Information processing method and device, image forming device, printing system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing device, an image forming device, a printing system and a printing method, as well as a storage medium and a computer device, and its purpose is to enable printing of a specific color without application software that can specify a specific color. The present invention provides an information processing method executed by an information processing device (10), the information processing device requires an image forming device (30) to print a document represented by the application software, the information processing method comprising an operation acceptance step of accepting an object to be printed in a specific color by specifying a first area in the document of the printing object; a first print data generation step of converting information about the first area received by the operation acceptance unit into first print data; a second print data generation step of converting the document of the printing object into second print data; and a communication step of sending the first print data and the second print data to the image forming device (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing device, an image forming device, a printing system and a printing method, a storage medium and a computer device. Background Art

[0002] There are different requirements for the characteristics of toners used for forming images in laser printers, etc., from various viewpoints such as development, transfer, fixing, and image quality. In the past, there have been technical solutions for forming images using toners that reflect or absorb light of a specific wavelength. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2006-38933) discloses a technical solution for forming images by mixing infrared absorbers into toners such as C, M, Y, and K (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).

[0003] However, the current technology has the following problem, that is, when printing with specific colors, application software that can specify specific colors and an image forming device corresponding to the specific color specification are required. However, the application software corresponding to specific color printing is limited. The documents displayed on the display of the information processing device usually use the additive subtractive color method (RGB) to represent the color. Therefore, the application software running on the information processing device generally forms images in RGB. When printing, the document representing the color in RGB is converted to C, M, Y and K for printing. For this reason, general application software cannot process specific colors. Although it is possible to add other specific colors besides RGB to some image processing application software to process documents, it costs money to introduce and become familiar with such application software. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a solution, the purpose of which is to print specific colors without application software that can specify specific colors.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides an information processing method for execution by an information processing device, which requires an image forming device to print a document represented by application software. The information processing method is characterized in that it includes an operation acceptance step, accepting an object to be printed in a specific color by specifying a first area in the document of the printing object; a first print data generation step, converting information about the first area received by the operation acceptance unit into first print data; a second print data generation step, converting the document of the printing object into second print data; and a communication step, sending the first print data and the second print data to the image forming device.

[0006] In addition, the present invention also provides an image forming device that can print in multiple colors, characterized in that it includes: a communication unit for receiving first print data and second print data from an information processing device, the first print data specifying an object to be printed in a specific color on a first area in a document of the print object, and the second print data is the document of the print object; a drawing unit for converting the second print data received by the communication unit into image data of a predetermined color; a specific color image control unit for extracting an image of the first area from the image data transformed by the drawing unit; and a transformation unit for converting the image of the first area extracted by the specific color image control unit into the specific color, the specific color image control unit generating image data of the specific color configured with the image of the first area transformed by the transformation unit.

[0007] The present invention has the effect that a specific color can be printed without application software that specifies the color. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example operation of a printing system.

[0009] Figure 2 This is an example of a process flow chart of an information processing device operated by application software.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a printing system.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an example hardware structure of an information processing device.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the hardware structure of an image forming device.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram of an example of an information processing device.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which an information processing device generates print data.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a document screen showing a created document displayed by application software.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a print screen for a user to print a document displayed by application software.

[0018] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a preview screen displayed on a monitor by the preview application software.

[0019] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of a print screen and a print setting screen of the second printer driver.

[0020] Fig.13 This is a diagram of the double-sided combined setting screen for executing double-sided and combined print settings.

[0021] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of an example of region information and region information instructions.

[0022] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the coordinates of the destination area to be moved when printing in a combined manner.

[0023] Fig.16 The present invention is a flowchart of a process in which an image forming apparatus prints an object designated in a specific color and a schematic diagram of various data used in the process.

[0024] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of an example of overprinting.

[0025] Fig.18 In the case of an image forming apparatus that can designate a specific color, a flowchart of a process for the image forming apparatus to print an object designated with a specific color with a specific color material, and a schematic diagram of various data used in the process.

[0026] Fig.19 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an output product output by an image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a printing system and a printing method executed by the printing system will be described as an example of a mode for implementing the present invention.

[0028] <Overview of Printing System Operation>

[0029] First use Figure 1 and Figure 2 A method in which an image forming apparatus forms an image using specific colors will be briefly described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the printing system. Figure 2 This is an example of a process flow chart of an information processing device operated by application software.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the processing of the printing system is divided into processing on the side of the information processing device 10 ( Figure 1 (a)) and the processing of the image forming device 30 ( Figure 1 (b)). Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of a user performing an operation in the information processing device 10. The user executes general application software in the information processing device 10 and creates a document including an object to be printed in a specific color other than C, M, Y, and K. General application software refers to application software that cannot specify a specific color, in other words, application software that can only process RGB.

[0031] (S101) The user describes in a document an object 71 that needs to be printed in a specific color. Figure 1 In (a), object 71 is an image code (barcode or QR code). In addition, any characters, numbers, symbols, letters, graphics, or photos that can be expressed in two dimensions can be object 71. Figure 1 The document of (a) can be pre-made. In addition, the image of the area selected by the user is the object 71, and the user can select the object 71 from any position of the document.

[0032] (S102) The user calls a first printer driver, which will be described later, from the application software. The first printer driver is a virtual printer driver for calling a preview application, which will be described later, and does not perform printing. The first printer driver calls the preview application.

[0033] (S103) The user sets a specific color area 72 (an example of a first area) including an object 71 to be printed in a specific color on the preview screen displayed by the preview application. Figure 1 The rectangular area surrounding the image code in (a) is the specific color area 72. Thus, the specific color area 72 is an area of ​​the object 71 designated to be printed in a specific color.

[0034] Although the user can print the object 71 of the specific color area 72 in the specific color area 72, the user can also move the object 71 of the specific color area 72 to any position in the document for printing. In other words, the user can specify the position of the moving destination of the object 71 of the specific color area 72. Figure 1 In (a) of FIG. 1 , a movement destination area (an example of a second area) 74 (actually, a job on the preview screen) of a part of a photo 73 of a document is designated.

[0035] When operating the information processing device 10, the user does not only need to designate the moving destination area 74, and the image code in the document on the preview screen is moved to the moving destination area 74. After the image code in the document on the preview screen is moved, for example Figure 1In (a), since the RGB values ​​are determined when the photo 73 and the object 71 (image code) overlap, it is difficult for the image forming device 30 to extract the image code only from the overlapping document of the photo 73. In the present embodiment, although the transparent colorant is used as the specific color material as described below, it is difficult to print only the image code with the transparent colorant. In addition, as another reason, even if the image code is extracted only from the document overlapping the photo, since the RGB values ​​are determined when the photo and the image code overlap, the information of the original photo is missing. In this case, if the image code is printed with a transparent colorant, the RGB value of the overlapping portion of the image code will be different from that of the original photo, and the image quality will be reduced.

[0036] Therefore, the printing system 100 of this embodiment can print the object 71 in a specific color at any place without reducing the image quality by specifying the movement destination area 74. Moreover, even if the specific color material is a transparent toner, it is still eye-catching when printed on a solid color part of the paper, so the object 71 can be printed overlapping the non-solid color part, so that the object 71 printed in the specific color will not be conspicuous.

[0037] (S104) Returning to the original application software, the user calls the second printer driver from the application software.

[0038] (S105, S106) The second printer driver converts the information of the specific color area 72 and the destination area 74 set in step S103 into print data described in PDL (Printer Description Language), and sends it to the image forming device 30. Of course, the second printer driver keeps the object 71 placed on the specific color area 72, and converts the document into print data as usual. These print data are sent to the image forming device 30 through the spooler.

