JP2023175499A - Print control unit, print control method, image processing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a print control unit, a print control method, an image processing system, and a program that can generate a print result using all pixel values a user wants to use.SOLUTION: A first pixel value that is an unused pixel value not used in image data is detected, and the pixel value of each pixel in a special color printing designation area is replaced with the detected pixel value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a print control device, a print control method, an image processing system, and a program that can execute print processing using special color ink.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a user specifies that a portion of image data be printed in a special color, and the user designation is transmitted to an image processing apparatus.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-18982

However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, before a user performs printing using a special color, it is necessary to determine the pixel value of the special color between the information processing device and the image processing device. In the method of Patent Document 1, when a pixel value of a special color is determined, the pixel value assigned as the special color cannot be used for pixels that are not designated as a special color. In other words, there is a problem that it is not possible to generate printed matter using all the pixel values that the user wants to use.

Therefore, the present invention provides a print control device, a print control method, an image processing system, and a program that can generate a print result using all the pixel values that the user wants to use.

Therefore, the program of the present invention allows a computer of an information processing device capable of instructing an image output device capable of printing to print using special color ink other than process colors to print an image using the special color ink in an image to be printed. a special color area specifying step of specifying an area to be printed using ink as a special color area; a detection step of detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed; The present invention is characterized in that an assignment step of assigning the first pixel value detected in the detection step as a pixel value to be used in the special color area is performed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a print control device, a print control method, an image processing system, and a program that can generate a print result using all the pixel values that a user wants to use.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an information processing terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of image data instructed to be printed by a user. It is a flowchart showing image data transmission processing in an information processing terminal. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of image data when image data transmission processing is executed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing commands notified from an information processing terminal to an image forming apparatus. 7 is a flowchart showing print processing when printing using image data.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 to which this embodiment can be applied. The image forming apparatus (image output apparatus) 100 includes a CPU 101 , a ROM 102 , a RAM 103 , an image memory 104 , an operation section 105 , a reading control section 106 , a reading section 107 , a read image processing control section 108 , and a JPEG processing section 109 . The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a recording image processing control 110, a recording control section 111, a color printer 112, and an I/F section 113. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to an information processing terminal (print control apparatus) 200 via an I/F section 113.

The CPU 101 is a system control unit and controls the entire image processing apparatus 100. The ROM 102 stores a control program for the CPU 101, an operating system (OS) program, and the like. The ROM 102 also stores a JPEG compression/expansion processing program for images. The RAM 103 is composed of an SRAM or the like, and stores program control variables and the like. The RAM 103 also stores setting values registered by the operator, device management data, and various work buffers. The image memory 104 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and stores image data.

In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 102 is controlled by software such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the OS stored in the ROM 102. The operation unit 105 includes various keys, LEDs, LCDs, etc., and performs various input operations by an operator, displays the operating status of the image processing apparatus, and the like. A reading control unit 106 optically reads a document placed on a document table in a reading unit 107 using a CS image sensor (contact image sensor, hereinafter also referred to as CS), and performs A/D conversion to convert it into digital image data. . Further, the read image processing control unit 108 performs correction on the digital image data generated by the read control unit 106 based on the characteristics of CS, etc., and outputs high-definition image data.

The read image processing control unit 108 corrects variations in read signals caused by the state of the CS image sensor, the environment in which the device is used, and the like. The JPEG processing unit 109 performs JPEG compression and expansion of the image. The recorded image processing control unit 110 generates print data by inputting the luminance signal (RGB, YCC, etc.) of the read image read by the reading unit 107 and the reading control unit 106. The recording control unit 111 acquires printer status information and controls recording in a color printer 112 such as an inkjet printer, and outputs print data generated by the recording image processing control unit 111 to the color printer 112 for recording.

The color printer 112 uses cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks (hereinafter referred to as standard inks), which are the basic process colors, as well as fluorescent colors called special colors other than process colors. (hereinafter referred to as special color ink) is installed as ink. The recording control unit 111 can switch between printing each pixel of the target image data using standard ink or special color ink according to instructions from the CPU 101.

