, and favorite information as these multiple items. In this case, the output item is an item indicating a data layer, which is a layer in the data associated with the ink layers in the multi-layer printing job, and indicates the order of the data layers in accordance with the order corresponding to the order in which the ink layers are formed on the medium 50. In the illustrated example, when forming multiple ink layers as shown in FIG. 1(d), the primer layer 52 is the first data layer, the white layer 54 is the second data layer, and the white layer 56 and color layer 58 are the third data layers. In this example, the order of the data layers shown in the output section can be considered to be related to the manner in which the sub-scanning operation is performed. More specifically, as described above, in this example, the primer layer 52, the white layer 54, and the white layer 56 are examples of spot color layers. The printing device 12 ejects ink at each position on the medium 50 by performing main scanning and sub-scanning operations. In this case, the printing device 12 can simultaneously form, for example, part of the color layer and part of the spot color layer in a single main scanning operation. More specifically, for example, when using the head unit 102 having the configuration shown in Figure 1(c), in the inkjet head 202 for the process color ink, only a portion of the nozzles in the nozzle row (a portion in the sub-scanning direction) are used, and in the inkjet head 202 for any spot color ink, only a portion of the nozzles in the nozzle row are used so that their positions in the sub-scanning direction do not overlap with those of the inkjet head 202 for the process color ink, thereby making it possible to simultaneously form a portion of the color layer and a portion of the spot color layer in a single main scanning operation.In this case, it is possible to associate the color layer and the spot color layer, which are partially formed simultaneously in this manner, together as a single data layer, as in the case of the data layer designated as the third layer in the output item of the processing condition display unit 306 in FIG. 2. Furthermore, as a modified configuration of the head unit 102, for example, a configuration in which the inkjet heads 202 for process color inks and the inkjet heads 202 for spot colors are arranged with their positions offset in the sub-scanning direction is also possible. In this case, it is also possible to simultaneously form a portion of the color layer and a portion of the spot color layer in a single main scanning operation while using all the nozzles of each inkjet head 202. In such a case, it is also possible to associate the color layer and the spot color layer, which are partially formed simultaneously in a single main scanning operation, together as a single data layer. Furthermore, it is also possible to form, for example, multiple spot color layers of different colors as ink layers partially formed simultaneously in a single main scanning operation. In this case, it is also possible to associate the multiple spot color layers together as a single data layer.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the processing condition display unit 306 displays the correspondence between ink layers and data layers in the "feed information" field. The "feed information" field is an item related to the feed division performed to simultaneously form a portion of a color layer and a portion of a spot color layer in a single main scanning operation. The feed division can be considered to be information specifying the inkjet heads 202 corresponding to the first and second heads, such as the relationship between the inkjet heads 202 for process color inks and the inkjet heads 202 for spot color inks described above, in which only some of the nozzles in the nozzle array of the first head are used and only some of the nozzles in the nozzle array of the second head are used so as not to overlap in the sub-scanning direction with the nozzles in the first head. In the illustrated example, the "feed information" field indicates that a portion of each of the white layer 56 and the color layer 58 is simultaneously formed in a single main scanning operation.

[0030] The plate information item indicates the purpose of the ink layer, etc. When multilayer printing is performed as in this example, the plate information item can also be considered, for example, as a layer setting item indicating the purpose of each layer in multilayer printing. In the example shown in FIG. 2, in the plate information item, the processing condition display unit 306 displays the symbol P for the primer layer 52, indicating that it is a primer layer. The processing condition display unit 306 also displays the symbol W for the white layers 54 and 56, indicating that they are white layers. The processing condition display unit 306 also displays the symbol Color for the color layer 58, indicating that it is a color layer. The read image item indicates the image to be processed for each ink layer. In this example, the processing condition display unit 306 displays, for each ink layer, a thumbnail image of the input image corresponding to the process-compatible image for that ink layer. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , the processing condition display unit 306 displays thumbnail images of the spot color images in the input image for the primer layer 52, white layer 54, and white layer 56 in the read image section. The processing condition display unit 306 also displays a thumbnail image of the color image in the input image for the color layer 58. The favorites section indicates favorite settings for each ink layer. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , the template specifies favorite settings indicated as fav4 to fav1 in the figure for the primer layer 52, white layer 54, white layer 56, and color layer 58. Therefore, the favorites section displays, for each ink layer, the names of these favorite settings, for example. The favorite information section displays at least some of the printing conditions specified in the favorite settings. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , in the favorite information section, the processing condition display unit 306 displays the printing resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method for each ink layer.

[0031] The numerical value input unit 308 is an input unit that accepts user input of numerical values ​​related to at least some of the printing conditions. The numerical value input unit 308 can also be considered, for example, as an input unit that accepts user input specifying at least some of the printing conditions not specified in the favorite settings. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the numerical value input unit 308 accepts user input of numerical values ​​related to the number of copies indicating the number of copies to be printed, margins to be set during printing, and rearrangement. This allows the control device 14 to accept user instructions related to printing conditions, for example, items not specified in the favorite settings. In this case, the numerical value input unit 308 accepts user instructions related to printing conditions not specified in the template. The numerical value input unit 308 may also accept user instructions to change values ​​related to printing conditions specified in the template or favorite settings. The execute button 310 is a button that accepts user instructions to execute job generation. In this example, when the user presses the execute button 310, the control device 14 generates a job, such as a multilayer printing job, based on the items displayed in the input image display unit 302, the processing condition display unit 306, and the numerical value input unit 308 in accordance with the job management program. The control device 14 then generates a job based on the template and the input image. According to this example, for example, by using a template, printing conditions for each of multiple ink layers formed in multilayer printing can be easily and appropriately specified. In this case, for example, by individually specifying favorite settings for each ink layer, individual conditions for each ink layer can be easily and appropriately specified as needed. In this example, specifying printing conditions for each ink layer in multilayer printing can be considered an example of specifying conditions for multiple image-corresponding processes corresponding to multiple process-corresponding images. In this case, this example can also be considered to make it easier and more appropriate to specify conditions for processes to be performed based on images.

