Image forming system, medium information editing method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the workload on a user in editing medium information.SOLUTION: In an image forming system, a CPU of an information processing apparatus acquires, from a sever, medium information in which the value of an adjustment item for controlling an image forming apparatus is set for every printing mode, and receives an adjustment value set by a user for an adjustment item in a first printing mode of the printing modes included in the acquired medium information. The CPU of the information processing apparatus sets a value according to the adjustment value for the adjustment item received by receiving means, to a corresponding adjustment item in another printing mode different from the first printing mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to setting control parameters of an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] In image forming systems that print on media such as paper, appropriate color processing is performed by setting parameters appropriate to the characteristics of the media. For genuine media, media information is provided in which the manufacturer defines appropriate parameters and color processing tables, but third-party media may also be used for user convenience. In such cases, since the appropriate media information is not available to the user, it is assumed that media information with similar characteristics will be obtained via the Internet, etc. and used.

[0003] However, the media information acquired under such circumstances does not necessarily match the characteristics of the media. Therefore, the user needs to adjust the value of each parameter for each print mode so that the printer can print appropriately on third-party media. In order to reduce the burden on the user, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a patch is formed on the media in one of the print modes, image formation conditions such as a gray scale correction table are set based on the detection result of the patch, and if the conditions are met, the settings are reflected in the other print modes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-251229 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there are a wide variety of parameters that can be adjusted by the user in an image forming apparatus. In addition to parameters related to color processing such as the above-mentioned gray scale correction table, there are various control parameters such as head height according to the thickness of the media, ink amount according to the paper quality, heating temperature, etc. It is a heavy burden for the user to manually adjust all of these numerous parameters for each of the multiple print modes.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to reduce the workload placed on a user in editing media information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming system of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring media information in which values ​​of adjustment items for controlling an image forming device are set for each of a plurality of printing modes, a receiving means for receiving adjustment values ​​input by a user for the adjustment items for one of the plurality of printing modes, and a setting means for setting setting values ​​corresponding to the adjustment values ​​for the corresponding adjustment items for other printing modes different from the one printing mode. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure can reduce the workload placed on the user in editing media information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming system. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of media information and a media information file. FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a media information editing application. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for acquiring media information and a registration destination. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a work process using a media information editing application. [Figure 9] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a print mode selection screen, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a name editing screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment screen for each medium. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of adjustment screens for each print mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing data contents of a range table. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of adjustment values ​​entered by a user for adjustment items in print mode 1. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process executed by a second print mode adjustment setting unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for determining whether to automatically set values ​​for other print modes. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart illustrating step S1407, taking the amount of ink ejection as an example. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S1407, taking the fixing temperature as an example. [Figure 18] 17 is a flowchart showing another calculation method of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] 18 is a flowchart showing another process flow of FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential.

[0011] <First embodiment> 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in a network environment of an image forming system 1 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an information processing device 101 and an image forming device 100. The information processing device 101 can be connected to and communicate with the image forming device 100 via a network 102. The information processing device 101 creates a print job and transmits the print job to the image forming device 100.

[0012] 1 shows an example of a system configuration having one image forming apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this and may have a configuration having multiple image forming apparatuses 100. A configuration may also be provided with multiple information processing apparatuses 101. Furthermore, as long as the functions of the information processing apparatuses 101 are incorporated in the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming system 1 may be configured with only the image forming apparatus 100.

[0013] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 201, a RAM 202, an image reading sensor 203, a communication unit 204, a printing unit I / F 205, a memory controller 206, a printing unit 207, an external memory 208, and an operation panel 209. Each unit is connected via a system bus 210.

[0014] The CPU 200 executes processing based on a control program stored in a program storage area of ​​the ROM 201 or a control program stored in an external memory 208, and controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 200 outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 207 connected to a printing unit I / F 205 via a system bus 210. The CPU 200 is capable of communication processing with the information processing apparatus 101 via a communication unit 204, and notifies the information processing apparatus 101 of information in the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 200 also receives output information to be output to the printing unit 207 via the communication unit 204.

[0015] The RAM 202 functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 200. The RAM 202 is used as an output information development area, an environmental data storage area, a non-volatile memory, etc. A memory controller 206 controls access to an external memory 208 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory card.

[0016] The external memory 208 can be connected as an option. The external memory 208 can store font data, an emulation program, form data, information related to paper (media) registered in the image forming apparatus 100, and paper (media) attribute information. The operation panel 209 includes a touch panel that also serves as a display, and displays various information input from the CPU 200 , accepts operations by the user, and outputs operation signals to the CPU 200 .

[0017] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer terminal used as the information processing device 101. The computer terminal has a CPU 300, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, a storage 303, an I / F 304, a keyboard controller 305, a display controller 306, and a disk controller 307 inside 311. Each part is connected by a main bus 312. A keyboard 308 is connected to the keyboard controller 305. A display 309 is connected to the display controller 306. An external storage 310 is connected to the disk controller 307.

[0018] CPU 300 reads various programs such as control programs, system programs, and application programs stored in storage 303 or external storage 310 into RAM 302. CPU 300 executes the various programs read into RAM 302 to perform various data processing and to control display on display 309. CPU 300 may read control programs and the like from ROM 301. CPU 300 may be a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC. CPU 300 and the dedicated circuit are examples of a hardware circuit or hardware processor.

