Program, printing condition designation method, printing condition designation device, printing plate generation method, printing plate generation device, job generation method, and job generation device

Abstract

According to the present invention, printing conditions that can be executed by a printing device can be easily and appropriately designated.　This program causes a control device 14, which is a computer, to designate printing conditions for printing to be performed by a printing device 12, and causes the control device 14 to perform model identification processing for identifying the model of the printing device 12, condition designation information generation processing for generating condition designation information designating at least part of the printing conditions, and printing condition designation processing for reading an image to be printed and designating the printing conditions to be used when printing the image, wherein: in the condition designation information generation processing, condition designation information for designating conditions that can be executed by an identified model, which is the model of the printer 12 identified in the model identification processing, are generated on the basis of the identified model; and in the printing condition designation processing, the printing conditions that can be executed by the printer 12 that is to execute the printing are designated on the basis of the condition designation information generated in the condition designation information generation processing.

Description

Program, printing condition specification method, printing condition specification device, plate generation method, plate generation device, job generation method, and job generation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a printing condition specifying method, a printing condition specifying device, a plate generating method, a plate generating device, a job generating method, and a job generating device.

[0002] In recent years, printing devices such as inkjet printers have come into widespread use. When printing with a printing device, for example, data generated by RIP processing is supplied to the printing device to control the operation of the printing device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in recent years, printing devices that perform color printing using inks of multiple colors have also come into widespread use. Furthermore, printing devices that use inks of special colors (spot colors), which are colors other than process colors, have also been known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] JP 2010-10862 A JP 2021-138089 A

[0004] When printing on a printing device, it is usually necessary to perform processes such as RIP processing according to the printing conditions. In this case, in order to specify the printing conditions, it is necessary to set 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 types of setting values ​​specified by the parameters increase, which can make specifying the printing conditions difficult. As a result, when using a newly installed printing device, a user who is unfamiliar with using printing devices may find it difficult to properly execute printing. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a printing condition specification method, and a printing condition specification device that can solve the above problems.

[0005] Furthermore, when printing using multiple colors of ink using a printing device, it is usually necessary to specify the ink ejection position for each color of ink. In this case, the ejection positions of each process color ink (color ink) are automatically determined based on the color image by software processing such as RIP processing. In contrast, to determine the ejection positions of spot color inks, it may be necessary to prepare images corresponding to the spot colors (hereinafter referred to as spot color plates) separately from the color images. More specifically, a user may need to create spot color images using a color replacement function, etc., provided by image editing software, etc. Therefore, there has been a demand for a printing device that can easily and appropriately prepare spot color plates without placing a heavy burden on the user. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a plate generation method, and a plate generation device that can solve the above problems.

[0006] Furthermore, when printing using a printing device, it is usually necessary to perform RIP processing and other processes in accordance with the printing conditions. In this case, specifying the printing conditions requires setting various parameter values ​​in accordance with 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 conceivable to simplify the specification of printing conditions by registering pre-set printing conditions and loading the registered printing conditions. However, even in this case, depending on the content of the print to be performed by the printing device, specifying the printing conditions and other processes can become a heavy 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.

[0007] The inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into a method for more easily and appropriately specifying printing conditions that can actually be executed on a printing device. They have conceived a method for identifying the model of a printing device by, for example, registering the printing device to be used for printing in a computer that runs a RIP processing program, and automatically generating information that specifies at least some of the printing conditions that can actually be executed on that printing device. They have also conceived a method for specifying the printing conditions that can actually be executed on the printing device based on that information. This configuration allows for easy and appropriate specification of the printing conditions that can actually be executed on a printing device, even when using a printing device with a variety of functions.

[0008]

[0010] Furthermore, through further research, the inventors of the present application discovered the features necessary to achieve such effects and arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to specify printing conditions for printing to be performed by a printing device, the program causing the computer to perform a model identification process to identify the model of the printing device that will perform printing, a condition specification information generation process to generate condition specification information that specifies at least a portion of the printing conditions, and a printing condition specification process to read an image to be printed and specify the printing conditions to be used when printing the image, the condition specification information generation process generating the condition specification information that specifies conditions that can be executed by the identified model based on an identified model that is the model of the printing device identified in the model identification process, and the printing condition specification process specifying the printing conditions that can be executed by the printing device that will perform printing based on the condition specification information generated in the condition specification information generation process.

[0009] With this configuration, the model of the printing device that will perform printing can be properly identified in the model identification process. Furthermore, in the condition specification information generation process, condition specification information that specifies conditions that can be executed on the identified model can be properly generated based on the identified model identified in the model identification process. Furthermore, in the printing condition specification process, printing conditions that can be executed on the printing device that will perform printing can be properly specified based on the condition specification information. Therefore, with this configuration, even when using a printing device with a variety of functions, it is possible to easily and properly specify printing conditions that can actually be executed on that printing device.

[0010] In this configuration, the model identification process identifies the model of the printing device, for example, by accepting registration of the printing device. In this case, the identified model is the model of the printing device registered in the program. The model identification process registers the printing device, for example, by recognizing a printing device connected to the computer running this program via a local area network or the like. The model identification process may also register the printing device by accepting a user specification. Furthermore, the condition specification information generation process automatically generates condition specification information corresponding to the identified model when a printing device is identified in the model identification process. With this configuration, condition specification information can be easily and appropriately generated without burdening the user, even if the user is not familiar with operating the printing device or specifying printing conditions.

[0011] In this configuration, the program may further cause the computer to perform a model-related information acquisition process and a condition-specifying information selection process. The model-related information acquisition process is a process for acquiring model-related information related to the identified printing device model. The condition-specifying information selection process is a process for selecting condition-specifying information. In this case, a condition storage unit that stores model-related information for multiple types of printing devices for each model is used, and the model-related information acquisition process acquires model-related information corresponding to the identified model identified in the model identification process from the condition storage unit. A database or the like that stores information using a known method can be suitably used as the condition storage unit. Furthermore, the condition-specifying information generation process generates multiple pieces of condition-specifying information with different printing condition specification contents based on the model-related information acquired in the model-related information acquisition process. Then, the condition-specifying information selection process selects at least one piece of condition-specifying information generated in the condition-specifying information generation process based on a user instruction. The printing condition specification process specifies printing conditions based on the condition-specifying information selected in the condition-specifying information selection process. With this configuration, the performance of the identified printing device model can be properly understood by taking into account model-related information in the condition specification information generation process. This also makes it possible to easily and properly generate multiple pieces of condition specification information corresponding to various printing conditions in the condition specification information generation process. Therefore, with this configuration, a variety of printing conditions can be more appropriately specified in the printing condition specification process.

[0012] In this configuration, the program may further cause the computer to perform an ink information acquisition process. The ink information acquisition process is a process for acquiring ink information indicating the inks to be used in the printing device that will perform printing. The ink information can also be considered to indicate the inks to be used in the printing device identified in the model identification process. The condition specification information generation process generates condition specification information indicating at least some of the printing conditions that can be performed using the inks indicated by the ink information in the printing device of the identified model identified in the model identification process. When the printing device that will perform printing uses spot color inks that are inks of colors other than the process colors that are the basic colors of the preset color expression, the condition specification information generation process generates spot color condition information, which is condition specification information indicating at least some of the conditions for forming a spot color layer, which is an ink layer formed with the spot color ink. The printing condition specification process then specifies the printing conditions to be used when forming the spot color layer based on the spot color condition information. This configuration makes it possible to easily and appropriately specify printing conditions when using spot color inks. This also makes it possible, for example, to more easily and appropriately use spot color inks of various colors in a printing device.

[0013] Furthermore, the ink information indicates, with respect to the spot color ink, at least the presence or absence of white ink and the presence or absence of primer ink. If the ink information indicates the presence of white ink, the condition specification information generation process generates spot color condition information indicating at least some of the conditions related to the formation of an ink layer formed with white ink. If the ink information indicates the presence of primer ink, the condition specification information generation process generates spot color condition information indicating at least some of the conditions related to the formation of an ink layer formed with primer ink. This configuration makes it possible to easily and appropriately specify the printing conditions used when forming an ink layer formed with white ink or primer ink. The ink information may also indicate the presence or absence of clear ink, which is a colorless and transparent ink. If the ink information indicates the presence of clear ink, the condition specification information generation process may generate spot color condition information indicating at least some of the conditions related to the formation of an ink layer formed with clear ink. This configuration makes it possible to easily and appropriately specify the printing conditions used when forming an ink layer formed with clear ink.

[0014] Printing devices may also use ultraviolet-curable ink. UV-curable clear ink may need to be cured by various methods depending on the printing quality required. Therefore, ink information may include information indicating whether or not a spot color ink contains ultraviolet-curable clear ink. If the ink information indicates that ultraviolet-curable clear ink is present, the condition-specifying information generation process generates clear ink curing method information, which is spot color condition information that at least indicates the method of ultraviolet irradiation when forming a clear layer, which is a spot color layer formed with the clear ink. In this case, the condition-specifying information generation process generates multiple pieces of clear ink curing method information with different ultraviolet irradiation methods. The condition-specifying information generation process may generate clear ink curing method information indicating the curing conditions for a matte finish to cure the ink, clear ink curing method information indicating the curing conditions for a gloss finish to cure the ink, and clear ink curing method information indicating the curing conditions for a thickly-laid ink layer. A thickly-laid ink layer is an ink layer formed by stacking multiple ink layers. In this case, the condition specification information selection process selects clear ink curing method information corresponding to either a matte finish, a gloss finish, or a thick finish in association with the clear layer. Furthermore, the printing condition specification process specifies the printing conditions to be used when forming the clear layer based on the clear ink curing method information selected in the condition specification information selection process. This configuration makes it possible to easily and appropriately specify printing conditions for curing the clear layer using various methods. This also allows the printing device to appropriately form clear layers cured using various methods.

[0015] Furthermore, when a printing device uses process color inks to perform printing, the condition specification information generation process generates color condition information, which is condition specification information indicating at least a portion of the conditions for forming a color layer, which is a layer of ink colored using the process color inks. When a printing device uses process color inks and spot color inks to perform printing, the printing condition specification process specifies printing conditions for multi-layer printing in which a color layer and a spot color layer are overlaid. In this case, the printing condition specification process specifies printing conditions to be used when forming the spot color layer in multi-layer printing based on the spot color condition information. Then, the printing conditions to be used when forming the color layer in multi-layer printing based on the color condition information. This configuration allows for easy and appropriate specification of printing conditions for multi-layer printing. Furthermore, the present invention can also be configured with a printing condition specification method, a printing condition specification device, or the like having similar features. In these cases, the same effects as those described above can also be achieved.

[0016] The inventors of the present application have also devised a method for preparing spot color plates without imposing a significant burden on the user, by generating spot color plates based on an input image that is input as the base image for process color plates. Simply preparing a spot color plate involves, for example, generating a plate indicating that spot color ink is to be ejected at a uniform density over a rectangular image area (data size) in image data representing the process color input image, or generating a plate indicating that spot color ink is to be ejected at a uniform density over an ejection position (effective pixel) where ink of one of the process color colors is to be ejected. Furthermore, when a vector image is used as the input image, it is also possible to generate a plate indicating that spot color ink is to be ejected at a uniform density over the position of an object within the image. However, when generating spot color plates using these methods, the plate instructs the ejection of spot color ink to fill in an area at a uniform density. Therefore, when generating spot color plates using these methods, it is not possible to generate a spot color plate that ejects ink at a desired position with a desired density. In response to this, the inventors of the present application came up with the idea of ​​using a color image in which opacity is set using an alpha channel or the like, and generating a spot color plate using the opacity information. This configuration makes it possible to easily and appropriately generate spot color plates that show a wider variety of ink ejection methods, without requiring much effort on the part of the user.

[0017]

[0010] Furthermore, the inventors of the present application have, through further intensive research, discovered the features necessary to achieve such effects and have arrived at the present invention. To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to generate plates representing images to be printed by a printing device, the program causing the computer to perform an image input process of accepting an input image that is an image that will serve as the basis for the plates, and a plate generation process of generating the plates based on the input image, the printing device printing using process color inks that are the basic colors of color expression and spot color inks that are colors other than the process colors, the image input process accepting as the input image a color image in which opacity is set for at least some pixels, and the plate generation process generating spot color plates that are the plates corresponding to the spot color inks based on the opacity set for the input image.

[0018] With this configuration, a computer executing this program can easily generate a spot color plate based on an input image without requiring significant user effort. Furthermore, by utilizing the opacity set in the input image, it is possible to generate, as needed, a spot color plate that instructs the operation of ejecting spot color ink in a manner other than filling in at a uniform density. Therefore, with this configuration, it is easy to generate spot color plates that indicate various ink ejection methods. This also makes it easier to generate spot color plates that correspond to the operation of ejecting spot color ink at a desired density at a target position, or that correspond to the operation of ejecting spot color ink at partially different densities.

[0019] In this configuration, opacity can be considered to be a parameter associated with transparency. Setting opacity for at least some pixels can be considered to mean that information indicating opacity or transparency is associated with at least some pixels. In this configuration, the image input process can accept an input image with opacity set in the alpha channel. The opacity of the input image can be set in multiple levels (three or more) for at least some pixels. In the plate generation process, an image is generated as a spot color plate, indicating the color density of each pixel in three or more gradations, based on the opacity. The spot color plate can also be considered to be a grayscale image corresponding to the spot color. The opacity is set for each pixel in multiple levels (16 or more levels, 4 bits or more), preferably 256 or more levels (8 bits or more). In the plate generation process, a spot color plate is generated, based on the opacity, in which the value of each pixel (pixel value) is indicated in 16 or more levels (4 bits or more), preferably 256 or more levels (8 bits or more).

[0020] In this configuration, the process color inks may be inks of the basic colors used to express colors using a subtractive color mixture method. The basic color inks may be inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Spot colors are colors other than YMCK (CMYK). Spot colors can also be considered colors other than the basic colors used to express colors using a subtractive color mixture method. Spot colors can also be considered colors treated as spot colors in the specifications of the printing device. In this configuration, the plate generation process further generates plates corresponding to each of the process colors based on the input image. The program also causes the computer to perform a raster image generation process that generates, based on the plates, a raster image that matches the printing conditions of the printing device to be performed. In the raster image generation process, a spot color raster image indicating the ejection positions of the spot color ink is generated based on the spot color plate. A raster image indicating the ejection positions of the ink of each color is also generated based on the plates corresponding to each of the process colors. This program causes a computer to perform RIP processing as such a raster image generation process.

[0021] The present invention can also be characterized by its use of an alpha channel. For example, a program for causing a computer to generate plates representing images to be printed by a printing device includes an image input process for receiving an input image, which is an image that serves as the basis for the plates, and a plate generation process for generating the plates based on the input image. The printing device prints using process color inks, which are the basic colors of color expression, and spot color inks, which are colors other than the process colors. The image input process receives a color image having an alpha channel as the input image, and the plate generation process generates spot color plates, which are plates corresponding to the spot color inks, based on the value set in the alpha channel in the input image. This configuration also makes it possible to easily generate spot color plates based on an input image. The present invention can also be configured as a plate generation method or plate generation device having the same characteristics as described above. In these cases, the same effects as described above can be achieved.

[0022] The inventors of the present application have also conducted extensive research into methods for specifying conditions for image-based processing, particularly when multiple processes are combined. If a process based on an image is defined as an image-corresponding process and an image associated with the image-corresponding process is defined as a processing-corresponding image, it is conceivable to perform a predetermined image-corresponding process for each processing-corresponding image on multiple processing-corresponding images. In this case, it is necessary to specify processing conditions for each image-corresponding process. An example of such a combination of multiple processes is multilayer printing. A printing device performs multilayer printing by drawing one image in one ink layer and then overlaying multiple ink layers. In this case, the image drawn in each layer corresponds to the processing-corresponding image. Furthermore, the operation of forming one ink layer corresponds to an image-corresponding process. In this case, it may be necessary to specify printing conditions individually for each ink layer.

[0023] In this regard, as described above, it is conceivable 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 is difficult to properly specify the printing conditions for each layer without sufficient knowledge of the performance of the printing device. Therefore, depending on the user's experience and skills, they may not be able to properly specify the printing conditions for each layer. This problem also arises when the processing device is used to perform image-based processing other than printing.

[0024] In response to this, the inventors of the present application have conceived the use of a template in which the contents of the multiple image-corresponding processes are predefined when performing multiple image-corresponding processes based on multiple process-corresponding images, such as in multilayer printing. Furthermore, in this case, a multiple-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 of the image-corresponding processes performed based on at least some of the process-corresponding images are differentiated from the conditions of the image-corresponding processes performed based on any other process-corresponding images. This configuration allows even users with little experience or skill with devices that perform image-corresponding processes to more easily and appropriately specify the processing conditions for the multiple image-corresponding processes. For example, even in cases where it is preferable to use different processing conditions for each image-corresponding process, the image-corresponding process conditions can be more appropriately specified. Furthermore, by collectively specifying at least some of the conditions for the multiple image-corresponding processes based on a template, the user's effort can be reduced. Therefore, this configuration allows for easier and more appropriate specification of the conditions for the processes to be performed based on the images.