[0032] In this example, the process in which the printing device 12 forms the color layer 58 corresponding to the third layer of the data layer shown in the figure is an example of the first printing process described above. In this case, the first printing process can be considered, for example, as a process of forming at least the color layer 58. Furthermore, in this case, the input image can be considered to be, for example, at least an image representing the color image to be printed by the printing device 12 in the first printing process. Furthermore, the printing device 12 can be considered to perform the first printing process using, for example, a color image representing content corresponding to at least a portion of the input image as the first processing-corresponding image. Furthermore, the process in which the printing device 12 forms the primer layer 52 and the white layer 54, which are spot color layers, is an example of the second printing process described above. In this case, the second printing process can be considered, for example, as a process of forming a spot color layer such that at least a portion of the spot color layer overlaps at least a portion of the color layer 58. Furthermore, as can be understood from the above explanation, in this example, the printing device 12 forms the primer layer 52 and the white layer 54 on the medium 50, and then forms the white layer 56 and the color layer 58. In this case, it can be considered that the printing device 12 performs the second printing process first, and then the first printing process. In a modified example of the operation of the printing device 12, the printing device 12 may perform the first printing process first, and then the second printing process.

[0033] As described above, in this example, the favorite settings specify at least a portion of the printing conditions for one ink layer. In this regard, when performing multi-layer printing, it is also possible to use only the favorite settings without using a template. In this case, the user can set the printing conditions for each layer by individually specifying the favorite settings for each ink layer. However, this requires the user to specify the favorite settings for each ink layer, which requires a lot of effort. Furthermore, when performing multi-layer printing, it may be preferable to set different printing conditions for each ink layer. In this case, for example, without sufficient knowledge of the performance of the printing device 12, it may be difficult to appropriately set the printing conditions for each layer. As a result, depending on the user's experience and skills, it may be difficult to appropriately set the printing conditions for each layer. Furthermore, when the user specifies the favorite settings for each ink layer individually, the user may need to separately specify, for example, feed information, among the items displayed in the processing condition display unit 306. However, depending on the user's experience and skills, it may be difficult to appropriately set feed information.

[0034] In contrast, in this example, by using a template, it is possible to collectively specify favorite settings to be used for each of multiple ink layers. This also allows the user to appropriately specify printing conditions for each ink layer, for example, without significant effort. In this example, the control device 14 appropriately sets values ​​for each ink layer for the output, plate information, and feed information items in the processing condition display unit 306 based on the template. Therefore, even a user lacking experience or skills can easily and appropriately set printing conditions for multi-layer printing. In this example, the control device 14 accepts numerical input from the user for at least some of the printing conditions, for example, via the numerical input unit 308. Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to appropriately specify printing conditions (condition registration) using a template while accepting input of numerical values, etc., from the user as needed. As described above, in this example, the process of forming the color layer 58 is an example of a first printing process. The processes of forming the primer layer 52, the white layer 54, etc. are examples of a second printing process. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the printing conditions for the color layer 58 differ from the printing conditions for the primer layer 52 and the white layer 54 in terms of resolution, pass count, etc. In this case, the operation of the control device 14 can be considered to determine, for example, first conditions, which are at least a portion of the printing conditions for the first printing process, and second conditions, which are at least a portion of the printing conditions for the second printing process and are at least partially different from the first conditions, based on a single template. The second conditions can also be considered to be conditions, for example, that differ from the first conditions in at least the printing resolution, etc. This configuration allows the printing device 12 to more appropriately perform multilayer printing, for example, by specifying different printing conditions for each ink layer as needed. In this case, the printing conditions for each layer can be easily and appropriately specified.

[0035] As described above, in this example, the control device 14 specifies the printing conditions for each ink layer in multilayer printing, such as the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method, based on the favorite settings specified in the template. In contrast, in a modified example of the method of specifying printing conditions for multilayer printing, the control device 14 may specify at least a portion of the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method without relying on the favorite settings. In this case, for example, it is possible to directly specify at least a portion of the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method in the template. Furthermore, the control device 14 may specify at least a portion of the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method based on a user instruction, for example, without relying on the favorite settings. In this case, the control device 14 may display option options for the conditions to the user based on the template and accept the user's instruction by the user selecting one of the options. Furthermore, the control device 14 may accept input of values ​​corresponding to the conditions from the user, rather than selecting one of the options.

