Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided are an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium that can suppress occurrence of unintended print results. To this end, a plurality of spot colors that can be designated is displayed in a spot color setting screen. A user selects a color to be used as a spot color while visually checking the plurality of spot colors that the user can designate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium for performing desired spot color printing using a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, printing devices have been developed that aim to expand the color reproduction area by using inks of specific colors, such as red, blue, green, and fluorescent pink, in addition to the basic colors commonly used in printing equipment, including cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Furthermore, a technique called spot color printing is used, which is configured to represent specific locations on the printed product using predetermined specific color inks. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-103695 discloses a technique configured to print by replacing information (RGB values) related to a specific color with a predetermined specific color during the printing process.

[0003] When performing spot color printing, it is necessary to avoid unexpected printing results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium capable of suppressing the occurrence of unintended printing results.

[0005] The storage medium according to the present invention is a storage medium storing a prescribed program that causes a computer to execute: a display control step for performing processing to display: a first display area for performing printing using a first color, the first color employing a common color ink as a primary color and a specific color ink as a color other than the primary color; and a second display area different from the first display area and for performing printing using a second color, the second color being different from the first color and employing at least the specific color ink; and a change control step for performing the following processing: when operating the first display area, changing a setting from printing a first print area in a printable object image corresponding to a first RGB value using a third color as the primary color to printing the first print area using the first color; and when operating the second display area, changing a setting from printing a second print area in a printable object image corresponding to a second RGB value using a fourth color as the primary color to printing the second print area using the second color.

[0006] A control method for an information processing device includes: a display control step for performing processing to display: a first display area for performing printing using a first color, the first color employing a common color ink as a primary color and a specific color ink as a color other than the primary color; and a second display area different from the first display area and for performing printing using a second color, the second color being different from the first color and employing at least the specific color ink; and a change control step for performing the following processing: when operating the first display area, changing a setting from printing a first print area in a printable object image corresponding to a first RGB value using a third color as the primary color to printing the first print area using the first color; and when operating the second display area, changing a setting from printing a second print area in a printable object image corresponding to a second RGB value using a fourth color as the primary color to printing the second print area using the second color.

[0007] An information processing device includes: a display control unit configured to perform processing to display: a first display area for performing printing using a first color, the first color employing a common color ink as a primary color and a specific color ink as a color other than the primary color; and a second display area different from the first display area and configured to perform printing using a second color, the second color being different from the first color and employing at least the specific color ink; and a change control unit configured to perform the following processing: when operating the first display area, changing a setting from printing a first print area in a printable object image corresponding to a first RGB value using a third color as the primary color to printing the first print area using the first color; and when operating the second display area, changing a setting from printing a second print area in the printable object image corresponding to a second RGB value using a fourth color as the primary color to printing the second print area using the second color.

[0008] According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium capable of suppressing the occurrence of unintended printing results can be provided.

[0009] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the printing system;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a printing system that performs spot color printing;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the application;

[0013] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the print settings dialog box;

[0014] Figure 4B This is an image showing the spot color settings screen;

[0015] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the corresponding specified RGB value, the displayed RGB value, and the corresponding command;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the print data creation process;

[0017] Figure 7A This is a diagram showing the commands to be added;

[0018] Figure 7B This is a diagram showing another command to be added;

[0019] Figure 7C This is a diagram showing another command to be added;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the application of poster data creation;

[0021] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the spot color display process;

[0022] Figure 10A This is a flowchart illustrating the spot color return process;

[0023] Figure 10B This is a flowchart illustrating the setup process;

[0024] Figure 11A This is a diagram showing the print settings dialog box;

[0025] Figure 11B This is an image showing the spot color settings screen;

[0026] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the spot color information update process; and

[0027] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the specified RGB value, the display of the RGB value, and the corresponding command. Detailed Implementation

[0028] (First Embodiment)

[0029] The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of a printing system. The main computer 101 represents an example of an information processing device and includes an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, RAM 113, an external storage device 114, an output interface 115, and an input-output interface 116. On the other hand, input devices including a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110, while display devices such as a display unit 119 are connected to the output interface 115.

[0031] The initialization program is stored in ROM 112. The application set, operating system (OS), printer driver, and various other data are stored in external storage device 114. RAM 113 is used, for example, as working memory when executing the various programs stored in external storage device 114.

