JP2006272727A - Printer, printing method, printing program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To judge and output failures related to printing. <P>SOLUTION: The printer comprises a storing means which stores image data, a converting means which converts the image data stored by the storing means to image data for print-out, a printing means which prints out a print-out image by using the image data for print-out converted by the converting means, a reading means which reads the print-out image printed out by the printing means as the image data, a comparing and verifying means which compares the image data stored by the storing means with the image data read by the reading means and verifies the data, a judging means which judges a state of the print-out by the printing means on the basis of the result of comparison and verification by the comparing and verifying means, and a judged result outputting means which outputs the judgment result judged by the judging means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, a printing program, and a recording medium that can take in a printed output image and determine a defect related to printing.

  In recent years, in a printing apparatus, for example, by using a scanner function, a print output image printed out on a paper surface of a recording medium such as paper is captured as image data, and compared with image data of an original image stored in the printing apparatus. There has been provided a printing apparatus capable of detecting defects related to printing.

  A scanner device included in such a printing apparatus is configured as follows, for example. That is, in this scanner device, the printing mechanism performs color printing of the character pattern indicated by the character data designated by the host device on the form conveyed on the form conveyance path. The color discrimination sensor detects the color density of the character printed by the printing mechanism on the form conveyed on the form conveyance path in response to the reflected light from the form. The controller can determine whether the printing mechanism is in good or bad state according to the color density detection result from the color discrimination sensor, and can notify the user of missing prints due to a decrease in the color density of the printed character according to the determination result. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  A scanner printer included in such a printing apparatus is configured as follows, for example. That is, in the scanner printer, two recording heads are mounted on a reciprocating carriage. The recording head is provided with a partially protruding nozzle forming portion, and a scanner portion is provided in the space between the two nozzle forming portions. During recording on the recording medium, carriage movement, ink ejection from the recording head, and movement of the recording medium by one line are alternately performed. When reading the recording medium, the carriage movement and reading by the scanner unit and the movement of the recording medium by one line are alternately performed. Further, when the ink is ejected from the recording head and reading by the scanner unit is simultaneously performed while the carriage is moving, the defective nozzle can be investigated (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-274230 A JP 2000-209407 A

  However, in the printing apparatus including the conventional scanner apparatus and the scanner printer described above, it is assumed that only the omission of printed characters is automatically detected or the defective nozzle is investigated. There is a problem that it is not assumed that the user is informed of what it is and that the time spent investigating the cause is shortened to improve convenience.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and provides a printing apparatus, a printing method, a printing program, and a recording medium that can capture a printed image and determine and output a defect related to printing. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores image data, a conversion unit that converts the image data stored in the storage unit into image data for print output, and the conversion Printing means for printing out a print output image using the print output image data converted by the means, reading means for reading the print output image printed out by the printing means as image data, and storage means A comparison verification unit that compares and verifies the stored image data and the image data read by the reading unit, and a print output by the printing unit based on a comparison verification result that is compared and verified by the comparison verification unit And a determination result output unit for outputting the determination result determined by the determination unit. Characterized in that it comprises a and.

  According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, image data is stored, the stored image data is converted into print output image data, and a print output image is printed out using the converted print output image data. The output print output image is read as image data, the stored image data and the read image data are compared and verified, and the state of the print output is determined based on the comparison verification result of the comparison verification, The determined determination result is output.

  As a result, it is possible to determine the state of the print output by comparing and verifying the image data stored in the printing apparatus and the image data read by the printing apparatus with a simple operation such as reading the printed output image. The determination result can be output. As a result, when a trouble related to printing occurs, it is possible to improve the convenience by informing the user of the cause and reducing the time spent investigating the cause.

  The comparison / verification unit of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comparing and verifying whether the image data match each other. Therefore, a match / mismatch between the stored image data and the read image data is detected. Thereby, it is possible to detect, for example, the state of print output by the printing means of the printing apparatus.

  The determination unit of the printing apparatus according to the present invention may be configured such that when the comparison verification result verified by the comparison verification unit indicates that the image data matches, the print output state by the printing unit is normal. It is determined that it is. For this reason, when the comparison result verified by comparison shows that the image data match, it is determined that the state of the print output by the printing unit is normal. As a result, the determination result can be regarded as a normal state of the print output by the printing means of the printing apparatus.

