U.S. patent application number 13/922306 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for data generating apparatus, data generating method, and recording medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is FUJIFILM Corporation. Invention is credited to Masashi KURANOSHITA.
Application Number | 20140018224 13/922306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48740832 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140018224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KURANOSHITA; Masashi |
January 16, 2014 |
DATA GENERATING APPARATUS, DATA GENERATING METHOD, AND RECORDING
MEDIUM
Abstract
A data generating apparatus and a data generating method
generate imposition data for imposing a plurality of pages on a
print medium. A recording medium stores therein a program which
enables a computer to function as an apparatus for generating such
imposition data. After imposition data have been converted from
grid data into fold data, trials are performed to fold a
hypothetical print medium based on the converted fold data, so that
pages, which are superimposed by folding the hypothetical print
medium, have sequential page numbers and are oriented in one
direction. Results of the trials are acquired as fold information
for folding an actual print medium.
Inventors: |
KURANOSHITA; Masashi;
(Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FUJIFILM Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
48740832 |
Appl. No.: |
13/922306 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
493/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/5025 20130101;
B65H 45/00 20130101; G03G 2215/00936 20130101; G03G 2215/00877
20130101; H04N 2201/0462 20130101; G03G 15/6582 20130101; H04N
2201/32 20130101; H04N 2201/212 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
493/405 |
International
Class: |
B65H 45/00 20060101
B65H045/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 10, 2012 |
JP |
2012-154661 |
Claims
1. A data generating apparatus for generating imposition data for
imposing a plurality of pages on a print medium, comprising: a fold
data converter for converting grid data defining positions of
pages, page numbers of the pages, and orientations of the pages, as
the imposition data, into fold data defining positions of fold
lines about which the print medium is folded into a signature,
folding directions, and a folding sequence; a folding trial
conductor for attempting to fold a hypothetical print medium, which
simulates the print medium, based on the fold data, so that pages
superposed by folding the print medium have sequential page numbers
and are oriented in one direction; and a fold information acquirer
for acquiring a result of folding trial events performed to
successfully fold the hypothetical print medium into a signature,
as fold information representing the positions of fold lines about
which the print medium is folded into a signature, folding
directions, and a folding sequence.
2. The data generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
folding trial conductor determines that the signature cannot be
produced if the pages superposed by folding the print medium do not
have sequential page numbers or are not oriented in one direction
in a case where the folding trial conductor attempts to fold the
hypothetical print medium.
3. The data generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the
hypothetical print medium includes the fold lines and can be folded
a plurality of times about the fold lines into the signature; and
the folding trial conductor identifies positions of fold lines and
folding directions for maximizing a total number of superposed
pages having sequential page numbers each time that the
hypothetical print medium is folded.
4. The data generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each
time that the hypothetical print medium is folded, the folding
trial conductor identifies positions of fold lines and folding
directions for maximizing the total number of superposed pages by
attempting to fold the hypothetical print medium about all of the
fold lines that are available, or stops trying to fold the
hypothetical print medium about remaining ones of the fold lines at
the time the positions of fold lines and folding directions for
maximizing the total number of superposed pages having sequential
page numbers are identified.
5. The data generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the
hypothetical print medium includes the fold lines and can be folded
a plurality of times about the fold lines into the signature; and
the folding trial conductor attempts to fold the hypothetical print
medium about all of the fold lines that are available, and
thereafter identifies positions of fold lines, folding directions,
and a folding sequence for maximizing a total number of superposed
pages having sequential page numbers.
6. The data generating apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a trial result indicator for externally indicating the
result of folding trial events performed on the hypothetical print
medium by the folding trial conductor.
7. The data generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
trial result indicator comprises a display unit for displaying the
result of folding trial events.
8. A data generating method of generating imposition data for
imposing a plurality of pages on a print medium, comprising: a
first step of converting grid data defining positions of pages,
page numbers of the pages, and orientations of the pages, as the
imposition data, into fold data defining positions of fold lines
about which the print medium is folded into a signature, folding
directions, and a folding sequence; a second step of attempting to
fold a hypothetical print medium, which simulates the print medium,
based on the fold data, so that pages superposed by folding the
print medium have sequential page numbers and are oriented in one
direction; and a third step of acquiring a result of folding trial
events performed to successfully fold the hypothetical print medium
into a signature, as fold information representing the positions of
fold lines about which the print medium is folded into a signature,
folding directions, and a folding sequence.
9. A non-transitory recording medium storing therein a program for
enabling a computer to function as a unit for generating imposition
data for imposing a plurality of pages on a print medium, the
program enabling the computer to perform functions of: converting
grid data defining positions of pages, page numbers of the pages,
and orientations of the pages, as the imposition data, into fold
data defining positions of fold lines about which the print medium
is folded into a signature, folding directions, and a folding
sequence; attempting to fold a hypothetical print medium, which
simulates the print medium, based on the fold data, so that pages
superposed by folding the print medium have sequential page numbers
and are oriented in one direction; and acquiring a result of
folding trial events performed to successfully fold the
hypothetical print medium into a signature, as fold information
representing the positions of fold lines about which the print
medium is folded into a signature, folding directions, and a
folding sequence.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-154661 filed on
Jul. 10, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a data generating apparatus
and a data generating method for generating imposition data for
imposing a plurality of pages on print mediums, as well as to a
recording medium storing therein a program for enabling a computer
to perform function as a means for generating such imposition
data.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] According to a bookbinding process including a printing
process, images representing a plurality of pages of a book are
printed on large-size print mediums, which are then folded over
themselves into signatures by a folding machine. The signatures are
cut into folios, which are stitched into a book. Prior to
performing the printing process, an imposing process is carried out
to generate imposition data for allocating or imposing a plurality
of pages on the print mediums.
[0006] Japanese Patent No. 2898525 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Publication No. 2011-017938A (hereinafter referred to as
"JP2011-017938A") disclose conventional imposing processes.
[0007] More specifically, Japanese Patent No. 2898525 discloses a
process in which, even if plural imposition data are mixed together
for producing a single book that contains pages of different sizes,
the imposition data for the book are managed in a unified way, so
that the imposition data can automatically be imposed on designated
signatures and folios.