Note that a process color is a color expressed by one color of CMYK or a combination of two or more colors of CMYK. Further, in this embodiment, fluorescent pink ink, fluorescent orange ink, etc. are used as the special color ink. A special color is a color different from a process color, and is a color that cannot be expressed by only one color of CMYK or a combination of two or more colors of CMYK. However, the invention is not limited to this form, and the number and color of special color inks may be arbitrary, and ink of a color other than fluorescent color may be used. For example, violet ink, green ink, orange ink, gold ink, silver ink, etc. may be used as the special color ink. Also, other metallic colored inks may be used. Furthermore, an ink obtained by blending a special color ink with another ink (for example, a normal ink) may also be treated as a special color ink.

In printing using a special color, pixels having RGB values corresponding to the special color are printed using the special color. Note that the RGB values corresponding to the special color can also be used as the RGB values corresponding to a color expressed only with normal ink (that is, a normal color). In other words, the same RGB values as those corresponding to the special color may also be set for pixels corresponding to a color expressed only with normal ink. In this case, whether special ink is used to print pixels of RGB values is controlled depending on whether special color printing instruction information is added to the print data.

The I/F section 113 is an interface for connecting to the information processing terminal 200. In this embodiment, image data received from the information processing terminal 200 via the I/F unit 113 is temporarily stored in the image memory 104. At this time, the file format of the image data to be received supports the RGB format. Similarly, information notified from the information processing terminal 200 using a command or the like via the I/F unit 113 is stored in the RAM 103.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an information processing terminal 200 to which this embodiment can be applied. The information processing terminal 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage section 204, an operation section 205, and an I/F section 207. The CPU 201 is a system control unit and controls the entire information processing terminal 200. The ROM 202 stores a control program for the CPU 201, an operating system (OS) program, and the like. The RAM 203 stores program control variables and the like. The storage unit 204 is composed of a hard disk or the like, and serves as a storage destination for image data and application software. The operation unit 205 includes a keyboard and the like, and performs various input operations by an operator. The display unit 206 is composed of a display or the like, and displays input results by the operator, operation information of the information processing terminal, and the like.

The I/F unit 207 is an interface for connecting to the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, predetermined application software (application program) for causing the image forming apparatus 100 to print image data is installed on the information processing terminal 200. The predetermined application software has a function of editing image data to be printed, and has a function of selecting pixels to be printed in a special color from the image data to be printed.

Further, it is assumed that a printer driver that generates print data is also installed in the information processing terminal 200. The printer driver generates print data for printing the image data edited by the application software according to instructions from the application software. The printer driver can display an area that accepts whether to set spot color printing, and switches whether to set spot color printing based on an operation to the corresponding area. Specifically, for example, the printer driver can display fluorescent pink spot color print settings. The fluorescent pink spot color print setting is an area that accepts the selection of whether to enable spot color printing (fluorescent pink spot color printing) for printing pixels with RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink in fluorescent pink. . Note that if fluorescent pink spot color printing is not enabled, pixels having RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink are printed in a color that is not fluorescent pink. Therefore, this area can also be said to be an area for accepting settings regarding whether to print pixels having specific RGB values in fluorescent pink or in a color different from fluorescent pink. For example, it can also be said to be an area for accepting settings as to whether to print using spot color ink or to print using normal ink without using spot color ink.

When the check box is on and fluorescent pink spot color printing is set, instruction information for instructing the image processing apparatus 100 to print using fluorescent pink is added to the print data generated by the printer driver. If a pixel included in the print data to which the instruction information is added has an RGB value corresponding to fluorescent pink, the printing device 102 prints fluorescent pink spot color ink based on the print data. Printing using . If the check box is off and fluorescent pink spot color printing is not set, instruction information for instructing the image processing apparatus 100 to print using fluorescent pink is not added to the print data generated by the printer driver. Even if there is a pixel with RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink among the pixels included in the print data to which the instruction information is not added, the fluorescent pink spot color ink is not used when printing that pixel, and the normal Only ink is used. Note that similar to the fluorescent pink spot color print settings, other spot color print settings may be displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of image data instructed to be printed by a user. The file format of the image data 300 is an RGB format (defined by RGB values), and is expressed by an 8-bit value. A user embeds characters 301 and 302 into image data 300 using predetermined application software installed on information processing terminal 200 . Character 301 and character 302 are data with the same RGB value [R, G, B] = [220, 130, 120], and in this embodiment, the user prints only character 302 in a special color. is specified (special color area specification) on the operation unit 205 to instruct execution of print processing.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing image data transmission processing in the information processing terminal 200. When the image processing apparatus 100 performs print processing, the image data 300 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 by image data transmission processing in the information processing terminal 200. Image data transmission processing in the information processing terminal 200 will be described below using the flowchart in FIG. Note that the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing terminal 200 loading the program code stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is realized by predetermined application software, a printer driver, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 4 may be implemented in hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the description of each process means a step in the flowchart.

