JP5447225B2 - Setting device, image processing device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing settings related to image processing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a computer connected to an image processing apparatus such as a printer or a scanner, a configuration is known in which a user performs settings related to processing conditions for image processing such as printing and scanning using a setting screen displayed on a display. . There is also known a configuration in which a user performs image processing settings using a setting screen displayed on a display provided in the image processing apparatus main body.

JP 2002-182871 A

  In recent years, functions related to image processing have been increased and advanced, and accordingly, setting work has become complicated and difficult. For example, in some cases, it is difficult for the user to grasp which processing condition should be set to what value on the setting screen in order to obtain a result according to the purpose.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to allow a user to easily perform a setting operation related to image processing.

  As means for achieving the above object, a setting device according to a first invention is a setting device for setting processing conditions for processing an image, and is formed by a plurality of reference axes having mutually different angles. A display control section for displaying a setting area on the display section, a specifying section for specifying an indicated position in the setting area designated by a user, a position in the setting area, and a plurality for the plurality of processing conditions The number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes, and the plurality of condition values corresponding to the indicated position are determined based on the correspondence. A setting unit for setting.

  According to the first invention, the setting area having a plurality of reference axes is displayed, and the user can intuitively grasp the setting contents by associating positions with respect to the plurality of reference axes with a plurality of condition values. it can. In addition, by specifying the designated position in the setting area designated by the user, the condition values of a plurality of processing conditions larger than the number of the plurality of reference axes are set, so that the setting operation can be easily performed. .

  According to a second aspect, in the setting device according to the first aspect, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a condition area indicating the plurality of condition values corresponding to the designated position.

  According to the second invention, a plurality of condition values set by the user can be grasped.

  According to a third aspect, in the setting device according to the second aspect, the specifying unit can specify the plurality of condition values in the condition region, and the display control unit is specified in the condition region. Each position in the setting area corresponding to a condition value and an unspecified condition value is displayed so as to be distinguishable, and the setting unit sets a value specified in the condition area.

  According to the third aspect, the user can individually specify a plurality of condition values in the condition area. Moreover, since the position in the setting area corresponding to the condition value specified in the condition area is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the position not specified, the user can intuitively grasp the setting contents.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the setting device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the specifying unit is a special process that is part of the plurality of processing conditions or different from the plurality of processing conditions. A condition value of a condition can be specified, and the display control unit includes a partial region in the setting region corresponding to the condition value of the special processing condition specified by the specifying unit and a setting region that does not correspond The partial area is displayed in a distinguishable manner.

  According to the fourth aspect, since it is possible to grasp a partial area in the setting area that does not correspond to the condition value of the special processing condition specified by the user, it is possible to avoid setting an inappropriate condition value.

  A fifth invention is the setting device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the setting area is divided into a plurality of small areas, and a plurality of common condition values correspond to one small area. It is attached.

  According to the fifth aspect, the user can easily grasp the relationship between the position in the setting area and the set condition value.

  A sixth aspect of the invention is a setting device for setting processing conditions for processing an image, wherein a specifying unit for specifying a plurality of condition values for a plurality of processing conditions and a plurality of references having mutually different angles A display control unit that displays a setting area formed by axes on a display unit and displays each position in the setting area corresponding to the specified condition value and the unspecified condition value in a distinguishable manner; The correspondence relationship between a position in the setting area and a plurality of condition values for the plurality of processing conditions, wherein the number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes. A setting unit configured to set the plurality of condition values based on the relationship.

  According to the sixth aspect, since the position corresponding to the condition value designated by the user is displayed in the setting area, the user can intuitively grasp the setting contents. Therefore, the setting work can be easily performed.

  A seventh invention is an image processing apparatus for setting processing conditions for image processing, and performs image processing in accordance with the setting apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth inventions and the value of the set processing conditions. And an image processing unit.

  According to the seventh aspect, in the image processing apparatus provided with the setting device, the setting operation can be easily performed.

  The present invention is realized in various modes such as a setting device, a setting method, an image processing device, an image processing method, a program for realizing the functions of these methods or devices, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Can do.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer and a computer according to a first embodiment. Flow chart of print instruction processing Figure showing the print instruction screen Flow chart of print setting process Figure showing the print settings screen Table showing the correspondence between the small area in the setting area and the print condition value Flowchart of print setting process in embodiment 2 Figure showing the print settings screen

<Embodiment 1>
Next, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer 10 and a computer 20 connected to the printer 10.

