JP2004038497A - Color printer control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color printer control unit capable of distinguishing image data of printed matter on the same screen by layer and preparing/editing print image data even if image data for a print object composed of different kinds of layers are prepared. <P>SOLUTION: The color printer control unit 10 is equipped with a plurality of image data preparing/editing means for preparing/editing image data corresponding to each of print units 21 and 22 of the color printer unit 20 provided with a plurality of print units 21 and 22, and a screen switching means for switching a plurality of screens prepared/edited by the image data preparing/editing means into a desired screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control device for a color printer having a plurality of printing units.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, a color printer is connected to a host computer. The host computer performs image processing / character input using application software for image processing (hereinafter, referred to as “image processing application software”), creates / edits image data, and then executes the image data processing. Is transmitted to a color printer to perform print processing.
[0003]
In addition, the application software has an editing function of inputting characters, inserting registered text, images, and the like, editing images, characters, texts, and the like, and moving / enlarging / reducing the image data, thereby converting image data. Can be created / edited.
[0004]
The color printer control device supplies image data created / edited by the application software to a color printer as print image data.
[0005]
When printing a print composed of a normal color and a specific color, image data for the normal color and specific color image data are created, and two color printers (a color printer for normal color printing and a specific color printer) are created. Using a color printer for color printing, one color printer prints print data of a normal color, and the other color printer prints print data of a specific color.
[0006]
When a card having a scratch layer (scratch card) or a card having a hologram layer is produced, a printed matter composed of a normal color or a specific color is formed, and then the normal color or the specific color is transferred. In addition, image data for forming a new scratch layer or hologram layer is created and printed on the normal color layer or the specific color layer.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, printing of a printed matter composed of different types of layers (for example, a normal color layer formed by transferring a normal color and a specific color layer formed by transferring a specific color) Since each type of layer must be created using image processing application software and printed using a plurality of color printers, it is complicated.
[0008]
In addition, since a printed matter composed of different types of layers is created using different color printers for different types of layers using different image processing application software, the printed matter is not printed. However, there is a problem that the characters and symbols may be shifted.
[0009]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a color printer control device capable of creating / editing print image data for each layer on the same screen even when creating image data of a printed material composed of different types of layers. The purpose is to do.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.
[0011]
A color printer control device (10) according to the present invention includes a plurality of image data creating / editing units for creating / editing image data corresponding to each printing unit of a color printer unit (20) including a plurality of printing units (21, 22). Means for switching a plurality of screens created by the image data creating / editing means to a desired screen. Further, the image data creating / editing means is capable of creating / editing image data corresponding to each printing unit on the same screen while distinguishing the image data.
[0012]
With this configuration, the user can create / edit image data supplied to each printing unit of the plurality of printing units while switching the image data creation / edit screen corresponding to each printing unit. That is, image data can be created / edited separately on the same screen for each printing unit.
[0013]
Each of the printing units is a printing unit for transferring at least one of a normal color layer, a protective layer, a specific color layer, and a special layer. Further, the specific color forming the specific color layer is at least one of gold, silver, fluorescent color, and metallic color. Further, the special layer is at least one of a scratch layer, a writing layer, a marking layer, a hologram layer, a magnetic memory layer, and a concealing layer for a backlight.
[0014]
In this way, different types of layers can be assigned to each printing unit, and image data can be created / edited separately for each layer. Specifically, for example, when the printer device includes two printing units, the printing unit is used to transfer a normal color layer and a protective layer, and the printing unit is used to form a specific color layer. When a unit is provided, an image to be printed as a normal color layer and an image to be printed as a specific color layer can be distinguished (on different screens) and created / edited.
[0015]
Further, the image processing apparatus further comprises an image data combining unit for combining a plurality of image data created / edited by the image data creating / editing unit.
[0016]
In this way, the image at the time of printing can be confirmed. In addition, it is possible to confirm and correct the overall arrangement of images, characters, and the like during printing.
