JP2014097671A - Program, printing apparatus, and method for generating printing data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a white image of desired color together with a color image on a printing medium when printing is performed by using a plurality of color of ink including white color.SOLUTION: A printing apparatus for performing printing by using a plurality of color of ink including white color comprises: a first image forming section for forming a first color image on a printing medium by jetting the ink; and a second image forming section for forming a second image on the printing medium by jetting the ink in such a manner that at least a part of the second image is overlapped with the first image. The second image forming section forms a first section which is at least a part of the overlapped portion of the second image with the first image by using white ink only. The second image forming section forms a second section which is at least a part of the not-overlapped portion of the second image with the first image by using the ink of white color and at least one color ink other than the white color.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing printing using a plurality of colors of ink including white.

  In addition to color inks such as cyan, magenta, and yellow, printing apparatuses that perform printing using white (white) ink are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A printing apparatus that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink including white ink, for example, uses a white ink to perform background processing or grounding of a print medium in order to reproduce a color image without being affected by the ground color of the print medium. It is possible to perform complementary color processing according to the color.

JP 2002-38063 A

  When printing an image including a color part and a white part using a plurality of colors of ink including white ink, the color of the white part is determined by the color of the white ink, so the color of the white part is set to a desired color. It was difficult. In general, the color of white ink (white ink) used in a printer such as gravure printing or flexographic printing and the color of white ink used in a printer such as an ink jet printer, even for the same ink called “white ink” May be different from each other. For example, even white ink used in an ink jet printer may have different colors depending on the printer model. Therefore, for example, when a packaging film of a product including a white portion and a color portion created by printing with a gravure printing machine is reproduced with an inkjet printer, it is difficult to faithfully reproduce the color of the white portion of the packaging film. there were.

  Such a problem is not limited to the case of using an inkjet printer, but is a common problem when printing is performed using a plurality of colors of ink including white ink.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and forms a white image of a desired color together with a color image on a printing medium when printing is performed using a plurality of colors of ink including white. The purpose is to make it possible.

  In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, the present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples. The present invention is a printing apparatus that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink including a white ink, the first image forming unit ejecting at least one color of the plurality of colors of ink, and at least the white color A second image forming unit that ejects ink; and a control unit that forms a first image using the first image forming unit and forms a second image using the second image forming unit. Then, at least a portion of the second image that overlaps the first image is formed using only the white ink, and at least one of the portions of the second image that does not overlap the first image. It is possible to realize a printing apparatus that includes a control unit that forms the unit using the white ink and at least one color ink other than white. In addition, the present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1 A printing apparatus that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink including white,
A first image forming unit that ejects ink to form a first color image on a print medium; and at least a portion of the second image by ejecting ink to overlap the first image. A second image forming unit that forms a second image on the print medium, wherein a first portion that is at least part of a portion of the second image that overlaps the first image is white The second portion that is at least a portion of the second image that does not overlap the first image is formed of white and at least one color other than white. And a second image forming unit formed by using the printing apparatus.

  In this printing apparatus, a first color image is formed on a print medium using a plurality of colors of ink including white, and at least a part of the second image overlaps the first image. Can be formed on a print medium. At this time, the first portion that is at least part of the portion of the second image that overlaps the first image is formed using only the white ink, and the first image in the second image is formed. The second part, which is at least a part of the part that does not overlap with the ink, is formed using white and at least one color ink other than white. Therefore, the color of the second portion that is at least a portion of the second image that does not overlap the first image can be adjusted to white. Therefore, in this printing apparatus, when printing is performed using a plurality of colors including white, a white image having a desired color can be formed on the print medium together with the color image. Furthermore, in this printing apparatus, since the first portion that is at least part of the portion of the second image that overlaps the first image is formed using only white ink, the second image is formed. The influence of the color on the color of the first image can be suppressed.

[Application Example 2] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 1, further including:
The formation of the first image by the first image forming unit and the formation of the second image by the second image forming unit are performed in parallel during at least a part of the printing period. A printing apparatus comprising a control unit that controls the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit.

  In this printing apparatus, the formation of the first image by the first image forming unit and the formation of the second image by the second image forming unit are performed in parallel during at least a part of the printing period. Thus, it is possible to efficiently execute a printing process for forming a white image of a desired color together with a color image on a print medium.

[Application Example 3] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 2,
The control unit uses the image data representing the first image and the image data representing the second image, the image data representing the first portion of the second image, and the second data A printing apparatus, comprising: an image data conversion unit that generates image data representing the second portion of the image.

  In this printing apparatus, if image data representing the first image and image data representing the second image can be acquired, the image data representing the first part of the second image and the second part of the second image And forming a first portion of the second image using only white ink based on the generated image data, and a second portion of the second image. Can be formed using white and at least one color ink other than white.

[Application Example 4] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 2 or Application Example 3, further comprising:
A printing apparatus comprising: a head having a first nozzle group as the first image forming unit and a second nozzle group as the second image forming unit.

  In this printing apparatus, the first image can be formed on the print medium by the first nozzle group of the head, and the second image can be formed on the print medium by the second nozzle group of the head. When printing is performed using a plurality of colors of ink including white, a white image of a desired color can be formed together with a color image on the print medium, and the color image formed by forming the second image The influence on the color of the first image can be suppressed.

Application Example 5 The printing apparatus according to Application Example 4, further comprising:
A print medium feeding mechanism for moving the print medium relative to the head in a predetermined direction; the head extends along the predetermined direction; and a plurality of nozzles corresponding to each of the plurality of colors of ink A plurality of nozzle rows located in one of the upstream portion and the downstream portion when the head is divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion along the predetermined direction. Is set as the first nozzle group, and a portion of the plurality of nozzle rows located on the other of the upstream portion and the downstream portion is set as the second nozzle group.

  In this printing apparatus, the formation of the first image using the first nozzle group and the formation of the second image using the second nozzle group can be executed in parallel.

[Application Example 6] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 5, further including:
A printing order designation receiving unit configured to receive printing order designation information for designating a printing order in an overlapping portion between the first image and the second image; and the control unit includes the printing order designation information as the first order. When the printing order for forming the first image is designated, the part of the plurality of nozzle rows located in the upstream part of the head is set as the first nozzle group, and the printing order designation information is A printing apparatus that sets a portion of the plurality of nozzle rows positioned in the downstream portion of the head as the first nozzle group when designating a printing order in which the second image is formed first.

  In this printing apparatus, regardless of the printing order of the first image and the second image, the first image is formed using the first nozzle group and the second image is formed using the second nozzle group. The image formation can be executed in parallel.

[Application Example 7] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Example 4 to Application Example 6,
The second nozzle group does not eject at least one color ink other than white among the plurality of color inks.

[Application Example 8] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 7,
The multi-color ink includes a combination of light color ink and dark color ink for at least one hue, and the second nozzle group does not eject the dark color ink.

  In this printing apparatus, a white image of a desired color can be formed on a print medium together with a color image, and a decrease in image quality (increase in graininess) in the white image can be suppressed.

[Application Example 9] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 7 or Application Example 8,
The printing apparatus, wherein the plurality of colors of ink includes black ink, and the second nozzle group ejects the black ink.

  In this printing apparatus, a white image of a desired color can be formed on a print medium together with a color image, the brightness of the white image can be adjusted, and the selectable range of the color of the white image can be expanded. it can.

[Application Example 10] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 9, further comprising:
A color designating unit that obtains a density value and a color value in a predetermined color system for the color of the second part of the second image, and the second image forming unit is configured to obtain the acquired value; A printing apparatus for forming the second portion of the second image based on

  In this printing apparatus, a white image of a desired color can be formed together with a color image on a print medium, and the color of the second portion of the second image (the color of the white image) can be specified accurately and easily. can do.

[Application Example 11] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 10,
The color designation unit is a printing apparatus that acquires at least one of the density value and a color value in the predetermined color system based on a color measurement result of an object.

  In this printing apparatus, a white image having a desired color can be formed on the print medium together with the color image, and the color of the second portion of the second image (the color of the white image) can be more accurately and easily performed. Can be specified.

[Application Example 12] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 11,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color designation unit acquires at least one of the density value and a color value in the predetermined color system based on a color measurement result on a white background and a color measurement result on a black background.

  In this printing apparatus, since at least one of the density value and the colorimetric value in the predetermined color system is acquired based on the colorimetric result on the white background and the colorimetric result on the black background, for example, the colorimetric result on the white background The color of the second part of the second image (the color of the white image) is obtained by acquiring the color value in a predetermined color system based on the color image and acquiring the density value based on the color measurement result on the black background. It can be specified more accurately and easily.

[Application Example 13] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Example 10 to Application Example 12,
The printing apparatus, wherein the predetermined color system is one of an L ^* a ^* b ^* color system and an L ^* u ^* v ^* color system.

[Application Example 14] The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 13,
The second image forming unit is configured such that, of the second part of the second image, a part constituting the white part of a predetermined code composed of a white part and a part other than white is white. A printing device that uses only ink.

  In this printing apparatus, even if the second portion of the second image is a portion constituting the white portion of the predetermined code, an image is formed using only white ink. It is possible to suppress a decrease in reading accuracy.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, a printing method and apparatus, a printing control method and apparatus, a printing system including the printing apparatus and the printing control apparatus, and these methods, apparatuses, and systems. The present invention can be realized in the form of a computer program for realizing the above functions, a recording medium storing the computer program, a data signal including the computer program and embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a printing system in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of PC200 roughly. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printer. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of a PC 200. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of a printer. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of printing processing in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of print image PI color image data Cdata non-overlapping part white image data WINdata and overlapping part white image data WIOdata. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing order of a color image and a white image. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by a CPU 210 that executes a printer driver 300. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a toning white designation | designated process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of UI window for toning white designation | designated. It is explanatory drawing which shows the color measurement method of real print RP. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the color conversion process ink color separation process halftone process for a toned white image. It is explanatory drawing which shows partially an example of the look-up table LUTw for toned white images. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the color conversion process ink color separation process halftone process for color images. It is explanatory drawing which shows partially an example of the look-up table for color images LUTc. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command creation processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command produced by command creation processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the ink code table | surface ICT. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of a raster buffer and a head buffer. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a print head 144 of the printer 100. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of the white color to which white is adjusted. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the color reproduction area (gamut) of a color image and a white image. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the color conversion process ink color separation process and halftone process for the toned white image in 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows functionally the structure of PC200b of 3rd Example. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by a CPU 210 that executes a printer driver 300 according to a third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing image PI color image data Cdata non-overlapping part white image data WINdata and overlapping part white image data WIOdata in 4th Example.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
A-1. Printing system configuration:
A-2. Printing process:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Fourth embodiment:
E. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Printing system configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a printer 100 and a personal computer (PC) 200. The printer 100 is an ink jet color printer that prints an image by ejecting ink to form ink dots on a printing medium (for example, printing paper or transparent film). The PC 200 functions as a print control apparatus that supplies printing data to the printer 100 and controls the printing operation by the printer 100. The printer 100 and the PC 200 are connected to be able to communicate information by wire or wireless. Specifically, in this embodiment, the printer 100 and the PC 200 are connected to each other by a USB cable. FIG. 1 shows an actual printed matter (hereinafter also referred to as “real print RP”) created by printing with a gravure printing machine, for example.