  The printer 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 14, and a network interface 15. The ROM 12 stores programs for executing various operations of the printer 10. The CPU 11 controls each unit while storing the processing result in the RAM 13 or the NVRAM 14 according to the program read from the ROM 12. The network interface 15 is connected to a communication line 30 such as a LAN.

  In addition, the printer 10 includes a printing unit 16, a display unit 17, and an operation unit 18. The printing unit 16 prints an image (processes an image) on a sheet (paper, plastic sheet, etc.) using one or a plurality of colorants (ink, toner, etc.) by, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. Example). The display unit 17 includes a display, a lamp, and the like, and can display various setting screens and operation states of the apparatus. The operation unit 18 includes a plurality of buttons, and the user can input various instructions.

  The computer 20 (an example of a setting device) includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an HDD (hard disk drive) 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, and a network interface 27.

  The ROM 22 stores a program such as BIOS. The HDD 24 stores various programs such as an OS, application software capable of creating image data for printing, and a printer driver (an example of the program of the present invention) for setting processing conditions for printing by the printer 10. Has been. The CPU 21 (an example of a specifying unit, a display control unit, and a setting unit) controls the operation of the computer 20 while storing the processing result in the RAM 23 or the HDD 24 according to the program read from the ROM 22 or the HDD 24.

  The operation unit 25 includes a keyboard and a pointing device, and a user can input various instructions to the CPU 21 using the operation unit 25. The display unit 26 includes a display and displays various images under the control of the CPU 21. The network interface 27 is connected to the communication line 30 described above, thereby enabling communication between the computer 20 and the printer 10.

(Print instruction processing)
Next, a print instruction process executed when the computer 20 instructs the printer 10 to execute printing will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the print instruction process, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a print instruction screen M1.

  When the user activates application software capable of generating image data for printing on the computer 20 and inputs a print instruction from the operation unit 25, the CPU 21 executes a print instruction process shown in FIG.

  When starting the print instruction process, the CPU 21 first displays a print instruction screen M1 as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 26 (S101). The print instruction screen M1 includes a printer selection unit 40, a print setting button 41, an OK button 42, and a cancel button 43.

  When the printer selection unit 40 is clicked by the operation unit 25, the CPU 21 displays a list of registered printer names. The user can select one of the printer names displayed as a list using the operation unit 25 as a printer to be used.

  When the print setting button 41 is pressed on the print instruction screen M1 (S102: YES), the CPU 21 activates the printer driver corresponding to the printer name selected by the printer selection unit 40 and executes the print setting process. (S103). In this print setting process, as will be described later, condition values for various printing conditions (an example of processing conditions) are set according to user instructions.

  If the print setting button 41 is not pressed in S102 (S102: NO), or if the print instruction process is terminated in S103, the CPU 21 determines whether the OK button 42 is pressed (S104). .

  When the OK button 42 is pressed (S104: YES), the CPU 21 reads the condition value of the print condition set in the print setting process of S103, and further reads the image data to be printed from the application. Then, print data such as PDL (page description language) is generated based on the read condition value of the print condition and the image data, and the print data is transmitted to the printer 10 via the network interface 27 (S105).

  When the OK button 42 is pressed in a state where the print setting process of S103 is not executed, a predetermined condition value, a condition value set in the previous print setting process, or the like is used as a setting value for the print condition. .

After transmitting the print data, the CPU 21 ends the print instruction process.
When the CPU 11 of the printer 10 receives print data via the network interface 15, the print unit 16 performs printing based on the print data.

  If the OK button 42 is not pressed in S104 (S104: NO), the CPU 21 of the computer 20 determines whether the cancel button 43 is pressed (S106). If the cancel button 43 is not pressed (S106: NO), the processing from S102 is repeated and the input from the operation unit 25 is waited. If the cancel button 43 is pressed (S106: YES), this print instruction process is terminated.

(Print setting process)
Next, a print setting process for setting the condition value of the print condition will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the print setting process, and FIG. 5 is a view showing a print setting screen M2.

  When starting the print setting process shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 21 first displays a print setting screen M2 as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 26 (S201). The print setting screen M2 includes a setting area 51, a condition area 52, an OK button 53, and a cancel button 54.

  The setting area 51 has a circular shape as a whole, and three reference axes 57A, 57B, and 57C (indicated by broken arrows) are arranged so as to cross the setting area 51. These reference axes 57 </ b> A to 57 </ b> C form an angle of 120 degrees with each other and intersect each other at the center of the setting area 51.