[0019] A disk controller 307 controls access to external storage 310 such as a HD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or USB. A RAM 302 is configured so that its capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM (not shown) or the like, and is mainly used as a work area for the CPU 300. A keyboard controller 305 controls input from a keyboard 308 or a pointing device (not shown). A display controller 306 controls the display on a display 309. The CPU 300 is capable of communication processing with the image forming apparatus 100 via an I / F 304.

[0020] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the CPU 300 controls each unit connected to the main bus 312 via the main bus 312 .

[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of functions of the image forming system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0022] 4, the information processing device 101 has programs such as a printer driver, print processing software 407, and a media information editing application 406. The CPU 300 calls and executes these programs to function as a print job creation unit 404, a print job transmission unit 405, and a media information editing unit.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 100 has a command analysis unit 401, an image processing unit 402, and a print execution unit 403. Each of these functional units is realized by a program executed by the CPU 200 or a dedicated circuit, etc. Media information 400 is stored in a non-volatile memory area of ​​the RAM 202 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0024] In the information processing apparatus 101, when printing is specified on a program such as a printer driver or print processing software 407, a print job creation unit 404 adds a command for executing printing. The print job transmission unit 405 transmits the print job created by the print job creation unit 404 to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 102 .

[0025] After the image forming apparatus 100 accepts a print job, the command analysis unit 401 analyzes the contents of the command in the print instruction set in the print job. The image processing unit 402 determines, depending on the content of the command, what kind of image processing is to be performed and in what kind of image processing process.

[0026] The media information 400 is a data group including print control parameters and image processing parameters (color processing table: LUT) for each type of paper (media) and each print mode. The image processing unit 402 acquires the LUT required according to the type of media and the print mode from the media information 400, performs image processing such as color conversion, converts the image into halftone images, and passes the acquired image to the print execution unit 403.

[0027] A print execution unit 403 acquires print control parameter values ​​corresponding to the type of media and print mode from the media information 400, and executes print processing while controlling each unit of the image forming device 100. In this way, it is designed to perform image processing and device control suitable for the media.

[0028] 5, a plurality of media information files 510 for each media are stored in the media information 400. Each of the media information files 510 for each media stores a plurality of pieces of print control parameter information 520, a color processing table (LUT) 540, and the like.

[0029] Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing the data structure of the media information 400. Media information files 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, ... are stored in the media information 400 for each medium. In the example of Fig. 5(a), media information files 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, ... are stored for a plurality of types of media, such as for photo glossy paper, for coated paper, for art paper, for film paper, .... In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the individual media information files 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, ... for each medium, they are collectively referred to as media information files 510 for each medium.

[0030] 5(b) is a diagram showing the data structure of a media-based media information file 510. The media-based media information file 510 includes print control parameter information 520, range information (range table 530), and multiple color processing tables (LUTs) 540. The description format of the media-based media information file 510 can be configured using binary, XML, or the like.

[0031] Range table 530 is information that defines the range of values ​​that can be changed and default values ​​for each print control parameter (adjustment item 521). Details of range table 530 will be described later (FIG. 12).

[0032] The color processing table (LUT) 540 is an example of an image processing parameter used in image processing by the image processing unit 402. The color processing table (LUT) 540 stores a plurality of LUTs that correspond to print control parameters (adjustment items 521) that are created by the manufacturer. For example, an LUT corresponding to the setting value of "ink deposition amount" is stored.

[0033] 5C is a diagram showing an example of print control parameter information 520. In the print control parameter information 520, a setting target 522 and a setting value 523 are stored for each of a plurality of adjustment items 521.

[0034] The adjustment items 521 are parameters related to device control such as ink drying time, auto-cut setting, head height, paper tube size, fixing temperature, airflow rate, airflow temperature, ink deposition amount, inter-scan delay, and one-way printing. Fixed values ​​are set for the print mode for the print purpose and number of passes. Note that the types of adjustment items 521 are not limited to these, and may include other parameters.

[0035] The setting value 523 of each adjustment item 521 is reflected when the print execution unit 403 executes the print process. For example, when "head height" is stored in the adjustment item 521 of the print control parameter information 520, the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 100 reads the setting value 523 associated with the "head height" and adjusts the head height of the head mechanism in the print unit 207.

[0036] The setting target 522 is information indicating whether the value of the adjustment item 521 can be set for each print mode, whether a common value is set for each medium, i.e., for each print mode, or whether a value is fixed for the print mode.

[0037] In the example of Figure 5(c), the ink drying time, auto-cut setting, head height, and paper tube size are defined as adjustment items for each media. In other words, common values ​​are set for each print mode. The fixing temperature, airflow volume, airflow temperature, ink deposition volume, inter-scan delay, and one-way printing are defined as adjustment items that can be adjusted for each print mode. The print purpose and number of passes are set to fixed values ​​for the print mode. To change the values ​​for the print purpose and number of passes, the user performs a process to create a new print mode.

[0038] Furthermore, the print control parameter information 520 stores a print mode adjusted flag 525. The print mode adjusted flag 525 stores information indicating whether the user has adjusted or not adjusted the setting value 523 of the adjustment item 521 for each print mode 524. The value of the print mode adjusted flag 525 is set to "1" if the adjustment has been made, and to "0" if the adjustment has not been made.

