JP2009051221A - Printing data formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for conducting proper printing control in response to an element used for forming an image. <P>SOLUTION: In a recorder 1 for forming the image on a sheet based on printing data sent from an apparatus for forming printing data, information showing the kind of a sheet to be loaded in the recorder 1 is acquired by a sheet information reader 168, and the information showing the kind of the acquired sheet is stored by an EEPOM 165. A printing mode setting process system 200 for conducting the setting of the printing mode of the recorder acquires the information showing the kind of the sheet from the recorder 1, and conducts a mode setting process for setting the mode of the printing based on the information showing the kind of the acquired sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control technique in a recording apparatus that forms an image on paper, such as a printer, and more particularly to a technique for performing print control suitable for paper and ink to be used.

  When a visible image is fixedly formed on a sheet using an image forming medium such as ink or toner, the sheet and the image forming medium are two main elements as elements for determining image quality.

  In the recording apparatus, when forming an image on a sheet, image forming conditions are set according to the purpose and image forming control is performed. For example, in a printer, software called a printer driver is installed in a computer to generate print control data including print data generation. On the printer side, printing is executed based on print control data sent from the computer.

  This printer driver has a function of executing various processes such as a color conversion process, a halftone process, a print start / stop request, a printing speed, a paper feed, and acquisition of information indicating the printer status. For example, when printing on plain paper, printing on glossy paper, printing on super fine paper, and the like, there are various media to be printed, and the printing conditions are different. Therefore, it is necessary to set the printing conditions suitable for each medium. However, it is not easy for the user to set conditions for performing optimum printing according to the paper and ink to be used, for example, printing density, printing speed, color conversion setting, paper feeding, and the like.

  Therefore, in order to facilitate the setting by the user, the printer driver collects the print conditions into some adjustable items and presents them to the user so that the setting (mode setting) for setting the desired print mode can be performed. I have to. Furthermore, in order to facilitate mode setting, the printer driver assumes that there are various types of paper that will be used, and for each assumed type of paper, the default print mode assumes a standard finish. It is set in advance. In this way, it is guaranteed that standard printing can be performed according to the selected paper type by selecting the paper type without special setting by the user. Of course, the user can change them according to his / her preference.

  Setting a preferable print mode according to the type of paper described above is based on the assumption that the paper is correctly selected. However, the user may use various types of paper. In that case, it may not be clear which of the types of paper prepared by the printer driver should be selected. In some cases, the user may not be aware that the paper type needs to be selected. In addition, in the case of a new paper, it may not be clear which one should be selected as the paper type.

  In addition, as an image forming medium that is an element that greatly affects printing conditions, for example, there is ink. In general, ink is used fixedly for each printer. However, from the viewpoint of performing better printing, an ink suitable for the paper and suitable for the printing purpose will be selected and used. Also, the ink itself may be improved. In that case, it is necessary to be able to set the print mode corresponding to the type of ink. However, the current printer driver cannot set the print mode according to the ink type.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for enabling appropriate print control in accordance with an element used for image formation.

In order to achieve the object, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
In a recording apparatus that forms an image on paper based on print data sent from an apparatus that generates print data,
Means for acquiring information indicating the type of paper loaded in the recording apparatus for image formation;
Means for storing information indicating the obtained paper type;
There is provided a recording apparatus comprising: means for outputting information indicating the type of the acquired paper when requested.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in an apparatus connected to a recording apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and generating print data to be sent to the recording apparatus,
Means for performing a print mode setting process for setting a printing mode based on information indicating the selected paper;
Means for generating print data in accordance with a set print mode and sending it to the recording device,
The printing mode setting processing unit acquires information indicating a paper type from the recording apparatus, and sets the printing mode based on the acquired information indicating the paper type. A data generation apparatus is provided.

According to a third aspect of the invention,
In a print mode setting processing system that is connected to a recording device that forms an image on paper and sets the print mode of the recording device,
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper from the recording device;
There is provided a print mode setting processing system comprising: a mode setting process for setting a printing mode based on the acquired information indicating the type of paper.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for supporting setting of a printing mode, which is configured by a computer connected to each of a display device and a printing device,
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper from the recording device;
Means for displaying a screen for setting a print mode on the display device;
The means for displaying a screen for setting the print mode displays information indicating the acquired paper type in the user-readable display mode on the screen when the information indicating the paper type is acquired. A print mode setting support system is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
A recording medium that records a program that causes a computer connected to each of a display device and a printing device to support setting of a print mode,
The program is
Processing for acquiring information indicating the type of paper from the recording device;
Causing the display device to display a screen for setting a print mode on the computer, and
When displaying the screen for setting the print mode, if information indicating the paper type is acquired, the information indicating the acquired paper type is displayed on the screen in a user-readable display mode. There is provided a recording medium on which a program characterized by the above is recorded.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a technique for enabling appropriate print control according to elements such as paper and ink used for image formation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a case where an image is formed using ink on a sheet will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a hardware system used in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a computer 2 for realizing various processes by an application program and processes by a printer driver for printing the results, and a printer connected to the computer 2 1 is shown. The computer 2 and the printer 1 can constitute a printing system that forms an image on paper. In this case, the printer 1 functions as a recording device, and the computer 2 functions as a print data generation device. In the computer 2, a system for processing the print mode setting is realized. In addition, a system that supports print mode setting is realized.

  The computer 2 includes a computer main body 200, a display device 220 connected thereto, an input device 230 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a power supply device (not shown).

