JP2015104823A - Print controller, printer and print control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print controller allowing character information to be easily and visually identified when an image is printed on an address surface of a mail article, and further to provide a printer and a print control program.SOLUTION: A print controller for printing character information and an image on an address surface of a postcard (mail article) comprises: a character arrangement section for arranging character information 110 input in an address surface region 100 corresponding to an address surface in a storage section; an image arrangement section for arranging the image selected in the address surface region 100; an image processing section for performing image processing imparting gradation by which printing density becomes lower as being closer to a peripheral edge of the image to a peripheral edge portion thereof; and a generation section for generating print data on the basis of address surface data including the character information 110 arranged in the address surface region 100 and an image Img2 having been subjected to the image processing. A peripheral edge portion of the image Img2 arranged in a background of the character information 110 in the address surface region 100 is imparted with gradation GD by which the density becomes lower as being closer to a peripheral edge thereof.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing control apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a printing control program for printing character information and an image on a mailing address such as a postcard or an envelope.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an envelope creation system that extracts address information based on customer information from a character information file, extracts customer-specific design information corresponding to the address information from an image information file, and prints the address and design on an envelope. Has been.

JP-A-5-319439

  However, in the envelope creation system described in Patent Document 1, when an image is printed on the address surface, there is a problem that it is difficult to see the character at the portion where the character information including the address / address overlaps with the image. For example, even if the image has a color / density sufficient to visually recognize characters, it is colored on both sides of the boundary (image outline) between the image and the background color (for example, white) of a postal item (for example, envelope) If the difference or density difference is large (for example, dark blue and white), it is difficult to visually recognize characters that overlap the image at the boundary. Further, the line of sight naturally goes to the boundary of the image, and accordingly, the character information becomes difficult to visually recognize. Such a problem is not limited to envelopes, but also applies to postal items such as postcards having an address.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The purpose of the present invention is to make it easy to visually recognize character information even if the character information and the image overlap when printing an image on a mail address. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing control apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a printing control program.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
A printing control apparatus that solves the above-described problem is a printing control apparatus that generates printing data for printing character information and an image on a mail address, and stores the input character information in the storage unit. A character arrangement unit arranged in the address plane area corresponding to the plane, an image arrangement unit arranged in the address plane area for the selected image, and a print density that is lighter toward the outer side of at least a part of the peripheral portion of the image. An image processing unit that performs image processing for providing gradation, and a generation unit that generates print data based on address surface data including the character information arranged in the address surface area and the image processed image It is equipped with. The print data may be print data used for printing or print result display data for the purpose of previewing a print result in advance. Further, the gradation of the gradation may be continuously reduced toward the outside, or may be gradually reduced. Here, the print density refers to the density of an image printed on the address side of a mail piece. For example, as the print density decreases, the density of print dots decreases.

  According to this configuration, the input character information is arranged in the address plane area, and the selected image is arranged in the address plane area. The image is subjected to image processing that imparts a gradation in which the print density becomes lighter toward the outside at least at a part of the peripheral edge. Then, print data is generated on the basis of the address surface data including the image processed image and the character information arranged in the address surface area. As a result, for example, when the print data is print data, when an image and character information are printed on the mailing address based on the print data, gradation is given to at least a part of the peripheral edge of the image. Therefore, for example, even if the character overlaps the image at the boundary between the image and the medium of the postal matter, the character is easy to visually recognize. On the other hand, for example, when the print data is print result display data, and the address plane is displayed on the display unit based on the display data, the characters are temporarily displayed at the boundary between the image and the mail medium. Even if they overlap, it can be confirmed before printing that the overlapped characters are easily visible.

  In the print control apparatus, the image processing unit may further reduce the print density of the image in addition to the first image processing when the image processing for providing the gradation is the first image processing. It is preferable to perform the second image processing for performing the processing.

  According to this configuration, image processing (second image processing) for reducing the print density is performed on the image. As a result, for example, when an image and character information are printed on the mailing address based on the printing data, the image is printed with a thin print density, so even if the character information and the image overlap, Overlapping characters are easy to see. On the other hand, for example, when the address surface is displayed on the display unit based on the print data, even if the character information and the image overlap, it can be confirmed before printing that the overlapped characters are easily visible.

  In the printing control apparatus, the image processing unit creates a mask image having a color similar to the medium color of the postal matter and having a lower transmittance toward the outer side, and the mask image is a layer on the upstream side in the viewing direction of the image. It is preferable that the image processing is performed by arranging at a position corresponding to a portion to which the gradation is applied.

  According to this configuration, the mask image having the same color as the medium color of the postal matter and having a lower transmittance toward the outside is arranged at a position corresponding to the portion that gives gradation to the layer on the upstream side in the viewing direction of the image. First image processing is performed. For this reason, the image after this image processing is printed on the address surface in a state where gradation is applied such that at least a part of the peripheral portion becomes thinner toward the outside when printed. Since the image is only covered with the mask image, gradation can be applied relatively easily without applying special image processing to the image.

In the print control apparatus, the image processing unit preferably performs the second image processing by tone curve correction processing.
According to this configuration, the tone curve correction process is performed as the second image process on the image, and the brightness of the image is increased, so that the print density of the image can be reduced. Therefore, the character information is easy to visually recognize even if it overlaps with the image when printed. Further, since tone curve correction processing is performed, it is easy to set or change the print density.

  In the print control device, the image processing unit may include the character area including the overlapping characters in the image when the characters constituting the character information arranged in the address plane region overlap the image. It is preferable to perform the third image processing for making the print density lighter than the portion of the image that does not overlap the character area.

  According to this configuration, when a character constituting the character information arranged in the address plane area overlaps with the image, a portion overlapping the character area including the overlapping character in the image is more than a portion not overlapping the character area in the image. Print density is reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier to visually recognize the character that overlaps the image in the character information.

  Further, in the print control apparatus, the tone curve used by the image processing unit in the tone curve correction process has a value of the brightness of the image after correction that is greater than or equal to a threshold value greater than zero over the entire brightness of the image before correction. In a range excluding at least a part of the region near the lowest value of the brightness of the image before correction, the value after the correction is higher as the value of the image before the correction is higher and the brightness of the image before the correction is larger. It is preferable that the brightness of the image is set to be large.

  According to this configuration, the pre-correction image is corrected to lightness equal to or higher than the threshold value in the entire brightness range, and at least in the range excluding a part near the lowest lightness of the pre-correction image, it is equal to or higher than the lightness of the image before correction The brightness is corrected on the basis of a tone curve in which the brightness of the image after correction is larger and the brightness of the image before correction is larger. Therefore, the brightness of the image after correction becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value in the entire area, and the brightness of the image before correction is reflected although the brightness is faint throughout the entire area. Will be the image.

  In the above print control apparatus, the tone curve used by the image processing unit in the tone curve correction process takes a value greater than or equal to a threshold value greater than zero after correction over the entire brightness of the image before correction, and before correction. It is preferable that the brightness of the image after correction is set to increase as the brightness of the image increases.

  According to this configuration, the brightness of the image after the correction is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the tone of the corrected image increases as the brightness of the image before correction increases with respect to the image before correction. Since the curve correction process is performed, the print density can be reduced over the entire area of the image, and an image after correction reflecting the brightness of the image before correction can be obtained. For example, since the brightness of the image before correction is reflected, the original pattern is easily reflected in the corrected image although it is faint.

  The printing apparatus that solves the above problem prints the image based on the print data generated by the print control apparatus and the generation unit of the print control apparatus, wherein the print data is print data. And a printing unit. According to this configuration, an image is printed on a mailing address in a state where gradation is given to at least a part of the peripheral edge. For this reason, for example, even if a character overlaps the image at the boundary between the image and the medium of the postal matter, the character is easily visible.

  A print control program that solves the above-described problem is a print control program that is executed by a computer to generate print data for printing character information and an image on a mail address. At least a part of the peripheral portion of the image, a character placement step for placing the selected image in the address surface area corresponding to the address surface in the storage unit, an image placement step for placing the selected image in the address surface area Data for printing based on address surface data including an image processing step for performing image processing for giving gradation that the print density becomes lighter toward the outside, and the character information arranged in the address surface area and the image after image processing A generating step for generating. According to this configuration, by causing the computer to execute the print control program, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those of the print control apparatus.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a computer in the printing apparatus. The top view which shows the address surface area | region where the character information and the image are arrange | positioned. The top view which shows the address surface area | region where the image after 2nd image processing and character information are arrange | positioned. The top view which shows the address surface area | region where the image and character information after a 1st image process (gradation process) are arrange | positioned. The top view which shows the address surface area | region where the image after 3rd image processing and character information are arrange | positioned. The flowchart which shows an address surface printing process. The flowchart which shows an image processing routine. The graph which shows a correction map. The exploded perspective view explaining the 1st image processing and the 3rd image processing. The schematic diagram which shows the mask image used for a gradation process. The graph which shows the relationship between the position in a mask image, and the transmittance | permeability. The schematic diagram explaining the 1st image processing in a modification. The graph which similarly shows the correction map used for 2nd image processing. The graph which shows the correction map of the modification different from FIG. The graph which shows the correction map of the modification different from FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the printing control apparatus in a modification. The block diagram which shows the structure of the printing control apparatus in the modification different from FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a printing apparatus is embodied in an ink jet printer will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 11 includes a substantially rectangular apparatus body 12, a feeding unit 13 that feeds (feeds) a postcard P as an example of a postal item, and a postcard from the apparatus body 12. And a discharge unit 14 that discharges (discharges) P. The feeding unit 13 has a feeding tray 15 that supports a postcard P to be fed, and the discharging unit 14 has a discharging tray 16 that supports the discharged postcard P.