[0039] Next, a description will be given of the media information editing application 406. The media information editing application 406 is an application program that acquires the media information 400 and accepts editing of the media information 400 by the user.

[0040] 6 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the media information editing application 406 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the media information editing application 406 has a media information acquisition unit 601, a first print mode adjustment receiving unit 602, a second print mode adjustment setting unit 603, and a display control unit 604. The CPU 300 of the information processing device 101 calls the media information editing application 406 stored in the storage 303, the external storage 310, or the ROM 301, and loads it into the RAM 302 for execution.

[0041] The media information acquisition unit 601 acquires the media information 400 or the media information file 510 for each medium (hereinafter collectively referred to as the media information 400), and stores it in the RAM 302 of the information processing device 101. The method of acquiring the media information will be described later.

[0042] The first print mode adjustment receiving unit 602 receives adjustment values ​​by the user for each adjustment item of one print mode (first print mode) among the multiple print modes included in the media information 400 acquired by the media information acquisition unit 601.

[0043] A second print mode adjustment setting unit 603 sets, for the corresponding adjustment items of a print mode (second print mode) different from the first print mode, setting values ​​according to the adjustment values ​​for each adjustment item received by the first print mode adjustment receiving unit 602. The second print mode is one or more print modes.

[0044] Note that the media information 400 stores image processing parameters such as a plurality of color processing tables (LUTs) 540. When an adjustment item related to the color processing table (LUT) 540 is adjusted in one printing mode, the first printing mode adjustment receiving unit 602 changes the color processing table (LUT) 540 to be applied in accordance with the adjustment value. Similarly, when a setting value is changed in another printing mode, the second printing mode adjustment setting unit 603 changes the color processing table (LUT) 540 to be applied in accordance with the change. An adjustment item related to the color processing table (LUT) 540 is, for example, "ink deposition amount."

[0045] The display control unit 604 displays various screens for editing the media information 400. The user confirms and edits the contents of the media information 400 via the screens. The screens displayed in the media information editing application 406 will be described later.

[0046] Here, an example of a method for acquiring the media information 400 in the media information acquiring section 601 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring the media information 400 and an example of a registration destination.

[0047] The media information 400 is stored in, for example, a server 700. The server 700 is in the form of a cloud or a GDLS server, and is assumed to be accessed by a user via a media information editing application 406 of the information processing device 101. The media information editing application 406 accesses the server 700, downloads the media information 400, and then transmits it to the image forming device 100.

[0048] Image forming apparatus 100 stores the received media information 400 in RAM 202. Although media information 400 received from server 700 can be used as is, it does not necessarily match the characteristics of the paper (media) that will actually be fed and used. Therefore, the user edits adjustable items (parameters) of media information 400 to match the media that will actually be used.

[0049] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the information processing device 101 edits the media information 400 and transmits the edited media information to the image forming device 100. The CPU 300 of the information processing device 100 calls and executes a media information editing application 406 stored in the storage 303 or the like, and functions as a media information acquisition unit 601, a first print mode adjustment unit 602, a second print mode acquisition unit, and a display control unit 604 in FIG.

[0050] Furthermore, without being limited to this example, the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 100 may call and execute the media information editing application 406 stored in the RAM 202 or the like. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 may function as the media information acquisition unit 601, the first print mode adjustment unit 602, the second print mode acquisition means, and the display control unit 604. Also, the image forming system 1 as a whole may be configured to realize all of the functions shown in FIG. 6, such as by causing the information processing device 101 to function as the media information acquisition unit 601 and causing the image forming apparatus 100 to function as the first print mode adjustment unit 602, the second print mode acquisition means, and the display control unit 604.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the work process using the media information editing application 406. The user starts the media information editing application 406 and edits the media information 400 to suit the media to be used. In the editing work, first in step 801, the user selects the print mode to be adjusted. Next, in steps 802 and 803, the user changes the media name and print mode name of the downloaded media information 400 as necessary. Next, in step 804, the user sets the setting value 523 of each adjustment item 521 via the detailed settings editing screen. The detailed settings editing screen will be described later.

[0052] After detailed settings are made, confirmation printing can be performed to check the settings on a printed matter in step 805. This is followed by printing to check the reaction liquid volume in step 806. In step 807, the image forming apparatus 100 is instructed to create a calibration target, and in step 808, if the created ICC profile is to be used, it is selected.

[0053] Here, the operation screens of the media information editing application 406 displayed in each step will be described with reference to Figs.

[0054] 9A is a diagram showing an example of a print mode selection screen 910 displayed in step 801. Before entering the adjustment item editing screen, CPU 300 displays print mode selection screen 910 that accepts the selection of which print mode to adjust. Subsequent changes in step 804 of the detailed settings will be changes to values ​​within this selected print mode.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 9(a), a list 911 of selectable print modes is displayed on a print mode selection screen 910. The selected print mode may be displayed with shading, a mark, or the like. Operating a "Cancel" button 912 cancels the input contents. Operating a "Next" button 913 transitions to the next screen.

[0056] 9B is a diagram showing an example of a name edit screen 920 displayed in steps 802 and 803. The name edit screen 920 is provided with a media name input field 921 and a print mode name input field 922, and accepts changes to the media name and print mode name.

[0057] After that, the screen transitions to an edit screen for detailed settings shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. The edit screen for detailed settings has an adjustment screen 1000 (Fig. 10) for each medium (paper) and adjustment screens 1100 and 1120 (Fig. 11) for each print mode. The values ​​set on the adjustment screen 1000 for each medium are valid on a media-by-media basis and are common values ​​for all print modes.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment screen 1000 for each medium. An adjustment screen 1100 has setting fields 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 for the adjustment items "ink drying time," "auto-cut setting," "paper tube size," and "head height," respectively. The setting fields 1001 to 1004 display settable values, for example, in the form of a pull-down list. For these adjustment items "ink drying time," "auto-cut setting," "paper tube size," and "head height," "for each medium" is set in the setting target 522, as shown in the print control parameter information 520 in Fig. 5(c).

[0059] In the adjustment screen 1000, when a "Cancel" button 1011 is operated, the input contents are cancelled. When an "OK" button 1012 is operated, the screen transitions to the next screen. When a "Back" button 1010 is operated, the screen returns to the previous screen, and the settings can be redone.

[0060] 11A is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment screen 1100 for each print mode. The adjustment screen 1100 has setting fields 1101 to 1105 for the adjustment items "printing purpose," "number of passes," "fixing temperature," "air flow rate," and "air temperature." "Printing purpose" and "number of passes" cannot be changed because "fixed" information is stored in setting target 522, and setting fields 1101 and 1102 display setting values ​​523 defined in print control parameter information 520.

[0061] In setting fields 1103 to 1105 for "fixing temperature," "airflow rate," and "airflow temperature," settable values ​​are displayed in the form of, for example, a pull-down list. The settable values ​​are within a range from an upper limit value to a lower limit value defined in range table 530. In the initial display state of adjustment screen 1100, default values ​​defined in range table 530 are displayed.

[0062] 11(b) also shows an adjustment screen 1120 for each print mode. The adjustment screen 1120 has setting fields 1121-1123 for the adjustment items "ink deposition amount," "inter-scan delay," and "unidirectional printing." The setting fields 1121-1123 display settable values ​​in the form of, for example, a pull-down list. The settable values ​​are obtained from range information in which an upper limit, a lower limit, and a default value are defined, similar to the range table 530. In the initial display state, the default value defined in the range information is displayed.

[0063] 5(c), "per print mode" is set in setting target 522. Values ​​set on adjustment screens 1100 and 1120 for each print mode are valid on a per print mode basis, and the setting value is valid only in the selected print mode.

[0064] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of range table 530 in which the range of adjustable values ​​for adjustment items is described. In the example of Fig. 12, there are multiple print modes supported by the corresponding media, and for each print mode, the settable value range (lower limit value to upper limit value) and default values ​​are stored for multiple adjustment items.

[0065] 12, among the multiple print modes supported by image forming apparatus 100, print modes supported by media information file 510 downloaded from server 700 are shown in white frames. Of print modes No. 1 to No. 5, the print modes that can actually be used are "print mode 1," "print mode 2," and "print mode 3." Print modes that are grayed out and labeled "N / A" are print modes that have been deleted or for which no print mode name was set when media information file 510 was created.

[0066] 12 shows an example in which there are three print modes, but the number is not limited to 3. For example, in print mode 1, the "print purpose" is "color" and the "number of passes" is a fixed value of "2 passes", and the "fixing temperature" has a range of "50 degrees to 115 degrees" and a default value of "80 degrees".

[0067] Additionally, the range for "airflow volume" is "2 to 5", with a default value of "2". The range for "airflow temperature" is "40 to 70", with a default value of "40". The range for "ink deposition volume" is "20 to 100", with a default value of "60". Similarly, for print modes 2 and 3, upper limit values, lower limit values, and default values ​​are defined for each adjustable item.

[0068] The data format may be binary, some kind of header format, or description such as XML. Range table 530 is held in a state where it can be referenced as static information.

[0069] As a method of using range table 530, when the settable values ​​for each adjustment item are listed on adjustment screens 1000, 1100, and 1120 shown in Figures 10 and 11, the lower limit value, upper limit value, and default value of range table 530 may be reflected.

[0070] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of adjustment values ​​set by the user. This is a case where the user has edited each adjustment item of print mode 1, for example, on adjustment screens 1100 and 1200 shown in Fig. 11(a) of the media information editing application 406. The setting values ​​of each adjustment item of print mode 1 are set as follows: "print purpose" is "color," "number of passes" is "2," "fixing temperature" is "82" degrees, "air flow rate" is "3," "air flow temperature" is "50" degrees, and "ink deposition amount" is "70."

[0071] Compared to the default values ​​for print mode 1 in range table 530 in Figure 12, the "fixing temperature" has been changed to "+2" degrees, the "air flow rate" to "+1," the "air flow temperature" to "+10" degrees, and the "ink deposition amount" to "+10."

[0072] When the adjustment value for print mode 1 is set, the CPU 301 (media information editing application 406) sets the print mode adjusted flag 525 corresponding to "print mode 1" in FIG. 5C to "adjusted (1)."

[0073] The flow of processing executed by the second print mode adjustment setting unit 603 (CPU 300) will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for reflecting appropriate values ​​in another print mode (second print mode) in the media information editing application 406. The processing shown in the flowchart below is called by the CPU 300 of the information processing device 101 when the media information editing processing application 406 stored in the external storage 310 or the like is loaded into the RAM 302 and executed by the CPU 300. In the following description, the symbol "S" means a step.