  The computer main body 200 is connected to a CPU 201 that executes various programs, a ROM 202 that stores various data, various programs, and the like, a RAM 203 that temporarily stores data and programs, and a display device 220. A display controller 204 for controlling the keyboard, a keyboard controller 205 for controlling the keyboard connected to the input device 230, a floppy disk drive 206 for reading / writing a flexible disk, a hard disk drive 207 for storing data and programs, and a CD-ROM A CD-ROM drive 208 for reading data from the printer, a printer interface 209 for connecting to the printer 1, and a network interface for connecting to a network. And a Esu 210. A program for realizing the present invention can be read from a CD-ROM via the CD-ROM drive 208 and installed on the hard disk 207. Therefore, the program can be provided in the form of a recording medium on which the program is recorded. The program can be installed via a network.

  The printer 1 is a color ink jet printer that functions as a recording device that forms a color image on a sheet based on print data sent from a computer 2 that functions as a device that generates print data. The printer 1 includes a printing mechanism 100, a printing control unit 160, and a power supply circuit (not shown). In addition, ink cartridges 107K and 107F (see FIG. 4) containing ink are mounted on the printer 1, and a storage element 400 provided in these ink cartridges 107K and 107F is connected.

  The print control unit 160 includes a CPU 161 that executes various programs, a ROM 162 that stores various data and various programs, a RAM 163 that temporarily stores data and programs, an interface 164 that is connected to the computer 2, and an after-mentioned. EEPROM 165 which is a rewritable non-volatile memory storing ink information and the like, parallel input / output for connecting the printing mechanism 100, the storage element 400, the operation panel 167 and the paper information reading device 168 to the print control unit 160 Interface 166. The print control unit 160 is connected to the printing mechanism 100, sends print data, and controls the printing operation. Also, information indicating the printing state of the printing mechanism 100 is acquired and sent to the computer 2.

  The parallel input / output interface 166 transmits the print data and drive signal developed into dot pattern data to the printing mechanism 100. In addition, an operation on the operation panel 167 is accepted and a necessary display signal is sent to the operation panel 167. Further, data is transmitted to and received from the storage element 400. Further, the information read by the paper information reading device 168 is received.

  In the print control unit 160, the CPU 161 executes a program stored in the ROM 162 to acquire information indicating the type of paper loaded in the recording apparatus for image formation, and the acquired paper type. Means for storing the information to be displayed, and means for outputting the information indicating the type of the acquired paper upon request are realized.

  FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the printer 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 2 has a structure in which the printing mechanism 100 and the printing control unit 160 are accommodated in a case 140. The paper feed mechanism 150 includes a paper feed tray 153, a paper feed mechanism 130 (see FIG. 4), and a paper discharge tray 158. The paper feed tray 153 is provided with a fixed side plate 155 and a movable side plate 154 that can move according to the size of the paper. Behind the case 140, a paper feed port 142 for taking in paper from the paper feed tray 153 is provided. On the other hand, in front of the case 140, a paper discharge port 147 after printing is provided. A paper discharge tray 158 protrudes from the discharge port 147.

  An operation panel 167 for notifying the user of the printer status and receiving an operation is disposed in a part of the case 140. The operation panel 167 includes a monitor unit 167a and an operation unit having operation buttons 167b and 167c. The operation button 167 b is an operation unit for instructing the operation of the ink maintenance mechanism 116. On the other hand, the operation button 167c is an operation unit for instructing paper supply / discharge. The latter also functions as a button for instructing the supply and discharge of the cleaning sheet when cleaning with the cleaning sheet.

  A paper information reading device 168 is provided above the paper feed opening of the case 140. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a barcode reader is arranged. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. The paper information reading device 168 reads a barcode recorded on a paper information recording unit 557 attached to a part of the opening side of the paper packaging material 550 that accommodates a bundle of paper (cut paper) 501.

  The paper packaging material 550 is of a size that accommodates a certain number of sheets, for example, 100 sheets. FIG. 5 shows an example of the paper packing material 550. FIG. 5 shows a state where one end is opened.

  The paper wrapping member 550 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a material having rigidity, for example, cardboard, cardboard, hard paper, or the like, in order to wrap a plurality of paper sheets 501 in a stacked state. The paper packaging member 550 is formed with a separation line 553 that divides the lid side 551 and the main body side 552 in order to take out a plurality of sheets 501 inside. The separation line 553 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the paper packaging member 550. The separation line 553 is formed by perforations so that it can be easily divided into the lid side 551 and the main body side 552.

  On one surface 554 of the main body side 552, a paper insertion arrow 556 indicating the direction when the paper 501 is inserted into the paper feed tray 153 of the printer, and a paper information recording unit 557 related to the paper 501 placed in the packaging member 550 are printed. Has been. One surface 554 of the main body side 552 is a surface parallel to the surface of the sheet 501 housed inside. The paper insertion arrow 556 is directed from the main body side 552 to the lid side 551. Further, the paper information recording unit 557 is printed at the left end position in the direction indicated by the arrow 556 and at a position adjacent to the separation line 553. That is, when the packaging material is opened, it is printed in the vicinity of the portion that becomes the opening.

  Items recorded in the paper information recording unit 557 include a paper model number, size, paper type, thickness, number of sheets, unit price, and the like, as shown in FIG. As the paper type, paper type information indicating the type of paper such as plain paper, super fine paper, and glossy paper is displayed. These are indicated by bar codes together with characters, symbols and the like representing their contents. The reason why the characters are written together with the barcode is to allow the user to grasp the paper information visually. In the example of FIG. 6, the paper type is described as “normal”, and it can be seen that plain paper is stored. Each information is arranged in the direction of the paper insertion arrow, in other words, in the paper insertion direction.

