JP2004152311A - Image data conversion method, image data conversion system, and image data converter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To compose a flexible printer driver capable of easily and rapidly dealing with various changes. <P>SOLUTION: A conversion process comprising a plurality of steps executed in the printer driver is divided into modules executing the processes of the respective steps, and the respective modules are disclosed to a web page on a network. When an image is printed, its image data are outputted to a predetermined module (core module) on the network from a computer 100 connected to a printer. The core module converts the image data into print data by supplying them to a module disclosed to the web page in a suitable order, and supplies the obtained print date to the computer 100. The printer receives the print data from the computer 100 to print the image. Thereby, a new function can be added only by disclosing a new module, so that various changes can easily and rapidly be dealt with. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for converting image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device using a plurality of data processing devices connected to each other via a network.

  2. Description of the Related Art A color printer is widely used as an output device that outputs a color image created by using an image device such as a computer or a color image captured by an imaging device such as a digital camera. Color image data that can be handled by a color printer has a different data format from color image data output from imaging devices such as computers and imaging devices such as digital cameras. When printing image data to be printed, the image data is once converted into a data format printable by a color printer and then printed. Such data conversion is performed using a dedicated program called a printer driver (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Different color printers often have slightly different print data specifications, so usually dedicated printer drivers are provided for each printer model, and data conversion is performed appropriately by using these dedicated printer drivers. be able to.

  In addition, the color of the ink may vary slightly depending on the combination of the ink used and the printing paper.Therefore, in order to accurately reproduce the colors of the original image and print a high-quality color image, It is desirable to use an appropriate printer driver for each combination with printing paper. Furthermore, even when printing the same image, the printing method is naturally different between a case where a high-quality image is desired and a case where a quick print is desired. It is necessary to use printer drivers of different specifications. These various printer drivers are recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk or a compact disk, or provided from a printer maker via a communication line such as the Internet.

  On the other hand, in recent years, consumers' demands for print image quality and printing cost have diversified, and new printing papers and inks have been developed one after another by paper manufacturers and ink manufacturers to meet the demands of these consumers and put on the market. It has come to be. As new printing papers and inks are developed, new printer drivers are required accordingly. In particular, under the current situation where various printing papers and inks are already distributed in the market, for example, a large number of printer drivers must be prepared every time one new ink is developed.

JP-A-9-167063

  However, since developing a printer driver is a laborious task, it is difficult to quickly develop a dedicated printer driver for all newly developed printing papers and inks. For this reason, when using printing paper or ink for which a dedicated printer driver is not provided, another driver must be used instead, and high-quality printing that draws out the original performance of printing paper and ink must be performed. There was a problem that can not be. A similar problem may occur with various changes, for example, when a new data conversion type printer driver is developed.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and even when a new printing paper or ink is developed, it is possible to flexibly respond to the difference in the printer model and printing conditions. Regardless, to provide a flexible printer driver that always enables high-quality printing and that can easily reflect various changes, such as improvements in the printer driver itself, even when there are changes. With the goal.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the image data conversion method of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
An image data conversion method for converting image data into print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A plurality of programs for performing the conversion process at each stage of the series of data conversion are stored in a plurality of storage units connected to each other via a network so as to be executable,
The gist is that the image data is converted into the print data by sequentially converting the image data using the programs while referring to connection information for connecting to each of the storage units storing the programs. I do.

  In such an image data conversion method, a series of data conversion for converting image data into print data is divided into a plurality of programs and stored in a plurality of storage units so as to be executable, and the connection information is referred to. Meanwhile, the image data is sequentially converted using the programs of the respective storage units via the network, thereby converting the image data into print data.

  In this case, a series of data conversion processes including a new conversion process can be performed by storing the new program in the storage unit connected via the network in an executable manner. For example, when a new ink is developed, only a program of a portion related to the ink in the series of data conversion processing is newly developed and stored so as to be executable. In this case, by using the program via the network, it is possible to convert the image data into print data while taking into account the characteristics of the new ink. Similarly, when a new printing paper is developed or a new data conversion method is developed, only a program of a corresponding portion is newly developed, and the program is stored in a storage connected to a network. It is stored in a device so that it can be executed. In this way, the image data can be converted into print data by using the program via the network as needed. As described above, according to the image data conversion method of the present invention, it is possible to flexibly and quickly respond to addition of new elements and various changes.

  In the image data conversion method, when the image data is converted into the print data, the image data is sequentially supplied to a storage device in which each program is stored in accordance with the order in which the series of data conversion is performed. Alternatively, the image data may be converted into print data.

  As described above, it is preferable that the image data can be converted into the print data by supplying the image data to each of the storage devices and performing the conversion processing in accordance with the order of performing the series of data conversion.

  In this image data conversion method, when converting the image data into the print data, a plurality of programs for performing the series of data conversions are read in advance in predetermined storage means via the network, and The print data may be converted by sequentially converting the image data using each program.

  As described above, image data can be converted into print data by reading a plurality of programs for performing the series of data conversion and performing data conversion using the read programs. In addition, it is preferable to perform the data conversion after reading each program in this way, since the process of supplying image data to each storage device via a network can be omitted.

  In the image data conversion method, when converting the image data into the print data, a print condition in the printing apparatus is detected, and the image data is converted while referring to the connection information set in accordance with the print condition. Data may be converted to the print data.

  This is preferable because the conversion process can be appropriately performed by using a program stored in the storage unit suitable for the detected printing condition from among the plurality of storage units.

In order to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems of the related art, the image data conversion system of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
An image data conversion system that converts the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A plurality of data processing devices that are connected to each other via a network and perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion;
By storing connection information for connecting to the data processing device and controlling the order in which the image data is supplied to the data processing device to be the order of the series of data conversion, And a data conversion device for converting data into the print data.

  In such an image data conversion system, a plurality of data processing devices that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion are connected to each other via a network, and the order in which image data is supplied to each data processing device is as follows. The image data is converted into print data by controlling the sequence of the data conversion.

  In this case, by connecting the new data processing device to the network, a series of data conversion processes including the new data processing content can be performed. For example, when a new ink or a new printing paper is developed, or when a new data conversion method is developed, various changes can be made by developing a corresponding data processing device and connecting to a network. Is suitable because it can respond flexibly and promptly.

  In such an image data conversion system, a data conversion device and the plurality of data processing devices are connected to each other via a network, and the image data is sequentially transmitted from the data conversion device to each data processing device according to the series of data conversion. The supply may convert the image data into the print data.

  Thus, by supplying image data from the data conversion device to each data processing device in an appropriate order, the image data can be converted into the print data. In addition, it is preferable to supply image data from the data conversion device to each data processing device, since appropriate processing can be easily performed, for example, when it is necessary to stop the data conversion process.

  In such an image data conversion system, the following may be performed. That is, when each data processing device has completed each conversion process, the data processing devices are associated with each other in advance so that the converted image data is output to the data processing device that performs the next-stage conversion process. Thus, the image data is supplied from the data conversion device to an appropriate data processing device among the plurality of data processing devices based on the sequence of the series of data conversion.

  With this configuration, the image data supplied from the data conversion device to the data processing device is subjected to a predetermined conversion process, and then supplied to the data processing device that performs the next process, and finally converted into print data. Is done. Further, if the image data thus converted by the data processing device is directly supplied to the next data processing device, the image data can be quickly supplied, and thus the image data can be rapidly converted into print data. It is preferable because it can be performed.

