PATENT ABSTRACT
An ink feed control method for a printing press in which ink, supplied to an ink fountain roller from a gap between each ink fountain key and the ink fountain roller by the rotation of the ink fountain roller, is supplied to the printing plate by swing operation of an ink ductor roller, so that a print is eventually made on a print sheet with the ink supplied to the printing plate, the method including the steps of: measuring any one of the density and the ink film thickness of a first printing product made by the printing press; and controlling the number of times of the swing operation of the ink ductor roller relative to the rotation of the printing press in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness of the first printing product.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an ink feed control method and an ink feed control system for a printing press.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     A printing press is provided with an inking device for supplying ink to a printing plate.  FIG. 48  shows a schematic side view of an inking device  100  of a general printing press. Descriptions will be given below of the inking device  100  with reference to  FIG. 48 . Reference numeral  101  denotes a plate cylinder, which is pivotally supported by an unillustrated pair of left and right frames, and a plate for printing is mounted on the circumferential surface of the plate cylinder  101 . Two pairs of ink form rollers  103  are detachably in contact with the surface of the plate cylinder  101 . Each pair of ink form rollers  103  are supported by a corresponding one of a pair of oscillating rollers  102  with an arm in between. In addition, three distribution rollers  104  are provided above the oscillating rollers  102  in a manner that the circumferential surfaces of the distribution rollers  104  are in contact with one another.  
         [0005]     One of these distribution rollers  104  is in contact with an oscillating roller  105 . The group of rollers arranged as described above and an ink supply device  107 , which will be described later, constitute the inking device  100 . Specifically, the ink supply device  107  includes an ink fountain roller  108 . The ink fountain roller  108  is linked to, and is thus driven by, the same drive system as those of the plate cylinder  101  and the oscillating rollers  102 ,  105  and the like, to intermittently rotate at a low speed. An ink fountain  112 , in which ink  111  is stored, is formed by the circumferential surface of the ink fountain roller  108 , ink fountain keys  109 , and left and right ink dams  110 .  
         [0006]     An oscillating roller  113  is pivotally supported by the left and right frames with bearings in between at the middle portion between the ink fountain roller  108  and the oscillating roller  105  in a manner that the oscillating roller  113  can reciprocate in the axial direction thereof. In addition, a ductor roller  114  is provided between the oscillating roller  113  and the ink fountain roller  108 , and reciprocates between the rollers  108  and  113  while being alternately brought into contact with these rollers  108  and  113 . Moreover, a distribution roller  115  is disposed between the oscillating rollers  105  and  113  in a manner that the circumferential surface of the distribution roller  115  is in contact with both the rollers  105  and  113 .  
         [0007]     With this configuration, the ink  111  stored in the ink fountain  112  flows out from a gap between the circumferential surface of the ink fountain roller  108  and each of the ink fountain keys  109 , and is then carried by the ink fountain roller  108  rotating in a direction indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 48  so as to form an ink film on the circumferential surface of the ink fountain roller  108 . This ink film is transferred to the oscillating roller  113  by the ductor roller  114 , which reciprocally moves between the ink fountain roller  108  and the oscillating roller  113 . After that, the ink film is leveled in each direction while being sequentially transferred by many rollers, and is eventually supplied to the plate surface of the plate cylinder  101  by the ink form rollers  103 .  
         [0008]     In the inking device  100  configured as described above, the ink fountain keys  109  are separated into a plurality of pieces in the axial direction of the ink fountain roller  108 . The gap between each of the separated ink fountain keys  109  ( 109 - 1  to  109 -N) and the circumferential surface of the ink fountain roller  108  is independently adjustable. This makes it possible to adjust an amount of ink to be applied to the key zone of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N.  
         [0009]     In such an inking device  100 , when printing products have a small image area each, the amount of ink to be transferred to the plate surface is also small, and thus a large amount of ink is caused to return into the inking device  100 . For this reason, the printing density of the printing products is gradually increased with a normal printing condition. Accordingly, for the purpose of reducing the amount of ink to be supplied, the ink feeding operation of the ink ductor roll has conventionally been executed intermittently in accordance with an image area ratio so that the above-described problem can be solved. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-202947 discloses an example of such an ink feeding method.  
         [0010]     However, in the ink feeding method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-202947, it is difficult to make an accurate determination only with an image area ratio in the case of producing printing products with a thin ink film thickness, such as in the case of producing those by relief printing. Accordingly, as long as printing products to be printed have a thin ink film thickness, even if these printing products to be printed have a large image area ratio, the amount of supplied ink often becomes too large, leading to a gradual increase in the printing density of the printing products. Eventually, normal printing products cannot be produced.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     In view of above-described circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ink feed control method and an ink feed control system, each of which makes it possible to control the number of feedings in accordance with the printing density or the ink film thickness of printing products.  
         [0012]     A first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides an ink feed control method for a printing press that includes: an ink fountain roller; a plurality of ink fountain keys aligned in the axial direction of the ink fountain roller; an ink ductor roller swingably provided in an ink supply path from the ink fountain roller to a printing plate; and ink ductor roller swing means for swinging the ink ductor roller, in which printing press, ink, supplied to the ink fountain roller from a gap between each ink fountain key and the ink fountain roller by the rotation of the ink fountain roller, is supplied to the printing plate by swing operation of the ink ductor roller, so that a print is eventually made on a print sheet with the ink supplied to the printing plate. The ink feed control method includes the steps of: measuring any one of the density and the ink film thickness of a first printing product made by the printing press; and controlling the number of times of the swing operation of the ink ductor roller relative to the rotation of the printing press in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness.  
         [0013]     A second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control method according to the first aspect additionally, which includes the steps of: measuring the same one of the density and the ink film thickness of a second printing product, that has been measured for the first printing product, the second printing product being printed after a predetermined number of printing products subsequent to the first printing product are made by the printing press subsequent to the first printing product; calculating the difference between the values, for the first and the second printing products, of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness; and controlling the number of times of the swing operation of the ink ductor roller relative to the rotation of the printing press in accordance with the calculated difference.  
         [0014]     A third aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control method according to the first aspect having the following feature. Specifically, in the method, the number of times of the swing operation of the ink ductor roller relative to the rotation of the printing press is controlled in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness.  
         [0015]     A fourth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control method according to the first aspect, which includes a step of activating ink ductor roller stop means, which stops the swing of the ink ductor roller, in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness.  
         [0016]     A fifth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control method according to the first aspect, which includes a step of controlling the rotation speed of a dedicated motor, which is provided to the ink ductor roller swing means, in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness.  
         [0017]     A sixth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides an ink feed control system for a printing press that includes: an ink fountain roller; a plurality of ink fountain keys aligned in the axial direction of the ink fountain roller; an ink ductor roller swingably provided in an ink supply path from the ink fountain roller to a printing plate; and ink ductor roller swing means for swinging the ink ductor roller, in which printing press, ink, supplied to the ink fountain roller from a gap between each ink fountain key and the ink fountain roller by the rotation of the ink fountain roller, is supplied to the printing plate by swing operation of the ink ductor roller, so that a print is eventually made on a print sheet with the ink supplied to the printing plate. The ink feed control system includes any one of density measurement means, which measures the density of a first printing product made by the printing press, and ink-film-thickness measurement means, which measures the ink film thickness of the first printing product; and ink ductor roller swing number control means, which controls the number of times of the swing operation of the ink ductor roller relative to the rotation of the printing press, in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness.  
         [0018]     A seventh aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control system according to the sixth aspect having the following feature. Specifically, in the ink feed control system, the same one of the density and the ink film thickness of a second printing product is measured, that has been measured for the first printing product, the second printing product being printed after a predetermined number of printing products subsequent to the first printing product are made by the printing press. Then, the difference between the values, for the first and the second printing products, of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness is obtained. The number of times of the swing operation of the ink ductor roller relative to the rotation of the printing press is thus controlled in accordance with the obtained difference.  
         [0019]     An eighth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control system according to the sixth aspect having the following feature. Specifically, in the ink feed control system, the number of times of the swing operation of the ink ductor roller relative to the rotation of the printing press is controlled in accordance with an image area ratio of a printing product to be made by the printing press.  
         [0020]     A ninth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control system according to the sixth aspect having the following feature. Specifically, the ink feed control system further includes ink ductor roller stop means, which stops the swing of the ink ductor roller. In addition, in the ink feed control system, the ink ductor roller stop means is activated in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness.  
         [0021]     A tenth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object provides the ink feed control system according to the sixth aspect having the following feature. Specifically, the ink feed control system further includes a dedicated motor for the ink ductor roller swing means. In addition, in the ink feed control system, the rotation speed of the dedicated motor is controlled in accordance with the value of the measured one of the density and the ink film thickness. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention and wherein:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of principal parts of an inking device of a printing press according to first and fourth embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of principal parts of an inking device of a printing press according to second and third embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of a calorimeter according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a printing product that is printed by the printing press according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a plan view of an ink film thickness measuring device according to the second and fourth embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the ink film thickness measuring device according to the second and fourth embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7A  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7B  shows a hardware block diagram subsequent to  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink feeding number control device according to the first embodiment;  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 10  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 11A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 11B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 11A ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 11C  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 11B ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 11D  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 11C ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 12A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 11D ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 12B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 12A ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 12C  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 12B ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 13A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 12C ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 13B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 13A ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 14A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device, which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 14B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 14A ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 15  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device, which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 16  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device, which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 17A  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0048]      FIG. 17B  shows a hardware block diagram subsequent to  FIG. 17A ;  
         [0049]      FIG. 18  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink feeding number control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0050]      FIG. 19  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0051]      FIG. 20  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIG. 21A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 21B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 21A ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 21C  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 21B ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 21D  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 21C ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 22A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 21D ;  
         [0057]      FIG. 22B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 22A ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 23A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 22B ;  
         [0059]      FIG. 23B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 22A ;  
         [0060]      FIG. 24A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device, which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key, according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0061]      FIG. 24B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 24A ;  
         [0062]      FIG. 25  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device, which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0063]      FIG. 26  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device, which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0064]      FIG. 27A  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0065]      FIG. 27B  shows a hardware block diagram subsequent to  FIG. 27A ;  
         [0066]      FIG. 28  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink feeding number control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0067]      FIG. 29  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0068]      FIG. 30  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0069]      FIG. 31A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0070]      FIG. 31B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 31A ;  
         [0071]      FIG. 31C  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 31B ;  
         [0072]      FIG. 32A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 31C ;  
         [0073]      FIG. 32B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 32A ;  
         [0074]      FIG. 33A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 32B ;  
         [0075]      FIG. 33B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 33A ;  
         [0076]      FIG. 33C  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 33B ;  
         [0077]      FIG. 34A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 33C ;  
         [0078]      FIG. 34B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 34A ;  
         [0079]      FIG. 35A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device, which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key, according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0080]      FIG. 35B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 35A ;  
         [0081]      FIG. 36  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device, which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0082]      FIG. 37  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device, which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0083]      FIG. 38A  is a hardware block diagram of an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0084]      FIG. 38B  shows a hardware block diagram subsequent to  FIG. 38A ;  
         [0085]      FIG. 39  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink feeding number control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0086]      FIG. 40  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0087]      FIG. 41  shows a hardware block diagram of an ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0088]      FIG. 42A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0089]      FIG. 42B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 42A ;  
         [0090]      FIG. 42C  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 42B ;  
         [0091]      FIG. 43A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 42C ;  
         [0092]      FIG. 43B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 43A ;  
         [0093]      FIG. 44A  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 43B ;  
         [0094]      FIG. 44B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 44A ;  
         [0095]      FIG. 45A  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device, which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0096]      FIG. 45B  shows an operational flowchart subsequent to  FIG. 45A ;  
         [0097]      FIG. 46  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device, which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0098]      FIG. 47  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device, which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0099]      FIG. 48  shows a schematic side view of an inking device of a general printing press. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0100]     Hereinafter, ink feed control systems according to the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0101]     Firstly, descriptions will be given of the device configuration of an ink feed control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  is a side view showing principal parts of an inking device of a printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , the same reference numerals denote components that are the same as, or similar to, those described in the above-mentioned conventional technique shown in  FIG. 48 , and detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted. An ink fountain roller  108  is provided as a roller on an upstream side in the ink transfer direction, while a distribution roller  113  is provided as a roller on the downstream side in the ink transfer direction. A ductor roller  114 , and a ductor shaft  72 , which serves as a swing fulcrum for swinging the ductor roller  114 , are pivotally supported by the left and right frames (not illustrated) so as to rotate, between the ink fountain roller  108  and the distribution roller  113 . One of the shaft ends of the ductor shaft  72  protrudes from the frame, and a cam lever  73  is provided to this protruding portion of the ductor shaft  72 . The ink fountain roller  108  is driven by a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller  108 . The motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller is controlled by a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller  108 .  
