JP5732864B2 - Information processing apparatus, program, and printing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and a printing method.

  In a conventional printing apparatus, when printing a light-colored character such as when saving toner, the character outline may become jagged due to the binarization process. Also, depending on the size of the character, it may be crushed.

  In order to improve this, when printing a light-colored character such as when saving toner, a technique has been proposed in which the tone value of the color is changed to the maximum density and reproduced smoothly (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP 2008-210329 A

  However, if the color gradation value is changed to the maximum density, the color may change greatly.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for smoothly reproducing a light-colored character such as when saving toner without changing the color as much as possible.

An aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is an information processing apparatus, an edge specifying unit that specifies an edge region of an object region included in an image to be printed, and a predetermined shade ratio of dark and light colors. The color determining unit that determines the color of each pixel included in the image, and the image for which the color is determined by the color determining unit, distributes printing dots of different sizes at a predetermined ratio, A binarization processing unit that binarizes each pixel included in the image; and an output unit that outputs print data based on the image binarized by the binarization processing unit. In the edge area, the density ratio of the light color is increased, the area around the edge area , the area inside and outside the object area is provided with an area that does not generate color, and the binary The processing unit Tsu when binarizing the di area, increasing the ratio of printed dots of small size, and wherein the.
Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is an information processing apparatus, which includes an edge specifying unit that specifies an edge region of an object region included in an image to be printed, and each pixel that constitutes the image. A color determining unit that determines a color; and an output unit that outputs print data based on the image whose color has been determined by the color determining unit, the color determining unit being a peripheral region of the edge region , A region that does not generate color is provided in the inner and outer regions of the object region .
Still another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus that controls a printing apparatus, which includes an edge area of an object area included in an image to be printed. An edge specifying step for specifying, a color determining step for determining the color of each pixel included in the image by distributing dark and light colors at a predetermined light / dark ratio, and the image for which the color has been determined in the color determining step The binarization processing step of binarizing each pixel included in the image by distributing print dots of different sizes at a predetermined ratio, and based on the binarized image in the binarization processing step And outputting the print data to the computer, and in the color determination step, for the edge region, the density ratio of the light color is increased. And, a peripheral region of the edge region, the inner and outer regions of the object region, a region that does not generate the color provided, in the binarization processing step, in the case of binarization for the edge region Is characterized by increasing the ratio of small-sized printing dots.
Still another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus that controls a printing apparatus, which includes an edge area of an object area included in an image to be printed. An edge specifying step for specifying, a color determining step for determining the color of each pixel constituting the image, and an output step for outputting print data based on the image whose color is determined in the color determining step. In the color determination step, a region that is a peripheral region of the edge region and that does not generate a color is provided in an inner region and an outer region of the object region .
Still another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a printing method, an edge specifying step for specifying an edge area of an object area included in an image to be printed, and a dark color and a light color with a predetermined light and shade. A color determination step for determining the color of each pixel included in the image by distributing the ratio, and for the image for which the color has been determined in the color determination step, printing dots of different sizes are distributed at a predetermined ratio. Binarization processing step for binarizing each pixel included in the image; and output step for outputting print data based on the image binarized in the binarization processing step. in step, for the edge region, higher the shading ratio of light color, a peripheral region of the edge region, the inner and outer regions of the object region, the color Regions not raised provided, in the binarization processing step, in the case of binarization for the edge region, the higher the ratio of printed dots of small size, and wherein the.
Still another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a printing method, an edge specifying step of specifying an edge region of an object region included in an image to be printed, and each pixel constituting the image A color determination step for determining a color; and an output step for outputting print data based on the image for which the color has been determined in the color determination step. In the color determination step, a peripheral region of the edge region A region that does not generate color is provided in the inner and outer regions of the object region .

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a printing process. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of an input image (CMYK image). (B) It is a figure which shows the edge area | region of an object. (C) It is a figure which shows a bleeding reduction area | region. (D) It is a figure which shows an output image. (A) It is the figure which graphed an example of the light / dark distribution table for normal areas (other than an edge area | region). (B) It is the figure which graphed an example of the density distribution table for edge areas. (A) It is the figure which graphed an example of the dot size distribution table for normal areas (other than an edge area | region). FIG. 5B is a graph showing an example of a dot size distribution table for edge areas.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system 10 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As illustrated, the printing system 10 includes an information processing apparatus (host PC) 100 and a printer 200. The information processing apparatus 100 functions as a host computer for the printer 100. A printer 200 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 so as to be communicable via a computer network such as a LAN or a USB cable.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk, an output device including a display, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like (not shown). And a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the printer 200.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes an image storage unit 101, an input reception unit 102, a color conversion unit 103, a toner save processing unit 104, a binarization processing unit 105, and a print processing unit, as illustrated. 106 are constructed. The image storage unit 101 is constructed by a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, or a hard disk. Each of the units 102 to 106 other than the image storage unit 101 is constructed by the CPU executing a computer program loaded into the RAM from a ROM or the like included in the information processing apparatus 100.