  Each of the reference axes 57A to 57C is an index indicating the purpose and request of the user instructing printing or the characteristics of printing processing. In this example, the reference axis 57A indicates the degree of priority given to the quality of a fine image such as a photograph, the reference axis 57B indicates the degree of priority given to the image quality of graphics such as characters and graphs, and the reference axis 57C This indicates the degree of priority given to cost reduction such as ink (toner) consumption. In the setting area 51, “photo priority”, “character graph priority”, and “cost priority” are arranged near the tip side of the arrows indicating the reference axes 57 A to 57 C so that the user can grasp the meaning of the reference axes 57 A to 57 C, respectively. ".

  The position on the setting area 51 is associated with condition values of a plurality of printing conditions, and it is determined what tendency condition values are associated with the reference axes 57A to 57C. The reference axes 57A to 57C can also be referred to as a kind of coordinate axes. That is, the condition values of the printing conditions are associated with the tendency that the reference axis 57A to 57C shows a stronger tendency as the position is in the forward direction (arrow line direction) with respect to a certain reference axis 57A to 57C. A condition value is associated with which the tendency is weaker as the position is in the direction.

  The setting area 51 is divided into 13 small areas A1 to A13. The positions in the small areas A1 to A13 are all associated with the same condition values for the printing conditions, and the positions in the other small areas A1 to A13 are associated with condition values for different printing conditions. ing.

  FIG. 6 is a table showing the correspondence between the small areas A1 to A13 in the setting area 51 and the condition values of the printing conditions, and this table is stored in the HDD 24. In this example, the position in the setting area 51 is associated with condition values of five printing conditions of “color reproduction”, “gray reproduction”, “printing resolution”, “color density”, and “printing speed”. .

  For example, the small area A9 is located closer to the end in the positive direction with respect to the reference axis 57A, and is associated with a condition value (combination) of printing conditions that provides the highest quality when a photograph or the like is printed. ing. For example, the print resolution, which is one of the condition values of the print condition, can be set to any one of three condition values of “low”, “normal”, and “high”, and the small area A9 corresponds to “high” among them. It is attached.

  In addition, since the small area A10 is located closer to the end in the positive direction with respect to the reference axis 57A and the reference axis 57B, the printing condition is such that relatively high quality can be obtained for both photographs and characters / graphics. Are associated with each other. On the other hand, the small area A10 is at the end in the negative direction with respect to the reference axis 57C, and is associated with a condition value of a printing condition that is relatively costly. For example, one of three condition values of “light”, “normal”, and “dark” can be set as the color density, which is one of the condition values of the printing conditions, and the small area A10 is “dark” among these. Is associated with the condition value.

  The small areas A4 and A1 are associated with a condition value having a color density of “normal”, and the small areas A7 and A3 are associated with a condition value having a color density of “light”. In this way, the condition values of the printing conditions that make it easier to suppress the cost are associated with the position in the positive direction with respect to the cost-priority reference axis 57C.

  In the setting area 51, the user can designate the small areas A1 to A13 by clicking the pointer 58 on any one of the small areas A1 to A13 using the operation unit 25. The CPU 21 selects the designated small areas A1 to A13 as a selected state and displays them in a different color from the other small areas A1 to A13. In FIG. 5, the small area A9 is displayed as a selected state.

  On the other hand, in the condition area 52, condition values that can be selected under each printing condition for the five printing conditions associated with the positions on the setting area 51 are displayed together with the icon image 59. In the condition area 52, one of the condition values that can be selected for each printing condition can be displayed in a selected state in distinction from the other condition values. In FIG. 5, the icon image 59 of the condition value in the selected state is displayed with a thick frame.

  In the condition area 52, the user can specify the condition value by clicking on the pointer 58 with the icon 58 of the condition value that is not in the selected state using the operation unit 25. The CPU 21 displays the specified condition value as a selected state.

  When the CPU 21 displays the print setting screen M2 in S201, the CPU 21 displays the condition value set in the previous print setting process or the default condition value in the selected state in the condition area 52. On the setting area 51, the small areas A1 to A13 corresponding to the condition values are displayed in a selected state.

