JP5957979B2 - Image processing method, image processing program, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing program, and an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, a variable print that saves frequently used image data as form data at the time of image formation and synthesizes the saved form data with variable data that is image data created each time output is known. ing. For example, the format including ruled lines and characters in the form table can be saved and reused as form data, and the data for each output to be entered in the form table can be combined with form data as variable data. To form an image.

  Normally, in variable printing, a profile (color profile) for executing color conversion processing on stored form data is not changed regardless of the type of output paper. For this reason, the form data cannot be color-converted using a profile suitable for the paper type of the output paper, and the correct color according to the paper type cannot be obtained.

  As a technique related to this, there is a technique that enables a profile for color conversion processing to be selected during variable printing (for example, Patent Document 1). According to this technique, the user selects a profile corresponding to the paper type of the output paper and performs color conversion processing on the form data, so that a correct color corresponding to the paper type can be obtained.

JP 2008-92312 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, each time variable printing is performed, saved form data is read out, color conversion processing is performed, and form data is converted into a bitmap (rasterization processing). Since the rasterization process is performed on the form data every time the form data is read, extra time for the rasterization process is wasted.

  This invention is made | formed based on the said subject. That is, the present invention provides an image processing method, an image processing program, and an image forming apparatus that can save the labor of rasterizing form data each time a variable print is performed and can speed up the image processing by the variable print.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) Before or after performing rasterization processing on image data, color conversion processing can be performed on the image data according to at least one color profile, and the image data is different from variable data that is variable for each output. An image processing method in variable print that forms an image by combining form data that can be reused in output, and the image data in the print job including the variable print setting is either the variable data or the form data A step (a) for determining whether the image data is variable data in step (a), a step (b) for performing rasterization processing after color conversion processing on the image data determined in step (a), and in step (a) The image data determined as the form data is rasterized. A step (c) for determining whether or not the image data is already completed, and if the image data is determined not to be rasterized in step (c), the rasterization processing is performed on the form data. If it is determined in step (d) that the image data is not rasterized form data in step (c), color conversion is performed on the form data after rasterization before step (d). And (e) setting to execute processing.

(2) Before the step (b), the method further includes a step (g) for determining whether or not a plurality of types of output paper are specified in the print job. The image processing method according to (1), wherein the image data is subjected to the color conversion process and rasterization process of step (b) based on the image data.

(3) The above (1) further comprising a step (f) of executing a color conversion process using the color profile on the read rasterized form data based on the setting in the step (e). Or the image processing method as described in (2).

(4) The image processing method according to (3), wherein the color conversion process in step (f) is executed for each pixel constituting the form data.

(5) The method further includes a step (i) of determining whether the print job is a job for switching a color profile, and determining in step (i) that the print job is not a job for switching a color profile. In the case where the step (j) for executing the rasterization process after the color conversion process is executed and the print job is determined to be a job for switching the color profile in the step (i), the step (a) is executed. The image processing method according to any one of (1) to (4) to be executed.

(6) Before or after the rasterization process is performed on the image data, the color conversion process can be performed on the image data in accordance with at least one color profile, and the image data is different from the variable data variable for each output. An image processing program for causing a computer to execute image processing in variable print that forms an image by combining reusable form data in output, and image data in a print job including the variable print setting includes: A procedure (a) for determining whether the data is variable data or form data, and a procedure (b) for performing rasterization processing on the image data determined to be variable data in the procedure (a) after color conversion processing (b) ) And the form data determined in step (a). If it is determined in step (c) that the image data is form data that has undergone rasterization processing and the image data is not form data that has undergone rasterization processing in step (c), If it is determined in step (d) that the rasterization processing is performed on the form data and the image data is not rasterized form data in the step (c), the form data is processed before the step (d). An image processing program for causing a computer to execute a procedure (e) for performing color conversion processing after rasterization processing.

(7) Before the step (b), the method further includes a step (g) for determining whether or not a plurality of output paper types are designated in the print job. The image processing program according to (6), wherein the image data is subjected to color conversion processing and rasterization processing of the procedure (b) based on the image data.

(8) The above (6) further comprising a step (f) of executing a color conversion process using the color profile on the read rasterized form data based on the setting in the step (e). Or the image processing program as described in (7).

(9) The image processing program according to (8), wherein the color conversion process in the procedure (f) is executed for each pixel constituting the form data.

