JP4879707B2 - Apparatus, method and program for automatically detecting color misregistration between printing plates - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic color misregistration detection apparatus, method, and program for automatically detecting color misregistration between printing plates of a color material on a printing plate used in a printing press.

  In general, in color print production work, after the editing work is completed, the four-color raster image of the cyan plate for printing (C plate), magenta plate (M plate), yellow plate (Y plate), and black plate (K plate) is printed. It is necessary to output data.

  Color newspaper page editing and production work at a newspaper company outputs raster image data of color versions (C, M, and Y versions) that take time to output in order to publish the latest news on the page. The editing of the black version (K version) on which the article is mainly posted is performed just before the deadline, and the raster image data of the black version (K version) is output later.

  In addition, when revising paper for the purpose of reducing the cost of consumables such as printing plates and films, use the previous printing color plate as it is and modify only the portion of the paper that is output to the black plate. A method of re-outputting the raster image data may be taken.

  When business operations are performed in this way, it is a precondition that there is no deviation on the paper surface of color materials such as color photographs between the color plate that was output in advance and the black plate that was output later. It becomes. If color misalignment has occurred and the pre-output color plate and the latest black plate are attached to the printing machine and printing starts, defective prints with color misalignment will be produced, printing will stop, and black will be printed again. It is necessary to make a plate urgently and resume printing, which takes time and effort, and in some cases, printing within the time becomes difficult.

  Therefore, before printing a color print, raster image data of the color plate (cyan plate (C plate), magenta plate (M plate), yellow plate (Y plate)) output in advance and the black plate (K It is required to automatically detect whether there is any deviation from the raster image data of the plate). However, at present, as a method for detecting color misregistration on the paper surface, the paper surface is printed by a printing machine, and the printed paper surface is confirmed by a human, or it is confirmed from the film for plate production in the plate making process immediately before printing. The method is just being done. In other words, in the existing technology, the detection of color misregistration on the paper surface simply relies on an uncertain method such as an editor's attention or visual confirmation.

  The paper surface layout method and apparatus described in Patent Document 1 are a color separation plate (generic name of cyan plate (C plate), magenta plate (M plate), yellow plate (Y plate), black plate (K plate)) and It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper layout method and apparatus for allowing layout changes on the paper as much as possible while preventing inconsistencies with the monochrome version (black version (K version)). The paper layout device described in Patent Document 1 is provided in a typesetting terminal, and when a color separation version is output before a monochrome version including an article, a layout change in a small set including a color image or a color image is performed. Is prohibited.

  According to the color misregistration automatic detection apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the editing operation is performed by locking the position of the color material being edited so that the position of the color material such as an article or a photograph on the paper surface does not deviate. Color misregistration is prevented by a mechanism that prohibits the above.

JP 2001-103273 A (claims [Claim 1] to [Claim 7], paragraph numbers [0001] to [0008], [0016], [0016], [0030] of the specification) To [0040], [0041] to [0048], [0089] to [0091], [FIG. 1], [FIG. 2], [FIG. 9] to [FIG. 11] of the drawings, and abstract).

  However, even if there is a mechanism for locking the position of the color material being edited, as in the invention described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, due to the imperfectness of the locking mechanism and the inconvenience of editing operation, the editing producer In many cases, the locked state is forcibly released, and as a result, the position of the color material is unintentionally changed, resulting in a problem that a large amount of defective printing is performed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When producing a color newspaper or the like, a color plate for printing (also referred to as a color plate) is output in advance to produce a black plate (also referred to as a black plate). Color misregistration automatic detection device that automatically detects whether or not misregistration between color plates such as color photographs has occurred between the color plate and the black plate in the operation of outputting images later It is an object to provide a method and a program thereof.

  An automatic color misregistration detection apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object is an automatic color misregistration detection apparatus that automatically detects misregistration between printing plates of a color material on a printing plate used in a printing press. As the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for use, the color plate data for each color plate edited in advance when the color plate is output before the black plate is output. A data storage unit for storing one sheet vector data and the latest second sheet vector data for each color plate edited when the black plate is output, and each color plate obtained by rasterizing the first sheet vector data First raster image data and second raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data. The creation unit compares the first raster image data and the second raster image data between the same color plates, and determines whether or not there is a discrepancy between the image data on the printing plate. A misregistration detection unit that detects whether or not there is a misregistration between the color material printing plates, a control unit that controls the data storage unit, the image data creation unit, and the misregistration detection unit to operate; It is provided with.

