JP2003167706A - Image processor, printer, image processing system, image processing method, and program for making computer execute method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable easy comparison and examination between an output image before output conditions corresponding to a drawing pattern are changed and an output image after the output conditions are changed before printing it. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processing system having an image processor 1 and a printer 2, the image processor 1 is provided with a drawing command generation means 110 for generating a plurality of kinds of drawing commands based on a plurality of types of specified output condition information and transmitting a plurality of kinds of these drawing commands to the printer 2. The printer 2 is provided with an image generation means 21A for generating a plurality of images based on a plurality of kinds of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generation means 110 and transmitting a plurality of these images to the image processor 1. Furthermore, the image processor 1 is provided with a display unit 17 for displaying a plurality of images transmitted from the image generation means 21A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing device, a printer, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a printer takes in print data from a computer having a display, prints an image based on the print data on a recording sheet, and discharges the image.
In such a printer, when the paper size of the recording paper set in the printer is not associated with the size of the image included in the print data, the image based on the print data is recorded based on the paper size. Print on paper. Therefore, when the paper size is A4 and the image size is A3, the original image of the A3 image size is printed on the recording paper of the A4 paper size, and the output image is a part of the original image (this In the example, half the image will be missing.

In order to deal with such a problem, the paper size of the recording paper set in the printer and the size of the image included in the print data are not associated with each other, and an error occurs in the image output, that is, an error in the print data. A printer has been realized which is configured to transmit the error image to the computer when the error occurs.

As such a printer, for example, a print system (corresponding to a printer) described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-160731 is known. This printing system has a function of transmitting video data obtained by analyzing print data transmitted from the host computer device to the host computer device, and the video data is transmitted to the host computer device by this transmitting function. . As a result, the display on the host computer device side displays the same contents as those printed on the printing system side, and also displays an error image (video data) when an error has occurred. . Then, in the host computer device, by displaying this error image, what kind of error is visually confirmed.

[0005]

However, in the print system described in the above publication, print data according to a desired output condition is analyzed, the analysis content is converted into video data, and the video data is transmitted to the host computer. However, if the desired output conditions are changed, the print data according to the changed output conditions is newly captured, the print data is analyzed in the same manner as above, and the video as the analysis content is acquired. The data must be sent to the host computer device.

That is, in the print system described in the above publication, the video data based on the print data according to the output condition corresponding to one drawing pattern is transmitted to the host computer device. Is a method for easily comparing the changed video data (output image) when the output condition is changed with the pre-change video data (output image), for example, displaying the pre-change video data and the post-change video data at the same time. However, there is a problem in that the difference between the output image and the output image before the change cannot be easily compared when the output condition is changed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to print an output image before change and an output image after change when an output condition corresponding to a drawing pattern is changed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, a printer, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method, which can be easily compared and examined.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems,
In order to achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 transmits / receives data to / from a printer and displays a predetermined image on a display unit. Drawing command generating means for generating a plurality of kinds of drawing commands based on the output condition information, transmitting means for transmitting the plurality of drawing commands generated by the drawing command generating means to the printer, and the plurality of kinds of drawing commands And a display control unit configured to display a plurality of images received by the receiving unit on the display unit. And

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the drawing command generating means generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, the transmitting means causes the transmitting means to generate the plurality of generated drawing commands. Of the drawing command to the printer, and the receiving means receives the plurality of images from the printer that have generated the plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands, and the display control means further receives the plurality of images. Since the plurality of images received by the means are displayed on the display means, the image processing apparatus displays on the display means a plurality of images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of specified output condition information. can do.

An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the output condition corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. Generate a drawing command based on the information,
It is characterized by further comprising a specific drawing command generating means for transmitting the drawing command to the printer.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the specific drawing command generating means draws based on the output condition information corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. Since the command is generated and the drawing command is transmitted to the printer, the image processing apparatus transmits to the printer the drawing command generated based on the output condition information corresponding to the specific image, and the printing process is performed for the printer. You can request.

A printer according to a third aspect of the present invention is a printer that displays a predetermined image and transmits / receives data to / from an image processing device that generates a drawing command based on output condition information. Receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the processing device, image generating means for generating a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands received by the receiving means, and the image generating means And a transmitting unit that transmits the plurality of captured images to the image processing apparatus.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the image generating means generates a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands received by the receiving means, the transmitting means generates the plurality of generated images. Since the image is transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the printer can transmit the plurality of images generated based on the plurality of types of drawing commands from the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus.

A printer according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the printer according to the third aspect, wherein the receiving means is
A print processing unit that, when transmitted from the image processing apparatus that has received the plurality of images and receives a drawing command corresponding to a designated image in the plurality of images, executes print processing based on the drawing command. Is further provided.

According to the invention described in claim 4, when the receiving means receives the drawing command corresponding to the designated image from the image processing device, the print processing means is based on the drawing command. Since the printing process is executed, the printer
The printing process can be executed based on the drawing command corresponding to the designated image from the image processing device.

An image processing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention has an image processing device and a printer, and the image processing device transmits a drawing command generated based on output condition information to the printer, The printer is an image processing system that transmits an image generated based on the received drawing command to the image processing device, and the image processing device is configured to draw a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information. And generating a plurality of types of drawing commands to the printer, the printer generating a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generating unit. Image generation means for transmitting the plurality of images to the image processing device,
Further, the image processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying the plurality of images transmitted from the image generating means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the drawing command generating means generates a plurality of kinds of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information. Of the drawing command to the printer, the image generating means of the printer generates a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generating means, and sends the plurality of images to the image processing apparatus. And further, in the image processing device, the display means
Since the plurality of images transmitted from the image generating means are displayed, the image processing apparatus displays on the display means a plurality of images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information. be able to.

The image processing system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the image processing device is designated by a user from among a plurality of images displayed on the display means. The printer further includes a specific drawing command generation unit that generates a drawing command based on the output condition information corresponding to the image and sends the drawing command to the printer, and the printer draws the drawing command transmitted from the specific drawing command generation unit. A print processing unit that executes print processing based on the command is further provided.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the specific drawing command generating means of the image processing device outputs the output condition information corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. When a drawing command is generated based on the drawing command and the drawing command is transmitted to the printer, the print processing unit of the printer executes the printing process based on the drawing command transmitted from the specific drawing command generating unit. The printing process can be executed based on the drawing command corresponding to the designated image from the processing device.

An image processing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the image generating means generates a plurality of images when generating a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands. Matching process, gamma conversion process,
It is characterized in that an image is generated by executing drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements among the drawing processing elements of the color conversion processing, the scaling processing, and the halftone processing.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the image generating means includes at least one of the drawing processing elements of the color matching processing, the gamma conversion processing, the color conversion processing, the scaling processing, and the halftone processing. Since the image is generated by executing the drawing processing including the drawing processing element of, it is possible to generate a high quality image.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, the image generating means compresses a plurality of generated images and transmits the compressed images to the image processing apparatus. Characterize.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the image generating means compresses the plurality of generated images and transmits them to the image processing apparatus, so that the image data can be transferred at high speed to the image processing apparatus. can do.

An image processing system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the image generating means uses a plurality of compression methods used when transmitting the plurality of generated images. It is characterized in that it is determined based on the drawing process that generated the image.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the image generating means compresses the plurality of images based on the compression method determined based on the drawing process for generating the plurality of images,
Since the image is transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the image can be compressed by a compression method suitable for drawing processing.

The image processing system according to the invention described in claim 10 is the image processing system according to claim 5 or 6,
The display means displays the plurality of images at the same time.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, since the plurality of images are simultaneously displayed on the display means, the user can compare and examine the plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of output conditions. Become.

An image processing system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the plurality of output condition information sets parameters of a drawing process including one or more drawing processing elements. It is characterized by including elements.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information include elements that determine the parameters of the drawing process including one or more drawing process elements, so that the parameters are different. Multiple images in case,
It can be displayed on the display means of the image processing apparatus.

An image processing system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of output condition information are the drawing processing elements in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. It is characterized in that it includes an element for determining the processing order.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information includes elements for determining the processing order of the drawing processing elements in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. A plurality of images in which the processing order of the drawing processing elements is different can be displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus.

An image processing system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the plurality of output condition information are arbitrary drawing processing in a drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. It is characterized in that it includes an element for determining whether or not to process the element.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information determines whether or not to execute the processing of an arbitrary drawing processing element in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. Since the elements are included, it is possible to display the image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element has been executed and the image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element has not been executed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus.

An image processing system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the plurality of output condition information is a drawing processing method of a drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements. It is characterized in that it includes a determining factor.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information includes the element for determining the drawing processing method of the drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements. Multiple images when the method is different,
It can be displayed on the display means of the image processing apparatus.

An image processing system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, characterized in that the plurality of output condition information are designated by a user.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of output condition information are specified by the user, the user can select a plurality of images based on the plurality of output conditions arbitrarily specified. Based on (the plurality of images displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus), it is possible to compare and examine the difference between these images based on the difference in the output conditions.

An image processing system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention includes an image processing device and a printer, and the image processing device transmits a drawing command generated based on output condition information to the printer, The printer is an image processing system that transmits an output image generated based on the received drawing command to the image processing device, and the image processing device outputs the output corresponding to the designated area information in the output condition information. It is characterized by further comprising a drawing command generating means for generating a drawing command necessary for obtaining an image and transmitting the generated drawing command to the printer.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the user specifies the desired area information as the output condition information, so that the image processing apparatus generates a drawing command for drawing the specified area. At the same time, it is possible to obtain the drawing result generated by the printer based on the drawing command.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the sixteenth aspect, the drawing command generating means outputs an output image corresponding to the designated object information in the output condition information. The drawing command necessary for obtaining the drawing command is generated, and the generated drawing command is transmitted to the printer.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the user specifies the desired object information as the output condition information, so that the image processing apparatus generates the drawing command for drawing the specified object. At the same time, it is possible to obtain the drawing result generated by the printer based on the drawing command.