  These pieces of paper information are obtained by inserting the paper packing material 550 into the paper supply port 142 when the paper packing material 550 is set in the paper supply tray 153, so that the paper information recording unit 557 faces the paper information reading device 168. Read. The read paper information is recorded in the EEPROM 165 of the print control unit 160.

  The example shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of a packing material having a structure in which one end side in the longitudinal direction of the sheet is opened. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the paper can be used either vertically or horizontally. In this case, paper insertion arrows 556a and 556b, paper information recording units 557a and 557b, and separation lines 553a and 553b are provided in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. In this case, the paper information recording units 557a and 557b may be added with information indicating whether the paper is horizontally or vertically placed.

  Note that any material may be used for the paper as long as printing is possible. For example, it includes those formed of a material other than paper, such as an OHP sheet.

  FIG. 4 shows an outline of the internal mechanism of the printing mechanism 100. As shown in FIG. 4, inside the printing mechanism 100, a carriage 101, an ink jet recording head 110 supported by the carriage 101, and a carriage mechanism 120 that supports the carriage 101 and reciprocates in the line direction. And a paper feed mechanism 130 for feeding the paper P is disposed. The paper feed mechanism 130 includes a paper feed roller, a paper discharge roller, and the like.

  The carriage mechanism 120 includes a timing belt 121 connected to the carriage 101 and a carriage motor 123 that reciprocates the timing belt 121. The carriage motor 123 reciprocates in the paper width direction of the recording paper P (medium) while being guided by the guide member 104 via the timing belt 121.

  An ink jet recording head 110 is attached to the carriage 101 on the surface facing the recording paper P, in the example shown in the figure, on the lower surface. The recording head 110 is held on the carriage 101. The recording head 110 receives ink supply from the ink cartridges 107K and 107F, ejects ink droplets onto the recording paper P in accordance with the movement of the carriage 101, forms dots, and prints images and characters on the recording paper P. Although not shown, a platen is disposed on the opposing surface of the recording head 110.

  The ink storage chamber 107K ′ of the ink cartridge 107K is filled with black (K) ink. In addition, a plurality of ink storage chambers 107C, 107LC, 107M, 107LM, and 107Y are formed in the ink cartridge 107F independently. In these ink storage chambers 107C, 107LC, 107M, 107LM, and 107Y, cyan (C ), Light cyan (LC), magenta (M), light magenta (LM), and yellow (Y) inks, respectively. Accordingly, ink of each color is supplied to the recording head 110 from the ink storage chambers 107C, 107LC, 107M, 107LM, and 107Y. These inks are ejected from the recording head 110 as ink droplets of each color, and color printing is performed.

  In the recording head 110, nozzle openings (not shown) corresponding to black (K), cyan (C), light cyan (LC), magenta (M), light magenta (LM), and yellow (Y) are arranged for each column. It is out.

  As the memory element 400, in this embodiment, as shown in a block diagram in FIG. 8, the memory cell 410, a read / write control unit 420 that controls reading and writing of data in the memory cell 410, and a clock signal CLK are used. A nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM, including an address counter 430 that counts up when data is read and written between the printer main body 100 and the memory cell 410 via the read / write control unit 420 is used. .

  As shown in FIG. 9 for the black ink cartridge 107K and FIG. 10 for the color ink cartridge 107F, the memory cell 410 of the storage element 400 stores various information relating to ink, that is, ink information. . That is, ink specifying information for specifying ink, version data, ink amount information, and the like are stored.

  The memory cell 410 indicates a site for downloading information on the ink, for example, color conversion information used when converting RGB image data into CMYK print data and / or correction information thereof. The URL may be further recorded. In the present embodiment, color conversion information for converting into print data of a system including LC and LM in addition to CMYK is prepared as the CMYK system.

  The ink specifying data is data specifying what kind of component, density, etc. the ink has. For example, the model number of ink is typically mentioned. When the ink model number is an identifier uniquely given by the component, density, etc., this can be used as ink specifying information. Of course, other information may be used. For example, information indicating ink components, information indicating ink density, and the like can be recorded. Further, if version data can also be used as information for specifying ink, it can be considered that this also constitutes ink specifying information. For example, even if the model number is the same, if there is a difference in setting of printing conditions due to different versions, this version data is also used as ink specifying information.

  Ink information is read by the print controller 160 and stored in the EEPROM 165 when the power of the printer 1 is turned on after the ink cartridges 107K and 107F are mounted on the printer 1. Of the paper information, in particular, the paper type information is read by the paper information reading device 168 when the printer 1 is turned on or loaded, and stored in the EEPROM 165. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the storage area 901 to 90n of the EEPROM 165 is read by the ink specific information, ink amount information, and paper information reading device 168 of the black ink cartridge 107K and the color ink cartridge 107F. Data such as paper type information is stored.

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

  The computer main body 200 includes various applications 240 realized by application programs, a printer driver 250 realized by a printer driver program, and a communication control unit 260. These execute various processes using the functions of the OS under the control of an operating system (OS) (not shown). These processes are realized by the CPU 201.

  The printer driver 250 includes a print management unit 251, a spool file storage unit 252, a display control unit 253, and a color conversion information management unit 254 that manages information for performing processing such as color conversion. .