  In such an image data conversion system, the following may be performed. First, the data conversion device generates transfer information including an order in which the data processing devices are arranged in the order in which the image data is to be supplied and connection information for connecting to the data processing device. Next, the generated transfer information and image data are supplied from the data conversion device to the appropriate data processing device in accordance with the sequence of the series of data conversion. The data processing device that has received the transfer information and the image data performs predetermined conversion processing on the image data, and then supplies the transfer information and the converted image data to an appropriate data processing device based on the transfer information. I do.

  In this case, the image data can be converted into print data by performing the conversion process in an appropriate order. Also, since each data processing device supplies the converted image data to the next data processing device according to the transfer information, after supplying the image data and the transfer information, the data conversion device performs various operations for converting the image data. This is preferable because control need not be performed. As a result, it is easy to simultaneously perform a plurality of conversion processes by, for example, supplying new image data and conversion information after a predetermined period of time after supplying image data and conversion information. This is preferable because

  In this image data conversion system, the plurality of data processing devices perform each conversion process, and output the converted image data to the designated data processing device. Alternatively, the output destination of the converted image data may be specified.

  In this way, if the image data is supplied to each data processing device while performing the conversion process according to the instruction of the data conversion device, the image data can be converted into the print data. Further, in this case, since the image data is directly supplied from the data processing device to the data processing device which performs the next conversion process, the image data can be supplied quickly, and further, a series of data conversion processes can be rapidly performed. This is preferable because it can be performed. Further, since the converted image data is supplied based on an instruction from the data conversion device, it is preferable that the data conversion can be appropriately performed even when it is necessary to stop the data conversion.

Further, in order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the image data conversion system of the present invention may have the following configuration. That is,
An image data conversion system that converts the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A plurality of storage devices that are connected to each other via a network and store a plurality of programs that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
From the plurality of programs, by selecting a program of each stage of the series of data conversion and reading via the network, by performing the series of data conversion on the image data using the read program, And a data conversion device for converting the image data into the print data.

  In such an image data conversion system, a plurality of programs for performing a conversion process at each stage of a series of data conversions are stored in advance in a plurality of storage devices connected via a network. When converting the image data into print data, a program for performing the processing of each stage of the series of data conversion is read from the storage device via a network, and the image data is converted using the read program. To print data.

  In this case, a series of data conversion processes including a new conversion process can be performed by storing the new program in the storage unit connected via the network. For example, when a new ink or a new printing paper is developed, or a new data conversion method is developed, a corresponding program should be developed and stored in a network-connected storage device. This is preferable because it is possible to flexibly and quickly respond to various changes.

The present invention can be understood as an image data conversion device used in the image data conversion systems of the above-described various aspects. That is, the first image data conversion device of the present invention includes:
An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
Connection information storage means for storing connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of data processing devices that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
While referring to the connection information, supply the image data to an appropriate data processing device among the data processing devices according to the sequence of the series of conversion processes, and receive the converted image data from the data processing device. A data conversion unit that converts the image data into the print data by repeatedly performing the processing via the network.

  In the first image data conversion device, the image data is converted into print data by exchanging image data with the plurality of data processing devices via a network in accordance with the sequence of the series of conversion processes. Can be.

Further, a second image data conversion device according to the present invention includes:
An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
Connection information storage means for storing connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of data processing devices that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
Transfer information generating means for generating transfer information including an order in which the data processing devices are arranged in the order in which the image data is to be supplied according to the series of data conversion processes, and the connection information for connecting to the data processing device; ,
A conversion process that starts the series of data conversion processes by supplying the image data and the transfer information to an appropriate data processing device in accordance with the sequence of the series of data conversion processes while referring to the connection information. The gist is to have means.

  In the second image data conversion device, the transfer information is generated, and the transfer information is supplied to an appropriate data processing device along with the image data in accordance with the sequence of the series of conversion processes. After receiving the image data and the transfer information, the data processing device performs a predetermined conversion process on the image data, and then supplies the converted image data and the transfer information to the next data processing device based on the transfer information. Thus, the image data can be converted into the print data by successively converting the image data by the data processing device based on the transfer information.

A third image data conversion device according to the present invention comprises:
An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
Connection information storage means for storing connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of data processing devices that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
While referring to the connection information, to a suitable data processing device according to the sequence of the series of data conversion processing, a conversion processing start unit that starts the series of data conversion processing by supplying the image data,
An output designating unit for designating an appropriate data processing device to which the converted image data is to be output in accordance with the sequence of the series of conversion processes, The gist is to have and.

  In the third image data conversion device, a data processing device that outputs the converted image data to the data processing device that has performed the conversion process of the image data is designated according to the order of the series of conversion processes. In this way, if the conversion processing is sequentially performed in each data processing device while designating the output destination of the converted image data from the data conversion device, the image data can be converted into the print data.

  In these first to third image data conversion devices, if a data processing device for performing a new conversion process is developed and connected to a network, a series of data conversion processes including the new conversion process can be performed. it can. Therefore, for example, when a new ink or a new printing paper is developed, or when a new data conversion method is developed, a corresponding program is developed and stored in a network-connected storage device. This is preferable because it is possible to flexibly and quickly respond to various changes.

  In the first to third image data conversion apparatuses, printing conditions in the printing apparatus are detected, and the image data is connected to a plurality of data processing apparatuses determined in accordance with the printing conditions via the network. It may be converted.

  In this way, it is preferable to supply the image data to the data processing device determined according to the printing conditions and perform the conversion process, since the image data can be appropriately converted into the print data according to the printing conditions.

Further, a fourth image data conversion device according to the present invention includes:
An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A connection information storage unit that stores connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of storage devices that store a program that performs a conversion process at each stage of the series of data conversions;
Reading means for selecting a program at each stage of the series of data conversion and reading it through the network while referring to the connection information,
Data conversion means for converting the image data into the print data by performing the series of data conversions on the image data using the read program.

  In the fourth image data conversion device, a program stored in each storage device is read, and image data conversion is performed using the read program in accordance with the sequence of the series of conversion processes. Data can be converted to print data.

  In this case, a series of data conversion processes including a new conversion process can be performed by storing the new program in the storage unit connected via the network. Therefore, various changes such as the development of a new ink or printing paper or the development of a new data conversion method can be flexibly and promptly performed, which is preferable.

  In the fourth image data conversion device, a printing condition in the printing device is detected, a program stored in a plurality of storage devices determined according to the printing condition is read, and image data is converted using the program. It may be converted.

  In this manner, it is preferable to convert the image data using the program stored in the storage device determined according to the printing conditions, because the image data can be converted into appropriate print data.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
A. Embodiment:
B. First embodiment:
B-1. Device configuration:
B-2. Overview of image data conversion processing:
B-3. Effects of the first embodiment:
C. Second embodiment:
C-1. Overview of image data conversion processing:
C-2. Effects of the second embodiment:
C-3. Modification of the second embodiment:

A. Embodiment:
Before starting detailed description of each embodiment, an embodiment common to each embodiment will be briefly described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image data conversion system having an embodiment of the present invention. 1, the image data conversion system includes a computer 100, a printing device 200 connected to the computer 100, a network 300, and a plurality of storage devices 400 to 450 connected to the network 300. .

  The computer 100 is a known computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and is connected to the network 300 via a network interface card NIC (not shown). Further, a color printer 200 described later is connected to the computer 100. By supplying print data from the computer 100 to the color printer 200, a color image can be printed by the color printer 200. The color printer 200 includes various types of systems such as a so-called inkjet printer that forms an image by discharging ink droplets and a so-called laser printer that forms an image on printing paper by using a phenomenon in which toner powder adheres due to static electricity. A printer can be used.