[0017]
Further, the image processing apparatus further comprises image data storage means for storing image data created / edited by the image data creation / editing means / image data synthesized by the image data synthesizing means.
[0018]
With this configuration, it is possible to store image data created by the user and image data obtained by combining the image data created by the user.
[0019]
The image processing apparatus further includes a print control unit for transmitting the image data created / edited by the image data creation / editing unit to the corresponding printing units and printing the image data.
[0020]
Specifically, when the printing unit includes a first printing unit for forming a normal color layer and a protective layer, and a second printing unit for forming a specific color layer, The printing control unit forms a normal color layer with the first printing unit, forms a protective layer on the normal color layer, and then forms a specific color layer on the protective layer with the second printing unit. Perform control.
[0021]
In the case where the printing unit includes a first printing unit for forming a normal color layer and a second printing unit for forming a protective layer and a special layer, the printing control means Controls the formation of a normal color layer by the first printing unit and the formation of a protective layer and a special layer on the normal color layer by the second printing unit. The protective layer and the special layer may be formed by patterning and transferring the protective layer.
[0022]
Further, in the case where the printing unit includes a first printing unit for forming a normal color layer and a protective layer, and a second printing unit for forming a special layer, The means controls to form a normal color layer and a protective layer in the first printing unit and to form a special layer on the protective layer in the second printing unit.
[0023]
With this configuration, the image data created / edited by the image data creating / editing unit can be printed by the corresponding printing units. In addition, the print control unit can print a printed material composed of different types of layers (normal color layer, specific color layer, special layer, and the like). Specifically, a printed matter composed of a normal color layer and a specific color layer can be printed on the printing paper. Further, a printed material composed of a normal color layer and a special layer can be printed on a printing paper surface.
[0024]
The image data created by the image data creating / editing means corresponding to at least one printing unit of the plurality of printing units is subjected to at least one of a binarization process and an area gradation process to obtain the image data. An image data changing means for changing data into a predetermined format is provided. Further, at least one of the plurality of printing units can print at least any data of gradation data and non-gradation data.
[0025]
In this way, a special layer can be formed.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal schematic configuration of the host computer. The host computer 10 is connected to the color printer device 20, is an image data creation device that creates / edits image data / print image data, and functions as a color printer control device. Here, the image data refers to image data created / edited by an image data creation / edit screen corresponding to each printing unit of the printer device described later, and the print image data refers to the image data creation / edit screen described above. Means image data (image data at the time of printing) obtained by combining the image data created / edited by.
[0028]
The host computer 10 includes a display unit 13 (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying information and the like from the control unit 12 via a bus 11, and an operation unit 14 for performing operations such as input / insertion of characters and images. (For example, a keyboard and a mouse), a printer interface unit 15 for electrically connecting the image data to be printed to the color printer device 20 for transmission to the color printer device 20, and an image data / printing device. A storage unit 16 for storing image data and a control unit 12 as control means for controlling each unit are electrically connected.
[0029]
The control unit 12 includes a CPU constituting the control unit main body, a ROM in which program data of processing performed by the CPU is stored, and a RAM in which various memory areas used when the CPU performs processing are formed. , Is provided.
[0030]
Further, the control unit 12 includes an image data creation / edit screen as image data creation / edit means for creating / editing image data corresponding to each of the printing units 21 and 22 of the color printer device 20 having a plurality of printing units. Is displayed on the display unit 13. Further, the created image data is transmitted to the respective printing units 21 and 22 of the corresponding color printer device 20 for printing control during printing.
[0031]
Specifically, for example, the printing units 21 and 22 provided in the color printer device 20 include a first printing unit 21 for transferring a normal color and the like to form a normal color layer and a protective layer, and a specific color And a second printing unit 22 for forming a specific color layer by transferring the same, a normal color layer is formed by the first printing unit 21, and a protective layer is formed on the normal color layer. After the formation, the second printing unit 22 controls to form a specific color layer on the protective layer. This makes it possible to print a printed material composed of the normal color layer and the specific color layer on the printing paper. Specifically, it is possible to create a paper surface in which a glossy specific color layer of gold, silver, metallic or the like is formed on a normal color layer.