In the color misregistration automatic detection device, when the misregistration detection unit detects that there is a misregistration between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate, the control unit controls the detection result to the operator. A detection result notifying unit for notifying is provided, and the detection result notifying unit displays, for each color plate, at which position on the printing plate the positional deviation between the printing plates of the color material has occurred.

  An automatic color misregistration detection method according to the present invention that achieves the above object is an automatic color misregistration detection method that automatically detects misregistration between printing plates of a color material on a printing plate used in a printing press. As the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for use, the color plate data for each color plate edited in advance when the color plate is output before the black plate is output. One paper vector data and the latest second paper vector data for each color plate edited at the time of outputting the black plate are stored in the data storage unit, and the first paper surface is automatically detected when misregistration is detected. First raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing vector data, and second raster image for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data. The first raster image data and the second raster image data are compared with each other in the same color plate, and based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not there is a mismatch between the image data. By judging, it is detected whether or not there is a positional deviation between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate, and when the comparison result is detected as mismatching, a message indicating mismatching is displayed. .

  An automatic color misregistration detection program according to the present invention that achieves the above object causes a computer to execute the above method.

  According to the above configuration of the present invention, the first raster image data obtained by rasterizing the first paper vector data used when the color plate is output in advance and the second paper vector data used when outputting the black plate are rasterized. Whether or not there is a shift in the position of the color material, such as a color photograph, with the second raster image data is automatically detected. If a shift has occurred, the producer needs to re-output in advance. Therefore, the prevention of color material misregistration has become an automatic and reliable method from an unreliable method that relies on human hands, reducing the cost of relying solely on the producer's attention and visual confirmation. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of negative costs due to defective printing and to strengthen the ability to respond to sudden news.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a color misregistration automatic detection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A color misregistration automatic detection device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a computer that automatically detects misregistration between color plates on a printing plate used in a printing press. An image data creation unit 12, a misregistration detection unit 13, a detection result notification unit 14, and an editing operation unit 15.

  The control unit 10 controls the data storage unit 11, the image data creation unit 12, the misregistration detection unit 13, the detection result notification unit 14, and the editing operation unit 15 to operate.

  The data storage unit 11 edits in advance when the color plate is output prior to the output of the black plate as the paper vector data used when outputting the color plate of at least two colors including the black plate for color printing. The first paper vector data for each color plate and the latest second paper vector data for each color plate edited when outputting the black plate are stored. Vector data is data described in Post Script, and is data that manages graphic elements composed of points, lines, and faces as coordinate values (XY coordinates).

  The image data creation unit 12 rasterizes the first page vector data (converts the vector data described in the postscript into image data in TIFF format or bitmap format) for each color plate, second raster data The second raster image data for each color plane obtained by rasterizing the paper surface vector data is created. The raster image data is image data created in a TIFF (Tag Image File Format) format or a BMP (Bitmap) format.

  The misregistration detection unit 13 converts the first raster image data and the second raster image data between the same color plates, that is, between cyan (C) plates, between magenta (M) plates, and between yellow (Y) plates. By comparing and determining whether or not there is a discrepancy between the image data, it is detected whether or not there is a displacement between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate.

  When the misregistration detection unit 13 detects that there is a misregistration between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate, the detection result notification unit 14 gives the detection result to the operator under the control of the control unit 10, for example. It is displayed on the display for notification.

  The editing operation unit 15 allows an operator (producer) to perform an operation for laying out color materials such as images and articles on a paper surface for each printing plate under the control of the control unit 10.

  The color plate for color printing can include two colors, three colors, or four colors including a black plate. That is, in the case of two colors including the black plate, in addition to the black plate, any one of the cyan plate, magenta plate, and yellow plate is included, and in the case of three colors including the black plate, cyan other than the black plate. It includes any two of a plate, a magenta plate, and a yellow plate. In the case of four colors including a black plate, all plates of a cyan plate, a magenta plate, and a yellow plate are included in addition to the black plate.

  Further, the detection result notifying unit 14 displays for each color plate which position on the plate is misaligned between the printing plates of the color material.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a color misregistration automatic detection system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The automatic color misregistration detection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is composed of one computer, whereas the automatic misregistration system 200 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. A storage device 21 and a RIP device 22 are included.

  The typesetting terminal 20 has the functions of the control unit 10, the misalignment detection unit 13, the detection result notification unit 14, and the editing operation unit 15 of the first embodiment. The typesetting terminal 20 is communicably connected to the storage device 21 and the RIP device 22. The storage device 21 has the function of the data storage unit 11 of the first embodiment. The RIP device 22 has the function of the image data creation unit 12 of the first embodiment.