(10) It further includes a procedure (i) for determining whether or not the print job is a job for switching a color profile, and it is determined in the procedure (i) that the print job is not a job for switching a color profile. In the case where the procedure (j) for executing the rasterizing process after the color conversion process is executed and the print job is determined to be a job for switching the color profile in the procedure (i), the procedure (a) is executed. The image processing program according to any one of (6) to (9) to be executed.

(11) A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of (6) to (10) is recorded.

(12) Rasterization means for performing rasterization processing on image data in a print job including variable print settings, and color conversion processing to the image data according to at least one color profile before or after the image data is rasterized An image forming apparatus comprising: color conversion means for executing image data; and image forming means for forming an image by combining variable data that is variable for each output among the image data and form data that can be reused in different outputs. An image data determination unit that determines whether the image data is variable data or form data, and a state determination that determines whether the image data is rasterized form data And variable by the image data determination means. The image data determined to be data is subjected to rasterization processing after color conversion processing, and among the image data determined to be form data by the image data determination means, it is not rasterized by the state determination means The determined form data is subjected to rasterization processing by the rasterizing means, and among the image data determined to be form data by the image data determining means, the state determining means determines that the rasterization processing has not been completed. An image forming apparatus further comprising a setting unit configured to perform color conversion processing after rasterization processing for form data.

(13) The image forming apparatus according to (12), wherein the color conversion unit performs a color conversion process for each pixel on the rasterized form data.

(14) It is determined whether or not the print job is a job for switching a color profile, and when it is determined that the print job is not a job for switching a color profile, a rasterization process after a color conversion process is executed. When the print job is determined to be a job for switching a color profile, the image data determination unit determines whether the image data is variable data or form data (12) or (13) The image forming apparatus described in 1.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of rasterizing the form data for each variable print, and to speed up the image processing by the variable print.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of PC shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the example of PDL data. It is a figure which shows the example of the image file containing the image data described in PDL data. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of the variable print which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the analysis table which shows the result of having analyzed PDL data. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the RIP process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a layout process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which performs a color conversion process about the preserve | saved form data after RIP processing based on this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image that has been subjected to image formation processing on output paper.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Image forming system)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention.

  The image forming system of the present embodiment includes a PC (Personal Computer) 1 as a network terminal and an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) 2, which are connected to each other via a network 3 so as to communicate with each other. The network 3 includes a LAN in which computers and network devices are connected according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI, and a WAN in which LANs are connected by a dedicated line. Note that the type and number of devices connected to the network 3 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. Further, the PC 1 and the MFP 2 may be directly connected (locally connected) between devices without going through the network 3.

(PC)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 1 shown in FIG. The PC 1 of this embodiment includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, a display 14, an input device 15, and a communication I / F (Interface) unit 16, which are buses for exchanging signals. 17 to each other.

  The CPU 11 executes control of the above-described units and various arithmetic processes (for example, image data creation processing, print job generation, processing for converting print settings, etc. into a page description language) according to the program.

  The memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various programs and various data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing programs and data as a work area, and the like.

  The HDD 13 stores various programs including the operating system and various data. For example, the HDD 13 is installed with an application for creating, selecting or reproducing image data that is an image or character data to be subjected to variable printing. In addition, a printer driver is installed in the HDD 13 so that the user can make print settings on the display 14 described later. The printer driver converts the print settings set by the user into PJL (Printer Job Language) that can be interpreted by the MFP 2. Further, the printer driver converts information related to desired image data to be image formed into PDL data described in a page description language (PDL) that can be interpreted by the MFP 2. The user can specify form data, which is image data to be reused, or variable data, which is different image data for each output, via the printer driver. Details of the PDL data will be described later.

  The display 14 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), or the like, and is used for displaying various types of information. The input device 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used for inputting various information by the user.

  The communication I / F unit 16 is an interface for communicating with an external device, a network interface according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI, a serial interface such as USB and IEEE1394, and a parallel such as SCSI and IEEE1284. An interface, a wireless communication interface such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), IEEE802.11, HomeRF, IrDA, a telephone line interface for connecting to a telephone line, or the like can be used.

(MFP)
Next, the configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment will be described. 3 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the MFP 2 includes a control unit 20, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 21, an image reading unit 22, an operation unit 23, a paper feeding unit 24, an image forming unit 25, and a paper discharge unit 26. ing. These are connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals.