[0008] JP2011-017938A discloses a process in which, in the case
that a plurality of pages are imposed on a single print medium, a
plurality of fold line candidates are displayed on a display
screen. Each time that one of the displayed fold line candidates is
designated, a next fold line candidate is displayed on the display
screen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In terms of the data format thereof, imposition data for
imposing a plurality of pages on print mediums are classified into
grid data and fold data. Grid data comprise data that define
positions of a plurality of pages imposed on print mediums, page
numbers of the pages, and orientations of the pages. Fold data
comprise data that define the positions of fold lines about which
print mediums are folded into signatures, directions (folding
directions) in which print mediums are folded about the fold lines,
and a folding sequence.
[0010] Heretofore, since pre-press (imposition, etc.), press
(printing), and post-press (bookbinding) processes have not been
interlinked, it has been customary to produce signatures by
repeating a process of printing an image based on grid data on a
print medium, followed by folding the print medium into two sheets
and rotating the sheet. Therefore, such a process has been carried
out manually.
[0011] In recent years, printing apparatus have been developed to
the point where JDF (Job Definition Format) data are exchanged
between the printing apparatus to interlink pre-press, press, and
post-press processes for automated and systematized workflows.
Using JDF data, a signature can easily be produced by printing an
image based on fold data on a print medium, and then folding the
print medium based on the fold data with a folding machine.
[0012] JDF-linked systems are required to meet potential needs for
printing images on print mediums to produce signatures therefrom,
based on grid data that have been generated on conventional
JDF-unlinked systems. If an imposing process is carried out on a
hypothetical print medium displayed on a display screen, the user
finds it easier to generate grid data by allocating positions of a
plurality of pages, page numbers, and page orientations, rather
than generating fold data by selecting the positions of fold lines,
folding directions, and a folding sequence. In order for a
JDF-linked system to be able to supply a print medium to a folding
machine to produce a signature, it is necessary to convert
imposition data from grid data into fold data.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a data
generating apparatus, a data generating method, and a recording
medium, which make it possible to produce a signature easily from a
print medium by converting imposition data from grid data into fold
data.
[0014] The present invention is concerned with a data generating
apparatus and a data generating method, which generate imposition
data for imposing a plurality of pages on a print medium. The
present invention also is concerned with a recording medium storing
therein a program that enables a computer to function as a means
for generating such imposition data.
[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a data
generating apparatus having a fold data converter, a folding trial
conductor, and a fold information acquirer. According to the
present invention, there also is provided a data generating method
having a first step, a second step, and a third step. According to
the present invention, there further is provided a recording medium
storing therein a program that enables a computer to perform
functions of converting grid data into fold data, performing
folding trials, and acquiring fold information.
[0016] More specifically, the fold data converter, the first step,
and the means for converting grid data into fold data convert fold
data defining positions of pages, page numbers of the pages, and
orientations of the pages, as imposition data, into fold data
defining positions of fold lines about which the print medium is
folded into a signature, folding directions, and a folding
sequence.
[0017] The folding trial conductor, the second step, and the means
for performing folding trials attempt to fold a hypothetical print
medium, which simulates the print medium, based on the fold data,
so that pages superposed by folding the print medium have
sequential page numbers and are oriented in one direction.
[0018] The fold information acquirer, the third step, and the means
for acquiring fold information acquire a result of folding trial
events performed to successfully fold the hypothetical print medium
into a signature, as fold information representing the positions of
fold lines about which the print medium is folded into a signature,
folding directions, and a folding sequence.
[0019] According to the present invention, imposition data can
automatically be converted from grid data into fold data.
Therefore, the user can perform various processes including an
imposing process, a bookbinding process, etc., without realizing
different types of imposition data, i.e., grid data and fold data.
Since imposition data can automatically be converted from grid data
into fold data, such data are made compatible with each other.
[0020] If the folding trial conductor attempts to fold the
hypothetical print medium using converted fold data, and has
successfully folded the hypothetical print medium into a signature,
the fold information acquirer acquires the trial result as fold
information of the fold data. Therefore, actual print mediums can
efficiently be folded into signatures according to the acquired
fold information. In other words, in a case where the fold data are
supplied to a folding machine, the folding machine is made capable
of folding the print mediums automatically.
[0021] Conversion of imposition data from grid data into fold data
makes printing and bookbinding processes including a job folding
process more efficient. Even if grid data are generated on
conventional JDF-unlinked systems, the grid data can be acquired
and converted into fold data in order to produce desired signatures
from the print mediums.
[0022] According to the present invention, the following functions
(1) through (5) may be performed.
[0023] (1) The folding trial conductor determines that the
signature cannot be produced if the pages superposed by folding the
print medium do not have sequential page numbers or are not
oriented in one direction in a case where the folding trial
conductor attempts to fold the hypothetical print medium. As a
consequence, it is possible to prevent print mediums from being
wasted due to a failure of the folding process performed by a
folding machine.
[0024] (2) The hypothetical print medium includes the fold lines
and can be folded a plurality of times about the fold lines into
the signature. In addition, the folding trial conductor identifies
positions of fold lines and folding directions for maximizing a
total number of superposed pages having sequential page numbers
each time that the hypothetical print medium is folded.
Consequently, print mediums can reliably and efficiently be turned
into signatures based on identified fold lines and folding
directions.
[0025] (3) Each time that the hypothetical print medium is folded,
the folding trial conductor identifies positions of fold lines and
folding directions for maximizing the total number of superposed
pages by attempting to fold the hypothetical print medium about all
of the fold lines that are available, or stops trying to fold the
hypothetical print medium about remaining ones of the fold lines at
the time the positions of fold lines and folding directions for
maximizing the total number of superposed pages having sequential
page numbers are identified.
[0026] If trials are performed to fold the hypothetical print
medium about all of the fold lines that are available, then it is
possible to reliably identify the positions of the fold lines,
together with folding directions for maximizing the total number of
superposed pages having sequential page numbers. If trials for
folding the hypothetical print medium about the remaining fold
lines are canceled at the time that the positions of the fold lines
and the folding directions are identified for maximizing the total
number of superposed pages having sequential page numbers, then the
time required to perform the imposing process can be shortened.
[0027] (4) The hypothetical print medium includes the fold lines
and can be folded a plurality of times about the fold lines into
the signature. In addition, the folding trial conductor attempts to
fold the hypothetical print medium about all of the fold lines that
are available, and thereafter identifies positions of fold lines,
folding directions, and a folding sequence for maximizing a total
number of superposed pages having sequential page numbers.