  Furthermore, the determination unit of the printing apparatus of the present invention indicates that the comparison verification result verified by the comparison verification unit indicates that the image data does not match, and the difference between the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. If it is, it is determined that the state of the print output by the printing means is normal. For this reason, when the comparison result indicates that the image data does not match and the difference between the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the state of the print output by the printing unit is normal. Is done. As a result, the determination result can be regarded as a normal state of the print output by the printing means of the printing apparatus.

  Further, the determination result output means of the printing apparatus of the present invention indicates that the determination result determined by the determination means indicates an abnormality when the print output state by the printing means indicates an abnormality. The information which shows is output. For this reason, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal, information indicating the abnormality is output. Thereby, when outputting a determination result, it can show that the state of the printing output by a printing means is abnormal.

  Further, the determination result output means of the printing apparatus of the present invention controls the printing means to print out information indicating the abnormality. For this reason, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal, information indicating the abnormality is printed out. Thereby, when outputting the determination result, it can be shown by printing that the state of the print output by the printing means is abnormal.

  Further, the determination result output means of the printing apparatus of the present invention displays information indicating the abnormality on a display screen. For this reason, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal, information indicating the abnormality is displayed on the display screen. Thus, when the determination result is output, it can be indicated by a display that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal.

  Further, the reading means of the printing apparatus of the present invention is a scanner. For this reason, a print output image composed of print output image data printed out by the printing means is automatically converted into image data and read when read by the printing apparatus. As a result, print output image data can be converted into image data simply by reading the printed output image.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the image data has an RGB color gamut, and the print output image data has a CMYK color gamut.

  Furthermore, the printing method according to the present invention includes a storage step for storing image data, a conversion step for converting the image data stored in the storage step into image data for print output, and the conversion step converted by the conversion step. A printing process for printing out a print output image using the image data for print output, a reading process for reading the print output image printed out by the printing process as image data, and the image data stored by the storage process And a comparison verification step for comparing and verifying the image data read by the reading step, and a determination for determining a print output state by the printing step based on a comparison verification result comparatively verified by the comparison verification step And a determination result output step for outputting the determination result determined by the determination step. And it features.

  According to the printing method of the present invention, image data is stored, the stored image data is converted into print output image data, and a print output image is printed out using the converted print output image data. The output print output image is read as image data, the stored image data and the read image data are compared and verified, and the state of the print output is determined based on the comparison verification result of the comparison verification, The determined determination result is output.

  As a result, in a simple operation such as reading the printed output image, the stored image data and the read image data are compared and verified to determine the print output state, and the determination result is output. be able to. As a result, it is possible to notify the user of problems related to printing, to easily investigate the cause, and to improve convenience.

  Further, the comparison and verification step of the printing method of the present invention is characterized by comparing and verifying whether or not the image data match each other. Therefore, a match / mismatch between the stored image data and the read image data is detected. As a result, it is possible to detect, for example, the state of print output in the printing process.

  Further, in the determination method of the printing method of the present invention, when the comparison verification result verified by the comparison verification step indicates that the image data matches, the print output state by the printing step is normal. It is determined that it is. For this reason, when the comparison result that is compared and verified indicates that the image data match, it is determined that the state of the print output by the printing process is normal. As a result, the determination result can be regarded as a normal state of the print output by the printing process.

  Furthermore, the determination step of the printing method of the present invention indicates that the comparison verification result verified by the comparison verification step indicates that the image data does not match each other, and the difference between the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. If it is, it is determined that the state of the print output by the printing process is normal. For this reason, in the verification result subjected to the comparison verification, it is determined that the image data does not match each other and the difference between the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the state of the print output by the printing process is normal. Is done. As a result, the determination result can be regarded as the normal state of the print output by the printing process.

  In addition, the determination result output step of the printing method of the present invention is abnormal if the determination result determined by the determination step indicates that the state of the print output by the printing step is abnormal. The information which shows is output. For this reason, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing process is abnormal, information indicating the abnormality is output. Thereby, when outputting a determination result, it can show that the state of the printing output by a printing process is abnormal.

  In the printing method according to the present invention, the determination result output step prints out information indicating the abnormality. For this reason, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output in the printing process is abnormal, information indicating the abnormality is printed out. Thereby, when outputting a determination result, it can show by printing that the state of the printing output by a printing process is abnormal.