  In addition, the printing apparatus 11 includes a display unit 17 including a liquid crystal display, a handle unit 18 that becomes a handle when the printing device 11 is carried, and an operation unit 30 that can input characters. The display unit 17 can display various types of information of the printing apparatus 11 and displays a setting screen of the printing apparatus 11, a postcard P address screen, a communication screen editing screen, and the like. The operation unit 30 is a wireless keyboard capable of short-range wireless communication such as infrared communication with the apparatus main body 12. For this reason, the user of the printing apparatus 11 operates the printing apparatus 11 via the operation unit 30. The operation unit 30 includes a key operation unit 31 operated to input characters and the like, a selection operation unit 32 including, for example, a cross key operated to select various setting items on the setting screen, And a confirming operation unit 33 operated to confirm and execute the selected item.

  On the side surface of the apparatus main body 12, a power button 21 is provided that is operated when the printing apparatus 11 is turned on or off. In addition, a wireless communication port 22 constituting a part of an interface for communicating with the operation unit 30 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 12.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 11 includes a transport roller 23 that transports the postcard P from the feeding unit 13 to the discharge unit 14, a transport motor 24 that drives the transport roller 23, and a postcard in the apparatus main body 12. A print head 25 that prints characters and images by ejecting ink onto P and a controller 40 that controls the printing apparatus 11 are provided. In this way, the printing apparatus 11 performs a series of printing operations by printing on the postcard P fed from the feeding tray 15 and discharging the printed postcard P to the discharge tray 16 based on the control of the controller 40. Do. Note that the printing apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment is a printer capable of performing a single operation from the creation of the address and communication surfaces of the postcard P to the printing of the postcard P.

Next, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 40 includes a head unit 41 that drives the print head 25, a motor driver 42 that drives the transport motor 24, a display driver 43 that drives the display unit 17, and a computer 50. Yes. The printing apparatus 11 also has a communication interface 44 (hereinafter also referred to as I / F 44) for communicating with the operation unit 30 and a card interface 45 (hereinafter also referred to as I / F 45) for connecting the memory card 35. And. The computer 50 includes a CPU 51, an ASIC 52 (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a nonvolatile memory 53, and a RAM 54.

  The RAM 54 temporarily stores data generated when the printing contents of the address side and the communication side to be printed on the postcard P are created / edited. At this time, first, in the RAM 54, as a virtual canvas for arranging each layer of destination information, image, character information, and the like, an address surface area 100 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) corresponding to the address surface of the postcard P is stored. A communication area corresponding to the communication area of the postcard P is secured. A layer refers to data having hierarchical information.

  Here, the address plane area 100 is a blank (blank) address plane image corresponding to a postcard (for example, a new year postcard) selected by the operation unit 30 by the user, read from the non-volatile memory 53, and stored in this area of the RAM 54. Generated by writing. The address surface area 100 is visualized on the address surface editing screen by the display driver 43 displaying an image of the address surface based on the data in the RAM 54 on the display unit 17 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). By operating the operation unit 30, the user can create a text box for writing characters of destination information and place an image on the address surface area 100, and change and edit the destination information and the placement position of the image. Destination information and images placed on the address plane area 100 by the user are stored in the RAM 54 together with position information (coordinate information). These pieces of position information are represented by, for example, relative coordinates with respect to arbitrary reference coordinates (for example, coordinates (0, 0) with the upper left corner as the origin) on the address plane area 100, for example, a diagonal of a rectangular area of a text box or an image. Indicated by the coordinates of the two corners located at. Similarly, the communication surface area is a virtual canvas secured in the RAM 54, and is generated by writing an image of a white communication surface in this area. The communication surface area is visualized on the communication surface editing screen by the display driver 43 displaying an image of the communication surface based on the data in the RAM 54 on the display unit 17. By operating the operation unit 30, the user can create a text box for writing characters of character information, arrange images, change or edit the character information and image arrangement positions, etc. on the displayed communication area. Become.

  The nonvolatile memory 53 stores programs and data necessary for various controls of the printing apparatus 11. The non-volatile memory 53 is also representative of a blank image on the address side and the communication side for a plurality of types of postcards including the above-mentioned New Year's postcards, as well as typical characters and images on the address side and the communication side. Data of a plurality of layouts are stored.

Next, a functional configuration of the controller 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
The controller 40 includes a functional part constructed as software by the CPU 51 that executes the program, and a functional part constructed by a circuit in the ASIC 52 in which the program is written. Specifically, the controller 40 performs printing control for performing editing of the address side of the postcard P and editing of the communication side, generation of print data for printing each editing result, and the like according to the operation through the operation unit 30 of the user. The apparatus 60 includes a print control unit 70 that drives and controls the print head 25 and the transport motor 24 based on the generated print data. In the present embodiment, the print control unit 70, the print head 25, and the transport motor 24 constitute a print engine 46. The print control device 60 includes a character arrangement unit 61, an image arrangement unit 62, an image processing unit 63, a display processing unit 64, a print data generation unit 65, and a storage unit 66 as functional components. The storage unit 66 includes, for example, a predetermined storage area of the nonvolatile memory 53 and a predetermined storage area of the RAM 54. Data such as the correction map MA stored in the predetermined storage area of the nonvolatile memory 53 is stored in the printing device. Even if the power supply of 11 is turned off, it is maintained.

The character arrangement unit 61 arranges the character information 110 including the input address and name in the address plane area 100 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
The image arrangement unit 62 should be arranged in the address plane area 100 based on a selection signal input from the operation unit 30 when the user performs an operation of selecting from a plurality of images displayed in a list on the display unit 17. The image Img (see FIG. 4) is read and acquired from the nonvolatile memory 53 in the printing apparatus 11 or the memory card 35 connected to the printing apparatus 11. Then, the image placement unit 62 places the acquired image Img in the address plane area 100. In this example, the image arrangement area where the image Img is arranged is set in advance, and the image size may be adjusted when the image Img is arranged in the image arrangement area.

  The image processing unit 63 performs image processing on the image Img arranged by the image arranging unit 62. For example, the image processing unit 63 uses the correction map MA stored in the storage unit 66 to correct the image Img arranged in the address plane area 100 to a lightness (for example, RGB value) that is equal to or higher than a certain level, and the image Img is corrected. Light image processing (second image processing) is performed. By this second image processing, the image Img is corrected so that the print density when printed is reduced. Furthermore, the image processing unit 63 performs image processing (first image processing) for applying gradation in which the density gradually decreases toward the outer side of the peripheral portion of the image Img1 whose density is lightened. In addition, the image processing unit 63 performs image processing (third image processing) for further increasing the brightness of an area including a portion overlapping the character information 110 in the image Img1 whose density is lightened. The print density refers to the density of a print image printed on the address face of the postcard P. For example, the lower the density of print dots, the lower the print density. Further, the density of printing dots decreases as the number of printing dots per unit area decreases. When there are a plurality of sizes of print dots, the smaller the number of print dots per unit area and the smaller the print dot size, the smaller the print dot density.

  The display processing unit 64 displays a setting screen on the display unit 17 or displays various screens corresponding to the selection result selected by the user by operating the operation unit 30. For this reason, the display processing unit 64 displays the editing screen for the address and communication surfaces of the postcard P on the display unit 17 and displays the print preview screen for the postcard P on the display unit 17.

  The print data generation unit 65 generates print data for printing characters and images Img arranged on the address side and the communication side of the postcard P. Specifically, the print data generation unit 65 generates address plane print data based on address plane data including characters and images arranged in the address plane area 100 in the RAM 54. Further, the print data generation unit 65 generates print data for the communication surface based on communication surface data including characters and images arranged in the communication surface area in the RAM 54. Here, the color systems of the address plane data and the communication plane data are not particularly limited, but here, as an example, data of the RGB color system is used. The print data includes CMYK color system print image data corresponding to the color of ink ejected from the print head 25 and a command (command) used by the print control unit 70 for print control. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the print data generation unit 65 corresponds to an example of a “generation unit”.