[0032]
Further, the printing units 21 and 22 provided in the color printer device 20 include a first printing unit 21 for transferring a normal color or the like and forming a normal color layer, and a printing unit 21 and 22 for forming a protective layer and a special layer. And a second printing unit 22, when the first printing unit 21 forms a normal color layer, and the second printing unit 22 forms a protective layer and a special layer on the normal color layer. Control to form.
[0033]
Also, for example, the protective layer and the special layer can be formed by patterning and transferring the protective layer. Patterning is to apply a predetermined energy on the protective layer. Thereby, the surface state of the protective layer can be partially changed to a glossy / matte state (a special layer can be formed).
[0034]
This makes it possible to print a printed material composed of the normal color layer and the special layer on the printing paper. Specifically, a paper surface having a special layer such as a hologram formed on a normal color layer can be created.
[0035]
Further, the printing units 21 and 22 provided in the color printer device 20 include a first printing unit 21 for transferring a normal color or the like to form a normal color layer and a protective layer, and a printing unit 21 and 22 for forming a special layer. And the second printing unit 22, the first printing unit 21 forms a normal color layer and a protective layer, and the second printing unit 22 forms a special layer on the protective layer. Control. This makes it possible to print a printed material composed of the normal color layer and the special layer on the printing paper. Specifically, a paper surface having a special layer such as a hologram formed on a normal color layer can be created.
[0036]
The specific color is, for example, gold, silver, fluorescent color, metallic color, or the like. The special layer includes a scratch layer, a writing layer, a marking layer, a hologram layer, a magnetic memory layer, a backlight concealing layer, and the like.
[0037]
Further, the color print control device 10 changes the image data created on the image data creation / edit screen corresponding to the second printing unit 22 into a format for forming a predetermined special layer. An image data change screen is provided as a means. Specifically, the image data created by the image creation screen is subjected to a binarization process and an area gradation process. Further, it is preferable that the second printing unit 22 can print both data having gradation and data having no gradation (binary). Thereby, a special layer can be formed.
[0038]
Further, the image creation screen as the image data creation / editing means has a plurality of screens on the same screen corresponding to each of the printing units 21 and 22. Further, a screen switching means for switching the image creation screens corresponding to the respective printing units 21 and 22 to each other is provided. Thus, the user can, for example, transfer the specific color to the printing units 21 and 22 provided in the color printer device 20 and transfer the specific color to the printing unit 21 for forming the normal color layer. When the image data is distinguished from the printing unit 22 for forming the image data, the image data for forming the normal color layer and the image data for forming the specific color layer are distinguished from each other, and the image data is created while switching the screen.・ Can be edited.
[0039]
The printer interface unit 15 is connected to the color printer 20.
[0040]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a main part of the color printer device.
[0041]
As illustrated, the color printer device 20 includes a plurality of printing units 21 and 22. The print units 21 and 22 include a print head and ink ribbons 21b and 22b supplied to each print head. One of the print heads functions as a thermal head 21a for normal color printing, and the other functions as a thermal head 22a for specific color printing. Further, the color printer device 20 includes the printing units 21 and 22 and a platen roller 23 that is arranged to face the printing units 21 and 22 via a transport path. The printing units 21 and 22 / platen roller 23 are arranged vertically above and below the transport direction (arrow) of the paper P. Further, the ink ribbons 21b and 22b are supplied onto the end faces of the thermal heads 21a and 22a on which the heating resistors are provided. In the case of a normal color printer, the ink ribbon typically includes cyan, magenta, yellow, and / or a protective layer. These colors are used as they are, and other colors are expressed by combination (combination) such as superposition.