  In the computer 100, various application programs operate under the management of a special program called an operating system. For example, when an application program called a browser is operated, data stored in another storage device connected to the network 300 can be imported, or conversely, data can be supplied to another storage device. . When an application program called graphics software such as paint software or photo retouching software is operated, a color image is created using the computer 100 or a color image captured by a digital camera or the like is imported to the computer 100. Or to modify the image. When a color image on the computer 100 is printed by the color printer 200, the image data on the computer is converted into print data printable by the color printer 200 using an application program called a printer driver, and then the color printer 200 prints the image. 200.

  The network 300 is a well-known communication network represented by the so-called Internet, and includes a network cable, various repeaters, and the like. A plurality of storage devices are connected to the network 300. Each of the storage devices 400 to 450 is a kind of computer, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, like the computer 100, and operates under an operating system. However, the storage devices 400 to 450 are different from the computer 100 in that a large amount of data is stored, and these data can be referred to from another computer connected to the network.

  Each storage device connected to the network 300 stores small programs and data called various modules. As described in detail in each embodiment, in the embodiment of the present invention, the computer 100 substantially configures a printer driver using these various modules, and converts image data into print data using the configured printer driver. After the conversion, the print data is supplied to the color printer 200 to print a color image. There are various aspects of a method of substantially configuring a printer driver using various modules stored on a network, and embodiments of each aspect will be described below.

B. First embodiment:
B-1. Device configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the computer 100 according to the first embodiment. The computer 100 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104 in which various kinds of data and a program for starting the computer 100 are stored in advance, a RAM 106 in which various kinds of programs and data executed by the CPU 102 are temporarily stored, and peripheral devices and data. , A network interface card NIC 110 for connecting the computer 100 to the communication line 300, and a video interface VI / F 112 for driving the CRT 114. It is composed of a bus 116 and the like to be connected. Connected to the P / I / F 108 are a color printer 200 described later, a hard disk 118 storing various programs and data, and the like. If a digital camera 120, a color scanner 122, and the like are connected to the P / I / F 108, images captured by the digital camera 120 and the color scanner 122 can be printed. The plurality of storage devices 400 to 450 connected to the network 300 have substantially the same configuration as the computer 100, but differ in a portion provided with a large-capacity hard disk so that a large amount of data can be stored.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the color printer 200 according to the present embodiment. In the following, the color printer 200 will be described as an inkjet printer capable of forming dots of four color inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. However, it is needless to say that light cyan ink and light magenta ink Alternatively, an ink jet printer capable of forming dots of six color inks including the above may be used. The cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink are abbreviated as C ink, M ink, Y ink, and K ink, respectively.

  As shown, the color printer 200 drives a print head 241 mounted on a carriage 240 to eject ink and form dots, and reciprocates the carriage 240 in the axial direction of a platen 236 by a carriage motor 230. The control unit 260 includes a mechanism for causing the print paper P to be transported by the paper feed motor 235, and a control circuit 260.

  The mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 240 in the axial direction of the platen 236 includes an endless drive between the carriage motor 230 and a slide shaft 233 slidably holding the carriage 240 erected in parallel with the axis of the platen 236. The pulley 232 includes a pulley 232 on which the belt 231 is stretched, a position detection sensor 234 that detects the origin position of the carriage 240, and the like.

  The mechanism for transporting the printing paper P includes a platen 236, a paper feed motor 235 for rotating the platen 236, a paper feed auxiliary roller (not shown), and a gear train for transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor 235 to the platen 236 and the paper feed auxiliary roller. (Not shown). The printing paper P is set so as to be sandwiched between the platen 236 and the paper feed auxiliary roller, and is fed by a predetermined amount according to the rotation angle of the platen 236.

  The control circuit 260 includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, a RAM 263, and the like, and controls various mechanisms of the color printer 200. That is, the control circuit 260 controls the main scanning and the sub-scanning of the carriage 240 by controlling the operations of the carriage motor 230 and the paper feed motor 235, and controls each nozzle based on print data supplied from the computer 100. Of the ink droplets is controlled. As a result, ink dots are formed at appropriate positions on the printing paper.

  An ink cartridge 242 for storing K ink and an ink cartridge 243 for storing various inks of C ink, M ink, and Y ink are mounted on the carriage 240. Of course, the K ink and another ink may be stored in the same ink cartridge. If a plurality of inks can be stored in one cartridge, the ink cartridge can be made compact.

  When the ink cartridges 242 and 243 are mounted on the carriage 240, the respective inks in the cartridges are supplied to the ink discharge heads 244 to 247 for the respective colors through introduction pipes (not shown). On each bottom surface of the ink discharge heads 244 to 247 for each color, a set of nozzle rows in which 48 nozzles Nz are arranged at a constant nozzle pitch k is provided. Under the control of the control circuit 260, the ink of each color of K, C, M, and Y supplied from each head from the ink cartridges 242 and 243 is ejected from each nozzle row.

  The color printer 200 having the above-described hardware configuration drives the carriage motor 230 to move the ink ejection heads 244 to 247 of each color in the main scanning direction with respect to the printing paper P. By driving the 235, the printing paper P is moved in the sub-scanning direction. The control circuit 260 drives the nozzles at appropriate timing to eject ink droplets while repeating the main scanning and the sub-scanning of the carriage 240 according to the print data, so that the color printer 200 prints a color image on printing paper. are doing.

  Although the color printer 200 of the present embodiment has been described as employing the method of ejecting ink using piezo elements, it is needless to say that a printer having a nozzle unit for ejecting ink by another method is used. It may be. For example, the present invention may be applied to a printer of a system in which a heater arranged in an ink passage is energized and ink is ejected by bubbles generated in the ink passage. Further, a printer of a type in which ink dots are formed on printing paper using a phenomenon such as thermal transfer instead of discharging ink may be used.

B-2. Image data conversion processing of the first embodiment:
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of substantially configuring a printer driver using various modules stored on a network in the first embodiment and converting image data into print data. When a color image is formed on the computer 100 using an application program such as graphics software and a print command is issued from the application program, the operating system activates a printer driver to start the image data conversion process shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating how a printer driver is substantially configured in the first embodiment to convert image data into print data. Hereinafter, the image data conversion processing of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the operating system activates the printer driver, first, the interface module 500 is activated, and the interface module 500 acquires image data of an image to be printed from the operating system (step S100 in FIG. 4). The interface module 500 is a module that is activated first among various modules that substantially constitute a printer driver, and is stored in the computer 100 (see FIG. 5).

  In the interface module 500, image data conversion conditions are set in advance. The image data conversion conditions are various printing conditions that are considered when converting image data, such as the type of the color printer 200, the types of ink and printing paper used for printing, and the required print image quality settings. The conditions are classified into “conditions relating to printing environment”, “conditions relating to image processing”, and “conditions relating to image generation”. The printer activates the interface module 500 in advance and sets each item. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the printer sets each item on the screen of the computer 100. The contents of each item will be briefly described.