[0039] Next, the processing on the image forming apparatus 30 side will be described. Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the processing of the image forming device 30. The image forming device 30 is an ordinary image forming device that cannot specify a specific color (only C, M, Y, K can be specified). The image forming device 30 of the present embodiment is a color printer that prints in a combination of four colors: C, M, Y, K (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). The image forming device 30 converts the RGB print data output by the printer driver into the print data of C, M, and Y respectively. In other words, it is not converted to K. Black can also be represented by C, M, and Y among C, M, Y, and K. Generally, image forming devices use K to improve color development and reduce the amount of colorant used. The image forming device 30 of the present embodiment uses the characteristic that K color can be printed even without black of K to allocate a specific color to K (i.e., a specific color material is stored in the K colorant card).

[0040] (1) Figure 1 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the image forming device 30 creates a monochrome image 81 (image data in which pixels are displayed as 1 or 0) of C, M, and Y, in which the presence or absence of coloring is indicated by bits, based on the print data sent from the information processing device 10 .

[0041] (2) Since the object 71 of the specific color region 72 is drawn in each of the C, M, and Y monochrome images 81, the image forming device 30 extracts the image data from each specific color region 72. That is, the image of the object 71 is taken out. The image data in the specific color region 72 is deleted.

[0042] (3) The image forming device 30 converts the C, M, and Y image data in the specific color area 72 into a monochrome image 81 of K. This is because K is assigned as a specific color in the image forming device 30, and it is sufficient to convert it into an empty color (a color not assigned) in the image forming device 30. The image forming device 30 arranges the object 71 converted into K in the destination area 74 in the monochrome image of K.

[0043] The image forming device 30 forms a monochrome image 81 of C with C colorant, forms a monochrome image 81 of M with M colorant, forms a monochrome image 81 of Y with Y colorant, and forms a monochrome image 81 of K with a specific color material. Through the respective image formation, an output product printed out using a specific color material in the moving destination area 74 of the object 71 in the specific color area 72 can be obtained.

[0044] In this way, the printing system 100 of this embodiment can not only realize printing of specific colors using an image forming device 30 that can specify specific colors or application software that can specify specific colors, but also can realize printing of specific colors even when a specific color cannot be specified and there is no application software that can specify a specific color.

[0045] On the other hand, when there is an image forming apparatus 30 capable of specifying a specific color and application software capable of specifying a specific color, printing using the specific color can be performed, but the following complicated operation must be performed.

[0046] a. Output document data created by general application software as image data (PDF).

[0047] b. Read its image data (PDF) using application software that can specify specific colors.

[0048] c. The user performs a task of adding a specific color monochrome (creating a PDF file containing an RGB image + a specific color monochrome).

[0049] In contrast, in this embodiment, on ordinary application software, the user calls the printer driver and specifies the specific color area 72 and the movement destination area 74, thereby enabling printing using specific colors.

[0050] <Terms>

[0051] Specific colors refer to primary colors other than C, M, Y, and K (printing colors). For example, gold, silver, white, or transparent. Some image forming devices (especially inkjet) can use toners of other colors in addition to C, M, Y, and K, and specific colors may be different in different image forming devices. In addition, specific colors may also be colors that cannot be expressed in RGB by application software. Specific color materials are color materials such as toners or inks that can print specific colors.

[0052] Transparent means invisible to a certain wavelength of light. It does not need to be completely invisible, as long as it is invisible at first glance and / or cannot be captured by a camera. Transparent toners or inks are sometimes called invisible toners or invisible inks.

[0053] This embodiment does not use an image forming device that can specify a specific color other than C, M, Y, and K for printing, but uses an image forming device that assigns a specific color to K. In other words, the colors that can be processed are only C, M, Y, and K. The image forming device 30 of this embodiment does not use K toner, and the K toner cartridge contains a specific color material. In addition, this embodiment can also use an image forming device that can specify a specific color for printing (C, M, Y, K + specific color).

[0054] An object is a part of a document or the entire document that is printed. It can be distinct from other objects or connected to other objects.

[0055] The predetermined color refers to a primary color other than the specific color.

[0056] <System Configuration Example>

[0057] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the printing system 100 . Figure 3 The printing system 100 shown includes an information processing device 10 and one or more image forming devices 30. An image forming device 30 connected to the information processing device 10 via a dedicated line is referred to as an image forming device 30A, and an image forming device 30 connected to a network is referred to as an image forming device 30B. When any image forming device 30 among the plurality of image forming devices 30A and 30B is indicated, it is referred to as "image forming device 30".

[0058] The information processing device 10 is connected to the image forming device 30A one-to-one (Peer-to-Peer) via a dedicated line such as a USB cable. However, it does not need to be connected all the time, and the user can remove the dedicated line. In addition to the USB cable, there are PC cards, PCI, IEEE1394, SCSI, etc.

[0059] In addition, the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 30A may also use wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication that performs one-to-one connection include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and wireless LAN.

[0060] The information processing device 10 is connected to the image forming device 30B via a network so as to be communicable. The network N is set to be a common network such as a LAN or the Internet. The LAN is a LAN within a facility such as a company equipped with the image forming device 30B. The network N may also include a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and a wide area Ethernet (registered trademark). The network N may be constructed in a wired or wireless manner, or in a combination of a wired and wireless manner.

[0061] The information processing device 10 executes various control programs such as OS (Operating System) and printer driver and application software, and provides functions corresponding to the application software. The information processing device 10 is generally referred to as a computer. The control program is, for example, a program called a device driver (software for controlling hardware connected to a computer through an OS). An example of a device driver is a printer driver. Specific examples of the information processing device 10 include a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wearable PC, and the like.

[0062] In addition to the above, the information processing device 10 can also be an electronic blackboard (White Board, a device with electronic blackboard functions that can communicate with each other), digital signage and other output devices, projectors, video conferencing terminals, etc. As long as the device runs on OS, control programs and application software, it can be an information processing device.

[0063] The image forming device 30 mainly forms images such as text and graphics on a recording medium using toner or ink. In this embodiment, images of C, M, and Y image data can be formed using toner or ink (hereinafter referred to as visible material) that can be read by the naked eye, and images of K image data can be formed using a specific color material (toner and ink). The image forming device 30 can form an image on a recording medium using not only a visible material and a specific color material, but also only one of the materials.

[0064] The specific color material can be a toner or ink that absorbs the infrared light wavelength region (about 850nm) including near-infrared light, but absorbs less in the visible light wavelength region (about 400-700nm) (the absorbance in the visible light wavelength region is less than that in the infrared light wavelength region). This type of specific color material is transparent to visible light (invisible), but can be read when irradiated with infrared light. Therefore, the specific color means transparent to visible light. When the specific color material is irradiated with infrared light, it appears black due to absorption of infrared light. The colors of C, M, and Y are transparent to infrared light. On the other hand, the color material of K (ordinary black toner) includes materials that absorb infrared light and materials that do not absorb infrared light. If the K color that absorbs infrared light forms an image together with the specific color material, both appear black, making it difficult to identify the object 71 formed with the specific color material. Therefore, the K color that absorbs infrared light and the specific color material cannot be formed on the same sheet of paper. On the other hand, even if the K color that does not absorb infrared light is formed together with the specific color material, when irradiated with infrared light, only the specific color material appears black, so that the object 71 formed by the specific color material can be identified. In this embodiment, the image forming device 30 that prints without using the color K is described. Therefore, black is represented by overlapping C, M, and Y. However, there is no problem in printing using five colors including the K color that does not absorb infrared light, namely, C, M, Y, K+specific color.