[0036] Furthermore, in this example, the printing conditions for multilayer printing can be considered to be divided into levels based on, for example, whether or not they are related to the configuration of the printing device 12. More specifically, among the printing conditions shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the items related to feed division indicated in the Feed Information section of the processing condition display unit 306 and the items related to layer settings indicated in the Plate Information section can be considered to be items that do not directly depend on the specific model or performance of the printing device 12. These items can also be considered to be, for example, abstract items regarding how layers are stacked in multilayer printing or how each layer is formed. In this regard, the printing conditions for multilayer printing can also be considered, for example, as printing conditions regarding the state in which printing conditions for each layer are combined. In this case, these items can also be considered, for example, as items that abstract the combined state. In this case, the printing conditions related to these items can be considered, for example, as abstract Level 1 conditions. In addition to the items described above, Level 1 conditions can also include items corresponding to the contents of a production instruction sheet that specifies abstract conditions for the production of printed materials using spot color inks. Furthermore, with regard to printing conditions for multilayer printing, it is possible to use conditions that are more specific than the level 1 conditions but more abstract than specific conditions such as resolution and number of passes. Such conditions could include, for example, items corresponding to the contents of production instructions specifying conditions for normal printing operations or items corresponding to the contents of production instructions specifying conditions for the placement of jigs used in printing. Printing conditions related to these items could be considered, for example, as level 2 conditions, which are more specific than level 1. Furthermore, printing conditions related to multilayer printing could include conditions such as resolution and number of passes that are closely related to the specific model and performance of the printing device 12. Furthermore, conditions related to the method of color adjustment could be considered, for example, as conditions closely related to the specific model and performance of the printing device 12. Printing conditions related to these items could be considered, for example, as level 3 conditions, which are more specific than level 1 and level 2 conditions.

[0037] Furthermore, with regard to the relationship between these conditions and the template used in this example, as explained above, in this example, the template specifies at least some of the printing conditions by, for example, specifying favorite settings associated with ink layers. In this case, it is conceivable to use settings that specify at least some of the level 3 conditions as favorite settings. More specifically, as explained above, in this example, the favorite settings specify printing conditions such as print resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method. In this case, the template specifies at least some of the level 3 conditions related to the ink layers based on the favorite settings associated with the ink layers. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately specify specific printing conditions tailored to the printing device 12 to be used, etc., based on the template, without directly specifying specific conditions such as level 3 conditions in the template. In this case, it is conceivable to directly specify abstract level 1 conditions in the template without using favorite settings. It is also conceivable to specify level 2 conditions, for example, in either the template or favorite settings. It is also possible to accept user specifications for level 2 conditions, for example, via the numerical value input unit 308. In this case, the control device 14 may specify some of the printing conditions without using a template, for example, based on user instructions.

[0038] Furthermore, when using such a template, abstract conditions such as level 1 conditions can be commonly used for, for example, multiple different models of printing devices 12. In this case, for example, if a favorite setting specified by a common name for multiple models of printing devices 12 is used, while specific printing conditions according to the model of the printing device 12 can be specified, the entire template can be commonly used for multiple models of printing devices 12. More specifically, in this case, for example, favorite settings with the same name can be prepared for each model of printing device 12. Also, for example, by using favorite settings that include settings for multiple models of printing devices 12, it is possible to specify settings tailored to the model of the printing device 12 using a single favorite setting. With this configuration, for example, one template can be commonly used for multiple models of printing devices 12. It is also possible to use a template that specifies only printing conditions that can be common to multiple models of printing devices 12, such as level 1 conditions or some of the level 2 conditions. In this case, the control device 14 receives an instruction from the user to select favorite settings to be used in combination with the template, and generates a job based on the template and favorite settings. In this case, the template can be considered to specify more abstract conditions than the favorite settings. Even with this configuration, for example, one template can be used in common for multiple models of printing device 12.

[0039] Next, a more detailed description will be given of how to create and use a template in this example. FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing an example of how to create and use a template. In this example, it is possible to create a template using an existing job, such as a previously created multi-layer printing job. More specifically, as described above, when performing multi-layer printing, it is possible to create a multi-layer printing job using only favorite settings without using a template. Furthermore, the control device 14 may accept individual printing condition specifications from the user without using favorite settings. In this case, it is possible to create a template by extracting at least some of the printing conditions from a multi-layer printing job previously created without using a template. In addition, in FIG. 3, a composite job is an example of a multi-layer printing job previously created without using a template. A composite job can be considered, for example, as a job in which multiple jobs for forming a single ink layer are combined. In this case, at least some of the printing conditions are extracted from the multi-layer printing job to create a template with the content shown as a composite template in the figure. The compositing template can be considered, for example, as a template that indicates at least some of the printing conditions for a compositing job. For convenience of illustration and explanation, FIG. 3 illustrates only the compositing template related to the level 1 conditions described above. The compositing template may further include, for example, level 2 and level 3 conditions. For example, the compositing template may further include conditions related to favorite settings used when generating the compositing job. In this example, the control device 14 generates a new compositing job by applying the created template to a new input image, as shown in the figure. In this way, according to this example, for example, templates can be appropriately created and used. In this case, for example, by replacing the input image, multiple jobs can be easily and appropriately generated based on a single template.This also makes it possible to easily and appropriately cause the printing device 12 to perform printing using the same printing conditions but with only the image to be printed changed.

[0040] More specifically, the control device 14 creates a template by, for example, the operations shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation for creating a template, and illustrates an example of the operation executed by the control device 14 in accordance with a job management program when creating a template using a previously created multi-layer printing job. In the operation shown in FIG. 4 , the control device 14 analyzes data of a past multi-layer printing job registered in the job history (S102), extracts parameters specifying printing conditions in the multi-layer printing job (S104), and extracts information related to an external file (S106). In this case, it is possible to use, for example, a job created in the past without using a template as the multi-layer printing job. In this example, the operations of steps S104 and S106 are examples of the operation of a condition extraction process and a condition extraction stage. The condition extraction process and condition extraction stage can be considered, for example, as a process and stage for extracting at least some of the printing conditions specified by the multi-layer printing job from the multi-layer printing job. The external file can be considered, for example, as a file loaded to specify printing conditions when the job is generated. More specifically, the external file may be, for example, a file indicating favorite settings, or a profile file associated with a color adjustment method specified in the printing conditions.