  As conditions relating to the printing environment, essential setting items of “printer model”, “ink type”, and “printing paper type” and “print resolution” of items set as necessary can be set. “Printer model” is the model name of the color printer 200. It is also possible to type the model name directly into the setting location, or open the pull-down menu and select the corresponding model name from the menu with the cursor. In the item “ink type”, the type of ink currently installed in the color printer 200 is set. Since the type of ink is described on the side of the ink cartridge, this value is input. In some ink cartridges, an IC chip is embedded, and information such as the type of ink and the date of manufacture is stored in the IC chip. If the color printer 200 is compatible with an ink cartridge equipped with an IC chip, and the information in the IC chip can be read from the installed ink cartridge, the information of the ink type is automatically read. “Print paper type” sets the type of print paper set in the color printer 200. For the type of printing paper, it is necessary to set the product name of the printing paper in principle, but if it is a standard printing paper recommended by the printer manufacturer, select a setting such as "glossy paper" or "special glossy paper" You can also. In "print resolution", the number of dots per unit length to be printed is specified. Generally, the higher the printing quality is, the higher the printing quality is, but the time required for printing tends to increase. Normally, a value set as a standard is used as the print resolution, but it is also possible for the printer to set the print resolution as needed.

  As for the conditions relating to the image processing, only “required print image quality” is an essential setting item, and the other items are items to be set as necessary. In the “print mode”, it is possible to select whether to perform printing with priority on image quality, printing with priority on printing speed, or printing intermediate between the two. It is also possible to set the method of gradation number conversion processing, the color conversion accuracy, and the presence or absence of image correction as needed. These settings relate to a method of actually converting image data, and will be described each time related items are described.

  As a condition regarding image generation, “image characteristic” is set as an essential setting item. In the “image characteristic”, it is set whether the image data is an image photographed by an image device such as a digital camera or an image created using an application program such as paint software or retouch software. Image data created on a computer using paint software or the like is supplied as standard RGB image data called sRGB, but image data captured by an image device such as a digital camera has a slight color. May be supplied as image data depending on the model. Therefore, an image to be printed is set in advance. In the item “Shooting Model”, when printing an image shot using an image device such as a digital camera, the name of the shooting model can be set. As will be described in detail later, it is possible to print a high-quality image by converting the image data in consideration of the model of the image. If the information about the model that captured the image is written in the header section of the image data, the model that captured the image can be automatically detected and detected from the header section. It is.

  When the interface module 500 acquires the image data of the print image from the operating system (step S100 in FIG. 4), the interface module 500 generates image data conversion conditions by reflecting the various setting contents shown in FIG. The image data conversion conditions and the image data to be printed are output to the specified recording device 400 (step S102 in FIG. 4). An address value for connecting to the storage device 400 on the network 300 is set in the interface module 500 in advance. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 400 stores a core module 510, a resolution conversion module 520, and an interlace module 560. The core module 510 is a module serving as a core of the printer driver. As will be described later, the core module 510 serves as a center and connects each module to substantially constitute a printer driver. An address value for connecting to the core module 510 on the storage device 400 is registered in the interface module 500 in advance, and the interface module 500 stores the received image data and the conversion condition of the image data on the storage device 400. Output to the core module 510.

  The core module 510 analyzes the conversion condition of the image data to detect the print resolution of the print image, and supplies the print resolution to the resolution conversion module 520 together with the image data (step S104 in FIG. 4). The resolution conversion module 520 is a module that performs a process of converting the resolution of the image data output by the application program into a resolution for printing by the color printer 200. That is, when the resolution of the image data is lower than the print resolution, the resolution conversion module 520 performs linear interpolation to generate new data between adjacent image data, and conversely, when the resolution is higher than the print resolution, The resolution of the image data is converted to the print resolution by thinning out the data at the ratio of. The image data converted to the print resolution by the resolution conversion module 520 is output to the core module 510 again.

  Upon receiving the image data converted to the print resolution from the resolution conversion module 520, the core module 510 analyzes the conversion conditions of the image data and determines whether the conversion conditions are set to perform image correction ( Step S106). Image correction is a process of converting a color tone of an image to, for example, a sepia tone hue, slightly enhancing contrast, or converting a specific hue to another predetermined hue to correct a more preferable image. This is the processing to be performed. These application programs for image correction can be incorporated into the computer 100 as plug-in software for graphics software, or can be used as independent graphics software to directly correct image data on the computer 100. By setting this, correction can be made when image data is converted into print data as in this embodiment. When performing these image corrections, the type of image correction is set in the item “image correction” in FIG.

  If the core module 510 determines in step S106 that the image data conversion conditions are set to perform image correction (step S106: yes), the core module 510 converts the image data received from the resolution conversion module 520 into a network. Output to the image correction module 530 (step S108). As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of image correction modules 530 are stored in the storage device 410 connected to the network according to the type of image correction, and an address value for connecting to each module is previously stored in the core module. 510 are registered. The core module 510 analyzes the conversion condition of the image data and outputs the image data to an appropriate image correction module 530.

  In FIG. 5, all the image correction modules 530 are displayed as being stored in the same storage device 410, but each image correction module 530 is stored in a separate storage device connected to the network 300. May be. If the address value for connecting to the module via the network is registered in the core module 510, the core module 510 stores the image data in each image correction module regardless of which storage device stores the image correction module. Can be output. The image data supplied to the image correction module 530 is subjected to predetermined image correction, and then output to the core module 510 again via the network.

  Upon receiving the image data after the image correction, the core module 510 supplies the image data to the color conversion module 540 (Step S110 in FIG. 4). If the core module 510 determines in step S106 that the setting for performing image correction has not been made (step S106: no), the color conversion module 540 directly outputs the image data to the image correction module. To supply.

  The color conversion module 540 performs a process of converting image data expressed by a combination of R, G, and B gradation values into image data by a combination of gradation values of each color ink used in the color printer 200. This process is called a color conversion process, and is performed by referring to a three-dimensional numerical table called a color conversion table LUT. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an LUT (color conversion table) referred to during the color conversion processing.

  When each RGB gradation value is set on each axis of the three-dimensional rectangular coordinates, each RGB gradation value can take a value from 0 to 255. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It can be represented as coordinates inside a cube. Such a cube is called a color solid. The LUT is a numerical table in which a color solid is subdivided into a lattice shape and gradation values of each color of CMYK are stored at each lattice point. By referring to the LUT, the color conversion processing can be performed quickly as follows. For example, when converting colors whose R, G, and B gradation values are represented by RA, GA, and BA, respectively, consider a point A of coordinates (RA, GA, and BA) in a color solid and include the point A. Find the perfect small cube (dV). Then, the tone values of the colors C, M, Y, and K stored at the vertices of the cube are read out, and interpolation is performed for each color based on the read tone values. , K can be calculated.

  As described above, the coloring of the ink may be slightly different depending on the type of ink used for printing or the combination with the printing paper. Therefore, referring to an appropriate LUT according to the combination of the ink and the printing paper, It is desirable to perform a color conversion process. In response to this, the storage device 450 stores various color conversion modules 540 that perform color conversion with reference to an LUT suitable for each combination of ink type and printing paper.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 7, in the color conversion processing, the C, M, Y, and K gradation values are calculated by interpolating the gradation values stored at the lattice points for each color. The smaller the interval between grid points, that is, the larger the number of grid points stored in the LUT, the higher the color conversion accuracy tends to be. In particular, for a special printing paper used for printing a high-quality image, a color conversion module 540 using an LUT having a large number of grid points is also stored for each combination with a standard ink type.

