JP2002314830A - Printed data generating device, printer driver used therefor, and recording medium recording printer driver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique which is capable of meeting users' tastes to color conversions, by preparing a means of enabling a user to designate a color conversion easily conforming to his tastes and the limited kinds of color conversion information or correction information. SOLUTION: An image forming device prints print data based on image data, and a print data generating device which generates the above print data is provided. The print data generating device is equipped with a print condition control unit 254 which has a function to hold color conversion information, which converts colors represented by image data into colors in print data corresponding to the previously determined regions, a print data generating unit 254 which enables the image data to carry out color conversion processing by the use of color conversion information so as to generate print data, and an input-output control unit 253 which receives indications of designating the regions. The print data generation unit 251 acquires information which indicates the designated regions and carries out color conversions by the use pf the corresponding color conversion information managed by the print condition control unit 254.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print data generation technique for an image forming apparatus such as a printer, and more particularly to a technique for performing color conversion reflecting the preference of a group to which a user belongs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto paper, ink of each color of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) is supplied to a print head.
Color printing is performed by discharging ink of a required color from a head according to an image to be printed. The ink is provided in a state of being filled in a container generally called an ink cartridge.

When printing is performed by a printer, an image to be printed is generated in a computer, converted into print data in a format that can be handled by the printer, and sent to the printer. In a computer, a color image is generally represented by a combination of gradations of each of RGB (red, green, and blue) colors. However, since the ink used for printing is CMYK, it is necessary to convert the RGB image data into CMYK print data. This conversion process is performed on a computer.

[0004] In a computer, various processes for enabling image data generated by an application program to be printed by a printer are performed by a program called a printer driver which is installed in advance. This printer driver has a function of executing various processes such as a halftone process, a print start request, and acquisition of information indicating the status of the printer, in addition to the color conversion process described above.

[0005] The printer driver generally performs R processing for generating print data based on image data.
The color conversion processing is performed on the GB multi-valued data to CMYK multi-valued data, and then the conversion processing is performed to convert the data into CMYK binary data. The image data generally has 256 colors for each of the RGB colors.
Each color is specified by a combination of values having different gradations.
On the other hand, in the print data, each color is specified by a combination of CMY and different values of gradation of each color obtained by adding black. Color conversion from image data to print data can be performed by calculation. However, practically, at the time of color conversion, the color of arbitrary image data is referred to the color conversion information defining the correspondence, for example, a color conversion table such as a lookup table. Convert to

[0006]

It has been empirically known that colors appearing in landscapes such as natural landscapes and city landscapes have unique characteristics depending on regions, groups, and the like. For example, flowers that are close to the primary colors are in full bloom, people prefer to use the primary colors, areas where colorful expressions can be seen, areas where the blue sea, white clouds, green trees and the like appear vividly, natural scenery May appear in a color tone close to monotone, and there may be an area where people like a bitter shade, and an area where a halftone color is preferred under a soft light ray. Also, a group, for example,
It is also known that in terms of nationality, ethnicity, etc., there is a color that is favored by those members. For example, one ethnic group
They tend to prefer reddish colors. In the case of a company or a group, a company color (not necessarily a single color) that symbolically represents the image of the company or the group may be defined. In such a case, it is desired that the colors be printed so that they appear most clearly.

However, the above-mentioned color conversion information is prepared in advance by a printer driver in accordance with the ink to be used. Therefore, it has not been considered that the user selects color conversion information for converting to a desired color tone or specifies correction.

In this regard, it is conceivable to prepare a plurality of types of color conversion information. It is also conceivable to prepare standard color conversion information and prepare a plurality of types of correction information. However, it is not always easy for a user to select desired color conversion information or correction information from a plurality of types of color conversion information or correction information. The reason is that it is not easy to specify one's own color preferences.

On the other hand, it is difficult for the manufacturer to prepare various types of color conversion information or correction information according to the taste of each person because the information amount becomes enormous and it is difficult to realize. Therefore, it is inevitable to prepare a limited type of color conversion information or correction information.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to allow a user to easily specify a color conversion according to his / her preference.
An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables color conversion according to user's preference by preparing limited types of color conversion information or correction information.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided:
In a print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be printed in an image forming apparatus based on image data, color conversion information for converting a color appearing in the image data into a color corresponding to a predetermined region in the print data. A print condition management unit having a function of holding print data, a print data generation unit that performs a color conversion process on image data using the color conversion information to generate print data, and a unit that receives an instruction to specify a region. Prepare.