  The print data generated by the print data generation unit 65 is input to the print control unit 70 constituting the print engine 46. The print control unit 70 includes a head control unit 71 that controls driving of the print head 25 based on print image data in the print data, and a conveyance control unit 72 that controls the conveyance motor 24 based on commands in the print data. have. When printing on the postcard P, the head control unit 71 performs ejection control for ejecting ink from the nozzles of the print head 25 based on the print image data, and the transport control unit 72 transports the postcard P based on the command. I do. In this respect, in this embodiment, the print engine 46 corresponds to an example of a “printing unit”.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, in the address area 100, character information 110 including a postal code 111, an address 112, a name 113, and sender information 114 including the address and name of the sender is arranged. And in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the image Img can be arrange | positioned in the background of the character information 110. FIG. In this case, as shown in the figure, it may be difficult to determine a portion of the character information 110 that overlaps the image Img. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by performing image processing for increasing the lightness of the image Img arranged in the address surface area 100 and reducing the print density, the image Img1 in which the entire image is lightened as shown in FIG. Thus, the visibility of the character information 110 is improved. In the present embodiment, the color of the characters constituting the character information 110 is a dark color such as black or dark blue that improves the visibility when printed on the white address surface, which is the medium color of the postcard P. .

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the character information 110 is arranged in the character area 130. The character area 130 is composed of a text box, for example, and one character area 130 is a unit for moving, enlarging / reducing, editing, etc., the character information 110. The character area 130 includes a character area 131 including a postal code frame in which the destination postal code 111 is described, a character area 132 in which the address 112 of the addressee is described, a character area 133 in which the name 113 is described, and the address of the sender. A character area 134 in which the sender information 114 such as a name is described, and a character area 135 including a zip code frame in which the zip code of the sender is described are included. The user can move the position in units of the character area 130 or edit characters in the character area 130 by operating the operation unit 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the address area 100 is set with an area where an image can be arranged (image arrangement area). If the postcard P is a New Year's card, for example, the address surface area 100 includes a prohibited area in which an image cannot be placed. The prohibited area includes an area including the fee stamp surface 120, for example, an area including a postal code frame for entering the postal codes 111 and 115, an area within a predetermined range from both ends in the width direction of the address surface area 100, and the address surface area 100. There is a rectangular area containing the lottery number of the New Year's lottery written on the lower edge. Among the areas avoiding these prohibited areas, the image arrangement area is set at a position where a size as large as possible can be secured. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in which the address and name of the destination are written vertically, the position of the image Img arranged in the figure is set in the image arrangement area. In the case of horizontal writing, the image arrangement area is set, for example, in an area below the postal code 111 and on the right side of the fee stamp surface 120.

  In FIG. 5, the image Img1 is light and the character information 110 is relatively easy to see, but the boundary between the image Img1 and the background of the postcard P (white background in this example), that is, the outline of the image Img1 is clear. If it is too much, the image arranged as the background of the character information 110 will be emphasized. In particular, if the peripheral portion of the image Img1 is light but relatively dark, the boundary with the white background of the postcard P becomes conspicuous, and the character information 110 becomes relatively difficult to read due to the eyes being taken away by the image. Therefore, in the present embodiment, image processing (first image processing) is performed by blurring the peripheral portion of the image Img1 by adding a gradation GD as shown in FIG. 6 so that the contour of the image Img is not overemphasized. Apply. The first image processing (gradation processing) is performed by the image processing unit 63. By performing the first image processing, as shown in FIG. 6, a gradation in which the density gradually decreases toward the outer side is given to the peripheral portion of the image Img2. For this reason, the boundary between the image Img2 and the white background of the postcard P, that is, the contour of the image Img2 is less noticeable. Therefore, when the image Img is arranged in the background of the character information 110, it can be avoided that the outline of the image Img2 is conspicuous and the character information 110 becomes difficult to read.

  In FIG. 5, the image Img <b> 1 is light and the character information 110 is relatively easy to visually recognize. However, in this embodiment, in order to further improve the visibility of the character information 110, it overlaps the character information 110 in the image Img. It is also possible to specify image processing (third image processing) for further fading the periphery of the portion. In this example, the third image processing is performed on the portion of the image Img1 that overlaps the character region 130. By this third image processing, as shown in FIG. 7, an image Img3 is obtained in which the portion of the image Img2 (see FIG. 6) that overlaps the character region 130 (see FIG. 5) is further lightened. For this reason, a portion that overlaps the character region 130 in the image Img3 is lighter than a portion that does not overlap the character region 130. Details of the first image processing, the second image processing, and the third image processing will be described later. Further, the order in which the first image processing, the second image processing, and the third image processing are performed on the image (image data) is not limited to the order of the present embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate. . Even if the order of these image processes is changed, the image shown in FIG. 7 can be obtained.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, a processing routine executed by the computer 50 in order to perform editing for arranging the character information 110 and the image Img in the address surface area 100 and print the edited address surface will be described. To do. The computer 50 executes this processing routine by executing the print control program read from the nonvolatile memory 53.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this processing routine, in step S <b> 11, the computer 50 places the input character information 110 in the address plane area 100 based on the operation of the operation unit 30 by the user. For example, the character information 110 such as the input zip code 111, address 112, name 113, and sender information 114 is arranged in the address area 100. The character information 110 is moved to a designated position based on an operation signal from the operation unit 30 operated by the user as necessary, and the position is adjusted. If the address information has already been created, the user designates the addressee in the address book. In this case, the character information 110 corresponding to the addressee specified in the address book based on the operation signal from the operation unit 30 is read from the storage unit 66 and arranged in the address surface area 100. Note that the processing in step S11 corresponds to an example of a “character placement step”.

  In step S <b> 12, the computer 50 places the selected image Img (image data) in the address plane area 100 based on the operation of the operation unit 30 by the user. For example, the user displays a list of a plurality of images on the display unit 17 and operates the operation unit 30 to perform an operation of selecting a desired image from the plurality of images. The computer 50 reads the image Img selected based on the operation signal from the operated operation unit 30 from the storage unit 66 and arranges it in a preset image arrangement area in the address plane area 100. In step S12, only one image may be selected, or a plurality of images may be selected. The process in step S12 corresponds to an example of “image placement step”.

  Here, the character information 110 and the image Img arranged in the address plane area 100 are stored in the work area of the storage unit 66 in the coordinates of the character area 130 (for example, a text box), the coordinates of the image Img, and the layer information (hierarchical information). ) Are stored together. Then, the display processing unit 64 of the computer 50 has the address surface information, the character information 110, and the image Img in the address surface area 100 in accordance with the hierarchy based on the coordinate information and the layer information stored in the storage unit 66. The images are combined in order and displayed on the display unit 17. Therefore, an image of the address area similar to that shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the address face editing screen of the display unit 17. Since the displayed image is visualized based on various data stored in the storage unit 66, the character information written in the storage unit 66 can be seen by looking at the address plane area 100 displayed on the editing screen. 110 and various data of the image Img are uniquely specified.

  Note that “place character information in an address surface area corresponding to the address surface in the storage unit” means that character information 110 is stored in the storage unit 66 together with coordinates that can specify a relative position with respect to the address surface region 100. It is. This indicates that data necessary for arranging and displaying the character information 110 at a predetermined position in the address plane area 100 on the editing screen is stored in the storage unit 66. For this reason, if the character information 110 is arranged and displayed in the address plane area 100 on the editing screen, it can be considered that the character information 110 is arranged in the address plane area 100 in the storage unit 66. Further, “arranging the image in the address plane area corresponding to the address plane in the storage unit” means that the image Img is stored in the storage unit 66 together with coordinates that can specify the relative position with respect to the address plane area 100. . This indicates that data necessary for arranging and displaying the image Img at the predetermined position in the address plane area 100 on the editing screen is stored in the storage unit 66. For this reason, if the image Img is arranged and displayed in the address plane area 100 on the editing screen, it can be considered that the image Img is arranged in the address plane area 100 in the storage unit 66.

  In the next step S13, the computer 50 determines whether a preview operation is performed by the user. The “preview operation” refers to an operation for requesting the printing apparatus 11 to display the print content to be printed on the address face of the postcard P on the display unit 17. If the preview operation has not been performed (step S13: NO), the process proceeds to step S16 described later. On the other hand, if a preview operation has been performed (step S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the computer 50 performs image processing on the image Img (image data). This image processing is performed by the image processing unit 63, and the process proceeds to the next step S15. In this respect, step S14 corresponds to an “image processing step”. Note that the image processing performed in step S14 is processing for generating preview data. Therefore, in this image processing, processing is performed on a low-resolution image for preview.