         [0102]     A camshaft  76  is implanted into the frames at a position obliquely below the ductor shaft  72 . A cam  77  is pivotally supported by the camshaft  76  so as to be rotatable. The cam  77  has a cam surface composed of a large-diameter portion  77   a  and a small-diameter portion  77   b . A cam follower  78  provided at one end portion of the cam lever  73  faces, and is in contact with, the cam surface. The cam  77  is driven by a motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism. The motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism is controlled by a motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism. A pair of left and right swing levers  81  are pivotally mounted on the ductor shaft  72  inside the frames, while the ductor roller  114  is pivotally supported, at the two end shafts  114   a , by the swing levers  81  so as to be rotatable. In the inking device of the printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the ink feed mechanism, which includes the cam  77 , the cam lever  73  and the like, constitutes ink ductor roller swing means.  
         [0103]     The upper end portion of the swing lever  81  extends upward, and a spring shaft  83  is axially mounted on the upper end portion, while the spring shaft  83  is supported, at one end thereof, by a spring bearing  82 , which projects from the frames. A compression coil spring  84  is mounted on the spring shaft  83 . The compression coil spring  84  applies a rotational force to the ductor roller  114  so as to rotate the ductor roller  114  in the counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 1 , that is, so as to bring the ductor roller  114  into contact with the ink fountain roller  108 . On the other hand, the rotation of a drive motor is transmitted to the distribution roller  113 , so that the distribution roller  113  reciprocates once in the axial direction as the plate cylinder  101  (see  FIG. 48 ) rotates twice.  
         [0104]     Next, an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  show hardware block diagrams of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  includes a CPU  10 , a RAM  11 , a ROM  12 , an input device  13 , a display device  14 , an output device  15 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  16  to  21 , a colorimeter  22 , a motor  23  for moving the colorimeter, a rotary encoder  24  for the motor for the moving the calorimeter, a motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter, a counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter, a detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter, a rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, A/D converters  29  and  30 , a D/A converter  31 , an F/V converter  32 , and memories M 1  to M 24 .  
         [0105]     The CPU  10  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  16  to  21 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  12 , while accessing the RAM  11  as well as the memories M 1  to M 24 . The input device  13  is provided with an ink preset switch SW 1 , a density-value measuring switch SW 2  and the like. The motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter controls the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter. The rotary encoder  24  for the motor for moving the colorimeter generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter. The rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the drive motor, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  20 .  
         [0106]     In the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , in the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of each printing unit used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of each printing unit number UNm is stored. In the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key is stored.  
         [0107]     In the memory M 5 , a count value M is stored. In the memory M 6 , a count value N is stored. In the memory M 7 , a conversion table between an image area ratio corresponding to each ink color ICm and an opening degree of the ink fountain key (hereinafter, referred to as an image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for each ink color ICm) is stored. In the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0108]     In the memory M 10 , the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 11 , the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 12 , a value of the counter for measuring the current position of the colorimeter is stored. In the memory M 13 , the current position of the colorimeter is stored. In the memory M 14 , the position of a patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter, of each printing unit used in the printing is stored.  
         [0109]     In the memory M 15 , color data from the calorimeter is stored. In the memory M 16 , a density value Dm of the ink color ICm of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 17 , a substitution value ISQm of the total required ink amount for each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 18 , a conversion table between a substitution value ISQm of a total required ink amount for each ink color ICm and a ductor number ratio (hereinafter, referred to as a total required ink amount substitution value ISQm-ductor number ratio conversion table for each ink color ICm) is stored. In the memory M 19 , a ductor number ratio IDNRm of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0110]     In the memory M 20 , an output of the A/D converter connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press is stored. In the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press is stored. In the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to each ink color ICm is stored. In the memory M 23 , the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 24 , the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0111]      FIG. 3  is a side view showing the colorimeter (density measuring means) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the colorimeter  22  is attached to a ball screw (feed screw)  264  provided between supporting columns  263 - 1  and  263 - 2 . The ball screw  264  is caused to rotate in both normal and reverse directions by the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter. The colorimeter  22  is caused to move between the supporting columns  263 - 1  and  263 - 2  by the normal and reverse rotations of the ball screw  264  while being guided by the ball screw  264 . A head portion  265  of the colorimeter  22  is configured to face a surface  266   a , on which a measurement subject is to be placed, of a measurement stage  266 .  
         [0112]     Now, a printing product that is printed by the printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown.  FIG. 4  shows a printing product that is printed by the printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A band-shaped color bar  267   b  is printed in a margin portion except for an image region  267   a  on a printing product. In general four-color printing, the color bar  267   b  is composed of regions S 1  to Sn including density measurement patches (solid patches with a dot area ratio of 100%)  267   c   1 ,  267   c   2 ,  267   c   3  and  267   c   4  of black, cyan, magenta and yellow. The regions S 1  to Sn correspond to the key zones of the respective ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N in the printing unit of each color in the printing press.  
         [0113]     A reference density value is set in advance for the printing unit of each color. In other words, a reference density value is set in advance for each of the colors: black, cyan, magenta and yellow. In the printing of the printing product  267 , a color matching operation is performed so that the density value of each color can match the reference density value. This color matching operation is performed by the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  on the basis of the density of each of the density measurement patches  267   c  of the respective colors ( 267   c   1 ,  267   c   2 ,  267   c   3  and  267   c   4 ) in the color bar  267   b  printed on the printing product  267 .  
         [0114]     At the time of color matching before the starting of a final printing, the operator sets the printing product  267  having been printed by the printing press on the measurement stage  266  (see  FIG. 3 ) as the measurement subject. In this setting state, the color bar  267   b  having been printed on the printing product  267  is positioned below the head portion  265  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the calorimeter  22 . In this state, the operator gives an instruction to start the color matching operation by using the input device  13 .  
         [0115]     An ink feeding number control device  2 , an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  and an ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  are connected to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  21 . The ink feeding number control device  2  controls the number of feedings of each ink. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color.  
         [0116]     The ink feeding number control device  2  includes first to M-th ink feeding number control devices  2 - 1  to  2 -M. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes first to M-th ink fountain roller rotation speed control devices  3 - 1  to  3 -M. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a first ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 - 1 - 1  for first printing unit, to an N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 -M-N for M-th printing unit.  
         [0117]     Next, the ink feeding number control device (ink ductor roller swing means) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 8  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink feeding number control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the ink feeding number control device  2  includes a CPU  33 , a RAM  34 , a ROM  35 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  36  and  37 , a motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism, a motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism, a rotary encoder  40  for the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism, an A/D converter  41 , an F/V converter  42 , and memories M 25  and M 26 .  
         [0118]     The CPU  33  obtains various kinds of inputted information that are provided through the interfaces  36  and  37 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  35 , while accessing the RAM  34  as well as the memories M 25  and M 26 . The motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism controls the motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism. The rotary encoder  40  for the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  37 .  
         [0119]     In the ink feeding number control device  2 , in the memory M 25 , a received rotation speed of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism is stored. In the memory M 26 , a target rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism is stored.  
         [0120]     Next, the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 9  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes a CPU  43 , a RAM  44 , a ROM  45 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  46  and  47 , a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller, a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, a rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller, an A/D converter  51 , an F/V converter  52 , and memories M 27  and M 28 .  
         [0121]     The CPU  43  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  46  and  47 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  45 , while accessing the RAM  44  as well as the memories M 27  and M 28 . The motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller controls the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller. The rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  47 .  
         [0122]     In the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , in the memory M 27 , a received rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored. In the memory M 28 , a target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored.  
         [0123]     Next, the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 10  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a CPU  53 , a RAM  54 , a ROM  55 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  56  and  57 , a motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key  109 , a motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key  109 , a rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key  109 , a counter  61 , and memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0124]     The CPU  53  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  56  and  57 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  55 , while accessing the RAM  54  as well as the memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0125]     In the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , in the memory M 29 , a received opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored. In the memory M 30 , a target opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored. In the memory M 31 , a count value of the counter  61  is stored. In the memory M 32 , the current opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored.  
         [0126]     Note that, in  FIG. 7B , the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N are the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4  provided for the respective ink fountain keys  109  ( 109 - 1  to  109 -N) of the corresponding colors, which are shown in  FIG. 48 . With the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N, the opening degrees of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color are individually adjusted with respect to the corresponding ink fountain roller  108 .  
         [0127]     The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key, the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, the rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key, and the counter  61 . The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  is connected to the CPU  10  of the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  56 . The rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the counter  61 .  
         [0128]     Next, the operation of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Each of  FIGS. 11A  to  11 D,  12 A to  12 C,  13 A and  13 B shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0129]     In Step P 1 , the CPU  10  initializes each memory. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 1 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 2 .  
         [0130]     In Step P 2 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, printing unit numbers UNm, ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and an image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key.  
         [0131]     When the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 3 .  
         [0132]     On the other hand, when the operator has not inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 2  again.  
         [0133]     In Step P 3 , the CPU  10  inputs to store, the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit number UNm of each printing unit used in the printing, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, respectively in the memories M 1 , M 2 , M 3 , and M 4 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 3 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 4 .  
         [0134]     In Step P 4 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 5 . On the other hand, when the ink preset switch SW 1  has not been turned ON, the CPU 10  executes Step P 4  again.  
         [0135]     In Step P 5 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 5 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 .  
         [0136]     In Step P 6 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 6 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 7 .  
         [0137]     In Step P 7 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 7 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 8 .  
         [0138]     In Step P 8 , the CPU reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 8 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 9 .  
         [0139]     In Step P 9 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 7 , the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 9 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 10 .  
         [0140]     In Step P 10 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 10 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 11 .  
         [0141]     In Step P 11 , the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Then, the CPU  10  stores the obtained opening degree Kmn in the memory M 8 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 11 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 12 .  
         [0142]     In Step P 12 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 12 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 13 .  
         [0143]     In Step P 13 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 13 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 14 .  
         [0144]     In Step P 14 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 15 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 7 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree K 1   n  of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0145]     In Step P 15 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 15 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 16 .  
         [0146]     In Step P 16 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 16 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 17 .  
         [0147]     In Step P 17 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 18 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0148]     In Step P 18 , the CPU  10  initializes the memory M 10  for storing the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 18 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 19 .  
         [0149]     In Step P 19 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of Step P 19 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 20 .  
         [0150]     In Step P 20 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of Step P 20 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 21 .  
         [0151]     In Step P 21 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 21 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 22 .  
         [0152]     In Step P 22 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 22 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 23 .  
         [0153]     In Step P 23 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 10 , the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 23 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 24 .  
         [0154]     In Step P 24 , the CPU  10  adds the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, to the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then overwrites the sum IRSm in the memory M 10  for storing the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 24 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 25 .  
         [0155]     In Step P 25 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 25 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 26 .  
         [0156]     In Step P 26 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 26 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 27 .  
         [0157]     In Step P 27 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 28 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 22 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the sum IRS 1  of the image area ratios IR 1   n  of the ranges corresponding to the respective ink fountain keys of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0158]     In Step P 28 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 10 , the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 28 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 29 .  
         [0159]     In Step P 29 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 29 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 30 .  
         [0160]     In Step P 30 , the CPU  10  divides the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm by the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit to calculate the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 11 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 30 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 31 .  
         [0161]     In Step P 31 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 31 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 32 .  
         [0162]     In Step P 32 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 32 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 33 .  
         [0163]     In Step P 33 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 34 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 20 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the average value IRAm of the image area ratios IRmn of the ranges corresponding to the respective ink fountain keys of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0164]     In Step P 34 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 34 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 .  
         [0165]     In Step P 35 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 35 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 36 .  
         [0166]     In Step P 36 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 36 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 .  
         [0167]     In Step P 37 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 37 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 38 .  
         [0168]     In Step P 38 , the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key to the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 38 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 39 .  
         [0169]     In Step P 39 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 40 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 39  again.  
         [0170]     In Step P 40 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 40 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 41 .  
         [0171]     In Step P 41 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 41 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 42 .  
         [0172]     In Step P 42 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 43 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree K 1   n  of each ink fountain key to the corresponding fountain key opening degree control device  4 - 1 -N of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0173]     In Step P 43 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 43 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 44 .  
         [0174]     In Step P 44 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 44 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 45 .  
         [0175]     In Step P 45 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 46 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key to the corresponding ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 -M-N of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0176]     In Step P 46 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the density-value measuring switch SW 2  has been turned ON by the operator. When the density-value measuring switch SW 2  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 47 . On the other hand, when the density-value measuring switch SW 2  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 74 .  
         [0177]     In Step P 47 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 47 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 48 .  
         [0178]     In Step P 48 , the CPU  10  outputs a normal rotation instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 48 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 49 .  
         [0179]     In Step P 49 , the CPU  10  reads the value of the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter  22 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 12 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 49 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 50 .  
         [0180]     In Step P 50 , the CPU  10  calculates the current position of the calorimeter  22  from the read value of the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter  22 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 13 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 50 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 51 .  
         [0181]     In Step P 51 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 14 , the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 51 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 52 .  
         [0182]     In Step P 52 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the current position of the colorimeter  22  is the same as the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the colorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. When the current position of the calorimeter  22  is the same as the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, the CPU  10  executes Step P 53 . On the other hand, when the current position of the colorimeter  22  is different from the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, the CPU  10  executes Step P 49 .  