[0065] Since the specific color material can form information that can determine the authenticity of the output, it has the effect of preventing the output from being copied, etc. Since it can improve security, the specific color material can be called a safe consumer material.

[0066] The specific color material may also be a toner or ink that absorbs ultraviolet light (UV) but less absorbs visible light. In addition, it may be a material that is transparent under normal conditions but becomes visible through chemical reactions such as heat, lasers, and chemicals. Or it may be possible to form information that is difficult to discern with the naked eye by forming concave and convex surfaces.

[0067] As for the recording medium, any material that can adhere to toner or ink can be used as the recording medium for printing by the image forming device 30. The recording medium refers to a medium that can be adhered temporarily, fixed after adhesion, and permeable after adhesion. Specifically, it refers to recording media such as paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, cloth, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, and powder layers (powder layers). Unless otherwise specified, it generally includes all media that adhere to toner or ink.

[0068] Paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc., can be considered as a material "capable of adhering to toner or ink" if toner or ink is adhered to the material even temporarily.

[0069] The image forming device 30 includes, in addition to a printing device using electronic photography technology, a printing device using inkjet technology for ejecting droplets, and a printing device using a thermal transfer ribbon. The image forming device 30 may also be a multifunction machine. The "composite" of a multifunction machine refers to having multiple functions such as image forming function, fax sending and receiving, document scanning, and copying. A multifunction machine is sometimes referred to as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product). However, in the present embodiment, it only needs to have an image forming function. The image forming device 30 may also be referred to as a printer.

[0070] <Hardware Configuration Example>

[0071] The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 30 included in the printing system 100 will be described below.

[0072] <<Information Processing Device>>

[0073] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the information processing device 10. Figure 4As shown, the information processing device 10 is constructed by a computer and has a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, a peripheral connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a medium I / F 516.

[0074] Among them, CPU501 controls the operation of the entire information processing device 10. ROM502 stores programs for driving CPU501 such as IPL. RAM503 can be used as a work area for CPU501. HD504 stores various data such as programs. HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data of HD504 according to the control of CPU501. Display 506 displays various information such as cursor, menu, window, text or image. External device connection I / F508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the peripherals are, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and printer. Network I / F509 is an interface for data transmission using network N. Data bus 510 is used for electrical connection Figure 4 The address bus and data bus of each component such as the CPU 501 shown.

[0075] The keyboard 511 is an input device having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numbers and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is an input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing objects, moving the cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 514, as an example of a removable recording medium, controls the reading or writing of various data in the DVD-RW 513. It is not limited to DVD-RW, but can also be a DVD-R, etc. The recording medium I / F 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data on the recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0076] <<Image Forming Apparatus>>

[0077] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the image forming device 30. Figure 5 As shown, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a controller 910 , a short-distance communication circuit 920 , an engine control unit 930 , an operation panel 940 , and a network I / F 950 .

[0078] Among them, the controller 910 is composed of the main parts of the computer CPU 901, system memory (MEM-P) 902, north bridge (NB) 903, south bridge (SB) 904, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, local memory (MEM-C) 907 as a storage unit, hard disk (HDD) controller 908 and HD909 as a storage unit, and the NB903 and ASIC906 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) main line 921.

[0079] The CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 30. The NB 903 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 901, the MEM-P 902, the SB 904, and the AGP bus 921, and includes a memory controller that controls the reading and writing operations of the MEM-P 902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP destination.

[0080] The MEM-P 902 includes a ROM 902a for storing programs and data that can realize the functions of the controller 910, and a RAM 902b for expanding programs or data and for drawing during memory printing. The program stored in the RAM 902b can also be provided by storing it in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD in an installable format or an executable format file.

[0081] SB904 is a bridge for connecting NB903, PCI devices, and peripheral devices. ASIC906 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing with hardware elements for image processing, and has a bridge function for connecting AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD controller 908, and MEM-C907 respectively. This ASIC906 includes a PCI destination and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) forming the core of ASIC906, a memory controller for controlling MEM-C907, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) for performing image data rotation and the like through hardware logic, and a PCI unit for performing data transmission between a scanner unit 931 and a printer unit 932 through a PCI bus 922. ASIC906 can also be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface and an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers1394) interface.

[0082] MEM-C907 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. HD909 is a register for storing image data, font data used when printing, and formats. HD909 controls data reading or writing in accordance with the control of CPU901. AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card, which is used to speed up graphics processing. By directly accessing MEM-P902 with high throughput, the speed of the graphics accelerator card can be increased.

[0083] In addition, the short-distance communication circuit 920 is provided with a short-distance communication antenna 920a. The short-distance communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0084] Furthermore, the engine control unit 930 is composed of a scanner unit 931 and a printer unit 932. The operation panel 940 also includes a hard key 940b, including a panel display unit 940a such as a touch screen for displaying current setting values ​​and selection screens, etc., and receiving input from the operator, as well as numeric keys for receiving setting values ​​related to image forming conditions such as density setting conditions, and a start key for receiving a copy start instruction. The controller 910 controls the entire image forming device 30, such as controlling drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 940. The scanner unit 931 or the printer unit 932 includes an image processing unit such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0085] In addition, the image forming apparatus 30 can sequentially switch between the document frame function, the copy function, the print function, and the fax function for selection by using the application switching key of the operation panel 940. When the document frame function is selected, the document frame mode is entered; when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is entered; when the print function is selected, the print mode is entered; and when the fax mode is selected, the fax mode is entered.

[0086] The network I / F 950 is an interface for performing data communication using the network N. The short-distance communication circuit 920 and the network I / F 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922 .

[0087] <Functions of Information Processing Apparatus and Image Forming Apparatus>

[0088] Second, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 , functions of the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 30 are described.

[0089] <<Information Processing Device>>

[0090] Figure 61 is a functional block diagram of an example of the information processing device 10. Three programs, namely, a first printer driver 11, a preview application 12, and a second printer driver 13, are executed in the information processing device 10. Application software for calling the first printer driver 11 or the second printer driver 13 is omitted here.

[0091] The application software only needs to be able to call the printer driver. For example, there are word processing software, presentation software, spreadsheet software, PDF software, browser software, etc. These application software can save and read files in corresponding formats respectively. The document file printed in a specific color by object 71 is also made in the format of the application software used by the corresponding user.

[0092] Figure 6 In the description, the program of the information processing device 10 is divided into three, but the function of the preview application 12 may also be a configuration possessed by the first printer driver 11. In addition, the first printer driver 11 and the second printer driver 13 may also be a configuration unified as one printer driver. In this case, the user can specify in which mode the print setting is to be run. Therefore, the first printer driver 11, the preview application 12, and the second printer driver 13 may be the same program.

[0093] When printing a document, the user can call the first printer driver 11 and automatically start the preview application 12, and the user can specify the specific color area 72 and the moving destination area 74 in the preview application 12. Therefore, for the conventional job of printing a document on the application software, it is only necessary to add the operation of specifying the specific color area 72 and the moving destination area 74, and it is not easy to cause a decrease in operability.

[0094] <<First Printer Driver>>

[0095] The first printer driver 11 has a preview application calling unit 21 and a UI unit 22. These functions of the first printer driver 11 are provided by Figure 4 Any one of the components shown is a function or means that operates according to a command issued by the CPU 501 of the first printer driver 11 that is developed from the HD 504 to the RAM 503 .