  The print management unit 251 stores and manages mode setting condition information corresponding to paper type information and ink specifying information. That is, based on the combination of paper type and ink, each setting value of printing conditions to be set in advance is included as mode setting condition information. If this information is not provided in advance, it can be registered later. FIG. 15 schematically shows an example of a mode setting management table for storing and managing mode setting condition information corresponding to the paper type information and the ink specifying information. Here, paper type information 2511, ink specifying information 2512, mode setting condition information 2513 corresponding to the combination thereof, and a replacement pointer 2514 indicating an address for replacement with mode setting condition information set by the user are recorded. ing. In the example of FIG. 15, a replacement pointer to user setting information is registered in the paper type PE. Here, in the mode setting conditions, for example, (Mb1, Mb2, Mb3,...), Setting of parameters for various image processing such as designation of color conversion information to be used, necessity of halftone processing, designation, etc. Setting values for printing speed, bidirectional / unidirectional printing, and the like are provided as standard printing mode data for each set of paper type and ink.

  FIG. 15 shows that the paper type PD has the same mode setting conditions (Mb1, Mb2, Mb3,...) As the paper type PB. On the other hand, no mode setting condition is registered for the paper type PF. This indicates a state where the paper type information has been acquired but the corresponding mode setting condition is not registered. Accordingly, if a mode setting condition is registered thereafter for this PF, it is handled in the same manner as other paper types.

  The print management unit 251 functions as a print data generation unit that generates print data according to the print mode by referring to the mode setting condition information using the paper type information and the ink information as keys for the image data. That is, after color conversion processing is performed on display data (RGB data) using color conversion information such as standard color conversion information based on a print request from the application 240, the input device 230, and the like, and after halftone processing is performed The spool file is stored in the spool file storage unit 252 as a spool file. Then, it is read out in the order of printing and sent to the printer 1 via the communication control unit 260. The print management unit 251 also generates control data such as print speed and paper feed as print data.

  In the present embodiment, the print management unit 251 has a function of acquiring paper type information and ink specifying information from the printer 1. That is, the paper type information and the ink specifying information can be acquired from the printing control unit 160 by requesting the print control unit 160 of the printer 1 for the paper type information and the ink specifying information, respectively. The print management unit 251 temporarily stores the acquired paper type information and ink specifying information in the RAM. By making it possible to obtain the paper type information and the ink specifying information from the printer 1, it is possible to obtain the information without requiring the driver to set them. As a result, it functions as a system that automatically sets the optimum print mode in relation to the paper type and ink. It also functions as a system that supports print mode setting. Further, when functioning as a print data generation device, color conversion is performed using color conversion information corresponding to the paper type information and ink identification information and the resolution set in the image data to be printed.

  The spool file storage unit 252 includes the RAM 203 and / or the hard disk drive 207, and stores the aforementioned spool file.

  The display control unit 253 displays a guidance screen or the like on the display device 220 and provides information to the user. As a screen to be displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a screen for various settings for the printer at the time of printing can be cited. For example, a screen for accepting settings such as paper size, paper type, and resolution is displayed. The screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed by the print mode setting system, and input is accepted.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 described later, the acquired paper type information is displayed in a user-readable manner, so that the user can be notified of the type of paper loaded in the printer 1. As a result, the user can know the type of paper, and can be used as a reference when the user sets the mode. That is, it can function as a system that supports mode setting.

  The color conversion information management unit 254 holds color conversion information corresponding to ink used in the printer 1 at the time of color conversion in the print control unit 251. In the present embodiment, color conversion information acquisition processing is also performed. The process of color-converting image data using color conversion information is one of print controls. The color conversion information will be described later.

  The print mode set in the print management unit 251 is displayed as a window screen on the display device 220 by the display control unit 253 including the information acquired from the printer described above.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a window displayed by the printer driver. In the window 2200, a plurality of tabs are prepared. In FIG. 12, the basic setting tab directly related to the present embodiment is selected. Here, a paper type selection unit 2220, an ink selection unit 2230, a mode setting unit 2240 for setting a print finish state, an ink remaining amount display unit 2250 indicating the remaining amount of ink, and a setting state display indicating the current setting state. The part 2260 and the like are arranged.

  The paper type selection unit 2220 includes a paper display unit 2221 that indicates the selected paper and a menu button 2222 that opens a pull-down menu. In this embodiment, as described above, the paper type is already known to the system when the paper is set in the printer. Of course, the user can also select a paper suitable for the paper to be used. The information indicating the type of paper selected here is information obtained by the printer driver 250 from the print controller 160 from the information recorded in the EEPROM 165.

  When plain paper is preset as a paper type in the EEPROM 165 at the time of factory shipment, the first display is “plain paper” which is a user-readable display. Thereafter, when a new sheet is set in the printer or when the printer is turned on, the CPU 161 takes in the sheet information read by the sheet information reading device 168 and writes it into the sheet information in the EEPROM 165. When the window 2200 is opened, the printer driver 250 captures and displays paper type information from the print control unit 160.

  Note that information other than the paper type information, the remaining amount of paper, the size of paper, the distinction between portrait and landscape orientation, etc. are acquired by the print control unit 160 from the paper information reading device 168 and stored in the EEPROM 165. If there is, it can be acquired by the printer driver 250 and provided to the user.

  In the ink selection unit 2230, color is selected by default. It is also possible to specify monochrome printing.

  In the mode setting unit 2240, the printer driver 250 displays the result of automatically setting the print mode based on the acquired paper type information and ink specifying information as “recommended setting”. Of course, changes by the user can be accepted. In this embodiment, the print mode is automatically set according to the paper type and ink, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print mode can be set by acquiring only the paper type and fixing the ink. Further, the paper type may be manually input, and the print mode may be set by acquiring the ink specifying information.