In the image processing system according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the sixteenth aspect, the drawing command generating means corresponds to object information having a designated attribute in the output condition information. The drawing command necessary to obtain the output image is generated, and the generated drawing command is transmitted to the printer.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the user specifies the object information having the attribute as the output condition information, so that the image processing apparatus should draw the object having the specified attribute. It is possible to generate a drawing command and obtain the drawing result generated by the printer based on the drawing command. An output image of a required portion can be obtained at high speed.

An image processing system according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein the attribute is at least the type of the object and / or the data amount of the object and / or the output object. It is characterized by being large.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the user specifies the type of the object and / or the data amount of the object and / or the size of the output object as an attribute, and the image processing apparatus Then, it is possible to obtain an output image with limited contents.

An image processing system according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the image processing device is based on a plurality of designated output condition information. A plurality of types of drawing commands and transmits the plurality of types of drawing commands to the printer, and the printer is configured to execute the plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generating unit. An image generation unit that generates a plurality of output images on the basis of the plurality of output images and transmits the plurality of output images to the image processing apparatus.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, the image processing apparatus can display a plurality of output images generated by the image generating means of the printer.

An image processing system according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to any one of the sixteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the image processing device displays the output image transmitted from the printer. It further comprises display means for performing.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus, the display means can display the output image transmitted from the printer.

An image processing system according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein the image processing device outputs an output corresponding to two or more types of output conditions transmitted from the image generating means. The feature is that all or part of the image is displayed at the same time.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus, all or part of the output images corresponding to the two or more types of output conditions transmitted from the image generating means are displayed at the same time. These output images can be easily compared and examined.

An image processing system according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-second aspects, wherein the image processing device is a user among the output images from the printer. Generate a drawing command based on the output condition corresponding to the output image specified by, and send the generated drawing command to the printer,
The printer is characterized in that it interprets a drawing command from the image processing apparatus to generate an output image and executes a printing process.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the invention, the printer interprets the drawing command generated based on the output condition corresponding to the output image designated by the user, generates the output image, and prints it. Processing can be performed.

The image processing method according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is generated by a drawing command generating step of generating a plurality of kinds of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and the drawing command generating step. A transmission step of transmitting a plurality of drawing commands to the printer, a reception step of receiving a plurality of images from the printer that has generated a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands, and a reception step received by the reception step. A display control step of displaying a plurality of images on the display means.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of types of drawing commands are generated on the basis of a plurality of designated output condition information in the drawing command generating step, they are generated in the transmitting step. The plurality of drawing commands to the printer, and the receiving step receives the plurality of images from the printer that generated the plurality of images based on the plurality of kinds of drawing commands, and further to the display control step. Then, since the plurality of images received in the receiving step are displayed on the display means, in the image processing device, the plurality of images generated based on the plurality of types of drawing commands based on the plurality of specified output condition information. Can be displayed on the display means.

The image processing method according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the output condition corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. It further comprises a specific drawing command generation step of generating a drawing command based on the information and transmitting the drawing command to the printer.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, in the specific drawing command generating step, drawing is performed based on the output condition corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. Since the command is generated and the drawing command is transmitted to the printer, the drawing command generated based on the output condition corresponding to the specific image is transmitted from the image processing apparatus to the printer, and the printer is requested to perform the printing process. be able to.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing method, a receiving step of receiving a plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from an image processing apparatus that generates a drawing command based on output condition information, and the receiving step. And an image generation step of generating a plurality of images based on a plurality of types of drawing commands received by the image generation step, and a transmission step of transmitting the plurality of images generated by the image generation step to the image processing apparatus. And

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image generating step, when a plurality of images are generated based on the plurality of types of drawing commands received in the receiving step,
In the transmitting step, since the plurality of generated images are transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the printer sends the image to the image processing apparatus.
It is possible to transmit a plurality of images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands from the image processing device.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing method according to the twenty-sixth aspect, among the plurality of images transmitted from the image processing apparatus that has received the plurality of images in the receiving step. When the drawing command corresponding to the designated image is received, a printing process step of executing a printing process based on the drawing command is further included.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, when the drawing step corresponding to the designated image from the image processing apparatus is received in the receiving step, the print processing step is based on the drawing instruction. Since the print processing is executed by the printer, the printer can execute the print processing based on the drawing command corresponding to the designated image from the image processing apparatus.

In the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus having the display means transmits the drawing command generated based on the output condition information to the printer, and the printer based on the drawing command. An image processing method of transmitting the generated image to the image processing apparatus, further displaying the received image on a display means, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to display a plurality of designated output condition information. Based on the plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the image processing apparatus, the plurality of types of drawing commands are generated based on the plurality of types of drawing commands. At the same time, the plurality of images are transmitted to the image processing device,
The image processing apparatus displays a plurality of images transmitted from the printer on the display means.

According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and sends the plurality of types of drawing commands to the printer. Then, the printer generates a plurality of images based on the received plurality of types of drawing commands, transmits the plurality of images to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus further displays the plurality of received images on the display unit. Since the image is displayed, the image processing apparatus can display on the display means a plurality of images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information.

The image processing method according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the image processing device is designated by a user among a plurality of images displayed on the display means. A drawing command is generated based on the output condition information corresponding to the image, the drawing command is transmitted to the printer, and the printer executes the printing process based on the drawing command transmitted from the image processing apparatus. Characterize.

According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, the image processing apparatus issues the drawing command based on the output condition information corresponding to the image designated by the user out of the plurality of images displayed on the display means. When the printer generates and sends this drawing command to the printer, the printer executes the printing process based on the received drawing command. Therefore, the printer prints based on the drawing command corresponding to the image specified by the image processing apparatus. Processing can be performed.

An image processing method according to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the printer performs color matching processing when generating a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands. , A gamma conversion process, a color conversion process, a scaling process, and a halftone process, and a drawing process including at least one drawing process element is executed to generate an image.

According to the thirtieth aspect of the invention, the printer draws at least one of the drawing processing elements of the color matching process, the gamma conversion process, the color conversion process, the scaling process, and the halftone process. Since the image is generated by executing the drawing process including the processing elements, it is possible to generate a high quality image.

An image processing method according to a thirty-first aspect is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the printer compresses a plurality of generated images and sends the compressed images to the image processing apparatus. To do.

According to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, the printer compresses the plurality of generated images and transmits them to the image processing apparatus, so that the image data can be transferred at high speed to the image processing apparatus. You can

The image processing method according to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in which the printer uses a compression method used when transmitting the plurality of generated images. It is characterized in that it is determined based on the generated drawing process.

According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, the printer compresses the plurality of images on the basis of the compression method determined based on the drawing process that generated the plurality of images, and sends the images to the image processing apparatus. Since the image is transmitted, the image can be compressed by a compression method suitable for the drawing process.

An image processing method according to a thirty-third aspect of the invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the invention.
The plurality of images are simultaneously displayed on the display unit.

According to the thirty-third aspect of the invention, since the plurality of images are simultaneously displayed on the display means, the user can compare and examine the plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of output condition information. Becomes

The image processing method according to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of output condition information sets parameters of a drawing process including one or more drawing process elements. It is characterized by including elements.

According to the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information include elements for determining the parameters of the drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements, so that the parameters are different. Multiple images in case,
It can be displayed on the display means of the image processing apparatus.

The image processing method according to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the plurality of output condition information are the drawing processing elements in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. It is characterized in that it includes an element for determining the processing order.

According to the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information includes elements for determining the processing order of the drawing processing elements in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. A plurality of images in which the processing order of the drawing processing elements is different can be displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus.

The image processing method according to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the plurality of output condition information are arbitrary drawing processing in a drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. It is characterized in that it includes an element for determining whether or not to process the element.

According to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information determine whether or not to execute the processing of an arbitrary drawing processing element in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. Since the elements are included, it is possible to display the image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element has been executed and the image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element has not been executed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus.

The image processing method according to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of output condition information is a drawing processing method of drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements. It is characterized in that it includes a determining factor.

According to the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of output condition information includes the element that determines the drawing processing method of the drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements, the drawing processing Multiple images when the method is different,
It can be displayed on the display means of the image processing apparatus.

An image processing method according to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the plurality of output condition information are designated by a user.

According to the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of output condition information are designated by the user, the user can obtain a plurality of images based on the plurality of arbitrarily designated output conditions. Based on (the plurality of images displayed on the display unit of the image processing apparatus), it is possible to compare and examine the difference between these images based on the difference in the output conditions.

A program according to a thirty-ninth aspect of the invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh aspects.

According to the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh aspects becomes machine-readable, and thereby, the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh aspects. Any one of the operations can be executed by a computer.

[0086]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image processing apparatus, a printer, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Explained.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This image processing system has an image processing apparatus 1 and a printer 2. The image processing apparatus 1 is composed of a computer such as a general-purpose computer or a personal computer, while the printer 2 is composed of a printer such as a color laser beam printer or a color inkjet printer.

In the image processing apparatus 1, the CPU 11
The system control of the entire apparatus is performed based on the system program stored in the ROM 12, and the application program stored in the external storage device 13 is read by the R
The program is loaded into the AM 14 and a predetermined process is executed based on the loaded program. Also, CP
U11 is an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 15
Data is transmitted / received to / from the printer 2 via the I / F 16 and display control is performed on the display 17 as a display unit via the I / F 16.