[0041] Following the above operations, the control device 14 creates a template based on the parameter portion of the multi-layer printing job extracted in step S104 and the information about the external file extracted in step S106 (S108). In this example, the operation in step S108 is an example of the operation of the template creation process and template creation stage. The template creation process and template creation stage can be considered, for example, as a process and stage for creating a template. In step S108, the control device 14 creates a template that specifies printing conditions corresponding to at least some of the printing conditions in the multi-layer printing job used in steps S102 to S106. According to this example, for example, based on at least some of the printing conditions extracted from a previously created multi-layer printing job, a template that indicates printing processing similar to that of the previously created multi-layer printing job can be easily and appropriately created. Furthermore, by using a template created in this way, for example, a new multi-layer printing job can be easily and appropriately generated, causing the printing device 12 to perform processing similar to that of the previously created multi-layer printing job. Furthermore, in this case, a new multi-layer printing job can be easily and appropriately generated, for example, by replacing images with those of a previously created multi-layer printing job.

[0042] In this case, the control device 14 generates a job using a template, for example, by the operation shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of generating a job using a template, and shows an example of the operation executed by the control device 14 in accordance with a job management program when generating a job. In the operation shown in FIG. 5, the control device 14 selects a template to be used, for example, based on a user instruction (S202). This causes the control device 14 to read the selected template and determine at least some of the printing conditions to be specified for the job to be created based on the template. If favorite settings are specified in the template, the control device 14 determines at least some of the printing conditions based on the specified favorite settings. In step S202, the control device 14 displays at least some of the determined printing conditions in the processing condition display unit 306 on the display screen displayed by the control device 14 to the user, for example. The control device 14 also selects an image to be used as an input image, for example, based on a user instruction (S204). In this example, the control device 14 reads the selected input image and displays it on the input image display unit 302 on the display screen. Furthermore, in step S204, the control device 14 selects, for example, multiple input images as needed. Then, the control device 14 assigns images to each ink layer in multi-layer printing, for example, based on a user instruction (S206). In this case, the control device 14 determines the image to be assigned to each ink layer, for example, based on a drag operation by the user moving one of the input images displayed in the input image display unit 302 to the position of the read image for each ink layer in the processing condition display unit 306. In this example, the image assigned to each ink layer is an example of the processing-compatible image described above. Furthermore, the operation of step S206 is an example of the operation of the processing-compatible image determination process and the processing-compatible image determination stage. The processing-compatible image determination process and the processing-compatible image determination stage can be considered, for example, as a process and stage for determining a processing-compatible image based on an input image.After performing the above operations, the control device 14 generates a job based on the image and printing conditions displayed in the processing condition display area on the display screen, for example, in response to a user operation such as pressing the execute button 310 on the display screen, and inputs the job into the RIP program (RIP software) (S208). In this example, the operation of step S208 is an example of the operation of a job generation process and a job generation stage. The job generation process and job generation stage can be considered, for example, as a process and stage for generating a job. Furthermore, the operation of the control device 14 in step S208 can be considered, for example, as an operation for generating a multi-layer printing job based on a template that indicates at least a portion of the printing conditions for multi-layer printing. According to this example, for example, a job can be generated easily and appropriately using a template.

[0043] Furthermore, in this case, by combining the operations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, for printing to form a color layer and at least one spot color layer, it is possible to easily and appropriately generate multiple jobs in which different images are drawn on the color layer, etc., under the same printing conditions. This also allows the printing device 12 to easily and appropriately perform multiple printing operations while replacing images under the same printing conditions. More specifically, in this case, the control device 14 generates the first job using, for example, a function of a RIP program or a job management program. In the operation of generating the first job, the control device 14, for example, registers the model of the printer to be used as the printing device 12, and then reads an image to be drawn in printing corresponding to the first job (hereinafter referred to as image A). In this case, for example, a color image is used as image A. Then, for example, the control device 14 generates an image corresponding to the spot color plate for the spot color to be used in printing based on image A. Regarding the image corresponding to the spot color plate, the control device 14 may read the image corresponding to the spot color plate rather than generating it from image A. The control device 14 also generates a job (hereinafter referred to as job A) by combining image A with an image corresponding to the spot color plate and specifying printing conditions. In this case, the operation of generating job A can be considered, for example, as an operation of generating an initial job without using a template. In this case, the control device 14 creates a template based on job A by, for example, using the function of a job management program and the operations shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Then, the control device 14 inputs image B, which is different from image A, as an input image and assigns it to a color layer, for example, by the operations shown in FIG. 5, thereby generating a new job to print image B. With this configuration, for example, the printing device 12 can easily and appropriately perform an operation of printing multiple different images (images A and B) using the same printing conditions.

[0044] Next, supplementary explanations and variations of the configuration described above will be provided. For convenience of explanation, the following may refer to the configuration of this example, including the configuration of the variations described above or below. As described above, according to this example, for example, by using a template, it is possible to easily and appropriately specify printing conditions for multi-layer printing, etc. Furthermore, in this case, by using such a template, it is possible to more easily and appropriately exchange data between computers, even when there are multiple computers (PCs, etc.) running RIP programs, etc. Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to appropriately and efficiently exchange data, for example, when a user uses multiple work computers or when there are multiple locations located far apart. Also, as described above, in this example, it is possible to create a template using, for example, an existing job created in the past. In this case, by using the template created in this way, it is possible to easily and appropriately create a new job in which the image in the existing job is replaced by combining, for example, parameters corresponding to the printing conditions of the existing job with another image. Such an operation can be thought of as, for example, separating the part corresponding to the image in the existing job from the parameter part relating to the printing conditions, and replacing the image.

