JP2001030583A - Image output system, control method therefor and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output system requiring no complicated parameter setting work, a control method therefor and a recording medium. SOLUTION: Set value data of various parameters for controlling the printing of a printer (parameter set data) are filed as parameter set files 16 at each image quality types to be stored in a parameter set file memory part 18 provided separately from a printer driver 20. The printer driver 20 retrieves the parameter set files 16 stored in the parameter set file memory part 18 and reads the arbitrary parameter set file 16 to transmit the same to the printer 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image output system, an image output system control method, and a recording medium.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an image output system that performs image quality adjustment of an image output device based on image quality adjustment parameter information, an image output system control method, and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent improvement in image quality of image reading devices such as scanners and digital cameras, there is an increasing demand for image output devices such as color printers to improve the quality of output images.

An image output device has various parameters for outputting an image, and an image is output (formed) on a sheet or the like in accordance with parameter setting values. Especially for image quality reproduction, UCR (UnderCol
or Removal) processing, screen ruling, ROP (Raster O
There are an enormous number of parameters such as Peration settings, and in order to obtain a high-quality output image, it is necessary to appropriately set these parameters according to the output target image.

However, the contents indicated by each parameter are complicated, and it is difficult for a general user to understand the causal relationship between the parameter setting value and the output image. Therefore, trial and error is repeated until a desired output image is obtained. It is necessary for an expert from the maker to go to the user and set parameters according to the use of each user.

For this reason, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-270929 discloses a general image quality type of an output target image (specifically, a graphic color processing mode, a DTP color mode,
For the four types of D color mode and standard color processing mode), a printer driver for outputting an image to a printer is provided in advance with setting values of each parameter (hereinafter, referred to as “parameter set information”). The user can arbitrarily select an image quality type from among these, thereby obtaining a desired output image without performing complicated parameter settings.

[0006]

However, for example, for a user who wants a special output image in which red, white and the like are emphasized, the parameter set information prepared in advance cannot cope with the situation, and the user sets parameters. There was something I had to do.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image output system, an image output system control method, and a recording medium that do not require complicated parameter setting work.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image output system according to claim 1 includes at least an initial value of image quality adjustment parameter set information for adjusting the image quality of an image output device. A driver having parameter capturing means for externally capturing image quality adjustment parameter set information in order to set an image quality type of an image output by the image output device to an image quality type different from the initial setting value; and Recording means for recording image quality adjustment parameter set information of an image quality type different from the initial setting value which can be captured by the capturing means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the recording means external to the driver is provided with image quality adjustment parameter set information for adjusting the image quality of the image output device.
The driver is provided with an initial value of image quality adjustment parameter set information for adjusting the image quality of the image output device.

[0010] The driver is provided with parameter fetching means. When the image quality type of the image output by the image output device is set to an image quality type different from the initial setting value, the parameter fetching means causes the recording means to be stored in the recording means. The recorded image quality adjustment parameter set information is fetched, and the image output system is controlled based on the fetched image quality adjustment parameters.

That is, if image quality adjustment parameter set information set according to a desired image quality type is prepared in advance and recorded in the recording means, the image quality adjustment parameter set information is fetched by the parameter fetching means. The user can obtain a desired output result (high-quality output image) without performing complicated parameter settings.

For example, for a special image quality type emphasizing red, white, etc., if the maker provides an image quality adjustment parameter corresponding to the image quality type, the user does not need to perform complicated parameter settings. Also, it is not necessary for the maker to send a skilled person to the user, which is efficient.

Further, the driver itself needs to be modified in order to cope with a new image quality type by a new release of an image capturing device such as a digital camera or a scanner. There is also an effect that it is only necessary to prepare image quality adjustment parameter information set according to the type.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the parameter fetching means retrieves image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded in the recording means based on a predetermined selection condition, and the retrieval means From among the image quality adjustment parameter set information retrieved by the means, image quality adjustment parameter set information to be taken in to set the image quality type of the image output by the image output device to an image quality type different from the initial setting value is set. And setting means.

The selection condition in this case may be, for example, a color (color or monochrome) condition to be output by the image output device, a priority order based on frequency of use, or a type of the output device. , A plurality of selection conditions may be combined.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image output system further comprises an editing unit that performs at least one of addition, deletion, and content change of image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded in the recording unit. It is better to have more.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image output system control method for adjusting the image quality of an image output device, wherein image quality adjustment parameter set information adapted to an image quality type at the time of image output by the image output device. Is stored in advance outside the driver, and the image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded outside the driver is imported into the driver so that the image quality adjustment type is output, and replaced with the image quality adjustment parameter set information currently set in the driver. hand,
The image quality adjustment parameter set information is reset and the image quality of the image output device is adjusted based on the image quality adjustment parameter set information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium readable by a computer, wherein a program for executing the image output system control method according to the fourth aspect is recorded by the computer. It is characterized by:

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, image quality adjustment parameter set information suitable for the image quality type at the time of image output by the image output device is recorded in advance outside the driver. When the image output device outputs an image of this image quality type, the driver takes in the image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded outside the driver into the driver in place of the image quality adjustment parameter set information currently set in the driver. The image quality adjustment parameter set information set in the driver is reset to the acquired image quality adjustment parameter set information, and the image output system is controlled based on the image quality adjustment parameter set information.

That is, if the image quality adjustment parameter set information set according to the desired image quality type is prepared in advance, the driver takes in the image quality adjustment parameter set and controls the image output system. A desired output result (high-quality output image) can be obtained without performing parameter setting.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) Next, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic Configuration of Entire System) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image output system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an image output system 10 includes a host PC (personal computer) 12
And a printer 14 as an image output device are connected via a predetermined cable.

The host PC 12 stores a parameter set file storage unit 18 for storing a parameter set file 16 including setting value information of various image quality adjustment parameters for adjusting the output image quality of the printer 14, and stores the parameter set file 16 in the printer 14. Printer driver 2 that adjusts the image quality of the printer 14 by transmitting the
0, a parameter set file utility 22 for adding / deleting the parameter set file 16 stored in the parameter set file storage unit 18, and a control unit 24 for controlling processing in the host PC 12.

The host PC 12 informs the user of an operation unit 26 such as a mouse and a keyboard for the user to make various requests and settings to the host PC 12 and a processing result of the host PC 12 based on the operation of the operation unit 26. Monitor 28 is connected. In this embodiment, the user can make various requests and settings under a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment.

The parameter set file storage unit 18
It is constructed under a predetermined directory of a memory such as the HDD 54 provided in the host PC 12, and can store the parameter set file 16 without limitation. The predetermined directory may be specified in advance by the system or may be arbitrarily set by the user.