  The printer 100 of this embodiment includes cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), and white (W). The printer performs printing using a total of seven colors of ink. The printing system 10 according to the present embodiment realizes a printing process in which a color image and a white image are formed in parallel on a transparent film as a printing medium. A transparent film on which a color image and a white image are formed is used as, for example, a product packaging film.

In the present specification, “white” is not limited to white in the strict sense that is the surface color of an object reflecting 100% of all wavelengths of visible light, but is commonly used as a so-called “white”. It shall include a color called white. “White” means, for example, (1) Color measurement mode: Spot color measurement, Light source: D50, Backing: Black, Print medium: Measured with transparent film, using x-rite colorimeter eye-one Pro If it is colored, the label in the Lab system is on the a ^* b ^* plane within the circumference of the radius 20 and inside thereof, and L ^* is a color within the hue range represented by 70 or more, or (2) Minolta When using the colorimeter CM2022 manufactured by the company with color measurement in the measurement mode D502 ° field of view, SCF mode, and white background, the label in the Lab system is on the circumference of the radius 20 on the a ^* b ^* plane and inside it. And L ^* is a color within the hue range represented by 70 or more, or (3) the color of the ink used as the background of the image as described in JP-A-2004-306591, If it is used, it is not limited to pure white. In this specification, mixing white ink with other color inks to adjust the white color is called “white toning”, and the white (adjusted white) generated by white toning is referred to as “toning” Call it white. In the present specification, a white image is referred to as a “white image”, and an image composed of toned white in the white image is particularly referred to as a “toned white image”.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the PC 200. The PC 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, a USB interface (USB I / F) 240, a network interface (N / W I / F) 250, a display interface (display I / F) 260, and a serial interface ( Serial I / F) 270, hard disk drive (HDD) 280, and CD drive 290 are included. Each component of the PC 200 is connected to each other via a bus.

  A USB interface compatible colorimeter CM is connected to the USB interface 240 of the PC 200. A monitor MON as a display device is connected to the display interface 260. The serial interface 270 is connected to a keyboard KB and a mouse MOU as input devices. Note that the configuration of the PC 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and some of the components of the PC 200 may be omitted or further components may be added to the PC 200.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the printer 100. The printer 100 includes a CPU 110, a ROM 120, a RAM 130, a head controller 140, a print head 144, a carriage controller (CR controller) 150, a carriage motor (CR motor) 152, and a print medium feed controller (PF controller) 160. A print medium feed motor (PF motor) 162, a USB interface (USB I / F) 170, a network interface (N / W I / F) 180, and a monitor 190 as a display unit. Each component of the printer 100 is connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 110 of the printer 100 functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the entire printer 100 by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 120. The print head 144 of the printer 100 is mounted on a carriage (not shown). The carriage controller 150 controls the carriage motor 152 to reciprocate the carriage in a predetermined direction. Thereby, the main scanning in which the print head 144 reciprocates along a predetermined direction (main scanning direction) of the print medium is realized. The print medium feed controller 160 and the print medium feed motor 162 function as a print medium feed mechanism. That is, the print medium feed controller 160 controls the print medium feed motor 162 to perform sub-scanning for transporting the print medium in a direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The print head 144 has a nozzle group (see FIG. 22) that ejects ink, and the head controller 140 controls ink ejection from the nozzle group by the print head 144 in conjunction with main scanning and sub scanning. Thereby, formation of an image (printing of an image) on the print medium is realized.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the PC 200. The ROM 220 (FIG. 2) of the PC 200 stores an application program AP and a printer driver 300 as computer programs executed by the CPU 210. The application program AP is a program for generating, editing, and the like of an image (hereinafter also referred to as “print image PI”) to be printed on a transparent film as a print medium. The CPU 210 executes generation and editing of the print image PI by executing the application program AP.

  The CPU 210 that executes the application program AP receives the color image data Cdata, the non-overlapping partial white image data WINdata, the overlapping partial white image data WIOdata, and the printing order designation information SS in accordance with a print execution instruction from the user. Output for. The contents of each data will be described in detail in “A-2. Printing process”.

  The printer driver 300 (FIG. 4) generates printing data (printing command) based on the data output from the application program AP, and controls the printer 100 (FIG. 1) based on the printing data to perform printing processing. It is a program for. The CPU 210 (FIG. 2) executes printing control by the printer 100 by executing the printer driver 300.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the printer driver 300 includes a color image ink color separation processing module 310, a color image halftone processing module 320, a toned white designation module 330, and a toned white image color conversion module. 340, a toned white image ink color separation processing module 350, a toned white image halftone processing module 360, and a command creation module 370. The toned white designation module 330 includes a UI control module 332. The HDD 280 (FIG. 2) of the PC 200 includes a color image lookup table (LUT) LUTc, a color image halftone (HT) resource HTc, a toned white image lookup table (LUT) LUTw, A toned white image halftone (HT) resource HTw and an ink code table ICT are stored, and the printer driver 300 and each module execute processing with reference to these pieces of information. The function of each module and the contents of each information will be described in detail in “A-2. Printing process”.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the printer 100. A command processing module 112 is stored in the ROM 120 (FIG. 3) of the printer 100 as a computer program executed by the CPU 110. As will be described later, the CPU 110 executes a command processing module 112 to realize processing of a print command received from the PC 200. In addition, the RAM 130 (FIG. 3) of the printer 100 has a raster buffer 132. The raster buffer 132 includes two areas of a color image raster buffer 132c and a white image raster buffer 132w. The head controller 140 (FIG. 3) of the printer 100 has a head buffer 142. The head buffer 142 includes an upstream head buffer 142u and a downstream head buffer 142l. The functions and detailed configurations of these programs and buffers will be described in detail in “A-2. Printing Process”.

A-2. Printing process:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing processing in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment. The printing process of the present embodiment is a process of forming a color image and a white image in parallel on a transparent film as a printing medium, and creating a printed material on which the color image and the white image are formed. The color image corresponds to the first image in the present invention, and the white image corresponds to the second image in the present invention.

  In step S110 (FIG. 6), the CPU 210 (FIG. 2) that executes the application program AP (FIG. 4) receives a print execution instruction from the user. In response to receiving the print execution instruction, the CPU 210 outputs the color image data Cdata, the non-overlapping partial white image data WINdata, the overlapping partial white image data WIOdata, and the printing order designation information SS to the printer driver 300 (FIG. 4). ). The color image data Cdata is data representing a color image in the print image PI, and the non-overlapping white image data WINdata is data for specifying a non-overlapping white area Awn (described later) in the print image PI. The data WIOdata is data for specifying an overlapping white area Awo (described later) in the print image PI, and the printing order designation information SS is the printing order (described later) of the color image and the white image in a portion where the color image and the white image overlap. ).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print image PI, color image data Cdata, non-overlapping partial white image data WINdata, and overlapping partial white image data WIOdata. FIG. 7A shows an example of the print image PI. The print image PI includes a graphic image and a character image (an image “abcde” in the figure) as the color image Ic. The print image PI includes a white area (non-overlapping white area Awn and overlapping white area Awo) and a non-white area An. The white region is a region corresponding to a white image (a region where a white image is to be formed during printing), and the non-white region An is a region other than a region corresponding to a white image (a white image is generated during printing). (Region not formed).

  In this embodiment, the area where the color image Ic is arranged in the print image PI is all set as a white area. Therefore, when printing, the color image is always formed so as to overlap the white image. This is to prevent the opposite side of the printed matter from being seen through the transparent film as the printing medium at the position of the color image Ic. In printing, neither a color image nor a white image is formed in the area on the print medium corresponding to the non-white area An, and the ground color of the print medium appears.

  The overlapping white area Awo is a part overlapping the color image Ic in the white area. However, in this embodiment, the overlapping white area Awo is a part that overlaps the color image Ic excluding the character image in the white area. Accordingly, in the printed image PI shown in FIG. 7A, the overlapping white area Awo is an area (area shown with cross-hatching) sandwiched between double heart-shaped lines. In this embodiment, at the time of printing, a white image is formed using only white ink in an area on the print medium corresponding to the overlapping white area Awo. The overlapping white area Awo corresponds to the first portion of the second image (white image) in the present invention.

  The non-overlapping white area Awn is a part that does not overlap the color image Ic in the white area. However, in the present embodiment, the non-overlapping white area Awn is a part of the white area that does not overlap with the color image Ic excluding the character image. Accordingly, in the print image PI shown in FIG. 7A, the non-overlapping white area Awn is an area surrounded by an inner heart-shaped line (area shown with single hatching). In this embodiment, at the time of printing, a toned white image, which is a white image composed of toned white, is formed in an area on the print medium corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn. The non-overlapping white area Awn corresponds to the second portion of the second image (white image) in the present invention.

  FIG. 7B conceptually shows the color image data Cdata. In the present embodiment, the color image data Cdata specifies the color of each pixel of the print image PI with an 8-bit C value, M value, Y value, and K value when attention is paid only to the color image Ic of the print image PI. It is data to be. In the color image data Cdata, the value of the pixel corresponding to the color image Ic of the print image PI is a value that specifies the color of the color image Ic, and the value of the remaining pixels does not form a color image (for example, C, M, Y, K = 0).