As the external storage device 13, a readable / writable recording medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk (registered trademark), a magneto-optical disk, or a CD-RW is used. The application programs stored in the external storage device 13 include an application program that constructs a printer driver (which will be described later) for controlling the printer 2, an application program that corresponds to an image processing procedure that will be described later, and the like. ing.

The RAM 14 is allocated with an area for storing the loaded application program, a work area for the arithmetic processing by the CPU 11, and an area for storing the transmission data to be transmitted and the reception data received.

An image based on a drawing command from the printer 2 input via the I / F 15 is displayed on the display 17,
Display information such as an input setting screen for inputting input information by the user is displayed.

Input information such as instruction information and selection information input from the operation unit 18 including a keyboard and a mouse is given to the CPU 11 via the I / F 19.
For example, input information such as predetermined output condition information and selection information of a desired image (hereinafter, referred to as a specific image) among the plurality of images displayed on the display 17 is input from the operation unit 18. Here, the predetermined output condition information includes
An element that determines the parameters of the drawing process, an element that determines the processing order of the drawing process elements in the drawing process, an element that determines whether or not to execute an arbitrary drawing process element in the drawing process, and a drawing process method of the drawing process One or more elements to be included are included. Details of such predetermined output condition information will be described later.

On the other hand, in the printer 2, the CPU 21
Performs various data processing, image generation, and the like. For example, the printer engine 23 transmits and receives data to and from the image processing apparatus 1 via the I / F 22.
Print control for. Specifically, the CPU 21
The image generation unit 21A generates a plurality of images based on a plurality of types of drawing commands input from the image processing apparatus 1 via the I / F 22, and also generates a plurality of images via the I / F 22. The image is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1.

Further, the image generating means 21A has an I / F.
When a drawing command (hereinafter referred to as a specific drawing command) corresponding to the specific image is received from the image processing apparatus 1 via 22, the specific image based on the specific drawing command is printed. Request to the printer engine 23.

The image generating means 21A described above is C
It is realized by the PU 21 executing an application program for image generation processing loaded from the program ROM 25 to the RAM 24.

The I / F 22 functions as a means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the image processing apparatus 1, and, for example, a receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the image processing apparatus 1. It has a function and a function of a transmission unit that transmits a plurality of images generated by the image generation unit 21A to the image processing apparatus 1.

The printer engine 23 takes in a specific image output from (the image generating means 21A of) the CPU 21, prints the image on a sheet of a designated size, and discharges it outside the machine.

In the RAM 24, an image buffer necessary for creating image data of this paper size is formed according to the paper size information output from the printer engine 23. The program ROM 25 stores a program that defines the operation of the CPU 21 and the like, and is a font ROM.
Reference numeral 26 stores font data used in the image creating operation of the CPU 21.

The drawing command holding unit 27 holds the drawing command information from the image processing apparatus 1, and the drawing result holding unit 28 holds the interpretation result of the drawing command information by the CPU 21, that is, the drawing result. is there. A readable / writable recording medium such as a RAM or a hard disk is used as the holding units 27 and 28.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the printer driver 100 for controlling the printer 2. The printer driver 100 is realized by the CPU 11 in the image processing apparatus 1 executing an application program for constructing the printer driver. In FIG. 2, each I / F 15,
16, 19 are omitted.

Now, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer driver 100 includes the drawing command generating means 110 and the transmission processing means 1.
20, a reception processing unit 130 and a display control unit 140.

The drawing command generating means 110 generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and designates by the user among a plurality of images displayed on the display 17 as a display means. A drawing command (that is, a specific drawing command) is generated based on the output condition information corresponding to the specified image.

There are roughly two types of drawing commands. One of them is a command to send the drawing result to the image processing apparatus and a drawing command containing print data (this type is called the first drawing command). The other is a drawing command including a command to print the drawing result and print data (this type is referred to as a second drawing command). The latter drawing command corresponds to the specific drawing command described above.

The transmission processing means 120 includes a plurality of types of first drawing commands generated by the drawing command generating means 110.
Alternatively, the second drawing command (specific drawing command) is issued to the printer 2
Is to be sent to.

The reception processing means 130 receives a plurality of images from the printer 2 which has generated a plurality of images based on a plurality of types of first drawing commands.

The display control means 140 comprises the reception processing means 13.
A plurality of images received by 0 are displayed on the display 17. When a plurality of images are displayed on the display 17, a specific image is designated by the user operating the operation unit 18.

In this embodiment, in the image processing apparatus 1, the element (means) composed of the drawing command generating means 110 and the transmission processing means 120 is the drawing command generating means or the specifying means described in the claims. It corresponds to the drawing command generating means. In particular, when the drawing command generating means 110 generates a plurality of types of drawing commands, the two components function as the drawing command generating means, while when generating a specific drawing command, the two The constituent elements function as a specific drawing command generating means.

The 1 / F 15 also functions as means (hardware) for transmitting and receiving data to and from the printer 2. Specifically, the function of a transmission unit that transmits the plurality of drawing commands generated by the drawing command generation unit 110 to the printer 2, and the plurality of printers 2 that generate a plurality of images based on a plurality of types of drawing commands. It has a function of a receiving unit for receiving an image. It should be noted that the printer 2 is configured by the 1 / F15 and the transmission processing means 120 and the reception processing means 130
Functions as a means (functional means) for transmitting and receiving data to and from, and 1 / F15 and the transmission processing means 120 function as transmission means, while 1 / F15 and the reception processing means 1
With 30, it functions as a receiving means.

On the other hand, in the printer 2, the printer engine 23 corresponds to the print processing means described in the claims, and the image generating means 21A and I / I of the CPU 21.
The element (means) configured by F22 corresponds to the image generating means described in the claims.

By the way, when the first drawing command is sent from the image processing apparatus 1 to the printer 2, the printer 2
When the drawing result (a plurality of images) corresponding to the first drawing command generated by is displayed on the image processing apparatus 1, while the second drawing command is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 1 to the printer 2. Is the drawing result (specific image) corresponding to the second drawing command generated by the printer 2.
Is printed by the printer 2. Therefore, in the following description, for convenience of description, a display drawing command may be written together with the first drawing command, and a printing drawing command may be written together with the second drawing command.

Now, the above-mentioned predetermined output condition information set by the user operating the operation unit 18 will be described. This output condition information executes (1) an element that determines the parameters of the drawing process, (2) an element that determines the processing order of the drawing process elements in the drawing process, and (3) an arbitrary drawing process element in the drawing process. The element that determines whether or not (4) the element that determines the drawing processing method of the drawing processing
It is composed of a combination of two elements. Next, these elements will be sequentially described.

(1) Element for Determining Parameter of Drawing Process As this element, there are a character mode, a photo mode and a graphics mode for setting a document type. Any one of these three modes is selected.

In the character mode, a BG that converts an object of CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) format into an object of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) format by using a parameter that produces many black plates. (BlackGeneration) / UCR (Under
Color removal) processing (hereinafter referred to as BG / UCR processing) can enhance the sharpness of characters. In the photo mode, the BG / UCR process is performed using a parameter that does not generate too many black plates, so that it is possible to obtain an output result that emphasizes the gradation of the photo. In the graphics mode, it is possible to perform halftone processing by using a parameter that does not interrupt a thin line. As described above, by designating any one of the three modes, different parameter values for the parameters of the drawing process can be designated.

(2) Element for Determining Processing Sequence of Drawing Processing Elements in Drawing Processing This element includes a high definition mode and a high speed mode for setting the image quality. In the high definition mode, the drawing process is executed according to the drawing process procedure as shown in FIG. 3, while in the high speed mode, the drawing process is executed according to the drawing process procedure as shown in FIG.

Now, the drawing processing operation in the high definition mode will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the application program for image generation processing is the CPU 21.
It is assumed that the program has been loaded from the ROM 25 to the RAM 24.

In the printer 2, the image generating means 21A realized by the execution by the CPU 21 performs the following processing. That is, the image generation means 21A interprets the drawing command extracted from the drawing command holding unit 27. At this time,
If the object (that is, the image data) has been compressed, decompression processing is performed (step S101).

Next, the image generating means 21A sequentially executes the drawing processing elements of color matching processing, color conversion processing, BG / UCR processing, gamma processing, scaling processing, and halftone processing (steps S102 to S107). Further, the object is superimposed on the background, the result is stored in the drawing result holding unit 28 (step S108), and then the ROP (RasterOper) is stored.
ation) processing is performed (step S109). The ROP process is a logical operation process performed when two or more objects (raster images) are superposed. The information written in the drawing result holding unit 28 is processed as a part of the background in subsequent drawing commands.

Here, the processing contents of each drawing processing element by the image generating means 21A will be described. In the color matching process, the color of the object is adjusted so that the display image of the display 17 of the image processing apparatus 1 and the print image of the printer engine 23 provide the same output visually. The color matching process is a so-called CMM (Co
lor Management Module = color management module) processing.

In the color conversion processing, the RGB (red, green, blue) format objects are converted into CMY format objects. In the BG / UCR process, black plate generation and undercolor removal are performed to convert CMY format objects into CMYK (cyan,
Convert to magenta, yellow, black) format object. In gamma processing, the object is the printer 2
The density is converted for each CMYK plate so as to have a density characteristic suitable for. In the scaling process, the output image size of the object is converted into an appropriate size. In the halftone processing, the object is converted to have a color depth suitable for the output image from the printer engine 23.