The operation flow of the apparatus will be described below with reference to the automatic color misregistration detection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are flowcharts showing the flow of processing as viewed from the newspaper producer of the automatic color misregistration detection apparatus according to the present invention.

In step S1, a color paper surface for each plate (C, M, Y, K plate) is produced.
In step S <b> 2, the producer uses the editing operation unit 15 to determine the color portion on the paper surface and instructs color plate advance output. In response to this instruction, the control unit 10 stores the paper surface vector data for color plate advance output in the data storage unit 11. Here, the paper surface vector data includes all data for the C, M, Y, and K plates. Therefore, the data storage unit 11 stores paper vector data for preceding output for the C, M, Y, and K plates.

In step S3, the editing operation unit 15 is used to edit articles and the like to produce a K-size paper.
In step S4, the latest output of the K version is instructed. In response to this instruction, in step S 41, the control unit 10 stores the latest output paper vector data including the K version in the data storage unit 11. That is, the data storage unit 11 stores the latest output paper vector data for the C, M, Y, and K plates.

  In step S5, the misregistration detection unit is instructed to check for color misregistration. In response to this instruction, the control unit 10 receives the color plane advance output paper vector data saved in the data storage unit 11 in step S51 and the latest output paper vector data saved in the data storage unit 11 in step S4. In step S52, the image data creation unit 12 rasterizes the paper surface vector data for the color plate preceding output and the paper vector data for the latest output, respectively, to generate a bitmap format for the color plate preceding output and the latest output. Image data is created, and the color deviation preceding output image data and the latest output image data are converted into the same color plates, that is, between the C plates, between the M plates, and between the Y plates, by the positional deviation detection unit 13 in step S53. When all the image data of the same color plate matches, the color misregistration is If there is a discrepancy between the image data of the same color plates, it is determined that there is a color misregistration, and the procedure proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the detection result notifying unit 14 indicates that “color misregistration exists”. "And tell the producer.

In step S6, depending on whether or not the paper production is completed, if there is no similar newspaper production, the newspaper production is terminated, and if there is a similar newspaper production, the process proceeds to step S7.
In step S7, if there is a request for revision to correct the article for the production of a similar newspaper, the color version of the C version, M version and Y version is diverted, and the K version is re-edited to correct the article. Returning to S3, steps S3 to S6 are repeated.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the misalignment detection unit. FIG. 4 shows the detailed processing flow of step S53 in FIG. 3B.
In step S101, the color plane preceding output raster image data and the latest output raster image data obtained by rasterizing the color plane preceding output paper vector data and the latest output paper vector data are obtained.

  In step S102, the C plate raster image data for color plate preceding output and the C plate raster image data for latest output are compared with each other. If the comparison results match, the process proceeds to step S103, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S110. move on.

  In step S103, the M plate raster image data for color plate preceding output and the M plate raster image data for latest output are compared with each other. If the comparison results match, the process proceeds to step S104, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S110. move on.

  In step S104, the Y plate raster image data for color plate preceding output and the Y plate raster image data for latest output are compared with each other. If the comparison result is coincident, the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the detection result notification unit 14 displays an alarm message.
In addition to the warning message, the detection result notifying unit 14 displays for each color plate at which position on each printing plate a positional deviation between the printing plates of the color material has occurred. Specifically, the image format data obtained by XOR (Exclusive OR) processing between the raster image data of each version (C, M, Y) for color plate advance output and the raster image data of each version for latest output is acquired. To do.

  The processing in steps S102 to S104 shown in FIG. 4 is executed in the order of the C version, the M version, and the Y version, but the order of the C version, the M version, and the Y version may be performed in any order.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the data flow of newspaper production using the color misregistration detection apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, there are two stages in newspaper production: the first stage of color plate preceding output and the second stage of K version latest output.

First, the first stage of color plate advance output will be described.
In step ST11, the paper surface vector data of each edition (C plate, M plate, Y plate, B plate) of the color plate preceding output after editing is stored in the data storage unit 11.

  In step ST12, the paper surface vector data of each plate created in step ST11 is rasterized and converted into bitmap image raster image data of each plate, and stored in the data storage unit 11.

Next, the second stage of the K version latest output will be described.
In step ST21, the page vector data of each edition (C edition, M edition, Y edition, B edition) of the latest K edition output after editing is stored in the data storage unit 11.