The control unit 24 is operated by an operation unit 26 by the user.
Is operated, when a parameter file addition / deletion or content change is instructed, a program for causing the parameter set file utility 22 to function (hereinafter, referred to as a “parameter set file utility program”) is started. Has become.
Thus, the parameter set file utility 22 is constructed (so-called activated) in the host PC 12. Note that a program for causing the parameter set file utility 22 to function is the host P
It is stored in the HDD 54 provided in C12.

The parameter set file utility 22 is connected to the control unit 24 and the parameter set file storage unit 18. The parameter set file utility 22 can add a new parameter set file 16, delete an unnecessary parameter set file 16, and change the set value of each parameter in the parameter set file 16 based on an instruction from the control unit 24. It has become.

When the user operates the operation unit 26, the control unit 24 controls image data captured by a scanner or the like (not shown) or image data created by application software (hereinafter referred to as an “output target image”). ), A program for causing the printer driver 20 to function (hereinafter, referred to as a “printer driver program”) is started. Thus, the printer driver 20 is constructed (so-called activated) in the host PC 12. Note that a program for causing the printer driver 20 to function is stored in the HDD 54 provided in the host PC 12.

The printer driver 20 is connected to the control unit 24 and the parameter set file storage unit 18.
The printer driver 20 stores the parameter set file 1 stored in the parameter set file storage unit 18.
6. Select the parameter set file 16 from 6
The information (set value information of various parameters, hereinafter referred to as “parameter set information”) is transmitted to the printer 14.

The printer 14 exchanges various data with the host PC 12 and controls a printing process. A printer engine 32 prints image data to be output under the control of the printer controller 30.
It is composed of

The printer controller 30 is a host PC
12 to adjust the screen ruling, the RGB value, and the like (to adjust the output image quality) according to each parameter set value of the received parameter set information, and to cause the printer engine 32 to execute the printing process. It has become.

(Example of Parameter Set File) Next, the parameter set file 16 will be described. Tables 1, 2, and 3 show examples of information held by the parameter set file 16.

In the present embodiment, the file name of the parameter set file 16 has an extension “dtf” for identifying that the file is a parameter set file.

[0034]

[Table 1]

[0035]

[Table 2]

[0036]

[Table 3]

As shown in Table 1, each parameter set file 16 contains a resolution (dpi value, high quality / normal) and ROP (R
It holds setting values of image quality adjustment parameters (hereinafter, simply referred to as “parameters”) such as ON / OFF of an aster OPeration) and ON / OFF of a color management system.

Note that the ROP indicates a logical operation process performed when two or more image data (raster data) are superimposed. By performing the ROP process, the image data is overwritten with a vertical relationship. Of course, effects such as watermarking and inversion can be obtained. Also,
A color management system is a profile provided by an OS (for example, a Windows ICM (Image Colm) for processing color information without depending on a specific device).
or Matching)).

By the way, the output target image data is usually
It is composed of objects of a character part, a photograph part (image data (raster data) area acquired by a scanner or a digital camera, etc.), and a graphic part (figure (vector data) area such as a square or a circle created by a drawing application or the like). .

As shown in Table 2, various parameters such as screen ruling, color conversion, color correction, error diffusion, density, and gradation are set in each parameter set file 16 for each object. It has become. Note that the parameters shown in Tables 1 and 2 are given as examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.
Usually, the types of parameters that need to be set and the combinations thereof differ depending on the model of the printer 14.

As shown in Table 3, each parameter set file 16 includes an image quality type (a print process based on the set value of each parameter) for which the parameter set file 16 is optimized for image quality adjustment. This includes a name of an image quality type that can obtain a high-quality print result by performing the operation, and comment information as a detailed description thereof. The parameter set file 16 also includes attribute information (attribute 1) for displaying an image quality list described later. The attribute information includes “color” for identifying the color attribute of the parameter set file 16.
Alternatively, “thing” is set.

(Details of Printer Driver) Next, the printer driver 20 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer driver 20 includes a parameter set information fetch section 39 for fetching parameter set information of the parameter set file 16 transmitted from the parameter set file storage section 18 to the printer 14, And a data transmission unit 44 that transmits the data to the printer 14. The parameter set information reading section 39 searches the parameter set file storage section 18 to read the parameter set file 16 and reads the parameter set file 16.
And a parameter set file selection unit 42 for arbitrarily selecting a parameter set file 16 optimal for image data to be printed from the read parameter set file 16 and setting parameter set information to be transmitted to the printer 14. ing.

The printer driver 20 displays an image quality selection screen 100 on the monitor 28 for the user to select a desired parameter set file 16 simultaneously with the activation. Through the image quality selection screen 100, the user can interact with the printer driver 20, and can instruct the printer driver 20 to perform processing. FIG. 2 shows an image quality selection screen 100.
An example is shown.

As shown in FIG. 2, above the image quality selection screen 100, a display area 102 for displaying various information is provided. A color mode selection unit 104 for selecting a color mode (monochrome / color) is provided in the upper right part of the display area 102. The color mode selection unit 104 is formed in a drop-down list format, and the user can easily select whether to print the output target image in monochrome or in color by operating the operation unit 26. It has become.

Below the color mode selection unit 104, there is provided a list display unit 106 for displaying image quality types selectable by the user. The list display section 106 displays information on the image quality type included in each parameter set file 16. The list display unit 106 is formed in a list box format, and the user can select a desired image quality type from the image quality types displayed on the list display unit 106 by operating the operation unit 26. . That is, the image quality selection screen 1
At 00, the parameter set file 16 is selected by selecting the image quality type from the list display unit 106.

In response to the selection of the image quality type, the column of the selected image quality type in the list display section 106 is displayed in black and white inverted so that the selection status is visualized (in the figure, , The column of the selected image quality type is indicated by a line.)

The parameter set file storage unit 1
8, if no parameter set file 16 exists, nothing is displayed on the list display unit 106.

On the left side of the display area 102, a picture display unit 108 for displaying detailed information of the selected image quality type
And a comment display section 110.

The picture display unit 108 includes the printer 14
As a result, a print result prediction diagram when the output target image is printed based on the selected image quality type (that is, the parameter setting value set in the selected parameter set file 16) is displayed. The comment display section 110 displays comment information included in each parameter set file 16.

The user can select the desired image quality type (optimal for printing the output target image) by referring to the display results on the picture display unit 108 and the comment display unit 110. .

In FIG. 2, the picture quality type of “drafting / small text” is selected in the list display unit 106, and the picture and comment corresponding to “drafting / small text” are displayed in the picture display unit 108 and the comment display unit 110. The example shown is shown.