  The color conversion module 540 includes a module dedicated to a specific image device. When printing a color image captured using an imaging device such as a digital camera, a higher quality image can be printed by using the dedicated color conversion module 540 for the following reasons. That is, when printing a color image photographed using an image device such as a digital camera, the color of the printed image may be slightly different depending on the model of the photographed image device. This is because the characteristics of an element that detects light of each color of R, G, and B from an image to be captured and converts the light into image data of each color of RGB may differ depending on the type of image equipment. Similarly, the detectable light intensity and wavelength range may differ depending on the type of the image device. Therefore, the range (gamut) of colors that can be reproduced as a print image may differ depending on the model that captures the image. Normally, color image data that has been corrected to standard characteristics called sRGB is handled in order to reduce the difference in characteristics between these devices. However, at the time of correction, a slight correction error is mixed in or expressed. Possible gamut may be narrow. On the other hand, if the imaging device that captured the color image is specified, color conversion can be performed so that the colors as captured can be reproduced, so that it is possible to print high-quality images. Become.

  Address values for connecting to these various color conversion modules 540 are registered in the core module 510 in advance. In the process of step S110 in FIG. 4, the core module 510 analyzes the conversion condition of the image data, selects a suitable color conversion module 540 according to the combination of the ink type and the printing paper, and further captures the image. If the color conversion module dedicated to the device is registered, the dedicated color conversion module 540 is selected, and the selected color conversion module 540 is supplied with the image data via the network. Setting items such as “color conversion accuracy” and “photographing model” in the image data conversion conditions shown in FIG. 6 are items that are considered when the color conversion module 540 is selected. When “high accuracy” is set in the item of “color conversion accuracy”, a module that performs color conversion with reference to an LUT having a large number of grid points is selected. When a model such as a digital camera is set in the item of “photographing model”, a module that performs color conversion with reference to a dedicated LUT corresponding to the set model is selected.

  In FIG. 5, all the color conversion modules 540 are displayed as being stored in the same storage device 420. However, each color conversion module 540 is connected to the network 300 similarly to the image correction module 530 described above. May be stored in separate storage devices connected to the. The image data supplied to the color conversion module 540 is appropriately subjected to a color conversion process while referring to an LUT corresponding to the combination of the ink type and the printing paper, and then transmitted to the core module 510 again via the network. It is output (see FIG. 5).

  Upon receiving the color-converted image data, the core module 510 supplies the image data to the gradation number conversion module 550 (step S112 in FIG. 4). The gradation number conversion module 550 is a module that performs the following processing. That is, the image data after the color conversion is data having 256 gradation widths for each color. On the other hand, the color printer 200 according to the present embodiment can take only one of the states of “form dots” and “do not form dots”. That is, the color printer 200 of the present embodiment can locally express only two gradations. Therefore, it is necessary to convert image data having 256 gradations into image data represented by two gradations that can be represented by the color printer 200. The process of converting the number of gradations is the gradation number conversion process.

  Various methods are known as methods for converting the number of tones of image data, such as a method called an error diffusion method and a method called an organized dither method. The error diffusion method diffuses an error caused by performing the conversion of the number of gradations for a certain pixel to peripheral pixels, and minimizes the diffused error when performing the conversion of the number of gradations of peripheral pixels. This is a method of converting the number of gradations so that When the tone number conversion process is performed by using the error diffusion method, the tone number conversion process is performed so as to reduce the error, and therefore, there is a characteristic that a high quality image is generally obtained. In the systematic dither method, a threshold value of 0 to 255 is uniformly set for each pixel of a matrix called a dither matrix, and the magnitude relationship between the image data and the threshold value set in the dither matrix is compared. In this method, a dot is formed on a pixel having a larger data and a dot is not formed on a pixel having a larger threshold. The systematic dither method can determine whether or not a dot is formed by simply comparing the magnitude of the image data with the threshold value, and does not need to diffuse an error resulting from the determination to peripheral pixels as in the error diffusion method. Therefore, there is a feature that high-speed processing is possible. Also, among error diffusion methods, there are various methods, such as a method for pursuing particularly high image quality and a method for speeding up processing as much as possible. Similarly, there are various methods for organized dithering. In the item “Conversion of number of gradations” in the image data conversion condition shown in FIG. 6, a method to be used from among these various methods can be set.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 430 stores various tone number conversion modules 550 using an error diffusion method or an organized dither method, and an address value for connecting to each module is stored in a core in advance. Registered in module 510. In the process of step S112 in FIG. 4, the core module 510 analyzes the conversion condition of the image data, selects a suitable gradation number conversion module 550, and sends the selected gradation number conversion module 550 to the selected gradation number conversion module 550 via a network. Supply data. The gradation number conversion module 550 converts the received image data having 256 gradations into image data represented by the presence or absence of dot formation, and outputs the converted image data to the core module 510 again via the network (see FIG. 5). .

  When the core module 510 receives the image data whose gradation number has been converted, the core module 510 supplies the image data to the interlace module 560 (step S114 in FIG. 4). The interlace module 560 is a module that performs the following processing. As described above, the color printer 200 prints an image by forming dots at appropriate timing while causing the ink ejection heads of each color to perform main scanning and sub scanning on the printing paper. That is, the dots are not always formed in the order of the image data. Therefore, it is necessary to rearrange the image data in the order in which the image data should be transferred to the color printer 200 while considering the order in which the dots are formed in the color printer 200. The interlace module 560 is a module that performs a process called such an interlace process.

  If the type of color printer is different, the number of nozzles of the ink discharge nozzles provided in the ink discharge head, the nozzle pitch, and the like are different, so the dot formation order may be different depending on the type of color printer. Further, the order in which dots are formed differs depending on the image quality required. For example, the order in which dots are formed is naturally different between a case where printing as quickly as possible is desired even if printing quality is somewhat sacrificed, and a case where printing as high as possible is desired. In response to this, various interlace modules 560 are stored in the storage device 400 as shown in FIG. In the process of step S114 in FIG. 4, the core module 510 analyzes the conversion condition of the image data and supplies the image data to the appropriate interlace module 560. The interlace module 560 rearranges the image data in the order in which the image data is transferred to the color printer 200, and outputs the image data to the core module 510. Image data output from the interlace module 560 to the core module 510 has been converted into print data that can be printed by the color printer 200.

  When receiving the print data from the interlace module 560, the core module 510 outputs the print data to the computer 100 (Step S116 in FIG. 4). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the core module 510 receives the image data and the image data conversion conditions from the interface module 500 of the computer 100, and supplies the data to various modules in order to convert the image data into print data. The obtained print data is output to the computer 100 again.

  Upon receiving the print data from the core module 510, the interface module 500 of the computer 100 outputs the data to the color printer 200 (Step S118 in FIG. 4). The color printer 200 forms ink dots of each color according to the print data, and as a result, an image is printed on printing paper.

B-3. Effects of the first embodiment:
By employing the image data conversion processing of the first embodiment described above, it is possible to configure a printer driver that can flexibly cope with various changes as described below. For example, even when a new printing paper or ink is developed, or when a new image processing method is developed, these can be easily reflected in the printer driver, so that a high-quality image is always printed. It is possible.

  As an example, it is assumed that a new ink is developed by an ink maker. As described above, if the type of ink is different, the color of the ink will be slightly different even if the printing paper is the same, so use a special color conversion module to draw out the performance of the ink and perform high-quality printing. It is desirable to perform a color conversion process. Therefore, when an ink maker develops a new ink, it creates a special color conversion module that brings out the performance of the new ink for each combination with various printing papers on the market, and sets the ink type and printing paper type. Identify and publish the color conversion module on your homepage. In FIG. 5, the storage device 420 corresponds to the homepage of the ink maker. When publishing the color conversion table, the address value for connecting to the published color conversion module is notified to the printer maker. The printer maker registers the contacted address value in the core module, and publishes the registered core module on its own homepage. In FIG. 5, the storage device 400 corresponds to the homepage of the printer maker.