  The control unit 20 controls each component of the MFP 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 20 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, an HDD 203, a communication I / F unit 204, a RIP (Raster Image Processing) control unit 205, a layout processing unit 206, and a CMM (Color Management Module) 207. ing. These are connected to each other via a bus (for example, PCI Express (registered trademark)) for exchanging signals. Of these components of the control unit 20, the same components as those of the PC 1 are not described in order to avoid duplication.

  The CPU 201 executes control of each component of the MFP 2 and various arithmetic processes (for example, print job reception, PJL and PDL data analysis, image formation processing, etc.) according to the program. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 functions as an image data determination unit and a state determination unit.

  The HDD 203 stores various programs including the operating system and various data. The HDD 203 also stores a print job described in PJL and a program for analyzing PDL data included in the print job. The HDD 203 stores a plurality of color profiles in order to execute color conversion processing according to the type of output paper. The color profile is configured as a LUT (Look Up Table), and for example, an ICC profile is known.

  The RIP control unit 205 sets whether to execute the color conversion process before the RIP process or the color conversion process after the RIP process, depending on the image object to be RIP processed (rasterization process) in the image data. , RIP processing is executed. Specifically, the RIP control unit 205 as rasterizing means turns on or off a flag for an image object to be subjected to variable printing. For example, the flag is turned on, and color conversion processing is executed before RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as InRIP). On the other hand, the flag is turned off, and color conversion processing is executed after RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as PostRIP). The flag can be described in the data structure (not shown) of the image data.

  The layout processing unit 206 lays out RIP-processed image data (hereinafter referred to as raster data) on an output page. Further, the layout processing unit 206 reads the form data when the form data is included as an image forming process target. In addition, when there is a setting for switching the profile in the print job (a plurality of types of output sheets are specified), the layout processing unit 206 executes color conversion processing on the RIP-processed form data. Here, as will be described later, whether or not form data is included in the print job as an image forming process target can be determined by analyzing the PDL data. Whether or not the profile is switched in the print job can be determined from the PJL command.

  The CMM 207 performs color conversion processing according to the profile. The CMM 207 as color conversion means executes color conversion processing on image data before or after the RIP processing according to the flag setting of the RIP control unit 205 described above. Details of the RIP process and the color conversion process will be described later.

  The ADF 21 automatically conveys a document including an image that is an image formation target. Specifically, the ADF 21 sequentially conveys one or more set originals one by one to a predetermined reading position of an image reading unit 22 described later, and sequentially discharges the originals after image reading.

  The image reading unit 22 reads an image from a document and generates corresponding image data. Specifically, the image reading unit 22 applies light to a document set at a predetermined reading position or a document conveyed to the reading position by the ADF 21 with a light source such as a fluorescent lamp. The reflected light is photoelectrically converted by an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and image data is generated from the electrical signal.

  The operation unit 23 includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various settings by the user.

  The paper supply unit 24 stores output paper as a recording medium used for printing, and sends out the stored output paper one by one to the image forming unit 25. The paper feed unit 24 includes a plurality of copies, and can be configured to select a paper size, color, and type for each printing application. Examples of the paper type include plain paper, high-quality paper, and coated paper.

  The image forming unit 25 forms an image based on the image data on the output paper by using a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process including charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing processes.

  The paper discharge unit 26 discharges the image-formed output paper conveyed from the image forming unit 25 from the MFP 2. Note that the MFP 2 may include a post-processing device (not shown) that is connected to the paper discharge unit 26 and executes a staple process, a bookbinding process, and the like.

(PDL data)
Next, PDL data included in a print job according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of PDL data, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image file including image data described in the PDL data.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the PDL data 50 according to the present embodiment is described in a PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language) format, and specifies an image object that is an image formation target or an image file including the image object, and specifies an image object. A layout for forming an image on a page can be specified. As shown in FIG. 6, the image file can be described in a PDF (Portable Document Format) format, and the file name is “object.pdf”. Both the PDL data 50 and the image file 60 can be transmitted and received after being compressed in ZIP. In the present embodiment, as in the case of normal image formation processing, the image object that is the target of color conversion processing before RIP processing is assumed to be vector format image data.