  The remaining ink amount display unit 2250 can display the acquired ink amount information. In addition, the ink remaining amount can be calculated based on the ink capacity and the print data, and the result can be displayed on the ink remaining amount display unit 2250.

  The setting status display unit 2260 collectively displays the currently set print mode. This display changes as settings change.

  The color conversion information managed by the color conversion information management unit 254 includes, for example, an input value group consisting of a combination of RGB values and a combination of input values that specify each color that is supposed to appear in the image data. Correspondingly, it is composed of data for associating an output value group consisting of a combination of CMYK values specifying each color that is supposed to appear as a color reproduced at the time of printing. Specifically, it can be prepared in a lookup table (LUT) format. In addition, in order to prepare all the color conversion information, a huge memory space is required. Therefore, 256 gradations of each color are divided into some parts in advance, and a lattice of those division points is virtually assumed. Each grid point can have an input value and an output value corresponding to the input value. In this case, the colors existing between the grid points correspond to the interpolation calculation between the grid points.

  In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a color ink in which light cyan (LC) and light magenta (LM) are further added to CMYK is used as an inkjet printer. That is, the RGB image data is color-converted into print data specified by CMYLCLMK. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. The RGB image data can be converted into, for example, CMYK, or a combination of gradations of different stimulus values.

  In the LUT described above, an input value group and an output value group are associated with each other. The input value group includes a plurality of combinations of input values that specify the gradation of each color that is supposed to appear in the image data. Specifically, for example, there are a plurality of combinations of values specifying 256 gradations for each color of RGB. On the other hand, the output value group has a plurality of combinations of a plurality of output values that specify the gradation of each color assumed to appear as a color reproduced at the time of printing. Specifically, for example, there are a plurality of combinations of values that respectively specify the gradations of the colors CMYK and LCLM. The LUT associates each combination of input values in the input value group with a corresponding combination of output values in the output value group. Accordingly, given a combination of input values, a corresponding combination of output values is specified.

  For example, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 13, the color conversion information is first roughly classified according to the difference in ink, and is further classified for each ink and for each paper type. The LUT is determined corresponding to the resolution in each lowermost layer. As options for specifying ink, FIG. 13 shows a dye system and a pigment system, but is not limited thereto. For example, there may be multiple types of options for each concentration. Examples of the paper type include plain paper, spur fine (SF) paper, and glossy paper. Furthermore, examples of the resolution include 180 dpi, 360 dpi, and 720 dpi. As an LUT, one LUT is configured by combining ink specifying information, paper type, and resolution. Therefore, there are LUTs corresponding to the number of options at the bottom layer.

  All of these LUTs can be managed by the color conversion information management unit 254. That is, when the printer driver 250 is shipped, the LUTs prepared in advance are stored in correspondence with the options at the bottom layer so that each LUT can be selected by a combination of ink specifying information, paper type information, and resolution information. . Thus, when the ink type 2541, the paper type 2542, and the resolution 2543 are set, the LUT to be used is inevitably determined. FIG. 13 schematically shows the selection logic.

  A plurality of types of LUTs can be prepared for each resolution described above. As a result, it is possible to cope with the use of a plurality of types of ink in the printer.

  Further, as another aspect, as color conversion information, a standard LUT that holds standard color conversion information serving as a standard, and correction color conversion information that corrects the difference when the standard color conversion information has a difference depending on ink. Can be prepared. By using the correction LUT in this way, the color conversion information can be saved in a smaller storage area than when all the color conversion information is saved in the standard LUT format.

  The standard LUT and the correction LUT are prepared together with the printer driver 250 in advance, and are also taken into the computer main body 200 when the printer driver 250 is installed. The installed standard LUT and correction LUT are placed under the management of the color information management unit 254.

  Of course, a new standard LUT and a correction LUT can be added and installed. Alternatively, a standard LUT may be prepared in the printer driver 250 and a correction LUT may be additionally installed. For example, it can be acquired from the storage element 400, downloaded from a website, or the like.

  If correction color conversion information is stored in the memory cell 410 of the storage element 400, this information can be used as a correction LUT. Even if the correction color conversion information is not stored, if the URL of the Web site that is the download source is stored instead, the correction color conversion information is downloaded using this URL. be able to. In this way, it is possible to deal with new ink. In the present embodiment, the added LUT is placed under the management of the color information management unit 254 and is used at the time of color conversion.

  Note that all LUTs may be installed from the outside without preparing the LUT in the printer driver. As described above, the introduction can be dealt with by reading from the storage element 400 or downloading via the Internet or the like.

  The correction LUT can be configured as follows, for example. That is, as correction color conversion information, a value that replaces the value of a part that causes a difference in the color conversion information prepared in the standard LUT is prepared, and a value that uses a difference in the standard color conversion information. It is possible to prepare a difference value for correcting it. Of course, it is not limited to these. When such a correction LUT is used, for example, it is used in the range where the standard LUT value can be used, and the correction LUT value is used in the range where it cannot be used. In this way, it is possible to cope with a small amount of data as if many LUTs were prepared. In addition, when different inks are newly developed or the number of types of paper to be newly supported increases, it is possible to deal with by preparing correction values only for the differences without preparing the entire LUT. Can do.