  FIG. 7C conceptually shows non-overlapping white image data WINdata. In this embodiment, the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata is data that specifies the color of each pixel in the non-overlapping white area Awn of the print image PI when the color image Ic is excluded from the print image PI with an 8-bit W value. It is. However, the value that the W value can take is either 0 or 255. The non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata is a value (for example, W = 255) indicating that the pixel value corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn of the print image PI forms a white image, and the remaining pixel values are white. This is data having a value (for example, W = 0) indicating that an image is not formed. Note that the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata may be data represented by a 2-bit value for each pixel.

  FIG. 7D conceptually shows the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata. In this embodiment, the overlapped part white image data WIOdata is data that specifies the color of each pixel in the overlapped white area Awo of the print image PI with the 8-bit W value when the color image Ic is excluded from the print image PI. . However, the value that the W value can take is either 0 or 255. The overlapped part white image data WIOdata is a value (for example, W = 255) indicating that the pixel value corresponding to the overlapped white area Awo of the print image PI forms a white image, and the value of the remaining pixels is the white image. This is data having a value (for example, W = 0) indicating that it is not formed. Note that the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata may be data represented by a 2-bit value for each pixel.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the printing order of a color image and a white image. FIG. 8A shows a printing order in which a white image Iw is formed on a transparent film as the print medium PM, and a color image Ic is formed on the white image Iw. In this specification, this printing order is referred to as “white-color printing” or “WC printing”. In the WC printing shown in FIG. 8A, the observer observes the printed matter from above the figure (see the arrow in the figure).

  FIG. 8B shows a printing order in which the color image Ic is formed on the transparent film as the print medium PM, and the white image Iw is formed on the color image Ic. In this specification, this printing order is referred to as “color-white printing” or “C-W printing”. In the C-W printing shown in FIG. 8B, the observer observes the printed matter from the lower side of the figure (see the arrow in the figure).

  The user selects whether to perform W-C printing or C-W printing according to the usage of the printed matter. The CPU 210 that executes the application program AP generates printing order designation information SS that specifies the printing order selected by the user, and outputs it to the printer driver 300 (FIG. 4).

  In step S120 of the printing process (FIG. 6), processing by the CPU 210 that executes the printer driver 300 (FIG. 4) is executed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the CPU 210 that executes the printer driver 300. In step S210, the CPU 210 receives the color image data Cdata, the non-overlapping part white image data WINdata, the overlapping part white image data WIOdata, and the printing order designation information SS output from the application program AP (see FIG. 4).

  In step S220 (FIG. 9), the toned white designation module 330 (FIG. 4) executes a toned white designation process. The toned white designation process is a process for designating the color of the white image (toned white image) formed in the area on the print medium corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn (see FIG. 7A) of the print image PI. is there. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the toned white designation process. In step S310, the UI control module 332 (FIG. 4) of the toned white designation module 330 displays a toned white designation UI window on the monitor MON (FIG. 2) of the PC 200.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a UI window for specifying a toned white. As shown in FIG. 11A, the toned white designation UI window W1 of this embodiment includes a sample image display area Sa, two slider bars S11 and Sl2, an ab plane display area Pl, and a print order designation. A column Se1, a value input box Bo1, a measurement button B1, and an OK button B2 are included.

  In the toned white designation UI window W1 shown in FIG. 11A, the sample image display area Sa is an area for displaying a designated toned white sample image. The sample image display area Sa is divided into right and left, and the left side is a toned white area (white background area) in a white background (White Backing), and the right side is a toned white in a black background (Black Backing). (Black background area) showing The outermost peripheral area of the sample image display area Sa is an area (background color area) indicating a background color (white or black), and an area inside the background color area is an area indicating a toned white (white image area). It is. Further, a color image (an image “A” in the figure) is displayed near the center of the sample image display area Sa so as to extend over both the white background area and the black background area. The color and shape of this color image can be arbitrarily set.

In the toned white designation UI window W1, a value input box Bo1 includes a colorimetric value (L ^* value (hereinafter also simply referred to as “L value”), a ^* value (hereinafter referred to as “L ^* a”) in the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system. simply expressed as "a value"), b ^* value (hereinafter, a portion for specifying the toned white by simply inputting also represent)) and T value as "b-value". The L value is a value indicating the brightness of the toned white, and correlates with the amount of black (K) ink when the toned white image is printed. The a value and the b value are values representing the chromaticity along the red-green axis and the yellow-blue axis of the toned white, and correlate with the amount of color ink when the toned white image is printed. The T value is a value indicating the density and correlates with the ink amount per unit area when the toned white image is printed. That is, the T value correlates with the transparency of the background color.

  In the toned white designation UI window W1, the slider bars Sl1, Sl2 and the ab plane display area Pl are also portions for designating the toned white by inputting the Lab value and the T value.

  In the toned white designation UI window W1, the print order designation column Se1 is a portion for indicating the designation of the print order described above. The print order is set in the application program AP, and print order designation information SS for specifying the print order is output from the application program AP to the printer driver 300 (see FIG. 4). The printing order designation field Se1 indicates whether the printing order specified by the printing order designation information SS is WC printing (W-C Print) or C-W printing (C-W Print). It is. In the toned white designation UI window W1, it is possible to designate a change in the printing order (designation of a new printing order) indicated in the printing order designation column Se1.

  When the toned white designation UI window W1 is first displayed, the display state of the value input box Bo1, the sample image display area Sa, and the like is a display state corresponding to the default toned white. Yes. For example, the default state is a display state corresponding to the Lab value and the T value preset as the white ink color of the printer 100.

  The UI control module 332 (FIG. 4) monitors the presence / absence of an operation by the user via the keyboard KB or the mouse MOU (FIG. 2) when the toned white designation UI window W1 is displayed (FIG. 10). Step S320). When it is determined that there is an operation (step S320: Yes) and the operation is neither the OK button B2 nor the measurement button B1 (step S330: No, S340: No), the UI control module 332 sets a value corresponding to the operation. Obtain (step S360), display the obtained value in the value input box Bo1 or the like (step S370), and update the display of the sample image display area Sa (step S380).

  For example, when the user selects the value input box Bo1 and inputs a value via the keyboard KB (FIG. 2), the input value is displayed in the value input box Bo1 and the color of the sample image display area Sa is the input value. Is changed to the color specified by (toned white). When the user changes the a value or the b value in the value input box Bo1, the color of the color (toned white) of the white image area of the sample image display area Sa is changed. When the user changes the L value of the value input box Bo1, the brightness of the color of the white image area of the sample image display area Sa is changed. When the user changes the T value of the value input box Bo1, the transparency of the background color is changed, so that the brightness of the color of the white image area in the black background area of the sample image display area Sa is changed. The color of the white image area in the white background area is not changed. Therefore, the color change according to the change of the T value (density value) can be easily confirmed by comparing the black background area and the white background area of the sample image display area Sa, and the user can adjust the toned white color. Can be specified more accurately and more easily.

  For example, when the user operates the mouse MOU (FIG. 2) to change the position of the slider bar S11, the L value corresponding to the position is acquired, and the color of the sample image display area Sa is specified by the acquired value. Changed to color. Similarly, when the user operates the mouse MOU to change the position of the slider bar S12, a T value corresponding to the position is acquired, and the color of the sample image display area Sa is changed. When the user operates the mouse MOU to change the position of the designated point (indicated by x in the figure) of the ab plane display area Pl, the a value and b value corresponding to the position of x are acquired, and the sample image display area The color of Sa is changed.

  The value input box Bo1, the slider bars Sl1, Sl2, and the ab plane display area Pl are interlocked. That is, when the value is changed in the value input box Bo1, the positions of the slider bars S11 and S12 and the x position in the ab plane display area Pl are changed. Similarly, when the position of the slider bars Sl1, Sl2 or the position of x in the ab plane display area Pl is changed, the changed designated value is displayed in the value input box Bo1.

  In this embodiment, the toned white can be designated based on the color measurement result of the real print RP (see FIG. 1). By specifying the toned white based on the color measurement result of the real print RP, it is possible to realize a printing process that faithfully reproduces the color of the white portion of the real print RP.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a color measurement method of the real print RP. The real print RP is a printed matter in which an image of the white portion Pw and an image of the color portion Pc are formed on the print medium PM. As shown in FIG. 12A, the color measurement is performed by setting an arbitrary point of the white portion Pw of the real print RP as the measurement point MP and measuring values (Lab value and T value) representing the color of the measurement point MP. This is done by measuring with the color device CM (FIG. 2). Color measurement methods include a white background color measurement performed by placing a real print RP on a white background Bw, and a black background color measurement performed by placing a real print RP on a black background Bb. As shown in FIG. 12B, the colorimetric value (L value) may differ between the white background colorimetry and the black background colorimetry depending on the density of the white portion Pw of the real print RP. In the present embodiment, the white background colorimetry is performed to acquire the Lab value, and the black background colorimetry is performed to acquire the T value. Thereby, it is possible to specify the toned white more accurately and easily.

  When it is determined in step S320 in FIG. 10 that an operation has been performed (step S320: Yes), and it is determined that the operation is not the OK button B2 (step S330: No) but the measurement button B1 (step S340: Yes). ), The UI control module 332 (FIG. 4) displays the colorimetric UI window W2 shown in FIG. 11B on the monitor MON (FIG. 2) of the PC 200 (step S350).

  The color measurement UI window W2 (FIG. 11B) is a UI window for designating toned white by color measurement of the real print RP. The colorimetric UI window W2 includes a background selection area Se2, a colorimetric value display box Bo2, a measurement button B3, and an OK button B4. The background selection area Se2 is a part for selecting whether to perform white background color measurement or black background color measurement. The user selects a colorimetry method in the background selection area Se2 and selects the measurement button B3, and executes colorimetry using the selected method. For the color measurement, both the white background color measurement and the black background color measurement may be executed in order, or only one of the white background color measurement and the black background color measurement may be executed. When the color measurement is completed, a value (at least one of the Lab value and the T value) based on the color measurement result is acquired (step S360 in FIG. 10) and displayed in the color measurement value display box Bo2 (step S370). When the user selects the OK button B4, the toned white designation UI window W1 (FIG. 11A) is displayed again. At this time, the display of the sample image display area Sa, the value input box Bo1, and the like of the toned white designation UI window W1 is changed to a display based on the color measurement result (step S380). In addition, after the color measurement is executed, the user can correct the values (Lab value and T value) acquired based on the color measurement result in the toned white designation UI window W1.