[0096] Since the first printer driver 11 is recognized as a printer driver by the OS, when the user calls the first printer driver 11 and starts it on the application software, the first printer driver 11 does not have the function of a printer driver.

[0097] That is, generally, a printer driver has a UI part and a drawing part, but the first printer driver 11 may not even have the functions of the UI part and the drawing part. The UI part 22 shown in the figure is described because a printer driver without the UI part 22 cannot be produced. However, the functions of the UI part 22 that actually operates may also be provided. In addition, as the drawing part, a driver attached to the OS, such as XPS (XML Paper Specification), is used. The electronic document created using the XPS driver is previewed. XPS is an electronic document based on XML. XPS is a document format in which files created by any application can be displayed by an information processing device. In addition to XPS, PDF (Portable Document Format) can also be used.

[0098] The preview application calling unit 21 starts the preview application 12. That is, when the user calls the first printer driver 11 and the first printer driver 11 is started, even if the user does not perform the next operation, the preview application calling unit 21 automatically starts the preview application 12. The preview application calling unit 21 is provided with identification information of the preview application 12 on the OS, and the preview application calling unit 21 specifies the identification information and requests the OS to start.

[0099] <<Preview Application>>

[0100] The preview application 12 includes a preview display unit 23, an operation receiving unit 24, and an area information storage unit 25. These functions of the preview application 12 are controlled by Figure 4 Any of the components shown is implemented by a function or a means that operates according to an instruction of the CPU 501 of the preview application 12 that is developed from the HD 504 to the RAM 503 .

[0101] The preview display unit 23 reads an electronic document generated by the XPS driver, and displays a print image (preview screen) of the document to be printed on the display 506 by the application software calling the first printer driver 11 .

[0102] The operation accepting unit 24 accepts the user's operation on the preview screen. The user's operation refers to the designation of the specific color area 72 and the destination area 74 by a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, such as a range designation or coordinate input. In addition, when the user enlarges or reduces the destination area 74, the size of the enlarged or reduced destination area 74 is accepted. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the destination area 74 may also be accepted.

[0103] The area information storage unit 25 is used to save the specific color area 72 and the mobile destination area 74 (hereinafter referred to as the area information) specified by the user to the storage area 14. The area information is the location information or coordinate information of the specific color area 72 and the mobile destination area 74. The storage area 14 is the area of ​​the HD504 or register of the information processing device 10. In addition to the information processing device 10, any place can be used as long as it is a place where data such as network folders and areas on the cloud can be saved. The area information storage unit 25 saves the area information in a predetermined URL (i.e., a predetermined storage location) in the storage area 14. Alternatively, the area information is saved in a folder with a predetermined folder name (or register name) in the storage area 14 using a predetermined file name. Based on this, the second printer driver 13 can read the area information.

[0104] <<Second Printer Driver>>

[0105] The second printer driver 13 has a UI unit 26 and a drawing unit 27. These functions of the second printer driver 13 are realized by Figure 4 Any one of the above-described constituent elements is a function or means implemented by operating in accordance with an instruction issued by the CPU 501 executing the second printer driver 13 developed from the HD 504 to the RAM 503 .

[0106] UI26 displays and accepts the selection of whether to make "specific color area reading and printing" effective on the print setting screen described later. In addition, general print setting items such as the number of copies, double-sided, and merging are also displayed and settings are accepted.

[0107] The drawing unit 27 further includes an area information reading unit 28 , a first print data generating unit 29 , and a second print data generating unit 31 .

[0108] The area information reading unit 28 reads the area information stored in the area information storage unit 25 of the preview application 12 from the storage area 14. However, if the UI unit 26 accepts the setting to disable “specific color area reading and printing”, it is not necessary to read the area information, and the area information reading unit 28 does not read the area information.

[0109] The first print data generating unit 29 converts the read region information into print data (an example of first print data) described in PDL to be interpreted by the image forming device 30. The print data is data formed by arranging commands executed by the image forming device 30. If the UI unit 26 accepts the setting to invalidate "specific color region read and print", the region information is not converted into print data. For convenience, the region information converted into print data is referred to as "region information command" below.

[0110] The second print data generating unit 31 reflects the print setting to the document displayed by the information processing device 10, and generates print data (an example of second print data) described in PDL interpreted by the image forming device 30. The print data is generated regardless of whether “specific color area reading and printing” is enabled or disabled.

[0111] The information processing apparatus 10 further includes a first communication unit 32. The first communication unit 32 is connected to the network N to transmit print data or receive information such as the status of the image forming apparatus 30 from the network N.

[0112] <<Image Forming Apparatus>>

[0113] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus 30. The image forming apparatus 30 includes a second communication unit 41, a print control unit 42, and a print language interpretation unit 43. These functions of the image forming apparatus 30 are realized by Figure 5 Each of the constituent elements shown is a function or means implemented by operating in accordance with instructions sent from the CPU 901 which executes a program developed from the HD 909 to the RAM 902 b .

[0114] The second communication unit 41 performs network control, connects to the network N, receives print data, and transmits the status of the image forming apparatus 30 and the like to the network N.

[0115] The print control unit 42 controls the printing of the print data received by the second communication unit 41 or read via the storage medium. That is, a monochrome image of each color of C, M, Y, and K is superimposed on an intermediate transfer body or paper, and discharged to a paper discharge tray via a fixing device. The monochrome image is image data in which the presence or absence of a pixel is indicated by a bit (1 or 0) for each color of C, M, Y, and K.

[0116] The print language interpreting unit 43 interprets the print data received from the print control unit 42 and converts it into data (the above-mentioned monochrome image) that can be printed by the printing unit 932. The print language interpreting unit 43 includes a monochrome data drawing unit 44, a specific color image control unit 45, and a monochrome data conversion unit 46.

[0117] The monochrome data drawing unit 44 interprets the print data and generates image data (bitmap data or raster data) in page units. In addition, the monochrome image 81 that can be printed by the printing unit 932 is generated by performing color matching processing and screening processing according to the C, M, Y, and K colors used in the printing of the image forming device 30. The color matching processing is a process of converting the input color (or black and white) print data with the optimal conversion ratio for the C, M, Y, and K four-color toner printing of the image forming device 30. However, in this embodiment, K is assigned to a specific color, so it is converted to C, M, and Y (an example of a predetermined color). The print data input from the information processing device 10 is represented by the RGB color space and expressed by the C, M, Y, and K color space, but when using ordinary application software, the RGB color space is used. After the monochrome data drawing unit 44 converts the print data in the RGB color space into the device-independent color space through the color matching processing, it converts it into the CMYK color space (without using K) by converting it into the device color space suitable for the characteristics of the image forming device 30.

[0118] The conversion formula from RGB to C, M, and Y is as follows. In this conversion, the maximum value is 1, so it is multiplied by the grayscale of C, M, and Y (for example, 255). C = 1-(R / 255) M = 1-(G / 255) Y = 1-(B / 255). In addition, this conversion is only a general conversion, and it is preferable to perform the conversion using the conversion formula that is most suitable for the image forming device 30.

[0119] The screening process is a simulated grayscale expression method such as a dithering method, and is a process for expressing the difference in light and dark by changing the dot size and density and using the optical illusion, and is a process for converting bitmap data or raster data into a monochrome image 81 that can be printed by the printing unit 932. In the monochrome image 81, each dot corresponding to a pixel drawn as a dot with laser or ink is set to 1 (ON: drawing) or 0 (OFF: not drawing).