  In step ST22, the plane vector data of each plate created in step ST21 is rasterized, converted into raster image data in the bitmap format of each plate, and stored in the data storage unit 11.

  In step ST23, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is executed. When the comparison determination result in step S104 is a match determination, the process proceeds to step ST14 and step ST24.

Return to the first stage again.
In step ST14, based on the raster image data in the bitmap format of each plate obtained by rasterizing in step ST12, C is output via a plotter device that outputs in a CTP (Computer To Plate) or vector data format without using a plate-making film. Plates of plate, M plate and Y plate are prepared.
In step ST15, the C, M, and Y plates are attached to the newspaper printer.

Return to the second stage again.
In step ST24, based on the raster image data in the bitmap format of each plate obtained by rasterizing in step ST22, a KTP is output via a plotter device that outputs in a CTP (Computer To Plate) or vector data format that does not use a plate-making film. Make a plate of the plate.
In step ST25, a K plate is attached to the newspaper printer.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of color misregistration on the paper surface, (A) is a diagram showing a concrete example of a normal paper surface without color misregistration, and (B) is an abnormal image with color misregistration. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a paper surface.

  Image data 61, 62, and 63 and articles are laid out in the paper 60 shown in FIG. The article is laid out with an article section 64, a large heading 65, and a small heading 66.

  Similarly, image data 71, 72, and 73 and articles are laid out in the sheet 70 shown in FIG. An article 74, a large heading 75, and a small heading 76 are laid out in the article.

  Due to the color misalignment on the paper, the following problems have occurred. Character data is not displayed in the image data 62, but image data is displayed in the image data 72 on the character data. The position of the main heading 65 on the paper is shifted from the position of the main heading 75 on the paper. The article content of the article part 64 is different from the article content of the article part 74.

  In the present invention, such color misregistration on the paper surface is detected, and only when no misregistration is detected, the printing plate is turned to the printing press to start printing, so that as shown in FIG. A correct printed matter is printed, and an erroneous printed matter as shown in FIG. 6B is not printed.

  As described above, the color misregistration automatic detection apparatus of the present invention uses the paper surface vector data used for the color preceding output (CMY plate output) and the paper surface vector data used for the output of the remaining black portion (K plate output). A raster image (C version, M version, Y version, K version) is created from each paper vector data. By comparing the C version, M version, and Y version of the created raster image with each other, if all the color versions match, it is determined that there is no displacement, and if they do not match, it is determined that there is displacement. Automatically detect if color material is misaligned. If there is a misalignment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defective printing by notifying the paper producer by displaying on the screen that a color plate needs to be re-output.

(Appendix 1)
A color misregistration automatic detection device that automatically detects misregistration between press plates of a color material on a press plate used in a printing press,
For each color plate previously edited when the color plate is output prior to the output of the black plate as the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for color printing A data storage unit for storing the first paper surface vector data and the latest second paper surface vector data for each color plate edited when the black plate is output;
An image data creation unit for creating first raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the first paper surface vector data and second raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data;
The first raster image data and the second raster image data are compared with each other in the same color plate, and it is determined whether or not there is a mismatch between the image data, thereby printing the color material on the printing plate. A misalignment detection unit for detecting whether there is misalignment between the plates;
A control unit for controlling the data storage unit, the image data creation unit, and the misregistration detection unit to operate;
An apparatus for automatically detecting color misregistration.
(Appendix 2)
When the positional deviation detection unit detects that there is a positional deviation between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate, the detection unit is provided with a detection result notification unit that notifies the operator of the detection result under the control of the control unit. ,
The color misregistration automatic detection device according to appendix 1.
(Appendix 3)
The color plate for color printing has three colors including a black plate,
The color misregistration automatic detection device according to appendix 1 or 2.
(Appendix 4)
The color plate for color printing is four colors consisting of a black plate, a cyan plate, a magenta plate and a yellow plate.
The color misregistration automatic detection device according to appendix 1 or 2.
(Appendix 5)
The detection result notifying unit displays, for each color plate, in which position on the printing plate a positional deviation between the printing plates of the color material occurs.
The color misregistration automatic detection device according to any one of appendices 2 to 4.