The print data generating means acquires information indicating the designated area and performs the color conversion using the corresponding color conversion information managed by the print condition management means.

With such a configuration, it is possible to perform color conversion based on color conversion information stored in advance for a region desired by the user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be printed in an image forming apparatus based on image data, a color represented in the image data is determined in a predetermined area in the print data. Print condition management means having a function of holding color conversion information for converting to a color corresponding to the image data, and print data generation means for generating print data by performing color conversion processing on the image data using the color conversion information And

The print data generating means obtains information indicating the area managed by the operating system, and performs the color conversion using the corresponding color conversion information managed by the print condition management means.

With such a configuration, it is possible to perform a color conversion process according to the region designation by the operating system.

Further, in the present invention, the user can use the area (language) designation information set by the printer driver and the area (language) designation information set by the OS. In this case, the information set by the user can be preferentially used. Thereby, it is possible to give priority to the user's preference.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, color conversion of image data is performed using color conversion information. Here, as the color conversion information, for example, an input value group consisting of a combination of RGB values, which specifies each color expected to appear in image data, and a combination of each input value,
It comprises data that specifies each color that is expected to appear as a color reproduced during printing and that is associated with an output value group composed of a combination of CMYK values. Specifically, it can be prepared in the form of a look-up table. In order to prepare all the color conversion information, an enormous memory space is required. Therefore, 256 gradations of each color are divided into several parts in advance, and a grid of these division points is virtually assumed. , Each grid point can have an input value and an output value corresponding thereto. In this case, a color existing between grid points is handled by an interpolation operation between grid points.

It is also possible to use color ink obtained by adding light cyan (LC) and light magenta (LM) to CMYK. In this case, RGB
The image data is color-converted into print data specified by CMYLCLMK.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a hardware system configuration used in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a computer 2 for realizing various processes by an application program and a process by a printer driver for printing the result, and a printer connected to the computer 2 1 is shown. The computer 2 and the printer 1 can constitute a printing system for forming an image on paper. In this case, the printer 1 functions as an image forming device, and the computer 2 functions as a print data generating device.

The computer 2 includes a computer main body 20.
0, a display device 221 connected thereto, a keyboard 222, and a power supply device (not shown).

The computer main body 200 is connected to a CPU 201 for executing various programs, a ROM 202 for storing various data and various programs, a RAM 203 for temporarily storing data and programs, and a display device 221. Display device 22
, A keyboard controller 205 connected to a keyboard 222 to control the keyboard, a floppy disk drive 206 for reading and writing a flexible disk, and a hard disk drive 20 for storing data and programs.
7 and a CD for reading data from a CD-ROM
A ROM drive 208, a printer interface 209 for connecting to the printer 1, and a network interface 210 for connecting to a network. In addition, the keyboard 22 described above is used as an input device.
2, a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown) and a controller therefor.

The printer 1 is an ink jet printer capable of performing color printing. This printer 1 has a printing mechanism 1
00, a print control unit 160, and a power supply circuit (not shown). In addition, an ink cartridge (not shown) containing ink is attached to the printer 1, and
The storage element 40 provided in these ink cartridges
0 is connected.

The print control unit 160 includes a CPU 161 for executing various programs, a ROM 162 for storing various data and various programs, a RAM 163 for temporarily storing data and programs, and a computer 2.
164 for connecting to the printer, an EEPROM 165 which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory for storing ink information and the like to be described later, the printing mechanism 100, and the storage element 4.
00 and a parallel input / output interface 166 for connecting the operation panel 167 to the print control unit 160. The print control unit 160 is connected to the print mechanism 100, sends print data, and controls a printing operation. Further, information indicating the printing state of the printing mechanism 100 is obtained and sent to the computer 2.