Next, the drawing processing operation in the high speed mode will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the printer 2, the image generation means 21A interprets the drawing command fetched from the drawing command holding unit 27 as in step S101, and at this time, when the RGB format object (that is, image data) is compressed. For this, decompression processing is performed (step S201). After that, the above step S106
Similarly, the scaling processing is performed so that the output image size of the object becomes an appropriate size (step S202).

Next, the image generating means 21A performs the same processing as the above steps S103 to S105 on the object of the RGB format which has been subjected to the scaling processing (steps S203 to S205), and then the above step S107.
~ S109 same processing is performed (steps S206 ~ S)
208).

As described above, a high-definition drawing result can be obtained in the high-definition mode, while in the high-speed mode, the scaling process is performed before the drawing process (before the color conversion process). As a result, a large amount of processing can be performed while the amount of data to be processed is small, and thus a drawing result can be obtained quickly. This is because, in general, only the enlargement process is performed in the scaling process.

If reduction processing is required, the printer driver 100 performs reduction processing on the object (image data) in advance, and the object included in the print data to be transmitted from the image processing apparatus 1 to the printer 2 is included. Reduce the amount of (image data) data. If reduction processing is required on the printer 2 side, in the high speed mode, the scaling processing is performed in the latter stage of the drawing processing (that is, before the ROP processing).
By doing so, the drawing result can be obtained quickly. In this case, in the high speed mode, step S in FIG.
201, steps S203 to S207, step S20
The drawing process is executed in the order of 2 and step S208.

As described above, by designating one of the above two modes, it is possible to designate a different processing order for the rendering processing elements in the rendering processing.

(3) Element for deciding whether or not to execute an arbitrary drawing processing element in drawing processing This element has a high definition mode and a high speed mode. While the color matching process is executed in the high definition mode (see FIG. 3), the color matching process is omitted in the high speed mode (see FIG. 4). By omitting this color matching process, it is possible to quickly obtain a drawing result. By thus specifying either the high definition mode or the high speed mode, it is possible to specify whether or not to execute an arbitrary drawing processing element in the drawing processing, for example, color matching processing.

(4) Elements for Determining Drawing Processing Method of Drawing Processing This element has a high definition mode and a high speed mode. In the high-speed mode, the scaling process is performed by using the nearest pixel replacement method that can perform high-speed processing, while in the high-definition mode, the scaling process is performed by using the bilinear method that generally produces a clean output. By thus specifying either the high definition mode or the high speed mode, different drawing processing methods can be specified.

Of the four elements (1) to (4) described above, for example, the "photo mode" is used as the element of (1) above.
Is specified, and if "high-definition mode" and "high-speed mode" are specified as elements in (2) above, the output conditions of "photo mode and high-definition mode" and "photo mode and high-speed mode" The two types of output condition information indicating the output conditions are designated. Then, based on the two types of output condition information, two types of drawing commands for generating two drawing patterns are generated.

Next, the printer control processing operation by the printer driver 100 of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the image processing apparatus 1, in the printer driver 100, as shown in FIG. 5, the drawing command generation unit 110 acquires a plurality of types of output condition information input from the operation unit 18 and stores them in the RAM 14 (step S301), a plurality of types of drawing commands are generated based on the stored plurality of types of output condition information (step S3).
02) and then transmits the generated plural kinds of drawing commands to the printer 2 (step S303). These plural types of drawing commands are sent to the transmission processing means 120 and the I / F 15.
Is transmitted to the printer 2 via.

The printer driver 100 which has transmitted a plurality of types of drawing commands by the drawing command generation means 110 judges whether or not a plurality of images (drawing results) transmitted from the printer 2 have been received (step S304), and reception If not, it waits until it is received. On the other hand, if a plurality of images are received via the reception processing means 130, the display control means 140 displays the received plurality of images on the display 17.
Is displayed (step S305).

When a plurality of images are displayed on the display 17, a specific image is selected from the plurality of images.
Since it is designated by the operation of the operation unit 18 by the user, the drawing command generation means 110 determines whether or not the particular image is designated (step S306), and if not designated, waits until it is designated, On the other hand, if specified, a specific drawing command is generated based on the output condition information corresponding to the specified specific image (step S307),
The generated specific drawing command is transmitted to the printer 2 (step S308). This specific drawing command is transmitted to the printer 2 via the transmission processing unit 120 and the I / F 15.

Next, the drawing processing operation of the printer 2 will be described with reference to FIG. When the printer 2 receives a plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the image processing apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 6 (step S401), the image generating unit 21A receives the plurality of types of drawing commands and receives the drawing command holding unit. 27 (step S402), the drawing commands are sequentially read from the drawing command holding unit 27 and interpreted to generate an image (step S403).
The generated images are sequentially stored in the drawing result holding unit 28 (step S404). The drawing result holding unit 28 stores a plurality of images (drawing results) generated corresponding to a plurality of kinds of drawing commands.

Then, the image generating means 21A reads out a plurality of images from the drawing result holding section 28 and the image processing apparatus 1
To (step S405). The image generation unit 21A that has transmitted the plurality of images in this way determines whether or not the specific drawing command from the image processing apparatus 1 has been received (step S406), and if not received, until the reception. On the other hand, if it is received, the specific drawing command is passed to the printer engine 23 to request the printing process (step S407).

Next, the image processing operation of the image processing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a data transmission / reception processing procedure executed between the image processing apparatus 1 and the printer 2.

The printer driver 100 operating in the image processing apparatus 1 generates a plurality of types of drawing commands (that is, a plurality of first drawing commands (display drawing commands)) based on a plurality of output condition information (see FIG. 7), and the generated plural kinds of drawing commands are transmitted to the printer 2 (see FIG. 7).

In the printer 2, the image generating means 21A is
A plurality of types of drawing commands received from the image processing apparatus 1 via the I / F 22 are written in the drawing command holding unit 27 (see FIG. 7), and a plurality of types of drawing commands written in the drawing command holding unit 27 are sequentially written. The result is taken out and interpreted, and the interpreted result is stored in the drawing result holding unit 28. That is, the image generation means 21A draws (generates) an image based on the drawing commands sequentially taken out, and stores the drawn image in the drawing result holding unit 28 as a drawing result (see FIG. 7). The process of storing the drawing result in the drawing result holding unit 28 will be described later.

If the drawing command received from the image processing apparatus 1 includes an instruction to send the drawing result to the image processing apparatus, the printer 2 stores it in the drawing result holding unit 28. The image (drawing result) corresponding to the drawing command is compressed and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1 via the I / F 22 (see FIG. 7). This process is executed when the printer 2 receives the first drawing command (drawing command for display).

In the image processing apparatus 1, the printer driver 1
00 decompresses the drawing result from the printer 2 received via the I / F 15, that is, a plurality of images, and displays them on the display 17 (see FIG. 7).

When the user operates the operation unit 18 and designates a specific image as the image to be printed out of the plurality of images displayed on the display 17, the printer driver 100 causes the drawing command generating means to operate. 110 generates a specific drawing command (that is, a second drawing command (printing command for printing)) corresponding to the specified image, and the generated specific drawing command is sent to the printer 2 via the I / F 15. It transmits to (see FIG. 7).

In the printer 2, if the drawing command from the image processing apparatus 1 received via the I / F 22 includes a command to print the drawing result, the drawing result holding unit 28 has already The drawing result (specific image) corresponding to the drawing command is transmitted to the printer engine 23 from the held drawing results (plurality of images). Then, the printer engine 23 prints an image on a predetermined sheet based on the received drawing command (see FIG. 7). Such processing is performed when the printer 2 receives the second drawing command (printing drawing command).

FIG. 8 shows a state in which a screen for designating a predetermined output condition is displayed on the display 17. As shown in FIG. 8, a document type setting area 210, an image quality setting area 220, a “drawing result display” button 230, and a “cancel” button 240 are displayed on the display screen 200.

In the document type setting area 210, there are three condition setting areas 211, 212, 2 for designating each of the character mode, the photo mode and the graphics mode as elements for determining the parameters of the above-mentioned drawing processing.
13 are provided.

In the image quality setting area 220, two condition setting areas 2 for designating the high definition mode and the high speed mode, which are elements for determining the above-mentioned drawing processing parameters, are set.
21, 222 are provided. This image quality setting area 22
If any mode is set in 0, it is determined whether or not the color matching process is omitted according to the set mode, that is, the designated mode of the high definition mode or the high speed mode. The scaling process is executed by using the nearest pixel replacement method or the bilinear method according to the designated mode. Therefore, the image quality setting area 220 includes a setting area for setting an element that determines the processing order of the drawing processing elements in the above-described drawing processing, and an element that determines whether to execute an arbitrary drawing processing element in the drawing processing. It also serves as a setting area for setting and a setting area for setting elements that determine the drawing processing method of drawing processing.

The user wants to display the drawing result by specifying at least one condition setting area (giving a check mark to the condition setting area) in each setting area of the document type setting area 210 and the image quality setting area 220. Specify the output condition. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the photo mode is selected as the document type, and the high definition mode and the high speed mode are selected as the image quality.

When the "drawing result display" button 230 is pressed by the user operating the operation unit 18, as described above, the printer driver 100 (the drawing command generating means 110) causes the "photograph mode and high speed". Two kinds of drawing commands are generated based on the two kinds of output condition information of "mode" and "photo mode and high definition mode". Next, the printer 2 (the image generating means 21A thereof) generates a plurality of images corresponding to the two types of drawing commands. Then, the plurality of images are displayed on the display 17 of the image processing apparatus 1 as a drawing result.