[0074] In S1400, when the user sets a setting value for one print mode as shown in FIG. 13, CPU 300 starts this flow. In S1401, CPU 300 acquires the value of print mode adjusted flag 525 held in print control parameter information 520. In this process, CPU 300 acquires information on whether adjusted or unadjusted for all print modes 1 to 3.

[0075] In S1402, CPU 300 checks whether there is one or more flags 525 indicating unadjusted (0). If there is no flag 525 indicating unadjusted (0) (S1402; NO), no adjustment is necessary and the process of this flowchart ends. If there is one or more flags 525 indicating unadjusted (0) (S1402; YES), the process proceeds to S1403.

[0076] In S1403, the CPU 300 inquires of the user whether it is OK to automatically set appropriate values ​​for other unadjusted print modes based on the values ​​for the adjusted print mode. The inquiry method is, for example, to display a confirmation message on the screen of the display 309.

[0077] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 1500 for confirming whether or not to automatically set values ​​for other print modes. As shown in Fig. 15, confirmation screen 1500 displays a sentence 1501 such as "Setting of "Print mode 1" is complete. Next, values ​​for "Print mode 2" and "Print mode 3" can also be automatically set. Do you want to continue?"

[0078] If the "Cancel" button 1502 is operated on the confirmation screen 1500 and automatic setting is not to be performed (S1403; NO), the processing of this flowchart ends. After completion, the user can return to the original screen and end the adjustment itself, or move to the print mode selection screen 910 in Fig. 9(a) and select another print mode to accept manual setting by the user. If the "Continue" button 1503 is operated and it is confirmed that automatic setting is to be performed (S1403; YES), the processing proceeds to S1404.

[0079] In S1404, the CPU 300 acquires the adjustment items and adjustment values ​​of the adjusted print mode, print mode 1. The acquired adjustment items and adjustment values ​​are as shown in FIG.

[0080] In S1405, the CPU 300 obtains the range table 530. In S1406, CPU 300 refers to the information of setting target 522 for each adjustment item and determines whether it is an adjustment item for each print mode or for each medium. If it is an adjustment item for each print mode (S1406; YES), proceed to S1407. If it is an adjustment item for each medium (S1406; NO), proceed to S1408.

[0081] In S1408, CPU 300 determines that the adjustment items are common to all print modes, and sets the adjustment values ​​set in print mode 1 as they are to the corresponding adjustment items in the other print modes.

[0082] In S1407, CPU 300 executes processing to determine appropriate values ​​for other print modes based on range table 530 and the adjustment values ​​set in print mode 1. The processing content of S1407 will be described later (FIG. 16).

[0083] In S1409, the CPU 300 sets the values ​​determined in S1407 to the corresponding adjustment items of the other print modes. In this manner, values ​​are set in the corresponding items of the print control parameter information 520 for each print mode.

[0084] FIG. 16 shows a processing flow for S1407 using the ink ejection amount as an example. In S1600, the CPU 300 moves the process to the next unadjusted print mode. If print mode 2 and print mode 3 exist as unadjusted print modes, print mode 2, which is the next print mode after print mode 1, is the processing target, and the subsequent processes are performed.

[0085] In S1601, the CPU 300 obtains the lower limit, default value, and upper limit value of the ink deposition amount from the range table 530. In S1602, the CPU 300 acquires the setting value (=70) of the ink deposition amount for the print mode 1 that has already been set.

[0086] In S1603, CPU 300 obtains the difference between the value set in print mode 1 (=70) and the default value for print mode 1 (=60), and obtains the ratio of the obtained difference (adjustment width) to the default value. In this example, the calculation result is (70-60)÷60=+0.167.

[0087] In S1604, the CPU 300 multiplies the default value for print mode 2 (=100) by the ratio (+0.167) calculated in S1603, and adds the result to the default value for the ink deposition amount for print mode 2. The calculation formula in this case is 100×(+0.167)+100=116.7.

[0088] In S1605, CPU 300 checks whether the value found in S1604 is between the lower and upper limits of the ink deposition amount for print mode 2. If it is not within the range (S1605; NO), proceed to S1606. If it is within the range (S1605; YES), proceed to S1607.

[0089] In S1606, CPU 300 compares the value found in S1603 with the upper and lower limits. If the value found in S1603 exceeds the upper limit, the value of the ink deposition amount for print mode 2 is set to the upper limit. If the value found in S1603 is below the lower limit, the value of the ink deposition amount for print mode 2 is set to the lower limit.

[0090] In S1607, the CPU 300 corrects the value according to the increment width of the ink deposition amount. For example, if the increment width of the ink deposition amount is 10[%], the value = 116.7 obtained in S1605 is rounded up or down to 120[%] and set. Note that this increment width corresponds to the increment width at which the color processing table (LUT) 540 stored in the media information file 510 is created.

[0091] In S1608, CPU 300 checks whether the value set in S1607 (=120) is within the range of ink deposition amounts for print mode 2. If the value set in S1607 is greater than the upper limit, it changes the value set in S1607 to the upper limit, and if it is less than the lower limit, it changes the value set in S1607 to the lower limit.

[0092] When the processing up to S1608 is completed, in S1609, the CPU 300 changes the image processing table (LUT) 540 to be applied in the relevant print mode according to the set "ink deposition amount" value.