  When it is determined in step S320 in FIG. 10 that an operation has been performed (step S320: Yes) and the operation is determined to be an OK button B2 (step S330: Yes), the UI control module 332 (FIG. 4) The color specified by the Lab value and the T value acquired and displayed at that time is set as the color of the toned white image, and the Lab value and the T value are stored (step S390). With the above processing, the user can specify the color of the toned white image accurately and easily. In particular, the color of the toned white image can be designated more accurately and more easily by designating the Lab and T values of the toned white based on the colorimetry result obtained by the colorimeter CM. Further, in this embodiment, the toned white can be designated by the Lab value and the T value, so that the color value including the density of the toned white image can be designated accurately. In the toned white designation UI window W1 of the present embodiment, the designated color is displayed in the sample image display area Sa, so that the user can easily designate the color while confirming the displayed color. it can.

  The saved Lab value and T value are combined with the non-overlapping white image data WINdata (see FIG. 7C). That is, in the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata, the Lab value and the T value are associated with a pixel to which data (W = 255) indicating that a white image is to be formed is assigned. In this specification, the non-overlapping white image data WINdata associated with the Lab value and the T value is also referred to as toned white image data.

  In step S230 in the process by the printer driver 300 (FIG. 9), the printer driver 300 executes a color conversion process for a toned white image, an ink color separation process, and a halftone process. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of color conversion processing, ink color separation processing, and halftone processing for a toned white image. In step S410, the toned white image color conversion module 340 (FIG. 4) color-converts the Lab value stored in step S390 of the toned white designation process (FIG. 10) into a CMYK value. The color conversion is executed with reference to the toned white image lookup table LUTw (FIG. 4).

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram partially showing an example of the toned white image lookup table LUTw. FIG. 14A shows a toned white image look-up table LUTw1 that is referred to during color conversion from Lab values to CMYK values. As shown in FIG. 14A, the toned white image look-up table LUTw1 defines a correspondence relationship between Lab values and CMYK values set in advance. In the toned white image look-up table LUTw1, the CMYK gradation values are defined as values in the range of 0 to 100. The toned white image color conversion module 340 refers to the toned white image look-up table LUTw1 and converts the Lab value to the CMYK value.

  In step S420 (FIG. 13), the toned white image ink color separation processing module 350 (FIG. 4) is stored in step S390 of the CMYK value determined in step S410 and the toned white designation process (FIG. 10). Ink color separation processing is performed for converting the combination with the T value into a gradation value for each ink color. As described above, the printer 100 according to this embodiment includes cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), and light magenta (Lm). Printing is performed using white (W) and a total of seven colors of ink. Therefore, in the ink color separation process, the combination of the CMYK value and the T value is converted into the gradation values of the seven ink colors. The ink color separation process is also executed with reference to the toned white image lookup table LUTw (FIG. 4). FIG. 14B shows a toned white image look-up table LUTw2 that is referred to when a combination of CMYK values and T values is converted into gradation values for each ink color. As shown in FIG. 14B, the toned white image look-up table LUTw2 defines the correspondence between preset combinations of CMYK values and T values and the gradation values of ink colors. Yes. In the toned white image lookup table LUTw2, the gradation value of the ink color is defined as a value in the range of 0 to 255. The toned white image ink color separation processing module 350 refers to the toned white image look-up table LUTw2 and converts the combination of the CMYK value and the T value into a gradation value for each ink color.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14B, in this embodiment, white tone (mixing white ink with another color ink to adjust white color), yellow ink among six colors except white is used. Four colors of ink (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), and light magenta (Lm) are used, and two colors of ink of cyan (C) and magenta (M) are used. Not. That is, for the white tone, dark ink is not used among the two types of inks of light color ink and dark color ink for the same hue.

  In step S430 (FIG. 13), the toned white image ink color separation processing module 350 (FIG. 4) extracts one pixel data in the toned white image data. In step S440, the toned white image ink color separation processing module 350 forms the toned white image with the extracted pixel value being a value (zero) indicating that the toned white image is not formed. It is determined which value is the indicated value (255). When it is determined that the pixel value is 255 (step S440: No), the toned white image ink color separation processing module 350 stores the gradation value for each ink color determined in step S420. (Step S450). On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the pixel is 0 (zero) (step S440: Yes), the process of step S450 is skipped.

  The processing from step S430 to S450 in FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed until the processing for all the pixels of the toned white image data is completed (see step S460). When the processing for all the pixels has been completed (step S460: Yes), the toned white image halftone processing module 360 (FIG. 4) extracts the gradation value for each ink color (step S470), Binarization processing (halftone processing) is performed with reference to the dither pattern for each ink color (step S480). The binarization process is executed with reference to a preset toned white image halftone resource HTw (FIG. 4). The toned white image halftone resource HTw may be set with emphasis on dot filling in the toned white image. The binarization process is repeatedly executed until the process for all ink colors is completed (see step S490). Further, the processing from step S470 to S490 is repeatedly executed until the processing for all the pixels is completed (see step S492).

  The color conversion processing, ink color separation processing, and halftone processing for the toned white image shown in FIG. 13 define ON / OFF of each ink color dot of each pixel when forming the toned white image. Toned white image dot data is generated.

  In step S240 in the processing by the printer driver 300 (FIG. 9), the printer driver 300 executes color image color conversion processing, ink color separation processing, and halftone processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of color conversion processing for color image, ink color separation processing, and halftone processing. In step S510, the color image ink color separation processing module 310 (FIG. 4) takes out data of one pixel in the color image data. In step S520, the color image ink color separation processing module 310 performs ink color separation processing for converting the extracted data of one pixel (CMYK value) into gradation values for each ink color. As described above, the printer 100 according to this embodiment includes cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), and light magenta (Lm). Printing is performed using white (W) and a total of seven colors of ink. Therefore, in the ink color separation process, the CMYK values are converted into the gradation values of the seven ink colors. The ink color separation process is executed with reference to the color image lookup table LUTc (FIG. 4).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram partially showing an example of the color image lookup table LUTc. As shown in FIG. 16, in the color image look-up table LUTc, a correspondence relationship between preset CMYK values and respective tone values of ink colors is defined. In the color image look-up table LUTc, the CMYK gradation values are defined as values in the range of 0 to 100, and the ink color gradation values are defined as values in the range of 0 to 255. Has been. The color image ink color separation processing module 310 refers to the color image look-up table LUTc and converts the CMYK values into gradation values for each ink color. As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, six color inks except white are used to form a color image, and no white ink is used.

  The processing in steps S510 and S520 in FIG. 15 is repeatedly executed until the processing for all the pixels of the color image data is completed (see step S530). When the processing for all the pixels is completed (step S530: Yes), the color image halftone processing module 320 (FIG. 4) extracts the gradation value for each ink color (step S540), and the ink color Binarization processing (halftone processing) is performed with reference to the dither pattern every time (step S550). The binarization process is executed with reference to a color image halftone resource HTc (FIG. 4) set in advance. The color image halftone resource HTc may be set with emphasis on suppression of graininess. The binarization process is repeatedly executed until the process for all ink colors is completed (see step S560). Further, the processing from step S540 to S560 is repeatedly executed until the processing for all the pixels is completed (see step S570).

  Color image dots that define ON / OFF of each ink color dot of each pixel when forming a color image by color conversion processing, ink color separation processing, and halftone processing shown in FIG. Data is generated.

  In step S250 in the processing by the printer driver 300 (FIG. 9), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) of the printer driver 300 performs command creation processing. The command creation process outputs the dot data for the toned white image and the color image generated by the halftone process for the toned white image and the color image (steps S230 and S240 in FIG. 9) and the application program AP. This is a process of generating a printing command for controlling the printing process by the printer 100 based on the overlapped white image data WIOdata and the printing order designation information SS (see FIG. 4).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of command creation processing. In step S610, the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) creates a print order designation command based on the print order designation information SS output from the application program AP. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command created by command creation processing. FIG. 18A shows an example of the print order designation command. As shown in FIG. 18A, the print order designation command includes an identifier indicating the head of the command, an identifier indicating the print order designation command, a command length (2 bytes), and a print order designation. It is out. In the print order designation, for example, the value “0” represents C-W printing (the print order in which the color image Ic is first formed and the white image Iw is formed on the color image Ic), and the value “1” is set. WC printing (print order in which the white image Iw is formed first and the color image Ic is formed on the white image Iw) is shown. The command creation module 370 identifies the print order with reference to the print order designation information SS, and creates a print order designation command that designates the identified print order.

  In step S620 (FIG. 17), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) receives the color image dot data received from the color image halftone processing module 320 and the toning received from the toned white image halftone processing module 360. A vertical position designation command is created based on the white image dot data and the overlapped white image data WIOdata. The vertical position designation command is a command for designating the start position of the image along the vertical direction (Y direction). The vertical position designation command is created as a command common to all inks.

  Next, the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) creates a raster command corresponding to the color image through the processing from step S630 (FIG. 17) to S670. In step S630, the command creation module 370 creates a horizontal position designation command for the selected one ink color based on the color image dot data. The horizontal position designation command is a command for designating the start position of an image along the horizontal direction (X direction) for one ink color when forming a color image. The command creation module 370 refers to color image dot data for one ink color, sets an appropriate image start position, and creates a horizontal position designation command.

  In step S640 (FIG. 17), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) extracts one raster worth of dot data for one selected ink color from the color image dot data. In step S650, the command creation module 370 searches the ink code with reference to the ink code table ICT. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the ink code table ICT. As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, a unique ink abbreviation and ink code are assigned to each ink color. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two different ink abbreviations and ink codes for color image and white image are assigned to one ink color. That is, the ink abbreviation and the ink code uniquely correspond to the combination of each of the plurality of ink colors and each of the color image and the white image. For example, for cyan, ink abbreviation “C” and ink code “01H” are assigned for color images, and ink abbreviation “WC” and ink code “81H” are assigned for white images. Similarly, for white, the ink abbreviation “IW” and the ink code “40H” are assigned for color images, and the ink abbreviation “W” and the ink code “C0H” are assigned for white images. In this step (S650), the command creation module 370 searches for an ink code for a color image in the ink code table ICT.