  In FIG. 5, the image file 60 is designated by “object.pdf” in the underlined portion 1. The first page 61 in the image file 60 is designated by “Index =“ 1 ”” in the underlined portion 2. An image object name included in the first page 61 of the image file 60 is designated by “square” in the underlined portion 3. Also, the image object is recognized as image data that can be “reused” by the “RESUSABLE OBJECT” tag in the underlined portion 4, and is designated as form data. If there is no “RESUSABLE OBJECT” tag, that is, it is not form data, the image object is recognized as variable data.

  By specifying the coordinates of the underlined portion 5 and the underlined portion 6, the xy coordinates of the lower left point and the upper right point in the figure on the page in the image file 60 for clipping (clipping) the specified image object into a rectangular shape in order. It is specified. Specifically, the coordinates of the lower left point are obtained by adding the numerical value of the underlined part 5 separately for x and y to the numerical value of the underlined part 4, and (x, y) = (50.0 + 125.0, 550.0+ (−25.0)) = (175.0, 525.0). On the other hand, the coordinates of the upper right point are similarly added separately for x and y, and (x, y) = (300.0 + 125.0, 800.0 + (− 25.0)) = (425.0, 775.0). Note that the numerical value representing the coordinate is a numerical value based on the position or distance of the pixel in the page.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image object “square” in the first page 61 in FIG. 6 is an image object that has been stored in the HDD 203 or the like and has undergone RIP processing. Here, the image object “square” is raster data, but in FIG. 6, the image object “square” is shown as a part of “object.pdf” which is the original image file. The image object in the second page 62 is form data “circle” as will be described later. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the image object can be described by PDL data as in the case of the image object “square” described above.

  As shown in the part 51 of the PDL data 50, the image file 60 is specified by “object.pdf” in the underlined portion 1. An image object (text object) included in the third page 63 of the image file 60 is designated by “Index =“ 3 ”” in the underlined portion 7. This image object is variable data (“variable 1”) because “RESUSABLE OBJECT” is not specified in the PDL data.

  Similarly, in the portion 52 of the PDL data 50, the image object included in the fourth page 64 in the image file 60 is designated as variable data by “Index =“ 4 ”” in the underlined portion 8 (“ variable2 "). Although not shown in FIG. 5, the image data included in the fifth page 65 and the sixth page 66 is similarly described as variable data.

(Variable print processing)
Next, a variable print processing procedure according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of variable print processing according to the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis table showing a result of analyzing PDL data, and FIG. 9 is a procedure of RIP processing according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the like is stored in the memory 202 or the HDD 203 as a control program and executed by the CPU 201.

<Receive print job>
As shown in FIG. 7, first, a print job is received (step S1). In this step, the MFP 2 receives a variable print print job from a client computer such as the PC 1 via the network 3. The print job includes PJL and PDL data.

  Here, PJL describes print settings set by the user via the printer driver. For example, the user can set a different output paper for each print job or page for the type of output paper for image formation. Specifically, when plain paper is set for each print job, the PJL command is described as “PJL SET JobPaper Type =“ Normal ””. When the coated paper is set on the second page of the output paper, the PJL command is described as “PJL SET PerPage =“ 2, COAT ””. As described above, when a plurality of paper types are designated, the profile is switched according to the paper type at the time of image formation, and the color conversion process is executed.

<Print job analysis>
Subsequently, the print job is analyzed (step S2). In this step, the MFP 2 analyzes the print job received in step S1. Specifically, the above-described PJL is read and the type of output paper is specified. Also, PDL data in the print job is read and analyzed.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 2 analyzes the received PDL data and generates an analysis table 80 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the “output page number” column 81 describes the page number of the output sheet when forming an image. The “layout processing” column 82 describes whether or not layout processing has been completed for the output page. The “RIP processing” column 83 describes whether or not the image object to be image formed has been subjected to the RIP processing.

  In the “image object name” column 84, image object names are described. The “image object type” column 85 describes the type of the image object. In the present embodiment, “reuse” is described when the image object is form data, and “variable” is described when the image object is variable data. A column 86 relating to “PDF page number” describes the page number in the image file 60 including the original image object. The column 87 relating to coordinates describes the coordinates of the lower left point and the upper right point when an image object clipped from the page in the image file 60 is formed on the output page. The generated analysis table 80 is stored in the memory 202 or the like, and is referred to at the time of RIP processing or layout processing in variable printing described later.