[0025] 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 to be executed based on an image, the program causing the computer to perform a process of determining a processing-corresponding image, which is an image that is associated with the image-corresponding process, and determining the processing-corresponding image based on an input image, which is an image that is input, and a job generation process for generating a multiple-image job, which is a job corresponding to a plurality of the processing-corresponding images, and generating the multiple-image job based on a template that indicates at least some of the conditions of the image-corresponding process, the multiple-image job indicating the conditions of the image-corresponding process for each of the processing-corresponding images for a plurality of the processing-corresponding images, at least some of the multiple processing-corresponding images in the multiple-image job are images to be printed by a printing device, the job generation process determining the conditions of the image-corresponding process for each of the processing-corresponding images of the multiple-image job based on the template, and differentiating the conditions of the image-corresponding process executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images from the conditions of the image-corresponding process executed based on any other of the processing-corresponding images.

[0026] With this configuration, 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, individual conditions can be specified for each image-corresponding process as needed. Therefore, with this configuration, it is easier to specify conditions for processes to be performed based on images. A job with this configuration indicates a process-corresponding image and conditions for image-corresponding processes to be performed based on the process-corresponding image. In this configuration, the job is a job that causes a printing device to perform printing. A multiple-image job is, 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. The first printing process is 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 is 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 addition, in the job generation process, based on one template, first conditions that are at least a part of the printing conditions for the first printing process and second conditions that are at least a part of the printing conditions for the second printing process and that are at least partially different from the first conditions are determined.

[0027] A multi-image job that is printed by a printing device can also be considered a job for multi-layer printing. Furthermore, the process-corresponding images in a multi-image job can also be considered images corresponding to plates indicating the printing content of each layer. In this case, the multi-image job can also be considered to indicate the plates for each layer in multi-layer printing and the printing conditions for forming each layer. In this case, a color image indicating the design to be expressed in printing can be used as one of the process-corresponding images in the multi-image job. Furthermore, an image corresponding to a spot color plate can be used as another process-corresponding image in the multi-image job. It is desirable that the multi-image job is a job for multi-layer printing with three or more layers. The multi-image job indicates a process-corresponding image and printing conditions for each ink layer. In this configuration, the second condition may be a condition in which the printing resolution is different from the first condition.

[0028] Furthermore, when a multi-image job for multilayer printing is used, a color printer may be used as the printing device. The printing device uses process color inks, which are a predetermined number of colors that serve as the 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 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 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, 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 perform the second printing process before the first printing process. Alternatively, the printing device may perform the second printing process after the first printing process. The input image may be an image representing the color image to be printed by the printing device in the first printing process. Furthermore, a processing-corresponding image corresponding to the spot color inks may be automatically generated based on the input image. In this case, the first processing-corresponding image is 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 and on the template. In this case, the second process-compatible image is a spot color image, which is an image drawn with one spot color ink. With this configuration, a spot color image corresponding to a spot color plate (spot color plate) can be generated without having to prepare it in advance as an input image.

[0029] 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. The template indicates, for example, the relationship between color layers and spot color layers as the inter-layer relationship. In the job generation process, at least a portion of the second conditions is changed from the first conditions based on the inter-layer relationship indicated by the template. More specifically, the inter-layer relationship can be indicated by, for example, indicating the purpose of the color layers and spot color layers in the template. The purpose of the color layers can be indicated as ink layers that represent color images. The purpose of the spot color layers can be indicated as the color of the ink used to form the spot color layers. Furthermore, the purpose of the spot color layers can be indicated by indicating the characteristics of the layers, such as primer layer, white layer, or clear layer. This configuration allows for more appropriate setting of printing conditions tailored to the purpose of each layer based on the template. Furthermore, when generating spot color images corresponding to spot color plates, the generation of the spot color images can be more appropriate based on the inter-layer relationship.

[0030] In this configuration, the template may be created using a previously created multiple-image job. In this case, the computer may further perform a condition extraction process for extracting at least some of the image-associated processing conditions indicated by the multiple-image job from the multiple-image job, and a template creation process for creating a template. In the template creation process, the template is created based on at least some of the image-associated processing conditions extracted by the condition extraction process from the previously created multiple-image job. The previously created multiple-image job may be a job created without using a template. With this configuration, a template indicating processing similar to that of a previously created multiple-image job can be created. Furthermore, by using a template created in this way, a multiple-image job that causes a printing device or the like to perform processing similar to that of a previously created multiple-image job can be easily created. For example, by using a past multiple-image job registered in a job history, etc., a job in which the processing-associated images are replaced while maintaining the same processing conditions can be easily created. Furthermore, a template indicating factors independent of the model of the device performing the image-associated processing can be used. A template may also be one that indicates only factors independent of the model of the device performing 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 a single template to be standardized for various device models. Furthermore, by performing the job generation process in consideration of the device that will execute the image-associated processing, a multi-image job tailored to the device that will actually execute the processing can be generated.

[0031] Furthermore, in this configuration, some of the processes indicated by the multiple-image job may be processes other than printing processes. For example, a process in which a printing device and a cutting device are caused to perform printing and cutting processes may be considered. In this case, the printing process is an image-corresponding process in which an image based on a first process-corresponding image is printed on a medium. The cutting process is an image-corresponding process in which the medium is cut based on a second process-corresponding image. Then, in the job generation process, at least some of the conditions for the printing process and at least some of the conditions for the cutting process are determined based on a single template. This configuration makes it possible to easily generate multiple-image jobs that correspond to a variety of processes. Furthermore, as a configuration of the present invention, a job generation method or a job generation device having the same characteristics as described above may also be considered. In these cases, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and appropriately specify printing conditions that can be executed by a printing device. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily generate spot color plates. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and appropriately specify conditions related to processing to be executed based on an image.

[0033] 1A illustrates a printing system 10 that uses a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of a printing device 12 in the printing system 10. FIG. 1C shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 102 in the printing device 12. FIG. 2A illustrates a printed matter produced by printing in the printing system 10. FIG. 2A shows an example of the configuration of a printed matter. FIG. 2B shows a modified example of how a spot color layer 54 is formed. FIGS. 2C and 2D show modified examples of the position at which the spot color layer 54 is formed. FIG. 2C is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for specifying printing conditions in the control device 14. FIG. 2D shows an example of a screen displayed by the control device 14 when RIP-generated data is generated. FIG. 5A illustrates a printing system 410 that uses a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B shows an example of the configuration of a printing device 412 in the printing system 410. FIG. 5C shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 502 in the printing device 412. FIG. 5D shows an example of the configuration of a printed matter produced by printing in the printing system 410. It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation executed by the control device 414 in accordance with the RIP program. It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device 414 generating plates in step S104 in FIG. 6. It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of generating spot color plates based on an input image. FIG. 8A shows an example of the operation of generating spot color plates based on the opacity set in the input image in this example. FIG. 8B shows an example of the operation of a reference example different from the operation shown in FIG. 8A. It is a diagram explaining a printing system 610 using a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 610. FIG. 9B shows an example of the configuration of a printing device 612 in the printing system 610. FIG. 9C shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 702 in the printing device 612. FIG. 9D shows an example of the configuration of a printed matter produced by printing in the printing system 610. It is a diagram showing an example of a display screen shown to the user by the control device 614 when a job is generated. FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example of how to create and use a template.Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for creating a template. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for generating a job using a template. Fig. 14 is a diagram explaining a modified example of a job generated by the control device 614. Fig. 14(a) shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 610 in this modified example. Fig. 14(b) shows an example of a display screen shown to the user by the control device 614 when a job is generated in this modified example.

[0034] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a printing system 10 using a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. FIG. 1B illustrates an example of the configuration of a printing device 12 in the printing system 10. FIG. 1C illustrates an example of the configuration of a head unit 102 in the printing device 12. Except as described below, the printing system 10 and each component of the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their components. The printing system 10 of this example includes a printing device 12, a control device 14, and a database 16. The printing system 10 may further include other components. The printing system 10 may further include a device that performs processing other than printing on the medium to be printed in the printing device 12. Such a device may include, for example, a cutting device that cuts the medium. The printing device 12 of the printing system 10 is a device that executes printing under the control of the control device 14 in the printing system 10. A known industrial inkjet printer or the like can be suitably used as the printing device 12. The printing device 12 in this example is a color printer that performs color printing by an inkjet method using ink of multiple colors, and includes a head unit 102, a base unit 104, a scan driver 106, and a controller 110, as shown in FIG.

[0035] The head unit 102 is configured to eject ink onto the medium 50 and includes multiple inkjet heads 202, as shown in FIG. 1C . The head unit 102 of this example includes inkjet heads 202 for each process color and inkjet heads 202 for a specific spot color. With this configuration, the printing device 12 performs printing using the process color inks and the spot color inks. The head unit 102 of this example includes inkjet heads 202 for each process color: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The head unit 102 also includes inkjet heads 202 for white (W) ink, clear ink (CL), and primer ink (PR) as spot color inkjet heads 202. Process colors are the basic colors used in color expression. Process colors can also be considered to be colors used as base colors for subtractive color expression in color printing using the printing device 12. Spot colors are inks of colors different from process color inks. Spot colors can also be considered to be colors other than the base colors for subtractive color expression. Spot colors can also be considered to be colors treated as spot colors due to the specifications of the printing device 12. Spot colors can also be considered to be colors other than YMCK (CMYK). The white ink, clear ink, and primer ink in this example are examples of spot color inks. White ink is an example of a light-reflective ink. Clear ink is a colorless and transparent ink. With regard to clear ink, "colorless and transparent" means that it is substantially colorless and transparent in terms of the quality required for printing. Alternatively, it can be considered as ink to which no coloring materials such as pigments or dyes have been intentionally added. Primer ink is ink used to form a base ink layer (primer layer) on the medium 50. As the inks of these colors, known inks for inkjet printers can be suitably used.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, each inkjet head 202 in this example has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are aligned at different positions in a predetermined sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) that is preset in the printing device 12. Of the multiple inkjet heads 202 in the head unit 102, the inkjet heads 202 for each process color are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and arranged in a main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. The inkjet heads 202 for spot colors are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and arranged in a main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) that is perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. The inkjet heads 202 for spot colors are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and arranged in a main scanning direction. The printing device 12 in this example is capable of changing the ink used. For example, the ink set used in the printing device 12 is capable of being changed. The head unit 102 may also have inkjet heads 202 for colors different from those described above. The head unit 102 may have inkjet heads 202 for spot colors different from those described above. For example, colored inks different from the process colors may be used as the spot color ink. Furthermore, the multiple inkjet heads 202 of the head unit 102 may be arranged in a different manner from that described above.

[0037] 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, which involves moving relatively to the medium 50. Having the head unit 102 perform a scanning operation can also be thought of as causing the inkjet head 202 of 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 scanning operations. The main scanning operation here refers to an operation (scanning operation) in which ink is ejected while moving in the main scanning direction relative to the medium 50. The sub-scanning operation refers to an operation in which ink is moved 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 a feeding operation that feeds the medium 50 toward the head unit 102 .

[0038] The control unit 110 is, for example, a 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 Processor processing), from the control device 14, and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 12 based on this RIP-generated data. In addition to the above configuration, the printing device 12 may further have configurations that are the same as or similar to known printing devices. For example, the printing device 12 may further have a fixing unit that fixes ink to the medium 50.

[0039] The control device 14 controls the operation of the printing device 12 by supplying RIP-generated data generated by RIP processing to the printing device 12. The control device 14 in this example is a computer such as a PC that executes a program for RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as a RIP program). It generates RIP-generated data for the printing device 12 to print using, for example, spot color ink, and supplies the RIP-generated data to the printing device 12. The control device 14 also generates information (hereinafter referred to as "favorite settings") that specifies at least some of the printing conditions executable by the printing device 12 based on information acquired from the database 16. The favorite settings are an example of condition specification information. The control device 14 further specifies printing conditions based on the favorite settings and performs RIP processing based on the printing conditions to generate RIP-generated data. In this case, the control device 14 can also be considered to function as a printing condition specification device that executes a printing condition specification method in accordance with the RIP program. The operations of the control device 14 for generating favorite settings and specifying printing conditions will be described in more detail below.

[0040] The database 16 is an example of a condition storage unit and stores printer information related to the printing device 12. The printer information is an example of model-related information. The model-related information is information associated with the model of the printing device 12. In this example, the database 16 stores printer information for each of multiple models of the printing device 12. The control device 14 identifies the model of the printing device 12 used by the printing system 10 and obtains printer information corresponding to that model from the database 16. The printer information may include, for example, information indicating at least a portion of the performance (specifications) of the corresponding model of the printing device 12 and the printing conditions that can be executed by that printing device 12. For example, the printer information may include information regarding the printing width (printable width), printing speed, usable media 50 (media that can be output), etc. The printer information may also include information identical or similar to ink information, such as the installed ink, which will be described later. The printer information may also be considered to indicate the basic performance (basic specifications) corresponding to the model of the printing device 12 and various registration items that can be added later as needed. Possible registration items include, for example, items related to the ink and media used in the printing device 12. The operation of the control device 14 acquiring printer information from the database 16 will be described in more detail later in relation to the operation of specifying printing conditions. Furthermore, the database 16 in this example is configured by a computer separate from the control device 14. A database that stores information using a known method can be suitably used as the database 16. In a modified configuration of the printing system 10, the control device 14 may also perform the functions of the database 16. In this case, a storage device (information storage unit) such as an SSD or HDD of the control device 14 serves as the condition storage unit. It is also possible to use an external service, such as a cloud server, as the database 16. In this case, the database 16 can be considered to be a configuration external to the printing system 10.

[0041] Next, a printed matter produced by printing performed by the printing device 12 in the printing system 10 of this example will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a printed matter produced by printing performed by the printing system 10. FIG. 2A shows an example of the configuration of a printed matter. In the printing system 10 of this example, the printing device 12 creates a printed matter in which multiple ink layers are formed on a medium 50 through printing operations based on RIP-generated data received from the control device 14. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the printing device 12 forms multiple ink layers, including a color layer 52 and a spot color layer 54, on the medium 50. The printing device 12 forms the color layer 52 and the spot color layer 54 on the medium 50 so that at least a portion of the color layer 52 and at least a portion of the spot color layer 54 overlap. In this example, the color layer 52 is an ink layer formed using process color ink. The color layer 52 is, for example, an ink layer on which a color image is drawn. The spot color layer 54 is an ink layer formed with spot color ink. The special color layer 54 can also be considered an ink layer formed with only one special color ink. As described above, the printing device 12 of this example uses white ink, clear ink, and primer ink as the special color inks. The special color layer 54 is an ink layer formed with any one of these colors of ink. As shown in FIG. 2A , when the special color layer 54 is formed on the color layer 52, the special color layer 54 is formed with a special color ink other than the primer ink.

[0042] The printing device 12 can use ultraviolet-curable ink (UV ink) that is cured by exposure to ultraviolet light as each color of ink. In this case, the printing device 12 is equipped with an ultraviolet light source as ink fixing means. It is possible to change the method of ultraviolet irradiation by specifying the ink curing method in the printing conditions. For example, it is possible to specify curing conditions for curing ink to a matte finish or a glossy finish. Matte finish curing conditions mean that ink dots formed by ink that has landed at the ejection position are cured without flattening. Not flattening the ink dots means that the ink dots are cured before they have sufficiently flattened over time. Sufficiently flattening the ink dots means that the ink dots are considered to have flattened at the required printing quality. Gloss finish curing conditions mean that the ink is cured after ink dots formed by ink that has landed at the ejection position have sufficiently flattened. Gloss finish curing means that the ink is cured after a predetermined time has passed since the ink landed, allowing the ink dots to flatten.

[0043] Furthermore, when forming the special color layer 54 using UV-curable clear ink, the printing device 12 may form a thickly raised ink layer, as shown in FIG. 2B . FIG. 2B illustrates a modified example of how the special color layer 54 is formed. In this example, the printing device 12 can form a thickly raised ink layer by stacking multiple ink layers (special color layers 54) using clear ink. In this case, the printing device 12 cures the special color layer 54 under thickly raised curing conditions that harden the thickly raised ink layer. In this case, the printing conditions specify thickly raised curing conditions for curing the ink in the special color layer 54. Suitable thickly raised curing conditions include conditions for additionally irradiating the ink (additional irradiation) after forming multiple ink layers. The additional irradiation can be performed by moving the head unit 102 in the same manner as during main scanning, while irradiating UV light from the UV light source, without ejecting ink from the inkjet head. The position at which the special color layer 54 is formed may be different from the configuration shown in FIG. 2( a), as shown in FIGS. 2( c) and 2( d), for example. FIGS. 2( c) and 2( d) show modified examples of the position at which the special color layer 54 is formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2( c), the printing device 12 may form the special color layer 54 under the color layer 52 using, for example, a primer ink. Depending on the design to be expressed in the printed matter, the printing device 12 may also form the special color layer 54 under the color layer 52 using a special color ink other than the primer ink. The printing device 12 may also form multiple special color layers 54 in a single printed matter. For example, as shown in FIG. 2( d), the special color layers 54 may be formed above and below the color layer 52.