Here, "photo mode and high-speed mode"
And a state in which the result of drawing processing by the printer 2 is displayed on the display 17 of the image processing apparatus 1 in correspondence with two kinds of drawing commands based on two kinds of output condition information of “photo mode and high definition mode”. , As shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the display screen 200 shows
Original image 310, drawing results 320, 330, output condition 32
1, 331, "Print in this mode" buttons 322, 33
2. A “display drawing result with other settings” button 340 and a “cancel” button 350 are displayed. For the original image 310, a cursor 311 for designating the position of the image in the X direction and a cursor 312 for designating the position of the image in the Y direction are set. Cursor 311
An intersection 313 between the cursor 312 and the cursor 312 is a designated position on the original image designated by the user.

For example, the drawing result 320, the output condition 321, and the “print in this mode” button 322 are presented as a set of drawing result related information. The same applies to the drawing result 330. In this embodiment, the original image and a plurality of sets of drawing result related information are displayed on the display 17.

The printer driver 100 displays the image generated on the image processing apparatus 1 as the original image 310 on the display screen 20.
When the desired position on the original image, for example, the intersection 313 is displayed by the user, the printer 2
Drawing results (plural images) drawn by
The drawing result obtained by enlarging the portion corresponding to the vicinity of the intersection 313 is displayed on the display screen 200.

When displaying a drawing result (a plurality of images) obtained by enlarging a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the intersection 313, the intersection 313 in the drawing result in the "photograph mode and high speed mode" is displayed.
The part corresponding to the vicinity is enlarged, and the drawing result 320 that is the enlarged result and the "photo mode and high-definition mode"
The portion corresponding to the vicinity of the intersection 313 in the drawing result in (3) is enlarged, and the enlarged drawing result 330 is displayed on the display screen 200.

At the same time, the output condition 321 and the "print in this mode" button 32 corresponding to the drawing result 320 are displayed.
2, the output condition 331 and the “print in this mode” button 332 are displayed on the display screen 200 in correspondence with the drawing result 330.

When any one of the "print in this mode" buttons 322, 332 is pressed by the user operating the operation unit 18, a drawing command is issued to the printer 2 to print in the mode. Will be sent. For example, when the “print in this mode” button 332 is pressed to print the drawing result 330 (that is, a specific image), a specific drawing command to print in the output condition 331 (in the photograph mode and the high-definition mode) It is transmitted to the printer 2. The printer 2 interprets the specific drawing command and prints using the printer engine 23.

Next, the compression method used when the printer 2 sends the generated image to the image processing apparatus 1 will be described.

When the halftone processing method is dithering, it can be expected that a constant pattern will appear many times. Therefore, the compression method by the LZ (Lempel-Ziv) method is adopted. When the halftone processing method is error diffusion, the compression method by the run length method is adopted. FIG. 1 shows the relationship between the halftone processing method and the compression method.
The printer 2 stores the correspondence table 400 as shown in FIG.
By referring to 00, the compression method corresponding to the halftone processing method when the halftone processing is actually performed can be adopted. Of course, the relationship between the halftone processing method and the compression method may be expressed in any format as long as the corresponding relationship is known, without being expressed in the table format.

Here, the LZ method is the compression method described on page 389 of "The Latest Algorithm Dictionary in C Language," the 10th edition of the first edition of "The latest algorithm dictionary in C language", published by Haruhiko Okumura, published by Technical Review Co., Ltd. By using this LZ method, it is possible to efficiently compress when a certain pattern appears many times.

In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of images based on a plurality of output condition information are simultaneously displayed on the display screen 200 of the display 17 as shown in FIG. 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, in the same drawing result display area, images generated by switching modes may be displayed in a time-sharing manner, or images generated in different modes may be sequentially displayed each time the user presses the mode switching button. good.

Further, in the present embodiment, the LZ method and the run length method, which are reversible compression methods, are used as the compression method for transmitting the image from the printer 2 to the image processing apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Other reversible compression methods may be used without being performed, or irreversible compression methods may be used.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 transmits to the printer 2 a plurality of types of drawing commands generated based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and the printer 2 Transmits to the image processing apparatus 1 a plurality of output images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands from the image processing apparatus 1, and the image processing apparatus 1 further outputs the plurality of output images generated by the printer 2. Since the image can be displayed on the display 17, in this image processing system, the user can output the output image before the change and the output image after the change when the output condition corresponding to the drawing pattern is changed before the print processing. , Can be easily compared.

Further, since the image generating means 21A compresses the plurality of generated output images and transmits them to the image processing apparatus 1, the image data transferred between the printer 2 and the image processing apparatus 1 is compressed. Can be transferred at high speed.
Therefore, the user can quickly compare and examine a plurality of output images.

The image generating means 21A compresses the plurality of output images on the basis of the compression method determined based on the drawing processing that generated the plurality of output images, and the image processing apparatus 1
Since it is transmitted to, the output image can be compressed by a compression method suitable for drawing processing.

Further, on the display 17, the printer 2 corresponding to a plurality of types of output condition information designated by the user is displayed.
Since the plurality of output images generated by are displayed at the same time, the user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images corresponding to the plurality of types of output condition information.

Further, the parameters of the drawing process can be set according to the designated mode of each mode of the document type and each mode of the image quality, and a plurality of outputs generated by the printer 2 when the parameters are different. The image can be displayed on the display 17 of the image processing apparatus 1. This allows the user to easily compare and examine the plurality of output images displayed on the display 17.

Further, for example, a plurality of output images generated by the printer 2 when the processing order of the scaling processing as the drawing processing elements of the drawing processing is different can be displayed on the display 17 of the image processing apparatus 1. . This allows the user to easily compare and examine the plurality of output images displayed on the display 17.

Further, for example, the printer 2 generates an output image on which color matching processing has been executed as a drawing processing element of the drawing processing and an output image on which the color matching processing has not been executed, and these two output images are imaged. It can be displayed on the display 17 of the processing device 1. by this,
The user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images displayed on the display 17.

Further, for example, when the halftone processing is dithering, the LZ type scaling processing is adopted, and in the case of error diffusion, the run length method is adopted. The plurality of output images generated by 2 can be displayed on the display 17 of the image processing apparatus 1. This allows the user to easily compare and examine the plurality of output images displayed on the display 17.

(Second Embodiment) Next, an image processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image processing system according to the second embodiment and the printer driver employed in the image system have the same configurations as the image processing system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the printer driver shown in FIG. ing.

The second embodiment is basically the same as the above-mentioned first embodiment in performing the same processing as the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, but a predetermined output. The method of specifying the condition information and the process of generating the drawing command by the printer driver are different. Next, these different points will be described.

FIG. 11 shows a state where the printer driver 100 displays a screen for designating a predetermined output condition and area on the display 17 via the interface (I / F) 16.

The display screen 500 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as the display screen 200 shown in FIG.
The “print” button 520 is additionally displayed.

The area designation area 510 is for designating an area in which the printer driver 100 is to generate a drawing command, and a check box 5 for designating all areas.
11 and a check box 51 for designating a partial area
2 and. The check column 512 is provided with a region for setting a range for specifying a partial region. In the second embodiment, a region 512A for designating a start page and a region 512B for designating an end page are provided. It consists of In this example, in the area designation area 510, a partial area from page 1 to page 2 is set.

The "print" button 520 causes the printer driver 100 to generate a drawing command based on the settings of the document type setting area 210, the image quality setting area 220, and the area specifying area 510, and causes the printer 2 to operate. On the other hand, it is a button for printing the output image according to the generated drawing command.

The "display drawing result" button 230
Document type setting area 2 for printer driver 100
10, image quality setting area 220, and area designation area 510
The button is for generating a drawing command based on each of the setting contents, and displaying an output image according to the generated drawing command on the display 17.

Here, when the "drawing result display" button 230 is pressed in the setting contents of the display screen 500 shown in FIG. 11, the printer driver 100 draws the document type as the photo mode and the image quality as the high speed mode. A drawing command for drawing 1 to 2 pages including a command for transmitting the result to the image processing apparatus 1 is generated, and the drawing result is image processing apparatus with the document type as the photo mode and the image quality as the high definition mode. A drawing command for drawing pages 1 to 2 including a command to be sent to 1 is generated.

When the printer driver 100 transmits the generated drawing command to the printer 2, the printer 2 sends a CP
The U21 (image generation unit 21A) creates a drawing result based on the acquired drawing command from the printer driver 100, compresses the drawing result, and transmits the compressed drawing result to the image processing apparatus 1.

Here, one of the character mode, the photo mode and the graphic mode is selected as the document type,
In addition, when the "print" button 520 is pressed in the state where one of the high-speed mode and the high-definition mode is selected for the image quality, the printer driver 100 causes the area specified by the selected output condition to be displayed. A drawing command to be printed is generated, and this drawing command is transmitted to the printer 2.

When the printer driver 100 sends the generated drawing command to the printer 2, the printer 2 sends a CP
The U21 (image generation unit 21A) creates a drawing result based on the acquired drawing command from the printer driver 100, and transmits the drawing result to the printer engine 23 to print it.

FIG. 12 shows how the drawing result drawn by the printer 2 is displayed on the display 17. A display screen 600 shown in FIG. 12 is obtained by deleting the original image 310 from the display screen 200 shown in FIG.
10, the display range designation areas 621 and 622, the current display area 623, and the enlargement ratio designation area 630 are additionally displayed.

For the original image 610, as in the case of the original image 310 described above, a cursor 611 for designating the position of the image in the X direction and a cursor 612 for designating the position of the image in the Y direction. And are set. Cursor 61
The intersection 613 between 1 and the cursor 612 is the designated position on the original image designated by the user.