  The image storage unit 101 stores an image to be printed. The images to be printed include, for example, images such as photographs and illustrations. In addition, information (hereinafter, referred to as “attribute information X”) that can identify an object in the image (also referred to as “processing target”; for example, graphics or characters) is added to the image to be printed for each pixel. ing.

  The input receiving unit 102 receives an instruction from the user via the above-described input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.).

  The color conversion unit 103 converts an image to be printed that is an RGB image into a CMYK image. The color conversion unit 103 adds the attribute information X added to the print target image as it is to the CMYK image.

  The toner save processing unit 104 corrects the CMYK image for each color (cyan C, magenta M, yellow Y, black K). Specifically, the toner save processing unit 104 distributes the dark color and the light color at a predetermined light / dark ratio with respect to the colors for which the dark and light toners are prepared, and stores the levels of the pixels included in the CMYK image. Determine the key value. Further, the toner save processing unit 104 varies the density ratio for distributing the dark color and the light color between the edge area of the object included in the image to be printed and the other area during the toner saving. In this way, the edge area of the object can be reproduced smoothly without changing the color.

  The density ratio of the dark color can be calculated by, for example, “(dark tone value) / (upper limit value of the dark tone value)”, and the density ratio of the light color is, for example, “(light color level). (Tone value) / (upper limit value of light-color gradation value) ".

  Further, the toner save processing unit 104 provides a specific area (hereinafter referred to as a “bleeding reduction area”) around the edge area of the object, and corrects the area so that no color is generated. This improves the smoothness of the object edge region.

  The CMYK image corrected by the toner save processing unit 104 is referred to as a C′M′Y′K ′ image.

  The binarization processing unit 105 performs a process of binarizing the C′M′Y′K ′ image. Specifically, the binarization processing unit 105 determines the number of print dots generated according to the gradation value of the C′M′Y′K ′ image. However, the printer 200 of the present embodiment can print with printing dots of different sizes (for example, “large”, “medium”, and “small”), and the binarization processing unit 105 uses C′M′Y ′. According to the gradation value for each color of the K ′ image, the print dots of different sizes are distributed at a predetermined distribution ratio. Also, the binarization processing unit 105 varies the distribution ratios of print dots of different sizes between the edge region of the object included in the image to be printed and the other region during toner save. In this way, the edge region of the object can be reproduced more smoothly without changing the color.

  The distribution ratio of small dots can be calculated by, for example, “(number of small print dots generated) / (upper limit number of small print dots)”, and the distribution ratio of medium dots is, for example, “(medium The number of print dots of size) / (the maximum number of print dots of medium size) can be calculated. The distribution ratio of large dots is, for example, “(number of print dots of large size) / (print of large size” The upper limit number of dots) ”.

  The print processing unit 106 generates print data in a format that can be printed by the printer 200 and transmits the print data to the printer 200. For example, the print processing unit 106 generates print data from the data binarized by the binarization processing unit 105. The print processing unit 106 outputs print data to the printer 200 via the communication interface. Here, the print data is described in a page description language, for example, and includes a command group for controlling the printer 200. Of course, the print processing unit 106 may output the print data and the command group to the printer 200 separately.

  The printer 200 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a communication interface, a print engine, an input device, and an output device (not shown). Upon receiving the print data and command group output from the information processing apparatus 100, the printer 200 prints the print data according to the received command group. Note that the configuration of the printer 200 is not limited to this. For example, the printer 200 may further include a USB interface. The printer 200 may be, for example, a scanner device, a multifunction device, a FAX device, or the like as long as it has a printing function.

  The printing system 10 to which this embodiment is applied has the above-described configuration. However, the configuration of the printing system 10 is not limited to this.

  In addition, each of the above-described components is classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the printing system 10. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the printing system 10 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, a characteristic operation of the printing system 10 having the above configuration will be described.