[0044] Next, the operation of the control device 14 to specify printing conditions will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control device 14 to specify printing conditions. In this example, the control device 14 executes the operation illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 3 in accordance with a RIP program. During this operation, the control device 14 specifies the printing conditions for printing performed by the printing device 12. The RIP program is a program that causes a computer to specify printing conditions. In the operation illustrated in FIG. 3, the control device 14 first identifies the model of the printing device 12 by accepting registration of the printing device 12 used in the printing system 10 (S102). The operation of step S102 in this example is an example of the model identification process and the operation of the model identification stage. In step S102, the control device 14 recognizes the printing device 12 connected to the control device 14 via a network within a predetermined range, such as a local area network, via a wired connection or a wireless connection (WiFi), and registers the printing device 12. This configuration allows automatic registration of the printing device 12. The control device 14 may register the printing device 12 by accepting a manual designation from the user.

[0045] Following the operation of step S102, the control device 14 acquires printer information from the database 16 (S104). The operation of step S104 in this example is an example of the operation of the model-related information acquisition process and the model-related information acquisition stage. As described above, the database 16 in this example stores printer information for each model of printing device 12 for multiple models. In step S104, the control device 14 acquires printer information for the identified model based on the model of the printing device 12 identified in step S102 (hereinafter referred to as the identified model). The identified model can also be considered as the model of the printing device 12 registered in the RIP program. Also, as described above, the printing device 12 in this example is capable of changing the ink used. Therefore, in step S104 in this example, the control device 14 further acquires ink information indicating the ink used by the printing device 12 that will perform printing in the printing system 10. The control device 14 acquires ink information from the printing device 12 by communicating with the printing device 12 via a network. The control device 14 may also acquire ink information from the database 16. The operation of the control device 14 acquiring ink information in step S104 in this example is an example of the ink information acquisition process and the ink information acquisition stage. The ink information is information indicating the ink used in the printing device 12 identified in step S102. The ink information can also be considered to be information indicating the ink that can be ejected by the inkjet head 202 of the printing device 12. For example, information indicating the type and color of ink used in the printing device 12 can be used as the ink information. The ink information can also be considered to be information indicating the type of ink installed in the printing device 12. The ink type is information corresponding to, for example, the ink model number. The ink color refers to the colors of the multiple inks used in the printing device 12. In this case, it is preferable to use ink information indicating at least the colors of the spot inks used in the printing device 12. The ink information in this example indicates, with respect to the spot inks, at least the presence or absence of white ink, primer ink, and clear ink. Furthermore, as described above, when ultraviolet-curable ink is used in the printing device 12, the ink curing method can be specified as a printing condition.Therefore, it is preferable that the ink information further indicates the presence or absence of ultraviolet curable ink, and it is preferable to use information indicating the presence or absence of at least ultraviolet curable clear ink.

[0046] As described above, printer information is information related to the model of the printing device 12. Therefore, it is conceivable to use common printer information for printing devices 12 of the same model. However, the ink used by printing devices 12 may vary depending on the individual printing device 12, even if the printing devices 12 are of the same model. In other words, even among printing devices 12 of the same model, differences in the printing conditions that can actually be executed may occur. In contrast, in this example, by using ink information separately from printer information, it is possible to more accurately grasp the printing conditions that can be executed by each individual printing device 12, even when the printing device 12 uses various types of ink. It is also conceivable to use information that further includes information related to each individual printing device 12 as printer information. For example, it is conceivable to use printer information that includes ink information. In this case, it is conceivable that the printer information also serves as ink information. Furthermore, the operation of the control device 14 to acquire printer information from the database 16 can also be considered to serve as an operation to acquire ink information.

[0047] Following the operation of step S104, the control device 14 generates multiple favorite settings, at least some of which are different from each other, based on the printer information and ink information acquired in step S104 (S106). The multiple favorite settings correspond to different printing conditions. The operation of step S106 in this example is an example of the operation of the condition specification information generation process and the condition specification information generation stage. The favorite settings indicate specific values ​​(setting values) for at least some of all items specified as printing conditions. The favorite settings specify, as printing conditions, at least one of, for example, print resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method. The favorite settings specify, regarding the color adjustment method, for example, a profile (color profile) used for color adjustment. The favorite settings may also specify, for example, the curing method of ultraviolet-curable ink. The favorite settings may also specify, for example, conditions related to the generation of spot color plates and the use of jigs during printing. By using such favorite settings, at least some of the printing conditions can be automatically specified when specifying printing conditions later.

[0048] In step S106, the control device 14 ascertains the performance, etc., of the identified model of the printing device 12 from the printer information corresponding to the identified model identified in step S102. The control device 14 then generates favorite settings that specify conditions executable by the identified model based on the printer information. That is, the control device 14 generates favorite settings that specify conditions executable by the identified model based on the identified model. Furthermore, the control device 14 in this example references the ink information to generate favorite settings that indicate at least some of the printing conditions executable by the identified model of the printing device 12 using the ink indicated by the ink information. The control device 14 generates multiple favorite settings according to the colors of ink used in the printing device 12. If the printing device 12 that performs printing uses process color ink, the control device 14 generates favorite settings that indicate at least some of the conditions related to the formation of a color layer, which is an ink layer colored using the process color ink. Furthermore, if the printing device 12 that performs printing uses spot color ink, the control device 14 generates favorite settings that indicate at least some of the conditions related to the formation of a spot color layer, which is an ink layer formed with spot color ink. The favorite settings corresponding to the color layer are an example of color condition information. Furthermore, the favorite setting corresponding to the spot color layer is an example of spot color condition information. Furthermore, with regard to the favorite setting corresponding to the spot color layer, if the ink information indicates the presence of white ink, the control device 14 generates a favorite setting indicating at least some of the conditions for forming the white layer, which is an ink layer (spot color layer) formed with white ink. Furthermore, if the ink information indicates the presence of primer ink, the control device 14 generates a favorite setting indicating at least some of the conditions for forming the primer layer, which is an ink layer (spot color layer) formed with primer ink. Furthermore, if the ink information indicates the presence of clear ink, the control device 14 generates a favorite setting indicating at least some of the conditions for forming the clear layer, which is an ink layer (spot color layer) formed with clear ink. This configuration allows favorite settings corresponding to spot color layers of various colors to be generated.

[0049] Furthermore, if the printing device 12 uses UV-curable ink, the control device 14 generates a favorite setting indicating how the ink is cured. The ink curing method can be considered as the method of UV irradiation. If the ink information indicates that UV-curable clear ink is available, the control device 14 generates a favorite setting corresponding to the clear layer that indicates how UV is irradiated when the clear layer is formed. The favorite setting corresponding to the clear layer is an example of clear ink curing method information. Furthermore, the control device 14 generates multiple favorite settings corresponding to the clear layer that indicate different UV irradiation methods. In this example, if the ink information indicates that UV-curable clear ink is available, the control device 14 generates at least a favorite setting indicating curing conditions for a matte finish to cure the ink, a favorite setting indicating curing conditions for a gloss finish to cure the ink, and a favorite setting indicating curing conditions for a thick finish to cure the ink. This configuration makes it possible to generate favorite settings corresponding to clear layers formed using various curing methods.

[0050] In this example, favorite settings corresponding to the model identified in step S102 are automatically generated. Therefore, according to this example, even if the user is unfamiliar with operating the printing device 12 or specifying printing conditions, favorite settings can be easily and appropriately generated without burdening the user. Furthermore, in step S106, the control device 14 generates favorite settings for specifying standard printing conditions tailored to the identified model as at least some of the favorite settings. This configuration allows the user to easily and appropriately specify standard printing conditions tailored to the identified model without burdening the user when subsequently specifying printing conditions. Such favorite settings can also be considered as sample settings for printing conditions. The control device 14 stores the generated favorite settings in a storage device such as an SSD or HDD of the control device 14 so that they can be used later as needed. The control device 14 may transfer the generated favorite settings to the printing device 12 and store them within the printing device 12.

[0051] Following the operation of step S106, the control device 14 selects at least some of the favorite settings generated in step S106, for example, based on a user instruction, and specifies printing conditions for the printing device 12 based on the selected favorite settings (S108). The operation of the control device 14 selecting favorite settings in step S108 is an example of a condition specification information selection process and a condition specification information selection stage. Furthermore, the operation of the control device 14 specifying printing conditions based on the selected favorite settings is an example of a printing condition specification process and a printing condition specification stage. In step S108, the control device 14 reads the image to be printed and selects at least one favorite setting associated with the image. The control device 14 then specifies printing conditions to be used when printing the image based on the selected favorite information. Furthermore, by automatically specifying at least some of the printing conditions according to the favorite settings generated in step S106, a variety of printing conditions tailored to the identified model can be easily and appropriately specified. In this example, the control device 14 specifies printing conditions that can actually be executed by the printing device 12 by using the favorite settings generated in step S106. Therefore, according to this example, even when a printing device 12 having a variety of functions is used, printing conditions that can actually be performed by the printing device 12 can be easily and appropriately specified.

[0052] In step S108, the control device 14 selects a favorite setting from the multiple favorite settings generated in step S106 that matches the ink layer to be formed during printing, for example, based on a user instruction. The control device 14 then specifies the printing conditions to be used when forming the ink layer based on the selected favorite setting. For example, when specifying printing conditions corresponding to printing to form a color layer, the control device 14 specifies the printing conditions based on the favorite setting corresponding to the color layer. Furthermore, when specifying printing conditions corresponding to printing to form a spot color layer, the control device 14 specifies the printing conditions based on the favorite setting corresponding to the spot color layer. In this case, the control device 14 specifies the printing conditions based on the favorite setting corresponding to the color of the spot color ink used to form the spot color layer. Furthermore, when specifying printing conditions for a clear layer formed with ultraviolet-curable clear ink in step S108, the control device 14 selects a favorite setting corresponding to either a matte finish, a gloss finish, or a thick finish, corresponding to the clear layer, and specifies the printing conditions to be used when forming the clear layer based on the favorite setting. This allows the printing device 12 to appropriately form clear layers cured using various methods. Furthermore, when process color inks and spot color inks are used in the printing device 12, the control device 14 may specify printing conditions for multi-layer printing in which a color layer and a spot color layer are superimposed in step S108. The control device 14 specifies the printing conditions to be used when forming the spot color layer in multi-layer printing based on the favorite settings corresponding to the spot color layer. The control device 14 also specifies the printing conditions to be used when forming the color layer in multi-layer printing based on the favorite settings corresponding to the color layer.

[0053] Furthermore, in the operation of specifying printing conditions for generating RIP-generated data, the control device 14 displays the screen shown in FIG. 4 on a display device such as a monitor, allowing the control device 14 to select favorite settings based on user instructions. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a screen displayed by the control device 14 when generating RIP-generated data. It also illustrates an example of a display screen displayed by the control device 14 on a display device such as a monitor of the control device 14 when specifying printing conditions for multilayer printing. The display screen shown in FIG. 4 can also be considered an example of a display screen shown to the user in step S108 of the operation shown in FIG. 3. The control device 14 displays a display screen including an input image display unit 302, a favorite selection button 304, a processing condition display unit 306, a numerical input unit 308, and an execute button 310 in accordance with the RIP program. The control device 14 then specifies printing conditions for multilayer printing based on 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 RIP program. 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. 4, a color image showing an image drawn with process color inks and a spot color image showing an image drawn with spot color inks are used as the input images. This color image shows an image drawn with color layers. This color image can also be considered as a color image showing a design to be expressed in printing. This color image can also be considered as an image corresponding to a plate for color printing. The spot color image is an image showing the position where spot color ink is ejected in the spot color layer. The spot color image can also be considered as an image corresponding to a plate for spot color (spot color plate). The control device 14 may generate the spot color image based on the color image.

[0054] The favorite selection button 304 is a button for accepting an instruction from the user to select a favorite setting. When the user presses the favorite selection button 304, the control device 14 displays a display screen for allowing the user to select a favorite setting and accepts an instruction to select one of the favorite settings from the user. The control device 14 accepts an instruction to select a favorite setting from the user, for example, by displaying a list of multiple favorite settings managed in the RIP program to the user and allowing the user to select one of the favorite settings from the list. In this case, the control device 14 displays a list of multiple favorite settings to the user, including the favorite setting generated in step S106 of the operation shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, when specifying printing conditions for multi-layer printing, the control device 14 accepts an instruction from the user to select a favorite setting for each ink layer in the multi-layer printing. In this case, based on the user's instruction, the control device 14 associates the favorite setting with the color layer and accepts a selection of the favorite setting corresponding to the spot color layer and accepts a selection of the favorite setting corresponding to the spot color layer. Furthermore, when specifying printing conditions for multi-layer printing including multiple spot color layers, the control device 14 accepts the selection of favorite settings corresponding to each spot color layer according to the color of the spot color layer.

[0055] The processing condition display unit 306 is a display unit that displays at least a portion of the specified printing conditions. In this example, the processing condition display unit 306 displays at least a portion of the printing conditions for each ink layer formed in multi-layer printing, in association with the image read as the input image. The processing condition display unit 306 displays information related to multiple items for each ink layer. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , 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. The output item indicates a data layer, which is a layer in the data to which an ink layer is associated, and indicates the order of the data layers in accordance with the order in which the ink layers are formed on the medium. For example, it is possible to associate ink layers formed simultaneously in the main scanning operation with a single data layer, such as the data layer designated as the third layer in the output item. Ink layers formed simultaneously in a main scanning operation refer to multiple ink layers that are partially formed in a single main scanning operation by forming one ink layer using nozzles within a predetermined range in the sub-scanning direction and forming another ink layer using only nozzles that do not overlap this range in the sub-scanning direction. The processing condition display unit 306 in this example also displays the association between ink layers and data layers in the feed information field. The feed information field is related to feed division, which is performed to simultaneously form multiple ink layers in a single main scanning operation. Feed division is a setting for simultaneously forming ink layers in a main scanning operation. In the illustrated example, the feed information field indicates that one white layer, which is a spot color layer formed with white ink, and a color layer are partially formed in a single main scanning operation.

[0056] The plate information item indicates the purpose of the ink layer, etc. When multi-layer printing is performed as in this example, the plate information item can also be considered a layer setting item indicating the purpose of each layer in multi-layer printing. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , in the plate information item, the processing condition display unit 306 displays a symbol P for the primer layer, indicating that it is a primer layer. The processing condition display unit 306 also displays a symbol W for the white layer, indicating that it is a white layer. The processing condition display unit 306 also displays a symbol Color for the color layers, indicating that it is a color layer. The read image item indicates an input image to be associated with each ink layer. In this example, the processing condition display unit 306 displays thumbnail images of the input image corresponding to each ink layer for each ink layer. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , in the read image item, the processing condition display unit 306 displays thumbnail images of the spot color images of the input image for the primer layer and the white layer, and displays thumbnail images of the color images of the input image for the color layers.

[0057] The favorite information items indicate favorite settings corresponding to each ink layer. As described above, in this example, when specifying printing conditions for multi-layer printing, the control device 14 receives instructions from the user to select favorite settings for each ink layer in multi-layer printing. The control device 14 then displays the favorite settings selected for each ink layer in the favorite information items of the processing condition display unit 306, as shown, for example, as fav4-1 in the figure. The control device 14 displays the names of these favorite settings for each ink layer in the favorite information items. These favorite settings specify, for example, the printing resolution, the number of 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 the color adjustment method, the profile (color profile) to be used for color adjustment. The favorite information items also display at least some of the printing conditions specified in the favorite settings. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device 14 displays the print resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method for each ink layer in the favorite information item of the processing condition display section 306.

[0058] The numerical input unit 308 is an input unit that accepts numerical input from the user regarding at least some of the printing conditions. The numerical input unit 308 can also be considered an input unit that accepts input from the user specifying at least some of the printing conditions not specified in the favorite settings. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the numerical input unit 308 accepts numerical input from the user regarding the number of copies indicating the number of copies to be printed, margins to be set during printing, and rearrangement. This allows the control unit 14 to accept user instructions regarding printing conditions not specified in the favorite settings. The numerical input unit 308 may also accept instructions from the user to change values ​​of printing conditions specified in the favorite settings. The execute button 310 is a button that accepts instructions from the user to execute RIP processing. In this example, when the user presses the execute button 310, the control unit 14 executes RIP processing based on the items displayed in the input image display unit 302, the processing condition display unit 306, and the numerical input unit 308 in accordance with the RIP program. As a result, the control device 14 performs RIP processing in accordance with the printing conditions specified using the favorite settings, and generates RIP generation data.