At the bottom of the image quality selection screen 100, OK for designating the image quality type setting based on the selected image quality type is displayed.
A button 112 and a cancel button 114 for giving an instruction to stop changing the image quality type are provided. By operating the operation unit 26, the user can instruct to change the image quality type.

The parameter set file reading section 40 (see FIG. 1) reads all the parameter set files 16 in the parameter set file storage section 18 (under a predetermined directory of a memory not shown) and instructs the user to select the color mode selection section 104. Is selected, and the image quality type of the selected parameter set file 16 is displayed on the list display unit 106. At this time, the selection of the parameter set file 16 depends on the color attribute (see attribute 1 in Table 3).
Is performed based on the information.

More specifically, when “color” is selected in the color mode selection unit 104, the parameter set file 1 in which the attribute 1 information is “color”
6 is selected and its image quality type is displayed in the list display section 106.
To be displayed. When “monochrome” is selected in the color mode selection unit 104, only the parameter set file 16 in which the information of the color attribute (see attribute 1 in Table 3) is “mono” is selected, and the image quality type is selected. It is displayed on the list display unit 106.

The parameter set file selection section 42
A parameter set information storage unit 5 for temporarily storing parameter set information of the selected parameter set file 16
0 and an initial value parameter set information storage unit 52 in which initial value information of each parameter is stored in advance.

As the parameter set information storage unit 50, a RAM (not shown) and an HDD 54 provided in the host PC 12 can be used. In addition, as the initial parameter set information storage unit 52, the host P
A ROM (not shown) provided in C or an HDD 54 may be used, or a memory (not shown) provided in the printer controller 30 of the printer 14 may be used.

The parameter set file selecting section 4
No. 2 changes (updates) the display of the picture display unit 108 and the comment display unit 110 according to the change of the selected image quality type in the list display unit 106. Further, information (parameter set information) of various parameter setting values of the parameter set file 16 corresponding to the selected image quality type is stored in the parameter set information storage unit 50.
Is to be stored.

The data transmitting section 44 transmits the parameter set information stored in the parameter set information storage section 50 to the printer 14 when the OK button 112 is pressed. It should be noted that the parameter set file 16 stores 1
If no button exists and the OK button is pressed when nothing is displayed on the list display unit 106, the data transmission unit 44 transmits the initial value parameter set stored in the initial value parameter set information storage unit 52. Information is automatically selected and sent.

(Details of Parameter Set File Utility) Next, the parameter set file utility 22 will be described in detail.

When the addition or deletion of a parameter set file is instructed, the parameter set file utility 22 displays on the monitor 28 an addition / deletion setting screen 120 for the user to add or delete a desired parameter set file. It has become. Through the addition / deletion setting screen 120, the user can newly add a parameter set file 16 or delete an unnecessary parameter file. FIG. 3 shows an example of the addition / deletion setting screen 120.

As shown in FIG. 3, the currently available picture quality type (ie, the picture quality type of the parameter set file 16 stored in the parameter set file ) Is provided.

The current list display section 122 is formed in a list box format, and the user can select a desired image quality type from the image quality types displayed on the current list display section 122 by operating the operation section 26. It has become. In response to the selection of the image quality type, the current list display unit 1
The column of the selected image quality type selected in 22 is displayed in reverse black and white to make the selection status visible (the column of the selected image quality type is indicated by a line in the figure).

Below the current list display section 122, a comment display section 124 is provided.
The comment information included in the parameter set file 16 corresponding to the image quality type selected in Step 2 is displayed.

In FIG. 3, the image quality type of “general document (standard)” is selected in the current list display section 122,
An example is shown in which a comment corresponding to “general document (standard)” is displayed on the comment display section 124.

Further, between the current list display section 122 and the comment display section 124, a delete button 126 for deleting the image quality type selected in the current list display section 122 is provided. When the delete button 126 is pressed, an unnecessary image quality type is deleted from the currently available image quality types.

That is, the user operates the operation unit 26 to select an image quality type from the current list display unit 122 and confirms the display (contents of the selected image quality type) on the comment display unit 124. It is determined whether or not the selected image quality type is to be deleted as an unnecessary image quality type. If it is determined that the selected image quality type is an unnecessary image quality type, the selected image quality type is deleted as an unnecessary image quality type by pressing a delete button 126. Is available.

Further, in the upper right of the addition / deletion setting screen 120, an addable list display section 128 for displaying the image quality type of the addable parameter set file 16 is provided. The addable list display unit 128 is formed in a list box format, and the user can select a desired image quality type from the image quality types displayed on the addable list display unit 128 by operating the operation unit 26. Has become. In response to the selection of the image quality type, the column of the selected image quality type selected in the addable list display section 128 is displayed in black and white inverted, and the selection status is visualized.

Below the addable list display section 128,
A comment display unit 130 is provided, and comment information included in the parameter set file 16 corresponding to the image quality type selected on the addable list display unit 128 is displayed.

In FIG. 3, the addable list display unit 1
28 shows an example in which no image quality type is selected and no comment is displayed on the comment display unit 130.

Further, between the addable list display section 128 and the current list display section 122, the addable list display section 12 is provided.
An additional button 132 is provided for adding the image quality type selected in 8 to the available image quality types.
When the add button 132 is pressed, an arbitrary image quality type is newly added to the available image quality types from among the image quality types that can be added.

That is, the user operates the operation unit 26 to select an image quality type from the addable list display unit 128 and confirms the display (contents of the selected image quality type) on the comment display unit 130. Thus, it is determined whether or not to add the selected image quality type, and when it is added, by pressing the add button 132, the selected image quality type can be used.

An end button 134 for instructing the end of the addition / deletion of the parameter set file 16 in the parameter set file utility 22 is provided below the comment display section 130 in the addition / deletion setting screen 120. I have. When the end button 134 is pressed, the parameter set file 16
Addition / deletion work is completed.

The parameter set file utility 22 has a function of changing the contents of the parameter set file. When an instruction to change the contents of the parameter set file is issued, the parameter set file utility 22 displays a parameter setting screen 140 on the monitor 28. FIG. 4 shows an example of the parameter setting screen 140.

The user operates the parameter setting screen 140
Parameter set file 16 whose contents are changed via
, And the set value of each parameter can be changed to a desired value.

(Operation) Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

When printing of an output target image is instructed by operating the operation unit 26 by the user, the control unit 24 starts the printer driver 20. The printer driver 20 displays the image quality selection screen 100 on the monitor 28
And the processing (main processing) shown in FIG. 5 is started.

As shown in FIG. 5, the printer driver 20 first determines whether or not the parameter set file 16 is stored in the parameter set file storage 18 (step 200). If no parameter set file 16 is stored in the parameter set file storage unit 18, a negative determination is made in step 200 and the process proceeds to step 202.