  The color conversion information management unit 254, when performing printing, determines that there is no LUT that matches the combination of the loaded paper type and the mounted ink when the print management unit 251 determines that “compatible”. The display control unit 253 displays a screen for requesting approval for “no LUT is prepared” and “can I print using a LUT having a close value among the prepared LUTs”? Display on the display device. In addition, a message for guiding a method for obtaining a suitable LUT can be displayed on the display screen. At this time, a click button for downloading may be displayed on the display screen so that a necessary LUT can be downloaded via the Internet. In this case, in addition to downloading the corresponding standard LUT, the correction LUT can be downloaded. The downloaded LUT is placed under the management of the color conversion information management unit 254 and is used at the time of color conversion.

  FIG. 2B shows a functional configuration of the print control unit 160. The print control unit 160 reads the ink information from the printing element control unit 171 that controls the operation of the printing mechanism 100 and the storage element 400, updates the ink information, and reads the paper information read by the paper information reading device 168. Capture. In addition, in response to a request from the computer main body 200, a paper / ink information management unit 172 that transmits ink information and a communication control unit 174 that exchanges data with the computer main body 200 are provided. These functions are realized by the CPU 161 executing a program stored in the ROM 162.

  Next, operations of the print control system and the print control method of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, a case where paper information is acquired from the paper information reading device 168 and ink information including ink specifying information is acquired from the storage element 400 mounted on the ink cartridge will be described as an example.

  In order to put the printer 1 into a use state, the user mounts the ink cartridges 107K and 107F on the cartridge mounting unit 180. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, printing paper is loaded.

  When the ink cartridge is installed and the printer 1 is turned on, the print control unit 160 is activated. That is, the CPU 161 functions as a communication control unit 174, a print control mechanism management unit 171 and a paper / ink information management unit. The printing mechanism control unit 171 performs various preparation processes such as an initial setting process for the printing mechanism 100. Further, the paper / ink information management unit 172 reads information stored in the storage element 400 and stores the stored content in the EEPROM 165. Further, the paper information from the paper information reading device 168 is acquired and the contents are stored in the EEPROM 165.

  On the other hand, in the computer main body 200, when a print instruction is received from one of the applications 240, the printer driver 250 operates as shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 201 functions as the print management unit 251 of the printer driver 250. In other words, the print management unit 251 acquires information necessary for setting conditions for printing by the printer 1 (step 1010). First, a paper type information acquisition request is sent to the print control unit 160 of the printer 1, and the paper type information is acquired from the print control unit 160. In addition, the print management unit 251 sends an ink specification information acquisition request to the print control unit 160 of the printer 1 via the communication control unit 260 and acquires the ink specification information from the print control unit 160.

  Here, upon receiving a paper type information acquisition request and an ink specification information acquisition request to the print control unit 160 via the communication control unit 174, the paper / ink information management unit 172 receives information stored in the EEPROM 165. The corresponding paper type information is read out from the printer driver 250 and sent to the printer driver 250 via the communication control unit 174. Similarly, the ink specifying information is also transmitted. At this time, information such as the remaining ink amount may be sent together.

  Further, the print management unit 251 sets a print mode based on the acquired paper type information and ink specifying information (step 1020). For example, based on the paper type being plain paper, printing conditions such as “Fine”, “Color correction by driver: ON”, “Microweave: ON”, “Bidirectional printing: ON”, “High-speed printing”, etc. The print mode is automatically determined by setting for. Further, in the present embodiment, information on the vertical placement of the paper is also acquired and the print mode is set. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, it is performed by acquiring preset print mode setting condition information according to the combination of paper type and ink. The result is passed to the display control unit 253 to display as shown in FIG.

  When the acquired paper type information is different from the paper type information that can be handled by the print management unit 251, that is, when the mode setting condition information is not prepared in the mode setting management table shown in FIG. 15, the paper type display is performed. The control unit 253 is notified of this, and a message is sent to acquire and input data necessary for mode setting related to the paper type information. In this case, the paper type information and the ink specifying information are registered in the mode setting management table shown in FIG. The paper type PF is an example of this. Further, if the print management unit is different from the compatible paper type information, but it is known that the conditions for mode setting are close to any of the paper types, for example, in the example shown in FIG. In this case, a message that presents the paper type PB having the same mode setting condition information as a similar paper type is output.

  Here, when the user downloads the mode setting condition information about the paper that cannot be set by the print mode setting and inputs it to the computer 2, the print management unit 251 shows the acquired mode setting condition information as shown in FIG. The information is stored in the mode setting management table in association with the information PF indicating the paper type and the ink specifying information Ix. Thereafter, when information indicating the same paper type is acquired, it is handled as a known type of paper. In addition, when the user inputs that the new paper is handled as another close paper type, the print management unit 251 displays information indicating the new paper type and mode setting for the close paper type. And the relationship is saved. The paper type PD shown in FIG. 15 is an example. Accordingly, when information indicating the new paper type is acquired thereafter, it is handled as a known type of paper.

  Here, if there is an input of user setting conditions regarding printing, it is acquired. Here, examples of the user setting conditions include a printing mode such as high-speed printing and ink save printing, and resolution. These may be set in an application, may be set by setting a setting screen in the printer driver, or may be set as a default. In any case, the print resolution condition is acquired. Also, the user can select and input the paper type. When the user inputs the selected paper type, the paper type is accepted and the selected paper type information is used instead of the acquired paper type information. Used as information to show. Further, the user can manually input information indicating the paper type via the input device. When the mode setting condition information is not prepared in the mode setting management table for the paper type information, it is necessary to acquire and register the information.

  The acquired paper type information, ink specifying information, and resolution are held in the RAM 203 under the management of the print management unit 251.