[0059] Next, supplementary explanations and explanations of variations will be provided regarding the matters described above. As described above, the control device 14 in this example acquires printer information from the database 16 and generates favorite settings based on the printer information, etc. The database 16 also stores printer information for each model of printing device 12 for multiple models. The control device 14 then identifies the model of the printing device 12 used in the printing system 10 and acquires printer information corresponding to that model from the database 16. Therefore, according to this example, the control device 14 can appropriately generate favorite settings corresponding to various models of printing device 12. This also makes it possible to easily and appropriately generate favorite settings corresponding to the printing device 12 without imposing a burden on the user, for example, when building a printing system 10 with a new configuration, or when using a new model of printing device 12 in the printing system 10 by adding or replacing a printing device 12. Furthermore, in this example, because the control device 14 automatically generates favorites, it is possible to easily and appropriately specify printing conditions that can actually be used for printing, even immediately after installing an RIP program on the computer used as the control device 14.

[0060] Furthermore, the control device 14 in this example generates favorite settings internally based on printer information, etc. In other words, rather than acquiring already created favorite settings from another computer, etc., new favorite settings are generated by processing executed by the control device 14. In contrast, in a modified example of the operation of the control device 14, existing favorite settings may be acquired externally based on printer information, ink information, etc. The operation of acquiring favorite settings acquired externally and placing them under the management of the control device 14 is also an operation of the control device 14 generating favorite settings. Furthermore, the control device 14 may generate favorite settings for the printing device 12 by acquiring favorite settings that have been created in advance in association with various printer information and ink information from another computer, such as a cloud server. This configuration also allows for appropriate generation of favorite settings corresponding to printing conditions executable by the printing device 12. Furthermore, the control device 14 may acquire favorites from the database 16. Furthermore, when acquiring existing favorite settings externally rather than generating favorite settings internally, the control device 14 may acquire favorite settings based on the model of the printing device 12, etc., without acquiring printer information. In this case, the control device 14 acquires favorite settings based on, for example, the model of the printing device 12 and ink information. As described above, the favorite settings generated by the control device 14 in this example are setting information specifying at least some of the printing conditions executable by the printing device 12. By registering favorite settings in the control device 14, frequently used functions and functions that require time-consuming setup can be easily used without spending time. Using favorite settings allows users to specify appropriate printing conditions without omission, reduces the amount of work required to specify printing conditions, and reduces printing errors. This also makes it possible to lower the technical level required of users who will operate the printing device 12 to print. The favorite settings in this example can also be considered as templates for printing conditions specified when generating print job data (job data).

[0061] In this example, the use of favorite settings also makes it easy to specify the same printing conditions for multiple images and print them. Based on user instructions, the control device 14 reads the data for multiple images to be printed and selects the favorite settings to use for each image. In this case, if the same printing conditions are used, it is conceivable to select the same favorite settings for multiple images. The control device 14 specifies printing conditions for each image based on the favorite settings and generates RIP-generated data. The control device 14 then supplies the RIP-generated data to the printing device 12, causing the printing device 12 to print the multiple images.

[0062] Here, it is conceivable to generate favorite settings using methods other than those described above. However, in such cases, it may be difficult to generate the favorite settings appropriately. For example, it is conceivable to generate favorite settings based on job data used in past printing, or to generate favorite settings by the user editing various specific parameters related to printing conditions. However, when generating favorite settings based on job data, it is necessary to prepare job data that can achieve the desired settings. This can be difficult when job data corresponding to past printing does not exist, such as when a new printing device 12 is installed, or when the user's environment is not yet ready. Furthermore, when generating favorite settings based on job data, it may be necessary to confirm whether the various parameters used in the job data are identical to the desired settings, or to adjust the parameters themselves. In this case, the user's technical level is required to understand conflicts between settings related to many parameters and the contents of the setting items. In particular, when generating favorite settings for use in multi-layer printing, it is necessary to understand the various parameters used in the favorite settings for each ink layer. Furthermore, even if the user's technical level is sufficiently high, the task of generating favorite settings can be laborious and time-consuming. Furthermore, when a user edits various specific parameters related to printing conditions, the user must edit the parameters while predicting the print results and the operation results of the RIP program. Therefore, in this case as well, the user is required to have a high level of skill, and the task of creating favorite settings can be considered to be a lot of work and time-consuming.

[0063] In contrast, in this example, when a printing device 12 is registered in the control device 14, favorite settings corresponding to printing conditions executable by the printing device 12 are easily and appropriately generated. Generating favorite settings based on printer information, etc., allows the user to generate favorite settings with minimal effort and minimal man-hours. Furthermore, by using the favorite settings generated when registering the printing device 12, printing conditions executable by the printing device 12 can be easily and appropriately specified, even when the first image to be printed by the printing device 12 is loaded into the RIP program. This also prevents the generation of RIP-generated data that cannot be printed by the printing device 12. Therefore, according to this example, even when a new printing device 12 is introduced into the printing system 10, the new printing device 12 can be used to quickly print and check the printed product.

[0064] As described above, the control device 14 in this example generates a favorite setting for a new printing device 12 when the new printing device 12 is registered in the RIP program. The control device 14 may also generate a favorite setting at a time other than when the new printing device 12 is registered. For example, if new printing conditions applicable to the printing device 12 are added due to an update of the RIP program, the control device 14 may generate new favorite settings at that time. Furthermore, as described above, when causing the printing device 12 to perform multilayer printing, the control device 14 specifies the printing conditions for each ink layer in multilayer printing, such as resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method, based on the favorite setting. The favorite setting may also specify parameters related to other items. For example, as described above in relation to UV-curable clear ink, a favorite setting may be a setting indicating how UV-curable ink is irradiated with UV light (irradiation conditions). Furthermore, a favorite setting may be a setting indicating the order in which layers are formed in multilayer printing (layer formation order). Furthermore, in specifying printing conditions for multi-layer printing, the control device 14 may specify at least some of the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method without relying on favorite settings.

[0065] As described above, in a modified example of the operation of the control device 14, the control device 14 may externally acquire existing favorite settings. In contrast, in a further modified example of the operation of the control device 14, the control device 14 may acquire existing favorite settings from the printing device 12. In this case, all printing conditions executable by the model of the printing device 12 are stored within the printing device 12. When the printing device 12 and the control device 14 are connected, the control device 14 acquires favorite settings from the printing device 12 that are tailored to the ink actually installed in the printing device 12 and the specific specifications of the printing device 12, thereby generating favorite settings for the printing device 12. In this case, the printing device 12 has a memory unit that stores existing favorite settings. Another possible method for having the control device 14 acquire existing favorite settings is to output a two-dimensional code or the like indicating the favorite settings and have the control device 14 read it. Furthermore, when acquiring existing favorite settings from a cloud server or the like, the control device 14 may acquire the favorites from the cloud server or the like when the favorite settings are actually used. The control device 14 accesses a cloud server or the like in response to a user instruction on a screen for specifying printing conditions (such as a job creation screen) to acquire favorite settings. In this case, the control device 14 makes it possible to acquire only favorite settings that correspond to printing conditions that can be executed on the printing device 12, based on printer information or the like. The operation of making it possible to acquire only favorite settings that correspond to printing conditions that can be executed on the printing device 12 is an example of an operation of generating condition specification information.

[0066] As described above, the control device 14 grasps the performance of the printing device 12 based on the printer information acquired from the database 16. In this case, the printer information is an example of model-related information. However, the control device 14 may use information other than the printer information acquired from the database 16 as model-related information. For example, information acquired from profile information set for the printing device 12 may be used as model-related information. The profile information is information that specifies various parameters for specifying the operation of the printing device 12. The control device 14 also generates favorite settings based on the waveform information, ink curve, various default values, etc. set in the profile information.

[0067] In addition, in a modified configuration of the printing system 10, the printing system 10 may further include a cutting device, etc. The control device 14 further identifies the model of the cutting device based on the RIP program and generates favorite settings for the cutting device. The control device 14 then specifies cutting conditions based on the generated favorite settings. The favorite settings for the cutting device are an example of condition specification information that specifies at least some of the cutting conditions used by the cutting device. The control device 14 also acquires cutting device information indicating the performance of the cutting device from the database 16, and generates favorite settings corresponding to the cutting conditions that can be executed by the cutting device based on the cutting device information. The cutting device information is an example of model-related information corresponding to the cutting device.

[0068] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 410 that uses a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5( a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 410. FIG. 5( b) shows an example of the configuration of a printing device 412 in the printing system 410. FIG. 5( c) shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 502 in the printing device 412. FIG. 5( d) shows an example of the configuration of a printed material produced by printing in the printing system 410. Except as described below, the printing system 410 and each component of the printing system 410 may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their components. The printing system 410 of this example includes a printing device 412 and a control device 414. The printing device 412 is a device that performs printing under the control of the control device 414 in the printing system 410. A known industrial inkjet printer or the like can be suitably used as the printing device 412. Furthermore, the printing device 412 in this example is a color printer that performs color printing using inkjet printing with multiple colors of ink, and has a head unit 502, a base unit 504, a scan drive unit 506, and a control unit 510, as shown in FIG. 5(b), for example.

[0069] The head unit 502 is configured to eject ink onto the printing target medium 450 and includes multiple inkjet heads 503, as shown in FIG. 5C . The head unit 502 in this example includes inkjet heads 503 for each process color and an inkjet head 503 for a specific spot color. With this configuration, the printing device 412 prints using the process color inks and the spot color inks. The head unit 502 in this example includes inkjet heads 503 for each process color: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The head unit 502 also includes an inkjet head 503 for white (W) as a spot color inkjet head 503. Process colors are the basic colors used in color expression. Process colors can also be considered to be colors used as basic colors for color expression using a subtractive color mixture method in color printing performed by the printing device 412. A spot color is an ink of a color different from the process color inks. A spot color can also be considered 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 to be a color treated as a spot color due to the specifications of the printing device 412. In this example, the spot color is a color other than YMCK (CMYK). Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the multiple inkjet heads 503 in the head unit 502 in this example are aligned in a predetermined sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) preset in the printing device 412, and arranged in a main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. Each inkjet head 503 has a nozzle row in which multiple nozzles are aligned at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. In the head unit 502, the multiple inkjet heads 503 may be arranged in a different manner than described above. The head unit 502 may also have inkjet heads 503 for colors different from those in this example. For example, the head unit 502 may have an inkjet head 503 for a spot color different from that in this example.

[0070] The base unit 504 is a platform-like member that supports the medium 450 at a position facing the head unit 502. The scan driver 506 is a driver that causes the head unit 502 to perform a scanning operation, which moves relative to the medium 450. Having the head unit 502 perform a scanning operation can also be considered as having the inkjet head 503 of the head unit 502 perform a scanning operation. In this example, the scan driver 506 causes the head unit 502 to perform a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation as scanning operations. The main scanning operation is an operation (scanning operation) in which ink is ejected while moving in the main scanning direction relative to the medium 450. The sub-scanning operation is an operation in which ink is moved in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium 450. The scan driver 506 causes the head unit 502 to perform a sub-scanning operation between main scanning operations, thereby changing the portion of the medium 450 that faces the head unit 502 with each main scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation can also be considered as a feeding operation for feeding the medium 450 relative to the head unit 502 .

[0071] The control unit 510 is, for example, a CPU of the printing device 412, and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 412. The control unit 510 in this example receives RIP-generated data, which is data generated by performing RIP processing (Raster Image Processor processing), from the control device 414, and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 412 based on this RIP-generated data. In addition to the above configuration, the printing device 412 may further have the same or similar configuration as known printing devices. For example, the printing device 412 may further have a fixing unit that fixes ink to the medium 450.

[0072] The control device 414 controls the operation of the printing device 412 by supplying RIP-generated data generated by RIP processing to the printing device 412. In this example, the control device 414 is a computer such as a PC that executes a program for RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as a RIP program), and generates RIP-generated data that causes the printing device 412 to print using, for example, spot color ink, and supplies this data to the printing device 412. The RIP program is an example of a program that causes a computer to generate plates that represent images to be printed by the printing device 412. A plate can also be considered to be an image to be processed for each ink color in the RIP processing. A plate can also be considered to be data that represents an image to be printed by the printing device 412 using the corresponding ink color.

[0073] The printing device 412 of this example performs a printing operation based on RIP-generated data received from the control device 414 to create a printed material in which multiple ink layers are formed on the medium 450, as shown in FIG. 5D . In the example shown in FIG. 5D , the printing device 412 forms multiple ink layers, including a color layer 452 and a spot color layer 454, on the medium 450. The printing device 412 forms the color layer 452 and the spot color layer 454 on the medium 450 so that at least a portion of the color layer 452 overlaps at least a portion of the spot color layer 454. The color layer 452 of this example is an ink layer formed using process color ink. The color layer 452 can also be considered an ink layer on which a color image is drawn. The spot color layer 454 is also an ink layer formed with spot color ink. The spot color layer 454 can also be considered an ink layer formed with only one spot color ink. As described above, the printing device 412 of this example uses white ink as the spot color ink. The spot color layer 454 shown in FIG. 5D is an ink layer (white layer) formed with white ink. The printing device 412 may also form the spot color layer 454 using ink of a spot color other than white. For example, it is possible to use a colorless, transparent clear ink or a primer ink used as a primer. Furthermore, a colored ink of a color different from each of the process colors may also be used as the spot color ink.

[0074] Next, the operation of generating RIP-generated data in the control device 414 will be described in more detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation executed by the control device 414 in accordance with the RIP program. In this operation, an input image, which is the image to be processed, is first input to the control device 414 (S102). The operation of step S102 in this example is an example of the image input process and the operation of the image input stage. The input image is an image that serves as the basis for the plate. Furthermore, the input image in this example represents a print image, which is a color image to be drawn by the printing device 412 using process color inks. The input image representing the print image means that the content expressed in at least a portion of the input image is expressed as the print image. In other words, it means that the print image is drawn substantially based on the input image.

[0075] In step S102 of this example, a color image in which opacity or transparency is set for at least some of the pixels is input as an input image to the control device 414. In this example, an image in which opacity is set for the alpha channel is used as such an input image.

[0076] An alpha channel is a channel that indicates an alpha value, which is additional information for a pixel. An alpha channel, to which opacity is set, indicates the degree of transparency of each pixel of the input image depending on the level of the alpha value. It is preferable to use a multi-level value (e.g., 256 levels from 0 to 255, corresponding to 8 bits) as the alpha value. In this case, the minimum alpha value indicates a completely transparent state, and the maximum alpha value indicates a completely opaque state. As such an input image, for example, an image in a known format with an alpha channel, such as a PNG image with an alpha channel or a TIFF image with an alpha channel, can be suitably used.

[0077] Following the operation of step S102, the control device 414 generates plates corresponding to the colors of the inks used for printing based on the input image (S104). The operation of step S104 in this example is an example of the operation of the plate generation process and plate generation stage. In step S104, the control device 414 generates plates corresponding to each of the process colors based on the input image by performing processing identical or similar to a known method. More specifically, the control device 414 converts the input image into a color image that expresses colors in a color system that matches the process colors by performing color conversion using a device profile (color profile) that matches the process color inks used in the printing device 412, and then performs plate separation processing on this color image that matches each of the process colors to generate plates corresponding to each of the process colors. Furthermore, when the printing device 412 is to print using spot color inks, in step S104 the control device 414 generates spot color plates that correspond to the spot color inks. If the input image has opacity settings as described above, the control device 414 generates spot color plates based on the opacity settings set for the input image. In this way, the control device 414 of this example receives as input a color image in which the opacity corresponding to the transparency information is set in the alpha channel. The control device 414 then generates a spot color plate based on the value set in the alpha channel of the input image. By using the opacity set in the input image, it is possible to generate, as needed, a spot color plate corresponding to an operation of ejecting spot color ink in a manner other than filling in at a uniform density. This also makes it easy to generate spot color plates that indicate various ink ejection methods. More specifically, it is possible to more easily generate spot color plates that instruct an operation of ejecting spot color ink at a desired density at a target position, or spot color plates that correspond to an operation of ejecting spot color ink at partially different densities.

[0078] The control device 414 in this example can also be considered to function as a plate generation device that executes a predetermined plate generation method by executing a RIP program. The alpha channel can also be considered to represent an image corresponding to transparency information based on the value set for each pixel. Therefore, the control device 414 can also be considered to generate a spot color plate based on the image represented by the alpha channel. The alpha channel can also be considered a channel for spot colors (spot color channel).