         [0183]     In Step P 53 , the CPU  10  outputs a measurement instruction signal to the colorimeter  22 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 53 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 54 .  
         [0184]     In Step P 54 , the CPU  10  reads color data from the calorimeter  22 , which data is a digital value obtained by the conversion of the A/D converter  29 , and then stores the color data in an address location, for the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in the memory M 15 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 54 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 55 .  
         [0185]     In Step P 55 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 55 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 56 .  
         [0186]     In Step P 56 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 56 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 57 .  
         [0187]     In Step P 57 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 58 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 49 . With this loop, the CPU  10  measures the color data of each of the patches printed by each printing unit, and then stores the measured color data in the memory M 15 . Note that, in this case, the position of the patch printed by each printing unit is supposed to be located in a manner that the patches are printed respectively by the first, the second, . . . , and the M-th printing units in this order from a position closest to the original position of the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter.  
         [0188]     In Step P 58 , the CPU  10  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 58 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 59 .  
         [0189]     In Step P 59 , the CPU  10  outputs a reverse rotation instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 59 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 60 .  
         [0190]     In Step P 60 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has been turned ON. When the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 61 . On the other hand, when the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 60  again.  
         [0191]     In Step P 61 , the CPU  10  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 61 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 62 .  
         [0192]     In Step P 62 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 62 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 63 .  
         [0193]     In Step P 63 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 63 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 64 .  
         [0194]     In Step P 64 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 64 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 65 .  
         [0195]     In Step P 65 , the CPU  10  reads the color data, measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, from the address location, for the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in the memory M 15  for storing the color data from the calorimeter  22 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 65 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 66 .  
         [0196]     In Step P 66 , the CPU  10  calculates a density value Dm of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the color data, measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in accordance with the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 16 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 66 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 67 .  
         [0197]     In Step P 67 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 11 , the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 67 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 68 .  
         [0198]     In Step P 68 , the CPU  10  multiplies the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm by the density value Dm of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm to calculate a substitution value ISQm of the total required ink amount for the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Then the CPU  10  stores the calculated substitution value ISQm in the memory M 17 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 68 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 69 .  
         [0199]     In Step P 69 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 18 , the total required ink amount substitution value ISQm-ductor number ratio conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 69 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 70 .  
         [0200]     In Step P 70 , the CPU  10  obtains a ductor number ratio IDNRm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the substitution value ISQm of the total required ink amount for the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the total required ink amount substitution value ISQm-ductor number ratio conversion table for the ink color ICm. The CPU  10  then stores the obtained ductor number ratio IDNRm in the memory M 19 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 70 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 71 .  
         [0201]     In Step P 71 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 71 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 72 .  
         [0202]     In Step P 72 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 72 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 73 .  
         [0203]     In Step P 73 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 74  via Step P 46 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 63 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the ductor number ratio IDNRm of each printing unit.  
         [0204]     In Step P 74 , the CPU  10  reads an output of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, and then stores the value of the output in the memory M 20 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 74 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 75 .  
         [0205]     In Step P 75 , the CPU  10  calculates the current rotation speed R of the printing press from the output, which is stored in the memory M 20 , of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 21 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 75 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 76 .  
         [0206]     In Step P 76 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 76 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 .  
         [0207]     In Step P 77 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 77 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 78 .  
         [0208]     In Step P 78 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 78 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 79 .  
         [0209]     In Step P 79 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 79 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 80 .  
         [0210]     In Step P 80 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 80 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 81 .  
         [0211]     In Step P 81 , the CPU  10  multiplies the current rotation speed R of the printing press by the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm to calculate the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 23 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 81 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 82 .  
         [0212]     In Step P 82 , the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 82 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 83 .  
         [0213]     In Step P 83 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 84 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 83  again.  
         [0214]     In Step P 84 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory  5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 84 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 85 .  
         [0215]     In Step P 85 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 85 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 86 .  
         [0216]     In Step P 86 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 87 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain key roller of each color to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the color.  
         [0217]     In Step P 87 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 87 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 .  
         [0218]     In Step P 88 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 88 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 89 .  
         [0219]     In Step P 89 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 19 , the ductor number ratio IDNRm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 89 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 90 .  
         [0220]     In Step P 90 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 90 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 91 .  
         [0221]     In Step P 91 , the CPU  10  multiplies the current rotation speed R of the printing press by the ductor number ratio IDNRm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm to calculate the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 24 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 91 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 92 .  
         [0222]     In Step P 92 , the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 92 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 93 .  
         [0223]     In Step P 93 , th CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 94 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 93  again.  
         [0224]     In Step P 94 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 94 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 95 .  
         [0225]     In Step P 95 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 95 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 96 .  
         [0226]     In Step P 96 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 46 . On the other hand, the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism of each color to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the color.  
         [0227]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Each of  FIGS. 14A  to  14 D shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0228]     In Step P 97 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the opening degree Kmn of the corresponding ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 98 . On the other hand, when the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97  again.  
         [0229]     In Step P 98 , the CPU  53  receives the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key, and then stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 29 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 98 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 99 .  
         [0230]     In Step P 99 , the CPU  53  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 99 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 100 .  
         [0231]     In Step P 100 , the CPU  53  writes and stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 30  for storing the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 100 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 101 .  
         [0232]     In Step P 101 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 101 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 102 .  
         [0233]     In Step P 102 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 102 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 103 .  
         [0234]     In Step P 103 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 104 .  
         [0235]     In Step P 104 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 105 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is larger than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 106 .  
         [0236]     In Step P 105 , the CPU  53  outputs a normal rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 105 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0237]     In Step P 106 , the CPU  53  outputs a reverse rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 105 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0238]     In Step P 107 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 107 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 108 .  
         [0239]     In Step P 108 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value stored in the memory M 31 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 108 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 109 .  
         [0240]     In Step P 109 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 32 , is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 30 . When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 110 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0241]     In Step P 110 , the CPU  53  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 110 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 .  
         [0242]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 15  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0243]     In Step P 111 , the CPU  43  determines whether or not the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 112 . On the other hand, when the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111  again.  
         [0244]     In Step P 112 , the CPU  43  receives the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller, and then stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 27 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 112 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 113 .  
         [0245]     In Step P 113 , the CPU  43  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 113 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 114 .  
         [0246]     In Step P 114 , the CPU  43  writes and stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 28  for storing the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 114 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 115 .  
         [0247]     In Step P 115 , the CPU  43  reads, from the memory M 28 , the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 115 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 116 .  
         [0248]     In Step P 116 , the CPU  43  outputs a rotation speed instruction, for causing the ink fountain roller to rotate at the target rotation speed, to the motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 116 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111 .  
         [0249]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 16  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0250]     In Step P 117 , the CPU  33  determines whether or not the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 118 . On the other hand, when the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 117  again.  
         [0251]     In Step P 118 , the CPU  33  receives the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism, and then stores the received rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism in the memory M 25 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 118 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 119 .  
         [0252]     In Step P 119 , the CPU  33  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 119 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 120 .  
         [0253]     In Step P 120 , the CPU  33  writes and stores the received rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism in the memory M 26  for storing the target rotation speed of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 120 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 121 .  
         [0254]     In Step P 121 , the CPU  33  reads, from the memory M 26 , the target rotation speed of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 121 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 122 .  
         [0255]     In Step P 122 , the CPU  33  outputs a rotation speed instruction, for causing the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism to rotate at the target rotation speed, to the motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 122 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 117 .  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0256]     Firstly, descriptions will be given of the device configuration of an ink feed control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  shows a side view of principal parts of an inking device of a printing press according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 2 , the same reference numerals denote components that are the same as, or similar to, those described in the above-mentioned conventional technique shown in  FIG. 48 , and detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted. In addition, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the basic driving of the ink feed mechanism is performed by using a cam  77  and the like, that is, the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted. The cam  77  is driven by a drive motor of the printing press. A ductor roller  114  and a ductor shaft  72 , which serves as a swing fulcrum for swinging the ductor roller  114 , are pivotally supported by left and right frames (not illustrated) so as to be rotatable, between an ink fountain roller  108  and an distribution roller  113 . The ink fountain roller  108  is provided as a roller on the upstream side in the ink transfer direction, while the distribution roller  113  is provided as a roller on the downstream side in the ink transfer direction. One of the shaft ends of the ductor shaft  72  protrudes from the frame, and a cam lever  73  is provided to this protruding portion of the ductor shaft  72 . The ink fountain roller  108  is driven by a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller  108 . The motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller is controlled by a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller  108 .  
         [0257]     A pair of left and right swing levers  81  are pivotally mounted on the ductor shaft  72  inside the frames, while the ductor roller  114  is pivotally supported, at the two end shafts  114   a , by the swing levers  81  so as to be rotatable. A feeding stop air cylinder  68  is provided on a side of the end portion of the swing levers  81 . The feeding stop air cylinder  68  is configured to extend so as to stop the feeding of ink. The feeding stop air cylinder  68  is normally in a state where the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is not in contact with the swing levers  81 . Only when the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is activated, the front end of a piston thereof presses the swing levers  81  as indicated by the dashed line in  FIG. 2 . The feeding stop air cylinder  68  is controlled by an ink feeding number control device  2 , which is to be described later. On the other hand, the rotation of a drive motor is transmitted to the distribution roller  113 , so that the distribution roller  113  reciprocates once in the axial direction as the plate cylinder  101  (see  FIG. 48 ) rotates twice.  
         [0258]     Next, an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIGS. 17A and 17B  show hardware block diagrams of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  includes a CPU  10 , a RAM  11 , a ROM  12 , an input device  13 , a display device  14 , an output device  15 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  16 ,  17 ,  19 ,  20  and  21 , a rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, A/D converters  27  and  30 , an F/V converter  32 , an ink film thickness measuring device  62 , and memories M 1  to M 11 , M 20  to M 23 , and M 33  to M 40 .  
         [0259]     The CPU  10  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  16 ,  17 ,  19 , and  21 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  12 , while accessing the RAM  11  as well as the memories M 1  to M 11 , M 20  to M 23 , and M 33  to M 40 . The input device  13  is provided with an ink preset switch SW 1 , a reference-distance measuring switch SW 3 , an ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 4 , an ink-color-ICm selecting switch SW 5 , a feed-control starting switch SW 6  and the like. The rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press generates a rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the drive motor, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  20 .  
         [0260]     In the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , in the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 2 , the printing unit number of each printing unit used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of each printing unit number UNm is stored. In the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 5 , a count value M is stored.  
         [0261]     In the memory M 6 , a count value N is stored. In the memory M 7 , an image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for each ink color ICm is stored. In the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 10 , the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 11 , the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0262]     In the memory M 20 , an output of the A/D converter connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press is stored. In the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press is stored. In the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed ratio IFRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to each ink color ICm is stored. In the memory M 23 , the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0263]     In the memory M 33 , the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62  is stored. In the memory M 34 , a reference distance FD is stored. In the memory M 35 , a selected ink color ICm is stored. In the memory M 36 , an ink film thickness IFTm is stored. In the memory M 37 , an ink film thickness IFTm of each ink color ICm is stored. In the memory M 38 , the total required ink amount ISQm for each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 39 , a conversion table between a total required ink amount ISQm for each ink color ICm and the number of feeding stops (hereinafter, referred to as a total required ink amount ISQm-feeding stop number conversion table for each ink color ICm) is stored. In the memory M 40 , the number C 1   m  of feeding stops of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0264]      FIG. 5  shows a plan view of an ink film thickness measuring device (ink film thickness measuring means) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the ink film thickness measuring device  62  measures, by using a distance measuring device  271  such as a laser displacement meter, the ink film thickness of a printing product  267  on which a print is made by the printing press according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows a side view of the ink film thickness measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The ink film thickness measuring device  62  is provided on an ink film thickness measuring device body  268  placed outside the printing press. The ink film thickness measuring device  62  can be moved in the top-and-bottom direction by a pair of left and right electric slide cylinders  269 , which is driven by a top-and-bottom direction movement motor. The ink film thickness measuring device  62  can be also moved in the left and right direction by a single electric slide cylinder  270 , which is driven by a left-and-right direction movement motor. Accordingly, the ink film thickness measuring device  62  can directly measure the ink film thickness of a printed image on the printing product  267  placed on the ink film thickness measuring device body  268 . Specifically, the ink film thickness=the distance (reference distance FD) from the distance measuring device  271  to a portion, where no ink is placed, of the printing product  67 —the distance from the distance measuring device  271  to the ink on the printing product  267 .  
         [0265]     The ink feeding number control device  2 , an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , and an ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  are connected to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  21 . The ink feeding number control device  2  controls the number of feedings of each ink. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color.  
         [0266]     The ink feeding number control device  2  includes first to M-th ink feeding number control devices  2 - 1  to  2 -M. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes first to M-th ink fountain roller rotation speed control devices  3 - 1  to  3 -M. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a first ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 - 1 - 1  for first printing unit to an N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 -M-N for M-th printing unit.  