Consequently, print mediums can reliably and efficiently be turned
into signatures based on identified fold lines and folding
directions.
[0028] (5) The data generating apparatus may further comprise a
trial result indicator for externally indicating the result of
folding trial events performed on the hypothetical print medium by
the folding trial conductor. The trial result indicator allows the
user to grasp the result of folding trials performed by the folding
trial conductor, i.e., whether a folding trial performed on the
hypothetical print medium has been successful or not. If the trial
result indicator includes a display unit, then since the result of
the folding trials can be displayed as an image, the user can
easily grasp the result simply by observing the displayed
image.
[0029] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention
is shown by way of illustrative example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a printing system
incorporating a data generating apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the data generating
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process of converting imposition
data from grid data into fold data;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing grid data accumulated in a grid
data accumulator shown in FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list of fold line candidates
accumulated in a fold line candidate accumulator shown in FIG.
2;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of fold line solutions
accumulated in a fold data accumulator shown in FIG. 2;
[0036] FIG. 7A is a view showing the manner in which a plurality of
pages are imposed on a front side of a hypothetical print
medium;
[0037] FIG. 7B is a view showing the manner in which a plurality of
pages are imposed on a reverse side of the hypothetical print
medium;
[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing the manner in which the
hypothetical print mediums illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B are
folded;
[0039] FIGS. 9A and 9B are views showing the manner in which the
folded hypothetical print mediums illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B
are folded again;
[0040] FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing the manner in which the
folded hypothetical print mediums illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B
are folded into signatures;
[0041] FIGS. 11A and 11B are views showing hypothetical print
mediums for which it is impossible to convert grid data into fold
data;
[0042] FIG. 12A is a view showing the manner in which eight pages
are imposed respectively on eight print mediums; and
[0043] FIG. 12B is a view showing the manner in which the eight
pages illustrated in FIG. 12A are imposed on a single print
medium.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] A data generating apparatus according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention in relation to data generating
methods and programs, which are carried out by the data generating
apparatus, will be described in detail below with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[Configuration of Data Generating Apparatus]
[0045] FIG. 1 schematically shows a printing system 10
incorporating a data generating apparatus 20 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the
printing system 10 basically includes a platemaking site 12, a
printing site 14, a bookbinding site 15, a database server 16, and
a LAN 18. The platemaking site 12 includes a data generating
apparatus 20 and a proof press 22.
[0046] The data generating apparatus 20 generates page-specific
edit data (page description data) expressed in a page description
language (hereinafter referred to as "PDL"), e.g., PDL data in
color channels representing four colors (C, M, Y, K) or three
colors (R, G, B).
[0047] PDL refers to a language for describing image information
including format information, position information, and color
information (including density information) of characters,
graphics, etc., in a "page" that serves as an output unit for
printing, displaying, etc. Page description languages include, for
example, PDF which stands for "Portable Document Format" and is
prescribed according to IS032000-1:2008, PostScript (registered
trademark) of Adobe Systems, and XPS (XML Paper Specification).
[0048] The data generating apparatus 20 performs a desired image
processing technique such as a preflight process, a color
conversion process, or a layout process on page-specific edit data.
The data generating apparatus 20 then converts the processed
page-specific edit data into raster-format data such as bitmap data
or TIFF data, and sends the converted raster-format data as
printing data to the proof press 22.
[0049] The data generating apparatus 20 includes a main unit 26, a
display unit (trial result indicator) 28, and an input assembly 30
including a keyboard 32 and a mouse 34. The mouse 34, which serves
as a pointing device, may be replaced with a track pad or a track
ball.
[0050] The proof press 22 is an output device for printing a proof
24 to be proofread. The proof press 22 may comprise a DDCP (Direct
Digital Color Proofer), which is equivalent to an offset press in
terms of printing capabilities, an ink jet color proofer, a
low-resolution color laser printer (electrophotographic printer),
an ink jet printer, or the like.
[0051] The database server 16 serves to save, update, and delete
various data files required to produce a final print product FP.
Such various data files include material data files (content data
files) from a production company, not shown, proof data files,
platemaking data files, job ticket files (e.g., JDF files), ICC
(International Color Consortium) profiles, color sample data files,
etc.
[0052] The LAN 18 is constructed according to communication
standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like. The
platemaking site 12, the printing site 14, and the database server
16 are interconnected by the LAN 18. If the platemaking site 12 and
the printing site 14 are geographically spaced remotely from each
other, then printing plate data can be exchanged through the LAN 18
between the platemaking site 12 and the printing site 14.
[0053] The printing site 14 has an image processor for performing a
desired image processing technique on the printing plate data, a
plate setter for producing printing plates, and an offset press for
printing desired images on various mediums in order to produce
prints, i.e., a plurality of jobs 36. The platesetter and the
offset press may be replaced with a digital press, which is capable
of producing prints directly from printing plate data.
[0054] The bookbinding site 15 includes various devices for
performing production processes including a surface treatment
process, a sheet folding process, a collating process, a binding
process, a cutting process, a casemaking process, etc., on a
plurality of jobs 36 supplied from the printing site 14. In a case
where such production processes are successively performed on the
jobs 36, the final print product FP, e.g., the illustrated
casebound book, is produced.
[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates in functional block form the data
generating apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the
main unit 26 includes a controller 60, a communication I/F 62, a
display controller 64, a print I/F 66, and a memory 68 (recording
medium).
[0056] The communication I/F 62 is an interface for sending
electric signals to and receiving electric signals from various
external apparatus. For example, the communication I/F 62 is
capable of acquiring various material data provided by the
non-illustrated production company. The communication I/F 62 also
is capable of acquiring various items of information, such as
printing plate data, ICC profiles, etc., which are managed and
saved in the database server 16.
[0057] The display controller 64 comprises a control circuit for
controlling the display unit 28 under the control of the controller
60. More specifically, in a case where the display controller 64
outputs a display control signal to the display unit 28 via a
non-illustrated I/F, the display unit 28 is energized and made
capable of displaying various images.
[0058] The print I/F 66 is an interface for sending electric
signals representative of printing data to the proof press 22. The
proof press 22 prints a desired proof 24 based on electric signals
sent from the print I/F 66.