  Now, after displaying the print setting screen M2 in S201 of FIG. 4, the CPU 21 determines whether the user has designated small areas A1 to A13 that are not selected on the setting area 51 (S202). When the small areas A1 to A13 are designated (S202: YES), the CPU 21 identifies the small areas A1 to A13 (position) on the designated setting area 51, and identifies the identified small areas A1 to A13. 6 are obtained from the table of FIG. 6 and are displayed in a selected state in the condition area 52 (S203). Thereby, the user can grasp the condition value of the printing condition corresponding to the position designated in the setting area 51 (an example of the designated position).

  If the setting area 51 is not specified in S202 (S202: NO), or if a condition value is displayed in the condition area in S203, the CPU 21 has specified a condition value for the printing condition in the condition area 52. Is determined (S204). Then, when the condition value of the printing condition is specified (S204: YES), the CPU 21 specifies the specified condition value, and displays the small areas A1 to A13 (positions) corresponding to the specified condition value in FIG. The small areas A1 to A13 are displayed in a selected state on the setting area 51 (S205).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the state where the small area A9 and the condition values of the printing conditions corresponding to the small area A9 are displayed in the selected state, the condition value for color reproduction in the condition area 52 is “natural”. When “” is changed from “Vivid”, the small area A10 corresponding to the combination of the condition values of the changed printing condition is displayed in a selected state, and the selected state of the small area A9 is released. Thereby, the user can grasp what tendency the combination of the condition values of the printing conditions designated based on the display of the setting area 51 has.

  If there is no small area corresponding to the combination of the condition values specified in the condition area 52, the small areas A1 to A13 associated with the combination of the condition values close to the combination of the specified condition values are set as one. It is also possible to select one and display the small areas A1 to A13 in a selected state. In this case, the display of the selection states of all the small areas A1 to A13 may be canceled, or such a condition value may not be specified in the condition area 52.

  When the condition value is not specified in the condition area 52 in S204 (S204: NO), or when the small areas A1 to A13 are displayed in the selected state in S205, the CPU 21 has pressed the OK button 53. Is determined (S206). Then, when the OK button 53 is pressed (S206: YES), the condition values of each printing condition in the selected state are stored in the RAM 23 as the determined setting values (S207). Thereafter, the CPU 21 ends the print setting process, and generates print data based on the set value and transmits it to the printer 10 when the OK button 53 is pressed by the process shown in FIG.

  If the OK button 53 is not pressed in S206 (S206: NO), the CPU 21 determines whether the cancel button 54 is pressed (S208). If the cancel button 54 is not pressed (S208: NO), the process returns to S202 and waits for the input of the next operation by the user. If the cancel button 54 is pressed (S208: YES), the print setting process is terminated without confirming the set value.

(Effect of this embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the setting area 51 having the plurality of reference axes 57A to 57C is displayed, and the positions with respect to the plurality of reference axes 57A to 57C are associated with the condition values of the plurality of printing conditions. The user can grasp the setting contents intuitively. Also, by specifying the position in the setting area 51 specified by the user, a plurality of condition values for the printing conditions that are larger than the number of the plurality of reference axes 57A to 57C are set, so that the user can easily perform the setting work. Can be done.

  In addition, a condition area 52 indicating condition values of a plurality of printing conditions corresponding to the condition value specified in the setting area 51 is displayed on the display unit 26. Thereby, a plurality of condition values set by the user can be grasped.

  In the condition area 52, the user can individually specify condition values for a plurality of printing conditions. Moreover, since the position in the setting area 51 corresponding to the condition value specified in the condition area 52 is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the position not specified, the user can grasp the setting contents intuitively.

  The setting area 51 is divided into a plurality of small areas A1 to A13, and a plurality of common print condition condition values are associated with one small area A1 to A13. This makes it easy for the user to grasp the relationship between the position in the setting area 51 and the set condition value.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the print setting process, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a print setting screen M3. The configurations of the printer 10 and the computer 20 are the same as those in FIG. 7 and 8, the same processes and the same configurations as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  When starting the print setting process, the CPU 21 displays a print setting screen M3 shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 26 (S201). The print setting screen M3 includes a special condition designating unit 62 in addition to a setting area 61, a condition area 52, an OK button 53, and a cancel button 54.

  Like the setting area 51 of FIG. 5, the setting area 61 has a circular shape as a whole and includes three reference axes 57A to 57C. The positions on the setting area 61 are condition values for a plurality of printing conditions. Is associated with. In this example, it is assumed that the position on the setting area 61 and the condition value of the printing condition are associated with each other in the same relationship as in the table of FIG. However, unlike the setting area 51 of FIG. 5, the setting area 61 is not divided into small areas A1 to A13 and displayed.