The operation panel 167 receives various instructions to the printer. The computer 200
, The setting of the paper type, which is performed by the printer driver 250, can also be performed on the operation panel 167. The setting of the paper type includes, for example, setting of the type of paper used in the printer, such as plain paper, fine paper, glossy paper, and the like. Paper type information indicating the type of paper received on the operation panel 167 is stored in, for example, the EEPROM 165. The setting of the paper type is received by the printer driver 250 (see FIG. 2A) in the computer main body 200. When the operation is performed by the computer 200,
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the input / output control unit 253 of the printer driver 250 has a function of displaying a screen for setting on the display device 221 and receiving an instruction to specify the type of paper.

The printer may be provided with a paper type detecting device. In this case, the detection result of the paper type detection device may be fetched and stored in the EEPROM 165. As this type of sensor, a detection device that reads a mark attached to a sheet, a detection device that reads information indicating the type of a sheet attached to a part of a sheet packaging material, or the like can be used. As this type of detection device, for example, a barcode reader or the like can be used.

FIG. 2A shows a functional configuration realized by the computer main body 200 in this embodiment.

The computer main body 200 has various applications 240 realized by application programs, a printer driver 250 having a program and data for generating print data and the like, and a communication control unit 230. These perform various processes using the functions of an operating system (OS) (not shown) under the control of the OS. These processes are executed by the CPU 2
01. OS functions include, for example,
Various settings for display and the like are performed. Specifically, the region (language) is normally specified as a standard in the OS at the time of shipment. The user can specify to change the area (language) to the area (language) desired by the user.
By specifying the area, the notation of the window, the clock, and the like are set according to the language used by the user. The area designation information can be referred to in the printer driver 250 and various applications. Also in the present embodiment, the area designation information is used for color correction at the time of color conversion.

In the present embodiment, as will be described later, color conversion uses color conversion information corresponding to the designation of a region so that the color to be printed can be adjusted to a color tone that matches the taste of the region. To perform color conversion processing. At that time, the information of the area designation is referred to.

The printer driver 250 has, as its functions, a print data generation unit 251, a spool file storage unit 252, an input / output control unit 253, and a print condition management unit 2
54.

The print data generator 251 functions as a means for generating print data based on image data. At that time, color conversion processing is performed on the image data using the designated color conversion information. That is, based on a print request from the application 40, the keyboard 222, or the like, color conversion processing is performed on display data (RGB data), and further, halftone processing is performed to generate print data. After that, the print data is sent to the printer 1. The transmission of the print data to the printer 1 is performed by temporarily storing the print data in the spool file storage unit 252, reading the print data in the order of printing, and sending the read data to the printer 1 via the communication control unit 230.

The print data generation unit 251 acquires the set printing conditions and uses the corresponding color conversion information based on the printing conditions to perform color conversion corresponding to the resolution set for the image data to be printed. Color conversion is performed using the information. At this time, as the printing conditions for specifying the color conversion information, in the present embodiment, the setting of the paper type and the print mode are used. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a color conversion process is performed according to the type of paper and the print mode. Printer 1
When the paper to be used is specified, the specified paper type information is acquired and temporarily stored in the RAM. The management of such information is performed by a printing condition management unit 2 described later.
54.

The spool file storage unit 252 has a RAM
The hard disk drive 203 and / or the hard disk drive 207 store the print data described above as a spool file.

The input / output control section 253 displays a guidance screen or the like on the display device 221 to provide information to the user. Various instructions are received via the keyboard 222 and the mouse. For example, instructions such as paper type designation, ink designation, print mode designation, and preview display instruction are accepted.

The screen to be displayed includes a screen for various settings for the printer at the time of printing. For example, a screen for receiving settings such as paper size, paper type, and resolution is displayed. 3 and 4 show an example thereof. In these figures, the setting screen 500 displays a window selected from among windows for setting. 3 and 4, a basic setting window 510 directly related to the present embodiment is displayed.