<Print processing>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of print processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The information processing apparatus 100 starts this flow at a predetermined timing. For example, this flow starts at a timing when an image to be printed (RGB image) stored in the image storage unit 101 is converted into a CMYK image by the color conversion unit 103.

  When this flow is started, the toner save processing unit 104 of the information processing apparatus 100 reads a CMYK image as an input image from the image storage unit 101 (step S101). Note that attribute information X for each pixel is added to the CMYK image read out here.

  Next, the toner save processing unit 104 classifies each pixel using the attribute information X added to the CMYK image read in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, the toner save processing unit 104 classifies pixels to which attribute information X indicating an object (for example, graphic or character) is added as a pixel belonging to the object area. In addition, pixels to which attribute information X indicating the background is added are classified as pixels belonging to the background area.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an input image (CMYK image). Each pixel included in the input image is represented by a square. Also, attribute information X is added to the CMYK image, and the hatched pixels shown in the figure indicate that they are classified into the object area. On the other hand, the pixels other than the shaded portion indicate that they are classified into the background area.

  In addition, the toner save processing unit 104 classifies pixels at the edge portion of the object as pixels belonging to the edge area among the pixels classified into the object area. At this time, the toner save processing unit 104 rewrites the attribute information X added to the pixel classified into the edge region into information indicating the edge portion of the object.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of an edge region of an object. The pixel in the black portion shown in the figure represents that it is classified into the edge region.

  Further, the toner save processing unit 104 classifies pixels around the edge area of the object as pixels belonging to the blur reduction area. At this time, the toner save processing unit 104 rewrites the attribute information X added to the pixel classified into the blur reduction area into information indicating that the pixel is classified into the blur reduction area.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of a bleeding reduction region. The shaded pixels shown in the figure indicate that they are classified as blur reduction regions.

  After the toner save processing unit 104 classifies each pixel as described above, the process proceeds to step S103.

  When the process proceeds to step S103, the toner save processing unit 104 reads the density distribution table used in the toner save process (step S104 described later) (step S103). Specifically, the toner save processing unit 104 determines whether or not toner save is set. When the toner save is set, the density distribution table for the normal area and the edge area for the edge area are set. The density distribution table is read from a storage device such as a ROM. On the other hand, when toner save is not set, only the density distribution table for the normal area is read from a storage device such as a ROM. Note that the density distribution table for the normal area and the density distribution table for the edge area are stored in advance in a storage device such as a ROM.

  Subsequently, the toner save processing unit 104 performs toner save processing when toner save is set (step S104).

  Specifically, the toner save processing unit 104 uses the density distribution table for the normal region for the pixels classified into the region other than the edge region in step S102, and the level of each color (C, M, Y, K). Correct the key value. Further, the toner save processing unit 104 corrects the gradation value of each color (C, M, Y, K) for the pixels classified into the edge region in step S102, using the density distribution table for the edge region. .

  That is, the toner save processing unit 104 performs correction by using different density distribution tables in the edge region and the region other than the edge region. In this way, it is possible to vary the density ratio for distributing the dark color and the light color between the pixel classified into the edge region and the pixel classified into the other region.

  FIG. 4A is a graph showing an example of the density distribution table for the normal region. The dotted line corresponds to the density distribution table for dark color toner, and the solid line corresponds to the density distribution table for light color toner. FIG. 4B is a graph showing an example of the density distribution table for the edge region. The dotted line corresponds to the density distribution table for dark color toner, and the solid line corresponds to the density distribution table for light color toner.

  As shown in the figure, in the density distribution table for the edge region, the input gradation value (“B” in the figure) when the output gradation value is the apex in the table for the light color toner is the density distribution table for the normal region. Is smaller than the case ("A" shown in the figure). Therefore, the light / dark ratio of the pixels classified into the edge region is higher than the pixels classified into the region other than the edge region at a low gradation value.

  The specific processing procedure in step S104 will be described. For example, the toner save processing unit 104 first determines the pixels classified in the step S102 other than the edge region among the pixels included in the CMYK image (input image). The gradation value is read for each color. That is, the toner save processing unit 104 obtains a cyan C tone value, a magenta M tone value, a yellow Y tone value, and a black K tone value from each pixel other than the edge region of the CMYK image. read out.

  Then, the toner save processing unit 104 reads out the gradation value (input gradation value “x1”) for colors (for example, cyan C and magenta M) for which dark and light toners are prepared in the printer 200. The output tone value “y1” for dark color toner associated with is identified from the dark / light distribution table (for normal area) for dark color toner (dotted line in FIG. 4A).