  In step S15, the computer 50 performs display processing for displaying a preview image. This display processing is performed by the display processing unit 64, and a preview image indicating the print content to be printed on the address face of the postcard P is displayed on the display unit 17. That is, as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, the display unit 17 is provided with a gradation GD in which the entire image is corrected to be light and the peripheral edge thereof is gradually lightened from the inside toward the outside. The address surface area 100 in which Img2 or Img3 is arranged in the background of the character information 110 is displayed as a preview image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, the computer 50 determines whether or not the user has instructed printing on the address face of the postcard P. When there is no instruction for printing on the address surface by the user (step S16: NO), this processing routine is ended. On the other hand, when printing on the address surface is instructed by the user (step S16: YES), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the computer 50 performs image processing on the image Img (image data). This image processing is performed by the image processing unit 63, and the process proceeds to the next step S18. Accordingly, in this respect, step S18 corresponds to an “image processing step”.

  In step S18, the computer 50 generates print data based on the address data including the character information 110 and the image Img2 or Img3 arranged in the address area 100. This process is performed by the print data generation unit 65. Therefore, in this respect, step S20 corresponds to a “generation step”.

  In the next step S19, the computer 50 drives and controls the print head 25 and the transport motor 24 based on the generated print data, and performs a printing process on the address side of the postcard P. This print processing is performed by the print control unit 70. When this printing process is finished, this processing routine is finished. In the processing routine described above, the processing of steps S11 to S18 executed by the computer 50 corresponds to an example of a “printing control program”.

Next, the contents of image processing (second image processing) for increasing the brightness of the image Img and reducing the print density will be described with reference to the correction map MA shown in FIG.
The correction map MA shown in FIG. 10 is referred to when determining the RGB value of the image Img after correction according to the RGB value of the image Img before correction. In the graph showing the correction map MA, the horizontal axis is the RGB value (256 gradations) of the image Img before correction, and the vertical axis is the RGB value (256 gradations) of the image Img after correction. In the graph shown in FIG. 10, a straight line LB indicated by an alternate long and short dash line indicates a tone curve when the RGB values are the same before and after the correction and the brightness is not corrected. In the region below the straight line LB indicated by the alternate long and short dash line, the RGB value of the image Img after correction is smaller than the RGB value of the image Img before correction, and in the region above the straight line LB indicated by the alternate long and short dashed line, The RGB value of the image Img after correction is made larger than the RGB value of the image Img before correction.

  Then, according to the correction map MA of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the RGB value of the image Img before correction is corrected to an RGB value equal to or greater than the threshold Th. The threshold value Th is set to the minimum RGB value (> 0) that can make the image light enough to distinguish the character even if the image and the character overlap.

  By the way, the tone curve correction uses the point where the RGB value of the image before correction is “0 (zero)” and the RGB value of the image after correction is “0 (zero)” as the first point, and before correction. When the point where the RGB value of the image of “255” is “255” and the RGB value of the image after correction is “255” is taken as the second point, the line segment connecting the first point and the second point (The one-dot chain line in FIG. 10) is adjusted. In other words, with the first point and the second point fixed, the line segment connecting the first point and the second point is projected upward to make the image lighter or the same line segment lower. By making it convex, the image can be darkened. Therefore, a steep rise from the first point (coordinates (0, 0)) so that the linear tone curve shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. Adjust to draw a large convex curve. However, even with this adjustment, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 10, the RGB value of the image Img after correction is within the range of the RGB value of the image Img before correction from “0 (zero)” to the value Va. The value is a value less than the threshold value Th. That is, in this case, in an image having a RGB value portion within a range of 0 or more and less than Va before correction, a dark portion (dark portion) still exists in the corrected image, and characters are present in the same portion. If it overlaps, it may be impossible to distinguish the character. For this reason, as indicated by a thick solid line in FIG. 10, in the correction map MA of the present embodiment, the portion of the image Img before correction in the range from the RGB value “0 (zero)” to the value Va is light. It is set to a threshold value Th which is the minimum RGB value necessary for this.

  According to the correction map MA shown in FIG. 10, when the RGB value of the image before correction is a value within the range from “0 (zero)” close to the lowest value to the value Va, the RGB value of the image Img after correction is performed. Is a threshold Th. That is, when the RGB value of the image Img before correction is in the range of 0 (zero) to Va, the RGB value of the image Img1 after correction is set to the threshold Th. Further, when the RGB value of the image Img before correction is larger than the value Va, the RGB value of the image Img1 after correction is larger than the threshold value Th, and the larger the RGB value before correction, the larger the value. Is done. Therefore, according to the correction map MA, a color having an RGB value equal to or less than the value Va and a relatively low brightness (for example, black) is changed to a color having an RGB value of the threshold Th and a relatively high brightness (for example, gray). It is corrected. Also, a color (for example, white) whose RGB value is larger than the value Va and has a relatively high brightness is corrected to a color (for example, white) whose RGB value is larger than the threshold value Th and has a relatively high brightness. For this reason, according to this correction map MA, the brightness difference before and after the correction becomes larger when the RGB value is lower than when the RGB value is high in the image Img before correction. The map shown in FIG. 10 corrects all RGB values in the same manner. However, a correction map corresponding to each color (red (R), green (G), blue (B)) is prepared, and each color is corrected. You can use different correction maps.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a description will be given of the first image processing that gives gradation to the peripheral portion of the image Img1, and the third image processing that further increases the brightness of the portion of the image Img1 that overlaps the character region 130. To do. First, the first image processing will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first image processing is image processing that imparts gradation to the peripheral portion of the image Img1 by gradually decreasing the density from the inside toward the outside. As shown in FIG. 11, in the first image processing, a mask image having the same shape and size as the peripheral portion to which the gradation of the image Img1 is to be added, and a color similar to the medium color of the postcard P (the background color of the address surface) MS1 is created so that the transmittance gradually decreases from the inside to the outside of the peripheral edge of the image. This mask image MS1 is arranged at a position corresponding to the peripheral portion of the image Img1 in a layer between the image Img1 and the character information 110.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the image Img1, for example, the upper left corner is set to the origin (0, 0), and the mask image MS1 having the same shape and the same size as the peripheral edge of the image Img1 The corner is arranged in accordance with the origin (0, 0) of the image Img1. As shown in FIG. 12, the outer peripheral line Go of the mask image MS1 has four points of a point O (0,0), a point A (x1,0), a point B (x1, y1), and a point C (0, y1). It is represented by a rectangle OABC passing through When the width in the direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the peripheral portion of the image Img1 to which the gradation GD is to be applied is ΔG, the inner peripheral line Gi of the mask image MS1 is a point Oi (ΔG, ΔG), a point Ai (x1−ΔG). , ΔG), a point Bi (x1−ΔG, y1−ΔG), and a point Ci (ΔG, y1−ΔG), which is represented by a quadrangle OiAiBiCi. In this manner, a square annular mask image MS1 is created in which the outer peripheral line Go is specified by the quadrangle OABC and the inner peripheral line Gi is specified by the quadrangle OiAiBiCi. The arrangement position of the mask image MS1 is expressed by, for example, relative coordinates with respect to the origin O (0, 0), and is specified by the coordinates of the upper left corner (point O (0, 0) in the example of FIG. 12).

  As shown in FIG. 13, the transmittance of the mask image MS1 is 100% at the position of the inner peripheral line Gi, 0% at the position of the outer peripheral line Go, and the transmittance from 100% to 0 in the range of the position Gi to the position Go. It has changed so as to gradually decrease to%. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the transmittance changes linearly with respect to the position. However, the transmittance changes with an upwardly convex curve or downwardly convex curve with respect to the position. You may set as follows.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the mask image MS1 is placed on a layer (hierarchy) between the image Img1 and the character information 110 arranged on the upstream side in the viewing direction of the image Img1 (upper side in FIG. 11). It arrange | positions in the above-mentioned position (coordinate (0, 0) in FIG. 11) corresponding to the peripheral part of image Img1. When the user views the image Img1 from the viewing direction, the peripheral portion of the image Img2 is viewed through the white mask image MS1 whose transmittance gradually decreases toward the outer side. You will see a gradation of gradually decreasing density. By this first image processing, as shown in FIG. 6, an image Img3 in which a gradation GD is given to the peripheral edge portion of the image is obtained.

Next, the third image processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the third image processing performed on the portion of the image that overlaps with the character region 130, the medium color of the postcard P (substantially the same shape and size as the portion overlapping the character region 130) And a mask image MS2 of the same color as that of the color of the color) is created with a predetermined transmittance. Mask image MS2 is created for each character region 130. The transmittance of the mask image MS2 is preferably a value in the range of 30 to 70%, for example. However, if it is easy to visually recognize a character that overlaps the image Img1 in the character information 110, it is greater than 0 (zero)% and less than 100%. An appropriate value within the range can be set. In this example, the transmittance is set within a range of 40% to 60%, for example. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the mask image MS2 is placed on the layer between the image Img1 and the character information 110 disposed on the layer upstream of the image Img1 in the viewing direction (upper side in FIG. 11). It is arranged at a position corresponding to a portion overlapping with the character area 130.