  In step S660 (FIG. 17), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) creates a raster command based on the extracted dot data for one raster and the retrieved ink code. FIG. 18B shows an example of a raster command. As shown in FIG. 18B, the raster command includes an identifier indicating the head of the command, an identifier indicating the raster command, an ink code, an identifier indicating the presence / absence of data compression, and the number of bits per pixel. X direction length (2 bytes), Y direction length (2 bytes), and raster data (dot data).

  The processing from step S630 to S660 of the command creation processing (FIG. 17) is repeatedly executed until all the ink colors used for forming the color image are completed. That is, when there is an ink color that is not yet a target of processing (step S670: No), one ink color that is not a target of processing is selected, and steps S630 to S660 are selected for the selected ink color. Processing is executed. When the processing for all inks is completed (step S670: Yes), the creation of raster commands corresponding to each of the ink colors used to form a color image is completed for one raster.

  Next, the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) performs a raster command corresponding to the white image (toned white image) of the non-overlapping white area Awn (FIG. 7) through the processing from step S680 (FIG. 17) to S720. create. In step S680, the command creation module 370 creates a horizontal position designation command for the selected one ink color based on the toned white image dot data. The horizontal position designation command is a command for designating the start position of the image along the horizontal direction (X direction) for one ink color when forming the toned white image. The command creation module 370 refers to the toned white image dot data for one ink color, sets an appropriate image start position, and creates a horizontal position designation command.

  In step S690 (FIG. 17), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) extracts dot data for one raster for one selected ink color from the toned white image dot data. In step S700, the command creation module 370 searches for an ink code with reference to the ink code table ICT. The command creation module 370 searches for an ink code for a white image in the ink code table ICT (FIG. 19).

  In step S710 (FIG. 17), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) creates a raster command (see FIG. 18B) based on the extracted dot data for one raster and the retrieved ink code. . The processing from step S680 to step S710 of the command creation processing is repeatedly executed until all the ink colors used for forming the toned white image are completed. That is, when there is an ink color that has not yet been processed (step S720: No), one ink color that has not been processed is selected, and steps S680 to S710 are performed for the selected ink color. Processing is executed. When the processing for all inks is completed (step S720: Yes), the creation of raster commands corresponding to each of the ink colors used for forming the toned white image is completed for one raster.

  Next, the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) creates a raster command corresponding to the white image in the overlapping white area Awo (FIG. 7) through the processing from step S730 (FIG. 17) to S760. As described above, since the white image of the overlapping white area Awo is formed using only white ink, only the raster commands corresponding to the white ink of the overlapping white area Awo are created. The

  In step S730 (FIG. 17), the command creation module 370 creates a horizontal position designation command based on the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata. The horizontal position designation command is a command for designating the start position of the image along the horizontal direction (X direction). The command creation module 370 refers to the overlapped white image data WIOdata, sets an appropriate image start position, and creates a horizontal position designation command.

  In step S740 (FIG. 17), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 4) extracts dot data for one raster from the overlapped white image data WIOdata. In step S750, the command creation module 370 refers to the ink code table ICT (FIG. 19) and searches for an ink code of white ink for a white image. In step S760, the command creation module 370 creates a raster command (see FIG. 18B) based on the extracted dot data for one raster and the retrieved ink code.

  The processing from step S620 to S760 of the command creation processing (FIG. 17) is repeatedly executed until all rasters of the print image PI are completed. That is, when there is a raster that has not yet been processed (step S770: No), a raster that has not been processed (the raster that is one lower than the previous raster to be processed) is selected and selected. The process from step S620 to S760 is executed for the raster. When the processing for all the rasters is completed (step S770: Yes), the creation of commands corresponding to each of the ink colors used for forming the color image and the white image is completed for all the rasters.

  In step S260 in the process by the printer driver 300 (FIG. 9), the printer driver 300 transmits the print order designation command, the vertical position designation command, the horizontal position designation command, and the raster command created in step S250 to the printer 100. . Thus, the processing by the printer driver 300 is completed.

  In step S130 of the printing process (FIG. 6), the process by the printer 100 is executed. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the printer 100. In step S810, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) executing the command processing module 112 (FIG. 5) of the printer 100 receives a command transmitted from the printer driver 300 of the PC 200. CPU 110 determines the type of command received (step S820), and executes processing according to the type of command. If the received command is a printing order designation command, the CPU 110 stores information indicating the printing order designated by the printing order designation command in the RAM 130 (step S830), and the received command is a horizontal position designation command. In this case, the horizontal print start position X is updated (step S840).

  When the received command is a raster command, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) that executes the command processing module 112 (FIG. 5) converts the raster data (dot data) included in the raster command into a raster buffer for each ink code. 132 (FIG. 5) (step S850). FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the detailed configuration of the raster buffer and the head buffer. The upper part of FIG. 21 shows a raster buffer 132c for a color image, and the middle part shows a raster buffer 132w for a white image. As shown in FIG. 21, the raster buffer 132 is assigned a region for each ink code (see FIG. 19). That is, the color image raster buffer 132c is configured as a set of regions corresponding to the color image ink codes, and the white image raster buffer 132w also corresponds to the white image ink code. It is configured as a set of areas to perform. The size in the X direction of each area of the raster buffer 132 corresponds to the image size, and the size in the Y direction is one half or more of the height of the print head 144. The raster buffer 132 has a raster buffer pointer in the Y direction that indicates how far raster data has been received.

  The lower part of FIG. 21 shows the head buffer 142 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 21, the head buffer 142 is allocated with regions for each of seven ink colors. In other words, the head buffer 142 includes an area for cyan (for C and WC), an area for magenta (for M and WM), an area for yellow (for Y and WY), and an area for black (for K and WK). ), A light cyan (Lc, WLc) area, a light magenta (Lm, WLm) area, and a white (IW, W) area. The size in the X direction of each area of the head buffer 142 corresponds to the scanning distance of the carriage, and the size in the Y direction corresponds to the number of nozzles constituting the nozzle row 146 of the print head 144. Each region of the head buffer 142 for each ink color is divided into an upstream portion 142u and a downstream portion 142l.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the print head 144 of the printer 100. As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the print head 144 is provided with nozzle rows 146 corresponding to the seven ink colors. The nozzle row 146 is formed so as to extend along the Y direction (print medium feeding direction). Further, as shown in FIG. 22C, each nozzle row 146 is composed of 32 nozzle groups arranged along the print medium feeding direction. Among the nozzle groups constituting the nozzle row 146, the nozzle group (from the first nozzle (nozzle 1) to the 16th nozzle (nozzle 16)) located in the upstream half along the print medium feeding direction is the upstream nozzle group. The nozzle group (from the 17th nozzle (nozzle 17) to the 32nd nozzle (nozzle 32)) located in the downstream half along the print medium feeding direction is called a downstream nozzle group.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, during WC printing, a white image is formed using the upstream nozzle group of each nozzle row 146 of the print head 144, and a color image is generated using the downstream nozzle group. Is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 22B, during C-W printing, a color image is formed using the upstream nozzle group of each nozzle row 146 of the print head 144, and the downstream nozzle group is used. A white image is formed. During WC printing, the upstream nozzle group of each nozzle row 146 of the print head 144 corresponds to the second nozzle group in the present invention, and the downstream nozzle group corresponds to the first nozzle group in the present invention. To do. On the other hand, during CW printing, the upstream nozzle group of each nozzle row 146 of the print head 144 corresponds to the first nozzle group in the present invention, and the downstream nozzle group corresponds to the second nozzle group in the present invention. Equivalent to.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the upstream head buffer 142u is a head buffer 142 corresponding to an upstream portion (upstream nozzle group) along the print medium feeding direction of the print head 144, and the downstream head buffer 142l is The head buffer 142 corresponds to a downstream portion (downstream nozzle group) along the print medium feeding direction of the print head 144.

  In step S850 of FIG. 20, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) refers to the ink code included in the received raster command, and stores the raster data at the position specified by the raster buffer pointer of the raster buffer 132 corresponding to the ink code. To do. Therefore, the CPU 110 can distribute raster data to an appropriate raster buffer 132 without being aware of whether the raster command is for a color image or a white image.

  When the received command is a vertical position designation command, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) that executes the command processing module 112 (FIG. 5) updates the print start position Y in the vertical direction (step S860). Next, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the raster buffer 132 corresponding to half the height of the print head 144 (FIG. 5) is full (that is, raster data is stored) (step S870). ). If it is determined that it is not yet full (step S870: No), the CPU 110 updates the raster buffer pointer of the raster buffer 132 (step S880).

  When the processing described above is repeated and raster data is stored in the raster buffer 132 corresponding to half of the height of the print head 144, the raster buffer corresponding to half of the height of the print head 144 is stored. It is determined that 132 is full (step S870: Yes). At this time, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) determines whether the printing order is C-W printing or WC printing based on the information indicating the printing order stored in the RAM 130 (step S880). If it is determined that the printing order is C-W printing (step S880: Yes), the CPU 110 transfers raster data from the color image raster buffer 132c to the upstream head buffer 142u (FIG. 5), and Raster data is transferred from the white image raster buffer 132w to the downstream head buffer 142l (FIG. 5) (step S890). In FIG. 21, when the printing order is C-W printing, raster data is transferred from the color image raster buffer 132c to the upstream head buffer 142u, and from the white image raster buffer 132w to the downstream head buffer 142l. It shows how raster data is transferred. As a result, color image formation is performed using the upstream nozzle group of each nozzle row 146 of the print head 144, and white image formation is performed using the downstream nozzle group (FIG. 22B). Will be ready.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the printing order is WC printing (step S880: No), the CPU 110 transfers raster data from the color image raster buffer 132c to the downstream head buffer 142l (FIG. 5). At the same time, the raster data is transferred from the white image raster buffer 132w to the upstream head buffer 142u (step S900). As a result, a white image is formed using the upstream nozzle group of each nozzle row 146 of the print head 144 and a color image is formed using the downstream nozzle group (FIG. 22A). Will be ready.