  At the same time, the toner save processing unit 104 distributes the output gradation value “y2” for light color toner, which is associated with the read gradation value (input gradation value “x1”), to light and dark distribution for light color toner. It is specified from the table (for the normal area) (solid line in FIG. 4A).

  However, the toner save processing unit 104 reads the gradation value (input gradation value “x1”) for colors (for example, yellow Y and black K) for which dark and light toners are not prepared in the printer 200. Are directly used as output gradation values.

  Further, the toner save processing unit 104 sets an output gradation value (for example, “0”) that does not generate a color for the pixel classified in the blur reduction area in step S102.

  Next, the toner save processing unit 104 reads the gradation value for each color for the pixels classified in the edge region in step S102 among the pixels included in the CMYK image (input image). That is, the toner save processing unit 104 reads the cyan C tone value, the magenta M tone value, the yellow Y tone value, and the black K tone value from each pixel in the edge region of the CMYK image. .

  Then, the toner save processing unit 104 reads out the gradation value (input gradation value “x1”) for colors (for example, cyan C and magenta M) for which dark and light toners are prepared in the printer 200. The output gradation value “y1 ′” for dark color toner associated with is specified from the dark / light distribution table (for edge region) for dark color toner (dotted line in FIG. 4B).

  At the same time, the toner save processing unit 104 outputs the output gradation value “y2 ′” for the light color toner, which is associated with the read gradation value (input gradation value “x1”), to the density for the light color toner. It is specified from the distribution table (for edge region) (solid line in FIG. 4B).

  However, the toner save processing unit 104 also reads out the gradation values (inputs) for colors (for example, yellow Y and black K) for which dark and light toners are not prepared in the printer 200 even in the pixels in the edge region. The gradation value “x1”) is directly used as the output gradation value.

  Then, the toner save processing unit 104 outputs the output gradation value of each color specified for each pixel to the binarization processing unit 105 as a corrected image (C′M′Y′K ′ image). Of course, in the present embodiment, for cyan C and magenta M, output tone values of dark and light colors are output.

  As described above, the toner save processing unit 104 performs the process of step S104. However, if the toner save setting is not set, the toner save processing unit 104 uses the normal area density distribution table for each of the colors (C, M, Y, The gradation value of K) is corrected.

  In addition, the toner save processing unit 104 performs processing for reducing the amount of toner consumed during printing on a region in the object that is neither an edge region nor a blur reduction region.

  FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating an example of an image (C′M′Y′K ′ image) output from the toner save processing unit 104. The pixels of the vertical line portion shown in the figure are edge regions, and dark and light colors are distributed at the light / dark ratio determined in step S104. In addition, the pixels in the horizontal line portion shown in the figure are regions that are neither an edge region nor a blur reduction region, and a color for reducing the toner consumption by a certain amount is designated. Further, no color is generated in the bleeding reduction region.

  Next, the binarization processing unit 105 reads a dot size distribution table used in binarization processing (step S106 described later) (step S105). Specifically, the binarization processing unit 105 determines whether or not toner save is set. When the toner save is set, the normal area dot size distribution table and the edge area are set. And a dot size distribution table for reading out from a storage device such as a ROM. On the other hand, when toner save is not set, only the dot size distribution table for the normal area is read from a storage device such as a ROM. It is assumed that the dot size distribution table for the normal area and the dot size distribution table for the edge area are stored in advance in a storage device such as a ROM.

  Subsequently, the binarization processing unit 105 performs binarization processing (step S106).

  Specifically, the binarization processing unit 105 uses the normal area dot size distribution table for the pixels classified into the area other than the edge area in step S102, for example, “large”, “ Distribute print dots of “medium” and “small”. Further, the binarization processing unit 105 distributes print dots of different sizes using the edge region dot size distribution table for the pixels classified into the edge region in step S102.

  That is, the binarization processing unit 105 distributes print dots of different sizes in the edge area and areas other than the edge area using different dot size distribution tables. In this way, it is possible to vary the distribution ratio of the print dots of different sizes between the pixels classified into the edge region and the pixels classified into other regions.