[0079] Following the operation of step S104, the control device 414 performs RIP processing based on the plates generated in step S104 to generate RIP-generated data (S106). The operation of step S106 in this example is an example of the operation of a raster image generation process and a raster image generation stage. The raster image generation process and the raster image generation stage are processes and stages for generating, based on plates, raster images that conform to the printing conditions of the printing to be performed by the printing device 412. In step S106 in this example, the control device 414 specifies the printing conditions of the printing to be performed by the printing device 412 for each ink layer to be formed by the printing device 412 based on a user instruction. Then, the control device 414 generates, based on plates, raster images that conform to the printing conditions for each ink color used during printing in the printing device 412. The control device 414 generates, based on plates corresponding to each process color, raster images that indicate the ejection positions for ejecting ink of each color. The control device 414 also generates a spot color raster image indicating the ejection positions for ejecting the spot color ink based on the spot color plate. The control device 414 also generates RIP-generated data by adding information related to control of the printing device 412 as necessary to the raster images generated for each color ink and converting them into data in a format processable by the printing device 412. The RIP-generated data specifies the positions at which each color ink used by the printing device 412 is to be ejected. The RIP process in this example is a process of generating a raster image indicating the actual ink ejection positions from among the ejection positions set according to the printing resolution, based on an image input as a plate. The RIP process can also be considered a process of converting a digital image generated as a plate into a format understandable by the printing device 412. The RIP process can also be considered a process of generating a raster image according to the printing conditions and converting the generated raster image into a command format understandable by the printing device 412, based on the plate. Depending on how the process is defined, the operations of steps S102 to S106 described above can also be considered as the RIP process. In this case, the operation of step S106 corresponds to the operation of the raster image generation process performed in the RIP process.Furthermore, following the operation of step S106, the control device 414 supplies the RIP-generated data to the printing device 412, thereby causing the printing device 412 to execute a printing operation based on the RIP-generated data (S108).

[0080] Next, the operation of the control device 414 to generate plates in step S104 will be described in more detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device 414 to generate plates in step S104 in FIG. 6. In this operation, the control device 414 first determines whether a spot color plate needs to be created (S202). The control device 414 determines whether a spot color plate needs to be created based on instructions input by the user to the RIP program. Alternatively, instructions indicating at least a portion of the printing content to be performed by the printing device 412 may be associated with the input image, and the control device 414 may read these instructions to determine whether a spot color plate needs to be created. Then, if it is determined that a spot color plate needs to be created (S202, Yes), the control device 414 further determines whether transparency information is set in the input image (S204). That is, it determines whether opacity corresponding to the transparency information is set in the input image. The control device 414 determines that transparency information is present when the input image has an alpha channel and a value (alpha value) is set in the alpha channel at at least some pixel positions. If it is determined in step S204 that transparency information is present (Yes in S204), the control device 414 generates a spot color plate based on the transparency information (opacity) set in the input image (S206). The control device 414 generates a spot color plate that uses opacity to instruct the ejection of spot color ink by a method other than filling with a uniform density. The operation of the control device 414 to generate a spot color plate can also be considered as an operation of generating a spot color plate by reading the transparency information of the input image and converting the transparency information for the spot color.

[0081] After generating the spot color plate in step S206, the control device 414 generates plates (CMYK plates) corresponding to each process color, for example, using the same or similar method as known in the art (S208). The control device 414 in this example then combines the plates by associating the spot color plate generated in step S206 with the plates corresponding to each process color generated in step S208 (S210). This completes the plate generation operation. In this example, combining plates refers to associating multiple plates corresponding to different colors as plates corresponding to a single printing unit. A single printing unit is a unit corresponding to a printed product that is an independent print result. Following step S208, the control device 414 performs RIP processing in step S106. In this RIP processing, the control device 414 generates a raster image for each ink color based on the ink plates for each ink color combined in step S210. Therefore, combining the plates can be considered as combining a plurality of plates as the processing targets for the RIP process performed in step S106.

[0082] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S202 that a spot color plate does not need to be created (S202, No), the control device 414 skips steps S204 and S206 and proceeds to step S208. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S204 that transparency information is not set in the input image (S204, No), the control device 414 generates a spot color plate using another method without using transparency information (S212) and proceeds to step S208. In this case, the control device 414 generates a spot color plate using, for example, a method identical or similar to a known method. More specifically, in this case, the control device 414 generates a spot color plate indicating that spot color ink is to be ejected at a uniform density based on the input image. Examples of such a spot color plate include a spot color plate indicating that spot color ink is to be ejected at a uniform density over a rectangular image area, a spot color plate indicating that spot color ink is to be ejected at a uniform density over effective pixels, and the like. In step S212, the control device 414 may also input a spot color image in addition to the input image and generate a spot color plate based on this image. For example, an image created by a user using image editing software may be used.

[0083] Next, the operation of generating a spot color plate in the control device 414 will be described in more detail. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of generating a spot color plate based on an input image. FIG. 8A shows an example of the operation of generating a spot color plate based on the opacity set in the input image in this example. As described above, an image in which opacity is set in at least some pixels is used as the input image input to the control device 414 in this example. The control device 414 then generates a spot color plate based on the opacity set in the input image. In this way, the control device 414 generates a spot color plate that instructs the operation of ejecting spot color ink using a method other than filling with a uniform density, as shown in FIG. 8A, for example. As described above, a color image in which opacity is set in the alpha channel is used as the input image. Each pixel of this input image has a color and an opacity set, as shown in a simplified form on the left side of FIG. 8A. Each square in this figure represents a pixel (color pixel) of the input image. Furthermore, the hatched pattern in the square represents the color set in the pixel. Squares without a hatched pattern represent pixels without a color set. The numerical values ​​shown as percentages in some of the squares are transparency information corresponding to the opacity.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the transparency information value is 0%, which indicates the most opaque state, and 100%, which indicates the most transparent state. In contrast, the opacity set as the alpha value in the alpha channel indicates a completely transparent state at its minimum value and a completely opaque state at its maximum value. Therefore, the transparency information value shown in the figure is the inverse of the opacity gradation expressed in the alpha channel using a predetermined number of gradations. Also, in Figure 8, for convenience of illustration and explanation, the transparency information is expressed as a percentage value. In contrast, as described above, the opacity set in the alpha channel uses a predetermined multi-gradation value (gradation value), such as a 256-level value corresponding to 8 bits. The gradation here refers to the color level in a gradation that represents the shade of a color. Therefore, the transparency information actually has the same number of gradations as the opacity. The opacity of the input image may be set for at least some pixels in three or more levels, and is set for each pixel in multiple levels, for example, 16 or more levels (4 bits or more), preferably 256 or more levels (8 bits or more).

[0085] FIG. 8A also shows a simplified view of the spot color plate generated by the control device 414 based on the input image shown on the left, shown on the right. Each square in this figure represents a pixel in the spot color plate. The percentage values ​​shown in some squares represent pixel values ​​set for the corresponding pixels. A pixel value indicates the color density set for a pixel. FIG. 8A shows an example in which the pixel values ​​of each pixel in the spot color plate are set to the same value as the transparency information set for the corresponding pixel in the input image. In this case, the pixel values ​​of each pixel in the spot color plate can also be considered to be the inverse of the opacity gradation set in the alpha channel of the input image. The pixel values ​​of each pixel in the spot color plate may differ from the transparency information of the input image, depending on the purpose of the spot color layer, etc. In this case, the control device 414 generates a spot color plate in which the pixel values ​​of each pixel are set to a value with a predetermined number of gradations based on the transparency information (opacity) of the input image. For example, the control device 414 may set a pixel value for each pixel of the spot color layer that does not invert the opacity gradation set in the alpha channel of the input image. For example, the control device 414 may set a value that inverts the opacity gradation, or a value that performs a predetermined adjustment on a value that does not invert the opacity gradation. This adjustment may involve, for example, gamma correction. This configuration allows for more appropriate generation of a spot color layer suited to the intended use of the spot color layer, based on the transparency information in the input image.

[0086] Also, in FIG. 8 , for convenience of illustration and explanation, the pixel values ​​of the spot color plate are also shown as percentages. In actual operation, the pixel values ​​of the spot color plate also use predetermined multi-tone values. Based on the transparency information of the input image, the control device 414 generates a spot color plate in which the pixel value of each pixel is represented by 16 or more levels (4 bits or more), preferably 256 or more levels (8 bits or more), with at least three or more gradations. In this example, the control device 414 sets 256 levels corresponding to 8 bits as the pixel value of the spot color plate. This configuration makes it possible to generate a spot color plate that corresponds to an operation of ejecting spot color ink using a method other than filling with a uniform density. The spot color plate can also be considered as a grayscale image corresponding to the spot color. The spot color plate can also be considered to indicate the ink duty of the spot color for each pixel. The operation of the control device 414 to generate such a spot color plate can also be considered as an operation of adjusting the ink duty of the spot color plate based on the opacity set in the alpha channel of the input image.

[0087] As described above, the control device 414 in this example generates a spot color plate using the opacity set as an alpha value in the alpha channel of the input image. On the other hand, if one simply considers preparing a spot color plate, it is possible to generate the spot color plate based on the color image represented by the input image without using opacity, as shown in FIG. 8( b), for example. FIG. 8( b) is a reference example different from the operation shown in FIG. 8( a), illustrating an example of an operation for generating a spot color plate without using the opacity set in the input image. The left side of FIG. 8( b) shows the same input image as FIG. 8( a). In this case, too, opacity is set for at least some pixels of the input image, as indicated by the transparency information shown as a percentage in the figure. However, in this reference example, the transparency information of the input image is not reflected in the spot color plate, as shown on the right side of the figure. The right side of FIG. 8( b) shows a simplified view of at least a portion of the spot color plate generated in this reference example.

[0088] When generating a spot color plate using the operation of this reference example, the control device 414 identifies valid pixels, which are pixels in the input image that are set to a certain color, and assigns a predetermined constant pixel value to pixels of the spot color plate that correspond to the valid pixels of the input image. In the left diagram of FIG. 8( b), the pixels marked with a shaded pattern are valid pixels. The control device 414 assigns a pixel value corresponding to the value indicated as 100% in the diagram to pixels of the spot color plate shown in the right diagram that correspond to the valid pixels of the input image. Even with this configuration, a spot color plate corresponding to the input image can be generated. Another possible method for generating a spot color plate without using opacity is to assign a predetermined constant pixel value to all pixels included in an image area corresponding to the entire input image. Even with this configuration, a spot color plate corresponding to the input image can be generated. Furthermore, the method for generating a spot color plate without using opacity can also be applied to an input image for which opacity is not set. However, when generating a spot color plate using these methods without using opacity, a spot color plate that supports the ejection of spot color ink at a uniform density is generated. Therefore, it is difficult to generate a spot color plate that shows various ink ejection patterns. Such a spot color plate can also be considered a plate that corresponds to a binary image. In contrast, in this example, as shown in FIG. 8A, for example, the pixel values ​​set for the pixels of the spot color plate can be made different for each pixel. This also makes it possible to generate spot color plates that show various ink ejection patterns.

[0089] Next, supplementary explanations and variations of the configuration described above will be provided. As described above, in this example, a spot color plate is generated based on the opacity set in the alpha channel of an input image, allowing the spot color plate to be automatically generated without the user having to separately prepare an image or the like that will be the basis for the spot color plate. This allows the spot color plate to be easily generated without the user having to manually create spot color plate data using image editing software. Furthermore, in this example, the control device 414 generates the spot color plate in accordance with the RIP program, eliminating the need for image editing software separate from the RIP program. Furthermore, in this example, generating a spot color plate based on opacity allows the user to easily generate a spot color plate that instructs the ejection of spot color ink using a method other than filling with a uniform density, as needed.

[0090] As described above, the printing device 412 in this example is a color printer that performs color printing using inkjet printing with multiple colors of ink. The colors expressed by the inks used in the printing device 412 are colors (object colors) that result from the reflection, absorption, or transmission of light that strikes an object. When, as in this example, basic color inks for subtractive color mixing are used as the process color inks, it may be necessary to form a background ink layer. For example, when printing on a translucent medium such as film, acrylic, or glass, or on a colored medium, it may be necessary to form a background light-reflective ink layer. In this case, the printing device 412 forms a white layer, such as a white ink layer, as a special color layer corresponding to such an ink layer. In this case, depending on the design to be expressed in the printed material, it may be desirable to form the white layer by a method other than filling in the white layer with a uniform density. For example, when attempting to express a color image with a transparent feel in the color layers, forming a background ink layer such as a white layer with a uniform density may result in the transparency of the color image being lost due to the influence of the background. Furthermore, if the background color becomes too prominent, it may appear unnatural and affect the quality of the printed material. Furthermore, if an ink layer is formed at a uniform density, the medium is covered by the background ink layer, making it difficult to print while taking advantage of the medium's color. In contrast, according to this example, as described above, it is possible to easily generate a spot color plate that instructs the ejection of spot color ink using a method other than filling in at a uniform density, as needed. This allows for more appropriate formation of a spot color layer that is less likely to appear unnatural, even when you want to express transparency in at least a portion of the color image drawn on the printed material or when you want to utilize the color of the underlying medium.

[0091] As described above, an industrial inkjet printer or the like can be suitably used as the printing device 412. In particular, inkjet printers for various applications that use special color inks can be suitably used. An example of such an inkjet printer is a DTF (Direct to Film / Digital Transfer Film) printer that prints on a transfer film. In this case, the printing device 412 forms a color layer on the transfer medium and then forms a white layer on top of it, which serves as a special color layer. By forming such a white layer, an ink layer that serves as a background for the color layer after the image is transferred from the transfer medium to the transfer medium can be formed. This also allows for appropriate color expression in the color layer while suppressing the influence of the color of the transfer medium. In this case, forming a white layer on top of the color layer can also improve the adhesion of transfer powder (hot melt powder). Therefore, this configuration allows the transfer powder to be properly applied to locations, such as where thin lines are expressed, in the color layer.

[0092] As described above, the input image in this example uses an image in which opacity corresponding to transparency information is set in the alpha channel. The input image can also be considered as data in a file format in which color information representing a color image and transparency information are set for each pixel. In this case, information representing colors in various known formats can be suitably used as color information. For example, RGB information, which represents colors in the RGB color system, can be used. The control device 414 generates CMYK plates, which correspond to each color of the process color, based on the RGB information, and generates spot color plates based on the transparency information. It is also possible to use CMYK information, which represents colors in the CMYK color system (YMCK color system), as color information for the input image. In this case, the control device 414 generates CMYK plates based on the CMYK information, and generates spot color plates based on the transparency information. It is also possible to use an input image in which both RGB information and CMYK information are set as color information. In this case, the control device 414 generates a CMYK plate based on at least one of the RGB information and the CMYK information, and generates a spot color plate based on the transparency information.

[0093] In addition, in a modified configuration and operation of the printing system 410, it is also possible to set information other than opacity in the alpha channel of the input image. In this case, the control device 414 generates a spot color plate based on the information set in the alpha channel in the same or similar manner as the above-described operation. It is also possible to represent an image created by a user using image editing software in the alpha channel of the input image. In this case, the user may have to take the time and effort of creating the image in advance, but the subsequent process of generating a spot color plate can be performed using the same procedure as when using an input image with transparency information set in the alpha channel. Therefore, with this configuration, in the printing system 410 using an input image with transparency information set in the alpha channel, it is possible to specify the position where spot color ink is to be ejected more directly and in detail as needed. This allows the printing system 410 to appropriately generate a wider variety of spot color plates.

[0094] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 610 that uses a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9( a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 610. FIG. 9( b) shows an example of the configuration of a printing device 612 in the printing system 610. FIG. 9( c) shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 702 in the printing device 612. FIG. 9( d) shows an example of the configuration of a printed material produced by printing in the printing system 610. Except as described below, the printing system 610 and each unit of the printing system 610 may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their respective units. The printing system 610 of this example includes a printing device 612 and a control device 614. The printing device 612 is a device that performs printing under the control of the control device 614 in the printing system 610. A known industrial inkjet printer or the like can be suitably used as the printing device 612. Furthermore, the printing device 612 in this example is a color printer that performs color printing using inkjet printing with multiple colors of ink, and has a head unit 702, a base unit 704, a scan drive unit 706, and a control unit 710, as shown in FIG. 9(b), for example.

