Control method of device, printing device, and storage medium

Abstract

A control method of an apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a storage medium are provided. A control method is provided that includes obtaining color information to be printed in a specific color from color information included in print data, detecting a specific position to be printed in the specific color based on the obtained color information in an image, and performing first color conversion to subject the color information included in the print data to color conversion processing in accordance with a color conversion instruction. A printing unit that performs printing based on the print data performs printing on the specific position by using a second color in accordance with a print instruction and a color conversion instruction related to the specific color, and performs printing on positions other than the specific position by using a first color based on color information after color conversion when the first color conversion is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method, a printing apparatus, and a storage medium for performing printing by using a process color and a specific color different from the process color. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, a technology has been developed that performs printing by using common coloring materials such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black used in processing color printing, as well as by using specific coloring materials that are different from the common coloring materials.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-103695 discloses a printing technology designed to form an image by applying a predetermined color-changing material of a specific color to a processed color image using a color-changing material of a basic color. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the process of forming an image by applying a predetermined coloring material of a specific color to an image formed by a coloring material of a common color, color conversion processing, such as color matching and color adjustment, may sometimes be performed. Even when the above-mentioned color conversion processing is performed, there are techniques for correctly printing using coloring materials of specific colors.

[0005] In view of this situation, the object of the present invention is to provide a printing technology that can correctly print in a specific color even when color conversion processing is performed.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a control method for an apparatus configured to control print data for performing printing by using a first color as a processing color and a second color as a specific color different from the processing color. The control method includes: obtaining color information to be printed in the specific color from color information included in the print data; detecting a specific location to be printed in the specific color based on the color information obtained from an image; and performing a first color conversion to subject the color information included in the print data to color conversion processing according to a color conversion instruction. A printing unit configured to perform printing based on the print data performs printing at the specific location using the second color according to the printing instruction relating to the specific color and the color conversion instruction, and performs printing at locations other than the specific location using the first color based on the color information after the color conversion during the first color conversion.

[0007] According to the present invention, even when color conversion processing is performed, printing can still be performed correctly in a specific color.

[0008] Further features of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the construction of a printing system that performs spot color printing.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an example image showing a screen displaying a poster data creation application.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example image showing the print settings screen.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure performed by the printer driver of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figures 6A to 6F It is a graph showing the various processing results of the printed data.

[0015] Figures 7A to 7C It is a table showing the colors of the objects included in the printed data.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure performed by the printer driver of the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure performed by the image output device of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Please note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It should also be understood that solutions according to the invention do not always require combining all the features described in any embodiment.

[0019] (First Embodiment)

[0020] A printing control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. The printing system comprises a host computer 101 and an image output device (printing apparatus) 102. The host computer 101 is an example of an information processing device, which 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. Meanwhile, input devices such as a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110, and a display device such as a display unit 119 is connected to the output interface 115.

[0021] The CPU 111 controls the entire host computer 101, which acts as an information processing device, by processing according to the program stored in the ROM 112, and performs processing related to the functions and flowcharts described later. The initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. Application programs, the operating system (OS), printer drivers, and various other data are stored in the external storage device 114. The RAM 113 is formed from static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc., which require backup power. Here, the RAM 113 can store data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup. In this case, the RAM 113 can store data such as program control variables without making it volatile. Furthermore, the RAM 113 is provided with storage areas for storing setup information, management data, etc., about the host computer 101. In addition, the RAM 113 serves as, for example, the main memory of the CPU 111, working memory when executing various programs stored in the external storage device 114, etc.

[0022] Image output device 102 is connected to host computer 101 via input / output interface 116. Here, host computer 101 and image output device 102 are configured separately. However, these structures can be integrated into a single information processing device. Although this embodiment will describe an inkjet printer, which performs printing by spraying ink (coloring material) onto the surface of a printing medium, as an example of image output device 102, printing can also be performed using different methods (such as electrophotographic methods).

[0023] This embodiment will also describe an example of an inkjet printer configured to perform printing using common color inks and specific color inks (spot color inks), which will be described below. The host computer 101 can be any of a desktop personal computer, a laptop personal computer, or a smartphone.

[0024] <The Structure of a Printing System>

[0025] Figure 2This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a printing system for spot color printing based on general applications. Spot color printing is a printing mode that uses inks of special colors other than ordinary inks (spot color inks). Furthermore, "ordinary ink (first coloring material)" is the ink used for processing color printing; it is the ink of the base color that forms the processing color, such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks. Here, the processing color is a color represented by one of the CMYK colors or a combination of two or more of the CMYK colors. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, fluorescent pink ink and fluorescent orange ink are used as spot color inks (second coloring materials). A spot color is a color different from a processing color and cannot be represented solely by one of the CMYK colors or a combination of two or more of the CMYK colors. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the number and color of spot color inks can be arbitrarily determined, and inks of colors other than fluorescent colors are also applicable. For example, purple ink, green ink, orange ink, gold ink, silver ink, etc., can be used as spot color inks. At the same time, other metallic inks are also applicable. In addition, inks prepared by mixing special-colored inks with other inks (such as regular inks) can also be considered special-colored inks.