  Next, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) controls the print medium feed controller 160 and the print medium feed motor 162 to transport (sub-scan) the print medium PM to the head position Y (step S910) and the CR controller 150. Then, the CR motor 152 is controlled to move the print head 144 to the print start position X (step S920), and further, the main scan is performed to perform printing for the height of the print head 144 (step S930). At this time, in WC printing (see FIG. 22A), a white image is formed by the upstream nozzle group (see FIG. 22C) of the nozzle row 146 of the print head 144 and a color image is formed by the downstream nozzle group. Are executed in parallel. In C-W printing (see FIG. 22B), the color image formation by the upstream nozzle group of the nozzle row 146 of the print head 144 and the white image formation by the downstream nozzle group are executed in parallel.

  Next, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) clears the raster buffer pointer of the raster buffer 132 (step S940), determines whether or not the printing process for the entire print image PI has been completed (step S950), and the printing process is performed. The processes from step S810 to S940 are repeatedly executed until it is determined that the process has been completed. If it is determined that the printing process has been completed, the printing process (FIG. 6) ends.

  As described above, in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a printing process for forming a color image and a white image on the print medium PM using a plurality of colors including white. During the printing process by the printing system 10, each of the seven nozzle arrays 146 corresponding to the seven ink colors provided in the print head 144 of the printer 100 is divided into an upstream nozzle group and a downstream nozzle group (see FIG. 22 (c)). In WC printing (see FIG. 22A), a white image is formed by ejecting ink from the upstream nozzle group, and in C-W printing (see FIG. 22B). The white image is formed by ejecting ink from the downstream nozzle group. Here, in the present embodiment, a portion of the white area corresponding to the white image that does not overlap the color image Ic excluding the character image is set as the non-overlapping white area Awn, and the print medium corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn. A toned white image is formed in the region on the PM using white and at least one color ink other than white. Therefore, in this embodiment, when printing is performed using a plurality of colors including white, a white image (toned white image) of a desired color is formed on the observable portion on the print medium together with the color image. can do. In the present embodiment, a portion of the white area corresponding to the white image that overlaps the color image Ic excluding the character image is set as the overlapping white area Awo, and the area on the print medium PM corresponding to the overlapping white area Awo. A white image is formed using only white ink. For this reason, in this embodiment, the influence on the color of the color image due to the formation of the white image can be suppressed.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of white toning for adjusting white. FIG. 23A shows an example of the position P1 of the white ink color of the printer 100 in the a ^* -b ^* plane. FIG. 23B further shows the target white position P2 and the printer. An example of a color position P3 in which a predetermined amount of yellow ink is mixed with 100 white inks is shown. As shown in FIG. 23B, for example, by mixing yellow ink with the white ink of the printer 100, the color of the white image can be brought close to the target white color. Further, for example, by mixing a predetermined amount of light magenta ink, the color of the white image can be made closer to the target white color. In this way, when forming a white image, the white image and at least one color ink other than white can be used to make the color of the white image a desired color.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a color reproduction area (gamut) of a color image and a white image. FIG. 24A shows the gamut Gc of the color image viewed from the −b ^* direction and the gamut Gw of the toned white image, and FIG. 24B shows the color image viewed from the + a ^* direction. Gamut Gc and gamut Gw of the toned white image are shown. As described above, in this embodiment, one of the upstream nozzle group and the downstream nozzle group of the nozzle array 146 of the print head 144 (first image forming unit) is used for forming a color image (first image). Used. Further, for the formation of a color image, among the seven colors of ink, six colors of ink (first ink group) excluding white are used, and no white ink is used. On the other hand, for forming a white image (second image), the other (second image forming unit) of the upstream nozzle group and the downstream nozzle group of the nozzle array 146 of the print head 144 is used. In addition, among the white images, five color inks (second ink group) of white, yellow, black, light cyan, and light magenta are used to form the toned white image. Cyan and magenta inks are not used. Since the color gamut of the first ink group and the color gamut of the second ink group are different from each other, the gamut Gc (first color gamut) of the color image and the gamut Gw (first gamut of the toned white image) 2) is different from each other. In the printing process by the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, two images (color image and toned white image) having different color gamuts can be formed on the print medium PM, and a plurality of images having different color gamuts can be formed. Can be easily created. Further, in the printing process performed by the printing system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the formation of the color image and the formation of the toned white image are performed in parallel during at least a part of the printing period. It is possible to efficiently and easily create various printed materials including the images.

  In the printing process by the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, in either the WC printing or the C-W printing, one of the upstream nozzle group and the downstream nozzle group is set in the same main scanning (same pass). The formation of the used white image and the formation of the color image using the other can be performed in parallel. Therefore, instead of first forming the whole of the white image and the color image on the print medium and then forming the other whole on the print medium, the color image and the white image are formed on the print medium in one printing process. And the color of the toned white image can be a desired color.

  In the printing process performed by the printing system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the printer 100 receives the printing order designation command (FIG. 18A) for designating the printing order from the PC 200, and the printing order for forming the color image first is designated. In this case, the upstream nozzle group is set as the nozzle group used for forming the color image, the downstream nozzle group is set as the nozzle group used for forming the white image, and the printing order for forming the white image first is designated. In this case, the upstream nozzle group is set as a nozzle group used for forming a white image, and the downstream nozzle group is set as a nozzle group used for forming a color image. Therefore, in the printing process by the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the color of the toned white image can be set to a desired color regardless of the CW printing or the WC printing. (See FIG. 8).

  Further, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, the ink code included in the raster command (FIG. 18B) as a printing command includes seven colors of ink, each of a color image and a white image, It is set to uniquely correspond to the combination of. Therefore, the CPU 110 of the printer 100 is conscious of whether the raster command is for a color image or a white image, and uses a nozzle group (upstream nozzle group) used for forming a color image based on a raster command including an ink code corresponding to the color image. Alternatively, the nozzle group (downstream nozzle group or upstream nozzle group) used for forming the white image can be controlled based on the raster command including the ink code corresponding to the white image.

  Further, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, the raster buffer 132 of the printer 100 includes a color image area 132c and a white image area 132w (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the CPU 110 of the printer 100 stores the raster data included in the raster command including the ink code corresponding to the color image in the raster buffer 132 in the color image area 132c, and the raster command including the ink code corresponding to the white image. By storing the raster data included in the white image area 132w, the nozzle group used for forming the color image and the nozzle group used for forming the white image can be controlled.

  Further, in the printing process by the printing system 10 of this embodiment, for the formation of the toned white image, among the six colors of ink other than white, yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), Light magenta (Lm) and four colors of ink are used, and cyan (C) and magenta (M) are not used. That is, for the formation of the toned white image, dark ink is not used among the two types of inks of light color ink and dark color ink for the same hue. Therefore, in the printing process according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to suppress deterioration in image quality (increase in graininess) in the toned white image while setting the color of the toned white image to a desired color. In the printing process of this embodiment, since the black (K) ink is used to form the toned white image, the brightness of the toned white image can be adjusted, and the selectable range of the color of the toned white image is possible. Can be extended.

  Further, in the printing process by the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the toned white (the color of the toned white image) can be designated in the toned white designation UI window W1 (FIG. 11). It is possible to accurately and easily specify the color of a toned white image when printing a color image and a white image using color inks. In particular, in the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the colors (Lab value and T value) can be specified based on the color measurement result by the colorimeter CM, so that the color of the toned white image can be more accurately and easily. Can be specified. Further, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, the toned white can be designated by the Lab value and the T value, and therefore the color value including the density of the toned white image can be designated accurately. Further, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, since the designated color is displayed in the sample image display area Sa of the toned white designation UI window W1, the user can easily change the color while confirming the displayed color. Can be specified.

B. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment, the color of the non-overlapping white area Awn (see FIG. 7A) of the print image PI is one color designated by the toned white designation process (step S220 in FIG. 9). The white image is formed as a designated one-color image. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the color of the non-overlapping white area Awn is allowed to be different for each part. That is, in the second embodiment, in the toned white designation process, it is possible to designate a color (Lab value and T value) for each partial area obtained by dividing the non-overlapping white area Awn of the print image PI into a plurality of partial areas. ing.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of color conversion processing, ink color separation processing, and halftone processing for a toned white image in the second embodiment. In FIG. 25, steps having the same contents as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 13 are denoted by common step numbers. In the first embodiment, since the colors (Lab value and T value) of each pixel corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn of the toned white image data are all the same, color conversion from the Lab value to the CMYK value (FIG. 13). Step S410) and conversion from CMYK, T values to gradation values for each ink color (Step S420 in FIG. 13) are executed as common to all pixels. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the color of the pixel corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn of the toned white image data may be different for each pixel, one pixel of the toned white image data is extracted ( Step S402 in FIG. 25), color conversion from Lab value to CMYK value (step S410 in FIG. 25) or conversion from CMYK, T value to gradation value for each ink color (step in FIG. 25). S420) is performed. These processes are repeated until all the pixels are completed (see step S422 in FIG. 25). The processing after step S470 in FIG. 25 (halftone processing) is the same as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, a color image and a white image can be formed on the print medium PM, and the color of the toned white image in the white image can be a desired color. it can. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a plurality of types of toned white images having different colors can be formed on the print medium PM, so that a wider variety of printed matter can be created.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 26 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the PC 200b of the third embodiment. In the PC 200b of the third embodiment, the point that the application program APb includes the UI control module UM and the point that the printer driver 300b includes the white image data conversion module 390 instead of the toning white designation module 330 are shown in FIG. This is different from the PC 200 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, the toned white designation process (step S220 in FIG. 9) is executed not by the printer driver 300b but by the application program APb. The contents of the toned white designation process in the third embodiment are the same as the contents of the toned white designation process shown in the first embodiment.

  The printing process of the third embodiment is executed in the same manner as the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the printing process of the third embodiment, after the toned white designation process is executed by the application program APb, when the user issues a print execution instruction (step S110 in FIG. 6), the color image data Cdata and the white image data WIdata. And the printing order designation information SS are output to the printer driver 300b, and the process (step S120) by the printer driver 300b is started.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the CPU 210 that executes the printer driver 300 according to the third embodiment. In step S212, the CPU 210 receives the color image data Cdata, white image data WIdata, and printing order designation information SS output from the application program AP (see FIG. 26). The contents of the color image data Cdata and the printing order designation information SS are the same as in the first embodiment.