<RIP processing>
Returning to FIG. 7, following step S2, RIP processing is executed (step S3). In this step, the MFP 2 executes RIP processing on the image data specified in the print job received in step S1. The details of the RIP processing according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, it is determined whether or not the print job is a profile switching (step S11). In this step, based on the PJL command in the print job, the MFP 2 determines whether or not the profile is set to be switched in the print job in order to form an image on different types of output paper. When it is determined that the profile is not switched (step S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S16 described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the job is a print job whose profile is switched (step S11: YES), it is determined whether or not the RIP processing target is a form (step S12). In this step, the MFP 2 determines whether the image object to be formed in the print job received in step S1 is form data or variable data based on the analysis result of the PDL data. Whether the data is form data or variable data can be determined by referring to the “image object type” column 85 of the analysis table 80 of FIG. If the image object is variable data (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S16 described later.

  On the other hand, if the image object is a form (step S12: YES), it is determined whether or not the form has been subjected to RIP processing (step S13). In this step, based on the description in the “RIP processing” column 83 of the analysis table shown in FIG. 8, the MFP 2 determines whether or not the image object is a form that has already been RIP processed and saved. In this embodiment, since the form data is RIP processed and saved in the bitmap format, the value in the “RIP processing” column 83 is “completed” for the RIP processed form data, and is the RIP processed? Can be judged. In the example shown in FIG. 8, since the “square” object has been RIP processed and saved (step S13: YES), the processing proceeds to step S17 described later without executing the RIP processing. In this embodiment, the saved form is set to InRIP off by the RIP control unit 205 and set to PostRIP that executes color conversion processing after the RIP processing, as will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the image object is not a RIP processed form (step S13: NO), the RIP process is executed by PostRIP (step S14). In the present embodiment, RIP processing is executed before color conversion processing for a form that has not been saved and has not been RIP processed. That is, the MFP 2 sets the flag for InRIP to be color-converted before the RIP process by the RIP control unit 205, and then executes the RIP process for the form data.

  Subsequently, the RIP processed form is stored (step S15). Bitmap format form data subjected to RIP processing without color conversion processing is stored in, for example, the HDD 203.

  On the other hand, when the RIP processing target is not a form (step S11: NO) or the print job does not switch the profile (step S12: NO), the RIP processing is executed with InRIP (step S16). In this step, if the print job does not switch the profile even if the form is included as the image formation target, or if the image formation target is variable data, the color conversion process is executed on the image object and then the RIP process is performed. Run. That is, the MFP 2 sets the flag for InRIP to be color-converted before the RIP process for the target image object, executes the color conversion process by the CMM 207, and then performs the RIP process by the RIP control unit 205. Run. Thus, in the present embodiment, “RIP processing with InRIP” indicates that the RIP processing is performed after the color conversion processing.

  Note that when the print job is a profile switch and the RIP target is not a form (step S12: NO), in step S16, color conversion processing is executed for each profile corresponding to the paper type for the target image object. , RIP processing is executed. Therefore, in this case, a plurality of raster data corresponding to the paper type of the output paper is generated for one variable data as in the normal RIP process. The RIP-processed image object is stored in, for example, the memory 202, and is appropriately read when an image is formed as described later. Further, after the RIP processing in steps S14 and S16, the value in the “RIP processing” column 83 of the analysis table 80 is updated to “Done”, and at the same time, this value can be stored as part of the image data.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RIP process has been completed for all the image objects designated in the print job (step S17). When it is determined that the RIP process has not been completed for all the image objects (step S17: NO), the processes of steps S11 to S17 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RIP process has been completed for all image objects (step S17: YES), the layout processing unit 206 is notified of the completion of the RIP process (step S18). Thereafter, the RIP process in step S3 ends.

<Layout processing>
Returning to FIG. 7, after the RIP process in step S3, the layout process is executed (step S4). Details of the layout process will be described below with reference to FIG. The layout process is executed by the layout processing unit 206 based on an instruction from the CPU 201, and the color conversion process is executed by the CMM 207.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of layout processing, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of color conversion processing for saved RIP-processed form data according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether or not a notification of completion of RIP processing has been received (step S21). In this step, the layout processing unit 206 determines whether or not the RIP processing completion notification transmitted in step S18 has been received. If the RIP process completion notification is not received (step S21: NO), the process waits until the RIP process completion notification is received.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RIP processing completion notification has been received (step S21: YES), raster data is read (step S22). In this step, the raster data subjected to the RIP process in step S14 or S16 in FIG. 9 is read from the memory 202 or the HDD 203.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the setting of InRIP is off (step S23). In this step, the layout processing unit 206 determines whether or not the raster data read in step S22 is set to execute color conversion processing after RIP processing (InRIP setting off). In the present embodiment, as described in step S14, for the saved form data, the RIP process is executed without executing the color conversion process after setting InRIP to OFF (PostRIP). When the setting of InRIP is on (step S23: NO), the process proceeds to step S25 described later.