In step 202, the initial value parameter set information stored in the initial value parameter set information storage section 52 is read, transmitted to the printer 14, and the processing is terminated. The printer 14 prints an output target image based on the initial value parameter set information.

On the other hand, the parameter set file storage 1
If even one parameter set file 16 is stored in step 8, the process proceeds to step 204, where the file name table creation processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

In the file name table creation processing, first,
In step 300, the parameter set file 1 stored in the parameter set file storage unit 18
6 to obtain the file names of all the parameter set files 16 to create a file name table and count the number of parameter set files 16.

Next, in step 302, the total number (N) of the parameter set files 16 is stored based on the result of counting the number of files, and in step 304, the file name of the parameter set file 16 in the file name table according to a predetermined rule. Are sorted (rearranged and arranged), and the process returns to the main processing (FIG. 5).

Returning to the main processing of FIG.
Then, the process proceeds to step S6, where the image list display process shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

In the image list display process, first, in step 400, the value of the counter (i) is cleared to zero, and then in step 402, the file name table is referred to by referring to the file name table. The information of the matching parameter set file 16 is read.

Next, in step 404, the information of the read parameter set file 16 is analyzed, and the color attribute (see attribute 1 in Table 3) is set in the color mode selection unit 104 of the image quality selection screen 100. It is determined whether the mode matches the mode. If the color attribute matches the color mode (positive determination), the process proceeds to step 406;
Proceed to 6.

At step 406, the image quality type included in the information of the read parameter set file 16 is displayed on the list display section 106 of the image quality selection screen 100. At the next step 408, the image quality type of the list display section 106 is displayed. It is determined whether the selected row is the selected position. If the row displaying the image quality type is at the selected position (affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 410, and if the line displaying the image quality type is not the selected position (negative determination), the process proceeds to step 416 described below.

In this embodiment, the image quality selection screen 1
Reference numeral 00 indicates that the head of the list display unit 106 is selected and displayed when the printer driver 20 is started. Therefore, in step 408, an affirmative determination is made only when the image quality type is first displayed on the list display unit 106 and the process proceeds to step 410, and a negative determination is made otherwise and the process proceeds to step 416.

At step 410, the comment included in the information of the read parameter set file 16 is displayed on the comment display section 110 of the image quality selection screen 100.
Subsequently, in step 412, the picture display unit 108 displays a print result prediction diagram when the output target image is printed based on the set values (parameter set information) of each parameter included in the read information of the parameter set file 16.
To be displayed. Then, in step 414, the information of the read parameter set file 16 is stored in the parameter set information storage unit 50.

Next, at step 416, the value of the counter (i) is incremented, and at step 418, the value of the counter (i) is compared with the total number (N) of the parameter set file 16 described above. If the value of the counter (i) is smaller than the total number (N) of the parameter set files 16 (i <N), an affirmative determination is made and step 40
2, the information of the parameter set file 16 that matches the next file name is read by referring to the file name table, and the subsequent processing is performed in the same manner.

When the value of the counter (i) becomes equal to the total number (N) of the parameter set files 16 (i = N), an affirmative determination is made in step 418, and all the parameter set files searched in the above-described file name table creation processing It is determined that the processing has been completed for No. 16 and the processing returns to the main processing (FIG. 5).

That is, the same processing (steps 402, 404, and 404) is performed for all the parameter set files 16 searched in the above-described file name table creation processing.
406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 4
18) is repeated, and the image quality types of all the parameter set files 16 having the color attributes that match the color mode set in the color mode selection unit 104 are displayed on the list display unit 106.

[0092] When the image quality list display processing is completed, input of various instructions from the user is accepted.
By operating the operation section 26, the user can arbitrarily select the image quality type displayed on the list display section 106.

Returning to the main processing of FIG.
Then, the process proceeds to step S8, where the parameter set selection and storage process shown in FIG.

In the parameter set selection / storing process, the process waits until a user inputs an instruction by operating the operation unit 26 (step 5).
00). When any instruction is input by the user (Yes in step 500), the process proceeds to step 502.

In step 502, it is determined whether or not the input instruction is an instruction to change the selected image quality type. The change instruction of the selected image quality type is performed by the user operating the operation unit 26. For example, by pressing an image quality type column other than the selected image quality type in the list display unit 106, the pressed image quality type is changed. It is possible to instruct to change to the selected image quality type (hereinafter, the image quality type instructed to be changed to the selected image quality type is referred to as “new selected image quality type”).

If the input instruction is an instruction to change the selected image quality type, the flow advances to step 504 to read information of the parameter set file 16 corresponding to the newly selected image quality type, and display the comment display section 110 of the image quality selection screen 100. Is changed to a comment included in the information of the read parameter set file 16.

Subsequently, in step 506, the display of the picture display section 108 of the image quality selection screen 100 is changed based on the set values (parameter set information) of each parameter included in the information of the parameter set file 16 read in step 504. Change to the print result prediction diagram when the output target image is printed. That is, it is displayed on the print result prediction diagram corresponding to the newly selected image quality type.

Subsequently, in step 508,
The information of the parameter set file 16 read in step 504 is stored in the parameter set information storage unit 50, and the process returns to step 500.

That is, the comment display unit 110 and the picture display unit 10
Since the display of No. 8 is changed, the user can select (determine) the optimum image quality type for the output target image by checking this display.

On the other hand, if the input instruction is not an instruction to change the selected image quality type, a negative determination is made in step 502 and the flow advances to step 510.

In step 510, it is determined whether or not the input instruction is to set the image quality type to the selected image quality type that is input by pressing the OK button 112. If the input instruction is an instruction to set the image quality type to the selected image quality type (Yes in step 510), the process returns to the main processing (FIG. 5). If the input instruction is not the instruction for setting the selected image quality type (No in step 510), that is, if the instruction to stop changing the image quality is input by pressing the cancel button 114, the image quality type setting is not performed. Cancel (Step 512) and return to the main processing.

Returning to the main processing of FIG.
In step 9, a print instruction is executed. When a print instruction button (not shown) is pressed and a print execution instruction is input, the flow advances to step 210.

In step 210, the parameter set information stored in the parameter set information storage unit 50 is transmitted to the printer 14, and the process ends. The printer 14 performs image quality adjustment based on the parameter set information, and prints an output target image. This allows
The user can obtain a desired print result.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the set value information (parameter set information) of various parameters for adjusting the output image quality of the printer 14 is filed as a parameter set file 16 for each image quality type. Then, it is stored in a parameter set file storage unit 18 provided separately from the printer driver 20. Further, the printer driver 20 searches the parameter set file 16 in the parameter set file storage 18, reads out an arbitrary parameter set file 16, and transmits it to the printer 14.