In the current display area 623, the display area currently displayed as the original image, that is, page information is displayed. When the display range designation area 621 is pressed, the original image of the page before the currently displayed page (original image) can be displayed, and when the display range designation area 622 is pressed, the currently displayed page is displayed. The original image on the next page of (original image) can be displayed.

Since the drawing result transmitted from the printer 2 to the image processing apparatus 1 is saved in the RAM 14 of the image processing apparatus 1, the CPU 11 determines the display range designation area based on the drawing result saved in the RAM 14. 621, 622
The image of the page designated by is read and displayed on the display 17.

The enlargement ratio designation area 630 shows the drawing result 32.
This is an area for setting an enlargement ratio when 0 and 330 are enlarged and displayed. As the setting of the enlargement magnification, an arbitrary value may be input and set, or a specific magnification value may be selected from a plurality of magnification values provided in the pull-down menu. The drawing results 320 and 330 are displayed at a magnification of 100% of the default value when initially displayed.

"Print in this mode" buttons 322, 33
When 3 is pressed, the same processing as in the case of the first embodiment is performed, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, by designating the area desired by the user as a page, the printer driver 100 generates a rendering command for rendering the designated page, and The drawing result drawn by the printer 2 based on the drawing command can be displayed on the display 17. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an output image of a necessary portion can be obtained at a higher speed than in the case of the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) Next, an image processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image processing system according to the third embodiment and the printer driver used in the image system have the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

The third embodiment is basically designed to perform the same processing as the second embodiment, but all the areas included in the desired area designated by the printer driver are included. Another difference is that a drawing command for drawing some objects is generated. Next, the difference will be described.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which a screen for designating an output area is displayed on the display 17. FIG.
On the display screen 500 shown in FIG. 5, an original image 710, display range designation areas 721 and 722 having the same functions as the above areas 621, 622 and 623, a current display area 723, and a “drawing result display” button 730 are displayed. , And a “Cancel” button 740 is displayed.

The display screen 700 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to the area designation area 5 in the display screen 500 shown in FIG.
On the display screen (or the display screen 200 shown in FIG. 8) in which 10 is deleted, the “drawing result display” button 2
When 30 is pressed, the printer driver 100
A display screen 700 shown in FIG. 13 for the next setting operation (operation for designating an output area) by the user is displayed on the display 17.

When displaying the display screen 700, the printer driver 100 generates a simple image for the user to specify a region for which the user wants to obtain a drawing result by the self driver and displays it on the display 17. To do.

The user operates the operation unit 18 such as a mouse to enclose the range with respect to the original image 710 displayed on the display screen 700, thereby designating a drawing area 711 where a drawing result is desired. .

When the "drawing result display" button 730 is pressed, the printer driver 100 generates a drawing command with the document type as the photo mode, the image quality as the high speed mode, and the document type as the photo mode. A drawing command is generated with the image quality set to the high definition mode. At this time,
The printer driver 100 generates a drawing command for drawing all or some of the objects included in the designated desired area. The drawing command thus generated is transmitted to the printer 2. For the subsequent processing, the same processing as in the case of the second embodiment is performed.

In the third embodiment, the printer driver 100 is designed to generate and display a simple image for allowing the user to specify a region, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a general application program generates and displays an image, and objects other than the objects included in all or part of the designated desired area are displayed in the printer driver 100.
You may not give the command which should draw the object.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the user designates a desired area, the printer driver 100 should draw all or some of the objects included in the desired area. A drawing command is generated and the printer 2 is generated based on the drawing command.
The drawing result drawn by can be displayed on the display 17. Therefore, in the third embodiment, it is possible to expect the same effect as that of the second embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, an image processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image processing system according to the fourth embodiment and the printer driver used in the image system have the same configuration as that of the above-described second embodiment.

The fourth embodiment is basically the same as the second embodiment, but differs in the method of designating predetermined output condition information. Next, the difference will be described.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which a screen for designating output conditions is displayed on the display 17. The display screen 800 shown in FIG. 14 has a configuration in which the area display area 510 is deleted from the display screen 500 shown in FIG. 11 and an object drawing condition designation area 810 is additionally displayed.

The object drawing condition designation area 810 is
Areas 820, 83 for designating the conditions of the objects to be drawn, and for designating each object of the text, graphic, and image by displaying with a check mark so as to be displayed as the drawing result.
It has 0 and 840. Also, these areas 820,
Areas 821 and 83 for specifying, by attaching a check mark, that the size of the object is limited to be drawn at the positions corresponding to 830 and 840.
1, 841 are provided. And these areas 8
Areas 822, 832, 841A for setting numerical values (including units) for actually limiting the size on paper are provided at positions corresponding to 21, 831, 841.

Regarding the image, a region 842 is provided at a position corresponding to the region 840 for designating by adding a check mark that the object is limited by the data amount for drawing. Then, in the position corresponding to the area 842, the area 8 for setting the numerical value (including the unit) for actually limiting the data amount
42A is provided.

As in the fourth embodiment, there are text, graphics, and images as objects, text is characters, graphics are line drawings such as line segments and curves, and images are bitmap data.

The user selects an output condition for displaying the drawing result in each of the areas 210 and 220 and puts a check mark. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the photo mode is selected as the document type, and the high definition mode and the high speed mode are selected as the image quality. Further, the user designates an object for which the drawing result is to be displayed in the area 810. In the example shown in FIG. 14, as an object, a text having a size of 10 pt (points) or more and 20 pt or less and 10 KB (kilobytes) or more and 20 KB
An image of the following data amount and the selected state are displayed.

Note that designating a text size of 10 pt or more and 20 pt or less means designating the size of an object, and 10 KB or more and 20 K or more.
Designating an image having a data amount of B or less means designating the data amount of an object.

When the "drawing result display" button 230 is pressed, the printer driver 100 generates a drawing command with the document type as the photo mode and the image quality as the high speed mode, and the document type as the photo mode. A drawing command is generated with the image quality set to the high definition mode. At this time,
The printer driver 100 generates a drawing command for drawing only a text having a size of 10 pt or more and 20 pt or less and an image having a data amount of 10 KB or more and 20 KB or less. The drawing command generated in this way is sent to the printer 2
Sent to. For the subsequent processing, the same processing as in the case of the second embodiment is performed.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the user designates the “object type, the amount of data, and the size of the object” in the object drawing condition designation area 810. 100, a drawing command based on the desired output condition is generated, and a drawing result drawn by the printer 2 based on the drawing command is displayed on the display 1.
7 can be displayed. Therefore, the fourth embodiment
Then, as compared with the case of the first to third embodiments,
It is possible to obtain an output image of a necessary portion at a higher speed.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, an image processing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image processing system according to the fifth embodiment and the printer driver used in the image system have the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, basically the same processing as in the fourth embodiment is executed, but a specifying method for specifying the condition of an object to be drawn is different. Is different. Next, the difference will be described.

FIG. 15 shows a state in which a screen for designating output conditions is displayed on the display 17. The display screen 900 shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the display screen 800 shown in FIG.
0 is deleted, and the object drawing condition designation area 910 is additionally displayed.

The object drawing condition designation area 910 is an area for inputting the condition of the object to be drawn as a conditional expression according to the syntax shown in FIG.

The user selects an output condition for displaying the drawing result in each area 210, 220 and puts a check mark. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the photo mode is selected as the document type, and the high definition mode and the high speed mode are selected as the image quality. Further, the user inputs the condition of the object to be drawn as a conditional expression in the area 910 according to the syntax shown in FIG.

By the way, in the example shown in FIG. 15, as the condition of the object to be drawn, "text with a size of 10 pt or more and 20 pt or less, or 10 KB or more and 100 KB or more is used.
An image of the following data amount is specified.