When the image data transmission process is started, the CPU 201 determines in S401 whether a print execution instruction has been input by the user. Thereafter, in step S402, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a special color area (hereinafter referred to as a special color printing designated area) formed by pixels designated to be printed in a special color exists in the image data 300 to be printed. As described above, whether or not a special color print designated area exists is determined by whether or not there is an area designated by the user to be printed in a special color in the application software. That is, in this determination, it is not determined whether or not predetermined RGB values exist. If a special color print designated area exists, the CPU 201 moves to S403. If the special color printing designated area does not exist, the CPU 201 moves to S407. When the process moves from S402 to S403, the CPU 201 performs image analysis of the image data 300 in S403.

In the image analysis of the image data 300 in this embodiment, a search is performed for unused pixel values that are not used in the image data 300 for each of the R value, G value, and B value. Since the image data 300 is in 8-bit RGB format, the search is performed within the range of 0 to 255. The R value, G value, and B value are sequentially scanned, and the search ends when an unused pixel value is found. This scanning order is just an example and is not limited to this example. At this time, 0 is set as a value for elements that were not scanned because an unused pixel value was found. If no unused pixel value is found for all of the R, G, and B values, an unused pixel value is searched for using a combination of the three elements [R, G, B]. In this embodiment, unused pixel values are not found using R, G, and B alone, so a search is performed using a combination of [R, G, B], and as a result, [R, G, B] = [10, 130, 120] is not found. Suppose that it is found as a pixel value to be used. After that, in S404, the CPU 201 determines whether there are any unused pixel values. If there is an unused pixel value, the CPU 201 moves to S405, and if there is no unused pixel value, the CPU 201 moves to S408.

Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of image data when the image data transmission process of FIG. 4 is executed on the image data 300 of FIG. 3. The information processing terminal 200 searches for unused pixel values by image analysis in S403, but at this time, it creates image data 400 excluding the character data 401, which is the special color print designated area, and searches for unused pixel values. search for. This is because the character data 401, which is the special color print designation area, is replaced by a specific pixel value as a special color, so there is no need to use the pixel values of the character data 401, which is the special color print designation area, to determine unused pixel values. be. In this case, the part where the character data 401 existed is [R, G, B] = [0, 0, 0], so this pixel value is excluded from the search results and an unused pixel value is determined. It turns out. That is, as a result, the information processing terminal 200 searches for areas other than the special color area.

In addition, if the pixel value of each pixel of the image data 300 is held in a width of 8 Bit or more, the value outside the valid range of 8 Bit: 0 to 255 [R, G, B] = [257, 257, 257 ] can also be allocated to the part where the character data 401 existed. Therefore, it is possible to find unused pixel values within the range of 0 to 255, including [R, G, B] = [0, 0, 0].

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the process moves from S404 to S405, the CPU 201 replaces the pixel value of each pixel in the special color print designated area with the unused pixel value found in S403 in S405, and creates image data 500 (see FIG. 5). ). If it is determined in S404 that there is an unused pixel value, the unused pixel value [R, G, B] = [10, 130, 120] is assigned to the pixels of the character 501 part, which is the special color designation area. .