  FIG. 5A is a graph showing an example of the dot size distribution table for the normal area. The solid line corresponds to the dot size distribution table for small dots (small printing dots), the dotted line corresponds to the dot size distribution table for medium dots (medium printing dots), and the alternate long and short dash lines are large dots Corresponds to the dot size distribution table for (large print dots). FIG. 5B is a graph showing an example of the dot size distribution table for the edge region. The solid line corresponds to the dot size distribution table for small dots, the dotted line corresponds to the dot size distribution table for medium dots, and the alternate long and short dash line corresponds to the dot size distribution table for large dots.

  By adopting the dot size distribution table for the edge region as shown in the figure, the occurrence rate of small dots is higher for pixels classified into the edge region than for pixels classified into regions other than the edge region.

  The specific processing procedure of step S106 will be described. For example, the binarization processing unit 105 first classifies the pixels included in the C′M′Y′K ′ image other than the edge region in step S102. For each pixel, the gradation value (the above-described output gradation value) is read for each color. In other words, the binarization processing unit 105 outputs the cyan C output tone value, the magenta M output tone value, and the yellow Y output tone from each pixel other than the edge region of the C′M′Y′K ′ image. Value and the output gradation value of black K are read out.

  Then, the binarization processing unit 105 sets the small dot generation number “z1” associated with the read output gradation value (for example, “y1”) to the dot size distribution table for small dots (normally (For the region) (solid line in FIG. 5A).

  At the same time, the binarization processing unit 105 uses the dot size distribution table for medium dots (“z2”) as the medium dot generation number “z2” associated with the read output gradation value (for example, “y1”). It is specified from (for normal region) (dotted line in FIG. 5A).

  Further, the binarization processing unit 105 sets the large dot generation number “z3” associated with the read output gradation value (for example, “y1”) to the dot size distribution table for large dots (normally (For the region) (one-dot chain line in FIG. 5A).

  Next, the binarization processing unit 105 determines, for each color, the gradation value (the above-described output floor) for the pixels classified into the edge region in step S102 among the pixels included in the C′M′Y′K ′ image. Read the adjustment value. In other words, the binarization processing unit 105 generates an output tone value of cyan C, an output tone value of magenta M, and an output tone value of yellow Y from each pixel in the edge region of the C′M′Y′K ′ image. , Black K output tone values are read out.

  Then, the binarization processing unit 105 sets the small dot occurrence number “z1 ′” associated with the read output gradation value (for example, “y1”) to the dot size distribution table for small dots ( (For the edge region) (solid line in FIG. 5A).

  At the same time, the binarization processing unit 105 sets the number of occurrences of medium dots “z2 ′” associated with the read output gradation value (for example, “y1”) to the dot size distribution table for medium dots. It is specified from (for edge region) (dotted line in FIG. 5A).

  Further, the binarization processing unit 105 sets the large dot occurrence number “z3 ′” associated with the read output gradation value (for example, “y1”) to the dot size distribution table for large dots ( (For the edge region) (one-dot chain line in FIG. 5A).

  Then, the binarization processing unit 105 determines the number of occurrences of “large”, “medium”, and “small” print dots according to the number of occurrences of dot size specified for each color for each pixel. Then, the binarization processing unit 105 notifies the print processing unit 106 of the determined generation number of print dots (that is, image data after binarization processing).

  As described above, the binarization processing unit 105 performs the process of step S106. However, if toner save is not set, the binarization processing unit 105 uses the normal area dot size distribution table for the number of occurrences of each dot size even for pixels classified as edge areas. To be determined.

  The print processing unit 106 generates print data in a format printable by the printer 200 based on the image data binarized by the binarization processing unit 105 and outputs the print data (step S107). Specifically, the print processing unit 106 generates commands for generating “large” print dots, “medium” print dots, and “small” print dots for the number of occurrences determined in step S106. Output with print data.

  After outputting the print data, the print processing unit 106 ends this flow.

  When the printer 200 receives a command output from the information processing apparatus 100, it prints the print data received together with the command.

  Thus, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, when saving toner, the pixel of the edge region has a higher ratio of light colors and a higher ratio of small-sized printing dots than other regions. And can be printed. Therefore, the edge portion of the object can be reproduced smoothly without changing the color. Furthermore, since the blur reduction region is provided around the edge portion, the smoothness of the edge portion is improved as compared with the conventional case.

  Note that each processing unit of the flow in the above embodiment is divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the printing system 10 easy to understand. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of classification of the processing steps and the names thereof. The processing performed by the printing system 10 can be divided into more processing steps. One processing step may execute more processes. Further, the order of the processing steps is not limited to this, and can be changed as much as possible.