[0095] The head unit 702 is configured to eject ink onto the printing medium 650 and includes multiple inkjet heads 703, as shown in FIG. 9C . In this example, the head unit 702 includes inkjet heads 703 for each process color and inkjet heads 703 for specific spot colors. In this example, the inkjet heads 703 for each process color include inkjet heads 703 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The inkjet heads 703 for specific colors include an inkjet head 703 for white (W) and an inkjet head 703 for a primer ink, which is an ink used as a primer. Process colors are the basic colors used for color expression. Process colors can also be considered to be colors used as basic colors for color expression using a subtractive color mixture method in color printing performed by the printing device 612. Spot colors are inks of colors different from the process color inks. A spot color can also be considered 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 to be a color treated as a spot color due to the specifications of the printing device 612. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the multiple inkjet heads 703 included in the head unit 702 of this example are aligned in a predetermined sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) preset in the printing device 612 and arranged in a main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. Each inkjet head 703 has a nozzle row in which multiple nozzles are aligned at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. The multiple inkjet heads 703 of the head unit 702 may be arranged in a different manner from the above. For example, the head unit 702 may have inkjet heads 703 for colors different from those described above, or inkjet heads 703 for spot colors different from those described above.

[0096] The base unit 704 is a platform-shaped member that supports the medium 650 at a position facing the head unit 702. The scan driver 706 is a driver that causes the head unit 702 to perform a scanning operation, moving relatively to the medium 650. Having the head unit 702 perform a scanning operation can also be considered as having the inkjet head 703 of the head unit 702 perform a scanning operation. In this example, the scan driver 706 causes the head unit 702 to perform a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation as scanning operations. The main scanning operation is an operation (scanning operation) in which ink is ejected while moving in the main scanning direction relative to the medium 650. The sub-scanning operation is an operation in which ink is moved in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium 650. The scan driver 706 causes the head unit 702 to perform a sub-scanning operation between main scanning operations, thereby changing the portion of the medium 650 that faces the head unit 702 with each main scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation can also be considered as a feeding operation for feeding the medium 650 relative to the head unit 702 .

[0097] The control unit 710 is, for example, a CPU of the printing device 612, and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 612. The control unit 710 in this example receives RIP-generated data, which is data generated by performing RIP processing (Raster Image Processor processing), from the control device 614, and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 612 based on this RIP-generated data. In addition to the above configuration, the printing device 612 may further have the same or similar configuration as known printing devices. For example, the printing device 612 may further have a fixing unit that fixes ink to the medium 650.

[0098] The control device 614 controls the operation of the printing device 612 by supplying RIP-generated data generated by RIP processing to the printing device 612. A suitable example of the control device 614 is a computer such as a PC that executes a program for RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as a RIP program). The control device 614 in this example 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 612. 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. The printing process performed by the printing device 612 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 614 functions as a job generation device that executes a job generation method by generating jobs in accordance with the job management program.

[0099] In addition, the job in this example indicates an image to be printed by the printing device 612 and printing conditions for printing to be performed based on this image. The image to be printed by the printing device 612 is an example of a processing-corresponding image, which is an image associated with image-corresponding processing. Furthermore, the printing conditions are an example of conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on the processing-corresponding image. In other words, the job indicates a processing-corresponding image and conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed based on the processing-corresponding image. In addition, the control device 614 in this example generates a multi-layer printing job, which causes the printing device 612 to perform printing to form multiple ink layers, as a job indicating a printing process. The multi-layer printing job may be, for example, a job for multi-layer printing of three or more layers. Furthermore, the multi-layer printing job in this example is an example of a multiple-image job, which is a job corresponding to multiple processing-corresponding images. A multiple-image job is a job indicating conditions for image-corresponding processing to be performed for each of multiple processing-corresponding images. The multi-layer printing job indicates, for each ink layer, a processing-corresponding image corresponding to that ink layer and the printing conditions used when forming that ink layer, for multiple ink layers to be formed by the printing device 612. The image associated with an ink layer (processing-corresponding image) is an image corresponding to a plate showing the print content of that ink layer. The multi-layer printing job can also be thought of as indicating the plate for each layer in multi-layer printing and the printing conditions used when forming each layer.

[0100] Regarding a multiple-image job, which is a broader 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 also be considered to be a job that indicates the same or similar matters as a composite job that combines multiple single-image jobs. A composite job is a job that handles multiple single-image jobs collectively. Alternatively, it can be considered a job that is generated by combining multiple jobs that cause the printing device 612 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 to be a job that causes the printing device 612 to perform a first printing process and a second printing process. The first printing process is an image-corresponding process that forms an ink layer corresponding to the first process-corresponding image by printing an image based on a first process-corresponding image. The second printing process is 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.

[0101] The printing device 612 of this example receives RIP-generated data generated by the control device 614 based on a multi-layer printing job from the control device 614, and performs printing operations based on this RIP-generated data to create a printed material in which multiple ink layers are formed on a medium 650, as shown in FIG. 9D . In the example shown in FIG. 9D , the printing device 612 forms multiple ink layers on the medium 650, including a primer layer 652, a white layer 654, a white layer 656, and a color layer 658. The primer layer 652 is an ink layer formed with primer ink. The white layer 654 and the white layer 656 are ink layers formed with white ink. The primer layer 652, the white layer 654, and the white layer 656 are ink layers formed with only one spot color ink. Furthermore, the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, and the white layer 656 of this example are examples of spot color layers, which are ink layers formed with spot color ink. The special color layer can also be considered as an ink layer formed using only special color ink. The special color layer can also be considered as an ink layer formed using one color of special color ink. The color layer 658 is an ink layer formed using process color ink. The color layer 658 can also be considered as an ink layer on which a color image is drawn.

[0102] When causing the printing device 612 to perform the above-described multi-layer printing, the control device 614 in this example generates a multi-layer printing job in accordance with a job management program, which indicates the formation of the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, the white layer 656, and the color layer 658 as described above. Then, the control device 614 generates RIP-generated data based on this multi-layer printing job in accordance with a RIP program. In this case, the control device 614 generates the multi-layer printing job using a template prepared in advance. The operation of the control device 614 to generate the multi-layer printing job using the template will be described in more detail below.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that the control device 614 presents to the user when generating a job. This screen shows an example of a screen when the control device 614 generates a multi-layer printing job using a template. The control device 614 displays a display screen having an input image display section 802, a template selection button 804, a processing condition display section 806, a numerical input section 808, and an execute button 810 in accordance with a job management program. The control device 614 then generates a multi-layer printing job based on user instructions received via this display screen. Among the components of this display screen, the input image display section 802 displays an input image, which is an image input to the job management program. The input image is an image that serves as the basis for the processing-related image. The control device 614 reads an image specified by the user as an input image and displays it on the input image display section 802. In the example shown in FIG. 10, a color image representing an image drawn with process color inks and a spot color image representing an image drawn with spot color inks are used as input images. This color image is an image drawn by the color layer 658 (see FIG. 9 ). This color image can also be considered an image representing the design to be expressed by printing. This color image can also be considered an image corresponding to a color printing plate. The spot color image is an image representing the positions where spot color ink is ejected in the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, and the white layer 656 (see FIG. 9 ). The spot color image can also be considered an image corresponding to a spot color plate (spot color plate). The color image and spot color image in this example are examples of processing-compatible images. The example shown in FIG. 10 is an example in which a processing-compatible image is input as an input image. The control device 614 may also generate the spot color image based on a color image. In this case, too, the spot color image generated from the color image is an input image input to the job management program. In this case, the spot color image can also be considered an input image generated based on another input image. Depending on the configuration of the job management program, the spot color image generated from the color image may not be considered an input image, and only the color image may be considered an input image.

[0104] The template selection button 804 is a button that accepts an instruction to select a template from the user. When the user presses the template selection button 804, the control device 614 displays a list of selectable templates and accepts an instruction to select a template from the user. The control device 614 then loads the template selected by the user and reflects the items specified in the template in the processing condition display unit 806. The template in this example specifies at least a portion of the printing conditions by specifying favorite settings for at least some of the ink layers. A favorite setting is a setting that specifies at least a portion of the printing conditions in association with one processing-compatible image. The favorite setting in this example specifies at least a portion of the printing conditions for one ink layer. In the illustrated example, the template specifies favorite settings individually for each of the multiple ink layers formed on the medium 650: the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, the white layer 656, and the color layer 658. 10, the template specifies favorite settings indicated as fav4-1 in the figure for the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, the white layer 656, and the color layer 658. These favorite settings specify 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. The favorite settings specify the profile (color profile) to be used for color adjustment regarding the color adjustment method.

[0105] The processing condition display unit 806 displays the processing conditions, etc., of the multi-layer printing job. In this example, the processing condition display unit 806 displays the image (read image) read as the input image and at least a portion of the printing conditions for each ink layer formed by the multi-layer printing job. The processing condition display unit 806 displays multiple items for each ink layer. In the example of FIG. 10 , these multiple items include output, feed information, plate information, read image, favorites, and favorite information. The output item indicates the data layer, which is a layer on the data associated with the ink layer formed by the multi-layer printing job. The order of the data layers is shown to correspond to the order in which the ink layers are formed on the medium 650. In FIG. 10 , the primer layer 652 is the first data layer, the white layer 654 is the second data layer, and the white layer 656 and color layer 658 are the third data layer. The order of the data layers shown in the output item in this example is related to the method of performing the sub-scanning operation. As described above, the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, and the white layer 656 in this example are examples of special color layers. The printing device 612 ejects ink at each position on the medium 650 by performing main scanning and sub-scanning operations. The printing device 612 can also simultaneously form a portion of a color layer and a portion of a special color layer with a single main scanning operation. For example, when using the head unit 702 configured as shown in FIG. 9C , a portion of the color layer and a portion of the special color layer can be simultaneously formed with a single main scanning operation by using only a portion of the nozzles (a portion in the sub-scanning direction) of the nozzle row of the inkjet head 703 for the process color ink and by using only a portion of the nozzles of the nozzle row of the inkjet head 703 for one of the special color inks so that the nozzles do not overlap with the nozzles in the sub-scanning direction. For example, like the data layer shown as the third layer in the output item in the processing condition display section 806 in Figure 10, the color layer and the special color layer, which are partially formed at the same time in this way, can be grouped together and associated with one data layer.As a modification of the configuration of the head unit 702, it is also possible to arrange the inkjet heads 703 for process color inks and the inkjet heads 703 for spot colors so that their positions in the sub-scanning direction are offset. In this case, it is also possible to simultaneously form a portion of a color layer and a portion of a spot color layer in a single main scanning operation while using all the nozzles of each inkjet head 703. In such a case, the color layer and the spot color layer, which are partially formed simultaneously in a single main scanning operation, can be combined and associated with a single data layer. It is also possible to form multiple spot color layers of different colors as ink layers, which are partially formed simultaneously in a single main scanning operation. In this case, it is also possible to combine and associate the multiple spot color layers with a single data layer.

[0106] In the illustrated example, the processing condition display unit 806 displays the correspondence between ink layers and data layers in the "feed information" section. The "feed information" section relates to feed division, which is performed to simultaneously form a portion of a color layer and a portion of a spot color layer in a single main scanning operation. Feed division is information that specifies the inkjet heads 703 corresponding to the first and second heads, when, like the relationship between the inkjet heads 703 for process color inks and the inkjet heads 703 for spot color inks described above, only some of the nozzles in the nozzle row of the first head are used and only some of the nozzles in the nozzle row of the second head are used so as not to overlap with the nozzles in the sub-scanning direction. In the illustrated example, the "feed information" section indicates that portions of the white layer 656 and the color layer 658 are simultaneously formed in a single main scanning operation.

[0107] The plate information item indicates the purpose of the ink layer, etc. When multilayer printing is performed as in this example, the plate information can also be considered as layer information indicating the purpose of each layer in the multilayer printing. In the example of FIG. 10 , the plate information item displays a symbol P indicating that the primer layer 652 is a primer layer, a symbol W indicating that the white layers 654 and 656 are white layers, and a symbol Color indicating that the color layer 658 is a color layer. The read image item indicates the image to be processed for each ink layer. The processing condition display unit 806 in this example displays thumbnail images of the input image, which is the process-compatible image for that ink layer, for each ink layer. In the example of FIG. 10 , the read image item displays thumbnail images of the spot color image from the input image for the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, and the white layer 656, and a thumbnail image of the color image from the input image for the color layer 658. The favorites item indicates the favorite settings for each ink layer. As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , the template specifies favorite settings, indicated as fav4 to fav1 in the figure, for the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, the white layer 656, and the color layer 658. The favorites item displays the names of these favorite settings for each ink layer. The favorite information item displays at least some of the printing conditions specified in the favorite settings. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the favorite information item displays the print resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method for each ink layer.

[0108] The numerical input unit 808 is an input unit that accepts numerical input from the user regarding at least some of the printing conditions. The numerical input unit 808 can also be considered an input unit that accepts input from the user specifying at least some of the printing conditions that are not specified in the favorite settings. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the numerical input unit 808 accepts numerical input from the user regarding 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 614 to accept instructions from the user regarding printing conditions that are not specified in the favorite settings. The numerical input unit 808 also accepts instructions from the user regarding printing conditions that are not specified in the template. The numerical input unit 808 may also accept instructions from the user to change the values ​​of printing conditions specified in the template or favorite settings. The execute button 810 is a button that accepts an instruction from the user to execute job generation. When the user presses the execute button 810, the control device 614 generates a job, such as a multi-layer printing job, in accordance with the job management program and based on the items displayed in the input image display unit 802, the processing condition display unit 806, and the numerical input unit 808. As a result, the control device 614 generates a job based on the template and the input image. According to this example, for example, by using a template, it is possible to easily and appropriately specify printing conditions for each of the multiple ink layers formed in multi-layer printing. Furthermore, by individually specifying favorite settings for each ink layer, it is possible to easily specify individual conditions for each ink layer as needed. In this example, specifying printing conditions for each ink layer in multi-layer printing can be considered to specify conditions for multiple image-corresponding processes corresponding to multiple processing-corresponding images.

[0109] Here, the process in which the printing device 612 forms the color layer 658 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 is a process in which the color layer 658 is formed, and a color image is used as the input image. That is, the printing device 612 performs the first printing process using a color image showing content corresponding to at least a portion of the input image as the first processing corresponding image. Also, the process in which the printing device 612 forms the spot color layers, such as the primer layer 652 and the white layer 654, is an example of the second printing process described above. In this case, the second printing process is a process in which the spot color layers are formed so that at least a portion of the spot color layer overlaps at least a portion of the color layer 658. As can be understood from the above description, the printing device 612 in this example forms the primer layer 652 and the white layer 654 on the medium 650, and then forms the white layer 656 and the color layer 658. That is, in this example, the printing device 612 first performs the second printing process, and then performs the first printing process. In a modified example of the operation of the printing device 612, the printing device 612 may first perform the first printing process and then the second printing process.

[0110] As described above, the favorite settings in this example specify at least a portion of the printing conditions for one ink layer. Even when performing multi-layer printing, it is possible to use only the favorite settings without using a template. In this case, if the user specifies the favorite settings individually for each ink layer, the printing conditions for each layer can be set. However, this requires the user to specify the favorite settings for each ink layer, which requires a lot of work from the user. Furthermore, when performing multi-layer printing, it may be preferable to set different printing conditions for each ink layer. In this case, it may be difficult to properly set the printing conditions for each layer without sufficient knowledge of the performance of the printing device 612. As a result, depending on the user's experience and skills, it may be difficult to properly specify the printing conditions for each layer. Furthermore, when the user specifies the favorite settings individually for each ink layer, the user must separately specify the feed information and other items displayed in the processing condition display unit 806. However, depending on the user's experience and skills, it may be difficult to properly set the feed information and other items.

[0111] In contrast, in this example, by using a template, favorite settings for each of multiple ink layers can be specified collectively. This allows the user to appropriately specify printing conditions for each ink layer without requiring significant effort. Furthermore, the control device 614 in this example appropriately sets values ​​for each ink layer for the output, plate information, and feed information items in the processing condition display unit 806 based on the template. Therefore, even a user lacking experience or skills can easily and appropriately set printing conditions for multi-layer printing. Furthermore, the control device 614 in this example accepts numerical input from the user for at least some of the printing conditions, for example, via the numerical input unit 808. Therefore, according to this example, printing conditions can be specified (condition registration) using a template while accepting input of numerical values, etc., from the user as needed. Furthermore, as described above, in this example, the process of forming the color layer 658 is an example of a first printing process. The processes of forming the primer layer 652, the white layer 654, etc. are an example of a second printing process. 10 , the printing conditions for the color layer 658 differ from the printing conditions for the primer layer 652 and the white layer 654 in terms of the resolution, passes, and other specifications. That is, based on one template, the control device 614 determines first conditions, which are at least a part of the printing conditions for the first printing process, and second conditions, which are at least a part of the printing conditions for the second printing process and which differ at least in part from the first conditions. The second conditions are conditions that differ from the first conditions in terms of the printing resolution, etc. By specifying different printing conditions for each ink layer as necessary, the printing device 612 can perform multi-layer printing.