[0120] The specific color image control unit 45 performs processing on the specific color area 72 and the destination area 74 based on the area information stored in the storage area 14. First, the image data of the specific color area 72 of each of the C, M, and Y monochrome images 81 is extracted, and the specific color area 72 is cleared. Clearing means setting the image data of the specific color area 72 to 0. In other words, nothing is printed on the specific color area 72. After clearing, any image (corporate logo or mascot icon, company name, etc.) can be drawn, or clearing is not required.

[0121] The monochrome data conversion unit 46 converts the image data of the specific color area 72 extracted from the monochrome image 81 of C, M, and Y into image data of K. Since the monochrome image 81 of C, M, and Y is 1 or 0, if C, M, or Y=1, it is converted to K=1. C=1→K=1, M=1→K=1, Y=1→K=1, and the specific color image control unit 45 arranges the image data of the specific color area 72 converted from C, M, and Y to K on the destination area 74 of the monochrome image 81 of K. Therefore, the monochrome image 81 of K becomes a monochrome image 81 in which the object 71 is placed only on the destination area 74.

[0122] <Action steps>

[0123] The following uses Figure 8 The processing procedure of the information processing device 10 will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of a process in which the information processing device 10 generates print data. Figures 9 to 13 Example of screen shown.

[0124] The user has created a document on the application software containing an object 71 printed in a specific color (see Fig. 9 ).

[0125] S1: First, Fig. 9 The user starts printing the document in the screen state. Specifically, the operation of calling the print screen 701 is performed. The application software accepts the operation and displays the print screen 701 on the display 506 (refer to Fig.10 ). The user selects the first printer driver 11 on the print screen 701 and presses the print button 702. The first printer driver 11 accepts the pressing of the print button 702. As described above, the first printer driver 11 is a printer driver that does not send print data to the image forming device 30 (there is no corresponding image forming device 30).

[0126] S1.1: According to this, after the first printer driver 11 is started, the XPS driver generates an electronic XPS document for preview. It is also possible to generate data for the preview screen more simply by taking a snapshot of the application software screen.

[0127] S1.2: Next, the preview application calling unit 21 starts the preview application 12. The user does not need to perform the calling operation of the preview application 12, nor does he need to be aware of the starting of other applications. However, the preview application 12 can also be started by the user's explicit operation.

[0128] S2: After the preview application 12 is started, the preview display unit 23 analyzes the XPS electronic document and displays a preview screen on the display 506. Fig.11 An example preview screen 711 is displayed.

[0129] S3: The user operates the pointing device to designate the specific color area 72 and the moving destination area 74 on the preview screen 711. The operation receiving unit 24 accepts the designation of the specific color area 72 and the moving destination area 74. However, if the object 71 printed in the specific color does not need to be moved, the moving destination area 74 does not need to be set.

[0130] S4: After the designation of the designated area 72 and the destination area 74 is completed, the user displays the end preview screen 711. For example, the user presses the OK button 713 on the preview screen. The operation receiving unit 24 receives the press of the OK button 713.

[0131] S4.1: By pressing the OK button 713, the area information storage unit 25 stores the area information in the storage area 14. In addition, by pressing the OK button 713, the preview application 12 requests the OS to end the software operation, and for this purpose, the preview application 12 is terminated and returns to the OS. Fig. 9 status.

[0132] S5: Then, the user Fig. 9 The document is printed from the screen state. As in step S1, the operation of calling the print screen 701 is executed. The application software accepts the operation and displays the print screen 701 on the display 506 (see Fig.12 (a)).

[0133] S5.1: The user selects the second printer driver 13 on the print screen 701 and presses a button (e.g., the properties button 705) to display the print setting screen 721. The second printer driver 13 is a printer driver corresponding to the image forming device 30 that can print a specific color as, for example, K color, and the second printer driver 13 accepts this operation. In response, the UI 26 is activated and the print setting screen 721 is activated on the display 506 (see Fig.12 (b)).

[0134] S6: Set "Specific color area read print" 724 to be enabled on the print setting screen. "Specific color area read print" is to set to print the specified object 71 in a specific color on the specific color area 72. The UI unit 26 accepts this setting. Since the setting content is saved, it is not necessary to set "Specific color area read print" 724 every time. If "Specific color area import print" 724 is disabled, the image forming device 30 will perform normal printing (RGB is converted to C, M, Y, K). In addition, the user can make other settings such as merging and double-sided printing like normal printing.

[0135] S7: The user closes the print setting screen 721 and presses the print button 702 to start printing. The UI unit 26 receives the press of the print button 702.

[0136] S7.1: First, since “specific color area reading and printing” is enabled, the area information reading section 28 of the drawing section 27 reads the area information from the predetermined storage area 14.

[0137] S7.2: Since "specific color area reading and printing" is effective, the first print data generating unit 29 converts the area information into print data (area information command) described in PDL that can be interpreted by the image forming device 30. The first print data generating unit 29 may include in the command that "specific color area reading and printing" is effective. In this way, the image forming device 30 can detect that the object 71 specified by the specific color area 72 is printed in a specific color. Alternatively, the area information command may also indicate that "specific color area reading and printing" is effective.

[0138] S7.3: The second print data generating unit 31 reflects the print settings to the display of the application software Fig. 9 Generate print data described in PDL from the document data.

[0139] S7.4: The first communication unit 32 sends the area information command and the print data to the image forming device 30. Thereafter, the image forming device 30 prints the print data.

[0140] <Screen displayed by information processing device>

[0141] The following instructions are Figure 8 Refer to the screen for the timing diagram. Fig. 9 This is an example of a document screen 731, which displays a document created by application software. Fig. 9 A document 733 edited by the user on the working area 732 of the application software is displayed. The content of the document is only an example.

[0142] Although the present embodiment assumes that the application software is an application software that cannot specify a specific color (an application software that can only process RGB), the present embodiment is also applicable to an application software that can specify a specific color.

[0143] The user writes in a part of the document that an object 71 is to be printed in a specific color. Fig. 9 The image code is recorded in the lower left corner of the document as an object 71. The recording position of the image code can be any part, but it is preferably a part that does not overlap with other objects 71. Only the object 71 to be printed is extracted from the C, M, and Y monochrome images 81 (if it overlaps, other objects will also be extracted).

[0144] For the same reason, the object 71 printed in a specific color is preferably printed in a location where the background is a solid color. Otherwise, the background will also be extracted when extracted from the C, M, Y monochrome image 81, and the background will also be printed in the specific color. However, in the case where the background color is lighter, it is also possible to extract only the object 71 printed in the specific color by binarization after extraction.

[0145] The object 71 printed in a specific color may be of any size, or may be described in large size on the entire document. The object 71 printed in a specific color may be represented in two dimensions. The information included in the image code may include the user name of the creator, the serial number, the date of creation, the identification information of the information processing device 10, etc. In addition, the image code may include any information.

[0146] The color of the object 71 printed in a specific color displayed by the application software becomes the color of the specific color material when printed. Therefore, the application can be described in any color. Even if the same object 71 is described in multiple colors, it becomes the color of the specific color material when printed. In other words, the object 71 specified by the specific color area 72 is the object 71 printed in the specific color. The number of objects 71 printed in the specific color can also be multiple.