[0032] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 performs processing according to the program stored in the ROM 112 to realize the functions of the host computer 101 described later, as well as the processing related to the flowchart described later. The printing device (image output device) 102 is connected to the host computer 101 via the input-output interface 116. Here, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 are provided separately. However, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 can be integrated together as a single information processing device. Although the following description will use an inkjet printer as an example of an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a sheet surface, the printing device 102 can perform printing according to other methods (such as electrophotographic methods). On the other hand, the CPU 111 can perform printing control of the printing device 102.

[0033] In this embodiment, an inkjet printer configured to perform printing (hereinafter referred to as spot color printing) by using a special color pigment in a specific location will be described as an example. Furthermore, this embodiment will describe a large-format inkjet printer capable of printing on large-size printing media such as A0 and B0 sizes as an example of a printing device. Additionally, the host computer 101 can be any of a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, or a laptop personal computer.

[0034] Figure 2This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a printing system for spot color printing. Spot color printing is a printing mode that uses inks of special colors (spot color inks) other than the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) inks that represent general inks. In this embodiment, fluorescent pink ink is used as the spot color ink. However, the invention is not limited to this structure, and the number and color of the special inks can be arbitrarily determined. For example, violet ink, green ink, or orange ink can be used as spot color inks. Application 202 is software used to create content to be printed. For example, an image editing application used to create poster data corresponds to application 202. The user specifies specific RGB data values ​​on application 202 related to the text and graphic image data for which the user wishes to perform spot color printing as described later. Upon receiving a print request from the user, application 202 issues a print instruction to OS 201. Upon receiving the print instruction, OS 201 assigns the OS printing system (not shown) included in OS 201 to perform processing related to subsequent printing. The following description assumes that the OS printing system works in conjunction with a printer driver 203 provided by a printing equipment vendor to perform the actions.

[0035] When the OS printing system receives a request from application 202 to display the print setup screen, it requests printer driver 203 (color information creation unit) to display the print setup screen, and printer driver 203 displays the print setup screen on user interface unit 204. Although the print setup screen will be described later, paper size and paper type can be specified on the print setup screen, and spot color printing can also be specified on it.

[0036] Printer driver 203 provides Software Development Kit (SDK) I / F 206. The use of SDK I / F 206 enables print settings to be executed on application 202 without opening the print settings screen of printer driver 203. Furthermore, printer driver 203 can obtain information related to printing device 102 using information acquisition unit 207. Based on the information obtained from printing device 102, printer driver 203 can display settings consistent with the functionality of printing device 102 on user interface unit 204, and supports these settings through SDK I / F 206.

[0037] In response to a print instruction from application 202, the print data and print settings from application 202 are transmitted to the graphics processing unit 205 of printer driver 203 via the OS printing system. Graphics processing unit 205 converts this data into a data format interpretable by printing device 102, and then sends the converted data to printing device 102. Thereafter, ink is ejected from the print head of printing device 102, and an image is formed on the printing medium fed to printing device 102. Here, in the case of setting spot color printing, special color ink (hereinafter also referred to as spot color ink) is ejected onto pixels having specified RGB values ​​in the print data that pertains to the print settings involving the special color (hereinafter also referred to as spot color).

[0038] Here, an example of printing device 102 will be described. When spot color printing is set using printer driver 203, printing device 102 can print using spot color ink and six predetermined colors (special colors) that employ spot colors. When spot color printing is set using printer driver 203, pixels having specific RGB values ​​in the print data corresponding to the set spot color are printed using spot color ink. In this embodiment, specific RGB values ​​are assigned to each of the six predetermined colors. In this embodiment, the specific RGB values ​​are, for example, R=255 (0xFF), G=0 (0x00), and B=255 (0xFF). Fluorescent pink ink is used to print pixels having the corresponding RGB values, where fluorescent pink is one of the special colors.

[0039] Alternatively, specific RGB values ​​may be, for example, R = 255 (0xFF), G = 85 (0x55), and B = 0 (0x00). Orange printing is performed on pixels with corresponding RGB values ​​using fluorescent pink ink mixed with M and Y inks, where orange is another of the special colors. Here, for example, if orange ink is available as a spot color ink, orange printing can be performed using only orange ink. In other words, pixels with specific RGB values ​​corresponding to a spot color only need to be printed using at least a spot color ink, and can be printed using ink mixed with or not mixed with any CMYK ink. Note that even in spot color printing, pixels without specific RGB values ​​corresponding to a spot color are printed using only CMYK ink. Additionally, spot color printing is performed when it is enabled by user operation. In other words, if the spot color printing setting is not enabled, pixels with specific RGB values ​​corresponding to a spot color are printed using only CMYK ink, referencing the RGB values, as is normal.