When the "drawing result display" button 230 is pressed, the printer driver 100 generates a drawing command with the document type as the photo mode and the image quality as the high speed mode, and the document type as the photo mode. A drawing command is generated with the image quality set to the high definition mode. At this time,
The printer driver 100 generates a drawing command for drawing only a text having a size of 10 pt to 20 pt and an image having a data amount of 10 KB to 100 KB. The drawing command generated in this way is sent to the printer 2
Sent to. For the subsequent processing, the same processing as in the case of the second embodiment is performed.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to expect the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0210]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, when the drawing command generating means generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, the transmitting means. Transmits the generated plurality of drawing commands to the printer, and the receiving unit receives the plurality of images from the printer that generated the plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands, and further, The display control means displays the plurality of images received by the receiving means on the display means. Therefore, according to the invention of claim 1,
The image processing apparatus can display on the display means a plurality of images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the specific drawing command generating means draws the drawing command based on the output condition information corresponding to the image designated by the user out of the plurality of images displayed on the display means. The image processing apparatus transmits the drawing command generated based on the output condition information corresponding to the specific image to the printer. You can request print processing.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the image generating means generates a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands received by the receiving means, the transmitting means causes the plurality of generated images to be generated. Since the image is transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the printer can transmit the plurality of images generated based on the plurality of types of drawing commands from the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the receiving means receives the drawing command corresponding to the designated image from the image processing device, the print processing means prints based on the drawing command. Since the processing is executed, the printer can execute the printing processing based on the drawing command corresponding to the designated image from the image processing apparatus.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in the image processing device, the drawing command generating means generates a plurality of kinds of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and the plurality of kinds of drawing commands are generated. When the drawing command is transmitted to the printer, in the printer, the image generation means generates a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generation means, and transmits the plurality of images to the image processing device. Further, in the image processing apparatus, the display means displays the plurality of images transmitted from the image generating means, so that the image processing apparatus has a plurality of types based on a plurality of designated output condition information. It is possible to display a plurality of output images generated based on the drawing command of
With this, the user can easily compare and examine the output image before the change and the output image after the change when the output condition is changed before printing on the recording paper.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in the image processing device, the specific drawing command generating means outputs the output condition information corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. When a drawing command is generated based on the drawing command and the drawing command is transmitted to the printer, in the printer, the print processing unit executes the printing process based on the drawing command transmitted from the specific drawing command generating unit. The printer can execute the printing process based on the drawing command corresponding to the specified image from the image processing apparatus, whereby the user can change the output image before the change and the output image when the output condition is changed. After easily comparing and examining the subsequent output image, the print processing operation can be performed on the desired output image by a simple operation.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the image generating means includes a color matching process, a gamma conversion process, a color conversion process,
1 of each rendering processing element for scaling processing and halftone processing
Since an image is generated by executing a drawing process including one or more drawing processing elements, it is possible to generate a high-quality output image.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the image generating means compresses the plurality of generated images and transmits the compressed images to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, the image is generated between the printer and the image processing apparatus. The data can be transferred at high speed, and thus the user can quickly compare and examine a plurality of output images.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the image generating means compresses the plurality of images based on the compression method determined based on the drawing process that generated the plurality of images, and the image processing device. Since the image is transmitted to the printer, the image can be efficiently compressed by the compression method suitable for the drawing process, and the image data can be transferred at high speed between the printer and the image processing apparatus. The user can quickly make a comparative examination of a plurality of output images.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, since the display means displays a plurality of images at the same time,
The user can easily compare and examine a plurality of output images corresponding to a plurality of output condition information.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of output condition information includes the element for determining the drawing processing parameter including one or more drawing processing elements, the drawing processing parameter is A plurality of output images in different cases can be displayed on the display means of the image processing device,
Moreover, the user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output conditions include elements that determine the processing order of the drawing processing elements in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. A plurality of output images when the processing order of the processing elements is different can be displayed on the display means of the image processing apparatus, and the user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output conditions include an element for determining whether or not to execute processing of an arbitrary drawing processing element in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. Since it is supposed to include, it is possible to display, on the display means of the image processing device, the output image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element is executed and the output image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element is not executed, and The user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output conditions include the element for determining the drawing processing method of the drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements. A plurality of output images of different cases can be displayed on the display means of the image processing device, and moreover,
The user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, since the plurality of output conditions are specified by the user, the user can output a plurality of output images based on a plurality of arbitrarily specified output condition information. Can be compared and examined quickly and easily.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the drawing command generating means generates the drawing command necessary for obtaining the output image corresponding to the designated area information in the output condition information. In addition, since the generated drawing command is transmitted to the printer, the user specifies the desired area information as the output condition information, so that the image processing apparatus can specify the drawing command for drawing the specified area. Along with the generation, the drawing result generated by the printer based on the drawing command can be acquired. With this, the image processing apparatus can quickly obtain the output image of the necessary portion, and thus the user can quickly confirm the desired output image.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the drawing command generating means generates the drawing command necessary for obtaining the output image corresponding to the designated object information in the output condition information, and also generates the drawing command. Since the drawn command is transmitted to the printer, the user can specify desired object information as the output condition information.
The image processing apparatus can generate a drawing command for drawing the designated object and can acquire the drawing result generated by the printer based on the drawing command. With this, the image processing apparatus can quickly obtain the output image of the necessary portion, and thus the user can quickly confirm the desired output image.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the drawing command generating means generates the drawing command necessary for obtaining the output image corresponding to the object information having the designated attribute in the output condition information. Since the generated drawing command is transmitted to the printer, the user should draw the object having the specified attribute by specifying the object information having the attribute as the output condition information. It is possible to generate a drawing command and obtain the drawing result generated by the printer based on the drawing command. With this, the image processing apparatus can quickly obtain the output image of the necessary portion, and thus the user can quickly confirm the desired output image.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the attribute is at least the type of the object and / or the data amount of the object and / or the size of the object to be output. By specifying the type of object and / or the amount of data of the object and / or the size of the object to be output, the image processing apparatus can obtain an output image with limited contents. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus can obtain the output image of the necessary portion at a higher speed, and thus the user can confirm the desired output image more quickly.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus, the drawing command generating means generates a plurality of kinds of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and draws a plurality of these kinds of drawing commands. When the command is transmitted to the printer, in the printer, the image generation unit generates a plurality of output images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generation unit, and outputs the plurality of output images to the image processing device. Therefore, the image processing apparatus can display a plurality of output images generated by the image generating means of the printer. As a result, the image processing apparatus can provide the user with the comparative examination information of the plurality of displayed output images by the user. Therefore, the user can easily compare the difference in the output images due to the difference in the output conditions.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, the image processing apparatus further comprises display means for displaying the output image transmitted from the printer. Therefore, the display means displays the output image transmitted from the printer. Can be displayed.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus, all or part of the output images corresponding to the two or more types of output conditions transmitted from the image generating means are displayed at the same time. Can easily compare differences in output images due to differences in output conditions.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the invention, the image processing apparatus generates the drawing command based on the output condition corresponding to the output image designated by the user among the output images from the printer, and The generated drawing command is transmitted to the printer, and the printer interprets the drawing command from the image processing apparatus to generate the output image and execute the printing process. Therefore, the printer specifies the drawing command. It is possible to interpret the drawing command generated based on the output condition corresponding to the output image, generate the output image, and execute the printing process. As a result, the user can easily compare the differences in the output images due to the differences in the output conditions, specify the optimum output conditions with a simple operation, and print.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of types of drawing commands are generated based on a plurality of designated output condition information in the drawing command generating step, they are generated in the transmitting step. A plurality of drawing commands are transmitted to the printer, and in the receiving step, the plurality of images generated from the plurality of images based on the plurality of kinds of drawing commands are received from the printer, and further in the display control step. ,
Since the plurality of images received by the receiving step are displayed on the display unit, the image processing apparatus may generate a plurality of images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of specified output condition information. Can be displayed on the display means.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, in the specific drawing command generating step, drawing is performed based on the output condition information corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. Since the command is generated and the drawing command is transmitted to the printer, the drawing command generated based on the output condition information corresponding to the specific image is transmitted from the image processing device to the printer, and is transmitted to the printer. You can request print processing.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, when the plurality of images are generated in the image generation step based on the plurality of types of drawing commands received in the reception step, the plurality of images are generated in the transmission step. Since the plurality of images are transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the plurality of images generated based on the plurality of types of drawing commands from the image processing apparatus can be transmitted from the printer to the image processing apparatus.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, when the drawing step corresponding to the designated image from the image processing apparatus is received in the receiving step, the print processing step is executed based on the drawing instruction. Since the print processing is executed, the printer can execute the print processing based on the drawing command corresponding to the designated image from the image processing apparatus.

According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and transmits the plurality of types of drawing commands to the printer. The printer generates a plurality of images based on the received plurality of types of drawing commands, transmits the plurality of images to the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus further displays the plurality of received images on the display unit. Therefore, the image processing device can display a plurality of images generated based on a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information on the display means.
With this, the user can easily compare and examine the output image before the change and the output image after the change when the output condition is changed before printing on the recording paper.

According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, the image processing apparatus generates the drawing command based on the output condition information corresponding to the image designated by the user among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. Then, when this drawing command is transmitted to the printer, the printer executes the printing process based on the received drawing command. Therefore, the printer executes the drawing command corresponding to the image specified by the image processing apparatus. You can perform the printing process based on
The user can easily compare and examine the output image before the change and the output image after the change when the output condition is changed, and then can perform the print processing operation on the desired output image by a simple operation.

According to the invention described in Item 30, in the printer, at least one drawing processing element of each of the drawing processing elements of the color matching processing, the gamma conversion processing, the color conversion processing, the scaling processing, and the halftone processing is executed. Since the drawing process including the elements is executed to generate the image, a high-quality output image can be generated.

According to the thirty-first aspect of the invention, since the printer compresses the plurality of generated images and transmits them to the image processing apparatus, the image data is transferred at high speed between the printer and the image processing apparatus. Therefore, the user can quickly compare and examine a plurality of output images.

According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, the printer compresses the plurality of images based on the compression method determined based on the drawing process that generated the plurality of images and sends the images to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, the image can be efficiently compressed by the compression method suitable for the drawing process.
Moreover, since the image data can be transferred at high speed between the printer and the image processing apparatus, the user can quickly compare and examine a plurality of output images.

According to the thirty-third aspect of the present invention, since the display means simultaneously displays a plurality of images,
The user can easily compare and examine a plurality of output images corresponding to a plurality of output condition information.

According to the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of output condition information includes the element for determining the drawing processing parameter including one or more drawing processing elements, the drawing processing parameter is A plurality of output images in different cases can be displayed on the display means of the image processing device,
Moreover, the user can compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information includes elements for determining the processing order of the drawing processing elements in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. A plurality of output images when the processing order of the drawing processing elements is different can be displayed on the display means of the image processing apparatus, and the user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information are elements that determine whether or not to execute the processing of an arbitrary drawing processing element in the drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. It is possible to display the output image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element has been executed and the output image on which the processing of the arbitrary drawing processing element has not been executed, on the display means of the image processing device. The user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the plurality of output condition information include elements that determine the drawing processing method of the drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements. Multiple output images when
It can be displayed on the display means of the image processing apparatus, and the user can easily compare and examine the plurality of output images.

According to the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of output condition information are designated by the user, the user outputs a plurality of outputs based on the plurality of arbitrarily designated output condition information. The images can be quickly and easily weighed.