  The white image data WIdata specifies a white region (a region obtained by combining the non-overlapping white region Awn and the overlapping white region Awo) in the print image PI (see FIG. 7A) and is designated by the toning white designation process. This data identifies the toned white. Specifically, the white image data WIdata is a value (for example, W = 255) indicating that the value of the pixel corresponding to the white area of the print image PI forms a white image, and the value of the remaining pixels is the white image. Is a data indicating a value (for example, W = 0) indicating that the signal is not formed. Note that the white image data WIdata may be data represented by a 2-bit value for each pixel. Further, the white image data WIdata includes data indicating a Lab value and a T value that specify toned white.

  In step S222 (FIG. 27), the white image data conversion module 390 (FIG. 26) performs white image data conversion processing using the color image data Cdata and the white image data WIdata. The white image data conversion process is a process for generating non-overlapping part white image data WINdata and overlapping part white image data WIOdata from the white image data WIdata. The contents of the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata and the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata is a value (for example, W = 255) indicating that the pixel value corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn of the print image PI forms a white image, and the values of the remaining pixels Is data having a value (for example, W = 0) indicating that a white image is not formed. However, since the toned white designation processing has already been performed in the third embodiment, the non-overlapping white image data WINdata includes data indicating the Lab value and the T value that specify the toned white. In addition, the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata is a value (for example, W = 255) indicating that the pixel value corresponding to the overlapping white region Awo of the print image PI forms a white image, and the remaining pixel values are white. This is data having a value (for example, W = 0) indicating that an image is not formed.

  In the white image data conversion process, the white image data conversion module 390 (FIG. 26) specifies the non-overlapping white area Awn and the overlapping white area Awo in the print image PI based on the color image data Cdata and the white image data WIdata. . Specifically, the white image data conversion module 390 determines an overlap between the white area specified by the white image data WIdata and the color image Ic specified by the color image data Cdata, and the color image Ic in the white area is determined. A portion that does not overlap with (more specifically, the color image Ic excluding the character image) is specified as a non-overlapping white area Awn, and the color image Ic in the white area (more specifically, the color image Ic excluding the character image). ) Is identified as an overlapping white area Awo. Then, the white image data conversion module 390 extracts the data corresponding to the non-overlapping white area Awn from the white image data WIdata and sets it as non-overlapping white image data WINdata, and also the part corresponding to the overlapping white area Awo. Are extracted and set as overlapping portion white image data WIOdata. In this embodiment, the color image data Cdata includes information for specifying a character image in the color image, and the white image data conversion module 390 uses the information to identify the non-overlapping white area Awn. It is assumed that the overlapping white area Awo is specified.

  The non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata generated in the white image data conversion processing (step S222) of the processing by the printer driver 300b (FIG. 27) is supplied to the toned white image color conversion module 340, and the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata. Is supplied to the command creation module 370 (see FIG. 26). The processing after step S230 of the processing by the printer driver 300b and the processing after the printing processing are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  As described above, also in the third embodiment, when printing using a plurality of colors of ink including white, a white image (toning) of a desired color is formed on the observable portion on the print medium together with the color image. White image) can be formed, and the influence on the color of the color image due to the formation of the white image can be suppressed. Particularly in the third embodiment, the white image data conversion module 390 of the printer driver 300 generates the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata and the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata by using the color image data Cdata and the white image data WIdata. White image data conversion processing can be performed. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the application program APb does not distinguish between the non-overlapping white area Awn and the overlapping white area Awo, and the color (toning) of the white area including the non-overlapping white area Awn and the overlapping white area Awo. White) is specified, the non-overlapping white area Awn and the overlapping white area Awo are specified, and a white image corresponding to the overlapping white area Awo is formed using only white ink and the non-overlapping white area Since a white image corresponding to Awn can be formed using white ink and ink other than white, it is possible to form a white image of a desired color in an observable portion on the print medium together with the color image. The influence on the color of the color image due to the formation of the white image can be suppressed.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print image PI, color image data Cdata, non-overlapping part white image data WINdata, and overlapping part white image data WIOdata according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, color image data Cdata, non-overlapping partial white image data WINdata, overlapping partial white image data WIOdata, and printing order designation information SS are obtained from the application program AP. The data is output to the printer driver 300 (see FIG. 4). The fourth embodiment is different from the print image PI of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in that the print image PI includes a barcode Co composed of a black portion Pb and a white portion Pw.

  Since the black portion Pb of the barcode Co is the color image Ic, as shown in FIG. 28B, the color image data Cdata specifies the color (black) of the pixel corresponding to the black portion Pb of the barcode Co. Contains data. Also in the fourth embodiment, since all the areas where the color image Ic is arranged are set as white areas, the black portion Pb of the barcode Co is set as the overlapping white area Awo. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28D, in the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata, the value of the pixel corresponding to the black portion Pb of the barcode Co is a value indicating that a white image is formed.

  Further, since the white portion Pw of the barcode Co is a white region that does not overlap the color image Ic, it is originally set as a non-overlapping white region Awn. However, in this embodiment, the overlapping white region Awo is set. Set as Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28D, in the overlapping portion white image data WIOdata, the value of the pixel corresponding to the white portion Pw of the barcode Co is a value indicating that a white image is formed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28C, in the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata, the value of the pixel corresponding to the white portion Pw of the barcode Co is a value indicating that no white image is formed.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, the printing process is executed as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, a white image corresponding to the white portion Pw of the barcode Co is formed using only white ink as a white image corresponding to the overlapping white area Awo. That is, the color of the white image corresponding to the white portion Pw of the barcode Co is not the toned white but the color of the white ink.

  As described above, also in the fourth embodiment, when printing is performed using a plurality of colors of ink including white, a white image (toning) of a desired color is formed on the observable portion on the print medium together with the color image. White image) can be formed, and the influence on the color of the color image due to the formation of the white image can be suppressed. Further, in the fourth embodiment, even when the portion of the white image constituting the white portion Pw of the barcode Co does not overlap the color image Ic, the color of the portion is not the toned white but the white ink. Since it becomes a color, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the reading accuracy of the barcode Co.

E. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

E1. Modification 1:
The configuration of the printing system 10 in each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and the configuration of the printing system 10 can be variously modified. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 is a printer that performs printing using seven colors of ink of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, and white. Any printer that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink may be used. For example, the printer 100 may be a printer that performs printing using inks of five colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white.

  In each of the above embodiments, six color inks except white are used for forming a color image, and no white ink is used. However, the ink color used for forming a color image is the use of the printer 100. It can be arbitrarily set according to possible ink colors. For example, white ink may be used to form a color image.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, five color inks of white, yellow, black, light cyan, and light magenta are used to form a toned white image, and two colors of cyan and magenta are not used. However, the ink color used for forming the toned white image only needs to include at least one color other than white and white, and can be arbitrarily set according to the ink color that can be used by the printer 100. For example, only four colors of white, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta may be used to form a toned white image, or white, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, and magenta. Color ink may be used.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 is a printer that performs printing while reciprocating (main scanning) the carriage on which the print head 144 is mounted. However, the present invention does not involve a reciprocating movement of the carriage. It can also be applied to print processing by a printer.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the printer driver 300 is included in the PC 200, and the printer 100 receives a command from the printer driver 300 of the PC 200 and executes printing (see FIG. 4). The printer 100 has the same function as the printer driver 300 including the white / white designation module 330 and the UI control module 332, and the printer 100 receives color image data Cdata, non-overlapping partial white image data WINdata, and overlapping partial white image data WIOdata from the application program AP of the PC 200. The printing order designation information SS may be received and printing may be executed. Alternatively, the printer 100 further has the same function as the application program AP, and the printer 100 generates color image data Cdata, non-overlapping partial white image data WINdata, overlapping partial white image data WIOdata, print order designation information SS, and print processing. May be executed.

  In the first embodiment, the toned white designation module 330 including the UI control module 332 is included in the printer driver 300 (see FIG. 4). As in the third embodiment (see FIG. 26), The printer driver 300 may not include the toned white designation module 330, and instead, the application program AP may include the UI control module UM. In this case, the toned white designation process is executed in the application program AP, and the non-overlapping white image data WINdata associated with the values (Lab value and T value) for specifying the designated toned white is applied to the application program AP. The program AP may be transmitted to the toned white image color conversion module 340 of the printer driver 300. Alternatively, data including values (Lab value and T value) specifying the specified toned white is transmitted to the toned white image color conversion module 340 of the printer driver 300 independently of the non-overlapping white image data WINdata. It may be done. When the data including the value specifying the toned white is independently transmitted to the toned white image color conversion module 340, the non-overlapping white image data WINdata is converted into the toned white image color converting module 340. Alternatively, it may be input to the toned white image ink color separation processing module 350.

  In the third embodiment, the UI control module UM is included in the application program APb (see FIG. 26). However, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), the application program APb is included in the UI control module UM. Alternatively, the printer driver 300b may include the toned white designation module 330 including the UI control module 332 instead. In this case, the white image data WIdata output from the application program APb is only data for specifying the white area, and does not include values (Lab value and T value) for specifying the toned white. In this case, the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata generated by the white image data conversion module 390 based on the white image data WIdata is input to the toning white designation module 330 including the UI control module 332, and the toning After being subjected to the white designation process, it may be input to the color conversion module 340 for the toned white image.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 executes the process of converting the raster data (dot data) into the data transfer method to the print head 144 (FIG. 5). It may be done. In this case, the printer 100 may not have the raster buffer 132.

  Further, the contents of the toned white image look-up table LUTw (FIG. 14) and the color image look-up table LUTc (FIG. 16) in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and these contents are, for example, the ink used by the printer 100. It is experimentally set in advance according to the composition. Further, these contents can be variously modified according to the contents of data (used color space) output from the application program AP and the used ink color of the printer 100. Similarly, the contents of color conversion processing and ink color separation processing using these tables can be variously modified.