         [0267]     Next, the ink feeding number control device (the ink ductor roller swing means) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 18  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink feeding number control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the ink feeding number control device  2  includes a CPU  33 , a RAM  34 , a ROM  35 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  36  and  37 , a sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of an ink ductor cam, a counter  64  for starting feeding stop, a counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop, a flip-flop circuit  66 , a valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder, the feeding stop air cylinder  68  (the ink ductor roller stop means), and memories M 41  and M 42 .  
         [0268]     The CPU  33  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  36  and  37 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  35 , while accessing the RAM  34  as well as the memories M 41  and M 42 . From the sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of the ink ductor cam, a pulse is transmitted to the counter  64  for starting feeding stop, and to the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop, for every one rotation of the cam. The counter  64  for starting feeding stop transmits a set signal to the flip-flop circuit  66 , in accordance with a predetermined number of pulses, that is, a predetermined number of rotations of the ink ductor cam, which is set in advance with the input/output interface  37 . With this set signal, the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder is operated to extend the feeding stop air cylinder  68 , so that the ductor roller  114  is stopped. On the other hand, the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop transmits reset signals respectively to the flip-flop circuit  66 , the counter  64  for starting feeding stop, and the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop itself, in accordance with a predetermined number of pulses, that is, a predetermined number of rotations of the cam, which is set in advance with the input/output interface  37 . With the reset signals, the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder is operated to contract the feeding stop air cylinder  68 , so that the ductor roller  114  is activated again.  
         [0269]     In the ink feeding number control device  2 , in the memory M 41 , a received number C 1   m  of feeding stops is stored. In the memory M 42 , a set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop is stored.  
         [0270]     Next, an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 19  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes a CPU  43 , a RAM  44 , a ROM  45 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  46  and  47 , a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller, a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, a rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller, an A/D converter  51 , an F/V converter  52 , and memories M 27  and  28 .  
         [0271]     The CPU  43  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  46  and  47 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  45 , while accessing the RAM  44  as well as the memories M 27  and M 28 . The motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller controls the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller. The rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  47 .  
         [0272]     In the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , in the memory M 27 , a received rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored. In the memory M 28 , a target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored.  
         [0273]     Next, the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 20  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a CPU  53 , a RAM  54 , a ROM  55 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  56  and  57 , a motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key, a motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, a rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key, a counter  61 , and memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0274]     The CPU  53  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  56  and  57 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  55 , while accessing the RAM  54  as well as the memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0275]     In the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , in the memory M 29 , a received opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored. In the memory M 30 , a target opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored. In the memory M 31 , a count value of the counter  61  is stored. In the memory M 32 , the current opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored.  
         [0276]     Note that, in  FIG. 17B , the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N are the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4  provided for the respective ink fountain keys  109  ( 109 - 1  to  109 -N) of the corresponding colors, which are shown in  FIG. 48 . With the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N, the opening degrees of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color are individually adjusted with respect to the corresponding ink fountain roller  108 .  
         [0277]     The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key, the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, the rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key, and the counter  61 . The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  is connected to the CPU  10  of the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  56 . The rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the counter  61 .  
         [0278]     Next, the operation of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Each of  FIGS. 21A  to  21 D,  22 A,  22 B,  23 A and  23 B shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0279]     In Step P 1 , the CPU  10  initializes each memory. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 1 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 2 .  
         [0280]     In Step P 2 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, printing unit numbers UNm, ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and an image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key.  
         [0281]     When the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 3 .  
         [0282]     On the other hand, when the operator has not inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 2  again.  
         [0283]     In Step P 3 , the CPU  10  inputs to store, the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit number UNm of each printing unit used in the printing, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, respectively in the memories M 1 , M 2 , M 3 , and M 4 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 3 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 4 .  
         [0284]     In Step P 4 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 5 . On the other hand, when the ink preset switch SW 1  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 4  again.  
         [0285]     In Step P 5 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 5 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 .  
         [0286]     In Step P 6 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 6 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 7 .  
         [0287]     In Step P 7 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 7 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 8 .  
         [0288]     In Step P 8 , the CPU reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 8 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 9 .  
         [0289]     In Step P 9 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 7 , the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 9 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 10 .  
         [0290]     In Step P 10 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 10 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 1 .  
         [0291]     In Step P 11 , the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Then, the CPU  10  stores the obtained opening degree Kmn in the memory M 8 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 11 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 12 .  
         [0292]     In Step P 12 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 12 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 13 .  
         [0293]     In Step P 13 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 13 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 14 .  
         [0294]     In Step P 14 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 15 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 7 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kln of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0295]     In Step P 15 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 15 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 16 .  
         [0296]     In Step P 16 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 16 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 17 .  
         [0297]     In Step P 17 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 18 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0298]     In Step P 18 , the CPU  10  initializes the memory M 10  for storing the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 18 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 19 .  
         [0299]     In Step P 19 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of Step P 19 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 20 .  
         [0300]     In Step P 20 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of Step P 20 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 21 .  
         [0301]     In Step P 21 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 21 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 22 .  
         [0302]     In Step P 22 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 22 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 23 .  
         [0303]     In Step P 23 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 10 , the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 23 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 24 .  
         [0304]     In Step P 24 , the CPU  10  adds the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, to the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then overwrites the sum IRSm in the memory M 10  for storing the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 24 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 25 .  
         [0305]     In Step P 25 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 25 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 26 .  
         [0306]     In Step P 26 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 26 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 27 .  
         [0307]     In Step P 27 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 28 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 22 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the sum IRS 1  of the image area ratios IR 1   n  of the ranges corresponding to the respective ink fountain keys of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0308]     In Step P 28 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 10 , the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 28 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 29 .  
         [0309]     In Step P 29 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 29 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 30 .  
         [0310]     In Step P 30 , the CPU  10  divides the sum IRSm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm by the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit to calculate the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 11 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 30 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 31 .  
         [0311]     In Step P 31 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 31 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 32 .  
         [0312]     In Step P 32 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 32 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 33 .  
         [0313]     In Step P 33 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 34 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 20 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the average value IRAm of the image area ratios IRmn of the ranges corresponding to the respective ink fountain keys of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0314]     In Step P 34 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 34 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 .  
         [0315]     In Step P 35 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 35 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 36 .  
         [0316]     In Step P 36 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 36 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 .  
         [0317]     In Step P 37 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 37 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 38 .  
         [0318]     In Step P 38 , the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key to the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 38 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 39 .  
         [0319]     In Step P 39 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 40 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 39  again.  
         [0320]     In Step P 40 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 40 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 41 .  
         [0321]     In Step P 41 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 41 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 42 .  
         [0322]     In Step P 42 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 43 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit, is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree K 1   n  of each ink fountain key to the corresponding ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 - 1 -N of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0323]     In Step P 43 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 43 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 44 .  
         [0324]     In Step P 44 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 44 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 45 .  
         [0325]     In Step P 45 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 123 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key to the corresponding ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 -M-N of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0326]     In Step P 123 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the reference-distance measuring switch SW 3  has been turned ON by the operator. When the reference-distance measuring switch SW 3  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 124 . On the other hand, when the reference-distance measuring switch SW 3  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 127 .  
         [0327]     In Step P 124 , the CPU  10  outputs a measurement instruction signal to the ink film thickness measuring device  62 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 124 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 125 .  
         [0328]     In Step P 125 , the CPU  10  reads the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , which value is a digital value obtained by the conversion of the A/D converter  29 . The CPU  10  then stores the read value in the memory M 33 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 125 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 126 .  
         [0329]     In step P 126 , the CPU  10  stores the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62  in the memory M 34 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 126 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 127  via Step P 123 .  
         [0330]     In Step P 127 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 4  has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 4  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 128 . On the other hand, when the ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 4  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 136 .  
         [0331]     In Step P 128 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink-color-ICm selecting switch SW 5  for selecting an ink color ICm to be measured has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink-color-ICm selecting switch SW 5  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 129 . On the other hand, when the ink-color-ICm selecting switch SW 5  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 128  again. It should be noted that the operator operates the electric slide cylinders  69  and the electric slide cylinder  70  for each time of measurement so as to move the distance measuring device  71  of the ink film thickness measuring device  62  to a position of an image or a mark of an ink color ICm to be measured.  
         [0332]     In Step P 129 , the CPU  10  stores the selected ink color ICm in the memory M 35 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 129 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 130 .  
         [0333]     In Step P 130 , the CPU  10  outputs a measurement instruction signal to the ink film thickness measuring device  62 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 130 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 131 .  
         [0334]     In Step P 131 , the CPU  10  reads the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , and then stores the read value D in the memory M 33 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 131 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 132 .  
         [0335]     In Step P 132 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 34 , the reference distance FD. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 132 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 133 .  
         [0336]     In Step P 133 , the CPU  10  subtracts, from the reference distance FD, the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , to calculate an ink film thickness IFTm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 36 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 133 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 134 .  
         [0337]     In Step P 134 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 35 , the selected ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 134 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 135 .  
         [0338]     In Step P 135 , the CPU  10  stores the measured ink film thickness IFTm, obtained by using the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , in an address location, for the selected ink color ICm, in the memory M 37  for storing the ink film thickness of each ink color. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 135 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 136  via Step P 123 .  
         [0339]     In Step P 136 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the feed-control starting switch SW 6  has been turned ON by the operator. When the feed-control starting switch SW 6  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 137 . On the other hand, when the feed-control starting switch SW 6  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 74 .  
         [0340]     In Step P 137 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 137 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 138 .  
         [0341]     In Step P 138 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 138 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 139 .  
         [0342]     In Step P 139 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 139 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 140 .  
         [0343]     In Step P 140 , the CPU  10  reads the measured ink film thickness IFTm, obtained by using the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , of the ink color ICm from the address location, for the ink color ICm, in the memory M 37  for storing the ink film thickness of each ink color. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 140 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 141 .  
         [0344]     In Step P 141 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 11 , the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 141 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 142 .  
         [0345]     In Step P 142 , the CPU  10  multiplies the average value IRAm of the image area ratios of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm by the measured ink film thickness IFTm of the ink color ICm to calculate a total required ink amount ISQm for the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 38 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 142 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 143 .  
         [0346]     In Step P 143 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 39 , the total required ink amount ISQm-feeding stop number conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 143 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 144 .  
         [0347]     In Step P 144 , the CPU  10  obtains the number C 1   m  of feeding stops for the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the total required ink amount ISQm for the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the total required ink amount ISQm-feeding stop number conversion table for the ink color ICm. The CPU  10  then stores the obtained value in the memory M 40 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 144 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 145 .  
         [0348]     In Step P 145 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 145 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 146 .  
         [0349]     In Step P 146 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 146 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 147 .  
         [0350]     In Step P 147 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 123 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 138 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the number C 1   m  of feeding stops for each printing unit.  
         [0351]     In Step P 74 , the CPU  10  reads an output of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, and then stores the value of the output in the memory M 20 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 74 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 75 .  
         [0352]     In Step P 75 , the CPU  10  calculates the current rotation speed R of the printing press from the output, which is stored in the memory M 20 , of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 21 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 75 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 76 .  
         [0353]     In Step P 76 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 76 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 .  
         [0354]     In Step P 77 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 77 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 78 .  
         [0355]     In Step P 78 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 78 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 79 .  
         [0356]     In Step P 79 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 79 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 80 .  
         [0357]     In Step P 80 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 80 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 81 .  
         [0358]     In Step P 81 , the CPU  10  multiplies the current rotation speed R of the printing press by the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm to calculate the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 23 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 81 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 82 .  
         [0359]     In Step P 82 , the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 82 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 83 .  
         [0360]     In Step P 83 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 84 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 83  again.  
         [0361]     In Step P 84 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 84 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 85 .  
         [0362]     In Step P 85 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 85 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 86 .  
         [0363]     In Step P 86 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 87 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of each color to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the color.  
         [0364]     In Step P 87 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 87 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 .  
         [0365]     In Step P 88 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 88 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 198 .  
         [0366]     In Step P 198 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 40 , the number C 1   m  of feeding stops of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 198 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 199 .  
         [0367]     In Step P 199 , the CPU  10  transmits the number C 1   m  of feeding stops to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 199 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 93 .  
         [0368]     In Step P 93 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 94 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 93  again.  
         [0369]     In Step P 94 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 94 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 95 .  
         [0370]     In Step P 95 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 95 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 96 .  
         [0371]     In Step P 96 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 123 . On the other hand, the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the number C 1   m  of feeding stops to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of each color.  
         [0372]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key of each color, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Each of  FIGS. 24A and 24B  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key of each color, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0373]     In Step P 97 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the opening degree Kmn of the corresponding ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 98 . On the other hand, when the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97  again.  
         [0374]     In Step P 98 , the CPU  53  receives the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key, and then stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 29 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 98 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 99 .  
         [0375]     In Step P 99 , the CPU  53  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 99 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 100 .  
         [0376]     In Step P 100 , the CPU  53  writes and stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 30  for storing the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 100 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 101 .  
         [0377]     In Step P 101 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 101 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 102 .  
         [0378]     In Step P 102 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 102 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 103 .  
         [0379]     In Step P 103 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 104 .  
         [0380]     In Step P 104 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 105 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is larger than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 106 .  