Thus, the user does not need to make complicated parameter settings, and the list display section 1 of the image quality selection screen 100
By simply selecting the desired image quality type from the parameter set file 06, the parameter set information of the parameter set file 16 corresponding to the selected image quality type from the parameter set file 16 in the parameter set file storage unit 18 is transmitted to the printer 14, and (A high quality output image) can be obtained.

Further, the parameter set file 16 can be arbitrarily added by the parameter set file utility 22. As a result, for a special output target image, a request is made to supply a parameter set file 16 corresponding to the image quality type to the maker side (printer provider, support center, etc.), and the provided parameter set file 16 is stored in the parameter set file The image quality type can be selected simply by adding (storing) it in the unit 18. Even for the manufacturer, it is only necessary to provide the requested parameter set file 16 to the user without sending a person to the user side, and efficiency can be improved.

Note that the parameter set file 16 is
The parameter set file 16 may be provided by recording the parameter set file 16 on a recording medium such as an FD and sending the parameter set file 16, or may be provided using the Internet that has been rapidly developing in recent years (FT
Transfer parameter set file 16 by P, Web
The parameter set file 16 may be made public, and the user may download an arbitrary parameter set file 16).

Further, the manufacturer does not need to modify the printer driver 20 in accordance with the new release of peripheral devices such as a scanner and a digital camera, so that the image quality type parameter set file 16 corresponding to the newly released peripheral device can be stored. We can respond simply by providing.

In the first embodiment, the user can arbitrarily delete the parameter set file 16 by the parameter set file utility 22. By deleting unnecessary parameter set files 16 (image quality types), the image quality type list displayed on the list display unit 106 of the image quality selection screen is simplified (only image quality types required by the user are displayed. And a more user-friendly system can be provided.

Also, a specific parameter set file 1
For a user who uses only 6 (image quality type), by deleting all other unnecessary parameter set files 16, printing by using another parameter set file 16 (image quality type) by mistake is prevented. It can also be prevented.

As the parameter set file utility 22 for adding / deleting the parameter set file 16, dedicated software may be prepared and used, or a file provided as a standard feature in an OS (Operation System) may be used. You can also use copy / move / delete functions.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, a printer driver for outputting parameter set information to one printer has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, parameter information may be output to a plurality of printers. In this case, since color reproducibility differs depending on the type of printer engine for each model, it is desirable to prepare a parameter set file 16 for each printer for each image quality type.

Hereinafter, as an example of the embodiment according to the present invention, a printer driver that outputs parameter set information to a plurality of printers will be described in detail.

(System Configuration) FIG. 9 shows a schematic configuration of an image output system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the same members as those in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the image output system 10 comprises a host PC 12 and three printers 14A, 14B and 14C as image output devices connected via predetermined cables. Printer driver 2
0, the data transmission unit 44 is connected to each of the printers 14A, 14B,
Parameter set information can be transmitted to the printer controller 30 of 14C.

A plurality of parameter set files 1 are stored in the parameter set file storage section 18 of the host PC 12.
6 are prepared and stored for each printer, and the parameter set file 16 stores the corresponding printers 14A, 14B, 1 as identifiers for identifying the correspondence with the printer.
A different extension is assigned to each 4C.

In the present embodiment, as an example, “dt” is stored in the parameter set file 16A for the printer 14A.
a ", parameter set file 1 for printer 14B
6B has an extension of “dtb”, and the parameter set file 16C for the printer 14C has an extension of “dtc”. That is, it is possible to identify which printer the parameter set file 16 is based on from the extension.

[0118] The parameter set file reading section 40
The parameter set file 16 corresponding to the printer that executes the printing process (hereinafter, referred to as “execution printer”) among the printers 14A, 14B, and 14C is searched and read based on the identifier.

When the parameter set file 16 is prepared for each printer, the number of parameter set files in the parameter set file storage section 18 increases, and the printer driver 20 operates the specific parameter set file 16 in the parameter set file storage section 18. The time required to access the URL may be increased, and the processing capability may be reduced.

For this reason, the printer driver 20 further includes a parameter set information group storage section 60 as a buffer for storing information of a plurality of parameter set files read from the parameter set file storage section 18.

In the printer driver 20, each printer 1
4A, 14B, and 14C, when the first printer driver is started, the parameter set file reading section 40 retrieves and reads the parameter set file 16 for the printer from the parameter set file storage section 18, and stores the information in the parameter set information group storage section. 60 is stored. Subsequent processing is performed using the information stored in the parameter set information group storage unit 60 instead of the parameter set file 16 in the parameter set file storage unit 18.

That is, every time printing is performed, the printer can be used without selecting the parameter set file 16 corresponding to the output target printer for printing the output target image from all the parameter set files 16 in the parameter set file storage unit 18. The processing in the driver 20 can be executed. Further, every time the user changes the selection of the image quality type on the image quality selection screen 100, the parameter set file 16 corresponding to the newly selected image quality type is searched from all the parameter set files 16 in the parameter set file storage unit 18 and is not read out. However, the processing in the printer driver 20 can be executed.

In the present embodiment, the printer driver 20 is controlled by a program described in the C language (programming language). The information of the parameter set file 16 read out from is stored in the parameter set information group storage unit 60 in a structured form.

A structure is a parameter set file 1
It is a set of variables that summarize variables of different types (for example, image quality type is char type, resolution A is int type) as in No. 6, and related data is treated as one unit rather than as an individual entity. The feature is that it can be. For example, when a plurality of parameter set files 16 are grouped into a structure, it is possible to access the information of each parameter set file 16. The information can be read collectively in 16 information units.

(Operation) Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the printer 14A is designated as the execution printer and the printing process is performed as the output printer of the output target image.

When the user operates the operation unit 26 to instruct printing of the output target image, the control unit 24 starts the printer driver 20. The printer driver 20 displays the image quality selection screen 100 on the monitor 28
And the process (main process) shown in FIG. 10 is started. Since the printer driver 20 is controlled by a program described in the C language (programming language) as described above, a description format specific to the C language will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 10, the printer driver 20 first determines whether or not the parameter set file 16A corresponding to the printer 14A is structured, that is, is structured in the parameter set information group storage unit 60. It is determined whether the information of the parameter set file 16A stored is stored (step 600).

Here, when the printing process specifying the printer 14A is executed for the first time after the host PC is started, or when the parameter set file 16A does not exist in the parameter set file storage unit 18, the parameter set file 16A is structured. Step 60
If the determination is 0, the process proceeds to step 602.