[0112] As described above, the control device 614 of this example specifies the printing conditions for each ink layer in multilayer printing, such as the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method, based on favorite settings specified in a template. The control device 614 can also specify at least a portion of the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method without relying on favorite settings. For example, it is possible to directly specify at least a portion of the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method using a template. Alternatively, at least a portion of the resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method may be specified based on a user instruction, rather than relying on favorite settings. In this case, the control device 614 displays condition options to the user based on the template and accepts the user's instruction by the user selecting one of the options. Alternatively, the control device 614 may accept input of values ​​corresponding to the conditions from the user, rather than selecting one of the options.

[0113] Furthermore, printing conditions for multilayer printing can be classified according to whether or not they are related to the model and performance of the printing device 612. For example, among the printing conditions shown in FIG. 10 , the items related to feed division shown in the Feed Information section and the items related to layer settings shown in the Plate Information section are not directly dependent on the specific model and performance of the printing device 612. These items indicate how layers are stacked and how each layer is formed in multilayer printing. Printing conditions for multilayer printing are printing conditions that combine printing conditions for each layer. These items can also be considered items that abstract the combined state. Such abstract printing conditions can be considered Level 1 conditions. In addition to the items listed 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, printing conditions for multilayer printing can be more specific than Level 1 conditions, but more abstract than conditions such as resolution and number of passes. Such conditions may include, for example, items corresponding to the contents of a production instruction sheet specifying conditions related to normal printing operations, or items corresponding to the contents of a production instruction sheet specifying conditions related to the placement of jigs used in printing. Such printing conditions may be considered to be level 2 conditions, which are more specific than level 1. Furthermore, printing conditions related to multi-layer printing may also include conditions that are closely related to the specific model and performance of the printing device 612, such as resolution and number of passes. Such conditions may include, for example, conditions related to how color adjustment is performed. Such printing conditions may be considered to be level 3 conditions, which are more specific than level 1 and level 2 conditions.

[0114] The template in this example uses settings that specify at least some of the level 3 conditions as favorite settings associated with ink layers. As described above, the favorite settings specify printing conditions such as print resolution, number of passes, and color adjustment method. The template then specifies at least some of the level 3 conditions related to the ink layer based on the favorite settings associated with the ink layer. This configuration allows specific printing conditions tailored to the printing device 612 to be used to be specified without directly specifying specific conditions such as level 3 conditions in the template. It is also possible to specify abstract level 1 conditions directly in the template without using favorite settings. It is also possible to specify level 2 conditions in either the template or favorite settings. Alternatively, it is also possible to accept user specifications for level 2 conditions, etc., via the numerical input unit 808, etc. In this case, the control device 614 may specify some of the printing conditions based on user instructions without using a template.

[0115] Furthermore, abstract conditions such as level 1 conditions can be used commonly for multiple models of printing devices 612. For example, if a favorite setting is used that is specified by a common name for multiple models of printing devices 612 while specific printing conditions are specified according to the model of the printing device 612, the entire template can be used commonly for multiple models of printing devices 612. For example, by using a favorite setting that includes settings for multiple models of printing devices 612, it is possible to specify settings tailored to the model of the printing device 612 using a single favorite setting. This configuration allows one template to be used commonly for multiple models of printing devices 612. It is also possible to use a template that specifies only printing conditions that can be shared among multiple models of printing devices 612, such as level 1 conditions or part of level 2 conditions. The control device 614 receives an instruction from the user to select favorite settings to be used in conjunction with the template and generates a job based on the template and favorite settings. In this case, the template can be considered to specify conditions that are more abstract than the favorite settings. Even in this configuration, one template can be used in common for a plurality of models of printing device 612.

[0116] Next, the method of creating and using a template in this example will be described in more detail. FIG. 11 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. As described above, when performing multi-layer printing, it is also possible to generate a multi-layer printing job using only favorite settings without using a template. The control device 614 may also 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. The composite job in FIG. 11 is an example of a multi-layer printing job previously created without using a template. A composite job is a job in which multiple jobs that form a single ink layer are combined. By extracting at least some of the printing conditions from this multi-layer printing job, a template with the contents shown as a composite template in the figure is created. A composite template is a template that indicates at least some of the printing conditions of a composite job. Also, in FIG. 11 , for convenience of illustration and explanation, the compositing template includes only items related to level 1 conditions. The compositing template may further include level 2 and level 3 conditions, etc. The compositing template may further include conditions related to favorite settings used when generating the compositing job, etc. Furthermore, the control device 614 in this example generates a new compositing job by applying the created template to a new input image, for example, as shown in the figure. In this way, by replacing the input image, multiple jobs can be easily generated from a single template. This also makes it possible to easily cause the printing device 612 to print using the same printing conditions but with only the image to be printed changed.

[0117] The control device 614 creates a template, for example, through the operations shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the template creation operation, illustrating an example of the operation executed by the control device 614 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. 12 , the control device 614 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). It is conceivable that this multi-layer printing job uses a job created in the past without using a template. The operations of steps S104 and S106 in this example are examples of the operation of the condition extraction process and the condition extraction stage. The condition extraction process and the condition extraction stage are processes and stages 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 is a file that is read to specify printing conditions when the job is created. An example of an external file is a file indicating favorite settings. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a profile file associated with the color adjustment method specified in the printing conditions as the external file.

[0118] Following the above operations, the control device 614 creates a template based on the parameter portion of the multi-layer printing job extracted in step S104 and the information related to the external file extracted in step S106 (S108). The operation of step S108 in this example is an example of the operation of the template creation process and template creation stage. In step S108, the control device 614 creates a template that specifies printing conditions that correspond to at least some of the printing conditions of the multi-layer printing job used in steps S102 to S106.

[0119] The control device 614 then generates a job using the template through the operation shown in FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of generating a job using a template, and illustrates an example of the operation executed by the control device 614 in accordance with a job management program when generating a job. In the operation shown in FIG. 13 , the control device 614 selects a template to be used based on, for example, a user instruction (S202). The control device 614 reads the selected template and determines at least some of the printing conditions to be specified for the job to be created based on the template. Furthermore, if favorite settings are specified for the template, the control device 614 determines at least some of the printing conditions based on the specified favorite settings. In step S202, the control device 614 displays at least some of the determined printing conditions in the processing condition display unit 806. Then, the control device 614 selects an image to be used as an input image based on, for example, a user instruction (S204). The control device 614 reads the selected input image and displays it on the input image display unit 802. In step S204, the control device 614 selects multiple input images as necessary. The control device 614 then assigns images to each ink layer in multi-layer printing, for example, based on a user instruction (S206). The control device 614 determines the image to be assigned to each ink layer, for example, based on a user dragging one of the input images displayed in the input image display unit 802 to the position of the scanned image for that ink layer in the processing condition display unit 806. In this example, the image assigned to each ink layer is an example of the process-compatible image described above. The operation of step S206 is also an example of the process-compatible image determination process and the process-compatible image determination stage. The process-compatible image determination process and the process-compatible image determination stage are processes and stages for determining process-compatible images based on input images. After performing the above operations, the control device 614 generates a job based on the image and printing conditions displayed in the processing condition display unit 806, for example, in response to a user operation of pressing the execute button 810 on the display screen, and inputs the job to the RIP program (RIP software) (S208). The operation of step S208 in this example is an example of the job generation process and the job generation stage.The operation of the control device 614 in step S208 is an example of an operation for generating a multi-layer printing job based on a template that indicates at least some of the printing conditions for multi-layer printing.

[0120] By combining the operations shown in Figures 12 and 13, multiple print jobs for forming color layers and at least one spot color layer can be generated under the same printing conditions while differentiating the images to be drawn on the color layers. The control device 614 generates an initial job using functions such as an RIP program or a job management program. In the operation of generating the initial job, the control device 614 registers the model of the printer to be used as the printing device 612 and then loads an image to be drawn in printing corresponding to the initial job (hereinafter referred to as Image A). Image A may be, for example, a color image. Then, the control device 614 generates an image corresponding to the spot color plate for the spot color to be used in printing based on Image A. The control device 614 may load a separate image corresponding to the spot color plate rather than generating the image corresponding to the spot color plate from Image A. The control device 614 generates a job (hereinafter referred to as Job A) by combining Image A and the image corresponding to the spot color plate and specifying the printing conditions. The operation of generating Job A is the operation of generating the initial job without using a template. Then, the control device 614 uses the function of the job management program to create a template from job A through the operations shown in Figures 11 and 12. Thereafter, the control device 614 inputs image B, which is different from image A, as an input image and assigns it to a color layer, for example, through the operations shown in Figure 13, thereby generating a new job to print image B.

[0121] Next, supplementary explanations and variations of the configurations described above will be provided. For ease of explanation, the following description may refer to the configuration of this example, including the configurations described above and the variations described below. As described above, this example uses templates to easily and appropriately specify printing conditions for multi-layer printing and the like. Furthermore, by using such templates, data exchange between multiple computers (e.g., PCs) can be more easily achieved, even when there are multiple computers (e.g., PCs) running RIP programs and the like. Therefore, this example can streamline data exchange even when a user uses multiple work computers or when there are multiple remote locations. Furthermore, as described above, this example can also create templates using existing jobs created in the past. Using a template created in this way, a new job can be easily created by combining the parameter portion corresponding to the printing conditions and the like of an existing job with a different image, replacing the image in the existing job. This operation can also be considered as an operation of separating the portion corresponding to the image in the existing job from the parameter portion related to the printing conditions and replacing the image.

[0122] Furthermore, with regard to the specification of printing conditions, printing conditions are typically set based on the configuration of the printing device 612 that will perform printing, the characteristics (attributes) of the ink used, and other factors. Furthermore, in order to properly specify (set) various parameters in the printing conditions, it is usually necessary to understand the impact each parameter has on the printed product. Therefore, if a user were to individually set each parameter in 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 612, etc. In contrast, in this example, as described above, by specifying printing conditions based on a template when creating a job, even users without high levels of knowledge or skill can easily and appropriately specify printing conditions. Furthermore, in this example, the job management program function of the control device 614 also makes it easy to create templates based on existing jobs. Therefore, according to this example, even users with little knowledge or experience can easily create templates with simple operations that require few steps.

[0123] As described above, at least some of the printing conditions may be specified by specifying favorite settings in a template in association with ink layers. In other words, a 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 even when creating a template without using an existing job. Furthermore, by specifying favorite settings in a template, individual favorite settings can be specified for each ink layer when creating a multi-layer printing job. Printing conditions corresponding to jobs previously created using multiple favorite settings can also be easily reproduced using a single template. Furthermore, a new template can be created by changing the favorite settings specified in an existing template. Therefore, this example enhances the reusability of templates. This also reduces the amount of work required when creating a new template. It is also possible to specify printing conditions in the template in the same way as the favorite settings, rather than specifying existing favorite settings in the template.

[0124] As can be understood from the above description, the template in this example is applied to one or more input images and indicates at least a portion of the printing conditions associated with the input images. The control device 614 can also apply multiple templates to an input image input to generate a single job. For example, multiple templates specifying different parameters included in the printing conditions can be used. Alternatively, a template specifying the same parameters of the printing conditions can be used for at least some of the multiple templates. Parameters specified in multiple templates can be overwritten, for example, according to a predetermined order associated with the templates, so that the values ​​specified in one of the templates are used as the parameter values. The control device 614 can also apply a template to an existing job. The control device 614 specifies new conditions based on the template for at least a portion of the printing conditions specified in the existing job. This operation can also be considered an operation of generating a new job by inputting an existing job instead of an input image. In this case, the control device 614 generates a new multi-layer printing job based on the existing multi-layer printing job and the template in accordance with the job management program.

[0125] As described above, the multilayer printing job in this example is a job that causes the printing device 612 to form color layers and spot color layers. Color layers are layers of ink that depict a color image that displays the density of each process color in multiple gradations. Such color images can be images that display the density of each color in 8-bit or higher gradations. 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. For example, a clear layer can be formed on top of a color layer to serve as an overcoat layer. 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, at least a portion of the spot color layer overlaps the color layer across the medium. For example, a translucent medium can be used, with a color layer formed on one side of the medium and at least one spot color layer formed on the other side of the medium. As described above, in a multilayer printing job, the printing conditions for the color layers and the printing conditions for the spot color layers can be different. For example, special color layers such as primer layers, white layers, and clear layers are typically printed at a lower resolution than color layers without causing a decrease in print quality. Therefore, special color layers, such as primer layer 652 and white layer 654 in the configuration shown in FIG. 9( d ), for which ink is not ejected during the main scanning operation used to form the color layers, may be formed at a lower resolution than the color layers. Furthermore, the number of passes used to form these special color layers may be reduced compared to the number used to form the color layers. Furthermore, special color layers, such as white layer 656 in the configuration shown in FIG. 9( d ), for which ink is ejected during the main scanning operation used to form the color layers, preferably have the same resolution and number of passes as the color layers. In other words, the printing conditions for the special color layers may be 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 the resolution and number of passes for the color layers.

[0126] Furthermore, as described above, the control device 614 in this example differentiates the printing conditions corresponding to some ink layers (e.g., any spot color layer) from the printing conditions corresponding to any other ink layers (e.g., color layers) based on one template. Even when the control device 614 forms a job based on multiple templates, if the control device 614 differentiates the printing conditions corresponding to some ink layers from the printing conditions corresponding to any other ink layers with respect to the parameters of the printing conditions specified by the control device 614 based on one of the templates, this can also be considered as differing the printing conditions based on one template.

[0127] As described above, the input image input to the job management program of this embodiment uses a color image and a spot color image corresponding to the color layer and the spot color layer. As described above, the control device 614 may generate a spot color image based on a color image. In this case, the control device 614 automatically generates a spot color image based on a template and a color image input as an input image in accordance with the job management program. 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 a processing-compatible image corresponding to spot color ink. In this case, the printing process for forming the spot color layer uses the spot color image generated as described above as a processing-compatible image. This configuration allows spot color images to be generated even when spot color images are not prepared in advance as input images. This also makes it easier to perform multilayer printing using spot color inks. The control device 614 may generate multiple spot color images corresponding to multiple spot color layers based on a template and one color layer. In this case, the control device 614 generates multiple spot color images corresponding to different spot colors based on one color layer. In this example, by using a template, the printing conditions corresponding to the spot color layer that depicts the spot color image generated from the color image can be made different from the printing conditions for the color layers, as necessary. Furthermore, the control device 614 may make the printing conditions for some of the spot color layers that depict the spot color image generated from the color image different from the printing conditions for other spot color layers. As described above, printing conditions for multi-layer printing, etc., can be considered at different levels depending on whether or not they are related to the model, performance, etc., of the printing device 612. By using a template that specifies only printing conditions that are independent of the model, performance, etc., of the printing device 612, the job configuration can be shared across different models of the printing device 612, even when generating jobs for printing on different models of printing device 612. This allows at least some of the printing conditions for multi-layer printing jobs for other printing devices 612 to be easily reproduced when generating a new job.

[0128] A template for a multilayer printing job can also be considered to indicate the relationship between color layers and spot color layers. Alternatively, the template can be considered to indicate the inter-layer relationship in multilayer printing. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , the template indicates the uses of the color layers and spot color layers by specifying plate information. In this case, the template can be considered to indicate the inter-layer relationship by indicating the uses of the color layers and spot color layers. In this example, the template indicates that the spot color layer corresponding to the first data layer is a primer layer, and 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 also be considered to indicate the color of ink used to form the spot color layer as the use of the spot color layer. The template can also be considered to indicate information about the characteristics of the layer, such as a primer layer or a white layer, regarding the use of the spot color layer. The color layer corresponding to the third data layer of the template can also be considered to indicate that it is an ink layer that represents a color image. The control device 614 differentiates printing conditions corresponding to some ink layers from printing conditions corresponding to any other ink layers based on the inter-layer relationship indicated by the template. This configuration allows appropriate setting of printing conditions tailored to the application of each layer based on the template. This operation is an example of an operation for differentiating at least a portion of the second conditions from the first conditions. Furthermore, as described above, the control device 614 may generate spot color images corresponding to spot color plates based on color images. By basing the inter-layer relationship indicated by the template on the printing conditions, the control device 614 can more appropriately generate spot color images.

[0129] As described above, the template indicates, as at least a portion of the printing conditions, items that are not directly dependent on the specific model or performance of the printing device 612. The model of the printing device 612 that executes the printing process is an example of the model of the device that executes the image-related processing. The template indicates, for example, items related to plate information, as items that are not dependent on the model of the printing device 612 that executes the printing process. In this example, the template indicates not only information that is not dependent on the model of the printing device 612 that executes the printing process, but also items that are dependent on the model of the printing device 612 that executes the printing process, such as print resolution and number of passes. In contrast, in a modified example of the job generation method, a template that indicates only items that are not dependent on the model of the printing device 612 that executes the printing process may be used. In this case, in the job generation operation, the control device 614 generates the job based on the template and the model of the printing device 612 that executes the printing process. By using the model of the printing device 612, the control device 614 determines the printing conditions for each process-related image in the multi-layer printing job in accordance with the printing device 612 that executes the printing process. With this configuration, one template (the same template) can be used in common for various models of printing device 612. Furthermore, by generating a job taking into consideration the model of the printing device 612, it is possible to generate a multi-layer printing job that is tailored to the printing device 612 that will actually execute the printing process.