[0026] Application 202 is software that creates the content to be printed. For example, an image editing application that creates poster data corresponds to application 202. The user specifies the RGB values ​​of a specific color (described later) on application 202, related to the character and graphic image data for which the user wants to print in spot color. Upon receiving a print request from the user, application 202 issues a print instruction to OS 201. Upon receiving this print instruction, OS 201 allocates 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 operates in cooperation with a printer driver 203 provided by the vendor of the image output device.

[0027] When the OS printing system receives a request from application 202 to display the print settings screen, it requests printer driver 203 to display the print settings screen, and printer driver 203 displays the print settings screen on user interface unit 204. Although the print settings screen will be described later, the size and type of paper used as the printing medium can be specified on the print settings screen, and spot color printing can also be specified thereon.

[0028] When performing spot color printing, the user first selects the spot color ink to use in the print settings screen displayed by 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 character and graphic print data on which the user wants to use the spot color ink.

[0029] After completing the print settings, the user instructs application 202 to perform printing by pressing the print button on application 202. In response to the print command from the user, application 202 creates print data and sends the print data to the graphics processing unit 205 of printer driver 203 via OS 201.

[0030] The graphics processing unit 205 includes a spot color processing unit 206, a rendering unit 207, a data storage unit 208, and a color conversion processing unit 209. The spot color processing unit 206 performs processing related to spot color printing, the rendering unit 207 performs rendering from print data to RGB data, and the color conversion processing unit 209 performs color conversion processes including color matching, the details of which will be described later. The data storage unit 208 processes the data to temporarily store the rendered data in a storage medium such as an HDD. Meanwhile, after performing spot color printing processing, color conversion processing, etc., the graphics processing unit 205 converts the print data into a data format that the image output device 102 can interpret, and sends the print data to the image output device 102 via the communication unit 210. Subsequently, ink is ejected from the print head onto the paper sheet fed to the image output device 102, forming an image thereon.

[0031] The image output device 102 of this embodiment includes a mechanism configured to jet spot color ink onto positions having RGB values ​​indicating specific colors when spot color printing is set using the printer driver 203. Specifically, when spot color printing is set using the printer driver 203, pixels in print data having specific RGB values ​​corresponding to the set spot color are printed using spot color ink. One type or two or more types of ink can be used as spot color ink. An example of the image output device (inkjet printer) 102 will be described below, which includes a structure that can perform printing by using two types of spot color inks, phosphor and fluorescent orange, and four colors (CMYK) of ordinary ink.

[0032] Specific RGB values ​​corresponding to a spot color are, for example, R = 255 (0xFF), G = 0 (0x00), and B = 255 (0xFF). Pixels with the corresponding RGB values ​​are printed in fluorescent color using phosphor ink. In another case, specific RGB values ​​are, for example, R = 255 (0xFF), G = 85 (0x55), and B = 0 (0x00). Pixels with the corresponding RGB values ​​are printed in fluorescent orange using phosphor ink mixed with magenta and yellow ink. Here, for example, if the image output device 102 includes a structure that can use fluorescent orange ink as a spot color ink, then fluorescent orange can be printed using only orange ink. Specifically, pixels with specific RGB values ​​corresponding to a spot color only need to be printed by using at least the spot color ink, and may or may not be printed using ink obtained by mixing the spot color ink with any CMYK ink.

[0033] Please note that even in spot color printing, pixels that do not have a specific RGB value corresponding to the spot color are printed using only CMYK ink. Spot color printing is performed when it is activated by the user. In other words, if spot color printing is not activated, pixels with a specific RGB value corresponding to the spot color are typically printed using only CMYK ink, referencing the RGB values. A detailed description of the process in the case of spot color printing will now be given.

[0034] <Creating Spot Color Printing Data>

[0035] In the case of spot color printing, firstly, the user creates content on application 202. Then, the user assigns specific RGB data values ​​corresponding to the spot color ink to the characters or specific areas on the graphic image in the created content that the user wants to print using the spot color ink.

[0036] Figure 3 This is an example image showing a screen of the poster data creation application 320 in application 202. The poster data creation application 320 is equipped with a toolbar button 300, an image data display area 301, an image data editing area 302, and an object selection box 303. Additionally, the poster data creation application 320 is equipped with an object color editing tab menu 304, an object size adjustment tab menu 305, a printer selection combo box 309, a printer properties button 310, and a print button 311.

[0037] Toolbar button 300 allows selection of application functions. In this example, one can select application functions for this application, such as canceling and redoing editing operations, creating text objects, creating graphic objects, creating image data objects, changing display magnification, and displaying help.