[0040] Specifically, when the printer driver 203 enables the printing settings for a fluorescent pink spot color and the RGB values ​​of the pixels included in the transmitted print data are R=255, G=0, and B=255, the printing device 102 can perform fluorescent pink spot color printing. This also applies to other spot colors. Specifically, when the printer driver 203 enables the printing settings for each spot color and the RGB values ​​of the pixels included in the transmitted print data have RGB values ​​corresponding to each spot color, the printing device 102 can perform the corresponding spot color printing. On the other hand, even if the printer driver 203 enables the spot color printing settings, spot color printing is not feasible if the print data does not include pixels with the aforementioned specific RGB values ​​corresponding to spot color printing. In cases where spot color printing is not feasible, an error (warning) is notified in this embodiment.

[0041] In the case of spot color printing, the user first selects the spot color to be used through the print settings of the printer driver 203. Then, the user creates content on the application 202 and assigns the RGB data values ​​corresponding to the use of the spot color ink to the text or graphic image data that the user wants to print using the spot color ink.

[0042] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of application 202 in this embodiment, specifically a screenshot example of the poster data creation application 314. The poster data creation application 314 includes a toolbar button 300, a print data display area 301, a print data editing area 302, an object selection box 303, an object color editing tab menu 304, and an object size adjustment tab menu 305. Furthermore, the poster data creation application 314 includes an object display color item 306, and controls for changing the RGB values ​​of objects: R value change control 307, G value change control 308, and B value change control 309. Additionally, the poster data creation application 314 includes controls 310, a print button 311, a print settings button 312, and an end button 313.

[0043] The poster data creation application 314 (print data creation unit) displays print data in an editable manner. The toolbar buttons 300 allow for function selection, such as canceling and redoing editing operations, creating text objects, creating graphic objects, creating print data objects, changing the display magnification, displaying application help, and selecting objects. The print data display area 301 is used to display the print data created by the user. The print data editing area (image editing screen) 302 allows the user to select any object, move the selected object, and edit the print data using the pointing device 117. The object selection box 303 displays a dotted line indicating that a specific object has been selected when the user has selected it.

[0044] Figure 3 The text object "SALE" is selected. With the "Select Object Color Edit" tab menu 304 active, controls for changing the color of the currently selected object are displayed. With the "Select Object Size Adjust" tab menu 305 active, controls for changing the size of the currently selected object are displayed.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the menu 304, the Object Color Editing tab is selected, and the Object Display Color item 306 and the R value change control items 307, G value change control item 308, and B value change control item 309 for changing the RGB values ​​of the object are displayed. Each control item for R, G, and B values ​​can be set from 0 to 255 by directly inputting a value using the keyboard 118 or by selecting the button to the right of each control item using the pointing device 117. Furthermore, when the RGB values ​​change, the Display Color item 306 also changes according to the RGB values. Figure 3 In the example, assume that the RGB values ​​of the text object “SALE” surrounded by the object selection box 303 are set to R=255, G=0 and B=255, representing specific color values.

[0046] In this embodiment, the color space created by the data in application 202 and the color space of the print data created by the rendering engine of the printer driver 203 are defined as the sRGB color space, representing the standard RGB color space. Furthermore, for simplicity, it is assumed that the effect of color matching processing can be ignored. On the other hand, the color space created by the data in application 202 and the color space of the print data created by the rendering engine of the OS printing system are also defined as the sRGB color space, representing the standard RGB color space. Here, for simplicity, it is assumed that the effect of color matching processing can be ignored.

[0047] In other words, assume that the RGB values ​​displayed on application 202 are consistent with the RGB values ​​of the pixels included in the print data created by the printer driver 203 or the rendering engine of the OS printing system. Therefore, when the RGB values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 are set as a spot color in the print settings of the printer driver 203, the print data with the above RGB values ​​becomes data to be printed as a fluorescent pink spot color. The following explanation assumes that the RGB values ​​of other image objects displayed in the print data editing area 302 have RGB values ​​other than those described above. In the case of performing color matching, the color value obtained after the conversion of a special color before color space conversion can be regarded as the color value of the special color.