The basic setting window 510 includes a paper type area 520 for setting a paper type in a pull-down menu format, and an ink selection area 530 for selecting ink.
A mode setting area 540 for setting a print mode at the time of printing, and an ink remaining amount display area 5 indicating an ink remaining amount.
50, a button 560 for instructing a print preview, and a guide area 570 for guiding and displaying setting items are displayed. In the window 500, an “OK” button area 501 for inputting an instruction to determine a setting item is displayed.
A "cancel" button area 502 for inputting an instruction to cancel an input item and a "help button" area 503 for inputting an instruction to display help are displayed.

In the mode setting area 540, options such as a recommended setting 541, an auto photo fine 542, and a detailed setting 543 are prepared as items relating to resolution, printing speed, and the like. Further, as a setting relating to the color tone, a color correction instruction 544 for each region (language), a region (language) designation area 545 for designating a region (language), a pull-down menu 546 associated therewith, and an image matching the printing conditions are displayed. A mode setting sample display area 547 is prepared. Here, when the region (language) -specific color correction instruction 544 is on, that is, in a selected state, the region designation in the printer driver has priority over the region designation by the OS. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are in a selected state. Also,
In the present embodiment, the recommended settings 541, the auto photo fine 542,
A region (language) can be designated in relation to each option in the detailed setting 543. In this manner, color tone correction can be performed in accordance with print quality such as resolution. Of course, it may be possible to specify the area without combining the area specification and the resolution.

The pull-down menu 546 lists information indicating a region (language) corresponding to the OS, for example, German, English, Japanese, and the like. In the present embodiment, the area is specified by language. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, designation may be made by continent, island, country, region, group, and the like. As a group, for example, companies,
Schools and the like.

The print condition management unit 254 includes a print control unit 25
1, color conversion information corresponding to a paper type and a print mode is held during color conversion. In the present embodiment,
If there is no corresponding color conversion information, an acquisition support process is also performed. Specifically, a support process for downloading via the Internet can be performed.

The color conversion information is held, for example, in the form of an LUT. In this table, an input value group and an output value group are associated with each other. The input value group includes a plurality of combinations of input values that specify the gradation of each color expected to appear in the image data. Specifically, for example, R
There are a plurality of combinations of values that specify 256 gradations for each of the colors GB. On the other hand, the output value group includes a plurality of combinations of a plurality of output values that specify the gradation of each color that is expected to appear as a color reproduced during printing. Specifically, for example, there are a plurality of combinations of values for specifying the gradation of each color of CMYK and LCLM. The LUT associates a combination of each input value of the input value group with a corresponding combination of output values of the output value group. Therefore,
Given a certain combination of input values, a corresponding combination of output values is specified.

The logic for determining the color conversion information is assembled hierarchically, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. L
In the UT selection processing 2540, first, it is roughly classified according to the difference in ink, and is further divided for each ink and further for each paper type. Furthermore, it is divided for each resolution. Here, the LUT is determined for each resolution. As an option for specifying the ink, in FIG.
Are shown, but are not limited thereto. For example, there may be multiple options for each concentration for each. Examples of the paper type 2542 include plain paper, spur fine (SF) paper, glossy paper, and the like. Further, as the resolution 2543, for example, 180 dp
i, 360 dpi, 720 dpi and the like. Therefore, as an LUT, one LUT is configured by combining the ink identification information, the paper type, and the resolution. That is, in the resolution hierarchy of FIG. 8, there are LUTs corresponding to the number of options.

In the present invention, color conversion information for obtaining a color tone corresponding to a region is used. Therefore, color conversion information for obtaining a color tone specific to each area is used for resolution. For this reason, in addition to the LUT corresponding to the resolution, an LUT for obtaining a color tone unique to each region is required. However, if an LUT is prepared for each region, a huge amount of data is required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, color correction information used when performing correction for obtaining a color tone corresponding to a region is prepared for an LUT corresponding to a resolution hierarchy option. For example, a region 1 is specified for languages such as German, English, and Japanese, and region 1-color correction information, region 2-color correction information,
.., Like area n-color correction information, has color correction information 2544 corresponding to each area. This makes it possible to reduce the data amount of the LUT to be held. It should be noted that the regional color correction information may be different for all regions, but in practice, it is difficult to distinguish a plurality of regions even if they have the same color tone. For this reason, common color correction information is used for those having almost the same color tone after printing. By doing so, the data amount of the color correction information to be held can be further reduced.