         [0381]     In Step P 105 , the CPU  53  outputs a normal rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 105 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0382]     In Step P 106 , the CPU  53  outputs a reverse rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 105 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0383]     In Step P 107 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 107 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 108 .  
         [0384]     In Step P 108 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value stored in the memory M 31 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 108 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 109 .  
         [0385]     In Step P 109 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 32 , is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 30 . When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 110 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0386]     In Step P 110 , the CPU  53  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 110 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 .  
         [0387]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 25  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0388]     In Step P 111 , the CPU  43  determines whether or not the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 112 . On the other hand, when the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111  again.  
         [0389]     In Step P 112 , the CPU  43  receives the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller, and then stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 27 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 112 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 113 .  
         [0390]     In Step P 113 , the CPU  43  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 113 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 114 .  
         [0391]     In Step P 114 , the CPU  43  writes and stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 28  for storing the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 114 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 115 .  
         [0392]     In Step P 115 , the CPU  43  reads, from the memory M 28 , the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 115 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 116 .  
         [0393]     In Step P 116 , the CPU  43  outputs a rotation speed instruction, for causing the ink fountain roller to rotate at the target rotation speed, to the motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 116 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111 .  
         [0394]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 26  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0395]     In Step P 150 , the CPU  33  determines whether or not the number C 1   m  of feeding stops has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the number C 1   m  of feeding stops has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 151 . On the other hand, when the number C 1   m  of feeding stops has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 150  again.  
         [0396]     In Step P 151 , the CPU  33  receives the number C 1   m  of feeding stops, and then stores the received number C 1   m  of feeding stops in the memory M 41 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 151 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 152 .  
         [0397]     In Step P 152 , the CPU  33  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 152 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 153 .  
         [0398]     In Step P 153 , the CPU  33  adds 1 to the received number C 1   m  of feeding stops to calculate a set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop. The CPU  33  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 42 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 153 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 154 .  
         [0399]     In Step P 154 , the CPU  33  outputs  1  to the counter  64  for starting feeding stop. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 154 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 155 .  
         [0400]     In Step P 155 , the CPU  33  reads, from the memory M 42 , the set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 155 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 156 .  
         [0401]     In Step P 156 , the CPU  33  outputs the set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop to the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 156 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 150 . Accordingly, the counter  64  for starting feeding stop and the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop are set. By this setting, the feeding operation of the ductor roller  114  is stopped and restarted in the following manner. Specifically, the count of the counter  64  for starting feeding stop is incremented upon reception of a first pulse transmitted from the sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of the ink ductor cam in accordance with the rotation of the cam  77 , which swings the ductor roller  114  with the rotation of the printing press. The counter  64  then outputs a signal to a set terminal of the flip-flop circuit  66  to set the flip-flop circuit  66 . The flip-flop circuit  66  thus outputs a signal to turn ON the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder. Consequently, the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is activated, so that the feeding operation of the ductor roller  114  is stopped. After that, the count of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop is incremented upon reception of a C 2   m -th, that is, (C 1   m +1)-th pulse transmitted from the sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of the ink ductor cam in accordance with the subsequent rotation of the printing press, where C 2   m  is the set value of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop, and C 1   m  is the number of feeding stops. The counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop then outputs a signal to a reset terminal of the flip-flop circuit  66  to reset the flip-flop circuit  66 . With this signal, the flip-flop circuit  66  stops the output to the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder, turning OFF the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder. Consequently, the operation of the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is stopped, so that the feeding operation of the ductor roller  114  is restarted. Accordingly, the ductor roller  114  performs the feeding operation once after stopping the feeding operation for C 1   m  times, where C 1   m  is the number of feeding stops, and thereafter repeats this operation.  
       Third Embodiment  
       [0402]     Firstly, descriptions will be given of the device configuration of an ink feed control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  shows a side view of principal parts of an inking device of a printing press according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 2 , the same reference numerals denote components that are the same as, or similar to, those described in the above-mentioned conventional technique shown in  FIG. 48 , and detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted. In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention as well, the basic driving of the ink feed mechanism is performed by using a cam  77  and the like, that is, the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted. The cam  77  is driven by a drive motor of the printing press. A ductor roller  114  and a ductor shaft  72 , which serves as a swing fulcrum for swinging the ductor roller  114 , are pivotally supported by left and right frames (not illustrated) so as to be rotatable, between an ink fountain roller  108  and an distribution roller  113 . The ink fountain roller  108  is provided as a roller on the upstream side in the ink transfer direction, while the distribution roller  113  is provided as a roller on the downstream side in the ink transfer direction. One of the shaft ends of the ductor shaft  72  protrudes from the frame, and a cam lever  73  is provided to the protruding portion of the ductor shaft  72 . The ink fountain roller  108  is driven by a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller  108 . The motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller is controlled by a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller  108 .  
         [0403]     A pair of left and right swing levers  81  are pivotally mounted on the ductor shaft  72  inside the frames, while the ductor roller  114  is pivotally supported, at the two end shafts  114   a , by the swing levers  81  so as to be rotatable. A feeding stop air cylinder  68  is provided on a side of the end portion of the swing levers  81 . The feeding stop air cylinder  68  is configured to extend so as to stop the feeding of ink. The feeding stop air cylinder  68  is normally in a state where the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is not in contact with the swing levers  81 . Only when the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is activated, the front end of a piston thereof presses the swing levers  81  as indicated by the dashed line in  FIG. 2 . The feeding stop air cylinder  68  is controlled by an ink feeding number control device  2 , which is to be described later. On the other hand, the rotation of a drive motor is transmitted to the distribution roller  113 , so that the distribution roller  113  reciprocates once in the axial direction as the plate cylinder  101  (see  FIG. 48 ) rotates twice.  
         [0404]     Next, an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIGS. 27A and 27B  show hardware block diagrams of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 27A and 27B , the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  includes a CPU  10 , a RAM  11 , a ROM  12 , an input device  13 , a display device  14 , an output device  15 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  16  to  21 , a colorimeter  22 , a motor  23  for moving the colorimeter, a rotary encoder  24  for the motor for moving the colorimeter, a motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter, a counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter, a detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter, a rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, A/D converters  29  and  30 , a D/A converter  31 , an F/V converter  32 , and memories M 1  to M 9 , M 12  to M 15 , M 20  to M 23 , M 40 , and M 43  to M 46 .  
         [0405]     The CPU  10  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  16  to  21 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  12 , while accessing the RAM  11 , the memories M 1  to M 9 , M 12  to M 15 , M 20  to M 23 , M 40 , and M 43  to M 46 . The input device  13  is provided with an ink preset switch SW 1 , a reference-density-value measuring switch SW 7 , a second-density-value measuring switch SW 8  and the like. The motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter controls the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter. The rotary encoder  24  for the motor for moving the calorimeter generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter. The rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the drive motor, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  20 . Note that, the calorimeter  22  according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, and hence descriptions thereof will be omitted.  
         [0406]     In the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , in the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of each printing unit used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of each printing unit number UNm is stored.  
         [0407]     In the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 5 , a count value M is stored. In the memory M 6 , a count value N is stored. In the memory M 7 , an image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for each ink color ICm is stored.  
         [0408]     In the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0409]     In the memory M 12 , a value of the counter for measuring the current position of the calorimeter is stored. In the memory M 13 , the current position of the calorimeter is stored. In the memory M 14 , the position of each patch, which is to be measured by the colorimeter, of each printing unit used in the printing is stored.  
         [0410]     In the memory M 15 , color data from the calorimeter is stored. In the memory M 20 , an output of the A/D converter connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press is stored. In the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press is stored. In the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to each ink color ICm is stored.  
         [0411]     In the memory M 23 , the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 40 , the number C 1   m  of feeding stops of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 43 , a reference density value DFm of the ink color ICm of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0412]     In the memory M 44 , a second density value DOm of the ink color ICm of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 45 , a density difference DDm between the second density value DOm and the reference density value DFm of the ink color ICm of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 46 , a conversion table between a density difference DDm of each ink color ICm and the number of feeding stops (hereinafter, referred to as a density difference DDm-feeding stop number conversion table for each ink color ICm) is stored.  
         [0413]     An ink feeding number control device  2 , an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  and an ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  are connected to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  21 . The ink feeding number control device  2  controls the number of feedings of each ink. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color.  
         [0414]     The ink feeding number control device  2  includes first to M-th ink feeding number control devices  2 - 1  to  2 -M. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes first to M-th ink fountain roller rotation speed control devices  3 - 1  to  3 -M. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a first ink fountain key opening degree control device for first printing unit  4 - 1 - 1  to an N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device for M-th printing unit  4 -M-N.  
         [0415]     Next, the ink feeding number control device (ink ductor roller swing means) according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 28  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink feeding number control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 28 , the ink feeding number control device  2  includes a CPU  33 , a RAM  34 , a ROM  35 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  36  and  37 , a sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of an ink ductor cam, a counter  64  for starting feeding stop, a counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop, a flip-flop circuit  66 , a valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder, the feeding stop air cylinder  68  (the ink ductor roller stop means), and memories M 41  and M 42 .  
         [0416]     The CPU  33  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  36  and  37 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  35 , while accessing the RAM  34  as well as the memories M 41  and  42 . From the sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of the cam, a pulse is transmitted to the counter  64  for starting feeding stop, and to the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop, for every one rotation of the cam. The counter  64  for starting feeding stop transmits a set signal to the flip-flop circuit  66 , in accordance with a predetermined number of pulses, that is, a predetermined number of rotations of the ink ductor cam, which is set in advance with the input/output interface  37 . With this set signal, the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder is operated to extend the feeding stop air cylinder  68 , so that the ductor roller  114  is stopped. On the other hand, the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop transmits reset signals respectively to the flip-flop circuit  66 , the counter  64  for starting feeding stop, and the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop itself, in accordance with a predetermined number of pulses, that is, a predetermined number of rotations of the cam, which is set in advance with the input/output interface  37 . With the reset signals, the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder is operated to contract the feeding stop air cylinder  68 , so that the ductor roller  114  is activated again.  
         [0417]     In the ink feeding number control device  2 , in the memory M 41 , a received number C 1   m  of ink feeding stops is stored. In the memory M 42 , a set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop is stored.  
         [0418]     Next, an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 29  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 29 , the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes a CPU  43 , a RAM  44 , a ROM  45 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  46  and  47 , a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller, a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, a rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller, an A/D converter  51 , an F/V converter  52 , and memories M 27  and M 28 .  
         [0419]     The CPU  43  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  46  and  47 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  45 , while accessing the RAM  44  as well as the memories M 27  and M 28 . The motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller controls the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller. The rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  47 .  
         [0420]     In the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , in the memory M 27 , a received rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored. In the memory M 28 , a target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored.  
         [0421]     Next, the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 30  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 30 , the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a CPU  53 , a RAM  54 , a ROM  55 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  56  and  57 , a motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key, a motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, a rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key, a counter  61 , and memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0422]     The CPU  53  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  56  and  57 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  55 , while accessing the RAM  54  as well as the memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0423]     In the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , in the memory M 29 , a received opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored. In the memory M 30 , a target opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored. In the memory M 31 , a count value of the counter  61  is stored. In the memory M 32 , the current opening degree of the ink fountain key  109  is stored.  
         [0424]     Note that, in  FIG. 27B , the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N are the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4  provided for the respective ink fountain keys  109  ( 109 - 1  to  109 -N) of the corresponding colors, which are shown in  FIG. 48 . With the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N, the opening degrees of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color are individually adjusted with respect to the corresponding ink fountain roller  108 .  
         [0425]     The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key, the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, the rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key, and the counter  61 . The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  is connected to the CPU  10  of the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  56 . The rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the counter  61 .  
         [0426]     Next the operation of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Each of  FIGS. 31A  to  31 C,  32 A,  32 B,  33 A to  33 C, and  34 A and  34 B shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0427]     In Step P 1 , the CPU  10  initializes each memory. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 1 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 2 .  
         [0428]     In Step P 2 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, printing unit numbers UNm, ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and an image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key.  
         [0429]     When the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 3 .  
         [0430]     On the other hand, when the operator has not inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 2  again.  
         [0431]     In Step P 3 , the CPU  10  inputs to store, the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit number UNm of each printing unit used in the printing, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, respectively in the memories M 1 , M 2 , M 3 , and M 4 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 3 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 4 .  
         [0432]     In Step P 4 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 5 . On the other hand, when the ink preset switch SW 1  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 4  again.  
         [0433]     In Step P 5 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 5 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 .  
         [0434]     In Step P 6 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 6 , the CPU 10  executes Step P 7 .  
         [0435]     In Step P 7 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 7 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 8 .  
         [0436]     In Step P 8 , the CPU reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 8 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 9 .  
         [0437]     In Step P 9 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 7 , the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 9 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 10 .  
         [0438]     In Step P 10 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 10 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 11 .  
         [0439]     In Step P 11 , the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Then, the CPU  10  stores the obtained opening degree Kmn in the memory M 8 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 11 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 12 .  
         [0440]     In Step P 12 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 12 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 13 .  