The parameter set file storage 1
8 has a parameter set file 16A and 2
In the case of the print processing in which the printer 14A is specified for the second and subsequent times, the parameter set file 16A has already been structured at the time of the first print processing in which the printer 14A is specified (see step 608 described later). An affirmative determination is made in 600, and a later-described step 61
Go to 0.

In step 602, it is determined whether or not the parameter set file 16A is stored in the parameter set file storage section 18, that is, whether or not a file having the extension "dta" exists. The parameter set file 16A is stored in the parameter set file storage unit 18.
If no is stored, a negative determination is made in step 602, and the process proceeds to step 604.

At step 604, the initial value parameter set information stored in the initial value parameter set information storage section 52 is read, transmitted to the printer 14A, and the process is terminated. Note that the initial value parameter set information is stored in advance in the initial value parameter set information storage unit 52 for each of the printers 14A, 14B, and 14C, and step 6 is performed.
In 04, the initial value parameter set information of the printer 14A may be read and transmitted.

When the printer 14A receives the initial value parameter set information, the printer 14A performs image quality adjustment based on the received initial value parameter set information, and prints an output target image.

On the other hand, the parameter set file storage 1
If at least one parameter set file 16A is stored in step 8, the process proceeds to step 606, and the file name table creation processing shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

In the file name table creation processing, first,
A table buffer (storage area) for storing the file name of the parameter set file 16A is secured (step 700), and a write pointer is set at the head of the secured table buffer (step 702).

Subsequently, a predetermined directory in a memory (not shown) in which the parameter set file storage unit 18 is constructed is designated as a search directory (step 704), and a search pointer is set at the head of the designated directory (step 706). ). In the next step 708, the value of the file number counter (n) is cleared to zero.

Subsequently, at step 710, the printer 1
Parameter set file 1 for 4A (execution printer)
As a file identification string for searching for 6A, "dt
a "(the extension of the parameter set file 16A) is input. The association between the execution printer and the extension that is the file identification character of the corresponding parameter set file 16 is not particularly limited in the present invention. For example, the association may be set by a user in a device option of a printer driver. May be read out from a memory (not shown) provided in the printer controller 30, or a device ID (PnP: Plug an
d Play).

In the next step 712, the file name of the parameter set file 16 in which the search pointer is set is read, and it is determined whether or not the file extension matches the discrimination character string "dta". That is, it is determined whether the file is the parameter set file 16A for the printer 14A.

If the file extension matches the discrimination character string "dta", the read file name is written into the table buffer (see step 700) (step 71).
4) After the value of the file number counter (n) is incremented (step 716), the process proceeds to step 718. If the file extension is “dtb”, “dtc”, etc., and does not match the discrimination character string “dta”, step 71
Proceed to 8. At this time, the file name stored in the table buffer does not include an extension.

At step 718, the search pointer is set to the next file position in the search directory.
At this time, if the search pointer has reached the end position of the search directory, a negative determination is made in the next step 720 and the process proceeds to step 722; otherwise, the process returns to step 712.

That is, for all the files in the search directory, it is determined whether or not the file is the parameter set file 16A. If the file is the parameter set file 16A, its file name is written to the table buffer and the file number counter is written. (N).

At step 722, the current value of the file number counter (n) is stored in the parameter set file 16A.
Is stored as the total number of files (N). Subsequently, in step 724, the file names of the parameter set file 16A stored in the table buffer are sorted (rearranged and arranged) according to a predetermined rule, and step 726 is performed.
Then, the contents of the sorted table buffer are temporarily stored in a memory as a file name table. Thereafter, the process returns to the main processing (FIG. 10).

Returning to the main processing of FIG.
In step 08, the structuring process shown in FIG. 12 is performed.

In the structuring process, first, at step 800
In order to store information of the parameter set file 16A, a buffer (storage area) for the total number (N) of files of the parameter set file 16A is secured as the parameter set information group storage unit 60. next,
In step 726, the stored file name table is read, and in step 804, the counter (i) is reset to 0.

Subsequently, in step 806, an output port corresponding to the printer 14, which is an image output device, is detected. In step 808, a character string corresponding to the output port, that is, a file identification character string "dt" corresponding to the printer 14, is detected.
a "is entered.

Subsequently, in step 810, the file name at the position corresponding to the value of the counter (i) in the file name table and the character string input in step 808 (ie, the file identification character string "dta") Reads the information of the file with the file name of the extension. In the next step 812, the read information is written at a position corresponding to the value of the counter (i) of the buffer secured in step 800. In step 814, the value of the counter (i) is incremented. In step 816, the value of the counter (i) is compared with the total number of files (N) in the parameter set file 16A, and is smaller than the total number of files (N) (i < If no, return to step 810.

That is, the parameter set file 16A is read from the parameter set file storage section 18 in the order of the file names stored in the file name table, and the information is stored in the buffer secured as the parameter set information group storage section 60. Written sequentially.

The value of the counter (i) is the total number of files (N)
If (i = N), a negative determination is made in step 816, it is determined that the information of all the parameter set files 16A in the parameter set file storage unit 18 has been written to the buffer, and the process returns to the main processing (FIG. 10). Thereby, the information of all the parameter set files 16A is structured and stored in the parameter set information group storage unit 60 (the information of all the parameter set files 16A is put together as one structure).

Returning to the main processing of FIG.
Proceeding to 10, the image quality list display processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed.

In the image quality list display processing, first, the position of the read pointer is reset (step 900), and the value of the counter (i) is reset to 0 (step 902).

Subsequently, in step 904, the position of the read pointer is set to a position that matches the value of the counter (i) of the structure in which the information of all the parameter set files 16A is collected in the above-described structuring process. I do.
That is, the i-th data was written (see step 812).
A read pointer is set at the position of the information in the parameter set file 16A.

At the next step 906, information on the color attribute (see attribute 1 in Table 3) at the read pointer set position is read, and it is determined whether or not the color attribute matches the color mode of the printer driver 20. That is,
i-th written parameter set file 16A
It is determined whether or not the color attribute (see attribute 1 in Table 3) matches the color mode selected by the color mode selection unit 104.

Here, if the color attribute matches the color mode (affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 908; otherwise (no), the process proceeds to step 918 described later.

At step 908, the image quality type information at the read pointer set position is read, and the image quality selection screen 1 is read.
00 is additionally displayed in the list of the list display unit 106.
In the next step 910, it is determined whether or not the row displaying the image quality type of the list display unit 106 in step 908 is the selected position. If the line displaying the image quality type is the selected position (affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 912, and
If the line displaying the image quality type is not the selected position (negative determination), the process proceeds to step 918 described later.