[0048] In control item 310, the print queue of the print device 102 pre-registered with the OS printing system can be selected from the list. Print button 311 is the button selected by the user when printing the print data displayed in the print data editing area 302 using the printer. Print settings button 312 is the button used to open the print settings details screen. Here, the print settings screen corresponding to the print queue specified using control item 310 is opened. End button 313 is the end button selected by the user when terminating the poster data creation application.

[0049] Return to Figure 2 As explained, upon receiving a print request from the user, application 202 (poster data creation application 314) issues a print instruction to OS 201. Upon receiving the print instruction, OS 201 assigns subsequent printing-related processing to an OS printing system (not shown) provided to OS 201. Here, the OS printing system operates in cooperation with printer driver 203.

[0050] The common practice here is to set arbitrary RGB values ​​and specify a spot color to correspond to those RGB values, thus printing the set RGB values ​​with that spot color. However, users cannot visually inspect the multiple spot colors they can specify. For this reason, users can hardly identify which RGB values ​​correspond to spot colors, and this can lead to unexpected printing results.

[0051] On the other hand, this embodiment enables visual inspection of multiple spot colors that can be specified on the spot color setting screen, allowing users to visually inspect multiple spot colors while specifying a spot color. The method for specifying a spot color in this embodiment will now be described.

[0052] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the print settings dialog 400, which represents the settings screen of the printer driver 203. Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating the spot color setup screen 402 of this embodiment. When the printer driver 203 receives an instruction to launch the print setup screen from application 202 via the OS printing system (see...),... Figure 2 The user interface unit 204 is then controlled to display the print settings dialog box 400. The user can obtain the desired print product from the printing device 102 by making various print settings on the print settings dialog box 400. Button 401 is used to open the spot color details settings screen, and is opened when button 401 is pressed. Figure 4B The spot color settings screen is 402.

[0053] The spot color settings screen 402 displays the RGB values ​​corresponding to a predetermined spot color, a display color item 404 based on the RGB values, and a checkbox 403 for setting whether to print the RGB values ​​as a spot color. In other words, each checkbox 403 is an item for accepting a selection regarding whether it is appropriate to enable spot color printing to print pixels with RGB values ​​corresponding to the spot color. Here, when spot color printing is not enabled, pixels with RGB values ​​corresponding to the spot color are printed using a color that is not a spot color. In this context, this item can also be considered as an item for accepting a setting regarding whether it is appropriate to print pixels with specific RGB values ​​using a spot color, or whether it is appropriate to print these pixels using a color different from the spot color. In addition, this item can also be considered as an item for accepting a setting regarding whether it is appropriate to print these pixels using spot color ink, or whether it is appropriate to print these pixels using ordinary ink such as CMYK ink instead of spot color ink. Furthermore, in this embodiment, checkboxes 403 are provided for multiple spot colors respectively. This allows spot color printing to be enabled and disabled according to each spot color. Therefore, checkbox 403 includes an option to accept a selection regarding whether it is suitable to enable spot color printing (fluorescent pink spot color printing) to print, for example, pixels with RGB values ​​corresponding to fluorescent pink using fluorescent pink. On the other hand, checkbox 403 includes an option to accept a selection regarding whether it is suitable to enable spot color printing (orange spot color printing) to print, for example, pixels with RGB values ​​corresponding to orange using orange. By using this spot color setting screen 402, the user can visually inspect multiple spot colors that the user can specify while selecting the color to be used as the spot color. Furthermore, since separate checkboxes are provided, settings can be made to enable fluorescent pink spot color printing while disabling, for example, orange spot color printing. Figure 4B The following settings are shown, where the RGB values ​​of R=255, G=0, and B=255 are printed as spot colors (special colors), and the checkbox 403 corresponding to the values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 is checked and enabled.

[0054] Subsequently, after closing the settings screen of printer driver 203 using confirmation button 405, the settings are sent to application 202. Then, when application 202 instructs printing, printing device 102 prints using fluorescent pink spot color ink, provided that the corresponding RGB values ​​(R=255, G=0, and B=255) are included in the print data created by printer driver 203. If the checkbox 403 is closed on the spot color settings screen 402, printing device 102 does not use spot color ink even if the corresponding RGB values ​​(R=255, G=0, and B=255) are included in the print data created by printer driver 203. In the latter case, printing device 102 forms an image in the portions having the corresponding RGB values ​​by using a process color ink, such as CMYK ink, to represent the RGB values.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the specified RGB values, displayed RGB values, and corresponding commands for a spot color. The color to be actually printed using a spot color is different from the color based on the specified RGB values. Therefore, the display color item 404 on the spot color settings screen 402 can display a color close to the color to be actually printed (which can be displayed based on the displayed RGB values), instead of displaying the color based on the specified RGB values.