  When the user views the image Img1 from the viewing direction, the portion of the image Img1 that overlaps the character region 130 is viewed through the translucent white mask image MS2, and therefore the portion other than the portion that overlaps the character region 130 It will look even thinner. By this third image processing, as shown in FIG. 7, an image Img2 is obtained in which the portion of the image that overlaps the character region is further lightened. In the example of FIG. 11, the mask image MS2 has a predetermined transmittance (for example, 60 to 80%) in the mask image MS1 so that the density does not become too low at the overlapping portion of the mask image MS1 and the mask image MS2. It is made to overlap only in the above part.

Next, an image processing routine executed by the computer 50 in steps S14 and S17 in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
First, in step S21, the computer 50 acquires the image Img before correction. In the next step S22, the computer 50 acquires a correction map MA shown in FIG. In step S23, the computer 50 corrects the image Img based on the correction map MA. That is, the image Img is converted into the image Img1 having high brightness by the tone curve correction processing in which the RGB value of the image Img before correction is converted into the RGB value of the image Img after correction with reference to the correction map MA shown in FIG. Correction is performed (second image processing). In this case, since the RGB value of the image Img before correction is corrected to an RGB value equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, the image Img1 is lightly adjusted so that overlapping characters can be discriminated in the entire area regardless of the RGB values before correction. The

  Subsequently, in step S24, the computer 50 rearranges the corrected image Img1 in the address plane area 100. Accordingly, the corrected image Img1 is written in the storage unit 66 together with the coordinates of the image Img before correction in place of the image Img before correction.

  Subsequently, in step S25, the computer 50 performs gradation processing for imparting gradation to the peripheral portion of the image Img1. In the layer between the image Img1 and the character information 110, a mask image MS1 having the same shape and the same size as the peripheral portion to which gradation is to be added is arranged at a position corresponding to the peripheral portion to which gradation is to be applied. The mask image MS1 is created by the image processing unit 63 so that the transmittance gradually decreases from the inside toward the outside as shown in FIG. By this first image processing, as shown in FIG. 6, an image Img2 in which the peripheral edge is blurred by the applied gradation is obtained. In the storage unit 66, the mask image MS1 is written together with coordinates that can be arranged so as to overlap the peripheral portion of the corrected image Img1.

  Further, when the mode in which the portion overlapping the character area 130 in the image Img1 is made thinner than the portion not overlapping is selected by the user's operation or the setting of the printing apparatus 11, the third image processing in step S26 is further performed. Is done.

  In step S26, a translucent mask image MS2 is arranged on a portion overlapping the character area 130 of the image Img1 (third image processing). That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in the image Img1, a translucent mask image MS2 having substantially the same shape and the same size as the portion overlapping the character region 130 and a color similar to the medium color of the postcard P (for example, white). Create Then, mask image MS2 is arranged at a position corresponding to a portion where image Img1 and character region 130 overlap in a layer between image Img1 and character information 110. When the first to third image processes are thus completed, this processing routine is temporarily ended. In this way, the image Img1 or Img2 to which the gradation GD having a higher brightness than the image Img before the correction and a lighter density toward the outer edge is given to the address plane area 100 where the image Img before the correction is arranged is arranged. Is done. In FIG. 10, second image processing (S23, S24) in which image processing for reducing the print density is performed on the entire image Img, and first image processing (S25) for giving gradation GD to the peripheral portion of the image Img1. ) And the third image processing (S26) applied to the portion overlapping the character area 130 of the image may be reversed.

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 11 of this embodiment will be described.
The user operates the operation unit 30 to place the character information 110 and the image Img in the address surface area 100 shown in FIG. 4 displayed on the address surface editing screen, and edit the character information 110 and the image Img as necessary. To complete the contents of the address. The user performs a preview operation using the operation unit 30 to confirm the print contents before printing. The computer 50 that has received the preview operation performs image processing (second image processing) for reducing the print density on the entire image Img. In this case, the computer 50 performs tone curve correction processing for converting the RGB value of the image Img before correction into the RGB value of the image after correction with reference to the correction map MA shown in FIG. 10 (S23 in FIG. 9). As a result, when the first mode for fainting the entire image Img is set, the address plane area 100 in which the image Img1 shown in FIG. 5 is arranged in the background of the character information 110 is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the second mode for further fainting the portion of the image that overlaps the character information 110 is set, the medium color of the postcard P is substantially the same shape and size as the portion of the image that overlaps the character region 130. A mask image MS2 of the same color (for example, white) is created with a predetermined transmittance. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, mask image MS2 is arranged in a layer between image Img1 and character information 110 at a position corresponding to a portion where image Img1 and character region 130 overlap. As a result, when the second mode is set, as shown in FIG. 7, the address area 100 where the image Img3 and the character information 110 in which the portion overlapping the character area 130 is further thinned is arranged, It is displayed on the display unit 17. Note that the preview data used for display at this time is generated based on the address surface data including the address surface image, the character information 110, and the image Img2. The preview data is generated at a low resolution because a high resolution is not required for display on the display unit 17.

  The user confirms the previewed address surface information (address surface editing result) shown in FIG. 6 or 7, and if there is no problem, instructs the printing using the operation unit 30. The computer 50 that has received the print instruction performs image processing (second image processing) for reducing the print density on the entire image Img. In this case, the computer 50 performs tone curve correction processing for converting the RGB value of the image Img before correction into the RGB value of the image after correction with reference to the correction map MA shown in FIG. 10 (S23 in FIG. 9). The corrected image Img1 is rearranged at a predetermined position in the address plane area 100 (S24 in FIG. 9). Further, first image processing for applying gradation GD is performed on the peripheral portion of the image Img1 (S25). As a result, when the first mode for making the entire image Img light is set, the print data is based on the address data including the character information 110 and the image Img2 arranged in the address area 100 shown in FIG. Is generated. Then, the print control unit 70 controls the print head 25 and the transport motor 24 based on the print data, so that the same print contents as the address information shown in FIG. 6 are printed on the address face of the postcard P. Since the image is printed lightly on the address face of the postcard P, the character information including the address and name printed together can be easily recognized.

  On the other hand, when the second mode is set, the image processing unit 63 of the computer 50 has a color similar to the medium color of the postcard P (for example, substantially the same shape and the same size as the portion of the image overlapping the character region 130). A white mask image MS2 is created with a predetermined transmittance. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the mask image MS1 for gradation, the mask image MS2 is positioned in a layer corresponding to the portion where the image Img1 and the character region 130 overlap in the layer between the image Img1 and the character information 110. To place. As a result, when the second mode is set, as shown in FIG. 7, the image Img3 and the character information 110 in which the portion overlapping the character region 130 is further thinner than the image Img2 in FIG. Print data is generated based on the address surface data. Then, the print control unit 70 controls the print head 25 and the transport motor 24 based on the print data, so that the same print contents as the address information shown in FIG. 7 are printed on the address face of the postcard P. On the address face of the postcard P, an image Img3 having a light image as a whole and a gradation added to the peripheral portion is printed, and character information including an address and a name is arranged in the light image. Since the overlapped portion is printed lighter, the character information printed together can be easily recognized.

According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The print control device 60 arranges the input character information in the address plane area 100 corresponding to the address plane in the storage section 66, and the image that arranges the selected image in the address plane area 100. An arrangement unit 62 and an image processing unit 63 that performs image processing (first image processing) for applying gradation GD in which the print density decreases toward the outer side at the peripheral edge of the image. When the image and the character information are printed on the address face of the postcard P based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit 65, the peripheral edge of the image is blurred by gradation. Even if the character overlaps the image at the boundary with the ground of the medium (paper), the character information is easily visible. On the other hand, for example, when the display processing unit 64 displays the edited address plane region 100 on the display unit 17 based on the print result display data, the characters overlapped at the boundary between the image Img2 or Img3 and the postcard P ground are displayed. It can be confirmed before printing that it is easily visible.

  (2) The image processing unit 63 performs the second image processing for reducing the print density on the image in addition to the first image processing for applying the gradation GD. For this reason, for example, when the image Img2 or Img3 and the character information 110 are printed on the address side of the postcard P based on the print data, the image Img2 or Img3 is printed with a light print density, so that the address, address, etc. Even if the character information and the image overlap, the overlapped character is easy to visually recognize. On the other hand, for example, when the address surface area 100 is displayed on the display unit 17 based on the print result display data, even if the character information 110 and the image Img2 or Img3 overlap, it is easy to visually recognize the overlapped characters. Can be confirmed before printing.