[0093] Then, in S1610, CPU 300 determines whether there are any other unadjusted print modes. If there are any unadjusted print modes (S1610; NO), the process returns to S1600. Here, the process of S1601 to S1610 is executed for print mode 3, which is the next print mode after print mode 2. If there are no unadjusted print modes (S1610; YES), this flow chart ends.

[0094] In the above process flow, the calculation method is to find the percentage of the difference between the adjustment value accepted in print mode 1 and the default value, and then multiply this percentage by the default value of the corresponding adjustment item in the print mode to be set and add it. However, the method of determining the values ​​for other print modes is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to add the difference between the value set in print mode 1 and the default value to the default value for print mode 2 as is.

[0095] Fig. 17 is a process flow for S1407 in Fig. 14, taking "fixing temperature" as an example. S1700 to S1706, S1708, and S1709 in Fig. 17 are similar to S1600 to S1606, S1608, and S1610 in Fig. 16 in terms of processing content, and only the calculated values ​​are different. The part where the processing differs is S1707. Also, the processing corresponding to the change of color processing table (LUT) 540 in S1609 is omitted in the flowchart in Fig. 17.

[0096] In S1700 to S1703, CPU 300 obtains the difference between the setting value (=82) of print mode 1 and the default value (=80), and calculates the ratio of the difference to the default value. The formula for this example is (82-80)÷80=+0.025.

[0097] In S1704, CPU 300 multiplies the default value (=85) of the "fixing temperature" for print mode 2 by the ratio (+0.025) calculated in S1703, and adds the result to the default value. The calculation formula is 85×(+0.025)+85=87.125.

[0098] The calculation result of S1704 is determined to be within the range in S1705, and the process proceeds to S1707.

[0099] In S1707, CPU 300 corrects the calculated value so that it is a value acceptable to the device to be controlled for the adjustment item. For example, if the calculated value includes a decimal point, the decimal point is discarded. This is because the value obtained in S1704 was 87.125, but a value with a decimal point cannot be set as the control unit of the heater to be controlled. In this case, CPU 300 corrects the value to 1 [°C] units that can be set by the heater. Note that if the device allows temperature settings with a decimal point, the processing of S1707 is not necessary.

[0100] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user's workload in editing media information can be reduced. In detail, when the user sets an adjustment value for an adjustment item of one of a plurality of printing modes, the image forming system 1 sets a setting value corresponding to the adjustment value for the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing modes. Since the user does not need to make adjustments for all printing modes, the editing work of media information can be performed efficiently. Also, since the image forming system 1 sets an appropriate color processing table (LUT) according to the value set for the adjustment item of each printing mode, appropriate image processing is performed without the user being aware of it, and good image quality can be provided.

[0101] Furthermore, the setting values ​​set for the other print modes are determined based on the ratio of the difference between the adjustment value set by the user in one print mode and the default value to the default value. This makes it possible to set appropriate setting values ​​that reflect the settable ranges and differences in default values ​​in each print mode.

[0102] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The configuration and functions of the image forming system 1 of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is the calculation method used in the process of obtaining the value of the corresponding adjustment item in one print mode based on the adjustment value set by the user in another print mode.

[0103] Fig. 18 shows the process flow for S1407 using "ink deposition amount" as an example, but the calculation method is different from that in Fig. 16. The following will mainly explain the differences.

[0104] 18 are the same processes as S1600 to S1602 in FIG. In S1803, the CPU 300 obtains the difference between the adjustment value (=70) set in the print mode 1 and the default value (=60). The formula is (70-60)=+10.

[0105] In S1804, the CPU 300 adds the value (=+10) determined in S1803 to the default value (=100) of the other print mode (print mode 2). The formula in this case is 100+10=110.

[0106] The processing in S1805 to S1809 is similar to the processing in S1605 to S1606 and S1608 to S1610 in Fig. 16. Note that the rounding processing corresponding to S1607 is omitted in the flowchart in Fig. 18.

[0107] In S1805, similarly to S1605, CPU 300 checks whether the value found in S1804 is within the range between the lower limit and the upper limit acquired in S1801. If it is not within the range (S1805; NO), proceed to S1806. If it is within the range (S1805; YES), proceed to S1807.

[0108] In S1806, similarly to S1606, if the value obtained in S1804 is greater than the upper limit, CPU 300 sets the upper limit, and if the value obtained in S1804 is less than the lower limit, CPU 300 sets the lower limit.

[0109] In S1807, the CPU 300 sets the value determined in S1804 to the "ink deposition amount" for another printing mode (printing mode 2). In S1808, the CPU 300 changes the color processing table (LUT) 540 applied to print mode 2 according to the set ink deposition amount value. In S1809, CPU 300 determines whether there is an unadjusted print mode. If there is an unadjusted print mode (S1809; NO), the process returns to S1800, transitions to the print mode next to print mode 2, and starts processing. If there is no unadjusted print mode (S1809; YES), this flow chart ends.

[0110] As described above, the setting value set in another print mode can also be determined by the difference between the adjustment value set by the user in one print mode and the default value.

[0111] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The configuration and functions of the image processing system of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is the processing when the range and default value defined for an adjustment item that has been adjusted in one print mode are the same range and default value for the corresponding adjustment item in another print mode. In this case, in the third embodiment, the adjustment value set in one print mode is applied as is to the other print mode.