[0056] For example, in such Figure 5 When the values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 are printed as fluorescent pink, by using a color close to the values ​​R=255, G=130, and B=220, the display unit 119 (see [link to display unit]) will display a fluorescent pink color. Figure 1 The actual fluorescent pink to be printed is displayed on the screen. Therefore, color 404 is displayed based on the values ​​R=255, G=130, and B=220.

[0057] This embodiment illustrates an example of printing each corresponding RGB value using a fluorescent spot color by using fluorescent pink ink. Alternatively, spot colors using other special color inks such as silver and gold can be assigned to arbitrary RGB values. The printer driver 203 maintains information related to the assigned RGB values, displayed RGB values, and corresponding commands for these spot colors.

[0058] Note that settings related to spot colors are not limited to the methods described above. For example, image output device 102 first displays an item on printer driver 203 for accepting settings regarding whether spot color printing is suitable. Then, if settings for performing spot color printing are accepted due to operations involving related items, it is possible to... Figure 4B The screen shown allows you to configure whether or not to enable spot color printing for each color.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the print data creation process. See print settings dialog 400 (see...). Figure 4A When the print button 311 of the poster data creation application 314 is pressed in the state of each control item on the OS, the print settings are sent to the graphics processing unit 205 via the OS printing system (see...). Figure 2 The following will be referenced. Figure 6 The flowchart in the diagram illustrates the print data creation process of this embodiment. Note that the process is executed by having the CPU 111 of the host computer 101 load the program code stored in the ROM 112 into the external storage device 114 and execute the program code. Figure 6 The series of processes shown. Alternatively, Figure 6 Some or all of the functions of the steps in the flowchart can be implemented using hardware such as ASICs and electronic circuits. Note that the notation "S" used in the description of each process signifies a step in the corresponding flowchart.

[0060] When the print data creation process begins, the graphics processing unit 205, under the control of the CPU 111, creates a command in S601 to print the RGB values ​​selected on the spot color setting screen 402 as spot colors. Subsequently, in S602, the graphics processing unit 205, under the control of the CPU 111, adds the command specifying the spot color to the print data obtained by converting the image to be printed into a format interpretable by the printing device 102, and sends the print data to the printing device 102. In other words, the CPU 111 sends special color information to the printing device 102. In this case, the graphics processing unit 205 adds... Figure 5 The command described in [the document] sets the corresponding spot color, instead of performing processing to change the RGB value of the designated spot color to another value by editing the print data. Note that, as [the document states...] Figure 5 The information shown, which associates at least the specified RGB values ​​with the command, is also managed by the printing device 102. The printing device 102 can identify the specified RGB values ​​of an object as a spot color based on the received command.

[0061] Figures 7A to 7C This is a diagram showing the commands to be added. For example, when specifying values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 as a spot color, add... Figure 7A The command shown, and with the values ​​R=255, G=170, and B=255 specified as spot colors, adds... Figure 7B The command shown. When specifying values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255, and values ​​R=255, G=170, and B=255 as spot colors, as... Figure 7C The specified Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe logical sum of the two bit flags in the formula. In this way, two or more spot colors can be specified using a single command.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, multiple specifyable spot colors are displayed on the spot color setting screen. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to switch screens when multiple spot colors are specified, and it is easier to identify which RGB values ​​are set as spot colors. Therefore, an information processing device, control method, and storage medium capable of suppressing the occurrence of undesirable printing results can be realized.

[0063] (Second Embodiment)

[0064] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the characteristic structure of this embodiment will be described below.

[0065] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the poster data creation application 315 of this embodiment. The first embodiment has already described an example of opening the print settings dialog 400 from the poster data creation application 314 and specifying a spot color by opening the spot color settings screen 402. This embodiment will describe an example of a structure for improving user convenience by directly setting spot colors on the screen of the poster data creation application 315. Note that parts not explicitly stated in the following description are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0066] The poster data creation application 315 of this embodiment includes a checkbox 801 and a spot color palette 802, so that spot colors can be selected and set on the poster data creation application 315.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the spot color display process of this embodiment. On the other hand, Figure 10A This is a flowchart illustrating the spot color return process performed during spot color display processing. The following will refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10A The flowchart in the diagram illustrates the spot color display processing of this embodiment. Note that the process is executed by having the CPU 111 of the host computer 101 load the program code stored in the ROM 112 into the external storage device 114 and execute the program code. Figure 9 , Figure 10A and Figure 10B The series of processes shown. Alternatively, Figure 9 , Figure 10A and Figure 10B Some or all of the functions of the steps in the process can be implemented by hardware such as ASICs and electronic circuits.