  (3) The image processing unit 63 creates a mask image MS1 having a color similar to the medium color of the postcard P and having a transmittance that gradually decreases from the inside to the outside of the image. The mask image MS1 is applied to the image Img1. The first image processing is performed by disposing the layer on the upstream side in the viewing direction at a position corresponding to the peripheral edge. For this reason, the image after the image processing is printed on the address face of the postcard P in a state where gradation is applied such that the outer edge portion becomes thinner toward the outside. Since the image is only covered with the mask image MS1, gradation can be given relatively easily without performing special image processing on the image Img1.

  (4) The image processing unit 63 performs the second image processing by tone curve correction processing. Therefore, by increasing the RGB value (lightness) of the image Img, images Img1 and Img2 that can reduce the printing density are obtained. Therefore, even if the image is overlapped with the image when printed on the postcard P, it is easy to visually recognize the character. In addition, since the tone curve correction process is performed, it is easy to set or change the RGB value threshold Th (print density).

  (5) When a character constituting the character information 110 arranged in the address plane area 100 overlaps with the image, the image processing unit 63 determines a portion overlapping with the character area 130 including the overlapped character in the image Img1. Third image processing is performed to make the print density lighter than the portion that does not overlap the character area 130. In the present embodiment, this third image processing is performed by mask processing, and a semi-transparent mask image MS2 having substantially the same shape and size as the overlapping portion of the image and the character region 130 and the same color as the postcard P medium color. Are arranged at a position corresponding to a portion where the image Img1 and the character region 130 overlap in a layer between the image Img1 and the character information 110. As a result, the print density of the portion of the character region 130 including the overlapped characters in the image is further lighter than the other portions. Therefore, the character that overlaps the image Img1 in the character information 110 becomes easier to visually recognize than the case where the third image processing is not performed. Further, since it is not necessary to perform special image processing on the image Img1, for example, processing for returning to the original image after image processing can be performed relatively easily.

  (6) The tone curve (correction map MA) used by the image processing unit 63 in the tone curve correction process is such that the RGB value of the image after correction is greater than or equal to a threshold Th greater than zero over the entire RGB value of the image before correction. Takes a value. Then, at least in the range excluding a part of the region near the lowest RGB value of the image before correction, the value is higher than the RGB value of the image before correction, and the higher the brightness of the image before correction, the higher the correction. The brightness of the subsequent image is set to increase. For this reason, since the extremely low portion of the RGB value in the image before correction is corrected to an RGB value equal to or higher than the threshold Th after correction, the entire portion including the extremely low portion (dark portion) of the RGB value in the image before correction is corrected. Thus, the image can be corrected to a thin print density with an RGB value equal to or higher than the required constant threshold Th. Further, since the RGB value of the corrected image is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th in the entire area, the image becomes light as a whole, and the image of the image before correction is reflected although it is light.

  For example, in the graph of the map shown in FIG. 10, if the tone curve is an upward convex curve passing through two points of coordinate points (0, 0) and (255, 255), the tone curve is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. A pixel having an RGB value that is less than or equal to the value Va in the image before correction is corrected to an RGB value that is less than the threshold Th after correction. In this case, the visibility of the character information 110 decreases due to the presence of pixels having RGB values less than the threshold Th. However, in this embodiment, a pixel having an RGB value less than the threshold Th before correction is also corrected to the RGB value of the threshold Th after correction. Therefore, when the corrected images Img2 and Img3 are printed, the visibility of the character information is improved.

  (7) Since the pixel having an extremely low RGB value in the range of 0 to Va in the image before correction is a dark portion (black or dark color) of the image Img, the image of the dark portion is originally difficult to be visually recognized. . Therefore, there is no problem even if pixels with an RGB value of 0 to Va in the pre-correction image are uniformly corrected to the threshold value Th and the pattern of that portion is not reflected. Then, the tone curve of the correction map MA is set such that the RGB value of the image after correction increases as the RGB value of the image before correction increases in a region equal to or greater than the value Va. Therefore, as a result of the tone curve correction process, a light image Img1 reflecting the pattern of the image Img before correction can be obtained. In addition, pixels with a considerably high RGB value in an uncorrected image are often not so important for visually recognizing a picture. For this reason, in the region where the RGB value of the image before correction is quite high, even if the RGB value of the image after correction is almost uniformly corrected to a value close to the maximum RGB value, there is no problem in visually recognizing the pattern. As described above, in the present embodiment, the corrected RGB value is corrected to be equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, and the RGB value of the image before correction is small in the middle of the region near the minimum value and the maximum value. It draws a tone curve where the gradient changes greatly in the area. Therefore, the pattern of the image before correction is easily reflected in the lightened images Img2 and Img3 after correction. This is particularly effective for gray scale images.

  (8) The printing apparatus 11 prints the image Img1 (or Img2) after image processing and the character information 110 based on the print data generated by the print control device 60 and the print data generation unit 65 (printing unit 46). For example). For this reason, the printing apparatus 11 can print on the address face of the postcard P an image having a gradation in which the print density is lighter and the peripheral edge is lighter toward the outside, and character information with this image as the background. .

  (9) By causing the computer 50 to execute the print control program (steps S11 to S18), each functional part of the print control device 60 is configured, and the same effects as the above (1) to (7) can be obtained. .

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed into the following forms.
The first image processing for applying gradation is not limited to the image processing using the mask image MS1 whose transmittance is gradually decreased toward the outside of the image. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of images A <b> 1 to Am in which the peripheral portion is divided into a plurality of portions in the width direction are obtained between the inner peripheral line Gi and the outer peripheral line Go of the peripheral portion to which gradation is to be applied. For example, the storage unit 66 stores a correction map MG1 or MG2 shown in FIG. 15 for gradation generation. In the correction map MG1, the RGB value of the image after correction takes a threshold value Thg in the range where the RGB value of the image before correction is less than the value Va, and the RGB value of the image before correction is in the range where the RGB value of the image before correction is greater than or equal to the value Va. The gradient indicating the amount of change in the RGB value of the image after correction with respect to the amount of change in the RGB value of the image is positive, and is set so as to draw a convex curve upward. Further, the correction map MG2 is set to draw a convex curve passing through two points of coordinates (0, Thg) and coordinates (255, 255) in the graph of the map shown in FIG. The threshold value Thg is smaller than the threshold value Th, for example, and the amount by which the image density becomes light when the tone curve correction process is performed once on the image is small.

  The first innermost image A1 among the images A1 to Am shown in FIG. 14 is subjected to tone curve correction processing based on the correction map MG1 or MG2 shown in FIG. 15 once, and then the second image A2 from the inner side. , The same tone curve correction processing is performed twice, and similarly, the same tone curve correction processing is performed m times on the mth (last) image Am from the inside. After such tone curve correction processing, when the user views the image Img1 from the viewing direction, the images A1 to Am are faded stepwise in this order. Therefore, gradation GD is formed in the peripheral part of the image Img1 by the images A1 to Am that are faded in steps. Further, by using the correction map MG1 or MG2, all the pixels of the images A1 to Am after the tone curve correction processing have RGB values equal to or higher than the threshold Thg (> 0). Compared with the configuration in which gradation is formed by change, the overlapping characters in the gradation GD portion are easy to visually recognize. Instead of a configuration in which tone curve correction processing is performed k times on the kth image Ak (where k is a natural number 1 ≦ k ≦ m), a plurality of correction maps having different thresholds Thg (> 0) are prepared, By gradually increasing the threshold Thg of the correction map to be used in the order of the images A1 to Am, the number of tone curve correction processes performed on each image may be reduced to one.

  In FIG. 14, instead of the tone curve correction process, the images A1 to Am may be replaced with mask images M1 to Mm. In this case, the transmittance of the mask images M1 to Mm decreases stepwise in the order from the inner side to the outer side of the image. When the user views the image Img1 from the viewing direction, the image Img1 is viewed through the mask images M1 to Mm whose transmittance gradually decreases from the inside to the outside. Is formed.

  The second image processing may employ other image processing other than tone curve correction as long as an image can be printed thinly on the address surface. For example, a translucent mask image having the same color and the same size as the image Img is created, and the mask image is the same color as the postcard medium color (the color of the ground on the address side) and having a predetermined transmittance. It arrange | positions in the layer between the image Img and the character information 110, and covers the whole image Img with this mask image. As the transmittance of the mask image, a predetermined value (for example, a value in the range of 30 to 70%) that makes it easy to visually recognize the character information that overlaps the image Img1 can be set. The light image Img1 as shown in FIG. 5 can also be generated by the image processing using the mask image MS1, and when printed on the address face of the postcard P, as shown in FIG. A portion overlapping the image Img1 is also easily visible. Further, since the image Img is simply covered with the mask image, the print density can be reduced without performing special image processing on the image Img.