[0147] Fig.10 701 is an example of a print screen 701 for a user to print a file displayed by an application. The print screen 701 has a print button 702, a printer selection button 703, an other setting button 704, and a property button 705. First, the printer selection button 703 is a button for the user to select an image forming device 30 for document printing (the image forming device 30 selected here may not actually exist). The user selects the image forming device 30 to which the first printer driver 11 that can specify the specific color area 72 is called. The image forming device 30 is known to the user.

[0148] The print button 702 is a button for calling a printer driver. When the user presses the print button 702 while the image forming apparatus 30 is selected, the first printer driver 11 is called and executed.

[0149] The other setting buttons 704 are buttons for the user to set page designation, component printing, print direction, paper size, etc. However, since the first printer driver 11 does not perform actual printing, no setting is required.

[0150] The property button 705 is a button for displaying the print setting screen of the image forming apparatus 30. The user can set detailed print settings that cannot be set on the print screen 701.

[0151] Fig.11711 is an example of a preview screen 711 displayed by the preview application 12 on the display 506. The preview screen 711 has a page designation column 712, an OK button 713, a cancel button 714, and a preview area 715. The preview area 715 is an area where a print image 715a of a document is displayed on the screen. The page designation column 712 is a column for the user to designate a page on which the print image 715a is displayed in the preview area 715. The OK button 713 is a button for the user to terminate the preview application 12 and the area information storage unit 25 to store the area information in the storage area 14 (return to the Fig. 9 ). The cancel button 714 is a button for returning to the print screen 701.

[0152] The user operates the pointing device to set one or more specific color areas 72 and destination areas 74 on the preview area 715. The upper limit of the number of specific color areas 72 is N, but the upper limit is not necessarily required. The specific color area 72 and the destination area 74 are set in pairs, but it is not necessary to move the destination area 74. Fig. 9 As shown, the object 71 included in the specific color area 72 is an object 71 printed in a specific color.

[0153] The user clicks the upper left corner of the area to be specified on the specific color area 72 and drags it to the lower right corner. The specified rectangular area at the upper left corner and the lower right corner is the specific color area 72. The preview display unit 23 prominently displays the specific color area 72 with a dotted frame 77 or the like. When specifying the destination area 74, the user drags the dotted frame 77 showing the specific color area 72 to move it to the destination area. The user can also expand or reduce the destination area 74 relative to the specific color area 72. In this case, the dotted frame 77 moved to the destination is clicked to make it a selected state, and the destination area 74 is expanded or reduced. The user can also rotate the destination area 74. In this case, the operation receiving unit 24 can accept the rotation angle by simply clicking the dotted frame 77 moved to the destination.

[0154] Fig.12 An example of the print screen 701 and print setting screen 721 of the second printer driver 13 is displayed. Fig.11 After clicking the OK button 713 on the preview screen 711, the Fig.12 (a) is a print screen 701. The print screen 701 is Fig.10 The same image forming device 30 is the same as the image forming device 30, but the user selects a different printer. The user who specifies the area information on the screen 711 selects an image forming device 30 in which a specific color is assigned to K. This image forming device 30 is known to the user.

[0155] After the image forming device 30 is selected, the setting for the specific color material can be performed. Fig.12 The print setting screen 721 shown in (b) is displayed on the display 506. The user enables "specific color area read print" by selecting "Effect" 722 → selecting the specific color print check box 723 → selecting "specific color area read print" 724. When the user presses the OK button 725, the print setting screen 721 returns to the print screen 701.

[0156] When the user presses the print button 702 on the print screen 701 , the second printer driver 13 corresponding to the image forming device 30 to which the specific color K is assigned is called and executed. Thus, print data is created and sent to the image forming device 30 .

[0157] The user can set page designation, component printing, print direction, paper size, etc. using the other setting buttons 704 , and can also set double-sided printing and combined printing, etc. on the print setting screen 721 .

[0158] Fig.13 7 is a schematic diagram of a double-sided combined setting screen 741 for executing double-sided and combined printing settings. The double-sided combined setting screen 741 has a double-sided printing setting column 742 and a combined printing setting column 743. The user can set "yes" or "no" by using radio buttons. Fig.13 In the example, the choices regarding merging freshmen are "2in 1" or "No".

[0159] If the merge printing is "yes", multiple documents are printed on the same sheet, so the coordinates of the specific color area 72 and the movement destination area 74 will change. Fig.15 In the description.

[0160] <Print Data Generated by Area Information>

[0161] Next, the area information (specific color area 72 and movement destination area 74) set by the user on the preview screen 711 and the print data (area information command) generated from the area information are described.

[0162] Fig.14 (a) shows an example of the area information stored in the storage area 14 by the area information storage unit 25. Each of the descriptions D1 and D2 represents one area information. The contents of the descriptions D1 and D2 are as follows.

[0163] “src_x”: the X coordinate of the upper left corner of the specific color area 72.

[0164] “src_y”: the Y coordinate of the upper left corner of the specific color area 72.

[0165] "width": the width of the specific color area 72 (in pixels).

[0166] "height": the height of the specific color area 72 in pixels.

[0167] “dst_x”: the X coordinate of the upper left corner of the movement destination area 74.

[0168] "dst_y": the Y coordinate of the upper left corner of the moving destination area 74.

[0169] "dst_width": the width of the movement destination area 74 (pixels).

[0170] "dst_height": the height of the movement destination area 74 (pixels).

[0171] “rot”: the rotation angle (clockwise) of the moving area 74 of the specific color area 72.

[0172] Fig.14 (b) is an example of print data (region information command) in which the region information read from the storage area 14 by the first print data generating unit 29 is described in PDL. Fig.14 The description of (b) D3 is from Fig.14 (a) describes the print data generated by D1, Fig.14 The description of (b) D4 is from Fig.14 (a) describes the print data generated by D2.

[0173] The image forming device 30 to which the specific color K is assigned may move the object 71 in the specific color area 72 to the moving destination area 74 in response to the area information instruction. Fig.14 The print data of the file is also described after the relay area information instruction in (b), but the location of the area information instruction can be placed anywhere.

[0174] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the coordinates of the destination area to be moved when printing in a combined manner. Fig.15 (a) is a schematic diagram of a specific color area 72. Fig.15 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the coordinates of the specific color area 72 when the merge printing is set. The area information stored in the area information storage unit 25 describes the coordinate information when the merge is not performed.

[0175] The first print data generating unit 29 of the second printer driver 13 Fig.15The coordinates of the specific color area 72 of (a) are converted to the merged coordinates. The coordinates of the upper left corner of the specific color area 72 before the conversion are (X, Y), and the coordinates of the upper left corner of the specific color area 72 after the conversion are (X', Y'). Suppose the width of the previewed print image 715a is W1 and the height is H1. The paper width is W2 and the height is H2. Therefore, W2 = H1, H2 = W1.

[0176] The coordinates (X′, Y′) of the upper left corner of the specific color area 72 after the transformation can be expressed as follows using the coordinates (X, Y) of the upper left corner of the specific color area 72 before the transformation.

[0177] X′=(W2 / 2)×(X / W1)

[0178] Y′=H2×(Y / H1)

[0179] The first print generating unit 29 also converts the coordinates of the movement destination area 74 in the same manner.

[0180] Fig.15 The objects 71 in the specific color area 72 in (b) can be completely the same or different. For example, if the serial number is to be included in the image code, the user needs to set a different image code on each page.

[0181] <Operation Procedure of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0182] Next use Fig.16 A process in which the image forming apparatus 30 that has received the print data prints an object in a specific color will be described. Fig.16 The flowchart of the process of the image forming apparatus 30 printing an object designated in a specific color with a specific color material, and a schematic diagram of various data used in this process.