By the way, since the ink to be used is usually specified, the portion selected by the ink in the above LUT is fixedly determined. Of course, in the case of a printer that can change the ink type,
The printer driver 250 obtains information indicating the type of ink or the type of ink recorded in the memory mounted on the ink cartridge, and selects an LUT according to the type of ink. The type of paper is determined by selecting the type of paper. On the other hand, the resolution is determined according to a print mode determined according to a finishing state, a printing speed, and the like when the mode is designated.

These LUTs and color correction information can all be managed by the printing condition management unit 254. That is, at the time of shipment of the printer driver, a prepared LUT is stored in correspondence with the choice of the hierarchy of the resolution 2543, and each LUT can be selected by a combination of the ink identification information, the paper type information and the resolution information. deep. With this, when the ink type 2541, the paper type 2542, and the resolution 2543 are determined, the LUT to be used inevitably is determined. Then, when the area is specified, color correction information is determined based on the area specification information, and color conversion is performed by using the related LUT and color correction information as color conversion information.

The LUT contains all RGB necessary for color conversion.
Combinations of gradations, and corresponding CMYK and LCLM
Are prepared. However, since the information for this is enormous, as described above, an RGB grid is formed, data is prepared using the grid points as a representative combination, and the gradation combination for each color of RGB between the grid points is , Calculated by interpolation. This embodiment also employs that method.

It is not necessary to provide an LUT for each resolution. The LUT for any resolution is standard LU
By having color correction information corresponding to T, color conversion information may be prepared for other resolutions. Further, it is also possible to prepare a LUT for each resolution for any type of paper, and to have color correction information corresponding to each different paper type. This can be similarly applied to a case corresponding to the kind of ink. By using the color correction information in this manner, the color conversion information can be stored in a smaller storage area as compared with the case where all the color conversion information is stored in the LUT format.

For the standard LUT and the color correction information,
It is prepared together with the printer driver in advance, and is installed in the computer main body 200 when the printer driver is installed. Standard LUT installed
The color correction information and the color correction information are placed under the management of the color information management unit 254.

Of course, a new standard LUT and color correction information can be additionally installed. Also,
A standard LUT may be prepared in a printer driver, and color correction information may be additionally installed. For example, it can be obtained from the storage element 400 or downloaded from a website. When the color correction information is not stored, for example, an address (URL) of a Web site as a download source can be stored instead. As a result, the color correction information can be downloaded using the URL. By doing so, it is possible to avoid preparing color correction information for all areas in advance. In the present embodiment, the added LUT is the color information management unit 2
It is placed under the management of 54 and used at the time of color conversion.

FIG. 5 shows region (language) designation information 2544a.
An example of a table for associating a color correction information pointer 2544b indicating the storage location of the corresponding color correction information is shown. Here, if there is no color correction information corresponding to any of the region (language) designation information, the address (URL) of the Web site as the download source is stored.

The region (language) designation information and the color correction information
It does not necessarily correspond one-to-one. For example, a plurality of region (language) designation information may correspond to the same color correction information. In this case, pointers indicating the same color correction information correspond to different region (language) designation information.

It should be noted that the LUT may not be prepared in the printer driver but all may be introduced from outside. As described above, the method of introduction can be dealt with by reading out from the storage element 400 or downloading it through the Internet or the like.

The color correction information can be constituted, for example, as follows. That is, as the color correction information, the standard L
For the value of the part where the difference occurs in the color conversion information prepared in the UT, prepare a value to be used by replacing it. For the value of the part where the difference occurs in the standard color conversion information, a difference value for correcting it Can be prepared. Of course, it is not limited to these. When such color correction information is used, for example, the standard LU
In the range where the value of T can be used, it is used, and in the range where it cannot be used, the value of the correction LUT is used. By doing so, it is possible to deal with a small amount of data in the same manner as when many LUTs are prepared.
Further, when a different region is newly designated or the type of paper to be newly dealt with is increased, color correction information is prepared only for a difference portion without preparing the entire LUT. be able to.