[0042]
The printing units 21 and 22 are provided with an image buffer 26 for supplying image data to be printed. Image data corresponding to each of the printing units 21 and 22 is transmitted from the host computer 10 to the image buffer 26, and printing is controlled.
[0043]
In the printing process performed by the host computer 10, the control unit 12 converts the image data corresponding to each of the printing units 21 and 22 created and edited by the user using the image data creating device into the image of the color printer 20. The data is transmitted to the storage unit as the buffer 26. The control unit of the color printer device 20 supplies the image data transmitted to the storage unit to each of the printing units 21 and 22. Further, the control unit of the color printer device 20 activates a drive unit such as a motor or the like, and performs a predetermined printing process on the paper P via the transport unit based on the image data supplied to each of the printing units 21 and 22. Do.
[0044]
Next, the procedure for creating image data and the operation of the printer control device will be described. In this embodiment, a case where image data is newly created will be described. Note that, for easy understanding, reference numerals corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given to respective devices and the like, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0045]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure from creation of image data to printing, FIG. 4 is a paper size setting screen, FIG. 5 is a new image creation screen, FIG. 6 is a screen in which registered text is inserted, and FIG. 8 is a screen where a registered material image is inserted, FIG. 9 is a screen where a material image is selected from a file and inserted, FIG. 10 is a screen displaying a first image creation screen and a second image creation screen, 11 is a screen in which the first and second image data are combined, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of movement of the material image and text, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of enlargement / reduction of the material image, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a frame display at the time of moving / enlarging / reducing, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of trimming of a material image, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of processing of a material image, FIG. FIG. Shows a Erei, 19 is a diagram showing a setting example of merge, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the use of merge.
[0046]
First, in step S11, the printer control device 10 is started, and initialization is performed.
[0047]
Specifically, the control unit 12 activates the printer control device 10 and activates a predetermined program, and displays a paper size setting screen 40 as an initial setting on the display unit 13 as shown in FIG. . The paper size setting screen 40 has a “new creation” tab 41 and an “open from file” tab 42 for calling a previously created image data file.
[0048]
The "new creation" tab 41 includes an item 41a relating to "paper size", an item 41b relating to "paper orientation", and an "OK" button 41c for determining the paper size and the like. Thus, after the user selects the paper size and the paper orientation, the user selects the “OK” button to set the paper size and the like. When the previously created image data file is to be called from a predetermined existing file, the “open from file” tab 42 is selected and the existing file is called.
[0049]
Next, in step S12, image data is created / edited.
[0050]
Specifically, the control unit 12 displays a new image data creation / edit screen 50 as image data creation / edit means on the display unit 13 as shown in FIG. The image data creation / edit screen 50 includes an item 51 for performing a predetermined process, an image creation screen 52 having a predetermined area, a text input item 53a, an image insertion item 53b, an image edit item 53c, and the like. Dialog box 53 and image data for normal color printing / specific color printing corresponding to printing units 21 and 22 (thermal head 21a for normal color printing and thermal head 22a for specific color printing) of color printer device 20 “Edit screen for 1st TPH” tab 54 and “Edit screen for 2nd TPH” tab 55 as screen switching means for selecting / switching a screen for creating an image, and select / insert a pre-created image in the image creation screen 52. Image selection means 56 as a first selection means for performing It includes a text selection unit 57 as a second selection means for selecting and inserting text, the. The first and second selecting means include a file hierarchy screen 56a, 57a for selecting a file, and an image / text preview for displaying an image / text stored in the file selected by the file hierarchy screen 56a, 57a. Screens 56b and 57b, "Add" and "Delete" buttons 58 and 59 for adding and deleting images / texts to the selected file, and "Adding image / text data to the image creation screen" Insert "buttons 60, 61.
[0051]
By selecting the "1st TPH editing screen" tab 54 and the "2nd TPH editing screen" tab 55, the image creation screen 52 is displayed as shown in FIG. Or an image creation screen 52a for specific color printing. As described above, image data corresponding to each of the printing units 21 and 22 of the color printer device 20 is created while being switched to the predetermined (normal color printing / specific color printing) image creation screens 52 and 52a.