[0183] S1: The second printer driver 13 sends print data. The print data includes the body 161 of the document, the coordinates 162 of the specific color area 72, and the coordinates 163 of the destination area 74. The second communication unit 41 of the image forming device 30 receives the print data. Based on the coordinates 162 of the specific color area 72 and the coordinates 163 of the destination area 74 (area information instruction) or the expression of printing the object in a specific color contained in the print data, the print control unit 42 starts to control the printing of the specified object in a specific color.

[0184] S12: The print control unit 42 obtains the print data from the second communication unit 41, and requests the print language interpretation unit 43 to interpret the print data.

[0185] The printing language interpretation unit 43 performs the following processing in units of pages.

[0186] S13: First, the monochrome data drawing unit 44 of the printing language interpretation unit 43 performs color printing. Color printing refers to performing the above-mentioned color matching processing and screening processing to generate monochrome images 81 of each color of C, M, and Y. The monochrome image 81 of K is not generated. The monochrome images 81 of C, M, and Y are stored in the storage device 164 (MEM-C907, HD909, etc.) of the image forming device 30.

[0187] S14: Next, the specific color image control unit 45 extracts the image data of the specific color area 72 from the C, M, and Y monochrome images 81 based on the specific color area 72 included in the print data. In this way, the shape of the object 71 printed in the specific color can be obtained.

[0188] S15: Then, the monochrome data conversion unit 46 converts the image data extracted from the specific color area 72 into K. The K image data is stored in the temporary area 165 (for example, MEM-C907, HD909, etc.) for the object 71 in the specific color area 72.

[0189] S16: Next, the specific color image control unit 45 deletes (clears) the image of the specific color area 72 from the C, M, and Y monochrome images 81 stored in the storage device 164, based on the specific color area 72 included in the print data. The object 71 of the specific color area 72 is printed to the destination because it is not necessary to print on the specific color area 72. However, the object 71 of the specific color area 72 may also be printed without being deleted.

[0190] S17: Next, the specific color image control unit 45 obtains the image data of the object 71 converted to K stored in the temporary area 165, and arranges the image data of the specific color area 72 converted from C, M, and Y to K on the destination area 74 of the K monochrome image 81 according to the movement destination area 74 included in the print data. The K monochrome image 81 is also stored in the storage device 164.

[0191] The printing language interpretation unit 43 generates the monochrome image 81 of C, M, Y, and K and notifies the printing control unit 42. The printing control unit 42 executes the printing process to print the monochrome image 81 of C, M, and Y on paper.

[0192] This embodiment specifies overprinting during printing. Overprinting refers to printing a certain color on top of another color.

[0193] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of an example of overprinting (overlapping printing). Fig.17(c) shows an output 171 output by the image forming device 30, and the output 171 is printed in two colors: C for the background and K for the text (Black). Therefore, a monochrome image 81 of C and a monochrome image 81 of K are produced in the printing process. If there is no overprinting designation, Fig.17 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the image forming device 30 masks (blanks) the portion of K and produces a monochrome image 81 of C. If there is an overprint designation, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown in (c) of FIG. 8 , the image forming device 30 creates a monochrome image 81 of C without masking the portion of K.

[0194] Without overprinting specified, the following colors (in Fig.17 C in the middle) and the color above (in Fig.17 In the case of overprint designation, the two colors are mixed together, and it may be impossible to reproduce the color that the application software needs to display on the output 171. Therefore, different documents have different overprint designation settings (overprint designation is set or not set), but in this embodiment, since the specific color is transparent, the following color (such as photos, etc.) will be blank if there is no overprint designation. On the other hand, since the specific color is transparent, even if there is an overprint designation, color changes are not likely to occur. For this reason, in this embodiment, there is an overprint designation, and a monochrome image 81 to which the specific color K is assigned is printed. For C, M and Y, no overprint designation is required.

[0195] Furthermore, in the case of an image forming device 30 that can designate a specific color, Fig.16 The processing becomes as follows.

[0196] Fig.18 In the case of the image forming device 30 that can designate a specific color, it is a flowchart of a process in which the image forming device 30 prints an object designated in a specific color with a specific color material, and a schematic diagram of various data used in the process. Fig.18 Main description and Fig.16 difference. Fig.18 The image forming device 30 is an image forming device that can designate a specific color other than C, M, Y, and K. The toner of K does not absorb infrared light.

[0197] The processing of steps S11 and S12 is Fig.16 In step S13, the monochrome data drawing section 44 of the printing language interpretation section 43 generates not only the monochrome images 81 of the respective colors C, M, and Y but also the monochrome image 81 of K.

[0198] In step S14 , the specific color image control unit 45 extracts the image data of the specific color area 72 from the monochrome images 81 of C, M, Y, and K, respectively, based on the specific color area 72 included in the print data.

[0199] In step S15, the monochrome data conversion unit 46 converts the image data extracted in the specific color area 72 into the specific color area. The specific color is transparent, but is a primary color other than C, M, Y, and K that can be specified in the image forming apparatus 30.

[0200] The processing of step S16 is Fig.16 In step S17, the specific color image control unit 45 obtains the image data of the object 71 converted to the specific color stored in the temporary area 165, and arranges the image data of the specific color area 72 converted from C, M, Y, K to the specific color on the destination area 74 of the specific color monochrome image 81 according to the movement destination area 74 included in the print data. The specific color monochrome image 81 is also stored in the storage device 164.

[0201] Based on the above, a monochromatic image 81 of C, M, Y, K and a specific color is produced, and the image forming device 30 prints C, M, Y, and K+the specific color.

[0202] <Printing example>

[0203] Fig.19 is an example of an output product output by the image forming device 30. The object 71 exists in the document displayed by the application software, but the document is deleted in the output product. The object 71 is also printed on the move destination area 74. The output object 71 is actually transparent, but for drawing reasons, it is not displayed in the image forming device 30. Fig.19 Described in white.

[0204] <Conclusion>

[0205] As described above, the printing system 100 of this embodiment can use a general application to implement printing using a specific color in a job in which a user calls a printer driver and specifies a specific color area 72 and a destination area 74, using a printing device 30 that can specify a specific color or an application software that can specify a specific color, or neither.

[0206] <Other Application Examples>

[0207] The best modes for carrying out the present invention have been described above; however, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications, substitutions, additions and deletions are permitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0208] For example, in the present embodiment, a toner transparent to visible light is printed, but a color other than C, M, Y, and K such as gold, silver, or white may be printed.

[0209] In this embodiment, the object 71 printed in a specific color is recorded in the document of the printing object, but the object 71 printed in a specific color can also be a document different from the printing object document. In this case, merge printing can be used. At this time, the user records the file name of the object in another document and saves the file of the object with the file name of the object. By executing merge printing of the file name specified in the document of the printing object, the object can be printed at any position on the document to be printed. This method is very convenient when printing multiple documents but wanting to make the objects of each document different from each other.

[0210] This embodiment mainly describes printing using electrophotographic technology, but can also be used in a printing device using inkjet technology that ejects droplets.

[0211] exist Figure 6 , Figure 7 In the configurations exemplified above, the processing of the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 30 is divided according to the main functions for the convenience of understanding. The division method or name of the processing unit does not limit the present invention. The processing of the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 30 can also be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Conversely, the same processing unit can also be divided to include more processing.

[0212] Each function of the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. The "processing circuit" herein refers to a processor installed with an electronic router, similar to a processor that performs each function through software, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and traditional circuit modules designed to perform the above-mentioned functions.