[0130] As described above, the control device 614 of this example generates a job based on an input image and a template. The control device 614 inputs the input image and the template into the job management program by reading an image data file representing the input image and a template file representing the template. The template file may be a file separate from the image data file. This allows a single template to be used to generate multiple jobs with different input images. In contrast, a variation of the template usage may involve using a file representing both the input image and the template. For example, a file representing both the input image and the template may be created by embedding a comment in the image data. The control device 614 acquires the template content by analyzing the comment in the input image when reading it. This allows the control device 614 to specify at least a portion of the printing conditions based on the template when generating a job.

[0131] As described above, the multi-layer printing job in this example is an example of a multi-image job, which is a job corresponding to multiple process-corresponding images. The operation of the control device 614 to generate a multi-layer printing job as described above is an operation to determine, for each process-corresponding image in the multi-image job, the conditions of the image-corresponding processing to be performed based on the process-corresponding image based on a template. Furthermore, the control device 614, based on the template, differentiates the conditions of the image-corresponding processing to be performed based on at least some of the process-corresponding images from the conditions of the image-corresponding processing to be performed based on any other process-corresponding images. In a modified example of a job generated by the control device 614, processing other than printing may be performed as the image-corresponding processing. In this case, the control device 614 generates a multi-image job other than a multi-layer printing job. For example, the control device 614 of the printing system 610 configured as shown in FIG. 14A also generates a multi-image job other than a multi-layer printing job.

[0132] FIG. 14 illustrates a modified example of a job generated by the control device 614. FIG. 14(a) shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 610 in this modified example. FIG. 14(b) shows an example of the content displayed by the control device 614 on the processing condition display unit 806 when a job is generated in this modified example. Except as described below, components in FIG. 14 designated with the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 9 to 13 have the same or similar features as those in FIGS. 9 to 13. In this modified example, the printing system 610 includes a printing device 612, a control device 614, and a cutting device 616. The printing device 612 and the control device 614 have the same or similar configurations as the printing device 612 and the control device 614 shown in FIG. 9(a). The cutting device 616 cuts at least a portion of a medium based on an image. In this example, the control device 614 also generates a job based on a template, performs RIP processing based on the job, and generates RIP-generated data. In this modified example, the control device 614 supplies the generated RIP-generated data to the printing device 612 and the cutting device 616, causing the printing device 612 to perform printing processing and the cutting device 616 to perform cutting processing. In this modified example, the printing device 612 also performs printing processing on a medium based on the RIP-generated data supplied from the control device 614. The cutting device 616 has a cutter and performs cutting processing on the medium based on the RIP-generated data supplied from the control device 614. The cutting device 616 performs cutting processing on the medium based on the processing-correspondence image of the job generated by the control device 614. The cutting device 616 performs cutting processing on the medium by moving the cutter relative to the medium along a line specified based on the processing-correspondence image. Such a cutting device 616 can also be considered a device that vector-scans the cutter based on the processing-correspondence image. A known cutting device can be suitably used as the cutting device 616. The function of the cutting device 616 may also be performed by the printing device 612, for example.

[0133] In this modified example, the job generated by the control device 614 is a multi-image job that indicates a processing-corresponding image corresponding to the printing process to be performed by the printing device 612 and a processing-corresponding image corresponding to the cutting process to be performed by the cutting device 616. In this modified example, the printing process to be performed by the printing device 612 is an image-corresponding process that prints an image based on a first processing-corresponding image on a medium, and the cutting process to be performed by the cutting device 616 is an image-corresponding process that cuts the medium based on a second processing-corresponding image. In this modified example, the control device 614 also generates a job based on a template in accordance with a job management program. Then, in the operation of generating a job, the control device 614 determines 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.

[0134] The template of this modification also specifies favorite settings corresponding to the printing process and the cutting process. The control device 614 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. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14B , the row labeled "Color" in the plate information field corresponds to the printing process, and the row labeled "Cut" in the plate information field corresponds to the cutting process. The template then specifies favorite settings indicated as "fav1" for the printing process and favorite settings indicated as "fav6" for the cutting process. The control device 614 determines the printing and cutting conditions based on these favorite settings. The control device 614 displays at least some of the printing and cutting conditions in the processing condition display unit 806, corresponding to the image (read image) loaded as the input image. In this case, too, the control device 614 can be considered to determine the conditions for the image-associated processing to be performed based on the processing-associated image for each processing-associated image of a multi-image job based on the template. The cutting conditions are different from the printing conditions. Therefore, in this case too, it can be considered that the control device 614 makes the conditions for the image-corresponding processing performed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing performed based on any other processing-corresponding images.

[0135] The present invention can be suitably used in programs that cause a computer to specify printing conditions, programs that cause a computer to generate plates that represent images to be printed by a printing device, and programs that cause a computer to generate jobs.

[0136] 10...printing system, 102...head unit, 104...base unit, 106...scanning drive unit, 110...control unit, 12...printing device, 14...control device, 16...database, 202...inkjet head, 302...input image display unit, 304...favorite selection button, 306...processing condition display unit, 308...numerical value input unit, 310...execute button, 50...medium, 52...color layer, 54...special color layer, 410...printing system, 502...head unit, 504...base unit, 506...scanning drive unit, 510...control unit, 412...printing device, 414...control device device, 602...inkjet head, 450...medium, 452...color layer, 454...special color layer, 610...printing system, 702...head unit, 704...base unit, 706...scan drive unit, 710...control unit, 612...printing device, 614...control device, 616...cutting device, 703...inkjet head, 802...input image display unit, 804...template selection button, 806...processing condition display unit, 808...numerical value input unit, 810...execute button, 650...medium, 652...primer layer, 654...white layer, 656...white layer, 658...color layer

Claims

A program that causes a computer to specify printing conditions for printing to be performed by a printing device, a model identification process for identifying the model of the printing device that will perform printing; a condition designation information generation process for generating condition designation information that is information that designates at least a part of the printing conditions; a printing condition specification process for reading an image to be printed and specifying the printing conditions to be used when printing the image; causing the computer to perform In the condition designation information generation process, the condition designation information that specifies conditions that can be executed by the identified model is generated based on an identified model that is the model of the printing device identified in the model identification process; a program for specifying, in the printing condition specification process, the printing conditions executable by the printing device that executes printing, based on the condition specification information generated in the condition specification information generation process; 　 a model-related information acquisition process for acquiring model-related information that is information related to the printing device of the identified model; a condition designation information selection process for selecting the condition designation information; and further causing the computer to perform In the model-related information acquisition process, the model-related information corresponding to the identified model is acquired from a condition storage unit that stores the model-related information for each of a plurality of types of printing device models, based on the identified model identified in the model identification process; In the condition designation information generation process, a plurality of pieces of condition designation information each having different designation contents for the printing conditions are generated based on the model-related information acquired in the model-related information acquisition process; In the condition designation information selection process, at least one piece of condition designation information is selected from the plurality of pieces of condition designation information generated in the condition designation information generation process based on an instruction from a user; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the printing conditions are specified in the printing condition specification process based on the condition specification information selected in the condition specification information selection process. 　 further causing the computer to perform an ink information acquisition process to acquire ink information indicating inks to be used in the printing device for performing printing; In the condition designation information generation process, the condition designation information indicating at least a part of the printing conditions that can be executed using the ink indicated by the ink information in the printing device of the identified model identified in the model identification process is generated, In the printing device that performs printing, when a special color ink is used that is an ink of a color other than a process color that is a basic color of a preset color expression, In the condition designation information generation process, spot color condition information is generated as the condition designation information indicating at least a part of conditions related to the formation of a spot color layer, which is an ink layer formed with the spot color ink; 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the printing condition specification process specifies the printing conditions used when forming the special color layer based on the special color condition information. 　 the ink information indicates, with respect to the spot color ink, at least the presence or absence of white ink and the presence or absence of primer ink; When the ink information indicates that the white ink is present, the condition designation information generation process generates the spot color condition information indicating at least a part of the conditions related to the formation of an ink layer formed with the white ink; The program described in claim 3, characterized in that when the ink information indicates that the primer ink is present, the condition specification information generation process generates the special color condition information indicating at least part of the conditions related to the formation of an ink layer formed with the primer ink. 　 The ink information indicates, with respect to the ink of the particular color, at least whether or not ultraviolet curable clear ink is present; If the ink information indicates that an ultraviolet-curable clear ink is present, in the condition designation information generation process, clear ink curing method information is generated as the spot color condition information that indicates at least a method of irradiating ultraviolet light when forming a clear layer that is the spot color layer formed with the clear ink, and at least the clear ink curing method information that indicates matte tone curing conditions for curing the ink to a matte tone, the clear ink curing method information that indicates gloss tone curing conditions for curing the ink to a gloss tone, and the clear ink curing method information that indicates thick tone curing conditions for curing a thickly raised ink layer are generated, In the condition designation information selection process, the clear ink curing method information corresponding to one of the matte tone, the gloss tone, and the thick tone is selected in association with the clear layer; The program according to claim 3, wherein the printing condition specification process specifies the printing conditions to be used when forming the clear layer based on the clear ink curing method information selected in the condition specification information selection process. 　 In the printing device that performs printing, when the process color inks are used, the condition designation information generation process generates color condition information that is the condition designation information that indicates at least a part of the conditions related to the formation of a color layer that is an ink layer that is colored using the process color inks, When the process color ink and the spot color ink are used in the printing device that performs printing, The program described in claim 3, characterized in that in the printing condition specification process, the printing conditions related to multi-layer printing in which the color layer and the special color layer are overlapped are specified, the printing conditions to be used when forming the special color layer in the multi-layer printing are specified based on the special color condition information, and the printing conditions to be used when forming the color layer in the multi-layer printing are specified based on the color condition information. 　 A printing condition specification method for specifying printing conditions for printing performed by a printing device, comprising: a model identification step of identifying the model of the printing device that will perform printing; a condition designation information generating step of generating condition designation information that is information that designates at least a part of the printing conditions; a printing condition designation step of reading an image to be printed and designating the printing conditions to be used when printing the image; Equipped with In the condition specification information generation step, the condition specification information is generated based on an identified model, which is the model of the printing device identified in the model identification step, and the condition specification information specifies conditions that can be executed by the identified model; a printing condition specifying step of specifying, in the printing condition specifying step, the printing conditions executable by the printing device that executes printing, based on the condition specifying information generated in the condition specifying information generating step; 　 A printing condition designation device that designates printing conditions for printing to be performed by a printing device, a model identification process for identifying the model of the printing device that will perform printing; a condition designation information generation process for generating condition designation information that is information that designates at least a part of the printing conditions; a printing condition specification process for reading an image to be printed and specifying the printing conditions to be used when printing the image; and In the condition designation information generation process, the condition designation information that specifies conditions that can be executed by the identified model is generated based on an identified model that is the model of the printing device identified in the model identification process; The printing condition specification device is characterized in that, in the printing condition specification process, the printing conditions executable by the printing device that executes printing are specified based on the condition specification information generated in the condition specification information generation process. 　 A program that causes a computer to generate a plate representing an image to be printed by a printing device, an image input process for receiving an input image that is an image that is the basis of the plate; a plate generation process for generating the plate based on the input image; causing the computer to perform the printing device performs printing using process color inks, which are basic colors for color expression, and special color inks, which are inks of colors other than the process colors; In the image input process, a color image in which opacity is set for at least some pixels is received as the input image; A program characterized in that, in the plate generation process, a spot color plate, which is the plate corresponding to the spot color ink, is generated based on the opacity set in the input image.

10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the plate generating process further generates the plates corresponding to each of the process colors based on the input image. 　 further causing the computer to perform a raster image generation process for generating a raster image based on the plate, the raster image being matched to the printing conditions of the printing to be performed by the printing device; In the raster image generation process, generating a raster image for the spot color that indicates an ejection position for ejecting the spot color ink based on the spot color plate; 11. The program according to claim 10, further comprising generating a raster image indicating ejection positions for ejecting ink of each color based on a plate corresponding to each of the process colors.

10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the image input process accepts the input image in which the opacity is set in an alpha channel. 　 In the input image, the opacity is set for the at least some pixels in a plurality of stages of three or more stages; 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein, in the plate generation process, an image is generated as the spot color plate, which indicates the color density of each pixel in three or more gradations based on the opacity. 　 A plate generation method for generating a plate representing an image to be printed by a printing device, comprising: an image input step of inputting an input image that is an image that is the basis of the plate; a plate generation step of generating the plate based on the input image; Equipped with the printing device performs printing using process color inks, which are basic colors for color expression, and special color inks, which are inks of colors other than the process colors; In the image input step, a color image in which opacity is set for at least some pixels is input as the input image; A plate generation method characterized in that, in the plate generation step, a spot color plate, which is the plate corresponding to the spot color ink, is generated based on the opacity set in the input image. 　 A plate generating device that generates a plate representing an image to be printed by a printing device, an image input process for receiving an input image that is an image that is the basis of the plate; a plate generation process for generating the plate based on the input image; and the printing device performs printing using process color inks, which are basic colors for color expression, and special color inks, which are inks of colors other than the process colors; In the image input process, a color image in which opacity is set for at least some pixels is received as the input image; a plate generating device that generates a spot color plate, which is the plate corresponding to the spot color ink, based on the opacity set in the input image in the plate generating process; 　 A program that causes a computer to generate a plate representing an image to be printed by a printing device, an image input process for receiving an input image that is an image that is the basis of the plate; a plate generation process for generating the plate based on the input image; causing the computer to perform the printing device performs printing using process color inks, which are basic colors for color expression, and special color inks, which are inks of colors other than the process colors; In the image input process, a color image having an alpha channel is received as the input image; A program characterized in that, in the plate generation process, a spot color plate, which is the plate corresponding to the spot color ink, is generated based on a value set in the alpha channel in the input image. 　 A plate generation method for generating a plate representing an image to be printed by a printing device, comprising: an image input step of inputting an input image that is an image that is the basis of the plate; a plate generation step of generating the plate based on the input image; Equipped with the printing device performs printing using process color inks, which are basic colors for color expression, and special color inks, which are inks of colors other than the process colors; In the image input step, a color image having an alpha channel is input as the input image; A plate generation method characterized in that, in the plate generation step, a spot color plate, which is the plate corresponding to the spot color ink, is generated based on the value set in the alpha channel in the input image. 　 A plate generating device that generates a plate representing an image to be printed by a printing device, an image input process for receiving an input image that is an image that is the basis of the plate; a plate generation process for generating the plate based on the input image; and the printing device performs printing using process color inks, which are basic colors for color expression, and special color inks, which are inks of colors other than the process colors; In the image input process, a color image having an alpha channel is received as the input image; a plate generating device that generates a spot color plate, which is the plate corresponding to the spot color ink, based on a value set in the alpha channel in the input image in the plate generation process. 　 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 conditions for the image-corresponding processing for each of the plurality of processing-corresponding images; 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, conditions for the image-corresponding processing are determined for each of the processing-corresponding images of the multiple-image job based on the template, and the conditions for the image-corresponding processing executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images are made different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing executed based on any of the other processing-corresponding images. 　 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 19, characterized in that, based on one of the templates, a first condition that is at least a part of the printing conditions of the first printing process and a second condition that is at least a part of the printing conditions of the second printing process and that is at least partially different from the first condition are determined.

21. The program according to claim 20, wherein the second condition is a condition that differs from the first condition in at least print resolution. 　 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; 21. The program according to claim 20, wherein the program determines that the image for special colors is used as the second processing corresponding image in the second printing process. the template indicates an inter-layer relationship between the color layer and the special color layer; 23. The program according to claim 22, 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. 　 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, 20. The program according to claim 19, 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. 　 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 20. The program according to claim 19, 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. 　 the template indicates matters that are independent of the model of a device that executes the image correspondence processing; The program described in claim 19, 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. 　 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 conditions for the image-corresponding processing for each of the plurality of processing-corresponding images; 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, conditions for the image-corresponding processing are determined for each of the processing-corresponding images of the multiple-image job based on the template, and the conditions for the image-corresponding processing performed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images are made different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing performed based on any of the other processing-corresponding images. 　 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 conditions for the image-corresponding processing for each of the plurality of processing-corresponding images; 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, conditions for the image-corresponding processing are determined for each processing-corresponding image of the multiple-image job based on the template, and the conditions for the image-corresponding processing executed based on at least some of the processing-corresponding images are made different from the conditions for the image-corresponding processing executed based on any other processing-corresponding image.

Images