[0045] Furthermore, with regard to the specification of printing conditions, the printing conditions are typically set according to the configuration of the printing device 12 that will perform printing, the characteristics (attributes) of the ink used, and so on. In this case, in order to properly specify (set) various parameters of the printing conditions, it is usually necessary to properly understand the impact of each parameter on the printed product. Therefore, for example, if a user were to individually set each parameter of the printing conditions, the user performing the task would be required to have a high level of knowledge and skill regarding the configuration of the printing device 12, etc. In contrast, in this example, as described above, by specifying printing conditions based on a template when creating a job, even a user without high-level knowledge or skill can easily and appropriately specify printing conditions. Furthermore, in this example, the control device 14 can easily and appropriately create templates based on existing jobs, for example, using the functions of a job management program. Therefore, according to this example, even a user with little knowledge or experience can easily and appropriately create templates with simple operations that require few steps.

[0046] As described above, a template may specify at least a portion of printing conditions by, for example, specifying favorite settings associated with ink layers. In this case, the template can be considered to consolidate favorite settings associated with ink layers. In this case, for example, by using existing favorite settings, a template can be created more easily and appropriately, even when creating a template without using an existing job. Furthermore, by specifying favorite settings in the template, for example, when creating a multi-layer printing job, individual favorite settings can be easily and appropriately specified for each ink layer. Therefore, according to this example, for example, individual printing conditions for each ink layer can be more easily and appropriately specified. Furthermore, in this case, for example, printing conditions corresponding to a job created in the past using multiple favorite settings can be easily and appropriately reproduced using a single template. Furthermore, in this case, for example, a new template can be easily and appropriately created by changing favorite settings specified in an existing template. Therefore, according to this example, for example, the reusability of templates can be improved. Furthermore, this can appropriately reduce the amount of work required when creating a new template. Furthermore, for example, instead of using existing favorite settings, it is possible to specify printing conditions in the template in the same way as favorite settings. In this case, the template can be considered to be superior to favorite settings by supporting multiple ink layers, for example.

[0047] As can be understood from the above explanation, in this example, a template can be considered to be applied to, for example, one or more input images and to indicate at least a portion of the printing conditions associated with the input images. In this case, the control device 14 may apply multiple templates to an input image input to generate a single job. In this case, for example, multiple templates specifying different parameters in the printing conditions may be used. Furthermore, a template specifying the same parameter in the printing conditions may be used as at least a portion of the multiple templates. In this case, the parameters specified in the multiple templates may be overwritten, for example, in a predetermined order associated with the templates, to use the values ​​specified in one of the templates. The control device 14 may also apply a template to an existing job. In this case, the control device 14 may specify new conditions based on the template for at least a portion of the printing conditions specified in the existing job. This operation may also be considered, for example, as an operation of inputting an existing job instead of an input image to generate a new job. In this case, the control device 14 generates a new multi-layer printing job based on an existing multi-layer printing job and a template, for example, in accordance with a job management program.

[0048] As described above, in this example, a multilayer printing job is a job that causes the printing device 12 to form, for example, color layers and spot color layers. In this case, the color layers can be considered to be ink layers that depict a color image that shows the density of each process color in multiple gradations. For example, an image that shows the density of each color in 8-bit or higher gradations can be used as such a color image. Furthermore, in addition to the primer layer and white layer described above, a clear layer formed with clear ink can also be used as the spot color layer. The clear layer can be used as an overcoat layer by being formed on top of the color layer. Furthermore, a layer formed on the opposite side of the medium from the color layer can also be used as the spot color layer. In this case, for example, at least a portion of the spot color layer can be considered to overlap the color layer across the medium. More specifically, in this case, for example, a translucent medium can be used, and a color layer can be formed on one side of the medium and at least one spot color layer can be formed on the other side of the medium. As explained above, in a multilayer printing job, the printing conditions for the color layers may be different from those for the spot color layers. In this example, different printing conditions can be considered to mean, for example, that at least some of the printing conditions are different. More specifically, for spot color layers such as the primer layer, white layer, and clear layer, even if they are printed at a lower resolution than the color layers, degradation in print quality is unlikely to occur. Therefore, for spot color layers that do not eject ink during the main scanning operation to form the color layers, such as the primer layer 52 and the white layer 54 in the configuration shown in FIG. 1(d), it is possible to form them at a lower resolution than the color layers. In this case, it is also possible to form these spot color layers using fewer passes than the color layers. This configuration can appropriately reduce the time required to form these spot color layers. In this case, for spot color layers that eject ink during the main scanning operation to form the color layers, such as the white layer 56 in the configuration shown in FIG. 1(d), it is preferable to use the same resolution and number of passes as the color layers.With this configuration, for example, the white layer can be appropriately formed simultaneously with the color layers. In this case, the printing conditions for the special color layers can be considered to be, for example, such that the resolution and number of passes for some special color layers are the same as those for the color layers, while at least one of the resolution and number of passes for other special color layers is different from those for the color layers.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, in this example, the control device 14, for example, based on one template, makes the printing conditions corresponding to some ink layers (e.g., any spot color layer) different from the printing conditions corresponding to any other ink layers (e.g., color layers). In this case, making the printing conditions different based on one template can be considered, for example, as making the printing conditions corresponding to some ink layers different from the printing conditions corresponding to any other ink layers based on a template used by the control device 14 when generating a job, and with respect to the operation performed by the control device 14 based on that template. Therefore, even when the control device 14 generates a job based on multiple templates, for example, making the printing conditions corresponding to some ink layers different from the printing conditions corresponding to any other ink layers based on parameters, etc., of the printing conditions specified by the control device 14 based on one of the templates can be considered to be making the printing conditions different based on one template.