  Next, the print management unit 251 selects a suitable LUT from the LUT group managed by the color conversion information management unit 254 according to the logic shown in FIG. 13 based on the acquired paper type information, ink specifying information, and resolution. (Step 1030).

  Here, when the color information management unit 254 does not prepare an LUT having suitable color conversion information, the process is transferred to the color information management unit 254. The color information management unit 254 performs countermeasure processing for securing a suitable LUT. As the countermeasure processing, various measures can be taken depending on the situation as described above. As a situation, for example, firstly, correction color conversion information or standard color conversion information may be recorded as color conversion information in the storage element 400 of the ink cartridge. Second, the URL of the download source may be recorded in the storage element 400. Third, there is a case where nothing is recorded in the storage element 400. These situations can be grasped by examining the EEPROM 165 of the printer 1. Accordingly, the color information management unit 254 grasps the situation by inquiring the situation to the print control unit 160. And it is preferable to display the message according to each condition on the display apparatus 220 by the display control part 253. FIG.

  When the situation is the first, the color information management unit 254 requests to acquire the correction color conversion information or the standard color conversion information and acquires it. This embodiment corresponds to the first case. In the first case, since a relatively short time can be dealt with, there is little need to display a special message. Therefore, the message notifying the situation can be omitted.

  In the first case, when the ink specifying information is acquired as the information for setting the print mode, the corresponding correction color conversion information or standard color conversion information may be acquired together. In that case, the situation in the first case does not occur from the beginning.

  When the situation is the second, the color information management unit 254 acquires the recorded URL and passes it to the display control unit 253, and a message that “a suitable LUT is not prepared”, and The acquired URL is displayed together with a message prompting the download. In this case, other measures can be taken. That is, when the computer 2 is in a state where it can be connected to the Internet, the corresponding website is accessed based on the acquired URL automatically or in response to a button click, and necessary correction color conversion information or Standard color conversion information may be downloaded. In the case of automatic download, a message to automatically download is displayed instead of the message for prompting download.

  When the situation is third, the color conversion information management unit 254 may print using a LUT having a close value among the prepared LUTs and “A suitable LUT is not prepared”. The display control unit 253 causes the display device to display a screen for requesting an input of approval of “ka”. In addition, on this display screen, a message for guiding a method for obtaining a suitable LUT may be displayed together with a click button for downloading.

  Next, the print management unit 251 takes in image data managed by the application 240 that has requested printing (1040), and performs color conversion processing (step 1050). At this time, an output value composed of a combination of corresponding CMYK and LCLM gradation values is obtained with reference to the determined LUT by using a combination of RGB gradation values as input values. Thereby, a color conversion process can be performed.

  When the LUT is a correction LUT, color conversion is performed using a standard LUT and a correction LUT separately according to the input value range.

  The print management unit 251 temporarily stores the image data after the color conversion process in the RAM 203. Thereafter, halftone processing is performed to generate print data (step 1060). Halftone processing is performed by, for example, an error diffusion method, a dither method, or the like. In this halftone process, it is preferable to set the processing parameters corresponding to the paper type information and the ink specifying information. In the present invention, this is possible.

  Thereafter, the print management unit 251 temporarily stores the print data for which halftone processing has been completed in the spool file storage unit 252 and sends the print data to the printer 1 via the communication control unit 260 (step 1070).

  As described above, the color-converted print data is transferred to the printer 1 and printed by the printer 1.

  According to the present embodiment, the print mode corresponding to the paper type and ink is automatically set. Therefore, even if the paper is unknown to the user or new ink, the print mode can be set without placing a burden on the user to set the mode accordingly. If information for mode setting is not prepared in advance, it can be handled in the same way as a known sheet by acquiring and registering the information.

  Also, an LUT suitable for the paper type and ink can be used. As a result, the relationship between the printer and the ink, which has been conventionally fixed in a one-to-one relationship, can be made more flexible. That is, it is possible to use a plurality of types of ink for a certain printer. On the contrary, it is possible to use a certain ink with a plurality of types of printers. In the present embodiment, the LUT can be introduced from the outside. As a result, even when the ink is improved, new ink can be used. Furthermore, for a printer manufacturer, it is possible to change or expand the performance of a certain type of printer by changing the ink.

  In addition, the ink specifying information can be associated with the paper type and the resolution. In particular, since the information about the paper type can be taken from the paper information recording unit of the paper packaging, the optimum LUT can be selected in combination with the ink specifying information.

  Further, in the present invention, by preparing a plurality of types of color conversion information for the same ink, it is possible to allow the user to select and realize a user's favorite color development. For example, one standard color conversion information and a plurality of types of correction color conversion information are prepared for one ink, and the standard color conversion information and a plurality of types of correction color conversion information can be selected. In this case, the fact that selectable color conversion information (LUT) exists on the display screen of the display device is displayed so that the user can select it. Of course, a plurality of types of standard color conversion information may be prepared.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ink specifying information is acquired from the ink cartridge via the printer 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-described display control unit 253 can display a setting screen for setting information on the type of ink on the display device. On this screen, for example, as the information indicating the type of ink attached to the ink cartridge, the product number of the ink cartridge can be input.

  Further, all or part of the processing performed in the printer driver may be performed by the print control unit of the printer. Further, a part of processing performed on the printer side may be performed on the printer driver side.

  The paper information recording unit is not limited to the barcode described above. Other code forms may be used. The recording type can also be configured to perform optical recording or magnetic recording and read it using a reading device suitable for each. For example, optical recording can be read using a CCD. Magnetic recording can be read by a magnetic head. In addition, a wireless data carrier can be used.