[0038] Meanwhile, the image data display area 301 is an area for displaying image data created by the user. The image data editing area 302 allows the user to select any object, move the selected object, and use the pointing device 117 (…). Figure 1 This is the area used to edit image data. The object selection box 303 is a display box formed by dashed lines; it shows the selected object to the user when the user has selected it. Figure 3 In the example shown, the text object read as "SALE" is selected in object selection box 303.

[0039] When the Object Color Editing tab (menu 304) is selected, controls for changing the color of the currently selected object are displayed. Similarly, when the Object Size Adjustment tab (menu 305) is selected, controls for changing the size of the currently selected object are displayed. Figure 3 In the example shown, the Object Color Editing tab menu 304 was selected, displaying the R value change control 306, G value change control 307, and B value change control 308 to change the RGB value of the object.

[0040] Each control item for R, G, and B values ​​can be set from 0 to 255 by directly entering a value using the keyboard 118 or by selecting a button to the right of each control item using the pointing device 117. The entered value is also indicated in hexadecimal numbers below each control item. Figure 3 In the example shown, the RGB values ​​of the text object “SALE” surrounded by the object selection box 303 are set to R=255 (0xFF), G=0 (0x00), and B=255 (0xFF) to specify the phosphor in this embodiment.

[0041] In this embodiment, the data creation color space of application 202 can be set to the sRGB color space, representing the standard RGB color space, or it can be set to another color space such as the Adobe RGB color space. Furthermore, for example, the data creation color space can also be set using a CMYK color space other than the RGB color space. In this case, the spot color is specified using a specific CMYK value. However, when setting a spot color in a color space other than sRGB, color conversion processing is required from the color space of the input data to the color space processed by the image output device 102 or the sRGB color space processed by the printer driver. Here, in this case, the specific RGB value (or a specific value from a different color space) used to specify the spot color may be changed in the middle. This embodiment solves this problem through a process described later.

[0042] Please note that the printer selection combo box 309 is a control used to select the printer driver 203 to be used for printing. The printer properties button 310 is a button used to activate the print settings screen of the printer driver 203 specified in the printer selection combo box 309 for various print settings. The print button 311 is a button used to send print data, including print settings set using the printer properties button 310 and image data edited by the user, to the printer driver 203 specified in the printer selection combo box 309.

[0043] <The Structure of the Print Settings Screen>

[0044] Figure 4 The diagram shows the process of pressing the printer properties button 310 in user interface unit 204. Figure 2 This is an example of a print settings screen displayed on the image output device 102. Users can obtain the desired printed products from the image output device 102 by making various print settings on the print settings screen 400.

[0045] The print settings screen 400 includes a paper type combo box 401, a paper size combo box 402, a print quality combo box 403, and checkboxes 404 and 405 for spot color printing. Additionally, the print settings screen 400 includes a color matching checkbox 406, an input profile combo box 407, an output profile combo box 408, and a matching method combo box 409. Furthermore, the print settings screen 400 includes a color adjustment checkbox 410, a brightness adjustment control 411, a contrast adjustment control 412, an OK button 413, and a Cancel button 414.

[0046] The paper type combo box 401 is a control item used to select from a list one of the paper types acceptable to the image output device 102, such as plain paper, glossy paper, and coated paper. The paper size combo box 402 is a combo box for paper size, used to select from a list one of the paper sizes, such as A4 and A3, that can be printed using the image output device 102. The print quality combo box 403 is a combo box for print quality, used to select from a list one of the print quality modes, such as fast mode, standard mode, and advanced mode, applicable when printing using the image output device 102.

[0047] Checkboxes 404 and 405, specifically for spot color printing, are used to specify spot colors. When one of checkboxes 404 and 405 is selected, pixels included in the print data and having RGB values ​​equal to the RGB values ​​set in one of checkboxes 404 and 405 are printed using the corresponding spot color ink. In this embodiment, when checkbox 404 is selected, spot color printing using phosphor is performed, and when checkbox 405 is selected, spot color printing using fluorescent orange is available. On the other hand, when neither checkbox 404 nor 405 is selected, spot color ink is not used. Specifically, even if the RGB values ​​of pixels included in the print data are equal to the RGB values ​​set in either checkbox 404 or 405, an image representing the relevant RGB values ​​can be formed using ordinary ink, thereby enabling CMYK or other processed color printing. In this case, spot color ink is not used.

[0048] Color matching checkbox 406 is a checkbox used to issue an instruction (color conversion instruction) regarding whether the color information in the image data is suitable for undergoing color matching as a color conversion process. When the color matching checkbox 406 is selected, the color conversion processing unit 209 in the graphics processing unit 205 of the printer driver 203 ( Figure 2 Color matching is performed. On the other hand, color matching is not performed if the color matching checkbox 406 is not selected.

[0049] The input profile combo box 407 is a control for selecting a color space for input data, such as sRGB, AdobeRGB, and CMYK, from a list. The output profile combo box 408 is a control for selecting one of a dedicated profile indicating the color space that the image output device 102 can represent on the paper serving as the printing target. Meanwhile, the matching method combo box 409 is a control for selecting one of a matching method from a list, such as the "perceptual" method, the "saturation" method, the "relative colorimetric" method, and the "absolute colorimetric" method.