[0050] As described above, in this example, the input image input to the job management program includes, for example, a color image and a spot color image corresponding to the color layer and the spot color layer. As described above, the control device 14 may generate the spot color image based on a color image. More specifically, in this case, the control device 14 automatically generates the spot color image based on a template and a color image input as an input image in accordance with the job management program. As described above, the spot color image is an image corresponding to a spot color plate for the spot color layer. The spot color image can also be considered, for example, as a processing-compatible image corresponding to a spot color ink. In this case, the printing process for forming the spot color layer uses, for example, the spot color image generated as described above as the processing-compatible image. This configuration allows the spot color image to be generated appropriately, even when, for example, the spot color image is not prepared in advance as an input image. This also makes it possible to more easily and appropriately perform multilayer printing using, for example, spot color ink. The control device 14 may generate multiple spot color images corresponding to multiple spot color layers based on, for example, a template and one color layer. In this case, the control device 14 generates multiple spot color images corresponding to different spot colors based on, for example, one color layer. Furthermore, in this example, by using a template, the printing conditions corresponding to the spot color layer depicting the spot color image generated from the color image can be made different from the printing conditions corresponding to the color layer, as necessary. This configuration allows, for example, more appropriate specification of the printing conditions corresponding to the spot color layer depicting the spot color image generated from the color image. Furthermore, in this case, the control device 14 may, for example, for multiple spot color layers depicting the spot color image generated from the color image, make the printing conditions corresponding to some spot color layers different from the printing conditions corresponding to other spot color layers. Furthermore, as described above, printing conditions related to multilayer printing, etc., can be considered in terms of levels, for example, whether or not they are related to the configuration of the printing device 12.In this case, at least some of the printing conditions specified in the template can be considered as an abstraction of the composite state of a composite job corresponding to, for example, multi-layer printing. By using such a template, for example, even when generating a job for printing on a different model of printing device 12, the job configuration can be shared across different models of printing device 12. This also makes it possible, for example, when generating a new job, to easily and appropriately reproduce at least some of the printing conditions for a multi-layer printing job for another printing device 12.

[0051] Furthermore, a template for a multilayer printing job can be considered to indicate, for example, the relationship between color layers and spot color layers. In this case, the template can also be considered to indicate, for example, the relationship between layers in multilayer printing. More specifically, in the example described above using FIG. 2, for example, the template indicates the uses of the color layers and spot color layers by specifying plate information. In this case, the template can also be considered to indicate the relationship between layers by indicating the uses of the color layers and spot color layers. More specifically, in this example, the template indicates, for example, that the spot color layer corresponding to the first data layer is a primer layer. Furthermore, the template indicates, for example, that the spot color layer corresponding to the second data layer and the spot color layer formed together with the color layers corresponding to the third data layer are white layers. In this case, the template can be considered to indicate, for example, the color of the ink used to form the spot color layer with respect to the use of the spot color layer. Furthermore, in the example, the template can be considered to indicate, for example, the use of the spot color layer, information corresponding to the characteristics of the layer, such as a primer layer or a white layer. Furthermore, the template may indicate, for example, a color layer corresponding to the third data layer as a color layer. In this case, indicating that the template is a color layer can be considered to indicate that the color layer is an ink layer that expresses a color image in terms of its intended use. In this case, the control device 14 may, for example, differentiate printing conditions corresponding to some ink layers from printing conditions corresponding to other ink layers based on the inter-layer relationship indicated by the template. This configuration allows, for example, appropriate setting of printing conditions tailored to the intended use of each layer based on the template. This operation can also be considered, for example, as an example of an operation that differentiates at least a portion of the second condition described above from the first condition. As described above, the control device 14 may generate a spot color image corresponding to a spot color plate based on a color image.In this case, the control device 14 can more appropriately generate the spot color image, for example, based on the inter-layer relationship indicated by the template.

[0052] As described above, the template indicates, as at least a portion of the printing conditions, factors that are not directly dependent on, for example, the specific model or performance of the printing device 12. In this case, such factors can be considered, for example, factors that are independent of the model of the printing device 12 that executes the printing process. The model of the printing device 12 that executes the printing process can be considered, for example, as an example of the model of the device that executes the image processing. In the example mainly described above, the template indicates, for example, factors related to plate information as factors that are independent of the model of the printing device 12 that executes the printing process. In this example, in addition to information that is independent of the model of the printing device 12 that executes the printing process, the template also indicates factors that are dependent on the model of the printing device 12 that executes the printing process, such as print resolution and number of passes. In contrast, in a modified method of generating a job, it is possible to use a template that indicates only factors that are independent of the model of the printing device 12 that executes the printing process. In this case, in the job generation operation, the control device 14 generates the job based on, for example, the template and the model of the printing device 12 that executes the printing process. In this case, the control device 14 determines the printing conditions for each process-compatible image in the multi-layer printing job based on, for example, the model of the printing device 12, in accordance with the printing device 12 that will execute the printing process. With this configuration, for example, one template (the same template) can be more easily and appropriately used in common for various models of printing devices 12. In this case, by generating a job taking into account the model of the printing device 12, for example, it is possible to appropriately generate a multi-layer printing job that is suited to the printing device 12 that will actually execute the printing process.