  The user can designate the position by clicking the pointer 58 with the position on the setting area 61 using the operation unit 25. When the position is designated on the setting area 61, the CPU 21 displays a circular mark 63 at the position.

  In the special condition designating unit 62, a condition value of a special printing condition (an example of a special processing condition) different from the printing condition shown in FIG. 6 can be designated. In this example, as the special printing condition, the type of paper to be used can be selected from the condition values of “plain paper”, “glossy paper”, “inkjet paper”, and “OHP sheet”. For these condition values, a corresponding partial area and a non-corresponding partial area are defined on the setting area 61, respectively.

  For example, the condition value of “plain paper” does not correspond to the partial area 65 (corresponding to the small areas A2, A3, A8, A9), and the other partial areas 66 (small areas A1, A4 to A7, A10 to A13). Correspond to). The non-corresponding partial area 65 is located relatively close to the end in the positive direction with respect to the reference axis 57A. This is compared to the case of using other glossy paper or the like when using plain paper. This is based on the fact that it is difficult to ensure the quality of photographs and the like.

  After displaying the print setting screen M3 in S201, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a special print condition condition value has been designated (S301). Then, when the condition value of the special printing condition is designated (S301: YES), the condition value is specified, and the partial area corresponding to the partial area 65 not corresponding to the specified condition value in the setting area 61 is specified. 66 is displayed separately (restricted display) (S302).

  The CPU 21 does not accept designation by the pointer 58 for the non-corresponding partial area 65. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid setting a condition value of the printing condition that does not correspond to the condition value of the special printing condition. If the non-corresponding partial area 65 is displayed separately from the corresponding partial area 66, the non-corresponding partial area 65 can be specified.

  Next, when the position is designated by the pointer 58 in the setting area 61 (S202: YES), the CPU 21 specifies the designated position, displays the mark 63 at the position, and further, a condition corresponding to the position. Values are obtained from the table of FIG. 6 and displayed in a selected state in the condition area 52 (S203).

  Further, when a condition value is specified in the condition area 52 (S204: YES), the CPU 21 specifies the specified condition value, and positions (small areas A1 to A13) corresponding to the specified condition value. Acquired from the table of FIG. 5, the mark 63 is displayed at the position (the center position of the corresponding small area A1 to A13) (S205).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the position of the mark 63A is specified in the setting area 61 and the condition values of the printing conditions corresponding to the mark 63A are displayed in the selected state in the condition area 52, the condition area When the condition value of the print resolution of 52 is changed from “low” to “normal”, the mark 63B is displayed at a position corresponding to the combination of the condition values of the changed print condition, and the current mark 63A is erased.

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the OK button 53 or the cancel button 54 is pressed in S206 and S208, and stores the condition value of each printing condition in the selected state in the RAM 23 as a determined setting value (S207). ) Either the print setting process is terminated, the print setting process is terminated without confirming the set value, or the process returns to S202 and waits for the user to input the next operation.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the partial area 66 in the setting area 51 corresponding to the condition value of the special printing condition and the partial area 65 that does not correspond are displayed in a distinguishable manner. Accordingly, since the partial area 66 in the setting area 61 that does not correspond to the condition value of the special processing condition specified by the user can be grasped, it is possible to avoid setting an inappropriate condition value of the printing condition.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the printing conditions are set as image processing. However, the present invention can be applied to image processing such as scanning reading conditions, copy copying conditions, facsimile transmission reading conditions and communication conditions. The present invention can also be applied to an apparatus for setting processing conditions such as image capturing conditions (for digital cameras) and storage conditions for captured images.

  In the above embodiment, the setting device is set by a computer. However, the present invention performs image processing of, for example, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile machine, a multifunction device, a digital camera, etc. as the setting device. The present invention can also be applied to a variety of image processing apparatuses that have functions.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to the printer 10 (an example of a setting device and an image processing device) shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 11 (an example of a specifying unit, a display control unit, and a setting unit) executes the print setting process of FIG. 4 according to a program stored in the ROM 12. Then, the CPU 11 displays the print setting screen M2 of FIG. 5 on the display unit 17, sets the printing conditions according to the user instruction input from the operation unit 18, and performs printing by the printing unit 16 according to the set printing conditions. Do.

(2) In the above embodiment, the setting device includes the display unit. However, according to the present invention, an external monitor or the like connected to the setting device (image processing device) is used as the display unit. it can.