In the present embodiment, the image quality selection screen 1
Reference numeral 00 indicates that the head of the list display unit 106 is selected and displayed when the printer driver 20 is started. Therefore, in step 910, an affirmative determination is made only when the image quality type is first displayed on the list display unit 106, and the process proceeds to step 912. Others are negatively determined and the process proceeds to step 918.

At step 912, the information of the comment at the read pointer set position is read, and the image quality selection screen 10 is read.
0 is displayed on the comment display unit 110. Next, in step 914, the picture display unit 108 displays a print result prediction diagram when the output target image is printed based on the setting values (parameter set information) of the parameters at the read pointer set position. Subsequently, in step 916, the parameter set information of the read pointer set position is stored in the parameter set information storage unit 50. The parameter set information storage unit 50 may store not the parameter set information itself but the position information of the read pointer.

Next, at step 918, the value of the counter (i) is incremented. At step 920,
The value of the counter (i) is compared with the total number (N) of the parameter set file 16A. If the value of the counter (i) is smaller than the total number (N) of the parameter set file 16A (i <N), an affirmative determination is made and step 90 is performed.
4, the read pointer is set to the position of the information of the next parameter set file 16A, and the subsequent processing is performed in the same manner.

That is, the same processing (steps 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 91) is performed for the information of all the parameter set files 16A included in the structure.
4, 916, 918) are repeated, and all the parameter set files 16 having the color attribute that matches the color mode set in the color mode selection unit 104
The image quality type of A is displayed on the list display unit 106 as a list of image quality types.

When the value of the counter (i) becomes equal to the total number (N) of the parameter set file 16A (i = N),
An affirmative determination is made in step 920, and it is determined that the processing has been completed for all parameter set files 16A, and the process returns to the main processing (FIG. 10).

When the image quality list display processing is completed, various instructions from the user can be accepted, and the user operates the operation unit 26 to arbitrarily change the image quality type displayed on the list display unit 106. You will be able to choose.

Returning to the main processing of FIG.
Proceeding to step S12, the parameter set selection / storing process (see FIG. 8) is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

That is, the process waits until an instruction is input by operating the operation unit 26 by the user (step 500), and when an instruction to change the selected image quality type is input by the user (Yes at step 502). Judgment), comment display section 110 of image quality selection screen 100
Is changed to a comment corresponding to the newly selected image quality type (step 504), the display of the picture display unit 108 of the image quality selection screen 100 is changed to a picture corresponding to the new selected image quality type (step 506), and the new selected image quality is changed. The parameter set information corresponding to the type is stored in the parameter set information storage unit 50 (Step 508).

At this time, various types of information corresponding to the newly selected image quality type are read from the parameter set information group storage unit 60 (that is, from the structure in which the information of all the parameter set files 16A is collected).

If the user inputs a picture quality type setting instruction for the selected picture quality type (Yes in step 510), the process returns to the main processing (FIG. 10), and a picture quality type change stop instruction is input. If it has been done (negative determination in step 510), the setting of the image quality type is stopped and the process returns to the main processing.

Returning to the main processing of FIG.
In step 13, a print instruction is executed. When a print instruction button (not shown) is pressed and a print execution instruction is input,
Proceed to step 614.

In step 614, the parameter set information stored in the parameter set information storage unit 50 is transmitted to the printer 14, and the process ends. In addition, the position of the read pointer when the comment or the like of the selected image quality type is displayed in the parameter set information storage unit 50 is stored.
In step 614, the parameter set information group storage unit 6
The parameter set information indicated by the read pointer may be extracted from 0 and transmitted to the printer 14.

Upon receiving the parameter set information, the printer 14 adjusts the image quality based on the received parameter set information, and prints the output target image. Thereby, the user can obtain a desired print result.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the parameter set file 16 for a plurality of printers
However, a different extension is attached to each type of corresponding printer, and stored in a parameter set file storage unit 18 provided separately from the printer driver 20. The printer driver 20 searches the parameter set file storage unit 18 based on the extension of the parameter set file 16 for the execution printer that executes printing, and searches the parameter set file 16 for an arbitrary parameter set file 16 from the searched parameter set files 16. The parameter set information can be transmitted to the execution printer.

Thus, one printer driver can output appropriate parameter set information to a plurality of printers, and a printer driver is not required for each printer. Also, if a parameter set file 16 for obtaining a common image reproduction between printers is prepared for each printer, one document will not be output in a different color depending on the printer that has output.

List display section 106 of image quality selection screen 100
Contains the parameter set file 16 for the execution printer.
Is displayed, the user erroneously selects the parameter set file 16 other than the execution printer and sets the parameter set file 1 other than the execution printer.
6 can be prevented from being transmitted to the execution printer. That is, the user simply selects the desired image quality type from the list display unit 106 of the image quality selection screen 100, and the parameter set information for the execution printer corresponding to the selected image quality type is transmitted to the execution printer, and the desired print result ( High-quality output image).

In the second embodiment, the extension added to the parameter set file 16 indicates
Although the corresponding printer of each parameter set file 16 is identified, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a directory may be provided for each type of printer, and the corresponding printer may be identified by the storage directory of the parameter set file 16. Alternatively, information indicating the corresponding printer may be stored in the parameter set file 16 as attribute information. May be read to identify the corresponding printer.

In the first and second embodiments, the order of the file names of the parameter set file 16 (the parameter set file 1
6 are displayed in the order in which the file names are sorted based on a predetermined rule), but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the file name table creation processing, the image quality type is displayed on the list display section 106 of the image quality selection screen 100 by a predetermined rule (for example, the order of the Japanese syllabary) by sorting the file name table based on the image quality type. May be displayed on the basis of. Thus, regardless of the file name of the parameter set file 16, similar image quality types such as "general document (standard)" and "general document (high image quality)" can be displayed side by side.

When sorting in the file name table based on the image quality type, the image quality selection screen 10 is displayed by omitting the duplicate image quality type (deleting it from the file name table).
The two or more same image quality types may not be displayed on the list display unit 106 of “0”. In this case, the latest information of the parameter set file 16 may be left based on the file creation date / time information and the like.

Also, in the first and second embodiments, after selecting the parameter set file 16 from the parameter set files 16 stored in the parameter set file storage section 18 under predetermined conditions, the image quality type Is displayed on the list display unit 106. Accordingly, the number of image quality types displayed on list display section 106 can be reduced, and the user can easily search for and select a desired image quality type.

In the above description, as an example of the selection condition, the color mode set by the color mode selection unit 104 is used, and the color attribute (Table 3) that matches the set color mode is used.
Parameter set file 16)
Only the selected image quality type is displayed. This has an advantage that it is possible to prevent color printing from being performed accidentally when monochrome printing is desired.