  In each of the above embodiments, the halftone processing with reference to the dither pattern is performed by the color image halftone processing module 320 or the toned white image halftone processing module 360 (FIG. 4). Halftone processing by another method such as a method may be performed. If the printer 100 can form dots of a plurality of sizes for each ink color, the dot ON / OFF and the dot size are not binarized for determining dot ON / OFF by halftone processing. Multi-value conversion may be performed.

  Further, the configuration of the printing order designation command and the raster command (FIG. 18) and the contents of the ink code table ICT (FIG. 19) in each of the above embodiments are merely examples and can be variously modified. In each of the above embodiments, the ink code uniquely corresponds to the combination of each of the plurality of ink colors and each of the color image and the white image, but the ink code is not necessarily set in this way. There is no need to be done. However, if the ink code is set in this way, the CPU 110 of the printer 100 can process the command according to the ink code included in the raster command without being aware of whether the raster command is for a color image or a white image. it can.

  In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. Also good.

  In addition, when part or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, a hard disk, etc. It also includes an external storage device fixed to the computer.

E2. Modification 2:
In the first embodiment, the overlapping white area Awo is a part that overlaps the color image Ic excluding the character image in the white area where the white image is to be formed (see FIG. 7). Different regions may be set as the overlapping white region Awo as long as it is at least a part of the region overlapping the color image Ic. For example, the overlapping white area Awo may be the entire area of the portion overlapping the color image Ic in the white area. That is, not only the portion of the white area in the printed image PI shown in FIG. 7A that overlaps the graphic color image Ic (the portion shown by hatching in FIG. 7D), but also the color of the character. A portion overlapping the image IC (“abcde” image in FIG. 7A) may be set as the overlapping white area Awo.

  In the first embodiment, the non-overlapping white area Awn is a part of the white area where the white image is to be formed, but does not overlap the color image Ic except for the character image. Different regions may be set as the non-overlapping white region Awn as long as it is at least a partial region that does not overlap with the color image Ic. For example, the non-overlapping white area Awn may be the entire area of the white area that does not overlap the color image Ic. That is, not only from the white area in the printed image PI shown in FIG. 7A, but also from the part overlapping the figure color image Ic (part shown by hatching in FIG. 7D), the character color image A region excluding a portion overlapping with the IC (“abcde” image in FIG. 7A) may be set as the non-overlapping white region Awn.

E3. Modification 3:
In the fourth embodiment, in the application program AP, it is assumed that the white portion Pw of the barcode Co included in the print image PI (FIG. 28A) is not the non-overlapping white region Awn but the overlapping white region Awo. In this case, the white image of the portion is formed using only white ink. However, in the application program AP, the white portion Pw of the barcode Co of the print image PI is set as a non-overlapping white area Awn in principle. It is good. Even in this case, the non-overlapping white image data WINdata specifying the non-overlapping white area Awn includes data specifying the white portion Pw of the barcode Co, and the printer receives the non-overlapping white image data WINdata. The driver 300 may perform control so that the white portion Pw of the barcode Co is specified based on the non-overlapping portion white image data WINdata and the white image of the portion is formed using only white ink.

  In the fourth embodiment, the barcode Co is included in the print image PI. However, a code (for example, a QR code) composed of a white portion other than the barcode Co and a portion other than white (for example, a gray portion). (A two-dimensional code such as (registered trademark)) may be included in the print image PI. Also in this case, if the white image of the white portion constituting the code is formed using only white ink, it is possible to suppress a decrease in code reading accuracy.

E4. Modification 4:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the color image and the white image are formed in parallel on the transparent film as the print medium PM, and the printing process for creating the printed matter in which the color image and the white image are formed has been described. The print medium PM used for the printing process is not limited to a transparent film, and any medium such as a translucent film, paper, or cloth can be selected. When a transparent film is used as the print medium PM, the color image Ic can be formed as it is even in C-W printing (FIG. 8B).

  Further, the printer 100 in each of the above embodiments can execute a printing process for forming only a color image (including a color image formed using white ink). In this case, the nozzle array of the print head 144 Printing is performed using the entire nozzle row 146 without dividing 146 (see FIG. 22) into upstream and downstream. That is, the printer 100 divides the nozzle row 146 into a nozzle group for forming a color image and a nozzle group for forming a white image when performing a printing process for forming a color image and a white image. It is sufficient that printing can be performed.

E5. Modification 5:
The display contents of the toned white designation UI window W1 and the color measurement UI window W2 (FIG. 11) in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and these display contents can be variously changed. For example, in the toned white designation UI window W1 of each of the above embodiments, the toned white is designated by the color value in the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system (color space). The toned white may be designated by a system (for example, L ^* u ^* v ^* color system). In the toned white designation UI window W1 in each of the above embodiments, the toned white density is designated by the T value, but the designation of the T value may be omitted. In the toned white designation UI window W1 of each of the embodiments described above, the toned white can be designated by colorimetry (see the colorimetric UI window W2), but the toned white by colorimetry is designated. Need not be possible.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing system, 100 ... Printer, 110 ... CPU, 112 ... Command processing module, 120 ... ROM, 130 ... RAM, 132 ... Raster buffer, 140 ... Head controller, 142 ... Head buffer, 144 ... Print head, 146 ... Nozzle 150, carriage controller, 152 ... carriage motor, 160 ... print medium feed controller, 162 ... print medium feed motor, 200 ... PC, 210 ... CPU, 220 ... ROM, 230 ... RAM, 260 ... display interface, 270 ... serial Interface 300 printer driver 310 color ink color separation processing module 320 color image halftone processing module 330 toning white designation module 3 2 ... UI control module, 340 ... Toned white image color conversion module, 350 ... Toned white image ink color separation processing module, 360 ... Toned white image halftone processing module, 370 ... Command creation module, 390 ... white image data conversion module.

In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, the present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples. The present invention is a printing apparatus that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink including a white ink, the first image forming unit ejecting at least one color of the plurality of colors of ink, and at least the white color A second image forming unit that ejects ink; and a control unit that forms a first image using the first image forming unit and forms a second image using the second image forming unit. Then, at least a part of the second image that overlaps the first image is formed using only the white ink, and at least one part of the second image that does not overlap the first image. It is possible to realize a printing apparatus that includes a control unit that forms the unit using the white ink and at least one color ink other than white. The present invention also provides color image data for specifying a color image, overlapping portion white image data for specifying a portion of a white image that is a white image that overlaps the color image, and the color image of the white image. You may implement | achieve as a program characterized by making a computer implement | achieve the function which produces | generates the data for printing based on the non-overlapping part white image data which specifies the part which does not overlap. In addition, the present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

Claims (16)

A printing apparatus that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink including white ink,
A first image forming unit that ejects at least one of the plurality of colors of ink;
A second image forming unit that ejects at least the white ink;
A control unit configured to form a first image using the first image forming unit and form a second image using the second image forming unit, wherein the first image in the second image And forming at least a part of the portion overlapping with the image of the second image using only the white ink, and forming at least a portion of the second image not overlapping with the first image as at least one other than the white ink and white. And a control unit formed using color ink. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit performs in parallel the formation of the first image by the first image forming unit and the formation of the second image by the second image forming unit during at least a part of the period during printing. A printer that lets you The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The control unit generates at least a part of a portion of the second image that overlaps the first image, generated using image data representing the first image and image data representing the second image. And image data representing at least part of a portion of the second image that does not overlap the first image. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
A printing apparatus comprising: a head having a first nozzle group as the first image forming unit and a second nozzle group as the second image forming unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 4,
The head is formed along a feeding direction of the print medium, and includes a plurality of nozzle rows corresponding to the plurality of colors of ink,
The controller is
Dividing the plurality of nozzle rows into an upstream nozzle group and a downstream nozzle group located downstream of the upstream nozzle group in the feed direction;
One of the upstream nozzle group and the downstream nozzle group is the first nozzle group, and the other is the second nozzle group. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:
A printing order designation receiving unit for receiving printing order designation information for designating a printing order in an overlapping portion between the first image and the second image;
The controller is
Receiving printing order designation information for designating a printing order in an overlapping portion between the first image and the second image;
When the print order designation information designates the print order in which the first image is formed first, the upstream nozzle group is set as the first nozzle group, and the print order designation information is the second order. A printing apparatus that sets the downstream nozzle group as the first nozzle group when designating a printing order in which an image is formed first. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The second nozzle group does not eject at least one color ink other than the white ink out of the plurality of color inks. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
The multi-color ink includes a combination of a light color ink and a dark color ink for at least one hue;
The printing apparatus in which the second nozzle group does not eject the dark ink. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein
The plurality of colors of ink includes black ink,
The second nozzle group ejects the black ink. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Based on the density value and the color value in a predetermined color system, the control unit converts at least a part of the second image that does not overlap the first image to a color other than the white ink and white color. A printing apparatus formed using at least one color ink. The printing apparatus according to claim 10,
A printing apparatus, wherein at least one of the density value and the color value in the predetermined color system is a value based on a color measurement result of an object. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
The printing apparatus, wherein at least one of the density value and the color value in the predetermined color system is a value based on a color measurement result on a white background and a color measurement result on a black background. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
The printing apparatus, wherein the predetermined color system is one of an L ^* a ^* b ^* color system and an L ^* u ^* v ^* color system. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The control unit may include a white ink in a bar code or a two-dimensional code including a white portion and a portion other than white in a portion that does not overlap the first image in the second image. A printing device that uses only the ink. A printing method for performing printing using a plurality of colors of ink including white ink,
Ejecting at least one of the plurality of colors of ink to form a first image;
Ejecting at least the white ink to form a second image;
Forming at least a part of the second image overlapping with the first image using only the white ink, and at least a part of the second image not overlapping with the first image; A printing method, wherein the white ink and at least one color ink other than white are used. A computer program for controlling a printing apparatus that performs printing using a plurality of colors of ink including white ink,
A first image forming function for ejecting at least one of the plurality of colors of ink;
A second image forming function for ejecting at least the white ink;
A control function for ejecting at least one of the plurality of colors of ink from the printing apparatus to form a first image, and forming a second image using the second image forming function; Forming at least a part of the second image overlapping with the first image using only the white ink, and forming at least a part of the second image not overlapping with the first image. A computer program that causes a computer to realize a control function that is formed using the white ink and at least one color ink other than white.

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