Thereafter, in S406, the CPU 201 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of the unused pixel values [R, G, B]=[10, 130, 120] via the I/F unit 207. Details of this command notification will be described later. After the notification, in step S407, the CPU 201 transmits the image data after the replacement process to the image forming apparatus 100, and instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to execute the print process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that there is no unused pixel value and the process moves to S408, the CPU 201 determines the least frequently used [R, G, B] pixel value (hereinafter referred to as the least used pixel value) in the image data 300 in S408. Search for. The present embodiment will be described assuming that [R, G, B]=[200, 200, 210] is found as the minimum used pixel value. In S409, the CPU 201 replaces the pixel value of the found pixel with the least used pixel value with an approximate pixel value [R', G', B']. After that, in S410, the CPU 201 sets the minimum usage pixel value for each pixel in the special color printing designated area so that the minimum usage pixel value [R, G, B] = [200, 200, 210] is allocated to the pixels of the character 501. Execute the process of replacing with the value.

Thereafter, in S411, the CPU 201 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 of a command via the I/F unit 207 as the minimum used pixel value as an unused pixel value. After the notification, in step S407, the CPU 201 transmits the image data after the replacement process to the image forming apparatus 100, instructs execution of print processing, and ends the process.

In this way, when an unused pixel value is not found, the pixel value that is least frequently used (least frequently used) is targeted for replacement, thereby minimizing the number of pixels that must be replaced. Replacing pixel values can affect the print result, but by minimizing the number of pixels to be replaced, the effect on the print result can also be minimized.

Note that in calculating the approximate pixel values [R', G', B'] in S409 above, 1 is added to each value of [R, G, B] = [200, 200, 210] [ It may be calculated by a simple calculation such as [R', G', B']=[201, 201, 211]. Furthermore, the same value as the pixel value of one adjacent pixel may be assigned, or a value calculated using complicated calculations, such as assigning the average value of eight adjacent pixels, may be assigned. Alternatively, a value calculated using complicated calculations, such as assigning an average value of a plurality of adjacent pixels, may be assigned. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the minimum used pixel value has been described as the least frequently used pixel value, but it may also be a pixel value that is used less frequently than a predetermined frequency of use (predetermined threshold value). In other words, the pixel value may be a pixel value other than the least frequently used pixel value, and may be a pixel value that is less frequently used than a predetermined frequency. Here, the predetermined frequency of use can be statistically determined as appropriate from the frequency of use of the entire image data 300.

Through such image data transmission processing by the information processing terminal 200, even if there are characters in the image that have the same RGB values, such as characters 301 and 302 in FIG. Areas other than the specified area can be processed separately. A similar method can be used when searching for the least used pixel value in S408.

In this way, in this embodiment, pixel values that meet specific conditions regarding usage frequency (unused pixel values or pixel values whose usage frequency is less than a predetermined frequency) are detected, and the pixel values of each pixel in the special color printing specified area are Replace the value with the detected pixel value. This allows the user to generate printed matter using all available colors.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a command notified from the information processing terminal 200 to the image forming apparatus 100 in S406 of FIG. The command 600 is written in XML format and controls the print processing of the image forming apparatus 100. The command 600 includes header information, the information processing terminal 200, the device name and device setting information 601 of the image forming apparatus 100, information regarding the image data 500, and the image data 500. The header information stores information such as the command description format and the overall size of the command.

The device setting information 601 consists of setting information that can be set for the image forming apparatus 100 from outside the apparatus when printing, and includes the paper size and type of printing paper, and whether or not to print with borders. Contains information necessary for print control such as /none information. The unused pixel values searched in S403 in FIG. 4 are also stored in the device setting information 601. The image data information stores information such as size information of the image data 500. The image forming apparatus 100 receives the command 600 and performs print processing according to the command 600.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a print process when image forming apparatus 100 prints using image data 500 received from information processing terminal 200. The print processing in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described below using the flowchart in FIG. Note that the series of processing shown in FIG. 7 is performed by the CPU 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 loading the program code stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 7 may be implemented in hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the description of each process means a step in the flowchart.

When the printing process is started, the CPU 101 determines in S701 whether or not an unused pixel value has been received. If received, the CPU 101 moves to S702 and stores the received unused pixel value in the RAM 103. If an unused pixel value has not been received, the CPU 101 moves to S703. In S703, the image data 500 is received, the received image data 500 is sequentially stored in the image memory 104, and the process moves to print data creation processing.