[0052]
Next, in step S13, it is determined whether to process / edit the image data created in step S12. If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S14, and if negative, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S14, predetermined processing / editing is performed to create / edit image data.
[0053]
Specifically, for example, when inserting a registered text in the image creation screen 52, as shown in FIG. 6, a desired file is selected from the file hierarchy screen 57a of the text selection means 57, and the text preview screen 57b is displayed. A desired text may be selected from the displayed text examples, and the “insert” button 61 may be pressed. When the “insert” button 61 is pressed, the selected text 62 is inserted on the image creation screen 52.
[0054]
When a new character is to be input, a text input item 53a is selected from a dialog box 53 as shown in FIG. By this selection, a new text editing screen 65 is displayed. When a character is input to the text editing screen 65 by the operation unit 14 such as a keyboard and the "OK" button 66 is pressed, the input character is inserted into the image creation screen 52.
[0055]
When a registered material image is to be inserted, as shown in FIG. 8, a desired file is selected from the file hierarchy screen 56a of the image selection means 56, and a desired image is selected from the image example displayed on the image preview screen 56b. What is necessary is to select the data and press the “insert” button 60. When the “insert” button 60 is pressed, the selected image data 67 is inserted on the image creation screen.
[0056]
When a material image is selected from a file and inserted, as shown in FIG. 9, an image insertion item 53b is selected from a dialog box 53. By this selection, a new material image insertion screen 70 is displayed. From the material image insertion screen 70, a file in which the material image is stored is selected, and the image data stored in the file is selected, and the "OK" button 71 is pressed. The image data 72 selected above is inserted.
[0057]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, by selecting the "edit screen for 1st TPH" tab 54 and the "edit screen for 2nd TPH" tab 55, the image creation screens 52 and 52a can be switched. The “1st TPH editing screen” and the “2nd TPH editing screen” correspond to the printing units 21 and 22 of the printing apparatus 20. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image data for normal color printing corresponding to the thermal head 21a for normal color printing is created on the “1st TPH editing screen”, and the specific color printing corresponding to the thermal head 22a for specific color printing is performed. Image data is created on the “2nd TPH editing screen”. As a result, at the time of printing with the color printer device 20, the image data created on the “1st TPH editing screen” is specified on the thermal head 21a for normal color printing, and the image data created on the “2nd TPH editing screen” is specified. It is transmitted to the thermal head 22a for color printing.
[0058]
The image data created in the “edit screen for 1st TPH” / “edit screen for 2nd TPH” can be obtained by selecting a print preview item 75 from the item 51 for performing a predetermined process on one of the screens described above. As shown in FIG. 11, the image data created in the “edit screen for 1st TPH” / “edit screen for 2nd TPH” is combined to create print image data, and is newly displayed as a print preview screen 75a. As described above, the image data synthesizing unit for synthesizing the image data created by the “1st TPH editing screen” and the “2nd TPH editing screen” is provided. As a result, it is possible to confirm the overall arrangement of images, characters, and the like at the time of printing the image data distinguished between the “1st TPH editing screen” and the “2nd TPH editing screen”.
[0059]
To move the arrangement of the material image or the text, as shown in FIG. 12A, on the image data creation / edit screen, select the image 76 / text 77 to be moved and the position 78 to be moved. Drag and drop to 79 and move. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the image 76 / text 77 is moved on the image data creation / edit screen.
[0060]
In the case of enlarging / reducing the material image, for example, when enlarging / reducing the material image at the same vertical and horizontal ratio, the image is displayed on the material image by selecting the image data 80 as shown in FIG. .. 81 by dragging and dropping. As a result, the original image data 80 is enlarged or reduced as shown in the image data 80a and 80b.