[0059] The memory 68 stores programs and data, which are required
for the controller 60 to control various components. The memory 68
includes a fold line candidate accumulator 68a, a grid data
accumulator 68b, and a fold data accumulator 68c.
[0060] The fold line candidate accumulator 68a accumulates
candidates for fold lines (hereinafter referred to as "fold line
candidates") about which a job 36 is folded with a plurality of
pages imposed thereon to produce a signature in the bookbinding
site 15.
[0061] Imposition data for imposing a plurality of pages on a job
36 are accumulated respectively in the grid data accumulator 68b
and the fold data accumulator 68c. The grid data accumulator 68b
and the fold data accumulator 68c accumulate the imposition data in
different formats for imposing pages on the same job 36.
[0062] The grid data accumulator 68b accumulates grid data for
defining positions of a plurality of pages imposed on jobs 36, page
numbers of the pages, and orientations of the pages. The fold data
accumulator 68c accumulates fold data, which define positions of
fold lines about which the jobs 36 are folded into signatures,
directions (folding directions) in which the jobs 36 are folded
about the fold lines, and a folding sequence.
[0063] As described later, since the controller 60 is capable of
converting imposition data from grid data into fold data, the grid
data and the fold data are made compatible with each other.
[0064] The controller 60 comprises a processor such as a CPU
(Central Processing Unit) or the like. The controller 60 performs
various functions as an imposition data generator 70, an imposition
data converter 72, and a display data generator 74, by reading and
executing programs stored in the memory 68.
[0065] The imposition data generator 70 generates page-specific
edit data from material data representative of characters,
graphics, patterns, photos, etc., and also generates imposition
data, e.g., job tickets, for imposing pages onto sheets of a given
size according to a designated binding method and a designated
sheet folding method. The display unit 28 displays on a screen
thereof a hypothetical print medium 100 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B),
which simulates a job 36. In a case where the user operates the
input assembly 30 to designate positions of a plurality of pages,
page numbers, and page orientations, the imposition data generator
70 generates imposition data (grid data) depending on the
information designated by the user. The generated grid data are
accumulated in the grid data accumulator 68b.
[0066] The data generating apparatus 20 exchanges JDF data with
other devices in the printing system 10, thus providing an
interlink between the devices in the printing system 10 on the
basis of the JDF data. The imposition data generator 70 may also
acquire grid data through the LAN 18 or the like from conventional
JDF-unlinked systems, and may accumulate the acquired grid data in
the grid data accumulator 68b.
[0067] The imposition data converter 72 includes a fold data
converter 76, a folding trial conductor 78, and a fold information
acquirer 80.
[0068] The fold data converter 76 reads grid data accumulated in
the grid data accumulator 68b, and converts the read grid data into
fold data. The fold data are accumulated in the fold line candidate
accumulator 68a.
[0069] The folding trial conductor 78 reads the fold data that is
accumulated in the fold line candidate accumulator 68a, and
attempts to fold a hypothetical print medium 100 (see FIGS. 7A and
7B), which simulates a job 36. More specifically, based on the
assumption that plural pages are imposed on the hypothetical print
medium 100 and fold lines represented by the fold data are formed
on the hypothetical print medium 100, the folding trial conductor
78 attempts to fold the hypothetical print medium 100 about the
fold lines, thereby specifying positions of optimum fold lines
about which the job 36 is folded into a signature, directions
(folding directions) for folding the job 36 about the fold lines,
and a sequence (folding sequence) according to which the job 36 is
folded.
[0070] If the folding trial conductor 78 finds that no signature
can be produced from the hypothetical print medium 100 by
attempting to fold the hypothetical print medium 100 about the fold
lines based on the fold data, then the folding trial conductor 78
determines that the grid data on which the fold data are based are
erroneous.
[0071] If the folding trial conductor 78 is able to produce a
signature by attempting to fold the hypothetical print medium 100,
then the fold information acquirer 80 acquires the trial result as
fold data (fold information) representing positions of optimum fold
lines about which the job 36 actually is folded into a signature,
the folding directions, and the folding sequence (an optimum
solution to the folding trial). The fold information acquirer 80
also accumulates the acquired fold data in the fold data
accumulator 68c.
[0072] The printing system 10 supplies printing plate data based on
the fold data (imposition data, fold information) accumulated in
the fold data accumulator 68c from the platemaking site 12, through
the LAN 18, and to the printing site 14, thereby making the
printing site 14 capable of printing jobs 36, and of producing
signatures, based on the fold data.
[0073] The display data generator 74 generates various types of
image data to be displayed on the display unit 28. More
specifically, the display data generator 74 acquires grid data from
the imposition data generator 70, and generates images depending on
the acquired grid data. The display data generator 74 also acquires
various additional data, such as fold data from the fold data
converter 76, the folding trial conductor 78, or the fold
information acquirer 80, and generates images depending on the
acquired data.
[0074] The display controller 64 outputs display control signals to
the display unit 28 depending on images generated by the display
data generator 74, thereby enabling the display unit 28 to display
various images depending on grid data or fold data. For example,
the display unit 28 can display an image representing a trial
result, which is produced in a case where the folding trial
conductor 78 attempts to fold a hypothetical print medium 100,
i.e., an image indicating that a signature can be produced, or an
image indicating that a signature cannot be produced.
[0075] The display data generator 74 performs an RIP (Raster Image
Processing) process on the acquired grid data or fold data
(imposition data), thereby converting the grid data or the fold
data into raster-format data (hereinafter referred to as
"RIP-processed imposition data"). More specifically, the display
data processor 74 places page-specific edit data in given data
areas, adds mark information represented by marks such as
registration marks or the like to the page-specific edit data, and
rasterizes the page-specific edit data together with the added mark
information, thereby producing RIP-processed imposition data.
[Operations of Data Generating Apparatus]
[0076] The data generating apparatus 20 according to the present
embodiment is configured basically as described above. Operations
of the data generating apparatus 20 will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 3 through 10B.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is assumed that eight pages
are imposed on each of front and reverse sides of a hypothetical
print medium 100 depending on a single job 36. In addition, the
hypothetical print medium 100 is folded about fold lines 102A
through 102G (see FIGS. 7A through 9B).