When performing printing, if the print data generation unit 251 does not prepare the color correction information corresponding to the designated area (language), the printing condition management unit 254 determines that the “compatible color correction information Is not available ", and
The input / output control unit 253 causes the input / output control unit 253 to display a screen on the display device for requesting an input of an approval of “Is it possible to print using color correction information having a close value among the prepared color correction information?” In addition, a message that guides a method for obtaining corresponding color correction information can be displayed on the display screen. At this time, a click button for download may be displayed on the display screen so that necessary color correction information can be downloaded via the Internet. In this case, in addition to downloading the corresponding color correction information, the corresponding LUT can be downloaded by downloading the color correction information. The downloaded LUT is placed under the control of the printing condition management unit 254, and is used at the time of color conversion.

As a concept of the color conversion information, a configuration is possible in which the LUT in the resolution hierarchy is set to have a neutral color tone regardless of the region, and color correction information is prepared for each region. As another concept, the LUT in the resolution hierarchy may be adjusted so as to have a color tone in any region, and color correction information may be provided for other regions. For example, an LUT may be prepared for a region that is likely to be specified, in order to realize a color tone unique to that region. Specifically, an LUT may be prepared for a region related to a language supported by an OS such as a Japanese OS or an English OS because it is more likely to be specified from another region.

FIG. 2B shows a functional configuration of the print control unit 160. The print control unit 160 reads out ink information from the storage element 400, updates the ink information, and responds to a request from the computer main body 200, with a print mechanism control unit 171 that controls the operation of the print mechanism 100. Paper / ink information management unit 17 for transmitting ink information
2 and a communication control unit 174 that exchanges data with the computer main body 200. These functions are
This is realized by the PU 161 executing a program stored in the ROM 162.

Next, the operation of the print control apparatus of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIGS.

When the ink cartridge is mounted and the power of the printer 1 is turned on, the print control unit 160 is started. That is, the CPU 161 functions as the communication control unit 174, the print control mechanism management unit 171 and the paper / ink information management unit. The printing mechanism control unit 171 controls the printing mechanism 1
Various preparation processes such as an initial setting process are performed on 00. The paper / ink information management unit 172 stores the storage element 400.
Is read, and the stored contents are stored in the EEPROM 165. Operation panel 1
When the paper type specific setting from 67 is performed, the paper / ink information management unit 172 fetches the input information via the interface 166 and stores the information in a corresponding area of the EEPROM 165.

On the other hand, the computer main body 200 fetches various information set in the printer 1 so that the information can be referred to in setting conditions at the time of printing.
It is also assumed that an area controlling the OS controlling the computer body 200 has been designated.

Here, the operation at the time of printing will be described with reference to FIG. In the computer main body 200, the printer driver 250 includes a print data generation unit
The OS area (language) designation information set in step (1) is acquired (step 2001). Next, it is checked whether or not the area designation information is set in the driver (step 200).
2). For this, as described above, it is checked whether or not the region (language) -specific color correction instruction 544 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is set to ON. This setting is for the printer driver 2
It can be known by examining the data stored by the 50. If it is set to ON, the driver area (language) designation information set for the driver is set (step 2003). On the other hand, if it is not set to ON, the OS area (language) designation information is set (step 2004). Then, it waits for a print execution instruction (step 2006).

When there is a print instruction, the print data generating means 2
51 obtains printing conditions from the printing condition management means 254. The printing conditions include obtaining color correction information corresponding to the set area (language) designation information.
As shown in FIG. 5, the color correction information is provided in advance in correspondence with the area (language) designation information. Here, when there is no corresponding color correction information, a message is displayed as described above. Also, a URL is displayed so that downloading from a Web site can be performed. Note that this URL
May be linked to the Internet.

Here, when the color correction information can be obtained, the LUT to be used is captured from the printing conditions, that is, the paper, the print mode, and the like, and the color correction information for the LUT is obtained and color conversion is performed ( Step 2007). afterwards,
The print data is generated by performing a process such as a halftone process and transmitted to the printer (step 200).
8).

In this manner, printing can be performed in a region-specific color tone corresponding to each of the user's designation and the OS's designation. Here, if you change the paper or change the print mode,
The LUT is selected, and the corresponding color correction information is selected.