  Further, a notch, a claw, or the like may be provided in a part of the paper packaging material so that the paper information can be detected on the printer side by the position, number, arrangement, and the like.

  In addition, it is also possible for the user to manually input the code via the input device.

  As described above, the paper information is provided in the form of a code from the paper information recording unit provided on the paper side, particularly in the form of an identifier, so that the user can specify the paper type without any particular awareness. It can be done automatically and correctly. Also, by providing ink information in the form of a code from a storage element provided on the ink cartridge side, it is possible to set an optimum print mode including the relationship with the paper.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hardware system used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized by a computer main body in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a block showing a functional configuration realized by a printer in the present embodiment. Figure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a printing mechanism of the printer. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a paper packing material used in the recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing an example of a paper information recording unit used in the paper packaging material. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of a paper packing material that can be used in the recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage element attached to the ink cartridge. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a data array of storage elements mounted on a black ink cartridge. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a data array of storage elements mounted on a color ink cartridge. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a data array of EEPROM built in the printer body. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a window for setting the paper type on the computer. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing selection logic for determining an LUT used for color conversion. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a color conversion processing operation in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mode setting management table in which the printer driver manages mode setting condition information corresponding to the paper type and ink.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer 100 ... Printing mechanism 160 ... Print control part 161 ... CPU
162 ... ROM
163 ... RAM
164, 166 ... Interface (I / F)
165... Nonvolatile memory (EEPROM)
167 ... Operation panel 168 ... Paper information reading device 171 ... Printing mechanism control unit 172 ... Paper / ink information management part 174 ... Communication control part 2 ... Computer 200 ... Computer main body 201 ... CPU
202 ... ROM
203 ... RAM
209 ... P ・ I / F
220 ... Display device 230 ... Keyboard 260 ... Communication control unit 240 ... Application 250 ... Printer driver 251 ... Print management unit 252 ... Spool file storage unit 253 ... Display control unit 254 ... Color conversion information management unit,
310 ... CD-ROM
320 ... floppy disk 400 ... storage element 501 ... paper

Claims (12)

In a recording apparatus that forms an image on paper based on print data sent from an apparatus that generates print data,
Means for acquiring information indicating the type of paper loaded in the recording apparatus for image formation;
A recording apparatus comprising: means for storing information indicating the acquired paper type; and means for outputting information indicating the acquired paper type when requested. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The apparatus for acquiring information indicating the type of paper has a device for reading information recorded in a paper information recording unit attached to the paper packing material. In an apparatus that is connected to a recording apparatus that forms an image on paper and generates print data to be sent to the recording apparatus,
Means for performing a print mode setting process for setting a print mode based on information indicating the selected paper type;
Means for generating print data in accordance with a set print mode and sending it to the recording device,
The printing mode setting processing unit acquires information indicating a paper type from the recording apparatus, and sets the printing mode based on the acquired information indicating the paper type. Data generator. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 3.
The means for setting the print mode further acquires information specifying ink used for printing from the recording device, and print mode based on the information specifying the acquired ink and information indicating the type of the paper A print data generation apparatus characterized in that the setting is performed. In a print mode setting processing system that is connected to a recording device that forms an image on paper and sets the print mode of the recording device,
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper from the recording device;
A printing mode setting processing system comprising: a mode setting process for setting a printing mode based on the acquired information indicating the type of paper. 6. The printing mode setting processing system according to claim 5, further comprising means for receiving a paper type selection input,
The mode setting process is characterized in that when the means for accepting a paper type selection input accepts the selection input, the mode setting process performs the mode setting process based on information indicating the accepted paper type. system. The print mode setting processing system according to claim 6.
Means for causing the display device to display a setting result of the print mode and an area for accepting a paper type selection input;
The print mode setting processing system characterized in that the display means displays information indicating the acquired paper type in an area for accepting a selection input of the paper type in a user-readable display mode. A system configured to support setting of a print mode, which is configured by a computer connected to each of a display device and a printing device,
Means for obtaining information indicating the type of paper from the recording device;
Means for displaying a screen for setting the print mode on the display device, and means for displaying the screen for setting the print mode, when information indicating the type of the paper is acquired, A print mode setting support system, wherein information indicating the acquired paper type is displayed on the screen in a user-readable display mode. The print mode setting support system according to claim 8,
The means for displaying a screen for setting the print mode is configured such that when the acquired information indicating the paper type is different from the information indicating the paper type that can be handled in the print mode setting, the paper type A print mode setting support system that causes a display device to display a message that prompts the user to input information indicating the display. A recording medium that records a program that causes a computer connected to each of a display device and a printing device to support setting of a print mode,
The program is
Processing for acquiring information indicating the type of paper from the recording device;
Causing the display device to display a screen for setting a print mode on the computer, and
When displaying the screen for setting the print mode, if information indicating the paper type is acquired, the information indicating the acquired paper type is displayed on the screen in a user-readable display mode. The recording medium which recorded the program characterized by the above-mentioned. In the print data generation device according to any one of claims 3 and 4,
Print data further comprising communication means for communicating with other systems via a network to exchange data, the communication means having a function of receiving information necessary for print mode setting processing Generator. In the printing mode setting processing system according to any one of claims 5, 6 and 7,
A printing mode further comprising communication means for communicating with other systems via a network to exchange data, the communication means having a function of receiving information necessary for print mode setting processing Configuration processing system.

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