[0068] When starting the spot color display processing of this embodiment, the poster data creation application 315 accesses the SDK I / F 206 of the printer driver 203 used by the printer selected by control item 310 in S901 under the control of CPU 111. Then, the poster data creation application 315 (application 202) obtains information related to spot colors that are compatible with (supported by) the same printer driver 203. In this case, as Figure 10B As shown, printer driver 203 returns information related to all compatible spot colors to poster data creation application 315 (application 202) (S1001). Specifically, in response to a request from poster data creation application 315 (application 202) for information related to spot colors, printer driver 203 returns the information related to spot colors via SDK I / F 206. Note that the return... Figure 5 The information shown is related to the spot color and is to be returned by the printer driver 203 to the poster data creation application 315.

[0069] Subsequently, based on information related to the printing device 102 obtained by the information acquisition unit 207, the poster data creation application 315 determines in S902, through the control of the CPU 111, whether a specifyable spot color is included in the obtained information related to spot colors. If a specifyable spot color exists, the process proceeds to S903 to display the checkbox 801 for setting the spot color to on / off and to display the color palette 802 for the specifyable spot color, and then the process terminates. On the other hand, if no specifyable color is found in the information obtained in S902, the process proceeds to S904 to terminate the process, without displaying the checkbox 801 for setting the spot color to on / off or the color palette 802 for the specifyable spot color.

[0070] Then, with the user specifying a spot color, the user selects the object they want to print with that spot color in the poster data creation application 315. Figure 8 In the selection box 303, the object is the selected object. Next, the user opens the spot color checkbox 801 and selects the spot color they want to use for printing from the color palette 802. Here, if the user selects color 803 with values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 from the color palette 802, the color of the selected object in the object selection box 303 is changed to the color with values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255.

[0071] Then, the poster data creation application 315 accesses the SDK I / F 206 of the printer driver 203 and sets the color in the printer driver 203 with values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 as a spot color. In this case, as Figure 10B As shown, in S1002, the printer driver 203 sets the color with values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 as a spot color to the enabled state. Furthermore, the printer driver 203 sets color 306 to the selected color with values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255, and sets R value 307 to 255, G value 308 to 0, and B value 309 to 255.

[0072] Subsequently, after the user presses the print button 311 (see...) Figure 8 When printing is performed, the printing settings are transmitted to the graphics processing unit 205 via the OS printing system. Then, as in the first embodiment, the application 202 sends the command corresponding to the spot color with values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 along with the printing data to the printing device 102.

[0073] Here, in Figure 8 The colors that need to be represented as spot colors in the image can be based on Figure 5 The relationships within are represented by using colors with values ​​different from the specified RGB values. For example, color 803, which has values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255, is displayed using a color with values ​​R=255, G=130, and B=220. Then, when a color with values ​​R=255, G=0, and B=255 is selected as a spot color, object 303 and color 306 are also displayed using colors with values ​​R=255, G=130, and B=220. However, the specified RGB values ​​(R=255, G=0, and B=255) are displayed on R value 307, G value 308, and B value 309.

[0074] On the other hand, when spot color is set to off in spot color checkbox 801, the colors in object 303 and color 306 are displayed by specifying RGB values ​​instead of displaying RGB values.

[0075] As described above, multiple spot colors can be specified in data creation applications. In this way, information processing devices, control methods, and storage media capable of suppressing the occurrence of undesirable printing results can be realized.

[0076] (Third Embodiment)

[0077] The third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the characteristic structure of this embodiment will be described below.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the printer driver 203 includes pre-defined components. Figure 5The printer driver 203 obtains information related to the spot color from the printing device 102 using the information acquisition unit 207, and displays a spot color setting screen corresponding to the obtained information. The method will be described below.