Next, the setting of the area (language) designation information by the user will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the user can specify a region in the region specification of the OS. In that case, the designated area (language) designation information is stored, and the information is used from the next time. Here, the setting of the area (language) designation information by the printer driver 250 will be described.

When the user inputs an instruction for setting printing conditions, the input / output control unit 253 causes the display device to display a setting screen shown in FIG. At the same time, the printing conditions that have been set are acquired from the printing condition management unit 254 (step 1001). Then, a print image matching the print condition is displayed as a sample in the mode setting sample display area 547 (step 1002). In this state,
Wait for an operation input (step 1003).

If there is an operation input, it is checked whether it is an operation for changing the setting (step 1004). If so, a setting input is accepted (step 1005).
Then, the printing conditions are newly acquired based on the input settings, and a corresponding mode setting sample is displayed (steps 1001 and 1002). Then, when there is a cancel by the cancel button 502, the operation input up to that time is canceled (step 1009), and the process is ended. On the other hand, or when there is an instruction to confirm with the OK button 501, the setting values are saved under the control of the printing condition management unit 254 (step 1008).

With the above processing, the set value becomes a new printing condition. For example, if a region (language) is newly specified, the specification becomes effective in subsequent printing.
At this time, the condition is that the region (language) -specific color correction instruction is on. Printing in a color tone unique to a region with reference to the region (language) designation information at the time of printing is performed according to the procedure described above.

In the above-described embodiment, the mode setting is displayed. This can be done as follows. That is, corresponding to the above-described color correction information, a sample image that can be displayed on a screen with an image whose color tone is corrected by the color correction information and printed is prepared in advance, and the designated color correction information is Correspondingly, it is displayed in the mode setting sample table area 547. The sample is managed and stored in the print condition management unit 254.

The color-corrected print data can be converted into RGB in a state where the corrected color tone can be stored and displayed in the mode setting sample table area. In this case, the sample data is used as the print data, but is different from the example in which the sample is directly displayed in that the actual conversion process is performed.

Further, a part of the actual print data to be printed can be displayed in the mode setting sample table area.

Note that all or a part of the processing performed by the printer driver is performed by the print control unit 160 of the printer.
May be performed. Further, a part of the processing performed on the printer side may be performed on the printer driver side.

In the embodiment described above, the area is specified by specifying the language used there. The present invention can also be configured so that the color preference is specified by, for example, displaying a map and specifying an area of the map. In the case of a corporate user or the like, by assigning a specific language to a corporate color among the regions (languages) and designating the region (language), it is possible to realize printing with a tone unique to the company. In addition, the company name can be listed directly in the region (language) designation information, and specific color correction information can be assigned to the company name in advance, and printing with a color tone unique to the company can be performed. This can be realized, for example, by providing a dedicated LUT for each company and assigning it to region (limit) designation information.

[0072]

According to the present invention, the user can easily specify the color conversion according to his / her preference and prepare limited types of color conversion information or correction information. It enables color conversion according to the user's preference.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a hardware system used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized by a computer main body, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized by a printer in the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting print conditions.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for setting printing conditions, and particularly, an example of area (language) designation;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a table storing region (language) designation information and a color correction information pointer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting printing conditions, particularly, area (language) designation information on a printing condition setting screen.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for generating print data with reference to area (language) designation information at the time of printing.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing selection logic for determining an LUT used for color conversion.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer 100 ... Printing mechanism 160 ... Printing control part 161 ... CPU 162 ... ROM 163 ... RAM 164, 166 ... I / F 165 ... EEPROM 167 ... Operation panel 171 ... Printing mechanism control part 172 ... Paper / ink information management part 174 ... Communication control unit 2 ... Computer 200 ... Computer body 201 ... CPU 202 ... ROM 203 ... RAM 209 ... P / I / F 221 ... Display device 222 ... Keyboard 230 ... Communication control unit 240 ... Application 250 ... Printer driver 251 ... Print data Generation unit 252 Spool file storage unit 253 Input / output control unit 254 Printing condition management unit 310 CD-ROM 320 Floppy disk 400 Storage element 500 Printing condition setting window

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B057 AA11 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CE17 CH18 5C077 LL19 MP01 MP08 PP32 PP34 PP37 PQ08 PQ23 TT02 5C079 HB01 HB03 HB12 LA01 LA31 LB00 MA03 NA03 NA03 NA06

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be printed by an image forming apparatus based on image data, wherein a color represented in the image data is represented by
A print condition management unit having a function of retaining color conversion information for converting to a color corresponding to a predetermined region; and generating print data by performing a color conversion process on the image data using the color conversion information. A print data generating unit, and a unit for receiving an instruction to specify a region, wherein the print data generating unit acquires information indicating the specified region, and corresponding color conversion information managed by the print condition managing unit. A print data generating apparatus for performing the color conversion using 2. A print data generating apparatus for generating print data to be printed in an image forming apparatus based on image data, wherein a color appearing in the image data is represented by
A print condition management unit having a function of retaining color conversion information for converting to a color corresponding to a predetermined region; and generating print data by performing a color conversion process on the image data using the color conversion information. A print data generation unit, wherein the print data generation unit acquires information indicating an area managed by the operating system, and performs the color conversion using corresponding color conversion information managed by the print condition management unit. A print data generation apparatus characterized in that the print data generation is performed. 3. The print data generation device according to claim 2, further comprising: a unit that receives an instruction to specify a region, wherein the print data generation unit receives information indicating the region by the print data generation unit. If the information indicates the area, the information indicating the area managed by the operating system is obtained if the information indicating the area is not specified by the print data generation unit. A print data generation apparatus, wherein the color conversion is performed using corresponding color conversion information managed by a condition management unit. 4. The print data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the print condition management unit includes a plurality of print condition management units configured to output the color conversion information as a color corresponding to the region. A print data generation apparatus, which has a kind of color conversion information, wherein the print data generation means performs a color conversion process using corresponding color conversion information based on information designating a region. 5. The print data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the print condition management unit includes, as the color conversion information, standard color conversion information that is a standard, and The standard color conversion information holds color correction information for correcting to a color corresponding to the region, and the print data generation unit can perform color conversion by the standard color conversion information based on information specifying a region. In this case, the color conversion processing is performed using the standard color conversion information, and if the color correction information is present, the color conversion processing is performed using the standard color conversion information and the color correction information. Data generator. 6. The print data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the print condition management unit has color conversion information corresponding to a type of paper that can be specified, and A print data generating apparatus for storing color conversion information for converting at least one of possible papers into a color corresponding to the predetermined area. 7. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information for specifying the area is information for specifying a language. 8. A printer driver for causing a computer to generate print data to be printed in an image forming apparatus based on image data, wherein a color represented in the image data is represented by
It has color conversion information for converting to a color corresponding to a predetermined region, and has a function of managing the color conversion information, and prints image data by performing a color conversion process using the color conversion information. Causing the computer to execute a function of generating data and a function of receiving an instruction to specify a region, and causing the computer to acquire information indicating the specified region when executing the function of generating the print data. A printer driver for performing the color conversion using corresponding color conversion information managed by the printing condition management unit. 9. A printer driver for causing a computer to generate print data to be printed in an image forming apparatus based on image data, wherein a color represented in the image data is represented by
It has color conversion information for converting to a color corresponding to a predetermined area, and has a function of managing the color conversion information, and prints image data by performing a color conversion process using the color conversion information. Causing the computer to execute a function of generating print data for generating data, and executing the function of generating the print data, causing the computer to obtain information indicating an area managed by an operating system, A printer driver for causing the color conversion to be performed using corresponding color conversion information managed by the printing condition management unit. 10. The printer driver according to claim 9, further comprising: causing the computer to execute a function of receiving an instruction to specify an area, wherein the computer executes the function of generating the print data. If the function to accept the instruction to specify is executed and the information to specify the area is obtained, the information is used, and if the computer does not execute the function to accept the instruction to specify the area, A printer driver for acquiring information indicating an area managed by an operating system, and performing the color conversion using corresponding color conversion information managed by the printing condition management unit. 11. A recording medium on which the printer driver according to claim 8, 9 or 10 is recorded.