         [0441]     In Step P 13 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 13 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 14 .  
         [0442]     In Step P 14 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 15 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 7 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree K 1   n  of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0443]     In Step P 15 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 15 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 16 .  
         [0444]     In Step P 16 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 16 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 17 .  
         [0445]     In Step P 17 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 34 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0446]     In Step P 34 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 34 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 .  
         [0447]     In Step P 35 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 35 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 36 .  
         [0448]     In Step P 36 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 36 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 .  
         [0449]     In Step P 37 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 37 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 38 .  
         [0450]     In Step P 38 , the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key to the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 38 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 39 .  
         [0451]     In Step P 39 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 40 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 39  again.  
         [0452]     In Step P 40 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 40 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 41 .  
         [0453]     In Step P 41 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 41 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 42 .  
         [0454]     In Step P 42 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 43 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree K 1   n  of each ink fountain key to the corresponding ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 - 1 -N of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0455]     In Step P 43 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 43 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 44 .  
         [0456]     In Step P 44 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 44 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 45 .  
         [0457]     In Step P 45 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 157 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key to the corresponding ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 -M-N of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0458]     In Step P 157 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the reference-density-value measuring switch SW 7  has been turned ON by the operator. When the reference-density-value measuring switch SW 7  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 158 . On the other hand, when the reference-density-value measuring switch SW 7  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 181 .  
         [0459]     In Step P 158 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 158 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 159 .  
         [0460]     In Step P 159 , the CPU  10  outputs a normal rotation instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 159 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 160 .  
         [0461]     In Step P 160 , the CPU  10  reads the value of the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter  22 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 12 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 160 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 161 .  
         [0462]     In Step P 161 , the CPU  10  calculates the current position of the calorimeter  22  from the read value of the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter  22 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 13 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 161 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 162 .  
         [0463]     In Step P 162 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 14 , the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the colorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 162 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 163 .  
         [0464]     In Step P 163 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the current position of the colorimeter  22  is the same as the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. When the current position of the colorimeter  22  is the same as the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, the CPU  10  executes Step P 164 . On the other hand, when the current position of the colorimeter  22  is different from the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, the CPU  10  executes Step P 160 .  
         [0465]     In Step P 164 , the CPU  10  outputs a measurement instruction signal to the colorimeter  22 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 164 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 165 .  
         [0466]     In Step P 165 , the CPU  10  reads color data from the calorimeter  22 , which data is a digital value obtained by the conversion of the A/D converter  29 , and then stores the color data in an address location, for the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in the memory M 15 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 165 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 166 .  
         [0467]     In Step P 166 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 166 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 167 .  
         [0468]     In Step P 167 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 167 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 168 .  
         [0469]     In Step P 168 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 169 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 160 . With this loop, the CPU  10  measures the color data of the patch printed by each printing unit, and then stores the measured color data in the memory M 15 . Note that, in this case, the position of the patch printed by each printing unit is supposed to be located in a manner that the patches are printed respectively by the first, the second, . . . , and the M-th printing units in this order from a position closest to the original position of the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter.  
         [0470]     In Step P 169 , the CPU  10  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 169 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 170 .  
         [0471]     In Step P 170 , the CPU outputs a reverse rotation instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 170 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 171 .  
         [0472]     In Step P 171 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has been turned ON. When the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 172 . On the other hand, when the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 171  again.  
         [0473]     In Step P 172 , the CPU  10  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 172 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 173 .  
         [0474]     In Step P 173 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 173 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 174 .  
         [0475]     In Step P 174 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 174 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 175 .  
         [0476]     In Step P 175 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 175 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 176 .  
         [0477]     In Step P 176 , the CPU  10  reads the color data, measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, from the address location, for the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in the memory M 15  for storing the color data from the calorimeter  22 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 176 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 177 .  
         [0478]     In Step P 177 , the CPU  10  calculates a reference density value DFm of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the color data, measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in accordance with the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M  43 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 177 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 178 .  
         [0479]     In Step P 178 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 178 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 179 .  
         [0480]     In Step P 179 , the CPU  10  reads the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 179 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 180 .  
         [0481]     In Step P 180 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 181  via Step P 157 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 174 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the reference density value DFm of the patch of each color printed by the corresponding printing unit.  
         [0482]     In Step P 181 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the second-density-value measuring switch SW 8  has been turned ON by the operator. When the second-density-value measuring switch SW 8  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 182 . On the other hand, when the second-density-value measuring switch SW 8  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 74 .  
         [0483]     In Step P 182 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 182 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 183 .  
         [0484]     In Step P 183 , the CPU  10  outputs a normal rotation instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 183 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 184 .  
         [0485]     In Step P 184 , the CPU  10  reads the value of the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the colorimeter  22 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 12 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 184 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 185 .  
         [0486]     In Step P 185 , the CPU  10  calculates the current position of the calorimeter  22  from the read value of the counter  26  for measuring the current position of the calorimeter  22 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 13 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 185 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 186 .  
         [0487]     In Step P 186 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 14 , the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 186 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 187 .  
         [0488]     In Step P 187 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the current position of the calorimeter  22  is the same as the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. When the current position of the calorimeter  22  is the same as the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, the CPU  10  executes Step P 188 . On the other hand, when the current position of the colorimeter  22  is different from the position of the patch, which is to be measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, the CPU  10  executes Step P 184 .  
         [0489]     In Step P 188 , the CPU  10  outputs a measurement instruction signal to the colorimeter  22 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 188 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 189 .  
         [0490]     In Step P 189 , the CPU  10  reads color data from the calorimeter, which data is a digital value obtained by the conversion of the A/D converter  29 , and then stores the color data in an address location, for the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in the memory M 15 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 189 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 190 .  
         [0491]     In Step P 190 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 190 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 191 .  
         [0492]     In Step P 191 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 191 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 192 .  
         [0493]     In Step P 192 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 193 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 184 . With this loop, the CPU  10  measures the color data of the patch printed by each printing unit, and then stores the measured color data in the memory M 15 . Note that, in this case, the position of the patch printed by each printing unit is supposed to be located in a manner that the patches are printed respectively by the first, the second, . . . , and the M-th printing units in this order from a position closest to the original position of the motor  23  for moving the calorimeter.  
         [0494]     In Step P 193 , the CPU  10  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the colorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 193 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 194 .  
         [0495]     In Step P 194 , the CPU  10  outputs a reverse rotation instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 194 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 195 .  
         [0496]     In Step P 195 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has been turned ON. When the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the calorimeter has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 196 . On the other hand, when the output of the detector  27  for detecting the original position of the colorimeter has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 195  again.  
         [0497]     In Step P 196 , the CPU  10  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  25  for moving the calorimeter. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 196 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 197 .  
         [0498]     In Step P 197 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 197 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 198 .  
         [0499]     In Step P 198 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 198 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 199 .  
         [0500]     In Step P 199 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 199 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 200 .  
         [0501]     In Step P 200 , the CPU  10  reads the color data, measured by the calorimeter  22 , of the M-th printing unit used in the printing, from the address location, for the M-th printing unit used in the printing, in the memory M 15  for storing the color data from the calorimeter  22 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 200 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 201 .  
         [0502]     In Step P 201 , the CPU  10  calculates a second density value DOm of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the color data, measured by the calorimeter  22 , in accordance with the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 44 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 201 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 202 .  
         [0503]     In Step P 202 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 43 , the reference density value DFm of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 202 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 203 .  
         [0504]     In Step P 203 , the CPU  10  calculates a density difference DDm between the second density value DOm and the reference density value DFm, of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 45 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 203 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 204 .  
         [0505]     In Step P 204 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 46 , the density difference DDm-feeding stop number conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 204 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 205 .  
         [0506]     In Step P 205 , the CPU  10  obtains the number C 1   m  of feeding stops of the printing unit of printing unit number UNm, from the density difference DDm between the second density value DOm and the reference density value DFm, of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the density difference DDm-feeding stop number conversion table for the ink color ICm. The CPU  10  then stores the obtained value in the memory M 40 .  
         [0507]     In Step P 206 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 206 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 207 .  
         [0508]     In Step P 207 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 207 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 208 .  
         [0509]     In Step P 208 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 74  via Step P 157  and Step P 181 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 198 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the number C 1   m  of feedings stops of each printing unit.  
         [0510]     In Step P 74 , the CPU  10  reads an output of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, and then stores the value of the output in the memory M 20 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 74 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 75 .  
         [0511]     In Step P 75 , the CPU  10  calculates the current rotation speed R of the printing press from the output, which is stored in the memory M 20 , of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 21 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 75 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 76 .  
         [0512]     In Step P 76 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 76 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 .  
         [0513]     In Step P 77 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 77 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 78 .  
         [0514]     In Step P 78 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 78 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 79 .  
         [0515]     In Step P 79 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 79 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 80 .  
         [0516]     In Step P 80 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 80 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 81 .  
         [0517]     In Step P 81 , the CPU  10  multiplies the current rotation speed R of the printing press by the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm to calculate the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 23 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 81 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 82 .  
         [0518]     In Step P 82 , the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 82 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 83 .  
         [0519]     In Step P 83 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 84 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 83  again.  
         [0520]     In Step P 84 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 84 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 85 .  
         [0521]     In Step P 85 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 85 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 86 .  
         [0522]     In Step P 86 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 87 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of each color to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the color.  
         [0523]     In Step P 87 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 87 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 .  
         [0524]     In Step P 88 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 88 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 198 .  
         [0525]     In Step P 198 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 40 , the number C 1   m  of feeding stops of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 198 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 199 .  
         [0526]     In Step P 199 , the CPU  10  transmits the number C 1   m  of feeding stops to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 199 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 93 .  
         [0527]     In Step P 93 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 94 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 93  again.  
         [0528]     In Step P 94 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 94 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 95 .  
         [0529]     In Step P 95 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 95 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 96 .  
         [0530]     In Step P 96 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 123 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the number C 1   m  of feeding stops to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of each color.  
         [0531]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key of each color, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Each of  FIGS. 35A and 35B  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each ink fountain key of each color, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0532]     In Step P 97 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the opening degree Kmn of the corresponding ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 98 . On the other hand, when the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97  again.  
         [0533]     In Step P 98 , the CPU  53  receives the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key, and then stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 29 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 98 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 99 .  
         [0534]     In Step P 99 , the CPU  53  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 99 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 100 .  
         [0535]     In Step P 100 , the CPU  53  writes and stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 30  for storing the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 100 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 101 .  
         [0536]     In Step P 101 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 101 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 102 .  
         [0537]     In Step P 102 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 102 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 103 .  
         [0538]     In Step P 103 , the CPU  53  determine whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 104 .  
         [0539]     In Step P 104 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 105 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is larger than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 106 .  
         [0540]     In Step P 105 , the CPU  53  outputs a normal rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 105 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0541]     In Step P 106 , the CPU  53  outputs a reverse rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 105 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0542]     In Step P 107 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 107 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 108 .  
         [0543]     In Step P 108 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value stored in the memory M 31 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 108 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 109 .  
         [0544]     In Step P 109 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 32 , is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 30 . When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key the CPU  53  executes Step P 110 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0545]     In Step P 110 , the CPU  53  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 110 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 .  
         [0546]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 36  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0547]     In Step P 11 , the CPU  43  determines whether or not the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 112 . On the other hand, when the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111  again.  
         [0548]     In Step P 112 , the CPU  43  receives the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller, and then stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 27 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 112 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 113 .  
         [0549]     In Step P 113 , the CPU  43  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 113 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 114 .  
         [0550]     In Step P 114 , the CPU  43  writes and stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 28  for storing the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 114 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 115 .  
         [0551]     In Step P 115 , the CPU  43  reads, from the memory M 28 , the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 115 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 116 .  
         [0552]     In Step P 116 , the CPU  43  outputs a rotation speed instruction, for causing the ink fountain roller to rotate at the target rotation speed, to the motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 116 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111 .  
         [0553]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 37  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0554]     In Step P 150 , the CPU  33  determines whether or not the number C 1   m  of feeding stops has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the number C 1   m  of feeding stops has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 151 . On the other hand, when the number C 1   m  of feeding stops has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 150  again.  
         [0555]     In Step P 151 , the CPU  33  receives the number C 1   m  of feeding stops, and then stores the received number C 1   m  of feeding stops in the memory M 41 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 151 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 152 .  
         [0556]     In Step P 152 , the CPU  33  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 152 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 153 .  
         [0557]     In Step P 153 , the CPU  33  adds 1 to the received number C 1   m  of feeding stops to calculate a set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop. The CPU  33  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 42 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 153 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 154 .  
         [0558]     In Step P 154 , the CPU  33  outputs  1  to the counter  64  for starting feeding stop. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 154 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 155 .  
         [0559]     In Step P 155 , the CPU  33  reads, from the memory M 42 , the set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 155 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 156 .  