[0078] The data generating apparatus 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2)
operates prior to a printing process, which is carried out on the
job 36 at the printing site 14, and a bookbinding process, which is
carried out at the bookbinding site 15. Therefore, the data
generating apparatus 20 hypothetically attempts to fold the
hypothetical print medium 100 about the fold lines 102A through
102G. As shown in FIG. 3, processing details of the steps of a
process to convert imposition data from grid data into fold data,
which include a folding trial, are displayed as necessary on the
display screen of the display unit 28. The process and the data
produced thereby, as shown in FIGS. 3 through 10B, basically are
carried out and produced by the imposition data converter 72 of the
data generating apparatus 20.
[0079] In step S1 (first step) shown in FIG. 3, the fold data
converter 76 reads grid data (see FIG. 4), which is accumulated as
imposition data in the grid data accumulator 68b.
[0080] FIG. 4 shows positions of pages on the front side (FIG. 7A)
and the reverse side (FIG. 7B) of the hypothetical print medium 100
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, page numbers of the pages, and
orientations of the pages.
[0081] On the front side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown
in FIG. 7A, boundaries between the pages represent respective fold
lines 102A through 102D. The pages shown in FIGS. 4 and 7A are
allocated respectively to first through eighth areas 104a through
104h, which represent respective pages.
[0082] In FIG. 7A, page numbers are shown in respective first
through eighth areas 104a through 104h, and the orientations of the
page numbers indicate the orientations of the pages. The term
"REVERSED (DOWNWARD)" in FIG. 4 implies that the illustrated page
numbers are oriented downwardly, as indicated by pages 15, 2, 3,
and 14 in FIG. 7A. The term "NORMAL (UPWARD)" in FIG. 4 implies
that the illustrated page numbers are oriented upwardly, as
indicated by pages 10, 7, 6, and 11 in FIG. 7B. In FIG. 7A, the
first through eighth areas 104a through 104h have respective
printing surface areas 106a through 106h.
[0083] The reverse side shown in FIG. 7B is a reversal of the front
side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A.
Boundaries between the pages represent fold lines 102A through
102D, as is the case with the front side shown in FIG. 7A. The
pages shown in FIGS. 4 and 7B are allocated respectively to first
through eighth areas 108a through 108h, which represent respective
pages. In FIG. 7B, the first through eighth areas 108a through 108h
have respective printing surface areas 110a through 110h. In FIG.
7B, page numbers also are shown in respective first through eighth
areas 108a through 108h, and the orientations of the page numbers
indicate the orientations of the pages.
[0084] Using the grid data, which have been read, the fold data
converter 76 extracts boundaries between the pages, and accumulates
the extracted boundaries as fold line candidates in the fold line
candidate accumulator 68a.
[0085] In FIGS. 7A and 7B, since the fold lines 102A through 102D
exist, the fold data converter 76 extracts the fold lines 102A
through 102D as fold line candidates, and as shown in FIG. 5,
accumulates the extracted fold lines 102A through 102D in the fold
line candidate accumulator 68a.
[0086] The fold data converter 76 also extracts fold types (peak
and valley folds) on front and reverse sides about the fold lines
102A through 102D. The fold data converter 76 also extracts page
numbers of pages that opposite pages will contact or be superposed
on if folded about the fold lines 102A through 102D. As shown in
FIG. 5, the fold data converter 76 accumulates the extracted fold
types and page numbers in the fold line candidate accumulator
68a.
[0087] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the fold line candidate
accumulator 68a accumulates therein, as fold line candidates, the
fold lines 102A through 102D (indicated as A, B in FIG. 5), the
sides (front and reverse sides) that are folded about the fold
lines 102A through 102D, and the fold types (peak and valley
folds). More specifically, the fold data converter 76 converts the
grid data into fold data that defines the positions of the fold
lines 102A through 102D about which the job 36 is folded into a
signature, directions (folding directions) about which the job 36
is folded about the fold lines 102A through 102D, and a folding
sequence. The converted fold data is accumulated in the fold line
candidate accumulator 68a.
[0088] The peak folds on the front side of the hypothetical print
medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A refer to folds which are made by
folding the front side about the fold lines 102A through 102D in a
direction away from the viewer in FIG. 7A. The valley folds on the
front side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A
refer to folds which are made by folding the front side about the
fold lines 102A through 102D in a direction toward the viewer in
FIG. 7A. The peak and valley folds on the reverse side of the
hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIG. 7B are similarly
defined, except that "FIG. 7A" and "front" in the above description
concerning the peak and valley folds on the front side of the
hypothetical print medium 100 are replaced with "FIG. 7B" and
"reverse", respectively.
[0089] In FIG. 5, fold types about the same fold line 102A on the
front or reverse side also are accumulated in the fold line
candidate accumulator 68a. However, if the front side is folded
about the fold line 102A into a peak fold, the reverse side is
complementarily folded about the same fold line 102A into a valley
fold, and if the front side is folded about the fold line 102A into
a valley fold, the reverse side is complementarily folded about the
same fold line 102A into a peak fold. Consequently, the fold line
candidate accumulator 68a may accumulate, as fold line candidates,
at least information concerning fold lines and fold types on either
the front side or the reverse side.
[0090] In step S2 shown in FIG. 3, the folding trial conductor 78
sets to 0 (zero) the maximum value (hereinafter referred to as a
"maximum contacting page number" or a "maximum value of a number of
pages") of a number of pages that will come into contact or be
superposed on each other if the hypothetical print medium 100 is
folded once about the fold lines 102A through 102D. In a case where
the job 36 corresponding to the hypothetical print medium 100 is
folded into a signature, the signature is cut into folios, the
folios are stitched together, and the pages are arranged in a
proper sequence and oriented in the same direction. Therefore, the
maximum contacting page number refers to the maximum value of a
number of pages, which will be superposed on each other in a case
where the job is folded into a signature.
[0091] In step S3 (second step), the folding trial conductor 78
reads the list of fold line candidates shown in FIG. 5 from the
fold line candidate accumulator 68a, and attempts to fold the
hypothetical print medium 100 about one of the fold line candidates
(fold lines 102A through 102D) of the list that was read. For
example, the folding trial conductor 78 refers to the list of fold
line candidates shown in FIG. 5, and folds the hypothetical print
medium 100 about the fold line 102A (fold line A in FIG. 5),
thereby forming a peak fold on the front side of the hypothetical
print medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A.