[0050] For example, in a case where a user wants to print data created based on the Adobe RGB color space on coated paper, such as Figure 4As shown, the user sets the various boxes. Specifically, the user sets the color matching checkbox 406 to "Selected". Then, the user sets the input profile combo box 407 to "Adobe RGB" and the output profile combo box 408 to the output profile corresponding to the coating paper (coating paper 01). In addition, the user sets the matching method combo box 409 to "Perception".

[0051] When printing is performed in the settings described above, the color conversion processing unit 209 performs input-to-output color conversion (color matching) corresponding to the values ​​set by the color conversion processing unit 209 itself or the color management module (CMM) installed in the OS. This allows printing to be performed without tonal deviation even when the color space of the input data differs from the color space that the image output device 102 can represent. Although Figure 4 An example of setting the "perception" method as the matching method is shown, but the matching method can be freely set according to the user's preferences or data types.

[0052] Regarding the color adjustment checkbox 410, when this checkbox is selected, color adjustment processing is performed by the color conversion processing unit 209 of the printer driver. The brightness adjustment control item 411 is a control item for changing the brightness of the printed product, which can be set by directly entering a value in the combo box using the keyboard 118 or by selecting the button on the right side of the combo box using the pointing device 117. Reference numeral 412 indicates a contrast adjustment control item for changing the contrast of the printed product, which can be set by directly entering a value using the keyboard 118 or by selecting the button on the right side of the control item using the pointing device 117.

[0053] For example, Figure 4 An example is shown where a user sets the brightness of the printed product to "+10" and its contrast to "-5," while simultaneously selecting the color adjustment checkbox 410. When printing is performed with these settings, the color conversion processing unit 209 performs color conversion based on the settings using the color adjustment module installed within it. This allows for adjustment of the colors in the printed product. Here, in addition to "brightness" and "contrast," colors such as "cyan," "magenta," and "yellow" can also be adjusted. In this respect, the construction is not limited to... Figure 4 The example shown. Incidentally, if the checkbox for color adjustment checkbox 410 is not selected, the settings for brightness adjustment control item 411 and contrast adjustment control item 412 are invalid and no color adjustment is performed.

[0054] The OK button 413 is used to close the print settings screen 400 after sending the print settings set on the print settings screen 400 as setting values ​​to the application 202. The Cancel button 414 is used to close the print settings screen without reflecting the print settings set on the print settings screen 400 as setting values.

[0055] <Processing performed by the printer driver after printing begins>

[0056] Figure 5 The flowchart shows the graphics processing unit 205 of the printer driver 203 when the application 202 instructs the printer to perform printing. Figure 2 The processing procedure executed. An example will be discussed in the following description, where data is transmitted from application 202. Figure 6A The printed data shown and about Figure 4 The printer driver 203, which acts as the obtaining unit, obtains the printing settings information shown in the diagram. Figure 6A The print data includes text objects 601, 602, and 603, and graphic objects 604 and 605. The color values ​​for each object are defined as follows: Figure 7A The values ​​shown in the table.

[0057] Here, the CPU 111 of the host computer 101 loads the program code stored in ROM 112 into the external storage device 114 and executes the program code. Figure 5 The series of processes shown. Or, Figure 5 Some or all of the functions of the steps in the flowchart can be implemented in hardware such as ASICs and electronic circuits. Note that the prefix code S added to each step number in the flowchart of this specification represents the step.

[0058] First, in S501, spot color processing unit 206 ( Figure 2 Obtain spot color printing settings information. Here, checkboxes 404 and 405 (specific to spot color printing) are used based on print settings information such as DEVMODE included in the print data. Figure 4The setting determines whether or not to perform spot color printing. Furthermore, color information regarding specific RGB values ​​(R=255, G=0, and B=255) corresponding to spot color printing is obtained simultaneously from the model information of the printer driver 203. Here, the color information regarding the specific RGB values ​​can be obtained from the image output device 102 via a network cable, or it can be a value determined as a fixed value. Therefore, the method for obtaining the specific RGB values ​​is not limited to a specific method. The following description is based on the assumption that only the checkbox 404 dedicated to phosphor spot color printing is set. However, it is also possible to set both the checkbox 404 dedicated to phosphor spot color printing and the checkbox 405 dedicated to fluorescent orange spot color printing simultaneously. In this case, the entire process for determining the RGB values ​​will be performed based on the specific RGB values ​​of the two colors, phosphor and fluorescent orange.

[0059] Next, in S502, the spot color processing unit 206 obtains color conversion processing information from print setting information such as DEVMODE included in the print data. It obtains setting information regarding color matching or color adjustment as color conversion processing information and determines whether to execute or not execute these color conversion processes.

[0060] Next, in S503, the rendering unit 207 (rendering section) 207 performs the process (rendering) of converting the drawing commands included in the print data into RGB values ​​using the rendering engine or rendering unit 207 installed in the OS. As a result of this process, Figures 6A to 6F The drawing commands for objects 601 to 605 shown are converted into an RGB image (hereinafter referred to as the first image data).

[0061] Next, in S504, the spot color processing unit 206 checks whether both the spot color printing specification and the color conversion processing specification are used simultaneously (whether spot color printing is selected and color conversion processing is also selected) based on the information obtained as a result of the processes in S501 and S502. Here, if both the spot color printing specification and the color conversion processing specification are used simultaneously, the process proceeds to S505; otherwise, the process proceeds to S506. As a result of the process in S504, if the spot color printing specification and the color conversion processing specification are not used simultaneously, the process in S505, which will be described below, can be skipped. Since the process in S505 takes a lot of time, skipping this process can reduce unnecessary delays.

[0062] In S505, the spot color processing unit 206 detects the location of image data with specific RGB values ​​(R=255, G=0, and B=255 in this example) from the first image data, and temporarily stores the information indicating the detected location as first information in the data storage unit 208. After this process is performed by the spot color processing unit 206, which acts as the detection unit, the process proceeds to S506. For example, a method for detecting image data with specific RGB values ​​from the first image data is considered to be as follows: scanning all rendered RGB images, setting color or bit flags only for RGB values ​​that match the specific RGB values, and then saving the corresponding RGB images in different image formats. Simultaneously, the spot color processing unit 206 can detect image data with specific RGB values ​​simultaneously with the rendering process in S503, and can save the first information as different images. Alternatively, the first information can be retained in a manner embedded in the first image data, rather than saving the first information as different images. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6B The position corresponding to object 601 is detected and saved as the first information.

[0063] Next, in S506, the graphics processing unit 205 checks whether to perform or not perform color conversion processing based on the color conversion processing information obtained in S502. As a result, if color conversion processing is specified, the process proceeds to S507; otherwise, it proceeds to S512. In S512, the graphics processing unit 205 converts the first image data into a data format that can be interpreted by the image output device 102. Thereafter, the graphics processing unit 205 sends the converted data to the image output device 102 via the communication unit 210 and terminates the processing.

[0064] In S507, the color conversion processing unit 209 performs color conversion processing such as color matching and color adjustment. Figure 6C The diagram illustrates an example of an image (hereinafter referred to as second image data) obtained after color conversion processing is performed by color conversion processing unit 209 as the first color conversion unit. Figure 6C In the image shown, the colors at the positions corresponding to the original objects 601 to 605 are converted to... Figure 7B The colors shown.

[0065] Next, in S508, the spot color processing unit 206 checks whether spot color printing has been specified based on the result in S501. Then, if spot color printing has been specified, the process proceeds to S509; otherwise, it proceeds to S513. In S513, the graphics processing unit 205 converts the second image data into a data format that can be interpreted by the image output device 102. Thereafter, the graphics processing unit 205 sends the converted data to the image output device 102 via the communication unit 210 and terminates the processing.

[0066] In S509, the spot color processing unit 206 replaces the RGB values ​​of the location (the location of object 601) in the second image data that has undergone color conversion processing such as color matching with the RGB values ​​before the color conversion processing was performed. In other words, the spot color processing unit 206 processes the data as a second color conversion unit that replaces the original specific RGB values. The location for spot color printing in the second image data is identified based on the first information. Figure 6D An example of an image (hereinafter referred to as third image data) after the processing in S509 is shown. Meanwhile, Figure 7C The colors of the positions corresponding to the various objects in the third image data are shown. In this embodiment, the colors (R=230, G=0, and B=230) of the position of the text object 601, which is read as "SALE," after color conversion processing such as color matching, are replaced with the original colors of the text object (R=255, G=0, and B=255). The processing in S509 enables the image output device 102 (which uses spot color ink for printing specific RGB values) to be correctly notified of the position of the specific RGB values ​​specified by the user in a state where the effects of the color conversion processing have been removed beforehand.

[0067] Next, in S510, the spot color processing unit 206 detects a position from the third image data having a specific RGB value. This specific RGB value differs from the value in the original first image data and is converted into a related RGB value as a result of color conversion processing. Then, the spot color processing unit 206 processes the detected position as a third color conversion unit, replacing the RGB value of the detected position with the RGB value of an approximate color other than the color having the specific RGB value. For example, if the position of the specific RGB value contained in the third image data is inconsistent with the position of the specific RGB value contained in the first information, the RGB value of the inconsistent position is replaced with the RGB value of a color similar to the color having the specific RGB value. Figure 6E An example of an image converted to approximate colors (hereinafter referred to as the fourth image data) is shown. Meanwhile, Figure 7CThe color after conversion to an approximate color is also shown. In this embodiment, the color (R=255, G=0 and B=255) at the position of the text object 603, which reads as "XYZ Store" after color matching, is replaced with an approximate color (R=254, G=0 and B=254) without specific RGB.

[0068] This embodiment describes a case where specific RGB values ​​for spot color printing are set to R=255, G=0, and B=255 to represent a single color. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, specific RGB values ​​for spot color printing can be defined as values ​​having a range such as R=250 to 255, G=0 to 5, and B=250 to 255. In this way, deviations in the specified values ​​for spot color printing caused by slight color variations during processing due to printing applications, operating systems, etc., can be reduced.

[0069] In the example above, where a specific RGB value has a certain range, the color that is close to that range is set as the approximate color in the process of S510. For example, a color with values ​​R=249, G=0, and B=249 is set as the approximate color. According to the process in S510, it is possible to prevent the image output device 102, which is configured to print specific RGB values ​​with spot color ink, from performing spot color printing at unwanted locations due to the influence of color conversion processing. Although this embodiment shows an example of creating print data sequentially from third image data to fourth image data through the processes in S509 and S510, print data for the fourth image data can be created by performing the processes in S509 and S510 simultaneously.

[0070] Next, in S511, the graphics processing unit 205 converts the print data of the fourth image data into a data format that the image output device 102 can interpret. Then, the graphics processing unit 205 sends the converted data to the image output device 102 via the communication unit 210 and terminates the processing. Then, the image output device 102, which receives the print data from the host computer 101, performs a printing operation, thereby forming an image by spraying spot color ink onto positions with specific RGB values. Figure 6F ).

[0071] The above processing enables the use of color matching and color adjustment techniques that perform color conversion in spot color printing for general applications using specific RGB values. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, regardless of whether color conversion processing is performed, the location for spot color printing can always be specified for the image output device using only information about the RGB values. Therefore, the entire printing system can be easily constructed. For example, even when data is input from a portable terminal or USB memory that cannot perform color conversion processing, the image output device can always perform spot color printing based on color information about specific RGB values.

[0072] This invention illustrates an example of having printer driver 203 perform the entire process from S501 to S510. Alternatively, application 202 or image output device 102 may also perform the process from S501 to S510. Furthermore, the execution of the process from S501 to S510 can be shared by two or more modules. For example, when image output device 102 performs rendering and color conversion processing, image output device 102 can perform the process from S501 to S510 based on the print data received from printer driver 203. Alternatively, application 202 may perform the process from S501 to S510 while printer driver 203 only sends data to image output device 102.

[0073] Furthermore, this embodiment is configured to determine the location for printing a specific spot color after rendering, and then perform color conversion processing, thus ensuring compatibility with various modes of the printing system. For example, depending on the printing system, there may be situations where, due to limitations of the operating system, data about all drawing commands is sent in the rendering state before processing by the printer driver, or where various processes can be performed only after rendering. In these cases, if color conversion processing is performed on the rendered image beforehand, information about specific RGB values ​​will be lost. Therefore, spot color printing cannot be performed correctly. In contrast, according to this embodiment, information about the location of specific RGB values ​​is temporarily saved after rendering. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the loss of information about the location of specific RGB values ​​during subsequent color conversion processing. Therefore, this embodiment is compatible with various modes of the printing system. Where first information can be created by analyzing drawing commands before rendering, the first information can be created in advance, and rendering and color conversion processing can be performed. Subsequently, the RGB values ​​of the location for spot color printing can be replaced with specific RGB values ​​based on the first information.

[0074] (Second Embodiment)

[0075] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9The second embodiment of the present invention is described below. The first embodiment describes an example of correctly informing the image output device 102 of the location of a specific RGB value specified by the user by sending pre-modified RGB value data to an image output device that prints a specific RGB value with spot color ink. In contrast, the second embodiment is configured to send first information indicating the location of a specific RGB value to the image output device 102, and to cause the image output device 102 to perform appropriate spot color printing, while eliminating the effects of color conversion processing based on the first information. Note that in the following description, features of the processing that differ from the first embodiment will be discussed primarily, and repeated explanations of the same construction and processing as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] This embodiment is also described based on the following assumptions: Similar to the first embodiment, [the following assumptions will be made]. Figure 6A Print data and Figure 4 The print settings shown are sent as print data from application 202.

[0077] Figure 8 The flowchart shows the graphics processing unit 205 of the printer driver 203 when the application 202 instructs the printer to perform printing. Figure 2 The processing procedure is as follows: The CPU 111 of the host computer 101 loads the program code stored in ROM 112 into the external storage device 114 and executes the program code. Figure 8 The series of processes shown. Or, Figure 8 Some or all of the functions of the steps in the process can be implemented in hardware such as ASICs and electronic circuits. Figure 8 In the diagram, the details of the processing shown in S801, S802, and S803 are... Figure 5 The details of the processes shown in S501, S502, and S503 are the same, and the explanation of the details of the above processes will be omitted in this document.

[0078] In S804, the spot color processing unit 206 checks whether spot color printing has been specified (whether spot color printing is selected) based on information obtained as a result of the processing in S801. Here, if spot color printing has been specified, the process proceeds to S805; otherwise, it proceeds to S806. In S805, ... Figure 5 Similar to S505 shown, the position of image data with specific RGB values ​​is detected from the rendered first image data, and first information indicating the detected position is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 208. Meanwhile, in S806, similar to... Figure 5Similar to S506, it is determined whether to perform color conversion processing or not for the first image data. If no color conversion processing is performed, the process proceeds to S809; if color conversion processing is performed, the process proceeds to S807.

[0079] In S807, the color conversion processing unit 209 performs color conversion processing, such as color matching, to create print data for the second image data, and then the process proceeds to S808. In S808, the graphics processing unit 205 converts the second image data into a data format that can be interpreted by the image output device 102. Thereafter, the graphics processing unit 205 sends the converted data to the image output device 102 via the communication unit 210. Simultaneously, in S809, the graphics processing unit 205 converts the first image data into a data format that can be interpreted by the image output device 102. Thereafter, the graphics processing unit 205 sends the converted data to the image output device 102 via the communication unit 210.

[0080] In S810, the spot color processing unit 206 checks for the existence of a designated spot color for printing based on the result of the processing in S801. Here, if spot color printing is specified, the process proceeds to S811; otherwise, the process terminates. In S811, the graphics processing unit 205 converts the first information into a data format interpretable by the image output device 102. Subsequently, the graphics processing unit 205 sends the converted data to the image output device 102 via the communication unit 210. Here, the processing in S811 can be performed simultaneously with S808 or S809. There is no specific order in which these steps are performed.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by a CPU (not shown) configured on the image output device 102 after receiving print data sent from the printer driver 203 of the host computer 101. In S901, the CPU of the image output device 102 checks whether print data and first information have been received from the printer driver 203. Here, if print data and first information are received, the CPU of the image output device 102 moves the processing to S902; otherwise, it moves the processing to S903. In S902, the CPU of the image output device 102 detects the locations where spot color ink should be used for printing based on the first information, and performs printing only at the relevant locations using spot color ink. Simultaneously, other locations use ordinary inks such as CMYK colors without using any spot color ink for processing color printing. Then, the processing terminates. In S903, printing using the processed color is performed on all locations of the image data using ordinary ink without using any spot color ink. Then, the processing terminates.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, the image output device 102 prints positions in image data with specific RGB values ​​using spot color ink, and prints other positions using ordinary ink based on the first information sent from the printer driver 203. In this way, spot color printing and color conversion processing such as color matching can be used simultaneously without causing the printer driver 203 to perform color replacement. Therefore, processing can be achieved faster without the need for the color replacement processing in S509 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, even if a pixel with an RGB value consistent with a specific RGB value appears in a position other than the position that should have undergone spot color printing, a pixel can be formed using ordinary ink instead of any spot color ink. Therefore, the conversion processing of converting to an approximate color in S510 of the first embodiment also becomes unnecessary. For this reason, pixels in positions other than the position that should have undergone spot color printing are prevented from being converted from colors that have undergone color conversion processing to approximate colors. Therefore, pixels with colors set by color conversion processing can be formed. In addition, as a result of reducing the processing in S510, the processing speed is also accelerated.

[0083] (Other embodiments)

[0084] The first embodiment describes an example where color information corresponding to a position in the first image data undergoing color conversion processing that has a specific RGB value is converted back to color information indicating the specific color before the color conversion, and the image output device 102 performs spot color printing based on the latter color information. Meanwhile, the second embodiment describes an example where first information indicating the position to be subjected to spot color printing is sent to the image output device 102, and the image output device 102 performs spot color printing at the specific position indicated in the first information. The processing of the first embodiment and the processing of the second embodiment can be performed simultaneously, switching processes according to the function of the image output device 102 used. Specifically, when the image output device has the function of performing spot color printing based on the first information, the host computer 101 takes over the function of the image output device 102 and performs... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The processing is shown. On the other hand, when the image output device 102 is configured to perform spot color printing based solely on RGB values, the image output device 102 performs... Figure 5 The processing is shown. As described above, the host computer 101 can be configured to determine the functions of the image output device 102 to be used and to perform processing based on those functions.

[0085] In the above embodiments, an inkjet printer configured to form images by jetting ink has been described as an example of an image output device 102 serving as a printing unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention is also applicable to image forming apparatuses configured to perform printing using coloring materials other than ink, such as electrophotographic image forming apparatuses using coloring materials such as toner to perform printing.

[0086] Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (also more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions in the above embodiments, and / or includes a system or apparatus comprising one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions in the above embodiments. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can be implemented using methods by which the computer of the system or apparatus, for example, reads and executes the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform one or more functions in the above embodiments, and / or controls the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions in the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include separate computers or a network of separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), memory of a distributed computing system, optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or Blu-ray disc (BD)™), flash memory devices, and memory cards.

[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 is to be given the broadest interpretation in order to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an apparatus, the apparatus being configured to control print data for performing printing by using a first color as a processing color and a second color as a specific color different from the processing color, the control method comprising: The step involves obtaining the color information to be printed in a specific color from the color information included in the print data. The detection step involves detecting specific locations to be printed with a specific color based on the color information obtained from the image; and Perform a first color conversion step, which involves converting the color information included in the print data according to a color conversion instruction. A second color conversion step is performed to transform the color information corresponding to the specific location back to the color information indicating the specific color before the color conversion processing during the first color conversion. This second color conversion is applied to the image data that underwent the color conversion processing during the first color conversion. A printing unit configured to perform printing based on print data performs printing at a specific location by using the second color according to color information indicating a specific color to be converted back during a second color conversion, and performs printing at a location other than the specific location by using the first color based on color information after the color conversion during a first color conversion.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The detection step is performed by detecting the specific location based on image data or drawing commands included in the printed data, wherein the image data is created by rendering based on the drawing commands.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein, The rendering is based on the drawing command to create image data including pixels with RGB values, and The detection step detects the positions of pixels that have RGB values, which are the color information obtained in the acquisition step.

4. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: If the color information corresponding to a location other than the specified location is converted into the same color information indicating the specific color through the color conversion process during the first color conversion, a third color conversion is performed to replace the converted color information with color information indicating a color that is similar to the color corresponding to the converted color information. The printing unit performs printing by using a first color based on color information indicating the approximate color.

5. The control method according to claim 1, wherein... In the absence of a color conversion instruction but the presence of a printing instruction for using a specific color, the printing unit performs printing at a location other than the specific location using the first color based on color information that has not undergone color conversion processing during the first color conversion, and performs printing at the specific location using the second color based on color information indicating the specific color.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein In the case where a color conversion instruction exists but no printing instruction for using a specific color does not exist, the printing unit performs printing by using the first color based on the color information that has undergone color conversion processing during the first color conversion.

7. The control method according to claim 1, wherein When the printing unit receives information indicating a specific location detected in the detection step, the printing unit performs printing at the specific location using a second color based on the information, and performs printing at locations other than the specific location using the first color based on the color information after the color conversion during the first color conversion.

8. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The printing unit is provided to the device.

9. The control method according to claim 1, wherein The device is an information processing device, and A printing unit is provided to an image output device, which is configured to receive printing data from the information processing device.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein, The obtaining step, the detection step, and the first color conversion step are executed by a predetermined program in the information processing device.

11. The control method according to claim 10, wherein, The scheduled program is a printer driver.

12. The control method according to claim 10, wherein, The scheduled program is an application.

13. The control method according to claim 1, wherein The first color is the color printed by using a first coloring material that represents the processing color, without using a second coloring material that is a coloring material for a specific color. The second color is the color printed by using at least a second coloring material.

14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein The first coloring material is at least one of the following: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The second coloring material is at least one of the following: fluorescent coloring material, fluorescent orange coloring material, purple coloring material, green coloring material, orange coloring material, and metallic coloring material.

15. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The printing unit performs printing on the printing medium by jetting ink.

16. A printing apparatus configured to perform printing by using a first color as a processing color and a second color as a specific color different from the processing color, the printing apparatus comprising: The obtaining unit is configured to obtain color information to be printed in a specific color from the color information contained in the print data; The detection unit is configured to detect a specific location to be printed in a specific color based on the color information obtained in the image. The first color conversion unit is configured to perform color conversion processing on the color information included in the print data according to the color conversion instruction. The second color conversion unit is configured to convert the color information corresponding to the specific position back to the color information of the specific color before the first color conversion unit performed color conversion processing on the image data that had undergone color conversion processing by the first color conversion unit. The printing unit is configured to perform printing at the specific location using a second coloring material based on color information of a specific color converted back when the second color conversion unit performs color conversion processing, and to perform printing at locations other than the specific location using a first coloring material based on color information after color conversion by the first color conversion unit.

17. A non-volatile storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer to implement a printing method, the printing method performing printing by using a first color as a processing color and a second color as a specific color different from the processing color, the printing method comprising: The step involves obtaining the color information to be printed in a specific color from the color information included in the print data. The detection step involves detecting specific locations to be printed with a specific color based on the color information obtained from the image. The first color conversion step involves performing a first color conversion to process the color information included in the printed data according to the color conversion instructions. A second color conversion step is performed to transform the color information corresponding to the specific location back to the color information indicating the specific color before the color conversion processing during the first color conversion. This second color conversion is applied to the image data that underwent the color conversion processing during the first color conversion. Color information that is converted back to a specific color during the second color conversion is printed at the specific location using the second color, and color information after the color conversion by the first color conversion is printed at a location other than the specific location using the first color.

Images