Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that enables easy restoration of medium information even if the medium information has been deleted from a storage area.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: generation means that generates second medium information obtained by editing first medium information on the basis of the change in a parameter by a user; registration means that registers the second medium information generated by the generation means in a medium information database; first storage means that generates and stores difference information between the first medium information and the second medium information caused by the change in the parameter by the user; and second storage means that generates and stores information related to the acquisition of a lookup table (LUT) used in the second medium information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, method, and program capable of registering media information. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to perform appropriate printing for each medium, various parameters including mechanical parameters such as suction force and information files for each medium such as a lookup table (LUT) for image processing are known. In order to print on various media, information files are configured to be customizable, and there are cases where such custom media information files are registered in the printer and used. Media information files registered in the printer can also be deleted. In cases where a file is to be restored after deletion, the file may be backed up in some storage beforehand. Patent Document 1 describes that even if a deletion operation is performed, the file is not completely deleted from the storage area, but the rank is changed to a deleted state, and when the file is to be restored, the rank is changed to a restored state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-240779 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a mechanism that can easily restore media information even if the media information edited by a user is deleted from a storage area.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, method, and program that can easily restore media information even if the media information has been deleted from a storage area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a generation means for generating second media information in which first media information is edited based on a parameter change made by a user, a registration means for registering the second media information generated by the generation means in a media information database, a first storage means for generating and storing difference information between the first media information and the second media information resulting from the parameter change made by the user, and a second storage means for generating and storing information regarding the acquisition of a lookup table (LUT) used for the second media information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, even if media information is deleted from a storage area, the media information can be easily restored. This reduces the need to store the media information itself, and eliminates the need for large-capacity storage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration including a media information file. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a media information file. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a custom media information file. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reference LUT-DB. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing LUT storage information. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the deletion of a custom media information file. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining restoration of a custom media information file. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for creating a custom media information file. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a selection screen display process. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a restoration process of a custom media information file. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a custom media information file. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a restoration target determination process. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a custom media information file. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the creation of a custom media information file. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in a network environment of the present system. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes an information processing device 101 and an image forming device 100. The information processing device 101 is a device having a configuration of a PC, a smartphone, or the like. The image forming device 100 is a device having a printing function for recording on a recording medium. For example, the image forming device 100 may be configured as a multifunctional printer including not only a printing function but also a scanner function, etc. The information processing device 101 can be connected to the image forming device 100 via a network 102. The network 102 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a network including both. In addition, the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 100 may be directly connected by a cable or the like without going through the network 102. In addition, although only the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 100 are shown as devices in FIG. 1, other devices may be included. For example, an external router operating as an access point may be included. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 can connect to an access point (infrastructure connection) and communicate with the information processing apparatus 101 via the access point. Also, for example, the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 100 can connect to the Internet via the access point and communicate with an external server (not shown).

[0011] The information processing device 101 creates a print job using a print application in the device, and transmits the print job to the image forming device 100. The image forming device 100 executes printing based on the received print job. Although the number of image forming devices 100 is one in FIG. 1, there may be more than one. Furthermore, the number of information processing devices 101 is also one, but there may be more than one. Furthermore, at least a part of the operation of the information processing device 101 in this embodiment may be executed by the image forming device 100.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 200 controls the image forming apparatus 100 in an overall manner. The CPU 200 operates based on a control program stored in a program ROM of the ROM 201 or a control program stored in an external memory 208. The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 200 reading out a program stored in the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing the program. 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 203. In this embodiment, the printing unit 207 has a configuration corresponding to an inkjet recording method. However, the printing unit 207 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured to correspond to other recording methods such as an electrophotographic method. The CPU 200 is capable of communication processing with the information processing apparatus 101 via a communication I / F 204, and can notify the information processing apparatus 101 of information in the image forming apparatus 100, such as remaining amounts of consumables and error information. Further, the CPU 200 can receive output data to be output to the printing unit 207 via the communication I / F 204. The RAM 202 functions as the main memory of the CPU 200, a work area, and the like. The RAM 202 is used as an output information development area, an environment data storage area, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The memory controller 206 controls access to an external memory 208 such as a hard disk (HDD) or an IC card. The external memory 208 is connected as an option and stores, for example, font data, an emulation program, form data, information about a recording medium registered in the image forming apparatus 100, attribute information about the recording medium, and the like. The operation unit 209 includes, for example, a panel and displays various information such as a user interface screen. The image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and may include a configuration according to the functions of a device applied to the image forming apparatus 100 as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 101 of FIG. 1. The controller 311 has a CPU 300, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, a storage 303, an I / F 304, an operation control unit 305, a display control unit 306, and a disk controller 307, and controls the information processing device 101 in an integrated manner. The CPU 300 reads various programs such as a control program, a system program, and an application program from the external storage 310 to the RAM 302 via the disk controller 307. The CPU 300 executes the various programs read to the RAM 302 to perform various data processing and display control of the display unit 309. The CPU 300 may read the control program, etc. from the ROM 301. The operation of the information processing device 101 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU 300 reading the program stored in the ROM 301 to the RAM 302 and executing it. The CPU 300 may be a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The CPU 300 and the dedicated circuit are examples of a hardware circuit or a hardware processor. 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. An operation control unit 305 controls key input from an operation unit 308 including a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like. A display controller 306 controls the display of a display unit 309. The CPU 300 is also capable of communication processing with the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication I / F 304.