[0092] In step S4, the folding trial conductor 78 determines
whether or not the pages, which have been brought into contact with
each other as a result of the folding trial in step S3, have
sequential page numbers and are oriented in the same direction. As
described above, if the job 36 is folded into a signature, the
signature is cut into folios, the folios are stitched together, and
the pages are arranged in a proper sequence and oriented in the
same direction. In step S4, therefore, the folding trial conductor
78 determines whether or not the fold, which was attempted in step
S3, is a fold that is capable of producing a signature.
[0093] Specific details of a process of attempting to fold the
front side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A
once will be described below.
[0094] In step S3, if the front side of the hypothetical print
medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A is folded about the fold line 102A in
order to make a peak fold, page 1 and page 16 contact each other on
the reverse side, whereas page 8 and page 9 contact each other on
the reverse side. However, page 1 and page 16 do not have
sequential page numbers. Therefore, the folding trial conductor 78
determines that the fold made in such a manner is incapable of
producing a signature (step S4: NO). Therefore, the control returns
to step S3, and the folding trial conductor 78 attempts to make
another fold.
[0095] In step S3, if the front side of the hypothetical print
medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A is folded about the fold line 102B in
order to make a valley fold, page 2 and page 3 on the front side
contact each other, page 6 and page 7 on the front side contact
each other, page 10 and page 11 on the front side contact each
other, and page 14 and page 15 on the front side contact each
other. The pages, which are in contact with each other in each
combination, have sequential page numbers and are oriented in the
same direction. Therefore, the folding trial conductor 78
determines that the fold, which was made in this manner, is capable
of producing a signature (step S4: YES). Control then proceeds to
step S5.
[0096] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the hypothetical print medium 100
shown in FIG. 7A, which has been folded about the fold line 102B in
order to make a valley fold. FIG. 8A shows the front side, and FIG.
8B shows the reverse side after creation of the valley fold.
[0097] In step S5, the folding trial conductor 78 determines
whether or not the total number of pages that have been placed in
contact with each other in accordance with the fold type, which was
judged as affirmative in step S4, is greater than the maximum
contacting page number.
[0098] Since the maximum contacting page number has been set to 0
(zero) in step S2 and the front side of the hypothetical print
medium 100 shown in FIG. 7A has been folded into a valley fold
about the fold line 102B in step S3, the total number of contacting
pages is eight, i.e., pages 2 and 3, pages 6 and 7, pages 10 and
11, and pages 14 and 15 (step S5: YES). In step S6, the folding
trial conductor 78 updates the total number of contacting pages
used in step S5 as the maximum contacting page number (maximum
contacting page number: 0-8). Then, in step S7, the folding trial
conductor 78 temporarily registers the result of the present
folding trial as a solution to the folding trial in a
non-illustrated memory of the folding trial conductor 78.
[0099] In step S8, if the folding trial conductor 78 has not
completed the trial to fold the hypothetical print medium 100 shown
in FIGS. 7A and 7B about all of the fold lines 102A through 102D
(step S8: NO), then control returns to step S3, in which the
folding trial conductor 78 attempts to fold the hypothetical print
medium 100 about any remaining fold lines.
[0100] Upon the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIGS. 7A and
7B being folded about the fold lines 102C and 102D, a result is
obtained in which two contacting pages do not have sequential page
numbers, or the contacting pages are oriented in different
directions (step S4: NO).
[0101] On the other hand, in step S8, if the folding trial
conductor 78 has completed the trial to fold the hypothetical print
medium 100 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B about all of the fold lines
102A through 102D (step S8: YES), then in step S9, the fold
information acquirer 80 checks the information that has temporarily
been registered in the memory of the folding trial conductor
78.
[0102] If in steps S3 through S8, the folding trial conductor 78
has attempted to fold the hypothetical print medium 100 about all
of the fold lines 102A through 102D, and assuming the result
information has been temporarily registered, then the temporarily
registered information is considered to be information in relation
to fold lines that are capable of producing a signature, i.e.,
information representing a solution to the folding trial about the
fold lines. The temporarily registered information includes
information depending on the maximum contacting page number, as
well as information depending on a page number that is smaller than
the maximum contacting page number.
[0103] In step S9, from the information temporarily registered in
the folding trial conductor 78, the fold information acquirer 80
extracts information depending on the maximum contacting page
number as fold line information, which serves as an optimum
solution to the folding trial about the fold lines (step S9: YES).
In step S10 (third step), as shown in FIG. 6, the fold information
acquirer 80 accumulates the extracted fold line information in the
fold data accumulator 68c.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 6, the fold data accumulator 68c
accumulates therein the front side that is folded about the fold
lines, the numbers of folding events, the fold lines (i.e., the
fold lines 102B, 102F, 102G indicated as B, F, G in FIG. 6), the
fold types (peak and valley folds), the maximum contacting page
numbers (total numbers of contacting pages), and combinations of
contacting pages, as a list of optimum solutions to the folding
trial about the fold lines (a list of fold line solutions).
[0105] As will be described later, since the above folding trial is
carried out repeatedly until the hypothetical print medium 100 is
folded into a signature, for each number of folding events, the
fold data accumulator 68c accumulates an optimum solution to the
folding trial about the fold lines in the form of fold data.
[0106] In step S11, based on the list of fold line solutions in the
present folding event (first folding event) that are accumulated in
the fold data accumulator 68c, the fold information acquirer 80
updates the group of pages represented by the imposition data (fold
data) from the group of pages shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B to the group
of pages shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. As a result, the display data
generator 74 generates image data depending on the group of pages
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, and the display controller 64 displays an
image represented by the generated image data on the display unit
28.
[0107] More specifically, the display unit 28 displays an image
showing the hypothetical print medium 100 as updated from the state
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B to the state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,
thereby indicating to the user that the first folding event was
successful. The display unit 28 may display an image that allows
the user to easily grasp that the first folding event was
successful, i.e., an image that enables the user to understand that
the hypothetical print medium 100 has actually been folded. For
example, the display unit 28 may display (1) a 3D moving image
showing that the hypothetical print medium 100 has been folded from
the state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B to the state shown in FIGS. 8A
and 8B, or (2) both an image corresponding to the state shown in
FIGS. 7A and 7B and an image corresponding to the state shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0108] In step S12, the fold information acquirer 80 determines
whether or not the hypothetical print medium 100 has been turned
into a signature (for one page). If the hypothetical print medium
100 has been turned into a signature, control returns to step S1,
and the group of pages, which was updated as shown in FIGS. 8A and
8B, is processed again in steps S1 through S11.