When executing print data creation processing, the CPU 101 determines in S704 whether or not unused pixel values were saved in S702. If saved, the CPU 101 checks the pixel value of each pixel in S705 and compares it with an unused pixel value. If they are the same, the CPU 101 moves to S706, determines that the pixel is a special color printing target pixel, and creates print data including an instruction to print the target pixel using special color ink. If it is determined in S704 that unused pixel values are not saved, the CPU 101 determines that the image data is not subject to special color printing, and proceeds to S709 to print each pixel as a normal printing target pixel using only standard ink. Create print data that includes instructions to do so. Similarly, if the target pixel has a value other than the unused pixel value in S705, it is determined that it is not a pixel in the special color print designated area, and print data including an instruction to print using only standard ink is created in S709.

Thereafter, in step S707, the CPU 101 determines whether all image data has been converted into print data, and repeats these processes until all image data can be converted into print data. After converting all the image data into print data, the CPU 101 sends the print data to the recording control unit 111 and the color printer 112 to execute printing processing in step S708.

In this way, a pixel value that meets a specific condition regarding frequency of use is detected in the image data, and the pixel value of each pixel in the special color print designation area is replaced with the detected pixel value. As a result, it is possible to provide a print control device, a print control method, an image processing system, and a program that can generate a print result using all the pixel values that the user wants to use.

Note that in this embodiment, the process is described as proceeding to the printing process after converting all the received data into print data, but it is possible to proceed to the printing process sequentially before the completion of receiving and converting all the image data. Good too.

Furthermore, although the processing flow in the combination of the information processing terminal 200 and the image forming apparatus 100 has been described in this embodiment, the same effect may be obtained by executing the same processing on the same apparatus. In this case, the configuration of the apparatus must be such that the special color printing designation section, special color processing section, and printing section can be physically separated and operated independently within the apparatus.

In addition, in this embodiment, the file format of the image data to be printed is described as an RGB format, and the values [R, G, B] are used to specify unused pixel values, but the same effect can be obtained with other image formats. You can get . If the image data communicated between the information processing terminal and the image processing device is in the CMYK format, the same effect can be obtained by matching unused pixel values to that format. Further, in this embodiment, three elements [R, G, B] are used, but the same result can be obtained even if only one of the three elements [R, G, B] is used.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention provides a system or device with a program that implements one or more functions of the embodiments described above via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. This can also be achieved by processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following programs, configurations, and methods.

(Program 1)
A computer of an information processing device capable of instructing an image output device to print using special color ink other than process colors,
a special color area specifying step of specifying an area to be printed using the special color ink in an image to be printed as a special color area;
a detection step of detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
an assignment step of assigning the first pixel value detected in the detection step as a pixel value used in the special color area;
A program characterized by executing.

(Program 2)
The program according to item 1, wherein the detecting step detects the first pixel value from an area other than the special color area in image data of an image to be printed.

(Program 3)
The program according to the program 1 or 2, characterized in that when the image data does not include the unused pixel value, the least frequently used pixel value in the image data is detected as the first pixel value. program.

(Program 4)
Program 1 or 2, characterized in that if the image data does not include the unused pixel value, a pixel value whose usage frequency in the image data is less than a predetermined usage frequency is detected as the first pixel value. The program described in.

(Program 5)
If the image data does not have the unused pixel value, the pixel value of the pixel in the image data having the first pixel value detected in the detection step is used as a second pixel value that is approximate to the first pixel value. The program according to program 3 or 4, characterized in that the program replaces the value with a value.

(Program 6)
The image data is data in which a pixel value of each pixel is defined by an R value, a G value, and a B value,
5. The program according to item 5, wherein the second pixel value is a value obtained by adding 1 to each value of the first pixel value.

(Program 7)
5. The program according to item 5, wherein the second pixel value is the same value as a pixel adjacent to the pixel having the first pixel value detected in the detection step.

(Program 8)
5. The program according to item 5, wherein the second pixel value is an average value of a plurality of pixels adjacent to the pixel having the first pixel value detected in the detection step.

(Program 9)
The method further comprises a transmitting step of transmitting data including image data to which the first pixel value is assigned in the assigning step and setting information including the first pixel value to the image output device. The program described in program 3 or 4.