  The correction map used in the second image processing (tone curve correction processing) may be another map different from the correction map MA shown in FIG. 10 as long as the image can be thinned. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, regardless of whether or not the RGB value of the image before correction is less than the value Va, the correction map MB in which the RGB value after correction increases as the RGB value before correction increases. May be adopted. The correction map MB includes a first point and coordinates (255, 255) indicated by the map coordinates (0, Th) in a range equal to or higher than a threshold Th set with the minimum RGB value corresponding to the maximum print density required after correction. It is set so as to draw a convex curve connecting two points with the second point indicated by 255). For this reason, as the RGB value before correction increases, the image is corrected so that the RGB value after correction becomes higher. Therefore, when image processing for reducing the print density is performed on the image, the corrected image Img2, The RGB value (brightness) of each pixel of the image Img before correction is reflected over the entire RGB value of Img3. For example, if the RGB value of the image before correction is different, it is converted into a different RGB value after correction, so that the original pattern is easily reflected even if the image becomes light.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, a correction map MC in which the gradient indicating the amount of change in the RGB value of the image after correction relative to the amount of change in the RGB value of the image before correction may be employed. That is, it may be a correction map MC in which two points of map coordinate points (0, Th) and (255, 255) are connected by a straight line. Also with this correction map MC, if the RGB values of the image before correction are different, they are converted into different RGB values after correction, so that the original design is easily reflected even if the image becomes lighter. Moreover, the correction map which connected the said 2 points | pieces with the curve shown by a quadratic function or the higher order function beyond it may be sufficient. Even if image processing is performed on an image using such correction maps MB and MC and printing is performed on the address surface with print data generated based on the image after image processing, characters overlapping the image are easily visible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 includes the print control apparatus 60, and the printing apparatus 11 alone is configured to perform everything from creation / editing of an address surface to generation of print data and further printing. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, in a printing system including a host device 90 (external device) and a printing device 11A that can communicate with the host device 90 in a wired or wireless manner, the host device 90 performs printing. A control device 60 may be provided. The host device 90 is a personal computer, for example. In this configuration, the user operates the operation unit 30 of the host device 90 to edit the address surface, and prints based on the address surface data including the image Img2 or Img3 after the image processing by the image processing unit 63 and the character information 110. Data is generated, and the generated print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 11A. In the printing apparatus 11 </ b> A, printing on the address face of the postcard P is performed based on the print data received from the host apparatus 90. In this case, the computer of the host device 90 functions as the print control device 60 by executing the print control program.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in a printing system that includes a host device 91 (external device) and a printing device 11B that can communicate with the host device 91 in a wired or wireless manner, the print control device 60 is connected to the host device 91. It may exist separately in both of the printing apparatuses 11B. That is, the host device 91 is provided with a part constituting the print control device 60, and the printing device 11B is provided with another part constituting the print control device 60. In the example illustrated in FIG. 19, the print data generation unit 65 of the print control device 60 is provided in the print device 11 </ b> B, and the other parts constituting the print control device 60 are provided in the host device 91. The host device 91 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, or a personal digital assistant (PDA (Personal Digital Assistants)). This type of portable host device 91 has a relatively small memory capacity, and if a relatively large capacity software such as a print driver for configuring the print data generation unit 65 is stored, a considerable part of the memory area is used. Therefore, the print data is generated on the printing apparatus 11B side. Therefore, the address data is transmitted from the host device 91 to the printing device 11B, and the print data generation unit 65 in the printing device 11B generates print data based on the address data, and prints based on the generated print data. The engine 46 prints on the address face of the postcard P.

  The density at which the image Img is lightened by the second image processing may be adjusted by the user by operating the operation unit 30. For example, the threshold value Th in the correction maps MA, MB, and MC may be changed by the operation of the operation unit 30 by the user. For example, the transmittance of the mask image for the second image processing may be changed by the user operating the operation unit 30. Further, the user may be able to adjust the print density of the desired image by the operation of the operation unit 30 by the second image processing.

  The image processing unit 63 corrects the RGB value within the range of 0 to the value Va of the image before correction to an RGB value less than the threshold Th of the image after correction, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The second image processing may be performed using the correction map. In this case, the RGB value less than the value Va cannot sufficiently increase the brightness, but at least a portion of the image before the correction at least the value Va is lightly corrected, so that at least this portion makes it easy to visually recognize the overlapped characters. In addition, when there are few or no pixels less than the value Va in the image before correction, or even if there are pixels less than the value Va and the portion does not overlap the character information 110, the image is printed on the postcard P. The character information can be visually recognized without problems.

  In the third image processing, by further reducing the density of the portion that overlaps the character region 130 in the image, a window is provided in the portion that overlaps the character region 130 in the image, and blurring due to gradation is applied to the peripheral portion surrounding the window in the image. It may be given. According to this configuration, by adding blur to the peripheral edge surrounding the window in which characters are arranged in the image, it is easy to visually recognize the characters that overlap the image.

  The image processing unit 63 does not need to apply gradation over the entire periphery of the image, and may apply gradation to at least a part of the periphery of the image. For example, gradation may be given to the peripheral edge only on one side, two sides, or three sides of the four sides of the image. Further, for example, a high density portion exceeding a predetermined threshold may be detected in the outer peripheral edge of the image, and gradation may be given to a part including a portion where the high density is detected in the peripheral edge portion.

  -You may enable it to change the width of the gradation given to an image. For example, a movable line that determines the width of the gradation GD is displayed on the address plane area 100 displayed on the display unit 17, and the width of the gradation GD can be changed by the user moving the line by operating the operation unit 30. It may be. In this case, the display mode of the gradation GD may be changed according to the width that is changed with the movement of the line. The width of the gradation GD may be changed not for each image but for each side of the image. Note that the gradation GD width may be changed by inputting a numerical value.

-The gradation width may be changed along the same side of the image. For example, the inner line (inner peripheral line) that determines the width of the gradation along the same side of the image may be wavy.
-It is good also as a structure which performs the process which deform | transforms a square image into predetermined shapes, such as a circle or an ellipse, and gives a gradation to the periphery of the image of predetermined shapes, such as a circle or an ellipse. In addition, the inner line (inner circumference) of the width of the gradation can be set to a predetermined shape such as a circle or an ellipse, and the gradation is changed to an area having a width determined based on the set inner circumference of the predetermined shape such as a circle or an ellipse. May be given. According to these configurations, it is possible to add gradation blur to the peripheral portion while changing the shape of the image to a predetermined shape.

-When a plurality of images are arranged in the address plane area 100, the gradation width may be set for each image.
The gradation transmittance may be adjusted by operating the operation unit 30. For example, the transmittance is changed to 0 to 100% so that it can be adjusted to 20 to 100% or 30 to 100%. Moreover, the structure which can adjust the transmittance | permeability in ranges, such as 0-90% and 20-80%, may be sufficient.

  -For gradation, the print density may decrease continuously as it goes to the outside, or it may decrease gradually. For example, instead of the setting for continuously changing the transmittance with respect to the position shown in FIG. 13, the transmittance may be set to change stepwise so that the graph line of the transmittance with respect to the position draws a plurality of steps.

  The character area whose print density is reduced in the third image processing is not limited to the character area 130 such as a text box. For example, a character region including characters one by one may be used, and a character region smaller than a text box or a character region larger than a text box may be set for the size. Also, the shape is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a circle, an ellipse, or a shape in which the two sides at both ends in the longitudinal direction (character string direction) are replaced with an outwardly convex arc. In short, the character region need only be a region having a shape and size that can improve the visibility of the character by making the periphery of the character overlapping the image thinner.

  The third image processing is not limited to the mask processing for overlaying the mask image MS2 on the image, and may be other processing. For example, tone curve correction processing based on the correction map MA may be performed on a portion of the image that overlaps the character region 130, and the image portion after this processing may be rearranged to the original position. Even when printing is performed using print data generated based on address surface data including such an image, it is easier to visually recognize characters that overlap the image.

  The image placement unit 62 is not limited to a configuration that selects an image based on an operation signal from the operation unit 30, and searches the address book based on a keyword (for example, an address or name) in the character information, and the corresponding addressee A configuration may be adopted in which an image corresponding to is arranged in the address plane area 100.

  When the size of the image Img is larger than the image arrangement area, the image arrangement unit 62 may reduce the image Img and arrange it in the image arrangement area. In addition, when the size of the image Img is too small with respect to the image arrangement area, for example, less than a predetermined ratio (for example, 60%), the image Img has an appropriate size (for example, a size of 80% to 100% of the image arrangement area) The image may be enlarged and arranged in the image arrangement area. According to these configurations, the image Img is arranged in the image arrangement area with an appropriate size, and thereafter, the user does not need to adjust the size of the image Img, or the size adjustment that slightly changes the size is sufficient. Can do.