[0109] Therefore, the imposition data converter 72 executes steps
S1 through S12 repeatedly until the hypothetical print medium 100
is turned into a signature (for one page).
[0110] After the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIGS. 8A
and 8B has been processed in steps S1 through S12, two fold lines
102E, 102F are available as fold line candidates. Accordingly, the
imposition data converter 72 performs two folding trials.
[0111] If the front side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown
in FIG. 8A is folded about the fold line 102F in order to make a
peak fold (step S3), pages 4 and 5 are brought into contact with
each other, pages 12 and 13 are brought into contact with each
other, and the pages are oriented in the same direction (step S4:
YES). The total number of contacting pages is four, which is
greater than the maximum contacting page number, which was
previously set to 0 (zero) in step S2 (step S5: YES). Consequently,
the maximum contacting page number is updated to 4 in step S6, and
the result of the folding trial is temporarily registered as a
solution to the folding trial (step S7).
[0112] If the front side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown
in FIG. 8A is folded about the fold line 102F in order to make a
valley fold, or is folded about the fold line 102E in order to make
a peak fold, or is folded about the fold line 102E in order to make
a valley fold (step S3), then the two contacting pages do not have
sequential page numbers, or are oriented in different directions
(step S4: NO).
[0113] Upon the folding trial conductor 78 having completed the
attempt at folding the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIGS.
8A and 8B about all of the fold lines 102E and 102F (step S8: YES),
the folding trial conductor 78 has temporarily registered therein
information concerning only the peak fold about the fold line 102F
on the front side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in
FIG. 8A (step S9: YES). Therefore, the fold information acquirer 80
accumulates the temporarily registered information in the fold data
accumulator 68c as fold line information, which represents an
optimum solution to the second folding event. In this manner, as
shown in FIG. 6, the fold line information is accumulated as a
second fold line solution.
[0114] In step S11, based on the second fold line solution, the
fold information acquirer 80 updates the group of pages represented
by the fold data from the state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B to the
state shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. As a result, the display data
generator 74 generates image data depending on the group of pages
shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and the display controller 64 displays an
image represented by the generated image data on the display unit
28. Similar to the case of the successful first folding event, the
display unit 28 displays an image, which shows the hypothetical
print medium 100 as updated from the state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B
to the state shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, thereby indicating to the
user that the second folding event was successful.
[0115] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, since the hypothetical print
medium 100 is not yet turned into a signature, in step S12, the
imposition data converter 72 makes a negative judgment (step S12:
NO). Thereafter, control returns to step S1, and the group of pages
that was updated in FIGS. 9A and 9B is processed again in steps S1
through S11.
[0116] Upon completion of processing of the hypothetical print
medium 100 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B in steps S1 through S12, only
one fold line 102G is available as a fold line candidate.
Therefore, the imposition data converter 72 carries out a third
folding trial about the fold line 102G.
[0117] If the front side of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown
in FIG. 9A is folded about the fold line 102G in order to make a
valley fold (step S3), pages 8 and 9 are brought into contact with
each other. The two contacting pages have sequential page numbers
and are oriented in the same direction (step S4: YES). The total
number of contacting pages is two, which is greater than the
maximum contacting page number that was previously set to 0 (zero)
in step S2 (step S5: YES). Consequently, in step S6, the maximum
contacting page number is updated to 2, and the result of the
folding trial is temporarily registered as a solution to the
folding trial (step S7). If the front side of the hypothetical
print medium 100 shown in FIG. 9A is folded about the fold line
102G in order to make a peak fold, then the two contacting pages do
not have sequential page numbers (step S4: NO).
[0118] At the time that the folding trial conductor 78 has
completed its attempt at folding the hypothetical print medium 100
shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B about the fold line 102G (step S8: YES),
the folding trial conductor 78 has temporarily registered therein
only information concerning the valley fold made on the front side
of the hypothetical print medium 100 shown in FIG. 9A about the
fold line 102G (step S9: YES). Therefore, the fold information
acquirer 80 accumulates the temporarily registered information as
fold line information in the fold data accumulator 68c, which
represents an optimum solution to the third folding event. In this
manner, as shown in FIG. 6, the fold line information is
accumulated as a third fold line solution.
[0119] In step S11, based on the third fold line solution, the fold
information acquirer 80 updates the group of pages represented by
the fold data from the state shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B to the state
shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. As a result, the display data generator
74 generates image data depending on the group of pages shown in
FIGS. 10A and 10B, and the display controller 64 displays an image
represented by the generated image data on the display unit 28.
Similar to the cases of the successful first and second folding
events, the display unit 28 displays an image, which shows the
hypothetical print medium 100 as updated from the state shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B to the state shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, thereby
indicating to the user that the third folding event was
successful.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the hypothetical print medium
100 is turned into a signature. In step S12, the imposition data
converter 72 makes an affirmative judgment (step S12: YES), and the
processing sequence of the imposition data converter 72 is brought
to an end.
Advantages of the Embodiment
[0121] According to the present embodiment, imposition data can be
converted from grid data into fold data. Therefore, the user can
perform various processes, including an imposing process, a
bookbinding process, etc., without realizing the different types of
imposition data, i.e., grid data and fold data. Since imposition
data can automatically be converted from grid data into fold data,
such data are made compatible with each other.
[0122] According to the present embodiment, furthermore, in a case
where the folding trial conductor 78 has attempted to fold the
hypothetical print medium 100 using the converted fold data, and
has successfully folded the hypothetical print medium 100 into a
signature, the fold information acquirer 80 acquires the trial
result as fold information of the fold data. Therefore, the jobs 36
can efficiently be folded into signatures according to the acquired
fold information. In other words, upon the fold data being supplied
to the folding machine, the folding machine is made capable of
folding the jobs 36 automatically.
[0123] According to the present embodiment, therefore, conversion
of imposition data from grid data into fold data makes the printing
and bookbinding processes including the job folding process more
efficient. Even if grid data are generated on conventional
JDF-unlinked systems, the grid data can be acquired and converted
into fold data to produce desired signatures from jobs.