         [0560]     In Step P 156 , the CPU  33  outputs the set value C 2   m  of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop to the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 156 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 150 . Accordingly, the counter  64  for starting feeding stop and the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop are set. By this setting, the feeding operation of the ductor roller  114  is stopped and restarted in the following manner. Specifically, the count of the counter  64  for starting feeding stop is incremented upon reception of a first pulse transmitted from the sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of the ink ductor cam in accordance with the rotation of the cam  77 , which swings the ductor roller  114  with the rotation of the printing press. The counter  64  then outputs a signal to a set terminal of the flip-flop circuit  66  to set the flip-flop circuit  66 . The flip-flop circuit  66  thus outputs a signal to turn ON the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder. Consequently, the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is activated, so that the feeding operation of the ductor roller  114  is stopped. After that, the count of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop is incremented upon reception of a C 2   m -th, that is, (C 1   m +1)-th pulse transmitted from the sensor  63  for detecting the rotation of the ink ductor cam in accordance with the subsequent rotation of the printing press, where the C 2   m  is the set value of the counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop, and the C 1   m  is the number of feeding stops. The counter  65  for resetting the counter for starting feeding stop then outputs a signal to a reset terminal of the flip-flop circuit  66  to reset the flip-flop circuit  66 . With this signal, the flip-flop circuit  66  thus stops the output to the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder, turning OFF the valve  67  for the feeding stop air cylinder. Consequently, the operation of the feeding stop air cylinder  68  is stopped, so that the feeding operation of the ductor roller  114  is restarted. Accordingly, the ductor roller  114  performs the feeding operation once after stopping the feeding operation for C 1   m  times, where C 1   m  is the number of feeding stops, and thereafter repeats this operation.  
       Fourth Embodiment  
       [0561]     Firstly, descriptions will be given of the device configuration of an ink feed control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows a side view showing principal parts of an inking device of a printing press according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , the same reference numerals denote components that are the same as, or similar to, those described in the above-mentioned conventional technique shown in  FIG. 48 , and detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted. An ink fountain roller  108  is provided as a roller on the upstream side in the ink transfer direction, while a distribution roller  113  is provided as a roller on the downstream side in the ink transfer direction. A ductor roller  114 , and a ductor shaft  72  which serves as a swing fulcrum for swinging the ductor roller  114 , are pivotally supported by the left and right frames (not illustrated) so as to rotate, between the ink fountain roller  108  and the distribution roller  113 . One of the shaft ends of the ductor shaft  72  protrudes from the frame, and a cam lever  73  is provided to this protruding portion of the ductor shaft  72 . The ink fountain roller  108  is driven by a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller. The motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller is controlled by a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller.  
         [0562]     A camshaft  76  is implanted into the frames at a position obliquely below the ductor shaft  72 . A cam  77  is pivotally supported by the camshaft  76  so as to be rotatable. The cam  77  has a cam surface composed of a large-diameter portion  77   a  and a small-diameter portion  77   b . A cam follower  78  provided at one end portion of the cam lever  73  faces, and is in contact with, the cam surface. The cam  77  is driven by a motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism. The motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism is controlled by a motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism. A pair of left and right swing levers  81  are pivotally mounted on the ductor shaft  72  inside the frames, while the ductor roller  114  is pivotally supported, at the two end shafts  114   a , by the swing levers  81  so as to be rotatable. In the inking device of the printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the ink feed mechanism, which includes the cam  77 , the cam lever  73  and the like, constitutes ink ductor roller swing means.  
         [0563]     The upper end portion of the swing lever  81  extends upward, and a spring shaft  83  is axially mounted on the upper end portion, while the spring shaft  83  is supported, at one end thereof, by a spring bearing  82 , which projects from the frames. A compression coil spring  84  is mounted on the spring shaft  83 . The compression coil spring  84  applies a rotational force to the ductor roller  114  so as to rotate the ductor roller  114  in the counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 1 , that is, so as to bring the ductor roller  114  into contact with the ink fountain roller  108 . On the other hand, the rotation of a drive motor is transmitted to the distribution roller  113 , so that the distribution roller  113  reciprocates once in the axial direction as the plate cylinder  101  (see  FIG. 48 ) rotates twice.  
         [0564]     Next, an ink supply amount control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIGS. 38A and 38B  show hardware block diagrams of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 38A and 38B , the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  includes a CPU  10 , a RAM  11 , a ROM  12 , an input device  13 , a display device  14 , an output device  15 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  16 ,  17 ,  19 ,  20  and  21 , a rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, A/D converters  29  and  30 , an F/V converter  32 , an ink film thickness measuring device  62 , and memories M 1  to M 9 , M 19  to M 24 , M 33 , M 35 , M 37  and M 47  to M 49 .  
         [0565]     The CPU  10  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  16 ,  17 ,  19 , and  21 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  12 , while accessing the RAM  11  as well as the memories M 1  to M 9 , M 19  to M 24 , M 33 , M 35 , M 37 , and M 47  to M 49 . The input device  13  is provided with an ink preset switch SW 1 , a reference-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 10 , a switch SW 11  for selecting ink color ICm for measuring the ink film thickness (hereinafter, referred to as an ink-color-ICm-for-measuring-ink-film-thickness selecting switch SW 11 ), a second-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 12 , a feed-control starting switch SW 13  and the like. The rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press generates a rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the drive motor, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  20 . Note that, the ink film thickness measuring device  62  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the second embodiment, and hence descriptions thereof will be omitted here.  
         [0566]     In the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , in the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of each printing unit used in the printing is stored. In the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of each printing unit number UNm is stored.  
         [0567]     In the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 5 , a count value M is stored. In the memory M 6 , a count value N is stored.  
         [0568]     In the memory M 7 , an image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for each ink color is stored. In the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0569]     In the memory M 19 , a ductor number ratio IDNRm of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 20 , an output of the A/D converter connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing unit is stored. In the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press is stored.  
         [0570]     In the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to each ink color ICm is stored. In the memory M 23 , the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 24 , the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0571]     In the memory M 33 , the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62  is stored. In the memory M 35 , a selected ink color ICm is stored. In the memory M 37 , a reference ink film thickness IFTFm of the ink color ICm of each printing unit is stored.  
         [0572]     In the memory M 47 , a second ink film thickness IFTOm of the ink color ICm of each printing unit is stored. In the memory M 48 , an ink film thickness difference IFTDm between the second ink film thickness IFTOm of the ink color ICm of each printing unit and the reference ink film thickness IFTFm is stored. In the memory M 49 , a conversion table between an ink film thickness difference IFTDm of each ink color ICm and a ductor number ratio (hereinafter, an ink film thickness difference IFTDm-ductor number ratio conversion table for each ink color ICm) is stored.  
         [0573]     An ink feeding number control device  2 , an ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , and an ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  are connected to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  21 . The ink feeding number control device  2  controls the number of feedings of each ink. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color.  
         [0574]     The ink feeding number control device  2  includes first to M-th ink feeding number control devices  2 - 1  to  2 -M. The ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes first to M-th ink fountain roller rotation speed control devices  3 - 1  to  3 -M. The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a first ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 - 1 - 1  for first printing unit, to an N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 -M-N for M-th printing unit.  
         [0575]     Next, the ink feeding number control device (the ink ductor roller swing means) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 39  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink feeding number control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 39 , the ink feeding number control device  2  includes a CPU  33 , a RAM  34 , a ROM  35 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  36  and  37 , a motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism  38 , a motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism, a rotary encoder  40  for the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism, an A/D converter  41 , an F/V converter  42 , and memories M 25  and M 26 .  
         [0576]     The CPU  33  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  36  and  37 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  35 , while accessing the RAM  34  as well as the memories M 25  and M 26 . The motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism controls the motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism. The rotary encoder  40  for the motor for the ink feed mechanism generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  37 .  
         [0577]     In the ink feeding number control device  2 , in the memory M 25 , a received rotation speed of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism is stored. In the memory M 26 , a target rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism is stored.  
         [0578]     Next, the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 40  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 40 , the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  includes a CPU  43 , a RAM  44 , a ROM  45 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  46  and  47 , a motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller, a motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, a rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller, an A/D converter  51 , an F/V converter  52 , and memories M 27  and M 28 .  
         [0579]     The CPU  43  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  46  and  47 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  45 , while accessing the RAM  44  as well as the memories M 27  and M 28 . The motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller controls the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller. The rotary encoder  50  for the motor for driving the ink fountain roller generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  49  for driving the ink fountain roller, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the input/output interface  47 .  
         [0580]     In the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , in the memory M 27 , a received rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored. In the memory M 28 , a target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller is stored.  
         [0581]     Next, the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 41  shows a hardware block diagram of the ink fountain key opening degree control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 41 , the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes a CPU  53 , a RAM  54 , a ROM  55 , input/output interfaces (I/O, I/F)  56  and  57 , a motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key  58 , a motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, a rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key, a counter  61 , and memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0582]     The CPU  53  obtains various kinds of information which are inputted thereto through the interfaces  56  and  57 , and operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  55 , while accessing the RAM  54  as well as the memories M 29  to M 32 .  
         [0583]     In the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , in the memory M 29 , a received opening degree of the ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 30 , a target opening degree of the ink fountain key is stored. In the memory M 31 , a count value of the counter  61  is stored. In the memory M 32 , the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is stored.  
         [0584]     Note that, in  FIG. 38B , the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N are the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4  provided for the respective ink fountain keys  109  ( 109 - 1  to  109 -N) of the corresponding colors, which are shown in  FIG. 48 . With the ink fountain key opening degree control devices  4 - 1 - 1  to  4 -M-N, the opening degrees of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color are individually adjusted with respect to the corresponding ink fountain roller  108 .  
         [0585]     The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  includes the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key, the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, the rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key, and the counter  61 . The ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  is connected to the CPU  10  of the ink supply amount control apparatus  1  through the interface  56 . The rotary encoder  60  for the motor for driving the ink fountain key generates one rotation pulse for every predetermined number of rotations (angle) of the motor  59  for driving the ink fountain key, and then outputs the rotation pulse to the counter  61 .  
         [0586]     Next, the operation of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Each of  FIGS. 42A  to  42 C,  43 A,  43 B,  44 A and  44 B shows an operational flowchart of the ink supply amount control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0587]     In Step P 1 , the CPU  10  initializes each memory. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 1 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 2 .  
         [0588]     In Step P 2 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, printing unit numbers UNm, ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and an image area ratio IRmn of a range corresponding to each ink fountain key.  
         [0589]     When the operator has inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of the printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 3 .  
         [0590]     On the other hand, when the operator has not inputted the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit numbers UNm, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, the CPU  10  executes Step P 2  again.  
         [0591]     In Step P 3 , the CPU  10  inputs to store, the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, the printing unit number UNm of each printing unit used in the printing, the ink colors ICm of the printing units of printing unit numbers UNm, and the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to each ink fountain key, respectively in the memories M 1 , M 2 , M 3 , and M 4 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 3 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 4 .  
         [0592]     In Step P 4 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink preset switch SW 1  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 5 . On the other hand, when the ink preset switch SW 1  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 4  again.  
         [0593]     In Step P 5 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 5 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 .  
         [0594]     In Step P 6 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 6 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 7 .  
         [0595]     In Step P 7 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 7 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 8 .  
         [0596]     In Step P 8 , the CPU reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 8 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 9 .  
         [0597]     In Step P 9 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 7 , the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 9 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 10 .  
         [0598]     In Step P 10 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 4 , the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 10 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 11 .  
         [0599]     In Step P 11 , the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the image area ratio IRmn of the range corresponding to the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the image area ratio-ink fountain key opening degree conversion table for the ink color ICm. Then, the CPU  10  stores the obtained opening degree Kmn in the memory M 8 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 11 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 12 .  
         [0600]     In Step P 12 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 12 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 13 .  
         [0601]     In Step P 13 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 13 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 14 .  
         [0602]     In Step P 14 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit, is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 15 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 7 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kin of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0603]     In Step P 15 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 15 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 16 .  
         [0604]     In Step P 16 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 16 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 17 .  
         [0605]     In Step P 17 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 18 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 6 . With this loop, the CPU  10  obtains the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0606]     In Step P 34 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 34 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 .  
         [0607]     In Step P 35 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value N, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 6 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 35 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 36 .  
         [0608]     In Step P 36 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 36 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 .  
         [0609]     In Step P 37 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 8 , the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 37 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 38 .  
         [0610]     In Step P 38 , the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of the N-th ink fountain key to the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 38 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 39 .  
         [0611]     In Step P 39 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 40 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the N-th ink fountain key opening degree control device  4  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 39  again.  
         [0612]     In Step P 40 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value N stored in the memory M 6 , and then overwrites the count value N. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 40 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 41 .  
         [0613]     In Step P 41 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 9 , the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of each printing unit. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 41 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 42 .  
         [0614]     In Step P 42 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit, which is stored in the memory M 9 , is smaller than the count value N, which is stored in the memory M 6 . When the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit is smaller than the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 43 . On the other hand, when the total number Nmax of ink fountain keys of the printing unit is larger than, or is equal to, the count value N, the CPU  10  executes Step P 37 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kin of each ink fountain key to the corresponding ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 - 1 -N of the printing unit of the first color.  
         [0615]     In Step P 43 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 43 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 44 .  