(Program 10)
9. The program according to any one of programs 1 to 9, which is a printer driver.

(Configuration 1)
A print control device capable of instructing printing to an image output device capable of printing using special color ink other than process colors,
special color area specifying means for specifying an area to be printed using the special color ink as a special color area in an image to be printed;
detection means for detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
allocation means for allocating the first pixel value detected by the detection means as a pixel value used in the special color area;
A printing control device comprising:

(Method 1)
A print control method capable of instructing printing to an image output device capable of printing using special color ink other than process colors, the method comprising:
a special color area designation step of designating an area to be printed using the special color ink as a special color area in an image to be printed;
a detection step of detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
an assignment step of assigning the first pixel value detected in the detection step as a pixel value used in the special color area;
A printing control method comprising:

(Configuration 2)
An image processing system capable of printing using special color ink other than process colors,
special color area specifying means for specifying an area to be printed using the special color ink as a special color area in an image to be printed;
detection means for detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
allocation means for allocating the first pixel value detected by the detection means as a pixel value used in the special color area;
Transmitting means for transmitting data including image data to which the first pixel value has been assigned by the assignment means and the first pixel value;
a printing control device having;
receiving means for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitting means;
an image forming apparatus comprising: printing means for printing using the special color ink based on the data received by the receiving means;
An image processing system comprising:

100 Image forming device 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
111 Recording control unit 200 Information processing terminal 300 Image data

Claims (13)

A computer of an information processing device capable of instructing an image output device to print using special color ink other than process colors,
a special color area specifying step of specifying an area to be printed using the special color ink in an image to be printed as a special color area;
a detection step of detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
an assignment step of assigning the first pixel value detected in the detection step as a pixel value used in the special color area;
A program characterized by executing. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the detecting step detects the first pixel value from an area other than the special color area in image data of an image to be printed. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the image data does not include the unused pixel value, the least frequently used pixel value in the image data is detected as the first pixel value. . 2. If the image data does not include the unused pixel value, a pixel value whose usage frequency in the image data is less than a predetermined usage frequency is detected as the first pixel value. Programs listed. If the image data does not have the unused pixel value, the pixel value of the pixel in the image data having the first pixel value detected in the detection step is used as a second pixel value that is approximate to the first pixel value. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the program is replaced with a value. The image data is data in which a pixel value of each pixel is defined by an R value, a G value, and a B value,
6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the second pixel value is a value obtained by adding 1 to each value of the first pixel value. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the second pixel value is the same value as a pixel adjacent to the pixel having the first pixel value detected in the detection step. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the second pixel value is an average value of a plurality of pixels adjacent to the pixel having the first pixel value detected in the detection step. The method further comprises a transmitting step of transmitting data including image data to which the first pixel value is assigned in the assigning step and setting information including the first pixel value to the image output device. The program according to claim 1. The program according to claim 1, being a printer driver. A print control device capable of instructing printing to an image output device capable of printing using special color ink other than process colors,
special color area specifying means for specifying an area to be printed using the special color ink as a special color area in an image to be printed;
detection means for detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
allocation means for allocating the first pixel value detected by the detection means as a pixel value used in the special color area;
A printing control device comprising: A print control method capable of instructing printing to an image output device capable of printing using special color ink other than process colors, the method comprising:
a special color area designation step of designating an area to be printed using the special color ink as a special color area in an image to be printed;
a detection step of detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
an assignment step of assigning the first pixel value detected in the detection step as a pixel value used in the special color area;
A printing control method comprising: An image processing system capable of printing using special color ink other than process colors,
special color area specifying means for specifying an area to be printed using the special color ink as a special color area in an image to be printed;
detection means for detecting a first pixel value that is an unused pixel value that is not used in the image data of the image to be printed;
allocation means for allocating the first pixel value detected by the detection means as a pixel value used in the special color area;
Transmitting means for transmitting data including image data to which the first pixel value has been assigned by the assignment means and the first pixel value;
a printing control device having;
receiving means for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitting means;
an image forming apparatus comprising: printing means for printing using the special color ink based on the data received by the receiving means;
An image processing system comprising:

Images