  Further, the determination result output step of the printing method of the present invention is characterized in that information indicating the abnormality is displayed on a display screen. For this reason, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing process is abnormal, information indicating the abnormality is displayed on the display screen. Thereby, when outputting a determination result, it can show by a display that the state of the printing output by a printing process is abnormal.

  The printing program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-described printing method. Therefore, by executing the printing program of the present invention, the operation obtained by the printing method described above is realized by a computer. Thereby, various effects obtained by realizing the printing method described above can be achieved.

  Furthermore, the recording medium of the present invention records the above-described printing program in a computer-readable manner. For this reason, various operations obtained by executing the above-described printing program are realized by causing the computer to read and execute the recorded printing program. Thereby, the various effects obtained by execution of the printing program mentioned above can be produced.

  Exemplary embodiments of a printing apparatus, a printing method, a printing program, and a recording medium according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Functional configuration of printing device)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to this embodiment. The printing apparatus according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 101, a conversion unit 102, a printing unit 103, a reading unit 104, a comparison verification unit 105, a determination unit 106, and a determination result output unit 107. Further, the display unit 108 and the operation unit 109 are included.

  The storage unit 101 stores image data. The image data stored in the storage unit 101 is, for example, image data having an RGB color gamut (hereinafter referred to as “RGB image data”). The conversion unit 102 converts the image data stored in the storage unit 101 into print output image data. The print output image data converted by the conversion unit 102 is, for example, image data having a CMYK color gamut (hereinafter referred to as “CMYK image data”). The conversion unit 102 performs conversion using a predetermined color conversion table at the time of conversion. Therefore, the difference in the color gamut that can be expressed between the RGB image data and the CMYK image data is adjusted by the conversion unit 102 at the time of conversion.

  The printing unit 103 actually prints out a print output image using the print output image data converted by the conversion unit 102. The reading unit 104 reads the print output image printed out by the printing unit 103 as RGB image data. Specifically, the reading unit 104 reads a print output image composed of CMYK image data as image data composed of RGB image data.

  The comparison verification unit 105 compares and verifies the image data stored in the storage unit 101 and the image data read by the reading unit 104. Specifically, the comparison verification unit 105 compares and verifies the stored RGB image data of the original image and the RGB image data of the print output image that is read and converted after being printed out. The comparison verification is performed by, for example, comparing and verifying whether these image data match each other.

  The determination unit 106 determines the state of the print output by the printing unit 103 based on the comparison verification result verified by the comparison verification unit 105. Specifically, when the comparison verification result indicates that the RGB image data match, the determination unit 106 determines that the state of the print output by the printing unit 103 is normal. In addition, when the comparison verification result indicates that the RGB image data does not match each other and the difference between the RGB image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 106 indicates that the print output state by the printing unit 103 is normal. It is determined that

  That is, even if the RGB image data do not match, if the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 106 determines that the color gamut difference that can be expressed at the time of conversion by the conversion unit 102 is within the range. The print output state is determined to be normal. In other cases, the determination unit 106 determines that the state of the print output by the printing unit 103 is abnormal.

  The determination result output unit 107 outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit 106. When the determination result indicates that the print output state by the printing unit 103 is abnormal, the determination result output unit 107 outputs information indicating the abnormality. In this case, the determination result output unit 107 controls, for example, the printing unit 103 to print out information indicating abnormality or display information indicating abnormality on a display screen (not shown). The determination result output unit 107 may output information indicating that the determination result is normal when the determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing unit 103 is normal.

  The display unit 108 is controlled by the determination result output unit 107, for example, and displays the determination result determined by the determination unit 106 on the display screen. The display unit 108 displays various information related to the printing process on the display screen in the printing apparatus. The operation unit 109 accepts input of characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like by the user, for example.

(Hardware configuration of printing device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment. In the following description, the same portions as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The printing apparatus in this embodiment includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a display 204, an operation panel 205, a printer 206, an interface (I / F) 207, a scanner 208, an HDD 209, an HD 210, A recording medium decoding unit 211, and further includes a recording medium 212.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 executes predetermined arithmetic processing and controls the entire printing apparatus, and functions of the conversion unit 102, the comparison verification unit 105, the determination unit 106, and the determination result output unit 107 described above. Is realized. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 stores various control programs. The data stored in the ROM 202 can be rewritten by a user operation, but is not erased by turning off the power.

  The CPU 201 acquires, for example, RGB image data based on a control program stored in the ROM 202 or the like via an I / F 207 or a recording medium decoding unit 211, which will be described later, and temporarily stores the acquired RGB image data in the ROM 202 or the RAM 203. To remember. Further, the CPU 201 converts the stored RGB image data into CMYK image data for printing out by a printer 206 described later.

  That is, the CPU 201 converts RGB image data into CMYK image data with reference to a color conversion table stored in the ROM 202, RAM 203, HD 210, and the like. At the time of conversion of these image data, the CPU 201 adjusts the difference in the color gamuts that can represent each image data.

  The CPU 201 also controls the printer 206 to print out a print output image using the converted CMYK image data. Then, the CPU 201 reads, as RGB image data, a print output image composed of CMYK image data printed and output by a scanner 208 described later. Further, the CPU 201 compares and verifies whether or not the RGB image data stored in the ROM 202 or the RAM 203 matches the read RGB image data. As described above, for example, the storage unit 101 realizes its function by the ROM 202 and the RAM 203, the printing unit 103 realizes the function by the CPU 201 and the printer 206, and the reading unit 104 realizes the function by the CPU 201 and the scanner 208. .

  Further, the CPU 201 determines the state of print output by the printer 206 based on the comparison verification result obtained by comparing and verifying the RGB image data. The CPU 201 indicates that the comparison verification result indicates that the RGB image data match each other, and that the RGB image data does not match each other and the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold (within the range of the color gamut difference). ), It is determined that the state of print output by the printer 206 is normal. In other cases, that is, when it indicates that the RGB image data do not match and the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold (out of the range of the color gamut difference), the CPU 201 prints out by the printer 206. Is determined to be abnormal.

  Furthermore, if the determination result of determining the print output state by the printer 206 indicates that the print output state is abnormal, the CPU 201 sends information indicating the abnormality to the printer 206 or the display 204 described later. The information indicating that there is an abnormality is printed out or displayed on the display screen.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 stores variable data in a rewritable manner and is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The RAM 203 may be a volatile memory that erases data stored when the power is turned off, or may be a nonvolatile memory that is backed up by a battery or the like. The RAM 203 temporarily or permanently stores various information such as RGB image data acquired by the printing apparatus and CMYK image data to be printed out by the printer 206.

  The display 204 includes display devices such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, and a plasma display. Specifically, the display 204 can be configured by a video display device connected to the video I / F (not shown) or the video I / F, for example.

  Specifically, the video I / F is output from, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display device, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image data that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the image data to be displayed, a control IC for controlling display of the display device, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the like are used.

  The display 204 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various information such as characters and images. The display 204 displays, for example, image images of RGB image data (or CMYK image data) to be printed out and information such as various printing conditions. Note that information such as printing conditions is displayed in the form of an icon, for example, and the printing conditions can be specified by operating the cursor and specifying an icon on an operation panel 205 described later.

  Furthermore, when the state of the print output by the printer 206 is abnormal, the display 204 displays information indicating that it is abnormal. The information that indicates this abnormality is, for example, “XX ink clogging has occurred! ”Or“ XX ink is running out! ] Is displayed on the display 204 by a warning text such as “”.

  The operation panel 205 realizes the function of the operation unit 109 described above, and outputs information input by the user such as characters, numerical values, and various instructions to the CPU 201. As the configuration of the operation panel 205, various known forms such as a pushbutton switch for detecting physical depression / non-pressing, a touch panel, a keyboard, a joystick, and a trackball can be employed. Instead of this operation panel 205 or together with the operation panel 205, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which an input operation to the printing apparatus can be performed by voice using, for example, a microphone that inputs voice from the outside. .

  The operation panel 205 may be provided integrally with the printing apparatus main body, or may be configured to be detachable from the printing apparatus and operable in a spaced manner, such as a remote controller. The user inputs information by appropriately performing an input operation according to the form of the operation panel 205. Information input by operating the operation panel 205 includes, for example, information for instructing various setting conditions and various printing conditions when printing.

  As a form of the operation panel 205, for example, when a touch panel is adopted, the touch panel is used by being laminated on the display screen side of the display 204. In this case, input information is recognized by managing display timing on the display 204, operation timing on the touch panel (operation panel 205), and position coordinates thereof. By adopting a touch panel stacked on the display 204 as the form of the operation panel 205, a large amount of information can be input without increasing the size of the operation panel 205. As the touch panel, various known touch panels such as a resistive film type and a pressure sensitive type can be used.

  The printer 206 implements the function of the above-described printing unit 103 together with the CPU 201, and prints out a print output image using CMYK image data converted from RGB image data by the printing apparatus. In addition, it prints out character information representing a character string or the like.

  The I / F 207 is connected to a network through a communication line 213, for example, and is connected to a personal computer (not shown) through the network. The I / F 207 controls an interface between the network and the printing apparatus, and controls input / output of information to and from the printing apparatus. The I / F 207 can be configured with a modem, a LAN adapter, or the like. When the I / F 207 has a communication interface function, various types of information are transmitted and received between the printing apparatus and another device such as a remote control device.

  Here, transmission / reception of various types of information in the I / F 207 is performed regardless of wired or wireless, for example. The I / F 207 of this embodiment may be a communication module that communicates with a communication server via a base station (not shown) such as a mobile phone, and performs direct wireless communication with an information terminal or the like. It may be a communication module.

  In this case, the wireless communication by the I / F 207 refers to communication performed using radio waves, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, or the like without using a wire line as a communication medium. Various standards such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), HomeRF (Home Radio Frequency), and BlueTooth are known as standards that enable wireless communication. Various wireless communication technologies can be used.

  The scanner 208 captures print output image data (that is, CMYK image data) or the like of a printed output image as image data (that is, RGB image data) into a printing apparatus. The scanner 208 realizes the function of the reading unit 104 described above.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 209 controls reading / writing of information with respect to an HD (Hard Disk) 210. Note that the print program is recorded on, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), CD (Compact Disk), CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO (Magneto-Optical disk), memory card, or the like. Instead of the HDD 209, a dedicated drive device capable of reading at least the information recorded on these can be used.

  The HD 210 records various control programs and various information in a computer readable manner. The HD 210 accepts writing of information by the HDD 209 and records the written information in a nonvolatile manner. The HD 210 of this embodiment includes, for example, a color conversion (RGB / CMYK conversion) table relating to a color gamut of a print program and various image data, and RGB image data and CMYK image data, which realize execution of print processing of a printing apparatus to be described later. And color conversion parameters are recorded. Thereby, in this embodiment, the recording medium of the present invention is realized by the HD 210. The HD 210 of this embodiment records various information necessary for executing the printing program.

  Note that the print program is not limited to that recorded in the HD 210. Instead of the HD 210, a printing program may be recorded on the above-described DVD, CD, CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, memory card, or the like. When a printing program recorded on a DVD, CD, CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, memory card, or the like is used when executing the printing program, the printing apparatus uses a DVD, CD, CD-ROM. (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, a dedicated reader capable of reading information recorded on a memory card, etc. is provided to read the printing program.

  Further, the HD 210 stores a dedicated drive driver for driving the printer 206 and the scanner 208, for example. The drive driver is a process by software for operating the printer 206 and the scanner 208 and serves as a bridge between the CPU 201 and the printer 206 and the scanner 208. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the drive driver may be configured by, for example, firmware, or may be configured by ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

  The recording medium decoding unit 211 controls reading of various information such as RGB image data and a printing program recorded on the recording medium 212, for example. Note that the recording medium for realizing the present invention (in this embodiment, HD 210) is different from the recording medium 212 to be read by the recording medium decoding unit 211. Hereinafter, the recording medium 212 to be read by the recording medium decoding unit 211 is described as a recording medium with reference numeral 212. In addition, the RGB image data is not limited to the data recorded on the recording medium 212, and various forms such as data acquired by the printing apparatus via the I / F 207 can be used.

  The recording medium decoding unit 211 is portable and has a recording medium 212 that can be attached to and detached from the recording medium decoding unit 211 as a reading target. Specifically, the recording medium 212 can be realized by, for example, a DVD, CD, CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, memory card, or the like.

  When the recording medium 212 is, for example, a CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), the recording medium decoding unit 211 is realized by a CD-ROM drive. Since the CD-ROM drive is a known technique, its illustration and description are omitted. For example, when the recording medium 212 is realized by a DVD, CD, CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, memory card, or the like, a drive device that can read information from the recording medium 212 is used. A recording medium decoding unit 211 is realized.

(Printing procedure of printing device)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a print processing procedure of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 3, the print processing procedure in this embodiment will be described below. In the following, description will be made mainly with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, but portions overlapping with those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. For convenience of explanation, the image data is RGB image data and the print output image data is CMYK image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Specifically, the processing shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 201 executing a printing program stored (recorded) in the ROM 202, RAM 203, HD 210, recording medium (recording medium) 212, etc. of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. To do. In the print processing procedure, first, the CPU 201 obtains RGB image data from the network, the HD 210, the recording medium 212, etc. via the I / F 207, the HDD 209, the recording medium decoding unit 211, etc., and the ROM 202, RAM 203, HD 210, etc. The acquired RGB image data is stored in (Step S301).

  Next, the CPU 201 converts the stored RGB image data into CYMK image data while using the RAM 203 as a work area (step S302), and controls the printer 206 to use the converted CMYK image data as a print output image. Is printed out (step S303). Then, the scanner 208 reads, for example, a print output image set by the user into the printing apparatus as RGB image data (step S304). In the process of step S304, the print output image formed with the CMYK image data is automatically converted into RGB image data by the scanner 208 and read into the printing apparatus.

  After reading the print output image, the CPU 201 determines, for example, whether the stored RGB image data matches the read RGB image data, that is, whether the RGB image data match (step S305). By the processing in step S305, these RGB image data are compared and verified. If it is determined that the RGB image data match each other (step S305: Yes), it is determined that the state of the print output by the printer 206 is normal, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the RGB image data do not match (step S305: No), the CPU 201 determines whether the difference between the RGB image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S306). If it is determined that the difference is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold (step S306: Yes), it is determined that the state of the print output by the printer 206 is normal, and the process is terminated.

  When it is determined that the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold (No in step S306), it is determined that the print output state by the printer 206 is abnormal, and the CPU 201 causes the print output state to be abnormal. Investigation is performed (step S307), and the determination result is output (step S308). Thereby, a series of processing by this flowchart is complete | finished.

  If it is determined that the RGB image data do not match and the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value through the processing in steps S305 and S306, the printer 206 is assumed to be clogged and out of ink. Since it is considered to be the cause, in the processing of the subsequent step S307, the CPU 201 performs processing to investigate these causes. In this case, the cause investigation process in step S307 is performed, for example, by calculating a frequency component in the sub-scanning direction (paper feeding direction) for each ink of the printer 206, and determining whether the ink is clogged or out of ink depending on the presence of the high-frequency component. .

  Also, in this case, if it is determined in step S307 that the cause of the abnormal printing state of the printer 206 is clogging, the CPU 201 in the subsequent step S308 displays on the display screen of the display 204, for example, “Clogging of XX ink has occurred! May be displayed so as to output information indicating that it is abnormal.

  Further, in this case, if it is determined in step S307 that the cause of the abnormal printing state of the printer 206 is out of ink, the CPU 201 displays, for example, on the display screen of the display 204 in the subsequent step S308. “The out of color ink has occurred! May be displayed so as to output information indicating that there is an abnormality. Further, when it is determined that the cause of the abnormality is both clogging and ink out, a warning message for notifying clogging and ink out is displayed on the display screen of the display 204 to indicate the abnormality. Information may be output. Information indicating this abnormality may be printed out by the printer 206.

  Note that the warning text is an example, and any warning text (for example, illustration or animation) may be used as long as the content indicates that the print output state is abnormal in the printing apparatus. . Further, instead of displaying the warning text or together with the warning text, a predetermined warning sound or voice message may be output. In the above processing, the CPU 201 compares and verifies the stored RGB image data and the read RGB image data. However, the CMYK image data converted from the RGB image data for print output is stored and read. The image data may be converted again to CMYK image data, and the CMYK image data may be compared and verified. Further, RGB image data and CMYK image data may be compared and verified using a color conversion table.