[0061]
When the material image is deformed at a different vertical / horizontal ratio, as shown in FIG. 13B, by selecting the image data 82, the squares 83, 83,. This is performed by dragging and dropping while pressing. As a result, the original image data 82 is deformed as shown in the image data 82a to 82d.
[0062]
In the frame display at the time of moving / enlarging / reducing the material image, only the frame 85a of the material image 85 is displayed during the moving of the material image, as shown in FIG. After the drag and drop, the material image 85 is displayed as shown in FIG. During the enlargement / reduction of the material image, similarly to the movement of the material image or the like, only the frame 86a of the material image 86 is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, the material image 86 is displayed as shown in FIG.
[0063]
In the case of trimming the material image, as shown in FIG. 15, after selecting the material image 87 to be trimmed on the image data creation / editing screen, squares 88, 88. .. The trimming is performed by moving 88 vertically and horizontally to reduce the height / width of the image size. At this time, a status bar 89 is displayed at the bottom of the image creation screen 52, and an explanation is displayed.
[0064]
On the image creation screen, after inserting an image or the like by inputting a character, inserting a material image, text, or the like, and then processing the created image 90, as shown in FIG. Select the image editing item 53c. With this selection, a new image editing screen 91 is displayed. The image editing screen 91 includes a new image creating / editing screen 95 for processing / editing the image 90 created on the image creating screen 52, and an item 91a for inserting a symbol such as a line or a rectangle. A color change screen 91b composed of various colors, items 91c (rotation, inversion, contrast adjustment, RGB adjustment, sharp, blur, mask, etc.) for processing the image such as rotation and inversion of the image, and “ “OK” and “Cancel” buttons 93. Thus, the user can process / edit the image 90 on a new image creation screen by selecting a predetermined item or the like.
[0065]
In order to align the image data created on the image creation / editing screen, as shown in FIG. 17, the "Align" item 96 is selected from the items 51 for performing the predetermined processing. With this selection, a list 97 of a new “Align” menu is displayed. Specifically, items such as top alignment, bottom alignment, left alignment, right alignment, center alignment, horizontal position equal intervals, vertical position equal intervals, and the like are displayed. Thereby, the user selects a predetermined item (for example, a horizontal position equally spaced item) and places the plurality of image data 98, 98a, 98b created on the image creation screen 52 in the predetermined position. The intervals 98a and 98b can be arranged at equal intervals.
[0066]
On the image creation screen, after inserting an image or the like by inputting a character, inserting a material image or text, and then inserting a symbol such as a circle or a square into the inserted image, as shown in FIG. The image editing item 53c is selected from the dialog box 53. With this selection, a new image editing screen 91 is displayed.
[0067]
Thus, the user selects a predetermined item (for example, an item 91a for inserting a symbol such as a line or a rectangle), operates the mouse or the like, freely draws a line or a rectangle, and then “OK”. By pressing the "" button 93, an image 99 such as a new symbol is inserted into the image creation screen 52.
[0068]
Next, in step S15, it is determined whether to print the created image data. If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S17, and if negative, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the created image data / print image data is given a name and stored (saved) as a predetermined file.
[0069]
In step S17, the created image data is printed, and the process ends.
[0070]
When performing the insertion printing, the user selects the “insertion printing” item from the items for performing the predetermined processing. When performing insertion printing, it is necessary to register the insertion in a predetermined format in advance and define the insertion data. The default setting is that no merge printing is performed. When the “insert print” item is selected, a new insert print setting screen 100 is displayed as shown in FIG. The insert print setting screen 100 includes an item 101 for selecting whether or not to perform insert print, an input item 102 for insert print data, and an input item 103 for the number of insert print items. When performing the insertion printing, the user specifies (inputs) the location of the file storing the insertion printing format registered in advance in the input item 102 of the insertion printing data. Note that insertion target data for performing insertion is also set in advance as shown in FIG.
[0071]
When the insert print setting is performed, new insert print data 105 is displayed as shown in FIG. 20B, and the same number of objects 106 as the set items are displayed as shown in FIG. To 106c are displayed.