  Although an example in which image processing is performed using a preview operation and a print instruction as a trigger, the image processing unit 63 performs image processing before the image placement unit 62 of the computer 50 places the image Img selected by the user in the address plane area 100. The image Img2 or Img3 after image processing may be arranged in the address plane area 100. For example, when “background” is designated when the user selects an image, image processing may be performed on the image before the placement. According to this configuration, since the dark image Img as shown in FIG. 4 is not displayed, the light image Img2 or Img3 that has been subjected to image processing from the beginning when the image is placed in the address plane area 100 is placed. The suitability of the image can be determined immediately. In addition, when a dark image Img is displayed, an operation to make the image light is unavoidable, but this kind of extra operation can be omitted. In addition, after the image Img is arranged in the address plane area 100, when the user performs an operation for selecting an image and setting it as “background”, the first and the second images corresponding to the selected image are triggered by this operation. The second image processing may be started. In this case, even if the user does not perform a preview operation to display the preview screen, the light image Img2 can be displayed on the editing screen with gradation added to the peripheral portion. Judgment can be made by looking at the above.

  Each time the user edits the image on the editing screen, the computer 50 determines whether the image and the character information 110 are overlapped, and performs image processing on the image when it is determined that the image Img overlaps the character information 110. Also good. For example, when the user enlarges the image and the enlarged image overlaps the character information 110, image processing is performed on the image Img using the determination result as a trigger. Further, for example, when the image is overlapped with the character information 110 because the user has moved the image, image processing is performed on the image Img using the determination result as a trigger.

The third image processing for performing image processing for further reducing the print density on a portion overlapping the character area 130 in the image Img1 may be abolished.
The image processing unit 63 may be configured to perform the first and third image processing (S25, S26) on the image Img without performing the second image processing in the image processing (S14, S17). According to this configuration, even if the image Img is used as the background, the peripheral portion of the overlapped character (for example, the portion of the character region 130) in the image Img becomes lighter. The visibility of 110 is improved.

  The image processing unit 63 may be configured to perform the first image processing (S25) on the image Img without performing the second and third image processing in the image processing (S14, S17). According to this configuration, in the case where the density before image processing is originally low and the image is Img, even if the second and third image processing are not performed, the overlapping characters in the portion other than the image Img and its peripheral portion are visually recognized. it can. In addition, the visibility of the characters that overlap at the boundary between the image and the background of the postcard P is improved compared to the case where the image Img is used as the background as it is due to the blurring effect applied to the periphery of the image by gradation.

  In the correction maps MA, MB, and MC, the color tone is displayed with 256 gradations, but the gradation may be lower than the same gradation (for example, 16 gradations) or higher than the same gradation. (For example, 512 gradations).

  As an example of the print data, the print data only needs to be output from the print control device 60 for the purpose of printing, and the color system is not limited to the YMCK color system, but the RGB color system or the YCbCr color system. System may be used. Even if the print data of the RGB color system or the YCbCr color system is converted into the YMCK color system in the output destination printing apparatus 11B, the edited address plane can be printed on the postcard P by this printing apparatus. . In addition, preview data as an example of print data is not limited to data generated by the print driver for previewing, and can be displayed on the edit screen if the same content as the print result can be confirmed before printing. Display data may be used. That is, since the editing screen in which the character information 110 and the image Img2 or Img3 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are arranged in the address plane area 100 represents the printing result at that time, the preview data here is of this kind. Display data for displaying the address plane editing screen may be used.

  -The lightness (for example, RGB value) of the image Img may be detected, and the print density to be lightened by the second image processing may be adjusted based on the lightness detection result. For example, the image processing unit 63 adjusts the threshold Th or the transmittance of the mask image based on the brightness detection result. For example, the lower the brightness of the image Img, the higher the threshold Th and the lower the transmittance of the mask image. At this time, as a method of detecting the brightness of the image Img, the average value of the RGB values of the pixels detected in the entire area of the image Img, or the average value of the RGB values detected at a plurality of locations that can be regarded as approximately representing the brightness of the entire image. An example using is used.

The display unit 17 may be a touch panel and the touch panel may be an example of the operation unit instead of the operation unit 30 or in addition to the operation unit 30.
Each function unit constituting the print control device 60 is realized by software by the CPU 51 that executes the print control program. However, it is realized by hardware by an electronic circuit such as ASIC, or by cooperation of software and hardware. You may do it.

  The printing apparatus 11 may be a printing apparatus other than an ink jet printer as long as it can print on a postal matter such as a postcard P. For example, the printing apparatus may be a dot impact type or laser type printer, or may be a multifunction machine. Furthermore, the printing apparatus may be a serial printer, a line printer, or a page printer.

  The postal matter that is the printing target of the printing apparatus 11 is not limited to the postcard P, and may be other postal items such as an envelope. In this case, it is preferable to change the range of the character area 130 and the image arrangement area in accordance with the size of the address surface of another mail such as an envelope. The postal matter may be delivered by putting a package to be delivered at a post office, for example, a package in which a letter or a package is enclosed, or a package in which a package is packed. In this case, the address surface is composed of an address sticker (address label). After printing character information such as address information and sender information on the address sticker, the address sticker is affixed to a predetermined place on the pack or box and mailed. It is assumed to be a thing. This kind of mail may be printed on the address face of the address sticker separated from the pack or box. In other words, the address surface of the mail piece does not need to be integrated with the mail piece at the time of printing, and the part forming the address surface may be separated from the mail piece like an address sticker. Note that in this specification, postal items include delivery objects for home delivery. Also for the courier service, the address surface of the address sticker that is used by being affixed to the pack or box corresponds to the “address surface of the mail”.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printing apparatus, 24 ... Conveyance motor which comprises an example of a printing part, 25 ... Print head as an example of a printing part, 46 ... Print engine as an example of a printing part, 50 ... Computer, 60 ... Print control apparatus, 61 ... Character arrangement part, 62 ... Image arrangement part, 63 ... Image processing part, 64 ... Display processing part, 65 ... Print data generation part as an example of generation part, 66 ... Storage part, 100 ... Address plane area, 110 ... Character Information, 130 ... character area, MA, MB, MC ... correction map, Img ... image (before image processing), Img1 ... image (after image processing), MS1 ... mask image, Img2 ... image (after image processing), GD ... Gradation, P ... Postcard as an example of mail.

Claims (9)

A print control device for generating print data for printing character information and an image on a mail address.
A character placement unit for placing input character information in an address surface area corresponding to the address surface in the storage unit;
An image placement unit for placing the selected image in the address plane area;
An image processing unit that performs image processing that imparts a gradation in which the print density becomes lighter toward the outside of at least a part of the peripheral edge of the image;
A generating unit that generates print data based on address surface data including the character information arranged in the address surface area and the image-processed image;
A printing control apparatus comprising:   The image processing unit, when the image processing for giving the gradation is the first image processing, in addition to the first image processing, second image processing for performing image processing for reducing the print density on the image The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The image processing unit creates a mask image having a color similar to the medium color of the postal matter and having a lower transmittance toward the outer side, and applies the mask image to a portion that imparts the gradation to a layer on the upstream side in the viewing direction of the image. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing is performed by disposing the printer at a corresponding position.   The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing unit performs the second image processing by tone curve correction processing.   When the character constituting the character information arranged in the address plane area overlaps the image, the image processing unit does not overlap the character area in the image with respect to the character area including the overlapping character in the image. 5. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein third image processing is performed to make the print density lighter than that of the portion.   The tone curve used by the image processing unit in the tone curve correction process has a value of the brightness of the image after correction over a threshold value greater than zero over the entire brightness of the image before correction, and at least of the image before correction. In a range excluding a part of the area near the lowest value of brightness, the brightness of the image after correction increases as the brightness of the image before correction is higher and the brightness of the image before correction is larger. The print control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print control apparatus is set.   The tone curve used by the image processing unit in the tone curve correction process has a value greater than or equal to a threshold value greater than zero after correction in the entire brightness of the image before correction, and the greater the brightness of the image before correction, the higher the correction. The print control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the brightness of the subsequent image is set to be increased. The print data is print data,
A print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A printing unit that prints the image based on the print data generated by the generation unit of the print control apparatus;
A printing apparatus, further comprising: A print control program that is executed by a computer to generate print data for printing character information and an image on a mail address.
A character placement step of placing the input character information in an address surface area corresponding to the address surface in the storage unit;
An image placement step of placing the selected image in the address plane area;
An image processing step for performing image processing for imparting a gradation in which the print density becomes lighter toward the outside of at least a part of the peripheral edge of the image;
A generation step of generating print data based on address surface data including the character information arranged in the address surface area and the image-processed image;
A printing control program comprising: