Print control device, print control method, and storage medium

Abstract

A printing control apparatus, a printing control method, and a storage medium are disclosed. The printing control apparatus is configured to transfer a transparent protective ink to an image printed on a sheet. The printing control apparatus includes an extraction unit configured to extract an outline of a subject in the image, and a control unit configured to generate print data for transferring the protective ink using a printing apparatus, based on the extracted outline of the subject. The control unit generates the print data by assigning a high gray value to an outline line corresponding to the extracted outline of the subject, assigning a low gray value to an area corresponding to the subject, and arranging a mixture of the high gray value and the low gray value in a peripheral area of the subject.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing control device, printing control method, and storage medium for transferring transparent protective ink, such as an outer coating, onto an image. Background Technology

[0002] Recent advancements in image processing technology have made it easy to take photos with bokeh effects, often referred to as portraits, using digital cameras or smartphones, without the need for expensive telephoto single-focus lenses.

[0003] A sublimation thermal transfer image forming apparatus is known, capable of photographically printing images captured by digital cameras or smartphones. Sublimation thermal transfer refers to a method where a heated thermal head is pressed against an ink ribbon, causing the ink to sublimate from a solid state to a gaseous state, thus adhering the ink to photographic paper. The ink is arranged on the ink ribbon in the form of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) sublimation dye layers and an outer coating (OC) layer. The image formed using the YMC sublimation dye layer (YMC sublimation dye ink) is protected by a colorless transparent OC layer (transparent OC ink) to provide a highly durable, waterproof finish.

[0004] The OC layer not only protects photographic prints but is also used in a variety of applications. Special effects can be achieved by controlling the surface shape of the protective layer and altering its reflectivity by changing the applied heat.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-73034 discusses a technique for recording user-requested information in photographic prints by varying the transfer amount of OC ink. Using a colorless, transparent OC layer allows for the expression of both text and graphic information. Printing with a transparent OC layer is difficult to discern, thus having the advantage of being less likely to affect the underlying photographic print image.

[0006] Ideally, a portrait should provide a beautiful bokeh effect so that the main subject, such as a person or still life, appears sharp and clear while the background is out of focus. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention aims to enhance the expressiveness of high-contrast images, such as portraits, by controlling the transfer amount of a transparent protective ink, such as an outer coating (OC) ink, to achieve this. In other words, this invention aims to provide a printable print control device and method capable of controlling surface properties through differential transfer of a transparent protective ink, such as OC ink, to provide different surface properties for subjects, such as people or still lifes, and their surrounding background.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a printing control device is configured to transfer transparent protective ink onto an image printed on a sheet. The printing control device includes: an extraction unit configured to extract the outline of a subject in the image; and a control unit configured to generate printing data for transferring the protective ink using a printing device based on the extracted subject outline. The control unit generates the printing data by assigning high grayscale values ​​to the outline corresponding to the extracted subject outline, assigning low grayscale values ​​to regions corresponding to the subject, and arranging a mixture of high and low grayscale values ​​in the peripheral region of the subject.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a printable printing control device and printing control method that can control surface properties by differentially transferring transparent protective inks such as OC inks, thereby providing different surface properties for subjects such as people or still lifes and their surrounding backgrounds.

[0010] Other features of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a printer.

[0012] Figure 2 It shows the appearance of the printer and ink cartridge.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the ink ribbon.

[0014] Figures 4A to 4E This is a side sectional view of the printer.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the standard photographic printing process of a printer.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a process for generating photographic printing data for an outer coating (OC) layer, according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating raw image data to be photographed and printed according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of photographic printing data of the OC layer according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of photographic printing data of the OC layer according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a photographic printout according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a flowchart for generating OC layer photographic printing data according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of OC layer photographic printing data according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a photographic printout according to a second exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In the following description, “printing” refers to the entire series of processes and operations from photographic printing based on a print command from a user to the output of the printout. “Photographic printing” refers to the processes and operations in which an image is formed on a recording sheet by thermally transferring a transfer material (ink or outer coating) coated on an ink strip (ink ribbon) onto the recording sheet.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a thermal transfer printer (printing apparatus or print control apparatus) 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A central processing unit (CPU) 101 performs system control and computational processing of the printer 100. A flash read-only memory (ROM) 102 stores the system control program of the printer 100. The CPU 101 reads the program from the flash ROM 102 and controls the various components according to the read program. A synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) 103 temporarily stores image data and is used for data processing operations. The CPU 101, flash ROM 102, and SDRAM 103 constitute a main control unit 104 that primarily handles various types of control of the printer 100. The functions and processes of the printer 100, described below, are implemented by the CPU 101 reading and executing the program stored in the flash ROM 102. An image processing unit 105 performs image processing on image data sent from a digital camera or portable terminal and image data read from a storage medium 121. The image processing unit 105 performs various types of image processing on the image data and generates print data for photographic printing based on the processed image data. Examples of image processing include decompression of compressed image data, resizing based on the size of the paper to be used, and image correction.

[0027] The image processing unit 105 according to this exemplary embodiment is characterized in that it performs processing related to image data generation on the outer coating (OC) layer. The printer 100 according to this exemplary embodiment specifically has a special mode called a primary subject emphasis mode. When the primary subject emphasis mode is selected, the image processing unit 105 selects a specific range in the image data and performs contour extraction within that specific range. Based on the extraction result, the image processing unit 105 generates photographic printing data to be applied to the OC layer. Reference will be made below. Figures 6 to 13 It is described in detail.

[0028] As another example, the processing of the image processing unit 105 can be performed by the main control unit 104 instead of the image processing unit 105, or the image processing unit 105 and the main control unit 104 can perform the processing together.

[0029] The thermal head control unit 106 converts the print data generated by the image processing unit 105 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the thermal head 107. The thermal head 107 converts the electrical signal into heat energy and dissipates the dye from the ink ribbon 300 (see...). Figure 3 Transfer to sheet material.

[0030] The thermal head temperature sensor 108 measures the temperature of the thermal head 107. The ambient temperature sensor 109 measures the ambient temperature within the printer 100. The thermal head position sensor 110 detects the position of the thermal head 107, such as a pressed position or a retracted position. The sheet detection sensor 111 detects the position of the sheet. The ink ribbon detection sensor 112 detects information about the ink ribbon 300. The mark detection sensor 113 detects marks set on the ink ribbon 300.

[0031] Motor driver unit 114 controls the motor. Head position drive motor 115 is used to drive the thermal head 107 to a pressing position for performing photographic printing or for changing the ink cartridge 200 (see...). Figure 2 The sheet conveyor motor 116 is used to convey the sheet. The main control unit 104 sends commands to the motor driver unit 114 based on sensor information from the aforementioned sensors and pre-programmed information to control the driving of the head position drive motor 115 and the sheet conveyor motor 116.

[0032] Display unit 117 displays images stored in storage medium 121 and the operation menu of printer 100. An example of display unit 117 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). Operation unit 118 is used to input commands from the user. Communication unit 119 controls communication with external devices such as digital cameras connected to printer 100. Storage controller 120 reads / writes image data from / to storage medium 121 attached to printer 100. Storage medium 121 stores image data and is removably attached to printer 100.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an external view of the printer 100 and the ink cartridge 200. A ink cartridge slot 131 is provided on one side of the printer main unit 130 for inserting the ink cartridge 200, allowing the ink cartridge 200 to be installed and removed in the direction shown by arrow A. A sheet tray slot 132 is provided on the front side of the printer main unit 130 for inserting the sheet tray 210. The sheet tray 210 can be installed and removed in the direction shown by arrow B.

[0034] The display unit 117 and the operation unit 118 are located on the top side of the printer host 130. The user can view the image and image processing information displayed on the display unit 117 and select the image to be photographed and printed by operating the operation unit 118. In response to instructions from the user, the printer 100 can appropriately process the image and photograph and print it.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the ink ribbon 300. The ink ribbon 300 includes three ink layers of three colors to be coated on the surface of the base film: a yellow (Y) layer 301, a magenta (M) layer 302, and a cyan (C) layer 303. Multiple colored ink layers (Y layer 301, M layer 302, and C layer 303) are disposed on the ink ribbon 300. Immediately following the Y layer 301, M layer 302, and C layer 303, the ink ribbon 300 also includes an OC layer 304 coated on the surface of the base film. The OC layer 304 is formed of a transparent protective ink and is used to protect the image printed on the sheet using the colored inks of the Y layer 301, M layer 302, and C layer 303. Transferring the protective ink of the OC layer 304 onto the image protects the image and provides a highly durable, waterproof finish.

[0036] Markers 311 to 315, used for layer demarcation and indication, are applied between YMC layers 301 to 303, between C layer 303 and OC layer 304, and between OC layer 304 and Y layer 301. Two marks 311 and 312 are placed before Y layer 301 at the beginning of each ink group. Other boundaries between layers are marked with one of marks 313 to 315.

[0037] When photo printing begins, the main control unit 104 first controls the take-up drive of the ink ribbon 300 to detect the Y layer 301 at the beginning of the ink pack. After detecting mark 311, the main control unit 104 controls the further take-up of the ink ribbon 300 to the position where the second mark (mark 312) should be detected. When mark 312 is detected, the main control unit 104 determines the start of the ink pack.

[0038] The mark detection sensor 113 according to this exemplary embodiment is a reflective infrared sensor. The dyes in the commonly used YMC layers 301, 302, and 303 and the coating agent in the OC layer 304 do not absorb infrared radiation with emission wavelengths of approximately 900 to 1000 nm. Since infrared radiation passes through the ink sheet (ink strip 300) regardless of hue, the boundary between the ink portion and the mark can be detected using an infrared-blocking mark. The mark can be formed by incorporating an infrared-blocking material.

[0039] Figures 4A to 4E This is a side sectional view of printer 100. (Refer to...) Figures 4A to 4E This describes the mechanical structure of printer 100 and its basic operations related to photographic printing. Figure 4A The printer 100 is shown in standby mode. Figure 4B The printer 100 is shown during sheet feeding. Figure 4C The printer 100 is shown before the photo printing begins. Figure 4D The printer 100 during photographic printing is shown. Figure 4E The printer 100 is shown during sheet ejection. The thermal head 107 is shown. Figures 4A to 4E The thermal head support arm 501, the thermal radiation plate 503, and the impression roller 504 are also shown in the middle. Figures 4A to 4E The thermal head support arm 501 is rotatably supported around the rotation axis 502.

[0040] The thermal head 107 is fixed to the thermal head support arm 501. Therefore, the thermal head 107 can be... Figure 4A The first retraction position shown is moved to Figure 4C The second retracted position is shown, and the movement from the second retracted position is... Figure 4D The pressing position shown allows pressure contact between the thermal head 107 and the impression roller 504. A heat sink 503 is mounted to the thermal head 107 and is used to transfer heat generated by the thermal head 107 to the heat sink 503. The impression roller 504 is rotatably mounted on the printer host 130 and is configured to rotate as the sheets 400 are fed.

[0041] The conveyor roller 505 is configured to rotate by a sheet conveyor motor (not shown). The driven roller 506 is opposite to the conveyor roller 505 and is configured to rotate by the rotation of the conveyor roller 505. The sheet feed roller 507 is configured to rotate by a sheet feed drive motor (not shown). The sheet discharge roller 508 is a driven roller opposite to the sheet feed roller 507 and is configured to rotate by the rotation of the sheet feed roller 507.

[0042] The reflective sticker 203 is attached to the housing 202 of the tape cartridge 200 at a position opposite to the mark detection sensor 113, where the tape 300 is located between the mark detection sensor 113 and the reflective sticker 203. Infrared radiation from the mark detection sensor 113 passes through the tape 300, is reflected by the reflective sticker 203, passes through the tape 300 again, and then enters the light-receiving part of the mark detection sensor 113.

[0043] The sheet guide 150 is supported such that during sheet feeding, the sheet guide 150 is lifted by the sheet 400 and can be moved from... Figure 4A Rotate to the position shown Figure 4B The position shown. Except during sheet feeding, the sheet guide 150 is continuously pushed downwards and positioned... Figure 4A The position shown. The imprint plate 151 is driven to rotate by a drive source (not shown) and is configured to be able to rotate from... Figure 4A Rotate to the position shown Figure 4B The position shown. When the imprint plate 151 is driven to... Figure 4B In the indicated position, the lifting plate 211, which is rotatably supported within the sheet tray 210, is raised to press the uppermost sheet 400 stored in the sheet tray 210 against the sheet feed roller 507. This enables sheet feeding. The sheet detection sensor 111 is located below the sheet guide 150.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the normal photographic printing process of printer 100. Normal photographic printing process refers to the process of printing information designated as the photographic printing target but not printing additional information. In the following text, the image designated as the photographic printing target, i.e., the image to be printed, is referred to as the target image. For example... Figure 2As shown, when the ink ribbon cartridge 200 is inserted into the ink ribbon cartridge slot 131 of the printer host 130, the rotation limiting unit (not shown) between the supply bobbin 204 and the take-up bobbin 205 is disengaged from the housing 202 of the ink ribbon cartridge 200. Thus, the supply bobbin 204 and the take-up bobbin 205 can be rotated by a rotation drive mechanism provided within the printer host 130. The sheet tray 210 is inserted into the tray slot 132 of the printer host 130 to allow the sheet 400 to be fed. When the main control unit 104 receives a photographic printing command from the user via the operation unit 118, with the ink ribbon cartridge 200 and sheet tray 210 inserted and the photographic printing ready state, the main control unit 104 begins normal photographic printing processing. In step S601, the main control unit 104 controls the sheet 400 to contact the sheet feed roller 507. Figure 4B As shown, the printing plate 151 is rotated by a drive source (not shown) under the control of the main control unit 104, causing the sheets 400 stored in the sheet tray 210 to contact the sheet feed roller 507. In step S602, the main control unit 104 controls the sheet feed drive source (not shown) to drive the sheet feed roller 507 to rotate, causing the sheets 400 to be fed out one by one from the sheet tray 210. At this time, the leading edge of the sheet 400 contacts the sheet separation part 509, so that the printer 100 can separate the top sheet from the sheet 400 and feed the top sheet. The sheet 400 is conveyed while pushing the sheet guide 150 upward. When the leading edge of the sheet 400 reaches the position above the sheet detection sensor 111, the sheet 400 is further conveyed by a predetermined amount from that position, and the main control unit 104 determines that the leading edge of the sheet 400 has been conveyed to the clamping position between the conveying roller 505 and the driven roller 506. When sheet 400 is conveyed to Figure 4B When the sheet 400 is in the clamping position between the conveyor roller 505 and the driven roller 506, the conveyor roller 505 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the sheet conveying motor (not shown), thereby further conveying the sheet 400. At this time, the main control unit 104 drives the impression plate 151 away from the sheet tray 210, thereby separating the sheet 400 from the sheet feed roller 507. From then on, the main control unit 104 switches the drive source for conveying the sheet 400 to the conveyor roller 505. The main control unit 104 further drives the conveyor roller 505, causing the sheet 400 to move along... Figure 4B The sheet 400 is conveyed in the direction indicated by arrow G, thus passing between the thermal head 107 and the impression roller 504. Figure 4C When the photographic printing start position is shown, the main control unit 104 moves the thermal head 107 from... Figure 4B The first retraction position shown is moved to Figure 4CThe second retracted position is shown. When the thermal head 107 has moved to the second retracted position, the tape drive system for rotatably driving the take-up spool 205 of the tape 300 is switched to be driven by a cam (not shown). The main control unit 104 then rotates the take-up spool 205 to pull the tape 300 out of the supply spool 204 in the tape cartridge 200.

[0045] In step S603, the main control unit 104 controls the movement of the ink tape 300. More specifically, the main control unit 104 first begins winding the ink tape 300. After starting to wind the ink tape 300, the main control unit 104 continues to wind the ink tape 300 until the mark detection sensor 113 detects it sequentially. Figure 3 Marks 311 and 312 are shown. Upon sequential detection of marks 311 and 312, the main control unit 104 stops the winding operation of the ink ribbon 300. By stopping the ink ribbon 300 upon detection of mark 312, the photographic printing start position of the Y layer 301 of the ink ribbon 300 is aligned with the position opposite the thermal head 107. In step S604, in order to perform the desired color photographic printing, the main control unit 104 first starts Y photographic printing. More specifically, the main control unit 104 controls a drive source (not shown) to rotate the thermal head support arm 501 and stop the thermal head 107 at... Figure 4D The pressing position is shown. Therefore, the main control unit 104 controls the ink belt 300 and the sheet 400 to make pressure contact between each other between the thermal head 107 and the impression roller 504. In step S605, the main control unit 104 controls Y-photographic printing corresponding to the target image. More specifically, the control unit controls the transport roller 505 along... Figure 4D While conveying the sheet 400 in the direction indicated by arrow F, the main control unit 104 heats the heating element of the thermal head 107 based on the photographic printing signal, thereby thermally transferring the dye of the Y layer 301 onto the sheet 400. At this time, the take-up spool 205 is driven to rotate by a drive source (not shown), thereby conveying the sheet 400 along the direction indicated by arrow F. Figure 4D The ink ribbon 300 is conveyed in the direction indicated by the middle arrow F. The ink ribbon 300 is conveyed while in contact with the shaft 206, which is rotatably supported in the ink ribbon cartridge 200. This reduces the conveying resistance of the ink ribbon 300 and prevents photoprinting failure due to wrinkles caused by poor conveying of the ink ribbon 300. After Y-photoprinting is completed, in step S606, the main control unit 104 rotates the thermal head support arm 501 to release the pressure contact between the thermal head 107 and the impression roller 504, and stops the thermal head 107 in place. Figure 4C The second retracted position is shown.

[0046] In step S607, to initiate M-photographic printing, the main control unit 104 executes control to align the starting position of the M-layer 302 of the ink ribbon 300 with the position opposite the thermal head 107. More specifically, the main control unit 104 rotates the take-up spool 205 to pull the ink ribbon 300 out of the supply spool 204 and begins taking up the ink ribbon 300. Once the mark detection sensor 113 detects a mark 313 at the beginning of the M-layer 302, the main control unit 104 executes control to stop taking up the ink ribbon 300.

[0047] In step S608, the main control unit 104 controls the return operation of the sheet 400. More specifically, the main control unit 104 controls the conveyor roller 505 to move along... Figure 4C The direction indicated by the middle arrow G is used to transport sheet 400 to Figure 4C The photographic printing start position is shown. In step S609, the main control unit 104 controls the thermal head 107 to clamp and press the ink tape 300 and the sheet 400 in a manner that abuts against the impression roller 504, thereby moving the thermal head 107 to... Figure 4D The pressing position is shown. In step S610, the main control unit 104 controls the M-type photographic printing corresponding to the target image. In step S611, the main control unit 104 stops the thermal head 107 at... Figure 4C The second retraction position is shown. The processing of steps S609 to S611 is similar to that of steps S604 to S606.

[0048] Subsequently, the main control unit 104 executes steps S612 to S616 to perform C-photographic printing corresponding to the target image. Then, the main control unit 104 executes steps S617 to S621 to perform OC-photographic printing corresponding to the target image. The processes of steps S612 to S616 are similar to those of steps S607 to S611. The processes of steps S617 to S620 are similar to those of steps S607 to S610. However, in step S612, in order to start C-photographic printing, the main control unit 104 performs control to align the starting position of the C-layer 303 of the ink ribbon 300 with the position opposite to the thermal head 107. More specifically, once the mark detection sensor 113 detects a mark 314 at the beginning of the C-layer 303, the main control unit 104 stops winding the ink ribbon 300. Similarly, in step S617, to initiate OC photolithography, the main control unit 104 performs control to align the photolithography start position of the OC layer 304 of the ink ribbon 300 with the position opposite the thermal head 107. More specifically, once the mark detection sensor 113 detects a mark 315 at the start of the OC layer 304, the main control unit 104 stops winding the ink ribbon 300. In step S621, in Figure 4DIn the indicated state, the main control unit 104 executes control to rotatably drive the sheet feed roller 507, clamping the sheet 400 between the sheet feed roller 507 and the sheet discharge roller 508, and discharging the sheet 400 to the outside of the printer host 130. This completes the ordinary photographic printing process.

[0049] Next, the main parts of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. More specifically, reference will be made to... Figures 6 to 10 The present invention describes an OC layer image generation method and an OC layer photographic printing method that produce an effect emphasizing the main subject portion in a target image, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for generating photographic printing data for an OC layer according to a first exemplary embodiment. First, refer to... Figure 6 The flowchart describes the generation of photographic printing data at the OC layer. The CPU 101 reads the program from the flash ROM 102 and controls the processing in the flowchart based on the read program.

[0050] In step S701, the main control unit 104 determines whether the user has selected the main subject emphasis mode. If the main subject emphasis mode has not been selected ("No" in step S701), the process proceeds to step S702. In step S702, the main control unit 104 selects basic photographic printing data for the OC layer 304 for uniformly performing low-grayscale photographic printing over the entire area. Then, the image processing unit 105 generates OC layer photographic printing data, wherein the basic photographic printing data is arranged over the entire area, and the basic photographic printing data is low-grayscale pixel data (low-grayscale value data) for uniformly performing low-grayscale photographic printing over the entire area.

[0051] On the other hand, if the main subject emphasis mode is selected ("Yes" in step S701), the process proceeds to step S703. In step S703, the image processing unit 105 performs main subject selection processing on the target image. More specifically, when delivering the OC layer 304, the main control unit 104 uses the color inks of the YMC layers 301, 302, and 303 to acquire raw image data 800 corresponding to the image to be printed on the sheet 400 (see...). Figure 7 ), and select the main subject 801 (see Figure 7 ), and extract the outline of the main subject 801 from the original image data 800. Figure 7An image of raw image data 800 is schematically shown. Raw image data 800 includes a person as the main subject 801 and trees in the background as the background subject 802. In this exemplary embodiment, the range of the main subject is automatically selected based on an algorithm using face detection and contrast measurement. The selection method is not particularly limited. For example, a user can provide selection instructions via display unit 117 and operation unit 118.

[0052] In step S704, the image processing unit 105 performs contour extraction processing on the main subject 801 (main subject area) in the original image data 800 selected in step S703. Contour extraction of the main subject area is performed using conventional techniques such as edge detection and human detection. In step S705, the main control unit 104 performs display control to display the result of the contour extraction processing in step S704 on the display unit 117 in a combined manner with the image of the original image data 800, and asks the user whether the contour of the main subject 801 has been appropriately extracted. As a result of the contour extraction processing, the main control unit 104 overlays and displays a contour line of a specific color on the image of the original image data 800. The user views the result of the contour extraction processing and performs an "OK" or "Cancel" operation via the operation unit 118. In step S705, if a "Cancel" operation is performed ("No" in step S705), the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the main control unit 104 performs a main subject reselection process. At this point, the main control unit 104 can select the next candidate by using the algorithm used when selecting the main subject 801 in step S703, or it can reselect the main subject by using a different algorithm. In step S705, if the user views the result of the contour extraction process and performs an "OK" operation ("Yes" in step S705), the main control unit 104 confirms the result of the contour extraction process in step S704, and the process proceeds to step S707. In steps S707 to S709, the image processing unit 105 generates OC layer photographic printing data to emphasize the main subject 801. When generating OC layer graphic printing data in steps S707 to S709, the image processing unit 105 generates OC layer photographic printing data by overwriting a portion of the basic photographic printing data (low grayscale pixels over the entire area) with high grayscale pixels (high grayscale value data) or mixed pattern data. For this purpose, in step S707, the image processing unit 105 prepares the basic photographic printing data.

[0053] In step S708, as the first step in generating OC layer photographic printing data, the image processing unit 105 generates photographic printing data by drawing a high grayscale line with a high grayscale pixel width corresponding to the contour of the main subject 801 extracted in step S704.

[0054] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates first OC layer photographic print data 803 generated by drawing a contour line, which is the result of contour extraction processing of the original image data 800, as a 1-pixel wide high grayscale line. The white portions in the first OC layer photographic print data 803 correspond to low grayscale pixels (low grayscale value data). The black portions (contour line 804) in the first OC layer photographic print data 803 correspond to high grayscale pixels (high grayscale value data). The first OC layer photographic print data 803 includes high grayscale pixels forming the contour line 804, as well as other low grayscale pixel portions. Region 806 is an enlarged view of region 805 in the first OC layer photographic print data 803. Region 806 includes the contour line 804. The contour line 804 is formed by a 1-pixel wide solid line of high grayscale pixels. Low grayscale pixels are allocated to the other portions. Because the surface of the protective layer is roughened by applying energy higher than the melting energy, the portions printed using the allocated high grayscale pixels have low gloss. Because melting energy is applied to a regular coating, the areas printed using the allocated low-grayscale pixels have high gloss. Therefore, when photographic printing the first OC layer photographic printing data 803 using OC layer 304, the outline 804 has low gloss, while other areas—the main subject 801 and the background area excluding the outline 804—have high gloss. Since OC layer 304 is colorless and transparent to avoid altering the image's tone, the visual difference between areas printed with low gloss and areas printed with high gloss is limited to gloss level. In other words, the outline 804 has low visibility. To enhance the emphasis on the main subject, a certain linewidth is used to emphasize the outline 804, making the difference in gloss more pronounced.

[0055] Therefore, in step S709, the image processing unit 105 generates a first mixed pattern of high grayscale pixels and low grayscale pixels for the outer region of the main subject 801, which is 3 pixels wide from the outline 804 generated in step S708.

[0056] Figure 9 The second OC layer photographic printing data 807 generated in step S709 is shown. Based on reference... Figure 8 The first OC layer photographic print data 803 described generates a second OC layer photographic print data 807. The second OC layer photographic print data 807 includes a magnified outline 808 converted from the outline 804 in the first OC layer photographic print data 803. Part 810 is... Figure 9 An enlarged view of portion 809, circled by dashed lines. As shown in portion 810, a first blending pattern 811 is formed around the contour line 804 in the enlarged outline 808. More specifically, the first blending pattern 811 is formed in a peripheral region 3 pixels wide from the contour line 804 outside the main subject 801. The first blending pattern 811 includes a blend of high grayscale pixel data (high grayscale value data or high grayscale pixels) and low grayscale pixel data (low grayscale value data or low grayscale pixels). Therefore, the enlarged outline line 808 is a line with a total width of 4 pixels, including the 1-pixel-wide outline line 804 and the 3-pixel-wide peripheral region. Although in this exemplary embodiment, the peripheral region is a 3-pixel-wide region surrounding the contour line 804, the peripheral region can have a width with a different number of pixels. Furthermore, the size of the peripheral region can be varied depending on the size of the main subject 801. For example, if the main subject 801 is small (the area of ​​the main subject 801 is less than a predetermined value), an area extending 3 pixels wide from the outline 804 can be set as the outer region. If the main subject 801 is large (the area of ​​the main subject 801 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value), an area extending 6 pixels wide from the outline 804 can be set as the outer region.

[0057] The first blending pattern 811 is generated using an algorithm in which more than two high grayscale pixels are discontinuous, i.e., more than three high grayscale pixels are discontinuous. The printer 100 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a thermal head 107 with a resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi), commonly used in thermal transfer printers for image printing. Two pixels correspond to a photographic printing distance of 0.17 mm. If high grayscale pixels are continuously spaced more than 0.5 mm apart in the main or sub-scanning direction of the printer 100, defects such as separation failure or abnormal noise may occur. The thickened outline 804 of the first blending pattern 811 generated using the aforementioned algorithm prevents defects such as separation failure and abnormal noise.

[0058] Because the printed surface of the dispersed high-grayscale pixel portion is rougher than that of the portion printed using low-grayscale pixels, the apparent reflectance (gloss) of the first mixed pattern 811, which combines high-grayscale and low-grayscale pixels, is low. Therefore, the outline 804 and the first mixed pattern 811 can be visually perceived as a single line. After the processing for generating the enlarged outline 808 in step S709 is completed, the image processing unit 105 finishes generating the OC layer photographic printing data in step S710. (See example reference...) Figure 5 In the flowchart of the described ordinary photographic printing process, the generated second OC layer photographic printing data 807 is used in the OC photographic printing process of step S620, thereby performing photographic printing using OC layer 304.

[0059] Figure 10 A photographic printout 812, printed based on original image data 800 and second OC layer photographic printout data 807, is schematically shown. The photographic printout 812 includes a main subject portion 813 having a glossy surface coated by ordinary OC processing (OC layer transfer using low grayscale data). On the other hand, because OC layer transfer uses high grayscale data, the outline of the main subject portion 813 has low gloss. For the peripheral area around the outline, the OC layer 304 is transferred using a first mixed pattern 811 that blends low and high grayscale values, resulting in a low-gloss portion 815 in the peripheral area. The gloss of the low-gloss portion 815 is higher than that of the outline but lower than that of the main subject portion 813 coated by ordinary OC processing. For the background area 814 outside the peripheral area (i.e., the area other than the subject area, outline, and peripheral area), the OC layer 304 is transferred by ordinary OC processing. As described above, the photographic printout 812, which emphasizes the main subject 813, is achieved by representing the gloss difference of the outline portion of the main subject 813.

[0060] In other words, by transferring the OC layer, the boundaries of the main subject area can be clearly emphasized, giving the main subject area a high gloss, while the outline of the main subject has high grayscale and low gloss. Furthermore, the first blending pattern 811 is used to transfer the OC layer 304 to the outer area of ​​the main subject. This provides a matte finish with low gloss, thus enabling the output of prints with emphasized bokeh effects.

[0061] Next, we will refer to Figures 11 to 13 A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that it generates OC layer photographic printing data. Since the configuration of the printer 100 and the normal photographic printing process are the same as in the first exemplary embodiment, they will not be described again.

[0062] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for generating photographic printing data for an OC layer according to a second exemplary embodiment. First, refer to... Figure 11 The flowchart describes the generation of photographic printing data in the OC layer. Similar to... Figure 6 The processing in the flowchart is implemented by the CPU 101 reading the program from the flash ROM 102 and controlling the program based on the read program.

[0063] The processing of steps S901 to S909 is consistent with the process for generating according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 The processing of steps S701 to S709 in the flowchart of the OC layer photographic printing data is similar. Therefore, it will not be described again.

[0064] In this exemplary embodiment, in step S910, the image processing unit 105 converts the background region into a second mixed pattern that combines high-grayscale pixels and low-grayscale pixels. The background region is outside the first mixed pattern 811, which is located in the outer region of the outline 804 in the second OC layer photographic print image data 807 generated in step S909. In this exemplary embodiment, the background region refers to the area excluding the main subject area and the magnified outline 808 (including the outline 804 and its outer region).

[0065] Figure 12 The third OC layer photographic printing data 1001 generated in step S909 is shown. Based on reference... Figure 9 The described second OC layer photographic printing data 807 generates third OC layer photographic printing data 1001. The magnification section 1003 is... Figure 12 The magnified view of a portion 1002 of the main subject area in the third OC layer photographic print data 1001. The internal region 1004 of the magnified portion 1003 includes low grayscale pixels but excludes high grayscale pixels. Portion 1006 is a magnified view of a portion 1005, which is... Figure 12 A portion of the magnified outline 808 (including outline 804 and a peripheral region) is circled in dashes. As shown in section 1006, the magnified outline 808 includes outline 804 formed adjacent to each other and a peripheral region surrounding outline 804. Outline 804 is a 1-pixel wide high grayscale pixel line. The peripheral region is formed by a first blending pattern 811 that mixes high grayscale pixel data and low grayscale pixel data. The third OC layer photographic print data 1001 also includes a second blending pattern 1007 that forms a background region outside the peripheral region. The second blending pattern 1007 is a pattern that mixes high grayscale pixel data and low grayscale pixel data, but the proportion of high grayscale pixels in the second blending pattern 1007 is lower than the proportion in the first blending pattern 811. Region 1009 is Figure 12 An enlarged view of a portion 1008 of the background region in the third OC layer photographic print data 1001 shown. The interior of region 1009 is formed by a second blending pattern 1007. The density (proportion of high grayscale pixels) of the high grayscale pixels in the second blending pattern 1007 is set to be lower than that in the first blending pattern 811. After setting the second blending pattern 1007, the generation of the OC layer photographic print data according to this exemplary embodiment ends in step S911. The third OC layer photographic print data 1001 generated in this manner is used for illustrative reference. Figure 5 The flowchart of the ordinary photographic printing process describes step S620 of the OC photographic printing process, thereby performing photographic printing using OC layer 304.

[0066] Figure 13 A photographic printout 1010, printed based on original image data 800 and third OC layer photographic printout data 1001, is schematically shown. The photographic printout 1010 includes a main subject portion 1011 having a high-gloss surface coated by ordinary OC processing (OC layer transfer using low grayscale data). On the other hand, because the OC layer transfer uses high grayscale data, the outline of the main subject portion 1011 has low gloss. For the peripheral area around the outline, the OS layer 304 is transferred using a first mixed pattern 811 that blends low and high grayscale values, resulting in a low-gloss portion 1012 in the peripheral area. This portion has a gloss higher than the outline but lower than that of the main subject portion 1011 coated by ordinary OC processing. The background area outside the peripheral area forms a semi-gloss portion 1013, which has a slightly higher gloss than the low-gloss portion 1012 because the OC layer 304 is transferred using a second mixed pattern 1007 with a lower proportion of high grayscale pixels than the first mixed pattern 811. As mentioned above, by emphasizing the outline while making the surface reflectance of the main subject different from that of the background area, it is possible to further emphasize the main subject.

[0067] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the image processing unit 105 may be configured to perform face detection processing and generate OC layer photographic printing data by selecting a person with a face detected by the face detection processing as the main subject and detecting the contour of the person with the detected face.

[0068] Both the first blending pattern 811 and the second blending pattern 1007 can be varied within the pattern. For example, the density (ratio) of high grayscale pixels can decrease as the distance from the outline increases. The grayscale value of high grayscale pixels can be made variable to change the degree of emphasis.

[0069] In the second exemplary embodiment, the entire background is formed by the second blending pattern 1007, which serves as the background area. Alternatively, the second blending pattern 1007, which serves as the background area, can form a region (a region larger than the outer region) within a predetermined range from the outline of the main subject, and low grayscale pixels can form a background portion further away from the main subject.

[0070] Although the main subject in the image has been described as the target to be emphasized, the foregoing exemplary embodiments are also applicable to specific image ranges where contour extraction can be performed in artificially generated image data. While a printer as a printing device has been described as an example in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the foregoing exemplary embodiments can be implemented in printing systems that interconnect the printer with a printing control device such as a personal computer (PC). In this case, the printing device performs… Figure 5 The standard photographic printing process shown is executed by the printing control device. Figure 6 or Figure 11 The process shown is for generating OC layer photographic printing data, and the generated OC layer photographic printing data is sent to the printing device.

[0071] Other embodiments

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 claims should be interpreted as broadly as possible to encompass all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A print control apparatus configured to transfer a clear topcoat ink to an image printed on a sheet using a thermal transfer printing apparatus, the print control apparatus comprising: an extraction unit configured to extract an outline of a subject in the image; and a control unit configured to generate print data for transferring the clear topcoat ink using the thermal transfer printing apparatus based on the extracted outline of the subject, characterized in that wherein the control unit generates the print data by assigning a high gray value for providing a low glossiness to an outline line corresponding to the extracted outline of the subject, assigning a low gray value for providing a high glossiness to an area corresponding to the subject, and arranging a mixture of the high gray value and the low gray value in a peripheral area of the subject, wherein the peripheral area of the subject is an area outside the subject which is wide from the outline line to a predetermined number of pixels.

2. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of pixels varies according to a size of the subject.

3. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates the print data by using a first mixed pattern in which the mixture of the high gray value and the low gray value is arranged for the peripheral area of the subject. 4.The print control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit generates the print data by using a second mixed pattern in which the mixture of the high gray value and the low gray value is arranged for a background area other than the peripheral area of the subject, and wherein a proportion of the high gray value in the second mixed pattern is lower than a proportion of the high gray value in the first mixed pattern.

5. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit extracts the outline of the subject based on image data of the image printed on the sheet.

6. The print control device according to claim 5, wherein the extraction unit extracts an outline of a main subject included in the image.

7. The print control device according to claim 5, wherein the extraction unit detects a face from the image data, and extracts the outline of the subject based on the detected face.

8. The print control device according to claim 3, wherein the first mixed pattern is a mixed pattern in which three or more pixels having the high gray value are arranged to be discontinuous.

9. The print control device according to claim 3, wherein the first mixed pattern is a mixed pattern in which a density of pixels having the high gray value decreases as a distance from the outline line increases.

10. The print control device according to claim 3, wherein the first mixed pattern is a pattern for transferring the clear topcoat ink to provide a glossiness lower than a case where the clear topcoat ink is transferred using the low gray value and a glossiness higher than a case where the clear topcoat ink is transferred using the high gray value. 11.The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the thermal transfer printing apparatus. 12.A print control method of transferring a clear topcoat ink to an image printed on a sheet using a thermal transfer printing apparatus, the print control method comprising: extracting an outline of a subject in the image; and controlling generation of print data for transferring the clear topcoat ink using the thermal transfer printing apparatus based on the extracted outline of the subject, characterized in that wherein the print data is generated by assigning a high gray value for providing low glossiness to a contour line corresponding to the extracted outline of the subject, assigning a low gray value for providing high glossiness to an area corresponding to the subject, and arranging a mixture of the high gray value and the low gray value in a peripheral area of the subject, wherein the peripheral area of the subject is an area outside the subject which is wide to a predetermined number of pixels from the contour line.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is configured to cause a computer to execute the print control method according to claim 12.

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