[0053] As described above, in this example, the control device 14 generates a job based on, for example, an input image and a template. In this case, the control device 14 inputs the input image and the template into the job management program by, for example, reading an image data file representing the input image and a template file representing the template. In this case, the template file may be a file separate from the image data file. This configuration allows, for example, appropriate use of a template independent of the input image. This also makes it easier and more appropriate to generate multiple jobs with different input images based on a single template. In contrast, a variation on the use of templates may involve, for example, using a file representing both the input image and the template. More specifically, in this case, it is possible to create a file representing both the input image and the template by embedding a comment in the image data. In this case, the control device 14 acquires the contents of the template by, for example, analyzing the comment in the input image when reading it. As a result, the control device 14 specifies at least a portion of the printing conditions based on the template when generating a job. Even in this configuration, for example, the control device 14 can appropriately generate a job based on the input image and template.

[0054] As described above, in this example, the multi-layer printing job is an example of a multi-image job, which is a job corresponding to multiple process-corresponding images. The operation of the control device 14 to generate the multi-layer printing job as described above can be considered, for example, as an operation of determining, for each process-corresponding image in the multi-image job, the conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on the process-corresponding image based on a template. In this case, the control device 14, for example, sets the conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on at least some of the process-corresponding images based on the template different from the conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on any other process-corresponding images. In a modified example of the job generated by the control device 14, the image-corresponding processing can be, for example, processing other than printing. In this case, the control device 14 may generate a multi-image job other than a multi-layer printing job. More specifically, for example, in the printing system 10 configured as shown in FIG. 6A, the control device 14 may generate a multi-image job other than a multi-layer printing job.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a modified example of a job generated by the control device 14. FIG. 6(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10 in this modified example. FIG. 6(b) shows an example of the content displayed by the control device 14 on the processing condition display unit 306 on a display screen shown to the user by the control device 14 when generating a job in this modified example. Except as described below, components in FIG. 6 denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 may have the same or similar features as those in FIGS. 1 to 5. In this modified example, the printing system 10 includes a printing device 12, a control device 14, and a cutting device 16. The printing device 12 and the control device 14 have the same or similar configurations as the printing device 12 and the control device 14 shown in FIG. 1(a). The cutting device 16 cuts at least a portion of a medium based on an image. More specifically, in this example, the control device 14 also generates a job based on a template and performs RIP processing based on the job. Furthermore, the control device 14 generates RIP-generated data corresponding to the job generated based on the template. In this modification, the control device 14 supplies the generated RIP-generated data to the printing device 12 and the cutting device 16, causing the printing device 12 to perform printing processing and the cutting device 16 to perform cutting processing. In this modification, the printing device 12 also performs printing processing on the medium based on the RIP-generated data supplied from the control device 14. In this case, the printing device 12 can be considered to perform printing processing on the medium based on, for example, a processing-corresponding image in a job generated by the control device 14. In this modification, the cutting device 16 has a cutter and performs cutting processing on the medium based on the RIP-generated data supplied from the control device 14. In this case, the cutting device 16 can be considered to perform cutting processing on the medium based on, for example, a processing-corresponding image in a job generated by the control device 14. In this case, the cutting device 16 performs cutting processing on the medium by, for example, moving the cutter relative to the medium along a line specified based on the processing-corresponding image. Such a cutting device 16 can also be considered, for example, as a device that vector-scans a cutter based on the processing-corresponding image.For example, a known cutting device can be suitably used as the cutting device 16. In the printing system 10, the function of the cutting device 16 may also be performed by, for example, the printing device 12. In this case, the printing device 12 can be considered, for example, as a device that prints and cuts the medium.

[0056] In this modification, the job generated by the control device 14 can be considered, for example, as a multiple-image job that indicates a process-corresponding image corresponding to the printing process to be performed by the printing device 12 and a process-corresponding image corresponding to the cutting process to be performed by the control device 14. In this case, at least some of the process-corresponding images in the multiple-image job can be considered, for example, as images to be printed by the printing device 12. Such a multiple-image job can also be considered, for example, as a job in which the printing device 12 and the cutting device 16 perform the printing process and the cutting process. In this modification, the printing process performed by the printing device 12 can be considered, for example, as an image-corresponding process in which an image based on a first process-corresponding image is printed on a medium. In addition, the cutting process performed by the cutting device 16 can be considered, for example, as an image-corresponding process in which a medium is cut based on a second process-corresponding image. In this modification, the control device 14 also generates a job based on a template in accordance with a job management program. In the job generation operation, the control device 14 determines, for example, at least some of the conditions for the printing process and at least some of the conditions for the cutting process based on one template. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to easily and appropriately generate multiple image jobs that correspond to a variety of processes.

[0057] In this modified example, the template specifies, for example, favorite settings corresponding to the printing process and the cutting process. The control device 14 then specifies at least some of the printing conditions for the printing process and at least some of the cutting conditions for the cutting process based on this template. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 6B, the row displaying "Color" in the plate information field corresponds to the printing process. The row displaying "Cut" in the plate information field corresponds to the cutting process. The template specifies a favorite setting indicated as "fav1" for the printing process. The template also specifies a favorite setting indicated as "fav6" for the cutting process. The control device 14 then determines the printing conditions and cutting conditions based on these favorite settings. The control device 14 also displays, for example, at least some of the printing conditions and cutting conditions in the processing condition display unit 306, in association with the image (read image) loaded as the input image. In this case, the control device 14 can be considered to determine, for each processing-compatible image in a multi-image job, the conditions for the image-compatible processing to be executed based on the processing-compatible image, for example, based on the template. In this case, the cutting conditions can be considered to be different from the printing conditions. In this case, the cutting conditions can be considered to be different from the printing conditions, for example. Therefore, in this case, the control device 14 can be considered to have, for example, conditions for the image-corresponding processing performed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images that are different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing performed based on any other processing-corresponding images. [Industrial Applicability]