  On the other hand, when the setting of InRIP is off (step S23: YES), color conversion processing is executed by PostRIP (step S24). In this step, the layout processing unit 206 confirms that the read raster data has not been subjected to color conversion processing by confirming the InRIP setting in the previous step, and therefore performs color conversion processing on the raster data. To do. The procedure of color conversion processing after RIP processing (color conversion processing by PostRIP) will be described later. In this step, color conversion processing is executed for each profile corresponding to the paper type of the output paper for a print job whose profile is switched.

  Subsequently, layout processing is executed (step S25). In this step, the layout processing unit 206 lays out the raster data in the memory 202 or the like based on the column 87 relating to the coordinates of the analysis table 80 described above.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the layout is completed (step S26). In this step, it is determined whether or not layout processing has been completed for raster data of all image objects. When it is determined that the layout process has not been completed for all the image objects (step S26: NO), the processes of steps S22 to S26 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the layout processing has been completed for all the image objects (step S26: YES), the layout processing ends, and the value in the “layout processing” column 82 of the analysis table 80 is updated to “done”. .

<Color conversion processing after RIP processing>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the procedure of the color conversion process for the raster data of the form that has not been subjected to the color conversion process in step S24 described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, the color conversion process target is moved to the first pixel (step S31). In this step, the CMM 207 moves the processing target to the first pixel in order to sequentially execute the color conversion processing for each pixel of the raster data.

  Subsequently, color conversion processing is executed for the target pixel (step S32). In this step, the CMM 207 executes a color conversion process using a profile corresponding to the output sheet as appropriate.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not color conversion processing has been executed for all pixels (step S33). When it is determined that the color conversion process has not been executed for all the pixels (step S33: NO), the process moves to the next pixel (step S34). Then, steps S32 to S34 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the color conversion process has been executed for all the pixels (step S33: YES), the process of executing the color conversion process for the form data ends.

<Image formation processing>
Returning to FIG. 7, after the layout process after step S4, an image forming process is executed (step S5). In this step, the MFP 2 forms an image on the output sheet by the image forming unit 25 with respect to the raster data subjected to the color conversion process and the layout process according to the output sheet. When the paper type of the output paper changes, raster data that has undergone color conversion processing corresponding to the paper type is image-formed on the corresponding output paper. An example of an image formed on the output paper is as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, form data (corresponding to a graphic part) and variable data (corresponding to a text part) are combined to form an image.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the form data is stored in the state of raster data after RIP processing, and can be read and color conversion processed at the time of image formation. Therefore, by determining whether or not the form data has been subjected to RIP processing, it is possible to save the trouble of analyzing PDL data for form data or performing RIP processing on image data every time variable printing is performed. Therefore, the speed of variable print processing can be increased. Further, according to the present embodiment, the color conversion processing is performed before the RIP processing or the raster data is processed after the RIP processing depending on the setting (InRIP setting) whether or not the RIP processing is executed before the color conversion processing. It is possible to determine whether to perform color conversion processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the analysis process of the print job received in step S2 is executed. However, the RIP control unit 205 and the layout processing unit 206 may execute the analysis process for each image object.

  Further, the information related to the image data analyzed from the PDL data is not limited to the items shown in FIG. Various settings such as settings relating to the font of the text can be included in the PDL data.

  The means and method for performing various processes in the image forming system according to the present embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory stick and a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as an HDD. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of the apparatus as one function of the image forming system.

1 PC,
11 CPU,
12,202 memory,
13, 203 HDD,
14 display,
15 input devices,
16,204 Communication I / F part,
2 MFP,
201 CPU (image data determination means, state determination means)
20 control unit,
205 RIP control unit (rasterizing means),
206 layout processing unit,
207 CMM (color conversion means),
21 ADF,
22 image reading device,
23 Operation part,
24 paper feeder,
25 Image forming section (image forming means),
26 paper discharge section,
3 network,
50 PDL data,
60 image files,
80 Analysis table.