[0072]
In this way, the user lays out the objects 106 to 106c at a place where the objects 106 to 106c are to be arranged on the insertion print data 105, so that the objects 106 to 106c are set at predetermined positions. By the printing execution process, predetermined data is called from the insertion target data shown in FIG. 19B at a predetermined location, and printing is performed with the predetermined insertion data inserted.
[0073]
FIG. 21 shows an example of a printed matter printed by a color printer apparatus. FIG. 21A shows an image creation screen corresponding to a printing unit for forming a normal layer, and FIG. 21B shows a screen for forming a special layer. FIG. 21 (c) shows an image creation screen corresponding to the printing unit of FIG. 21 (a) and FIG. 21 (b). FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.
[0074]
This printed matter is an example of printing in the case where a printer unit is provided with a printing unit for forming a normal layer and a printing unit for forming a special layer. It is an example of printing.
[0075]
In this scratch card, as shown in FIG. 22, a normal layer 121 is formed on a paper surface 120, a protective layer 122 is formed on the normal layer 121, and special layers 123, 123, 123 are formed on predetermined portions of the protective layer 122. Is formed.
[0076]
As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B (see the description of FIG. 10), this printed matter forms an image creation screen 52 corresponding to a printing unit for forming a normal layer and a special layer. On the image creation screen 52a corresponding to the printing unit for image data, image data 110 composed of characters and the like composed of normal colors and image data 111 composed of special layers are produced.
[0077]
On the image creation screen 52 corresponding to the printing unit for forming the normal layer, a character item 110a of "Which is a hit?", A character item of a "hit" 110b, and a character item of a "losing" 110c, 110c are displayed. Created. In addition, on the image creation screen 52a corresponding to the printing unit for forming the special layer, the characters of "hit" and "losing" are displayed at the positions of the character items 110b and 110c of "hit" and "losing". Ellipses 112, 112, 112 painted in silver to surround them are created.
[0078]
When the image data created by the image creation screens 52 and 52a is printed, a printed matter 115 (scratch card) is created as shown in FIG.
[0079]
In the printed matter thus created, the silver film 117 (scratch layer) as the special layer 123 is formed on the character items 110b and 110c of "hit" and "losing". Thereby, the characters "hit" and "losing" formed under the silver film can be hidden. The silver film 117 can be easily scraped off by rubbing with a coin or the like.
[0080]
In addition, not limited to the scratch card shown in FIG. 21, by forming a special layer such as a hologram layer on a ticket, a certificate, a postcard, a direct mail, or the like, a printed matter having an impact can be created. In addition, printed matter of the normal color layer and the special layer, and of the normal color layer and the specific color layer can be easily formed. Further, a printed matter composed of different types of layers (a layer of a normal color, a layer of a specific color, a protective layer, and a special layer) can be easily created on the same screen while switching the screens.
[0081]
The image creation screen also functions as an image correction (edit) screen. Specifically, when a screen created by an image creation screen is stored in the past and the image data is to be corrected, the image data can be read from a storage unit or the like and edited on the image creation screen. .
[0082]
As described above, the printer control device 10 of the present invention is a color printer device including at least a normal color layer, a protective layer, and a plurality of printing units for forming one of a specific color layer and a special layer. A plurality of image data creating / editing means for creating / editing image data corresponding to each of the 20 printing units 21 and 22 on the same screen for each of different types of layers, and creating / editing by the image data creating / editing means. Screen switching means for switching a plurality of screens to be edited to a desired screen, image data synthesizing means for synthesizing the image data created / edited by the image data creating / editing means, and creation by the image data creation means / Edited image data / printing image data synthesized by the image data synthesizing means A storage unit 16 as image data storage means for, and a.
[0083]
As a result, image data composed of different types of layers can be created / edited separately on one screen. In addition, the arrangement, balance, and the like of the entire image, characters, and the like of the image data to be printed can be confirmed and corrected.