[0112] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the process of S1407 in FIG. 14, taking "fixing temperature" as an example, similarly to FIG. The difference between the process in FIG. 19 and the process in FIG. 17 is that the processes in S1903 and S1904 are added.

[0113] S1900 to S1902 are the same processes as S1700 to S1702 in FIG. In S1903, CPU 300 determines whether the range and default value of the adjusted adjustment item are the same as those of the corresponding adjustment item of the other print mode to be adjusted. If they are the same range and default value, the process proceeds to S1904, and if they are not the same range and default value, the process proceeds to S1905.

[0114] In S1904, CPU 300 sets the adjustment values ​​set in print mode 1 as they are in other print modes.

[0115] 12, the same range and default value are defined for the adjustment item "fixing temperature" in print modes 1, 2, and 3. Therefore, when the adjustment value "85" is set in print mode 1, the CPU 300 also sets the fixing temperature for the other print modes 2 and 3 to "85".

[0116] Steps S1905 to S1911 are the same as steps S1703 to S1709 in Fig. 17. That is, in steps S1905 to S1910, the difference between the adjustment value set in one print mode and the default value is calculated, the ratio of the calculated difference to the default value is calculated, and the calculated ratio is multiplied and added to the default value of the print mode to be set.

[0117] Note that the calculation method for determining values ​​for other print modes is not limited to this, and as shown in the second embodiment, there may be a calculation method in which the difference between the adjustment value set in print mode 1 and the default value is added to the default value for print mode 2. In other words, the processes in S1905 and S1906 can be replaced with S1803 and S1804 in FIG.

[0118] The flowchart in Fig. 19 can also be applied to the adjustment item "blow air volume." As shown in range table 530 in Fig. 12, the range and default value of the adjustment item "blow air volume" are common to print modes 1 and 2, but the default value is different for print mode 3. Specifically, print modes 1 and 2 all have the same lower limit value "2," default value "2," and upper limit value "5." Furthermore, for print mode 3, the lower limit value is "2," the default value is "3," and the upper limit value is "5," which is different from the default values ​​for print mode 1.

[0119] Assume that the "blow air volume" for print mode 1 is set to an adjustment value of "3." In print mode 2, a YES determination is made in S1903, so in S1904, the adjustment value "3" for print mode 1 can be set as the "blow air volume" for print mode 2 as is. Also, a NO determination is made in S1903 for print mode 3. Therefore, CPU 300 can calculate the value of the "blow air volume" by the processes of S1905 to S1910, or the processes of S1803 to S1807 in the second embodiment.

[0120] For example, when the processing of S1803 to S1807 in the second embodiment is applied, the difference (= +1) between the adjustment value set in print mode 1 and the default value is added directly to the default value (= 3) in print mode 2, and the value "4" is set as the "blow air volume."

[0121] This allows the CPU 300 to omit calculations, making it possible to edit media information with a small processing load.

[0122] As described above, in the process of editing media information in which multiple print modes are set for each medium and multiple parameters are set for each of the multiple print modes, when a user adjusts a parameter value in one print mode, the corresponding parameter setting value in the other print modes is automatically set based on the adjusted value, which significantly reduces the burden on the user in the process of editing media information.

[0123] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0124] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) an acquisition means for acquiring media information in which values ​​of adjustment items for controlling an image forming apparatus are set for each of a plurality of print modes; a receiving unit for receiving an adjustment value input by a user for the adjustment item of one of the plurality of printing modes; a setting means for setting a setting value corresponding to the adjustment value for a corresponding adjustment item of another print mode different from the one print mode; An image forming system comprising:

[0125] (Configuration 2) the media information comprises a plurality of image processing parameters; The setting means is The image forming system according to configuration 1, characterized in that in the one printing mode, the image processing parameters are set according to the adjustment value, and in the other printing mode, the image processing parameters are set according to the setting value.

[0126] (Configuration 3) a confirmation unit that, after receiving the adjustment value, confirms with the user whether or not to set the setting value for the other print mode by the setting unit; The image forming system according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that when the confirmation means confirms that the setting value is to be set for the other printing mode by the setting means, the setting means sets the setting value for the other printing mode.

[0127] (Configuration 4) The image forming system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the adjustment item for which the adjustment value has been received is pre-defined so that a common value is set in all of the multiple printing modes, the setting means sets the same value as the adjustment value related to the adjustment item for the corresponding adjustment item in the other printing modes.

[0128] (Configuration 5) 5. The image forming system according to configuration 4, wherein the adjustment items include at least one of an ink drying time, an auto-cut setting, a head height, and a paper tube size.

[0129] (Configuration 6) The image forming system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when the adjustment item for which the adjustment value has been received is defined as adjustable in each of the multiple printing modes, the setting means determines and sets the setting value of the corresponding adjustment item in the other printing modes based on the adjustment value related to the adjustment item.

[0130] (Configuration 7) The setting means is The image forming system according to configuration 6, characterized in that the difference between the adjustment value and a predetermined default value is added to the default value of the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode, and the setting value of the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode is set to the setting value of the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode.

[0131] (Configuration 8) The setting means is The image forming system according to configuration 6, characterized in that the setting value of the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode is determined so as to be adjusted at the same ratio as the ratio of the difference between the adjustment value and a predetermined default value to the default value.

[0132] (Configuration 9) The image forming system according to configuration 7 or 8, wherein the setting means corrects the determined setting value so that the step width corresponds to the image processing parameter included in the media information.