According to the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a program that causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh aspects becomes machine-readable, whereby the twenty-seventh to twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is achieved. Any one operation can be performed by a computer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a printer driver built in the image processing apparatus of the image processing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a drawing processing operation in a high definition mode by the printer of the image processing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a drawing processing operation in a high speed mode by the printer of the image processing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a printer control processing operation by a printer driver built in the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a drawing processing operation by the printer.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a data transmission / reception processing procedure executed between an image processing apparatus and a printer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for designating predetermined output condition information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display of the image processing apparatus based on the result of drawing processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a halftone processing method and a compression method.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for designating predetermined output condition information according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display of the image processing apparatus based on the result of drawing processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for designating predetermined output condition information according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for designating predetermined output condition information according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for designating predetermined output condition information according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a syntax used in the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 image processing apparatus 2 printers 11 and 21 CPU 15 and 22 interface 17 display 18 operation unit 21A image generation unit 23 printer engine 27 drawing command holding unit 28 drawing result holding unit 100 printer driver 110 drawing command generating unit 120 transmission processing unit 130 reception Processing means 140 Display control means 200, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 Display screen 210 Document type setting area 220 Image quality setting area 230 Drawing result display button 510 Area designation area 520 Print button 711 Drawing area 810 Object condition designation area 910 Object Condition specification area

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06T 1/00 G06T 1/00 A 5C062 H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107A F term (reference) 2C061 AQ05 AQ06 AR01 HJ06 HM01 HM03 HN05 HN20 2C187 AE18 AF06 AF07 CD13 CD19 DD03 DD07 GB03 5B009 NA14 RC01 RC04 RC11 5B021 AA01 AA02 BB02 CC05 PP08 5B050 AA09 BA06 BA25 A06 FA14 A02 FA14 A02 FA05 FA12 FA02 FA09 FA12 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA02 FA09 AC42 AC43 AE16 BA04

Claims (39)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for transmitting / receiving data to / from a printer and displaying a predetermined image on a display means generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information. Drawing command generating means, transmitting means for transmitting the plurality of drawing commands generated by the drawing command generating means to the printer, and a plurality of printers that generate a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands. An image processing apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives an image; and a display control unit that displays a plurality of images received by the receiving unit on the display unit. 2. A specific drawing in which a drawing command is generated based on output condition information corresponding to an image designated by a user among a plurality of images displayed on the display unit and the drawing command is transmitted to the printer. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a command generation unit. 3. A printer, which displays a predetermined image and transmits / receives data to / from an image processing apparatus that generates a drawing command based on output condition information, wherein a plurality of types of drawing transmitted from the image processing apparatus are used. Receiving means for receiving a command, image generating means for generating a plurality of images based on a plurality of types of drawing commands received by the receiving means, and a plurality of images generated by the image generating means for the image processing apparatus. A printer comprising: a transmission unit for transmitting to the printer. 4. When the receiving unit receives a drawing command transmitted from the image processing apparatus that has received the plurality of images and corresponding to a designated image in the plurality of images, The printer according to claim 3, further comprising a print processing unit that executes print processing based on the print processing. 5. An image processing apparatus and a printer are provided, the image processing apparatus transmits a drawing command generated based on output condition information to the printer, and the printer generates based on the received drawing command. An image processing system for transmitting an image to the image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, A drawing command generating unit for transmitting to the printer, wherein the printer generates a plurality of images based on a plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generating unit, and outputs the plurality of images to the image processing apparatus. The image processing device further includes a display unit that displays a plurality of images transmitted from the image generation unit. The image processing system according to claim. 6. The image processing apparatus generates a drawing command based on output condition information corresponding to an image designated by a user among a plurality of images displayed on the display means, and the drawing command is generated. A specific drawing command generation unit for transmitting to the printer; and the printer further includes print processing unit for executing a printing process based on the drawing command transmitted from the specific drawing command generation unit. The image processing system according to claim 5. 7. The image generating means generates color matching processing, gamma conversion processing, color conversion processing, scaling processing, and halftone processing when generating a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein an image is generated by performing drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements among the drawing processing elements. 8. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the image generation unit compresses the generated plurality of images and transmits the compressed images to the image processing apparatus. 9. The image generation means according to claim 8, wherein the image generation means determines a compression method to be used when transmitting the plurality of generated images based on a drawing process that generated the plurality of images. Image processing system. 10. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the display unit displays the plurality of images at the same time. 11. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of output condition information includes an element that determines a drawing processing parameter including one or more drawing processing elements. 12. The plurality of output condition information includes an element that determines a processing order of drawing processing elements in a drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. Image processing system. 13. The plurality of output condition information includes an element that determines whether or not to execute a process of an arbitrary drawing processing element in a drawing process including two or more drawing processing elements. The image processing system according to claim 5. 14. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of output condition information includes an element that determines a drawing processing method of a drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements. . 15. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of output condition information are designated by a user. 16. An image processing device and a printer, the image processing device transmitting a drawing command generated based on output condition information to the printer, and the printer generating based on the received drawing command. An image processing system for transmitting an output image to the image processing device, wherein the image processing device generates a drawing command necessary for obtaining an output image corresponding to area information specified in the output condition information. With
An image processing system comprising a drawing command generating means for transmitting the generated drawing command to the printer. 17. The drawing command generating means generates a drawing command necessary for obtaining an output image corresponding to the designated object information in the output condition information, and the generated drawing command is sent to the printer. The image processing system according to claim 16, wherein the image processing system transmits. 18. The drawing command generation means generates a drawing command necessary for obtaining an output image corresponding to object information having a specified attribute in the output condition information, and the generated drawing command is generated. The image processing system according to claim 16, wherein the image is transmitted to the printer. 19. The image processing system according to claim 18, wherein the attribute is at least the type of the object and / or the data amount of the object and / or the size of the output object. 20. The image processing device includes a drawing command generation unit that generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information and transmits the plurality of types of drawing commands to the printer. At the same time, the printer includes an image generation unit that generates a plurality of output images based on a plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the drawing command generation unit and that transmits the plurality of output images to the image processing device. The image processing system according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that 21. The image processing according to claim 16, wherein the image processing apparatus further includes a display unit that displays an output image transmitted from the printer. system. 22. The image processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein all or part of output images corresponding to two or more types of output conditions transmitted from the image generating means are displayed at the same time. Image processing system. 23. The image processing apparatus generates a drawing command based on an output condition corresponding to an output image designated by a user of the output images from the printer, and the generated drawing command is generated by the printer. 23. The printer according to claim 16, wherein the printer interprets a drawing command from the image processing apparatus to generate an output image, and executes a printing process. Image processing system. 24. A drawing command generating step of generating a plurality of kinds of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, and a transmitting step of transmitting the plurality of drawing commands generated by the drawing command generating step to a printer. A receiving step of receiving a plurality of images from the printer that has generated a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands; and a display control step of displaying the plurality of images received by the receiving step on a display unit. And an image processing method comprising: 25. A specific drawing in which a drawing command is generated based on output condition information corresponding to an image designated by a user among a plurality of images displayed on the display means, and the drawing command is transmitted to the printer. The image processing method according to claim 24, further comprising a command generation step. 26. A receiving step of receiving a plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from an image processing apparatus that generates a drawing command based on output condition information, and a plurality of types of drawing commands received by the receiving step. An image processing method comprising: an image generation step of generating a plurality of images; and a transmission step of transmitting the plurality of images generated by the image generation step to the image processing device. 27. When the receiving step receives a drawing command transmitted from the image processing apparatus that has received the plurality of images and corresponding to a specified image in the plurality of images, based on the drawing command. 3. A print processing step for executing print processing according to claim 1, further comprising:
6. The image processing method according to item 6. 28. An image processing apparatus having a display means transmits a drawing command generated based on output condition information to a printer, and the printer transmits an image generated based on the drawing command to the image processing apparatus, Furthermore, the image processing device is an image processing method for displaying the received image on a display means, wherein the image processing device generates a plurality of types of drawing commands based on a plurality of designated output condition information, The plurality of types of drawing commands are transmitted to the printer, the printer generates a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands transmitted from the image processing device, and the plurality of images are generated by the image processing device. And further, the image processing apparatus displays a plurality of images transmitted from the printer on the display means. . 29. The image processing apparatus generates a drawing command based on output condition information corresponding to an image designated by a user among a plurality of images displayed on the display unit, and the drawing command is generated. 29. The image processing method according to claim 28, wherein the image is transmitted to a printer, and the printer executes the printing process based on the drawing command transmitted from the image processing apparatus. 30. When the printer generates a plurality of images based on the plurality of types of drawing commands, each of the drawing processes of a color matching process, a gamma conversion process, a color conversion process, a scaling process, and a halftone process. 29. The image processing method according to claim 28, wherein an image is generated by performing drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements among the elements. 31. The image processing method according to claim 28, wherein the printer compresses a plurality of generated images and transmits the compressed images to the image processing apparatus. 32. The image according to claim 31, wherein the printer determines a compression method to be used when transmitting the plurality of generated images based on a drawing process that generated the plurality of images. Processing method. 33. The plurality of images are displayed on the display means at the same time.
The image processing method described in. 34. The image processing method according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of output condition information includes an element for determining a drawing processing parameter including one or more drawing processing elements. 35. The plurality of output condition information includes an element that determines a processing order of drawing processing elements in a drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. Image processing method. 36. The plurality of output condition information includes an element that determines whether or not to execute processing of an arbitrary drawing processing element in a drawing processing including two or more drawing processing elements. The image processing method according to claim 28. 37. The image processing method according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of output condition information includes an element that determines a drawing processing method of a drawing processing including one or more drawing processing elements. . 38. The plurality of output condition information is specified by a user.
The image processing method described in. 39. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 24 to 27.