  Here, the address value for connecting to the newly published module has been described assuming that the publisher of the new module contacts the administrator of the core module. , A newly published module can be searched to register an address value, or an address value can be obtained by using a so-called directory service.

  The above-mentioned interface module is recorded on a flexible disk included in the color printer 200, and the purchaser of the color printer 200 installs the interface module as a printer driver in the computer 100 to which the printer is connected.

  When the user of the color printer 200 purchases the newly developed ink, sets the ink type, and prints the image, as described above, the conversion conditions of the image data together with the image data from the interface module are described on the printer manufacturer's website. (Corresponding to the storage device 400 in FIG. 5). When the core module 510 analyzes the conversion condition of the image data and detects that new ink is used, the core module 510 supplies the image data to a homepage of the ink maker (corresponding to the storage device 420 in FIG. 5). Since the address value is registered for each combination of new ink and various printing papers, the image data is color-converted with reference to an appropriate color conversion table. Thereafter, the image data is sequentially supplied to various modules centering on the core module 510 as described above, is finally converted into print data, and is supplied to the interface module of the computer 100 again. By supplying the print data thus obtained to the color printer 200 and printing an image, it is possible to print out a high-quality image by fully exploiting the performance of the newly developed ink.

  It is necessary for ink manufacturers to create and disclose a new ink-specific color conversion module.However, when developing a new ink, it is possible to acquire data on the characteristics when printing on various printing papers. It is relatively easy to release a dedicated color conversion module at the same time that a new ink is released. Further, as described above, since the color conversion module is basically a program for performing a three-dimensional numerical table and its interpolation, it is necessary to know detailed specifications inside the color printer in order to create the color conversion module. There is no. As long as the specifications of the input and output of image data are unified, it is sufficiently possible to independently create a color conversion module dedicated to ink developed by an ink manufacturer. Conversely, if the ink manufacturer does not release a dedicated color conversion module, the original performance of the ink can not be brought out, and even if the ink is developed, the result may be unacceptable to consumers Therefore, opening a dedicated color conversion module is a great selling advantage for ink manufacturers.

  As described above, if the image data processing method of the first embodiment is adopted, even when a new ink is developed, it is possible to quickly respond to this and print a high-quality image at all times. it can.

  In the above description, the case where a new ink is developed is described as an example. However, the same can be considered when a new printing paper is developed. That is, when a paper maker develops a new printing paper, a dedicated color conversion module is created for each combination with various inks on the market, and is published on its own homepage. The address value for connecting to each color conversion module is also notified to the printer maker. With this configuration, when the user of the color printer 200 sets the type of printing paper, color conversion is performed using a suitable color conversion module, so that a high-quality image can be printed.

  It is necessary for the paper maker to create and publish a color conversion module dedicated to a new printing paper, but when developing a new printing paper, it is also possible to acquire data on characteristics when printing with various inks. Therefore, it is relatively easy to release a dedicated color conversion module simultaneously with the release of new printing paper. In addition, if a dedicated color conversion module is made available, it will be possible to print out high-quality images by fully extracting the characteristics of the printing paper, and the developed printing paper will be highly evaluated by consumers. Therefore, opening a dedicated color conversion module has a great advantage for paper manufacturers.

  The adoption of the image data conversion method of the first embodiment is not limited to the case where it is easy to deal with new inks and printing papers. When a new image processing method is developed, for example, a new gradation number conversion is performed. Even when the method is developed, the user of the color printer 200 can easily use the developed method. That is, when the developer of the new tone number conversion method is a printer maker, the developed tone number conversion module is published on its own homepage (corresponding to the storage device 400 in FIG. 5) and connected to the published module. Is registered in the core module 510. In this way, the user of the color printer 200 can print an image using the latest gradation number conversion method simply by setting to use the newly developed gradation number conversion module as a printing condition. it can. In the case where a portion for performing the tone number conversion process is integrally incorporated in the printer driver as conventionally performed, the printer driver for performing the tone number conversion by the newly developed method is provided by the color printer 200. Must be distributed separately to users. On the other hand, when the image data conversion method according to the first embodiment is adopted, the printer maker makes the developed module open to the public on the net, and sends the address value for connecting to the open module to the user of the color printer 200. By simply contacting, the user can print high quality images using the new module.

  Further, if the image data conversion method of the first embodiment is adopted, it is possible to easily cope with a change in the operating system of the computer 100. This is because, as shown in FIG. 5, the computer 100 and the core module 510 on the storage device 400 need only be able to exchange data with each other over a network, and do not need to operate on the same operating system. . Therefore, when the operating system of the computer 100 is changed, if only the interface module 500 that directly communicates with the operating system is changed, various modules on other storage devices can be used without any change. In the case where image data is converted by using a printer driver in which various modules are integrated as in the related art, a new printer driver corresponding to the operating system is required every time a new operating system is developed. Must be developed. On the other hand, if the image data conversion method according to the first embodiment is adopted, it is sufficient to develop only the interface module, and it is easy to deal with it, which is preferable.

  If the image data conversion method according to the first embodiment is adopted, as described above, the model that has captured the image is detected and color conversion processing is performed using the corresponding color conversion module, so that a higher quality image can be obtained. It becomes possible to print. In addition, when the image data conversion method according to the first embodiment is adopted, it is possible to quickly respond to technical development of a device that captures an image. For example, suppose that a digital camera having a gamut much wider than a conventional digital camera has been developed. In order to print high-quality images that fully exploit the performance of digital cameras, it is necessary to perform color conversion processing with reference to a dedicated LUT. Of users. Moreover, it is considered that various operating systems are installed in the computer used by the user, and it is necessary to prepare a printer driver for each operating system. On the other hand, if the image data conversion method of the first embodiment is adopted, the color conversion module corresponding to the newly developed digital camera is disclosed to the network, and the address value for connecting to the published color conversion module is changed. All you have to do is register it in the core module. When printing a color image, the operator of the color printer simply sets the model name of the newly developed digital camera, and the core module supplies the image data to the dedicated color conversion module. It is possible to print a high-quality image with sufficient performance.

  In the first embodiment described above, the storage device 400 is described as storing the core module 510, the resolution conversion module 520, and the interlace module 560. However, these modules are not necessarily stored in the same storage device. It is not necessary to store it, and if an address value for connection is registered in the core module 510, it may be stored in a separate storage device. Alternatively, the core module 510 and the gradation number conversion module 550 may be recorded in the same storage device.

  In the above description, the image correction module 530 is in the storage device 410, the color conversion module 540 is in the storage device 420, the gradation conversion module 550 is in the storage device 430, the interlace module 560 is in the storage device 400, and so on. In the description above, modules of the same type are stored in the same storage device. However, it goes without saying that a plurality of modules of the same type may be stored in a plurality of storage devices.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the core module 510 has been described as being stored in the storage device 400 on the network, but may be stored on the computer 100. Even in such a case, if the image data is supplied from the computer 100 to the various modules via the network, the image data can be converted using an appropriate public module, and the high-quality image can be printed. Can be.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the image data is converted from the core module 510 to the storage device 400 storing each module via the network, while the image data is converted. The image data may be converted into image data using the read modules. Furthermore, it is also possible to supply each module read in this way to the computer 100 via a network, and to convert the image data into print data on the computer 100. If the image data is converted after reading each module at one location, the time for exchanging the image data via the network can be shortened when the data amount of the image data is large.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image data conversion condition is described as being output from the interface module 500 to the core module 510 every time an image is printed. You may register in. This is preferable because it is not necessary to output the conversion condition of the image data to the core module 510 every time the image is printed.