[0133] (Configuration 10) 10. The image forming system according to any one of configurations 7 to 9, wherein the setting unit corrects the determined setting value so that the setting value becomes a value permitted by a control target of the adjustment item.

[0134] (Configuration 11) The image forming system according to any one of configurations 7 to 10, characterized in that, if the determined setting value falls outside a predetermined range of settable values, the setting means changes the determined value so that it falls within the range.

[0135] (Configuration 12) The image forming system according to configuration 6, characterized in that for the other printing modes having the same predetermined settable value range and default value as the one printing mode, the setting means sets the same value as the adjustment value as the setting value for the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode.

[0136] (Configuration 13) The image forming system according to any one of configurations 6 to 12, wherein the adjustment items include at least one of fixing temperature, airflow volume, airflow temperature, ink deposition amount, inter-scan delay, and unidirectional printing.

[0137] (Configuration 14) a display control unit that displays a screen for receiving an input of the adjustment value by a user; The display control means The image forming system according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the adjustment items that are predefined so that a common value is set in all of the plurality of printing modes and the adjustment items that are defined as adjustable in each of the plurality of printing modes are displayed on separate screens.

[0138] (Configuration 15) acquiring media information in which values ​​of adjustment items for controlling an image forming apparatus are set for each of a plurality of print modes; receiving an adjustment value input by a user for the adjustment item of one of the plurality of print modes; setting a setting value corresponding to the adjustment value for a corresponding adjustment item of another print mode different from the one print mode; 13. A method for editing media information, comprising:

[0139] (Configuration 16) Computer, an acquisition means for acquiring media information in which values ​​of adjustment items for controlling the image forming apparatus are set for each of a plurality of print modes; a receiving means for receiving an adjustment value input by a user for the adjustment item of one of the plurality of printing modes; a setting means for setting a setting value corresponding to the adjustment value for a corresponding adjustment item of another print mode different from the one print mode; A program to function as a

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring media information in which values ​​of adjustment items for controlling an image forming apparatus are set for each of a plurality of print modes; a receiving unit for receiving an adjustment value input by a user for the adjustment item of one of the plurality of printing modes; a setting unit for setting a setting value corresponding to the adjustment value for the corresponding adjustment item of another print mode different from the one print mode; An image forming system comprising:

2. the media information comprises a plurality of image processing parameters; The setting means is 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing parameters are set according to the adjustment values ​​in the one printing mode, and the image processing parameters are set according to the setting values ​​in the other printing mode.

3. a confirmation unit that, after receiving the adjustment value, confirms with the user whether or not to set the setting value for the other print mode by the setting unit; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the confirmation means confirms that the setting means is to set the setting value for the other printing mode, the setting means sets the setting value for the other printing mode.

4. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the adjustment item for which the adjustment value has been received is pre-defined so that a common value is set for all of the plurality of printing modes, the setting means sets the same value as the adjustment value relating to the adjustment item to the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing modes.

5. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment items include at least one of an ink drying time, an auto-cut setting, a head height, and a paper tube size.

6. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the adjustment item for which the adjustment value has been received is defined as adjustable in each of the plurality of printing modes, the setting means determines and sets the setting value of the corresponding adjustment item in the other printing modes based on the adjustment value relating to the adjustment item.

7. The setting means is The image forming system according to claim 6, characterized in that the setting value of the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode is the difference between the adjustment value and a predetermined default value added to the default value of the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode.

8. The setting means is 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the setting value of the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode is determined so as to be adjusted at the same ratio as the ratio of the difference between the adjustment value and a predetermined default value to the default value.

9. 9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit corrects the determined setting value so that the step width corresponds to the image processing parameter included in the media information.

10. 9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit corrects the determined setting value so that the setting value becomes a value permitted by a control target of the adjustment item.

11. 9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit changes the determined setting value so that the determined setting value falls within a predetermined range of settable values ​​if the determined setting value falls outside the predetermined range of settable values.

12. The image forming system according to claim 6, characterized in that for the other printing modes having the same predetermined settable value range and default value as the one printing mode, the setting means sets the same value as the adjustment value as the setting value for the corresponding adjustment item of the other printing mode.

13. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment items include at least one of a fixing temperature, a blowing air volume, a blowing air temperature, an ink deposition amount, an inter-scan delay, and one-way printing.

14. a display control unit that displays a screen for receiving an input of the adjustment value by a user; The display control means 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment items that are predefined so that a common value is set for all of the plurality of printing modes and the adjustment items that are predefined as being adjustable for each of the plurality of printing modes are displayed on separate screens.

15. acquiring media information in which values ​​of adjustment items for controlling an image forming apparatus are set for each of a plurality of print modes; receiving an adjustment value input by a user for the adjustment item of one of the plurality of printing modes; setting a setting value corresponding to the adjustment value for the corresponding adjustment item of another print mode different from the one print mode; 13. A method for editing media information, comprising:

16. Computer, an acquisition means for acquiring media information in which values ​​of adjustment items for controlling the image forming apparatus are set for each of a plurality of print modes; a receiving unit for receiving an adjustment value input by a user for the adjustment item of one of the plurality of printing modes; a setting means for setting a setting value corresponding to the adjustment value for the corresponding adjustment item of another print mode different from the one print mode; A program to function as a

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