[0084]
The present invention can be implemented in various forms without being limited to the above embodiments.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of a host computer.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a main part of the color printer device.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure from creation of image data to printing.
FIG. 4 is a paper size setting screen.
FIG. 5 is a new image creation screen.
FIG. 6 is a screen on which a registered text is inserted.
FIG. 7 is a screen on which characters are input.
FIG. 8 is a screen in which a registered material image is inserted.
FIG. 9 is a screen in which a material image is selected from a file and inserted.
FIG. 10 is a screen displaying a first image creation screen and a second image creation screen.
FIG. 11 is a screen obtained by combining first and second image data.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of moving a material image and a text.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of enlargement / reduction of a material image.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a frame display when moving, enlarging, or reducing a material image.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a trimming example of a material image.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a processing example of a material image.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of material images.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of symbol insertion.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of insertion printing.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of insertion printing.
21A and 21B show examples of printed matter printed by a color printer device. FIG. 21A shows an image creation screen corresponding to a printing unit for forming a normal layer, and FIG. 21B shows a special layer formed. 21C is an image creation screen corresponding to a printing unit for printing, and FIG. 21C is a printed matter created by printing the image data created in FIGS. 21A and 21B.
FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 21 (c).
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Host computer
20 Color printer device
21, 22 Printing unit

Claims (13)

A plurality of image data creating / editing means for creating / editing image data corresponding to each printing unit of a color printer device having a plurality of printing units;
Screen switching means for switching a plurality of screens created / edited by the image data creation / editing means to a desired screen;
A color printer control device, comprising: 2. The color printer control device according to claim 1, wherein the image data creating / editing unit can create / edit image data corresponding to each printing unit on the same screen while distinguishing the image data. 3. The color printer control according to claim 1, wherein each of the printing units is a printing unit for forming at least one of a normal color layer, a protective layer, a specific color layer, and a special layer. apparatus. 4. The color printer control device according to claim 3, wherein the specific color forming the specific color layer is at least one of gold, silver, fluorescent color, and metallic color. 4. The color printer control device according to claim 3, wherein the special layer is at least one of a scratch layer, a writing layer, a marking layer, a hologram layer, a magnetic memory layer, and a backlight concealing layer. 3. The color printer control device according to claim 1, further comprising image data combining means for combining a plurality of image data created / edited by said image data creating / editing means. . 7. An image data storing means for storing image data created / edited by said image data creating / editing means / image data synthesized by said image data synthesizing means. The color printer control device according to any one of the above. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print control unit for transmitting the image data created / edited by the image data creating / editing unit to each corresponding printing unit and printing the image data. A color printer control device as described in the above. In a case where the printing unit includes a first printing unit for forming a normal color layer and a protective layer, and a second printing unit for forming a specific color layer, the printing control unit may include: Forming a normal color layer in the first printing unit, forming a protective layer on the normal color layer, and then controlling to form a specific color layer on the protection layer in the second printing unit. 9. The color printer control device according to claim 8, wherein: In a case where the printing unit includes a first printing unit for forming a normal color layer and a second printing unit for forming a protective layer and a special layer, the printing control unit includes: 9. The color according to claim 8, wherein the first printing unit forms a normal color layer, and the second printing unit performs control to form a protective layer and a special layer on the normal color layer. Printer control device. In a case where the printing unit includes a first printing unit for forming a normal color layer and a protective layer, and a second printing unit for forming a special layer, the printing control unit may include: 9. The color according to claim 8, wherein the first printing unit forms a normal color layer and a protective layer, and the second printing unit performs control to form a special layer on the protective layer. Printer control device. The image data created by the image data creating / editing means corresponding to at least one of the plurality of printing units is subjected to at least one of a binarization process and an area gradation process, and the image data is processed. 3. The color printer control device according to claim 1, further comprising image data changing means for changing the image data into a predetermined format. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of printing units is capable of printing at least one of data with gradation and data without gradation. 2. The color printer control device according to 1.

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