[0124] According to the present embodiment, moreover, in the case
that the hypothetical print medium 100 is folded a plurality of
times into a signature, each time that a fold is made, the fold
lines 102A through 102G are identified about which the hypothetical
print medium 100 is folded to thereby set the total number of
pages, which are superposed and have sequential page numbers, i.e.,
the total number of contacting pages, as the maximum contacting
page number. The folding directions about the fold lines 102A
through 102G also are identified. Consequently, the jobs 36 can
reliably and efficiently be turned into signatures based on the
identified fold lines and folding directions.
[0125] In the event that the folding trial conductor 78 attempts to
fold the hypothetical print medium 100 about all of the fold lines
102A through 102G that are available in each folding event, it is
possible to reliably identify the fold lines 102A through 102G
about which the hypothetical print medium 100 can be folded, to
thereby set the total number of contacting pages as the maximum
contacting page number, and to reliably identify the folding
directions about the fold lines 102A through 102G.
[0126] The display unit 28 displays an image representing results
of folding trial events, which are carried out on the hypothetical
print medium 100 by the folding trial conductor 78. By observing
the image displayed on the display unit 28, the user can easily
grasp the results of folding trial events that are carried out by
the folding trial conductor 78, e.g., whether the folding trial
events carried out on the hypothetical print medium 100 have been
successful and the hypothetical print medium 100 can be folded into
a signature.
Modifications of the Embodiment
[0127] The present embodiment is not limited to the details
described above. Several changes and modifications may be made to
the embodiment as described below.
[0128] FIGS. 11A and 11B show an example in which imposition data
cannot be converted from grid data into fold data. It is assumed
that, in an imposition process performed by the user, an error is
made to impose the same page number "1" on two pages on the front
side of a hypothetical print medium 120 shown in FIG. 11A, and to
impose the same page number "2" on two pages on the reverse side of
the hypothetical print medium 120 shown in FIG. 11B.
[0129] On the front side shown in FIG. 11A, the hypothetical print
medium 120, which simulates a job 36, has a boundary serving as a
fold line 122A between the two pages, and two areas 124a, 124b
representing the pages on both sides of the fold line 122A. The two
areas 124a, 124b have respective printing surface areas 126a,
126b.
[0130] On the reverse side shown in FIG. 11B, the hypothetical
print medium 120 has a boundary that serves as the fold line 122A
between the two pages, and two areas 128a, 128b representing the
pages on both sides of the fold line 122A. The two areas 128a, 128b
have respective printing surface areas 130a, 130b.
[0131] In step S3 shown in FIG. 3, the front or reverse side is
folded about the fold line 122A in order to make a peak fold or a
valley fold. However, the contacting pages do not have sequential
page numbers (step S4: NO). The hypothetical print medium 120 has
only one fold line 122A.
[0132] If the folding trial conductor 78 makes a negative judgment
in step S4, then the fold information acquirer 80 determines that
fold information representing an optimum solution to the folding
trial has not been temporarily registered in the folding trial
conductor 78 (step S9: NO). Then, in step S13, the fold information
acquirer 80 determines that the grid data cannot be converted into
fold data for folding the job 36 into a signature.
[0133] Based on the judgment made in step S13, the display data
generator 74 generates image data, which represents a failure in
converting the grid data into fold data. The display controller 64
displays an image represented by the generated image data on the
display unit 28. By observing the displayed image, the user can
recognize that the imposition process is erroneous.
[0134] More specifically, the display unit 28 displays an image
showing that the folding trial performed on the hypothetical print
medium 120 by the folding trial conductor 78 has failed. By
confirming the image displayed on the display unit 28, the user can
easily grasp that the hypothetical print medium 120 cannot be
folded into a signature and that the folding trial has failed.
[0135] According to the present embodiment, even if trials are
conducted to fold the hypothetical print medium 120, if the
superposed pages do not have sequential page numbers or are not
oriented in the same direction, then it is determined that the
hypothetical print medium 120 cannot be folded into a signature. As
a consequence, it is possible to prevent jobs 36 from being wasted
on account of a failure of the folding process performed by the
folding machine.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 12A, the available grid data represent one
page imposed on each of a plurality of hypothetical print mediums
140a through 140h, which have respective areas 142a through 142h
allocated thereto including respective printing surface areas 144a
through 144h. The process shown in FIG. 3 can be performed in order
to convert such grid data into fold data, so that the pages can be
imposed on the respective printing surface areas 144a through 144h
of a single hypothetical print medium 140, as shown in FIG.
12B.
[0137] Stated otherwise, imposition data for imposing a plurality
of pages on respective hypothetical print mediums can be converted
into imposition data for imposing the pages on a single
hypothetical print medium. Therefore, the imposition data can
easily be edited in the imposing process. According to the present
embodiment, a plurality of pages can be moved in the imposition
data, and bleed information can be set comprehensively by the
imposition data converter 72.
[0138] According to the present embodiment, the folding trial
conductor 78 attempts to fold the hypothetical print medium 100
about all of the fold lines 102A through 102G that are available in
each folding event. Alternatively, at the time that the fold lines
and the folding directions for setting the total number of
contacting pages to the maximum contacting page number are
identified in each folding event, any remaining trials to fold the
hypothetical print medium 100 about the remaining fold lines may be
canceled. In this manner, the period of time required to perform
the imposing process including the process of converting the
imposition data from grid data into fold data can be shortened.
Such an alternative is applicable where the job 36 is folded at the
center of the sheet.
[0139] According to the present embodiment, instead of the
above-described alternative process, fold lines, folding
directions, and a folding sequence for setting the total number of
contacting pages to the maximum contacting page number may be
identified comprehensively after the hypothetical print medium 100
has been folded about all of the fold lines 102A through 102G. Such
an alternative also is effective to fold the job 36 into a
signature reliably and efficiently.
[0140] In the above embodiment, the imposition data shown in FIGS.
7A through 12B have been described. However, the present invention
is not limited to the imposition data shown in FIGS. 7A through
12B. Various types of grid data, as disclosed in JDF Specification
Release 1.3, may be converted into fold data, and trials may be
performed to fold jobs based on the fold data. If the fold data are
converted in this manner, the same advantages described above can
be achieved.
* * * * *