  Moreover, said embodiment intends to illustrate the summary of this invention, and does not limit this invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, the “large” print dot described in the above embodiment is changed to print with the “medium” print dot, and the “medium” print dot described in the above embodiment is printed with the “small” print dot. The “small” print dots described in the above embodiment may be changed so as not to be printed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the pixel for 1 pixel located in the edge of an object is made into the edge area | region. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the edge region may be a pixel for two pixels located at the edge of the object. In addition, when the resolution is different between the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and enlargement processing is performed in the binarization processing, pixels corresponding to half pixels (or 1 / N pixels) positioned at the edge of the object Good. However, when the width of the edge region is made smaller than one pixel, it is preferable that the inner part of the object (for example, the inner half pixel) of the original edge region for one pixel is the edge region.

  In the above-described embodiment, the colors for which dark and light toners are prepared in the printer 200 are described as cyan C and magenta M. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, dark and light toners may be prepared in the printer 200 for all colors. In addition, dark and light toners may be prepared in the printer 200 for colors different from those in the above embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Information processing apparatus, 101 ... Image storage part, 102 ... Input reception part, 103 ... Color conversion, 104 ... Toner save process part, 105 ... Binarization process part, 106: Print processing unit, 200: Printer

Claims (6)

An edge specifying unit for specifying an edge region of an object region included in an image to be printed;
Distributing a dark color and a light color at a predetermined light / dark ratio, and determining a color of each pixel included in the image;
A binarization processing unit that binarizes each pixel included in the image by distributing print dots of different sizes at a predetermined ratio for the image whose color is determined by the color determination unit;
An output unit that outputs print data based on the image binarized by the binarization processing unit,
The color determination unit
For the edge region, increase the light / dark ratio.
For the peripheral area of the edge area, the area inside and outside the object area is provided with an area that does not generate color,
The binarization processing unit
In the case of binarizing the edge area, the ratio of small-sized print dots is increased.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. An edge specifying unit for specifying an edge region of an object region included in an image to be printed;
A color determining unit that determines the color of each pixel constituting the image;
An output unit that outputs print data based on the image whose color is determined by the color determination unit,
The color determination unit
A region that does not generate color is provided in the peripheral region of the edge region and in the inner and outer regions of the object region .
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device for controlling a printing device,
An edge identification step for identifying an edge area of an object area included in an image to be printed;
A color determination step of distributing a dark color and a light color at a predetermined light / dark ratio and determining a color of each pixel included in the image;
A binarization processing step of binarizing each pixel included in the image by distributing print dots of different sizes at a predetermined ratio for the image whose color has been determined in the color determination step;
Outputting the print data based on the image binarized in the binarization processing step to the computer,
In the color determination step,
For the edge region, increase the light / dark ratio.
For the peripheral area of the edge area, the area inside and outside the object area is provided with an area that does not generate color,
In the binarization processing step,
In the case of binarizing the edge area, the ratio of small-sized print dots is increased.
A program characterized by that. A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device for controlling a printing device,
An edge identification step for identifying an edge area of an object area included in an image to be printed;
A color determining step for determining the color of each pixel constituting the image;
Causing the computer to execute an output step of outputting print data based on the image whose color is determined in the color determination step;
In the color determination step,
A region that does not generate color is provided in the peripheral region of the edge region and in the inner and outer regions of the object region .
A program characterized by that. An edge identification step for identifying an edge area of an object area included in an image to be printed;
A color determination step of distributing a dark color and a light color at a predetermined light / dark ratio and determining a color of each pixel included in the image;
A binarization processing step of binarizing each pixel included in the image by distributing print dots of different sizes at a predetermined ratio for the image whose color has been determined in the color determination step;
An output step for outputting print data based on the image binarized in the binarization processing step,
In the color determination step,
For the edge region, increase the light / dark ratio.
For the peripheral area of the edge area, the area inside and outside the object area is provided with an area that does not generate color,
In the binarization processing step,
In the case of binarizing the edge area, the ratio of small-sized print dots is increased.
A printing method characterized by the above. An edge identification step for identifying an edge area of an object area included in an image to be printed;
A color determining step for determining the color of each pixel constituting the image;
Outputting print data based on the image whose color is determined in the color determination step, and
In the color determination step,
A region that does not generate color is provided in the peripheral region of the edge region and in the inner and outer regions of the object region .
A printing method characterized by the above.

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