  When registering the conversion condition of the image data in the core module 510, the registration is performed for each computer that outputs the image data, or for each printer that prints the image, or for each printer that prints the image. You may be able to register in. As described above, it is preferable to register the conversion conditions of the image data in detail, since an image matching the required image quality can be easily printed.

C. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, the various modules always receive the image data from the core module 510, and each module always outputs the converted image data to the core module 510. In the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment described below, various modules directly supply the converted image data to the module that performs the next processing without returning the converted image data to the core module 510. Hereinafter, the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

C-1. Overview of image data conversion processing:
FIG. 8 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating how a printer driver is substantially configured in the second embodiment to convert image data into print data. As shown in the figure, in the second embodiment, the respective storage devices are connected to each other via a network, and are different from each other in a portion capable of exchanging image data without passing through the core module 510. Further, the flow of the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment is almost the same as the flow chart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 4 focusing on the differences from the image data conversion processing of the first embodiment.

  Also in the second embodiment, when the operating system activates the printer driver, first, the interface module 500 is activated, and the interface module 500 acquires the image data of the image to be printed from the operating system (step S100 in FIG. 4). Equivalent).

  Next, the interface module 500 outputs the received image data and a preset conversion condition to the core module 510 on the storage device 400 via the network (corresponding to step S102 in FIG. 4).

  In the second embodiment, upon receiving the image data conversion condition as shown in FIG. 6, the core module 510 analyzes the condition and creates transfer information. That is, in the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment, when image data is converted by a certain module, the converted image data is directly supplied to the next module without passing through the core module 510. In this way, the image data is finally converted into print data by sequentially transferring the image data to appropriate modules. The transfer information is data in which the address values of each module are arranged in the order in which the image data is transferred. In the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment, the conversion conditions of the received image data are analyzed to create transfer information in which the address values of the corresponding modules are arranged in the order of supplying the image data. .

  After creating the transfer information in this way, the core module 510 supplies the transfer information and the image data to the resolution conversion module 520 (corresponding to step S104 in FIG. 4). After performing the resolution conversion processing, the resolution conversion module 520 supplies the converted image data to the next module according to the setting of the transfer information. When the effect of image correction is set in the conversion information of the image data shown in FIG. 6, the address value of the image correction module is written in the second address value set in the transfer information. The resolution conversion module 520 supplies the converted image data to the image correction module 530 stored in the storage device 410 as shown in FIG. 8 (corresponding to step S108 in FIG. 4). When the image correction module 530 performs predetermined conversion on the received image data, it supplies the converted image data to the color conversion module 540 stored in the storage device 420 according to the transfer information (corresponding to step S110 in FIG. 4). In the third address value of the transfer information, an appropriate address value of the color conversion module according to the conversion condition of the image data is written.

  If the setting of the image data conversion condition is not a setting for performing image correction, the address value of the color conversion module is written in the second address value of the transfer information. In this case, the resolution conversion module 520 directly supplies the converted image data to the color conversion module 540 stored in the storage device 420 (corresponding to step S110 in FIG. 4).

  After receiving the image data, the color conversion module 540 converts the RGB image data into image data based on a combination of CMYK gradation values while referring to an LUT (color conversion table), and then converts the converted image data into an appropriate one according to the transfer information. It is supplied to the gradation number conversion module 550 (corresponding to step S112 in FIG. 4). The gradation number conversion module 550 converts the image data having 256 gradations into image data of two gradations expressed by the presence or absence of dots for each color of CMYK, and then converts the image data to an appropriate interlace module 560 according to the setting of the transfer information. Supply (corresponding to step S114 in FIG. 4). The interlace module 560 converts the image data into print data by rearranging the order of the received image data into an order that takes into account the order in which the color printer 200 forms dots, and converts the print data into the interface module 500 of the computer 100. (Equivalent to step S116 in FIG. 4).

  In this way, the image data is sequentially subjected to predetermined data conversion in each module in the order set in the transfer information, and finally converted into print data, and then supplied to the interface module 500 of the computer 100 again. (See FIG. 8). When print data is output from the interface module 500 to the color printer 200 (corresponding to step S118 in FIG. 4), the color printer 200 forms ink dots of each color according to the print data, and as a result, a color image is printed on print paper. .

C-2. Effects of the second embodiment:
If the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment described above is adopted, a printer driver that can flexibly cope with various changes can be configured as in the first embodiment.

  For example, when a new ink is developed by an ink maker or a new printing paper is developed by a paper maker, the ink maker and the paper maker release their own dedicated color conversion modules on the network, High-quality printing can be performed quickly in response to new ink or printing paper. Also, when a new image processing method is developed, a user of a color printer can print an image using the new processing method simply by publishing a module according to the developed image processing method on a network. It is possible. When the operating system of the computer 100 is changed, only the interface module that exchanges with the operating system needs to be changed, so that the operating system can be quickly changed. Furthermore, as described above, it is easy to optimally convert image data according to the device that has captured the image, and it is also possible to print high-quality images in response to the technological development of the capturing device. It becomes possible.

  In addition to the effects similar to those of the first embodiment, the second embodiment also has the following effects. That is, as is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 5 (first embodiment) and FIG. 8 (second embodiment), in the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment, the image data It is supplied directly to the module that performs the next processing without going through the module. If the image data is supplied directly without passing through the core module, the image data can be supplied quickly, so that the image data conversion processing can be performed quickly, and the image can be printed quickly. be able to.

  In the image data conversion processing of the second embodiment, the image data output from the core module 510 is supplied to appropriate modules one after another based on the simultaneously output transfer information. That is, the core module 510 does not need to finely control the transfer of image data between the modules. Therefore, by supplying a plurality of image data to the core module one after another at a predetermined interval, it is preferable to simultaneously convert a plurality of types of image data relatively easily.

C-3. Modification of the second embodiment:
FIG. 9 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating how image data is converted into print data in a modification of the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, also in the modification of the second embodiment, the respective storage devices are connected to each other via a network, and can exchange image data without passing through the core module 510. However, in the above-described second embodiment, the transfer information is transferred between the modules one after another along with the image data. However, in the modification of the second embodiment, only the image data is transferred between the modules. Is different from the second embodiment. Hereinafter, an image data conversion process according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9, focusing on parts different from the second embodiment.

  Also in the modification of the second embodiment, first, the interface module 500 is activated, and outputs the image data received from the operating system and the preset conversion conditions to the core module 510 on the storage device 400. . As in the second embodiment, the core module 510, upon receiving the image data conversion conditions, analyzes the conditions and creates transfer information indicating the order in which the image data is supplied to each module.

  Next, the core module 510 supplies image data to the resolution conversion module 520 according to the created transfer information. When the resolution conversion processing is completed, the resolution conversion module 520 notifies the core module 510 of the completion of the resolution conversion processing, and the core module 510 having received the notification transmits the address value of the module to which the image data is to be supplied next to the resolution conversion module 520. Output.