  As described above, according to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, image data is stored, the stored image data is converted into print output image data, and the converted print output image data is used. The printed output image is printed out, the printed output image is read as image data, the stored image data is compared with the read image data, and the comparison verification result based on the comparison verification is performed. Thus, the print output state is determined, and the determined determination result is output. As a result, it is possible to determine the state of the print output by comparing and verifying the image data stored in the printing apparatus and the image data read by the printing apparatus with a simple operation such as reading the printed output image. The determination result can be output. As a result, when a trouble related to printing occurs, it is possible to improve the convenience by informing the user of the cause and reducing the time spent investigating the cause.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, the coincidence / mismatch of the stored image data and the read image data is detected. Thereby, it is possible to detect, for example, the state of print output by the printing means of the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, if the comparison result of comparison and verification indicates that the image data match, it is determined that the state of the print output by the printing unit is normal. . As a result, the determination result can be regarded as a normal state of the print output by the printing means of the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, when the comparison verification result indicates that the image data does not match and the difference between the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, printing is performed. It is determined that the state of the print output by the means is normal. As a result, the determination result can be regarded as a normal state of the print output by the printing means of the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, when the comparison verification result indicates that the image data does not match and the difference between the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, printing is performed. It is determined that the state of the print output by the means is normal. As a result, the determination result can be regarded as a normal state of the print output by the printing means of the printing apparatus.

  According to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal, the information indicating the abnormality is output. The Thereby, when outputting a determination result, it can show that the state of the printing output by a printing means is abnormal.

  According to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal, the information indicating the abnormality is printed out. Is done. Thereby, when outputting the determination result, it can be shown by printing that the state of the print output by the printing means is abnormal.

  According to the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, when the determined determination result indicates that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal, the information indicating the abnormality is displayed on the display screen. Is displayed. Thus, when the determination result is output, it can be indicated by a display that the state of the print output by the printing unit is abnormal.

  Note that the printing apparatus described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by, for example, a computer or a personal computer incorporated in the printing apparatus. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process procedure of the printing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Memory | storage part, 102 Conversion part, 103 Printing part, 104 Reading part, 105 Comparison verification part, 106 Judgment part, 107 Judgment result output part, 108 Display part, 109 Operation part, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 Display , 205 Operation panel, 206 Printer, 207 I / F, 208 Scanner, 209 HDD, 210 HD, 211 Recording medium decoding unit, 212 Recording medium (recording medium)

Claims (12)

Storage means for storing image data;
Conversion means for converting the image data stored by the storage means into print output image data;
Printing means for printing out a print output image using the print output image data converted by the conversion means;
Reading means for reading the print output image printed out by the printing means as image data;
Comparison verification means for comparing and verifying the image data stored by the storage means and the image data read by the reading means;
A determination unit that determines a state of print output by the printing unit based on a comparison verification result that has been compared and verified by the comparison verification unit;
Determination result output means for outputting the determination result determined by the determination means;
A printing apparatus comprising: The comparison verification means includes
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein comparison verification is performed to determine whether the image data matches. The determination means includes
2. The state of print output by the printing unit is determined to be normal when a comparison verification result verified by the comparison verification unit indicates that the image data match each other. Or the printing apparatus of 2. The determination means includes
If the comparison verification result verified by the comparison verification means indicates that the image data do not match, and the difference between the image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the state of the print output by the printing means The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer is determined to be normal. The determination result output means includes
5. If the determination result determined by the determination means indicates that the state of the print output by the printing means is abnormal, information indicating the abnormality is output. The printing apparatus as described in any one of. The determination result output means includes
The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing unit is configured to print out information indicating the abnormality. The determination result output means includes
The printing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein information indicating the abnormality is displayed on a display screen.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is a scanner.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data has an RGB color gamut, and the print output image data has a CMYK color gamut. A storage step for storing image data;
A conversion step of converting the image data stored in the storage step into image data for print output;
A printing step of printing out a print output image using the print output image data converted by the conversion step;
A reading step of reading the print output image printed out by the printing step as image data;
A comparison verification step of comparing and verifying the image data stored by the storage step and the image data read by the reading step;
A determination step of determining a state of print output by the printing step based on the comparison verification result compared and verified by the comparison verification step;
A determination result output step of outputting the determination result determined by the determination step;
The printing method characterized by including.   A printing program for causing a computer to execute the printing method according to claim 10.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the printing program according to claim 11 is recorded.

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