         [0616]     In Step P 44 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 44 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 45 .  
         [0617]     In Step P 45 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 46 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 35 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the opening degree Kmn of each ink fountain key to the corresponding ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 -M-N of the printing unit of each of the first to M-th colors.  
         [0618]     In Step P 208 - 1 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the reference-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 10  has been turned ON by the operator. When the reference-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 10  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 209 . On the other hand, when the reference-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 10  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 215 .  
         [0619]     In Step P 209 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink-color-ICm-for-measuring-ink-film-thickness selecting switch SW 11  has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink-color-ICm-for-measuring-ink-film-thickness selecting switch SW 11  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 210 . On the other hand, when the ink-color-ICm-for-measuring-ink-film-thickness selecting switch SW 11  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 209  again.  
         [0620]     In Step P 210 , the CPU  10  stores the selected ink color ICm in the memory M 35 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 210 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 211 .  
         [0621]     In Step P 211 , the CPU  10  outputs a measurement instruction signal to the ink film thickness measuring device  62 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 211 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 212 .  
         [0622]     In Step P 212 , the CPU  10  reads the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , which value is a digital value obtained by the conversion of the A/D converter  29 . The CPU  10  then stores the read value in the memory M 33 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 212 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 213 .  
         [0623]     In Step P 213 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 35 , the selected ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 213 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 214 .  
         [0624]     In Step P 214 , the CPU  10  stores the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , in an address location, for the selected ink color ICm, in the memory M 37  for storing the reference ink film thickness IFTFm of each ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 214 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 215  via Step P 208 - 1 . It should be noted that the operator operates the electric slide cylinder  69  and the electric slide cylinder  70  for each time of measurement so as to move the distance measurement device  71  of the ink film thickness measuring device  62  to a position of an image or a mark of an ink color ICm to be measured.  
         [0625]     In Step P 215 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the second-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 12  has been turned ON by the operator. When the second-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 12  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 216 . On the other hand, when the second-ink-film-thickness measuring switch SW 12  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 222 .  
         [0626]     In Step P 216 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the ink-color-ICm-for-measuring-ink-film-thickness selecting switch SW 11  has been turned ON by the operator. When the ink-color-ICm-for-measuring-ink-film-thickness selecting switch SW 11  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 217 . On the other hand, when the ink-color-ICm-for-measuring-ink-film-thickness selecting switch SW 11  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 216  again.  
         [0627]     In Step P 217 , the CPU  10  stores the selected ink color ICm in the memory M 35 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 217 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 218 .  
         [0628]     In Step P 218 , the CPU  10  outputs a measurement instruction signal to the ink film thickness measuring device  62 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 218 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 219 .  
         [0629]     In Step P 219 , the CPU  10  reads the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , which value is a digital value obtained by the conversion of the A/D converter  29 . The CPU  10  then stores the read value in the memory M 33 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 219 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 220 .  
         [0630]     In Step P 220 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 35 , the selected ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 220 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 221 .  
         [0631]     In Step P 221 , the CPU  10  stores the measured distance value D from the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , in an address location, for the selected ink color ICm, in the memory M 47  for storing the second film thickness IFTOm of each ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 221 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 222  via Step P 208 - 1  and Step P 215 . It should be noted that the operator operates the electric slide cylinder  69  and the electric slide cylinder  70  for each time of measurement so as to move the distance measuring device  71  of the ink film thickness measuring device  62  to a position of an image or a mark of an ink color ICm to be measured.  
         [0632]     In Step P 222 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the feed-control starting switch SW 13  has been turned ON by the operator. When the feed-control starting switch SW 13  has been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 223 . On the other hand, when the feed-control starting switch SW 13  has not been turned ON, the CPU  10  executes Step P 74 .  
         [0633]     In Step P 223 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 223 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 224 .  
         [0634]     In Step P 224 , the CPU reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 224 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 225 .  
         [0635]     In Step P 225 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 225 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 226 .  
         [0636]     In Step P 226 , the CPU  10  reads the reference ink film thickness IFTFm of the ink color ICm, obtained by using the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , from the address location, for the ink color ICm, in the memory M 37  for storing the reference ink film thickness IFTFm of each ink color. Upon completion of the procession of Step P 226 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 227 .  
         [0637]     In Step P 227 , the CPU  10  reads the second ink film thickness IFTOm of the ink color ICm, obtained by using the ink film thickness measuring device  62 , from the address location, for the ink color ICm, in the memory M 47  for storing the second ink film thickness IFTOm of each ink color. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 227 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 228 .  
         [0638]     In Step P 228 , the CPU  10  calculates the ink film thickness difference IFTDm between the second ink film thickness IFTOm and the reference ink film thickness IFTFm, of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 48 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 228 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 229 .  
         [0639]     In Step P 229 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 49 , the ink film thickness difference IFTDm-ductor number ratio conversion table for the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 229 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 230 .  
         [0640]     In Step P 230 , the CPU  10  obtains a ductor number ratio IDNRm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, from the ink film thickness difference IFTDm between the second ink film thickness IFTOm and the reference ink film thickness IFTFm, of the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, by using the ink film thickness difference IFTDm-ductor number ratio conversion table for the ink color ICm. The CPU  10  then stores the obtained value in the memory M 19 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 230 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 231 .  
         [0641]     In Step P 231 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 231 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 232 .  
         [0642]     In Step P 232 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 232 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 233 .  
         [0643]     In Step P 233 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 74  via Step P 208 - 1 , Step P 215  and Step P 222 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 224 .  
         [0644]     In Step P 74 , the CPU  10  reads an output of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press, and then stores the value of the output in the memory M 20 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 74 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 75 .  
         [0645]     In Step P 75 , the CPU  10  calculates the current rotation speed R of the printing press from the output, which is stored in the memory M 20 , of the A/D converter  30  connected to the rotary encoder  28  for the drive motor of the printing press. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 21 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 75 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 76 .  
         [0646]     In Step P 76 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 76 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 .  
         [0647]     In Step P 77 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 77 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 78 .  
         [0648]     In Step P 78 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 3 , the ink color ICm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 78 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 79 .  
         [0649]     In Step P 79 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 22 , the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 79 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 80 .  
         [0650]     In Step P 80 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 80 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 81 .  
         [0651]     In Step P 81 , the CPU  10  multiplies the current rotation speed R of the printing press by the reference rotation speed ratio IFRRm of the ink fountain roller corresponding to the ink color ICm to calculate the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 23 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 81 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 82 .  
         [0652]     In Step P 82 , the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 82 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 83 .  
         [0653]     In Step P 83 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 84 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 83  again.  
         [0654]     In Step P 84 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory  5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 84 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 85 .  
         [0655]     In Step P 85 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 85 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 86 .  
         [0656]     In Step P 86 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 87 . On the other hand, when the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 77 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain key roller of each color to the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3  of the printing unit of the color.  
         [0657]     In Step P 87 , the CPU  10  writes 1 in the count value M, that is, the CPU  10  stores 1 in the memory M 5 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 87 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 .  
         [0658]     In Step P 88 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 2 , the printing unit number UNm of the M-th printing unit used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 88 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 89 .  
         [0659]     In Step P 89 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 19 , the ductor number ratio IDNRm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 89 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 90 .  
         [0660]     In Step P 90 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 21 , the current rotation speed R of the printing press. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 90 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 91 .  
         [0661]     In Step P 91 , the CPU  10  multiplies the current rotation speed R of the printing press by the ductor number ratio IDNRm of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm to calculate the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. The CPU  10  then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 24 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 91 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 92 .  
         [0662]     In Step P 92 , the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 92 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 93 .  
         [0663]     In Step P 93 , th CPU  10  determines whether or not a reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm. When the reception confirmation signal has been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 94 . On the other hand, when the reception confirmation signal has not been transmitted from the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the printing unit number UNm, the CPU  10  executes Step P 93  again.  
         [0664]     In Step P 94 , the CPU  10  adds 1 to the count value M stored in the memory M 5 , and then overwrites the count value M. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 94 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 95 .  
         [0665]     In Step P 95 , the CPU  10  reads, from the memory M 1 , the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 95 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 96 .  
         [0666]     In Step P 96 , the CPU  10  determines whether or not the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time, which is stored in the memory M 1 , is smaller than the count value M, which is stored in the memory M 5 . When the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is smaller than the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 208 - 1 . On the other hand, the number Mmax of printing units used in the printing at this time is larger than, or is equal to, the count value M, the CPU  10  executes Step P 88 . With this loop, the CPU  10  transmits the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism of each color to the ink feeding number control device  2  of the printing unit of the color.  
         [0667]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Each of  FIGS. 45A and 45B  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain key opening degree control device  4 , which controls the opening degree of each of the ink fountain keys  109 - 1  to  109 -N of each color, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0668]     In Step P 97 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the opening degree Kmn of the corresponding ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 98 . On the other hand, when the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97  again.  
         [0669]     In Step P 98 , the CPU  53  receives the opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key, and then stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 29 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 98 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 99 .  
         [0670]     In Step P 99 , the CPU  53  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 99 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 100 .  
         [0671]     In Step P 100 , the CPU  53  writes and stores the received opening degree Kmn of the ink fountain key in the memory M 30  for storing the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 100 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 101 .  
         [0672]     In Step P 101 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 101 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 102 .  
         [0673]     In Step P 102 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 102 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 103 .  
         [0674]     In Step P 103 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 104 .  
         [0675]     In Step P 104 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key. When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is smaller than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 105 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is larger than the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 106 .  
         [0676]     In Step P 106 , the CPU  53  outputs a normal rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 106 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0677]     In Step P 105 , the CPU  53  outputs a reverse rotation instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 105 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0678]     In Step P 107 , the CPU  53  reads the count value of the counter  61 , and then stores the read value in the memory M 31 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 107 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 108 .  
         [0679]     In Step P 108 , the CPU  53  calculates the current opening degree of the ink fountain key from the count value stored in the memory M 31 , and then stores the result of the calculation in the memory M 32 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 108 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 109 .  
         [0680]     In Step P 109 , the CPU  53  determines whether or not the current opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 32 , is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, which is stored in the memory M 30 . When the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 110 . On the other hand, when the current opening degree of the ink fountain key is not equal to the target opening degree of the ink fountain key, the CPU  53  executes Step P 107 .  
         [0681]     In Step P 110 , the CPU  53  outputs a stop instruction to the motor driver  58  for driving the ink fountain key. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 110 , the CPU  53  executes Step P 97 .  
         [0682]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 46  shows an operational flowchart of the ink fountain roller rotation speed control device  3 , which controls the rotation amount of each ink fountain roller, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0683]     In Step P 111 , the CPU  43  determines whether or not the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 112 . On the other hand, when the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111  again.  
         [0684]     In Step P 112 , the CPU  43  receives the rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller, and then stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 27 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 112 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 113 .  
         [0685]     In Step P 113 , the CPU  43  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 113 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 114 .  
         [0686]     In Step P 114 , the CPU  43  writes and stores the received rotation speed IFRm of the ink fountain roller in the memory M 28  for storing the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 114 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 115 .  
         [0687]     In Step P 115 , the CPU  43  reads, from the memory M 28 , the target rotation speed of the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 115 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 116 .  
         [0688]     In Step P 116 , the CPU  43  outputs a rotation speed instruction, for causing the ink fountain roller to rotate at the target rotation speed, to the motor driver  48  for driving the ink fountain roller. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 116 , the CPU  43  executes Step P 111 .  
         [0689]     Next, descriptions will be given of the operation of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 47  shows an operational flowchart of the ink feeding number control device  2 , which controls the number of feedings of each ink, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the content of the processing of each step will be described.  
         [0690]     In Step P 117 , the CPU  33  determines whether or not the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . When the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism has been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 118 . On the other hand, when the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism has not been transmitted from the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 117  again.  
         [0691]     In Step P 118 , the CPU  33  receives the rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism, and then stores the received rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism in the memory M 25 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 118 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 119 .  
         [0692]     In Step P 119 , the CPU  33  transmits a reception confirmation signal to the ink supply amount control apparatus  1 . Upon completion of the processing of Step P 119 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 120 .  
         [0693]     In Step P 120 , the CPU  33  writes and stores the received rotation speed IDRm of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism in the memory M 26  for storing the target rotation speed of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 120 , the CPU  10  executes Step P 121 .  
         [0694]     In Step P 121 , the CPU  33  reads, from the memory M 26 , the target rotation speed of the motor for driving the ink feed mechanism. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 121 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 122 .  
         [0695]     In Step P 122 , the CPU  33  outputs a rotation speed instruction, for causing the motor  39  for driving the ink feed mechanism to rotate at the target rotation speed, to the motor driver  38  for driving the ink feed mechanism. Upon completion of the processing of Step P 122 , the CPU  33  executes Step P 117 .  
         [0696]     According to the present invention, the adjustment of the amount of ink to be supplied is automatically controlled. Accordingly, variation in printing quality due to the difference between operators does not occur. In addition, the number of waste sheets of paper can be reduced, resulting in an environmental countermeasure. Moreover, a reduction in time taken for the adjustment leads to an increase in the amount of production.  
         [0697]     The invention thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.