[0079] Figure 11A This is a diagram showing the print settings dialog 1102, which is the setup screen for printer driver 203. Figure 11B This is a diagram showing the spot color setting screen 1101 of this embodiment. On the other hand, Figure 12 It is a flowchart illustrating the spot color information update process, and Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the specified RGB values ​​corresponding to spot colors, the display of RGB values, and the corresponding commands.

[0080] The print settings dialog 1102 includes an information retrieval button 1100 for obtaining information related to spot colors from the printing device 102. Now, the following will refer to... Figure 12 The flowchart below illustrates the spot color information update process of this embodiment. The process is performed by having the CPU 111 of the host computer 101 load the program code stored in the ROM 112 into the external storage device 114 and execute the program code. Figure 12 The series of processes shown. Alternatively, Figure 12 Some or all of the functions of the steps in the process can be implemented by hardware such as ASICs and electronic circuits.

[0081] When the user presses the information acquisition button 1100, the spot color information update process begins. In S1201, the information acquisition unit 207 of the printer driver 203 obtains information from the printing device 102 under the control of the CPU 111. Figure 13 The information shown relates to the spot color. Subsequently, in S1202, the information acquisition unit 207 determines, under the control of the CPU 111, whether the acquired information includes information related to the spot color. If it includes information related to the spot color, processing proceeds to S1203 to utilize the acquired data (such as...). Figure 13 The process rewrites the internal data using the data shown, and then terminates. If, in S1202, the information obtained does not include information related to the spot color, the process proceeds to S1204 to gray out the spot color setting button 401, indicating that the printing device 102 is incompatible with the spot color. Therefore, the spot color setting is disabled, and then the process terminates.

[0082] In S1203, when internal data is rewritten under the control of CPU 111, the printer driver 203, upon pressing button 401, bases its response on the rewritten data (such as...). Figure 13The data shown indicates the new spot color settings screen 1101.

[0083] On the other hand, after updating the internal data using information related to spot colors obtained from the printing device 102, the printer driver 203 also utilizes... Figure 13 The data shown is used to update the value of the spot color returned to application 202 by SDK I / F 206. Therefore, the display of the spot color in application 202 using SDK I / F 206 can also be changed to the spot color obtained from printing device 102.

[0084] Here, the various spot colors available for printing using the printing device 102 have different levels of vividness. Therefore, a higher priority is given to spot colors that are more vivid and appealing to commands, based on the information obtained from the printing device 102 and the information returned to the application from the SDK I / F 206. The spot color settings screen 901 of the printer driver 203 and the order in which the spot color options for the application 202 are arranged can then be changed based on this priority.

[0085] As described above, a spot color setting screen is displayed by obtaining information related to the spot color from the printing device using the printer driver's information acquisition unit. Therefore, an information processing device, control method, and storage medium capable of suppressing the occurrence of undesirable printing results can be implemented. Furthermore, by obtaining information related to the spot color from the printing device, spot color printing can be performed appropriately even when the printing device is equipped with a new spot color. On the other hand, even when the printing device is no longer compatible with spot color printing, the occurrence of undesirable printing results can be suppressed by allowing the user to disable spot color settings.

[0086] (Other embodiments)

[0087] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0088] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest understanding to include all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A computer-readable storage medium storing a prescribed program, said prescribed program causing a computer to execute: Display control steps are used to perform processing for display: A first display area is used to perform printing by using a first color, wherein the first color employs a general color ink as a primary color and a specific color ink as a color other than the primary color, and A second display area, different from the first display area, is used to perform printing by using a second color, which is different from the first color and at least employs the specific color ink; and Change the control step to perform the following processing: When operating the first display area, the setting is changed from printing the first print area corresponding to the first RGB value in the printable object image using a third color as the primary color to printing the first print area using the first color. When operating the second display area, the setting is changed from printing the second printing area corresponding to the second RGB value in the printed object image using the fourth color as the primary color to printing the second printing area using the second color. in, The first display area displays an object of a fifth color, which is a color corresponding to the first color but different from both the first and third colors. The second display area displays an object of a sixth color, which is a color corresponding to the second color and different from both the second and the fourth color.

2. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The first display area displays a value representing the first RGB value, and The second display area displays the value representing the second RGB value.

3. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The prescribed procedure also causes the computer to perform: The acquisition step is used to obtain capability information related to the printing device. The computer controls the process so that areas in the first and second display areas that are to be printed using colors incompatible with capability information related to the printing device are not displayed.

4. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The process for displaying the first display area and the second display area is the process of displaying the first display area and the second display area on the screen displayed by the prescribed program.

5. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The processing for displaying the first display area and the second display area is a process for enabling a different program, different from the prescribed program, to obtain information for displaying the first display area and the second display area, and When the different programs obtain information for displaying the first display area and the second display area, the first display area and the second display area are displayed on the screen displayed by the different programs.

6. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 5, wherein, The specified procedure is the printer driver, and The different programs are programs configured to input RGB values ​​related to the image of the object to be printed.

7. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The prescribed procedure also causes the computer to perform: The sending step is used to send printing data for printing the image of the object to the printing device and a command for printing the first printing area using the first color, after performing a process to change the settings for printing the first printing area using the first color.

8. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, It also performs processing to display a third display area different from the first and second display areas, to perform printing by using a seventh color that is different from the first and second colors and at least uses the specific color ink, and When operating the third display area, a process is also performed to change the setting from printing the third printing area corresponding to the third RGB value in the printed object image by using the eighth color as the primary color to printing the third printing area by using the seventh color.

9. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The specific color ink includes fluorescent ink.

10. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The specific color ink includes at least one of violet ink, green ink, and orange ink.

11. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The specified program is a printer driver.

12. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The specified procedure is a program configured to input RGB values ​​related to the image of the object to be printed.

13. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The prescribed procedure is a poster data creation application.

14. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple display areas, including the first display area and the second display area, are controlled to be arranged and displayed in order according to a predetermined priority.

15. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 14, wherein, The specified priority is defined as ranking display areas corresponding to more vivid colors higher.

16. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein, The fifth color is displayed using RGB values ​​that are different from the RGB values ​​used to display the third color, and The sixth color is displayed using an RGB value that is different from the RGB value used to display the fourth color.

17. A control method for an information processing device, comprising: Display control steps are used to perform processing for display: A first display area is used to perform printing by using a first color, wherein the first color employs a general color ink as a primary color and a specific color ink as a color other than the primary color, and A second display area, which is different from the first display area, is used to perform printing by using a second color, which is different from the first color and at least uses the specific color ink; as well as Change the control step to perform the following processing: When operating the first display area, the setting is changed from printing the first print area corresponding to the first RGB value in the printable object image using a third color as the primary color to printing the first print area using the first color. When operating the second display area, the setting is changed from printing the second printing area corresponding to the second RGB value in the printed object image using the fourth color as the primary color to printing the second printing area using the second color. Wherein, the first display area displays an object of a fifth color, the fifth color being a color corresponding to the first color but different from both the first and third colors, and The second display area displays an object of a sixth color, which is a color corresponding to the second color and different from both the second and the fourth color.

18. An information processing device, comprising: The display control unit is configured to perform processing for display. A first display area is used to perform printing by using a first color, wherein the first color employs a general color ink as a primary color and a specific color ink as a color other than the primary color, and A second display area, which is different from the first display area, is used to perform printing by using a second color, which is different from the first color and at least uses the specific color ink; as well as The control unit is modified to perform the following processes: When operating the first display area, the setting is changed from printing the first print area corresponding to the first RGB value in the printable object image using a third color as the primary color to printing the first print area using the first color. When operating the second display area, the setting is changed from printing the second printing area corresponding to the second RGB value in the printed object image using the fourth color as the primary color to printing the second printing area using the second color. Wherein, the first display area displays an object of a fifth color, the fifth color being a color corresponding to the first color but different from both the first and third colors, and The second display area displays an object of a sixth color, which is a color corresponding to the second color and different from both the second and the fourth color.

19. A computer program product comprising a prescribed procedure, said prescribed procedure causing a computer to perform: Display control steps are used to perform processing for display: A first display area is used to perform printing by using a first color, wherein the first color employs a general color ink as a primary color and a specific color ink as a color other than the primary color, and A second display area, different from the first display area, is used to perform printing by using a second color, which is different from the first color and at least employs the specific color ink; and Change the control step to perform the following processing: When operating the first display area, the setting is changed from printing the first print area corresponding to the first RGB value in the printable object image using a third color as the primary color to printing the first print area using the first color. When operating the second display area, the setting is changed from printing the second printing area corresponding to the second RGB value in the printed object image using the fourth color as the primary color to printing the second printing area using the second color. in, The first display area displays an object of a fifth color, which is a color corresponding to the first color but different from both the first and third colors. The second display area displays an object of a sixth color, which is a color corresponding to the second color and different from both the second and the fourth color.

Images