[0213] Explanation of symbols

[0214] 10 Information processing device

[0215] 30 Image forming device

[0216] 72 Specific color areas

[0217] 74 Move destination area

[0218] 100 Printing System

Claims

1. An information processing method for an information processing device to be executed, the information processing device requiring an image forming device to print a document represented by application software, the information processing device having a first printer driver and a second printer driver, the information processing method being characterized in that: include, An operation acceptance step of accepting an object to be printed in a specific color by designating a first area in a document of the print object; a first print data generating step of converting information on the first area received by the operation receiving unit into first print data; A second print data generating step, converting the document of the print object into second print data; as well as, a communication step of sending the first print data and the second print data to the image forming device; In the operation accepting step, a designation of a second area in the document to be printed is accepted; In the first print data generating step, information about the second area accepted in the operation accepting step and information about the first area are converted into the first print data, wherein the information about the first area is position information or coordinate information of a specific color area, and the information about the second area is position information or coordinate information of a moving destination area; When the second printer driver is called by the application software, the second printer driver causes the information processing device to execute a region information reading step to read the first region and the second region from a storage area. In the first print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the first area and the second area are converted into the first print data, and in the second print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the document of the printing object is converted into the second print data.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A preview step is provided, so that the information processing device displays a preview screen of the document to be printed, In the operation accepting step, a designation of the first area on the preview screen is accepted.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A preview step is provided, so that the information processing device displays a preview screen of the document to be printed, In the operation accepting step, designation of the first area and the second area on the preview screen is accepted.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the operation accepting step, a designation of the second area that is larger or smaller than the first area is accepted, or a rotation angle of the second area relative to the first area is accepted, In the first print data generating step, the second area including the size of the second area or the rotation angle is converted into the first print data.

5. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: When a merge printing of the print target document is accepted in the operation accepting step, the coordinates of the first area and the second area are converted into merged coordinates in the first print data generating step.

6. The information processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the first printer driver is called by the application software, in the operation acceptance step implemented by the first printer driver, the designation of the first area and the second area is accepted on the preview screen of the document to be printed, The first printer driver causes the information processing apparatus to execute an area information saving step to save the first area and the second area in a storage area.

7. An image forming device capable of printing in multiple colors, characterized in that: include, a communication unit configured to receive first print data and second print data from an information processing device, wherein the first print data specifies an object to be printed in a specific color on a first area in a document of a print object, and the second print data is the document of the print object, wherein the communication unit receives the first print data of the first area and the second area in the document of the print object from the information processing device, wherein the information of the first area is position information or coordinate information of a specific color area, and the information of the second area is position information or coordinate information of a moving destination area; a drawing unit, configured to convert the second printing data received by the communication unit into image data of a predetermined color; a specific color image control unit, configured to extract an image of the first area from the image data transformed by the drawing unit; and a conversion unit, configured to convert the image of the first area extracted by the specific color image control unit into the specific color, The specific color image control unit generates image data of the specific color in which the image of the first area transformed by the transformation unit is arranged; The information processing device includes a first printer driver and a second printer driver. When the second printer driver is called by the application software, the second printer driver causes the information processing device to execute an area information reading step to read the first area and the second area from the storage area. In the first print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the first area and the second area are converted into the first print data, and in the second print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the document of the printing object is converted into the second print data.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The specific color image control unit generates the specific color image data by arranging the image of the first area transformed by the transformation unit on the second area.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The specific color image control section deletes the image of the first area from the image data of the predetermined color.

10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: A printing control unit is provided for printing the image data of the specific color overlapping the image data of the predetermined color.

11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The specific color is transparent to visible light.

12. An information processing device, the information processing device requiring an image forming device to print a document represented by application software, characterized in that: include, an operation accepting unit for accepting an object to be printed in a specific color by designating a first area in a document of a print object; a first print data generating unit configured to convert information on the first area received by the operation receiving unit into first print data; A second printing data generating unit, used for converting the document of the printing object into second printing data; as well as, a communication unit, configured to send the first print data and the second print data to the image forming device; The operation accepting unit is further used to accept the designation of a second area in the document to be printed; The first print data generating unit is further configured to convert information about the second area accepted in the operation accepting unit and information about the first area into the first print data, wherein the information about the first area is position information or coordinate information of a specific color area, and the information about the second area is position information or coordinate information of a moving destination area; The information processing device includes a first printer driver and a second printer driver. When the second printer driver is called by the application software, the second printer driver causes the information processing device to execute an area information reading step to read the first area and the second area from a storage area. In the first print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the first area and the second area are converted into the first print data, and in the second print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the document of the printing object is converted into the second print data.

13. A printing system, in which an information processing device requests an image forming device to print a document represented by application software, the information processing device having a first printer driver and a second printer driver, characterized in that: The information processing device comprises: an operation accepting unit for accepting an object to be printed in a specific color by designating a first area in a document of a print object; a first print data generating unit configured to convert information on the first area received by the operation receiving unit into first print data; A second printing data generating unit, used for converting the document of the printing object into second printing data; as well as, a first communication unit configured to send the first print data and the second print data to the image forming device; The operation accepting unit is further used to accept the designation of a second area in the document to be printed; The first print data generating unit is further used to convert the information about the second area and the information about the first area accepted in the operation accepting unit into the first print data, wherein the information about the first area is the position information or coordinate information of the specific color area, and the information about the second area is the position information or coordinate information of the moving destination area; the image forming device includes, a second communication unit, configured to receive first print data and second print data from an information processing device, wherein the first print data specifies an object to be printed in a specific color on a first area in a document of a print object, and the second print data is the document of the print object; a drawing unit, configured to convert the second printing data received by the communication unit into image data of a predetermined color; a specific color image control unit, configured to extract an image of the first area from the image data transformed by the drawing unit; and a conversion unit, configured to convert the image of the first area extracted by the specific color image control unit into the specific color, The specific color image control unit generates image data of the specific color in which the image of the first area transformed by the transformation unit is arranged; When the second printer driver is called by the application software, the second printer driver causes the information processing device to execute a region information reading step to read the first region and the second region from a storage area. In the first print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the first area and the second area are converted into the first print data, and in the second print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the document of the printing object is converted into the second print data.

14. A printing method for an information processing device, the information processing device executing a program called by application software displaying a document to request an image forming device to print the document, wherein: The information processing device has a first printer driver and a second printer driver, and the printing method is characterized by having: The operation accepting unit accepts a step of accepting a target to be printed in a specific color by designating a first area in a document of the print target; The first print data generating unit converts the information on the first area received by the operation receiving unit into first print data; A second print data generating step of converting the document of the print object into second print data; as well as, The communication unit sends the first print data and the second print data to the image forming device; In the operation accepting step, a designation of a second area in the document to be printed is accepted; In the first print data generating step, information about the second area accepted in the operation accepting step and information about the first area are converted into the first print data, wherein the information about the first area is position information or coordinate information of a specific color area, and the information about the second area is position information or coordinate information of a moving destination area; When the second printer driver is called by the application software, the second printer driver causes the information processing device to execute a region information reading step to read the first region and the second region from a storage area. In the first print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the first area and the second area are converted into the first print data, and in the second print data generation step implemented by the second printer driver, the document of the printing object is converted into the second print data.

15. A storage medium storing a program for executing the information processing method according to claim 1.

16. A computer device comprising a processor and a storage device storing a program for executing the information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the program is executed by the processor to implement the information processing method.

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