(3) The contents of processing conditions and condition values are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the print condition that can be selected from the three condition values is shown. However, the print condition may be selected from two condition values or four or more condition values. Further, the condition value of the printing condition may be a quantity or the like. In this case, for example, the condition value of the printing condition can be changed between 0.0 and 10.0, and the numerical value is changed by 0.1 unit according to the position with respect to a certain reference axis designated on the setting area. Etc. may be used.

(4) In the above embodiment, when a position is specified in the setting area, the corresponding condition value is displayed in the condition area. Conversely, when a condition value is specified in the condition area, the corresponding position is displayed in the setting area. However, according to the present invention, when the position is specified in the setting area, the condition area for displaying the condition value need not be displayed, and the condition value can be specified on the condition area. It can be eliminated. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when a condition value is specified in the condition area, the corresponding position is displayed in the setting area. However, the condition value may not be specified on the setting area.

(5) According to the present invention, the condition value of the printing condition may be designated outside the condition area. For example, a one-click icon or favorite setting is registered in association with condition values of a plurality of printing conditions, and when the user selects the setting, a position corresponding to the associated condition value of the printing condition is set. It may be displayed on the setting area.

(6) In the above embodiment, condition values that can be selected for each processing condition in the condition area are indicated by characters and icon images. However, according to the present invention, only one of characters and icon images is indicated. Also good. Further, only selected (designated) condition values may be indicated. Further, the setting area and the condition area may be different screens, and for example, when a position is designated in the setting area, the corresponding condition value may be displayed on a pop-up screen.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the setting is performed based on the condition value selected by pressing the OK button after selecting the position on the setting area or the condition value of the processing condition. Alternatively, the setting may be performed immediately when the condition value of the processing condition is selected.

(8) In the above embodiment, the setting area is circular, but the shape of the setting area can be changed as appropriate, such as a quadrangle and other polygons. The number of reference axes may be two, or four or more. Further, the angle between the reference axes and the arrangement of the reference axes can be changed as appropriate. For example, three reference axes may be arranged in a triangle, and the setting area may be configured in a triangular graph shape, or four reference axes may be arranged in a cross shape. The contents indicated by each reference axis are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, by changing the shape of the setting area, the number and shape of the small areas are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, the small areas A4 and A10 and the small areas A7 and A13 in FIG. 5 are combined into one small area, and the other small areas A1 to A3, A5, A6, A8, A9, A11, and A12 are left as they are. By using this form, rough setting may be possible with respect to a specific reference axis (in the above example, an index indicating the priority of cost reduction of the reference axis 57C). Conversely, finely setting only a specific area may be possible by further finely dividing only a specific small area.

(9) In the above embodiment, the reference axis is indicated by an arrow, but it may be displayed so that the approximate position and direction of the axis can be understood. It may also be indicated by letters or symbols.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, the number of processing conditions corresponding to the position on the setting area is five, but other numbers may be used. However, by associating positions with processing conditions larger than the number of reference axes, a larger number of printing conditions can be indicated as positions on the setting area.

(11) The operation of the pointer (cursor) on the setting screen may be performed not only with the pointing device but also with a cross key on the keyboard, for example. Further, by displaying the pointer in a color having a large color difference such as a complementary color to the color of the setting area, the user can easily find the pointer.

(12) The setting screen can be appropriately provided with a part for setting processing conditions other than the processing conditions set in the setting area or the condition area.

(13) In the above embodiment, the special processing condition is different from the printing condition set in the setting area or the condition area. However, according to the present invention, the special processing condition is set in the setting area or the condition area. The processing conditions may be the same as the printing conditions set in step.

(14) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the specifying unit, the display control unit, and the setting unit are all realized by the same CPU has been described. It can be configured by a circuit.