(Appendix 6)
A color misregistration automatic detection method for automatically detecting misregistration between press plates of color material on a press plate used in a printing press,
For each color plate previously edited when the color plate is output prior to the output of the black plate as the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for color printing The first paper surface vector data and the latest second paper surface vector data for each color plate edited when the black plate is output,
When automatically detecting misalignment, the first raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the first paper surface vector data, and the second raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data, Create
The first raster image data and the second raster image data are compared between the same color plates,
From the comparison result, it is determined whether or not there is a displacement between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate by determining whether or not there is a mismatch between the image data of each other,
When the comparison result is detected as a mismatch, a message indicating the mismatch is displayed.
A method for automatically detecting color misregistration.

(Appendix 7)
A color misregistration automatic detection program for automatically detecting misregistration between press plates of color materials on a press plate used in a printing press,
For each color plate previously edited when the color plate is output prior to the output of the black plate as the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for color printing The first paper surface vector data and the latest second paper surface vector data for each color plate edited when the black plate is output,
When automatically detecting misalignment, the first raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the first paper surface vector data, and the second raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data, Create
The first raster image data and the second raster image data are compared between the same color plates,
From the comparison result, it is determined whether or not there is a displacement between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate by determining whether or not there is a mismatch between the image data of each other,
When the comparison result is detected as a mismatch, a message indicating the mismatch is displayed.
An automatic color misregistration detection program for causing a computer to execute steps.

1 is a block configuration diagram of an automatic color misregistration detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the color misregistration automatic detection system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the first half flowchart which shows the flow of the process seen from the newspaper producer of the color misregistration automatic detection apparatus by this invention. It is a latter half flowchart which shows the flow of the process seen from the newspaper producer of the color misregistration automatic detection apparatus by this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a position shift detection part. It is a flowchart which shows the data flow of newspaper production using the color misregistration detection apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the color position shift on a paper surface.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 11 Data storage part 12 Image data creation part 13 Position shift detection part 14 Detection result notification part 15 Editing operation part 20 Typesetting terminal 21 Storage apparatus 22 RIP apparatus 100 Color position shift automatic detection apparatus 200 Color position shift automatic detection system

Claims (4)

A color misregistration automatic detection device that automatically detects misregistration between press plates of a color material on a press plate used in a printing press,
For each color plate previously edited when the color plate is output prior to the output of the black plate as the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for color printing A data storage unit for storing the first paper surface vector data and the latest second paper surface vector data for each color plate edited when the black plate is output;
An image data creation unit for creating first raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the first paper surface vector data and second raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data;
The first raster image data and the second raster image data are compared with each other in the same color plate, and it is determined whether or not there is a mismatch between the image data, thereby printing the color material on the printing plate. A misalignment detection unit for detecting whether there is misalignment between the plates;
A control unit for controlling the data storage unit, the image data creation unit, and the misregistration detection unit to operate;
An apparatus for automatically detecting color misregistration. When the positional deviation detection unit detects that there is a positional deviation between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate, it comprises a detection result notification unit for notifying the operator of the detection result under the control of the control unit, The detection result notifying unit displays, for each color plate, in which position on the printing plate a positional deviation between the printing plates of the color material occurs.
The color misregistration automatic detection device according to claim 1. A color misregistration automatic detection method for automatically detecting misregistration between press plates of color material on a press plate used in a printing press,
For each color plate previously edited when the color plate is output prior to the output of the black plate as the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for color printing The first paper surface vector data and the latest second paper surface vector data for each color plate edited when the black plate is output,
When automatically detecting misalignment, the first raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the first paper surface vector data, and the second raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data, Create
The first raster image data and the second raster image data are compared between the same color plates,
From the comparison result, it is determined whether or not there is a displacement between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate by determining whether or not there is a mismatch between the image data of each other,
When the comparison result is detected as a mismatch, a message indicating the mismatch is displayed.
A method for automatically detecting color misregistration. A color misregistration automatic detection program for automatically detecting misregistration between press plates of color materials on a press plate used in a printing press,
For each color plate previously edited when the color plate is output prior to the output of the black plate as the paper vector data used when outputting at least two color plates including the black plate for color printing The first paper surface vector data and the latest second paper surface vector data for each color plate edited when the black plate is output,
When automatically detecting misalignment, the first raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the first paper surface vector data, and the second raster image data for each color plate obtained by rasterizing the second paper surface vector data, Create
The first raster image data and the second raster image data are compared between the same color plates,
From the comparison result, it is determined whether or not there is a displacement between the printing plates of the color material on the printing plate by determining whether or not there is a mismatch between the image data of each other,
When the comparison result is detected as a mismatch, a message indicating the mismatch is displayed.
An automatic color misregistration detection program for causing a computer to execute steps.

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