Claims (14)

Before or after the rasterization process is performed on the image data, the color conversion process can be performed on the image data according to at least one color profile. An image processing method in variable print that forms an image by combining with available form data,
Determining whether the image data in the print job including the variable print setting is either the variable data or the form data;
A step (b) of performing a rasterization process on the image data determined to be the variable data in the step (a) after a color conversion process;
A step (c) of determining whether or not the image data determined as the form data in the step (a) is rasterized form data;
If it is determined in step (c) that the image data is not rasterized form data, a step (d) of performing rasterization processing on the form data;
If it is determined in the step (c) that the image data is not rasterized form data, before the step (d), the form data is set to be subjected to a color conversion process after the rasterization process. Step (e) to perform,
An image processing method. Before the step (b), the method further includes a step (g) of determining whether or not a plurality of types of output paper are designated in the print job.
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the color conversion process and the rasterization process of step (b) are executed on the image data based on the determination of step (g). 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step (f) of performing a color conversion process on the read rasterized form data using the color profile based on the setting in the step (e). Image processing method. The image processing method according to claim 3 , wherein the color conversion process in step (f) is performed for each pixel constituting the form data. The print job, further comprising the step (i) to determine whether the job color profile is switched, when the print job in the step (i) is, it is determined that it is not the job color profile is switched The step (j) for executing the rasterizing process after the color conversion process is executed, and the step (a) is executed when it is determined in the step (i) that the print job is a job for switching a color profile. Item 5. The image processing method according to any one of Items 1 to 4 . Before or after the rasterization process is performed on the image data, the color conversion process can be performed on the image data according to at least one color profile. An image processing program for causing a computer to execute image processing in a variable print that forms an image by combining with available form data,
A procedure (a) for determining whether the image data in the print job including the variable print setting is either the variable data or the form data;
A procedure (b) for performing a rasterization process on the image data determined as the variable data in the procedure (a) after a color conversion process;
A procedure (c) for determining whether the image data determined to be the form data in the procedure (a) is rasterized form data;
If it is determined in step (c) that the image data is not rasterized form data, a procedure (d) for performing rasterization processing on the form data;
If it is determined in step (c) that the image data is not rasterized form data, the form data is set to be subjected to color conversion processing after the rasterization processing before step (d). Step (e) to perform,
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute. Before the step (b), the method further includes a step (g) for determining whether or not a plurality of types of output paper are designated in the print job,
The image processing program according to claim 6 , wherein the color conversion process and the rasterization process of the procedure (b) are executed on the image data based on the determination of the procedure (g). 8. The method according to claim 6 , further comprising a step (f) of performing color conversion processing on the read rasterized form data using the color profile based on the setting in the step (e). Image processing program. The image processing program according to claim 8 , wherein the color conversion process in the procedure (f) is executed for each pixel constituting the form data. The print job, further comprising the steps (i) to determine whether the job color profile is switched, the print job in the procedure (i) is, when it is determined that it is not the job color profile is switched The procedure (j) for executing the rasterization process after the color conversion process is executed, and the procedure (a) is executed when it is determined in the procedure (i) that the print job is a job for switching a color profile. Item 10. The image processing program according to any one of Items 6 to 9 . Recorded computer-readable recording medium storing a program according to any one of claims 6-10. Rasterizing means for performing rasterization processing on image data in a print job including variable print settings;
Color conversion means for performing color conversion processing on the image data according to at least one color profile before or after the image data is rasterized;
Among the image data, image forming means for forming an image by combining variable data that is variable for each output and reusable form data in different outputs;
An image forming apparatus having
Image data determination means for determining whether the image data is variable data or form data;
State determination means for determining whether or not the image data is rasterized form data;
Have
For the image data determined as variable data by the image data determination means, a rasterization process is executed after the color conversion process,
Of the image data determined to be form data by the image data determination means, the rasterization means performs rasterization processing on the form data determined to be not rasterized by the state determination means,
Of the image data determined to be form data by the image data determination means, the form data determined not to be rasterized by the state determination means is set to execute color conversion processing after rasterization processing. An image forming apparatus further comprising setting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the color conversion unit performs a color conversion process for each pixel on the rasterized form data. It is determined whether or not the print job is a job for switching a color profile, and when it is determined that the print job is not a job for switching a color profile, a rasterization process after a color conversion process is performed, and the print The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein when the job is determined to be a job for switching a color profile, the image data determination unit determines whether the image data is variable data or form data. .