In the present invention, selection conditions are not particularly limited, and selection may be made based on other selection conditions or a combination of a plurality of selection conditions.

For example, Table 4 shows the parameter set file 16 for selecting a combination of a plurality of selection conditions.
Is shown (note that each parameter is the same as in Tables 1 and 2 and will be omitted).

[0178]

[Table 4]

As shown in Table 4, in addition to the color attribute (see Attribute 1) in each parameter set file 16, "Normal" or "Detail" is used as display attribute information for identifying whether or not to always display in the image quality list. . "Is set.

As shown in FIG. 14, on the image quality selection screen 100, all image quality types that match the color mode selected by the color mode selection unit 104 are displayed in the list display unit 106 below the list display unit 106. An all-display instructing unit 116 for instructing whether or not to display is provided. The all-display instructing unit 116 is formed in a check box format, and the user can instruct “all” or “no” by operating the operation unit 26 to turn on / off the check box. It has become.

The printer driver 20 includes the all-display instruction unit 1
If the display of all image quality types is instructed at 16 (check box ON), the color mode selection unit 10
The image quality types of all the parameter set files 16 selected based on the selection instruction of No. 4 are displayed on the list display unit 106. When the display of all image quality types is not instructed by the all display instruction unit 116 (check box OFF), the attribute 2 is selected from the parameter set file 16 selected based on the selection instruction of the color mode selection unit 104.
Of the parameter set file 16 in which the information of “Normal” is selected, and the selected parameter set file 1
The image quality type 6 is displayed on the list display unit 106.

As a result, the parameter set file 1 stored in the parameter set file
6 is a parameter set file 16 for displaying the image quality type on the list display section according to the selection condition even if the number of
Is selected, the user can easily search for and select a desired image quality type. The selection condition may be arbitrarily set for each user in order to make it easier to use.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the printer driver program is recorded in the HDD in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the FD (Fl
oppyDisk), CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatil)
e Disc), a magnetic tape, or the like, a printer driver program may be recorded, and the program read from the FD, CD-ROM, DVD, or magnetic tape and installed in the HDD. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted and installed on a wired or wireless network by a transmission means such as a telephone line. Further, the printer driver program may be written in the RAM of the host PC. As described above, the program can be distributed by at least one of a tangible storage medium and a transmission unit. The same applies to the parameter file utility program.

In the first and second embodiments, the case where a parameter set file is selected from the selected parameter set file storage unit every time the user instructs to print an output target image has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the parameter set file may be selected from the selected parameter set file storage unit only when the currently selected parameter set information is changed to parameter set information of another image quality type.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the print result prediction diagram corresponding to the selected image quality type is displayed on the picture display section 108 of the image quality selection screen 100 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something to be done. For example,
Along with the print result prediction diagram of the newly selected image quality type, the print result prediction diagram corresponding to the previously selected image quality type or the initial value parameter set information is displayed,
The user may be able to confirm the effect of performing printing according to the newly selected image quality type.

In the first and second embodiments, a printer has been described as an example of an image output device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image output device such as a monitor or an image setter may be used. Any device can be used as long as the device performs the operation.

[0187]

As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that a complicated parameter setting operation by a user is not required.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image output system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image quality selection screen displayed on a monitor when a printer driver is activated.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an addition / deletion setting screen displayed on a monitor when a parameter set file utility is activated.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parameter setting screen displayed on a monitor when a parameter set file utility is activated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication control processing routine (main routine) executed in the printer driver according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a file name table creation processing routine (subroutine) executed in the printer driver according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an image quality list display processing routine (subroutine) executed in the printer driver according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a parameter set selection / save processing routine (subroutine) executed in the printer driver according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of an image output system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a communication control processing routine (main routine) executed in the printer driver according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a file name table creation processing routine (subroutine) executed in the printer driver according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an image quality list display processing routine (subroutine) executed in the printer driver according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a parameter set selection / save processing routine (subroutine) executed in the printer driver according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of the image quality selection screen displayed on the monitor when the printer driver is activated.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 image output system 12 host PC (computer) 14 printer (image output device) 16, 16A, 16B, 16C parameter set file (image quality adjustment parameter set information) 18 parameter set file storage unit (recording means) 20 printer driver (driver) 22 parameter set file utility (editing means) 24 control unit 26 operating unit 28 monitor 30 printer controller 32 printer engine 39 parameter set information fetching unit (parameter fetching unit) 40 parameter set file reading unit (searching unit) 42 parameter set file Selection section (setting means) 44 Data transmission section 50 Parameter set information storage section 52 Initial value parameter set information storage section 54 HDD (recording medium) 60 Parameter set information group storage section 00 quality selection screen 102 display area 104 color mode selection unit 106 list display section 108 the picture display unit 110 comment display unit 112 OK button 114 cancel button 114 cancel button 116 more instruction section 120 added and deleted setting screen

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Taro Seki 3-7-1, Fuuchi, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama Prefecture Inside Fujiwa Rocks Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (72) Inventor Kazunori Ozeki 3-7-1, Fuuchi, Iwatsuki-shi, Saitama Prefecture No. Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (72) Inventor Shinichiro Hara 3-7-1 Fuwa, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office (72) Inventor Koichi Sato 3-chome, Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture No. 1 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Iwatsuki Office F-term (reference) 2C061 AR01 HN15 5B021 AA01 BB01 LG08

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image output apparatus comprising at least an initial setting value of image quality adjustment parameter set information for adjusting image quality of an image output device, wherein an image quality type of an image output by the image output device is different from the initial setting value. A driver having a parameter fetching means for fetching image quality adjustment parameter set information from outside to set the image quality adjustment parameter set information of an image quality type different from the initial setting value which can be fetched by the parameter fetching means. An image output system comprising: a recording unit on which is recorded. 2. A search means for searching for image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded in the recording means based on a predetermined selection condition, wherein the parameter fetching means includes: an image quality adjustment parameter searched by the search means; Setting means for setting image quality adjustment parameter set information to be taken from among the set information to set the image quality type of the image output by the image output device to an image quality type different from the initial setting value. The image output system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an editing unit that performs at least one of addition, deletion, and content change of image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded in the recording unit. Image output system as described. 4. An image output system control method for adjusting image quality of an image output device, wherein image quality adjustment parameter set information suitable for an image quality type at the time of image output by the image output device is recorded in advance outside a driver. In advance, the image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded outside the driver is fetched into the driver so that the image quality adjustment parameter set information recorded outside the driver is output. An image output system control method, comprising resetting the set information to set information and adjusting the image quality of the image output device based on the image quality adjustment parameter set information. 5. A recording medium readable by a computer, wherein a program for executing the image output system control method according to claim 4 is recorded by a computer.