  When the image data conversion condition shown in FIG. 6 is set to perform image correction, the core module 510 outputs an address value for connection to the image correction module 530, and the resolution conversion module 520 outputs the address value. In accordance with the instruction of 510, the image data is supplied to the image correction module 530. When the correction processing of the received image data is completed, the image correction module 530 notifies the core module 510 of the end. Then, the core module 510 outputs an address value for connecting to the color conversion module 540 to which the image data is to be supplied next, and the image correction module 530 outputs the image data to the specified address value. As shown in FIG. 9, the color conversion module 540, the gradation number conversion module 550, and the interlace module 560 perform predetermined conversion processing on the received image data, and then convert the converted image data according to an instruction from the core module. Output to the next module. Thus, finally, the print data is supplied to the interface module 500 of the computer 100. The interface module 500 outputs the supplied print data to the color printer 200, and the color printer 200 forms ink dots of each color on a print medium according to the print data, and a color image is printed.

  In the modified example of the second embodiment described above, the transfer information is not transferred between the modules, and only the image data needs to be transferred. Therefore, the transfer information can be transferred more quickly. As a result, the conversion of the image data can be performed quickly, and the image can be printed quickly, which is preferable.

  Further, in the modification of the second embodiment, the core module 510 can know which module is currently processing the image data, so that it is easy to perform fine control such as stopping printing, for example. It is suitable.

  Although various embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to all the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer that configures the printing system. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of image data conversion processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which image data is converted into print data in the image data conversion processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how to set a conversion condition of image data. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a color conversion process is performed with reference to a color conversion table. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which image data is converted into print data in the image data conversion processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which image data is converted into print data in an image data conversion process according to a modification of the second embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

100 ... computer 102 ... CPU
104 ... ROM
106 ... RAM
108 ... Peripheral device interface P / I / F
110 ... Network interface card NIC
112 ... Video interface VI / F
114 ... CRT
116 ... Bus 118 ... Hard Disk 120 ... Digital Camera 122 ... Color Scanner 200 ... Color Printer 230 ... Carriage Motor 231 ... Drive Belt 232 ... Pulley 233 ... Slider Moving shaft 234 ... Position detection sensor 235 ... Paper feed motor 236 ... Platen 240 ... Carriage 241 ... Print head 242,243 ... Ink cartridge 242 ... Ink cartridge 243 ... Ink cartridge 244 ... Ink ejection head 260 ... Control circuit 261 ... CPU
262 ... ROM
263 ... RAM
300 network 300 communication line 400-450 storage device 500 interface module 500 interface module 510 core module 520 resolution conversion module 530 image correction Module 540 ... color conversion module 550 ... gradation number conversion module 560 ... interlace module

Claims (16)

An image data conversion method for converting image data into print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A plurality of programs for performing the conversion process at each stage of the series of data conversion are stored in a plurality of storage units connected to each other via a network so as to be executable,
Converting the image data into the print data by sequentially converting the image data using the programs while referring to connection information for connecting to each of the storage units storing the programs. Image data conversion method. The image data conversion method according to claim 1, wherein
When converting the image data into the print data, the image data to be converted into the print data by sequentially supplying the image data to a storage device storing the programs in accordance with the order of performing the series of data conversions Conversion method. The image data conversion method according to claim 1, wherein
When converting the image data into the print data, a plurality of programs for performing the series of data conversions are previously read into a predetermined storage unit via the network, and the image is read using the read programs. An image data conversion method for converting data into print data by sequentially converting data. The image data conversion method according to claim 1, wherein
When converting the image data into the print data, an image data conversion method for detecting printing conditions in the printing device and converting the image data while referring to the connection information set according to the printing conditions . An image data conversion system that converts the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A plurality of data processing devices that are connected to each other via a network and perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion;
By storing connection information for connecting to the data processing device and controlling the order in which the image data is supplied to the data processing device to be the order of the series of data conversion, An image data conversion system, comprising: a data conversion device that converts data into the print data. The image data conversion system according to claim 5, wherein
An image data conversion system, wherein the data conversion device is connected to the plurality of data processing devices via a network, and converts the print data into the print data by supplying the image data to each of the data processing devices. The image data conversion system according to claim 5, wherein
The plurality of data processing devices are devices that perform the respective conversion processes and output the converted image data to a data processing device in a next stage predetermined for each of the data processing devices,
The data conversion device converts the image data into the print data by supplying the image data to an appropriate processing device among the plurality of data processing devices based on the sequence of the series of data conversion. Image data conversion system. The image data conversion system according to claim 5, wherein
The data conversion device, the transfer information consisting of an order in which the data processing devices are arranged in the order in which the image data should be supplied, and connection information for connecting to the data processing device, along with the image data, the appropriate Means for supplying to the data processing device,
The plurality of data processing devices receive the image data and the transfer information, perform a predetermined conversion process on the image data, and then convert the converted image data and the transfer information based on the transfer information. An image data conversion system that outputs to an appropriate data processing device. The image data conversion system according to claim 5, wherein
The plurality of data processing devices are devices that perform the respective conversion processes and output the converted image data to the designated data processing device,
The data conversion device is connected to the plurality of data processing devices via a network, and specifies an output destination of the converted image data to the data processing device that converts the image data. The image data conversion system is a device that supplies the data to an appropriate one of the data processing devices and starts the series of data conversion processes. An image data conversion system that converts the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing apparatus by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A plurality of storage devices that are connected to each other via a network and store a plurality of programs that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
From the plurality of programs, by selecting a program of each stage of the series of data conversion and reading via the network, by performing the series of data conversion on the image data using the read program, A data conversion device for converting the image data into the print data. An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
Connection information storage means for storing connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of data processing devices that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
While referring to the connection information, supply the image data to an appropriate data processing device among the data processing devices according to the sequence of the series of conversion processes, and receive the converted image data from the data processing device. A data conversion unit that converts the image data into the print data by repeatedly performing processing via the network. An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
Connection information storage means for storing connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of data processing devices that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
Transfer information generating means for generating transfer information including an order in which the data processing devices are arranged in the order in which the image data is to be supplied according to the series of data conversion processes, and the connection information for connecting to the data processing device; ,
A conversion process that starts the series of data conversion processes by supplying the image data and the transfer information to an appropriate data processing device in accordance with the sequence of the series of data conversion processes while referring to the connection information. An image data conversion device comprising: An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
Connection information storage means for storing connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of data processing devices that perform conversion processing at each stage of the series of data conversion,
While referring to the connection information, to a suitable data processing device according to the sequence of the series of data conversion processing, a conversion processing start unit that starts the series of data conversion processing by supplying the image data,
An output designating unit for designating an appropriate data processing device to which the converted image data is to be output in accordance with the sequence of the series of conversion processes, An image data conversion device comprising: An image data conversion device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein
A printing condition detecting unit that detects a printing condition in the printing apparatus,
The image data converter, wherein the connection information storage unit stores connection information for connecting to a plurality of data processing devices determined according to the detected printing conditions via the network. An image data conversion device for converting the image data into print data that can be printed by a printing device by performing a series of data conversions including a plurality of stages on the image data,
A connection information storage unit that stores connection information for connecting via a network to each of a plurality of storage devices that store a program that performs a conversion process at each stage of the series of data conversions;
Reading means for selecting a program at each stage of the series of data conversion and reading it through the network while referring to the connection information,
A data conversion unit that converts the image data into the print data by performing the series of data conversions on the image data using the read program. The image data conversion device according to claim 15,
A printing condition detecting unit that detects a printing condition in the printing apparatus,
The image data converter, wherein the connection information storage unit stores connection information for connecting via the network to a plurality of storage devices determined according to the detected printing conditions.

Images