[0058] The present invention can be suitably used in, for example, a program that causes a computer to generate a job. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10 Printing system, 102 Head unit, 104 Base unit, 106 Scan drive unit, 110 Control unit, 12 Printing device, 14 Control unit, 16 Cutting device, 202 Inkjet head, 302 Input image display unit, 304 Template selection button, 306 Processing condition display unit, 308 Numerical value input unit, 310 Execute button, 50 Medium, 52 Primer layer, 54 White layer, 56 White layer, 58 Color layer

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to generate a job that indicates an image-based process, which is a process that is executed based on an image, a process corresponding to the image processing, which is a process for determining a process corresponding image that is an image that is associated with the image processing, and which determines the process corresponding image based on an input image that is an input image; a job generation process for generating a multi-image job corresponding to a plurality of the processing-corresponding images, the job being based on a template indicating at least a part of the conditions for the image-corresponding processing; causing the computer to perform the multiple image job indicates, for each of the plurality of processing-corresponding images, a condition of the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image; At least some of the plurality of process-compatible images in the plurality of image job are images to be printed by a printing device, A program characterized in that, in the job generation process, based on the template, conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image are determined for each processing-corresponding image in the multiple-image job, and the conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images are made different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on any other processing-corresponding image.

2. The multi-image job includes: a first printing process that is the image-corresponding process that forms an ink layer corresponding to the first process-corresponding image by printing an image based on the first process-corresponding image; a second printing process that is the image correspondence process that forms an ink layer corresponding to the second process correspondence image by printing an image based on a second process correspondence image that is different from the first process correspondence image; the job to be performed by the printing device, In the job generation process, The program described in claim 1, characterized in that, based on one of the templates, a first condition that is at least a part of the printing conditions for the first printing process and a second condition that is at least a part of the printing conditions for the second printing process and that is at least partially different from the first condition are determined.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the second condition is a condition that at least the print resolution is different from the first condition.

4. the printing device is a color printer that uses process color inks, which are a plurality of predetermined colors that are basic colors for color expression, and spot color inks, which are inks of colors different from the process color inks; the first printing process is a process of forming a color layer, which is a layer of ink representing a color image, using at least the inks of the process colors; the second printing process is a process of forming a spot color layer, which is a layer of the spot color ink, using one color of the spot color ink, and forming the spot color layer so that at least a portion of the spot color layer overlaps at least a portion of the color layer; As the input image, at least an image showing a color image to be printed by the printing device in the first printing process is used, the first processing corresponding image is a color image showing content corresponding to at least a part of the input image; In the process of determining an image to be processed, a spot color image, which is an image drawn with ink of the one spot color, is generated based on the template and the input image; 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the program determines that the image for special colors is used as the second processing corresponding image in the second printing process.

5. the template indicates an inter-layer relationship between the color layer and the special color layer; 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein in the job generation process, at least a part of the second condition is made different from the first condition based on the inter-layer relationship indicated by the template.

6. The multi-image job includes: causing the printing device to perform a printing process, which is the image correspondence process, of printing an image based on the first processing correspondence image on a medium; a job for causing a cutting device to perform a cutting process, which is the image-corresponding process for cutting the medium based on the second processing-corresponding image, 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the job generation process, at least a part of the conditions for the printing process and at least a part of the conditions for the cutting process are determined based on one of the templates.

7. a condition extraction process for extracting at least a part of the conditions for the image corresponding process indicated by the multiple image job from the multiple image job; a template creation process for creating the template; and further causing the computer to perform 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the template creation process creates the template based on at least a part of the image correspondence process conditions extracted by the condition extraction process from the multi-image job created in the past.

8. the template indicates matters that are independent of the model of a device that executes the image correspondence processing; The program according to claim 1, characterized in that in the job generation process, the conditions for the image correspondence processing are determined for each processing-corresponding image in the multiple-image job based on the template and the model of the device that will perform the image correspondence processing, in accordance with the device that will perform the image correspondence processing.

9. A job generation method for generating a job indicating an image-based process, which is a process to be executed based on an image, comprising: a process-corresponding image determination step for determining a process-corresponding image, which is an image that is associated with the image-corresponding process, and for determining the process-corresponding image based on an input image, which is an image that is input; a step of generating a multi-image job corresponding to a plurality of the processing-compatible images, the multi-image job being generated based on a template indicating at least a part of the conditions for the image-compatible processing; Equipped with the multiple image job indicates, for each of the plurality of processing-corresponding images, a condition of the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image; At least some of the plurality of process-compatible images in the plurality of image job are images to be printed by a printing device, A job generation method characterized in that, in the job generation stage, based on the template, conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image are determined for each processing-corresponding image in the multiple-image job, and the conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images are made different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on any other processing-corresponding image.

10. A job generation device that generates a job indicating an image-related process that is a process to be executed based on an image, a process corresponding to the image processing, which is a process for determining a process corresponding image that is an image that is associated with the image processing, and which determines the process corresponding image based on an input image that is an input image; a job generation process for generating a multi-image job corresponding to a plurality of the processing-corresponding images, the job being based on a template indicating at least a part of the conditions for the image-corresponding processing; and the multiple image job indicates, for each of the plurality of processing-corresponding images, a condition of the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image; At least some of the plurality of process-compatible images in the plurality of image job are images to be printed by a printing device, A job generation device characterized in that, in the job generation process, based on the template, for each processing-corresponding image in the multiple-image job, conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on the processing-corresponding image are determined, and the conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images are made different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing to be executed based on any other processing-corresponding image.

Images