10 ... Printer 11 ... CPU
16 ... Printing unit 17 ... Display unit 20 ... Computer 21 ... CPU
26 ... Display units 51, 61 ... Setting area 52 ... Condition areas 57A-57C ... Reference axes 65, 66 ... Partial areas A1-A13 ... Small area

Claims (10)

A setting device for setting processing conditions for processing an image,
A display control unit for displaying a setting area formed by a plurality of reference axes having different angles on the display unit;
A specifying unit for specifying an indicated position in the setting area indicated by the user;
The correspondence relationship between a position in the setting area and a plurality of condition values for the plurality of processing conditions, wherein the number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes. A setting unit that sets the plurality of condition values corresponding to the indicated position based on a relationship;
Equipped with a,
The display control unit includes a condition area indicating the plurality of condition values corresponding to the designated position, and a condition value specified in the condition area and a condition value not specified in the setting area. The position is displayed on the display unit in a distinguishable manner,
The specifying unit can specify each of the plurality of condition values in the condition region,
The setting unit is a setting device that sets a value specified in the condition area . The setting device according to claim 1,
The setting apparatus, wherein the setting area is divided into a plurality of small areas, and a plurality of common condition values are associated with one small area . A setting device for setting processing conditions for processing an image,
A display control unit for displaying a setting area formed by a plurality of reference axes having different angles on the display unit;
A specifying unit for specifying an indicated position in the setting area indicated by the user;
The correspondence relationship between a position in the setting area and a plurality of condition values for the plurality of processing conditions, wherein the number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes. A setting unit that sets the plurality of condition values corresponding to the indicated position based on a relationship;
Equipped with a,
The setting apparatus, wherein the setting area is divided into a plurality of small areas, and a plurality of common condition values are associated with one small area . The setting device according to claim 3 ,
Wherein the display control unit displays the condition region indicating the plurality of condition value corresponding to the indicated position on the display unit, the setting device. In the setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The specifying unit can specify a condition value of a special processing condition that is part of the plurality of processing conditions or different from the plurality of processing conditions,
The display control unit displays the partial region in the setting region corresponding to the condition value of the special processing condition specified by the specifying unit and the partial region in the setting region that does not correspond so as to be distinguishable. Setting device. A setting device for setting processing conditions for processing an image,
A first display control unit that causes a display unit to display a condition area indicating a plurality of condition values for a plurality of processing conditions ;
A specifying unit that specifies at least one condition value from among the plurality of condition values in the condition area specified by a user ;
A setting area formed by a plurality of reference axes having different angles can be displayed on the display unit, and each position in the setting area corresponding to the specified condition value and the unspecified condition value can be distinguished. A second display control unit for displaying on
The correspondence relationship between a position in the setting area and a plurality of condition values for the plurality of processing conditions, wherein the number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes. A setting unit configured to set the plurality of condition values based on a relationship;
A setting device. An image processing apparatus for setting processing conditions for image processing,
A setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An image processing unit that performs image processing according to the value of the set processing condition;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A program for causing a computer connected to the display unit to set processing conditions for processing an image,
In the computer,
A display control process for displaying on the display unit a setting area formed by a plurality of reference axes having different angles;
A specifying process for specifying an indicated position in the setting area indicated by the user;
The correspondence relationship between a position in the setting area and a plurality of condition values for the plurality of processing conditions, wherein the number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes. A setting process for setting the plurality of condition values corresponding to the indicated position based on a relationship;
Was executed,
In the display control process, a condition area indicating the plurality of condition values corresponding to the indicated position, and a condition value specified in the condition area and a condition value not specified in the setting area The position is displayed on the display unit in a distinguishable manner,
In the specifying process, the plurality of condition values can be specified in the condition area,
In the setting process, a program for setting a value designated in the condition area . A program for causing a computer connected to the display unit to set processing conditions for processing an image,
In the computer,
A display control process for displaying on the display unit a setting area formed by a plurality of reference axes having different angles;
A specifying process for specifying an indicated position in the setting area indicated by the user;
The correspondence relationship between a position in the setting area and a plurality of condition values for the plurality of processing conditions, wherein the number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes. A setting process for setting the plurality of condition values corresponding to the indicated position based on a relationship;
Was executed,
The setting area is divided into a plurality of small areas, and a plurality of common condition values are associated with one small area . A program for causing a computer connected to the display unit to set processing conditions for processing an image,
In the computer,
A first display control process for displaying a condition area indicating a plurality of condition values for a plurality of process conditions on the display unit;
A specifying process for specifying at least one condition value from among the plurality of condition values in the condition area specified by a user ;
A setting area formed by a plurality of reference axes having different angles is displayed on the display unit, and each position in the setting area corresponding to the specified condition value and the unspecified condition value is distinguished. A second display control process for enabling display;
The correspondence relationship between a position in the setting area and a plurality of condition values for the plurality of processing conditions, wherein the number of the plurality of processing conditions is greater than the number of the plurality of reference axes. A setting process for setting the plurality of condition values based on a relationship;
A program that executes

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