[0014] Unless otherwise specified, the CPU 300 controls each unit connected to the main bus 312 via the main bus 312. The information processing device 101 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and may include a configuration according to the functions of a device applied to the information processing device 101 as appropriate.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a media information file in a system including the image forming apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 101 described in FIGS. 1 to 3. After accepting a print job in the image forming apparatus 100, a command analysis unit 401 analyzes the contents of the command of the print command set in the print job. An image processing unit 402 determines what image processing process and what image processing table are to be executed based on the contents of the command. The image processing table is, for example, a look-up table (LUT). A media information file DB400 (also called a media information database) stored in the ROM 201, which is a non-volatile memory, stores LUTs corresponding to each media type. For example, LUTs required for color processing, such as a conversion LUT from input RGB to output RGB, a conversion LUT from RGB to ink color, and a LUT for controlling output gamma, are stored for each media type. The image processing unit 402 acquires the required LUT from the media information file DB400, executes color conversion, and passes the halftoned data to the print execution unit 403. The print execution unit 403 executes printing based on the data passed from the image processing unit 402. The media information file DB 400 is configured by storing a plurality of media information files 410 for each medium, and the media information files 410 for each medium enable image processing suitable for each medium.

[0016] The information processing device 101 creates a print job for input to the image forming device 100. When the information processing device 101 accepts a print instruction by a print application or the like, a print job creation unit 405 such as a printer driver adds a command for printing to generate a print job. The information processing device 101 transmits the print job created by the print job creation unit 405 to the image forming device 100 via the network 102 by a print job transmission unit 404.

[0017] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a media-based media information file 410. The media-based media information file 410 includes a print control parameter information file 451, a dependent information file for each medium 452, a medium name description file 453, and an LUT 454 for various image processing.

[0018] Mechanical control values ​​such as the height and suction force of the print head, calibration-related flags, etc. are described in the print control parameter information file 451. For example, the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 100 reads the value indicating the height of the print head described in the print control parameter information file 451 and adjusts the height of the print head. The print control parameter information file 451 is, for example, a file described in binary format.

[0019] Furthermore, the print mode, intent, ICC profile, etc. associated with each medium are described in the dependent information file 452 for each medium. A print control program such as a printer driver reads the dependent information file 452 for each medium and reflects it in the UI of the printer driver. The dependent information file 452 for each medium is, for example, a file described in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format.

[0020] Media names are described in each language in the media name file 453. A print control program such as a printer driver reads the media name file 453 and reflects it in the UI of the printer driver. The media name file 453 is, for example, a file written in XML format.

[0021] As described in FIG. 4, the various image processing LUTs 454 store various LUTs for each type of media, such as an input RGB to output RGB conversion LUT, an RGB to ink color conversion LUT, and an LUT that controls output gamma.

[0022] 6 is a diagram showing the flow of creating a custom media information file using the media information file DB 400. A custom media information file is a file that is created by rewriting various parameters and LUTs based on the media information file 410 for each media. In this embodiment, the flow of creating a custom media information file within the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0023] As an example of the media information file 410 for each medium, a base media information file 500 for a specific medium, for example, for a medium such as coated paper or photo glossy paper, is assumed. When creating another media information file based on the base media information file 500, first, a copy of the base media information file 500 is made. Next, when the user edits the copied media information file 501, the parameters described in the media information file 501 are changed. The changed media information file 501 is added as a custom media information file 502 to the media information file DB 400 held in the non-volatile memory of the image forming device 100.

[0024] Furthermore, when the user edits the media information file 501 and creates the custom media information file 502, the change information that occurs in the print control parameter information file 451, the dependent information file for each medium 452, and the media name description file 453 in Fig. 5 is generated as difference information 600. Furthermore, with the change in the ink deposition amount, various LUTs are obtained from a reference LUT-DB 503 (also called an LUT database) for creating custom media that exists in the non-volatile memory of the image forming device 100, and are replaced with the LUTs required for the custom media information file 502. At this time, LUT storage information 601 is generated that includes address information of the LUT obtained from the reference LUT-DB 503. The difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 are stored in a storage area in the non-volatile memory of the image forming device 100 that is different from the storage location of the media information file DB 400.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reference LUT-DB 503. As shown in FIG. 7, the reference LUT-DB 503 stores various image processing LUTs 701 for each media type. For example, various image processing LUTs 701 are stored for each media type, such as photo glossy paper, coated paper, art paper, and film paper. The various image processing LUTs 701 are LUTs corresponding to each image processing, such as color space conversion and density adjustment. The LUTs include, for example, 1D-LUTs and 3D-LUTs. The LUTs may be divided not only by media type but also by print mode.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen (UI screen) for creating custom media information file 502 described in FIG. 6. Screen 800 in FIG. 8 is displayed, for example, on a screen of management software for managing media information. In this embodiment, screen 800 is displayed on operation panel 209 of image forming apparatus 100. Screen 800 is displayed when a user selects a media type for which he or she wishes to check details of the media information on the UI screen of the management software. Then, the user can change parameters of the media information file on screen 800 to create custom media information file 502.

[0027] On screen 800, details of the media information selected by the user are displayed as tab 510 representing "paper detailed settings 1" and tab 511 representing "paper detailed settings 2." Tab 510 can accept user settings such as the media name, ink drying time settings, auto-cut settings, and paper tube size. Tab 511 can also accept user settings such as ink deposition amount and paper thickness. When OK button 801 is pressed, custom media information file 502 is created based on the parameters set on screen 800. When Cancel button 802 is pressed, the parameters set on screen 800 are reset.

[0028] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of difference information 600. Difference information 600 is information that is generated when changing from base media information file 500 to custom media information file 502. Difference information 600 includes the following information.

[0029] A media ID (identification information) for identifying the custom media information file 502 A media ID for identifying the base media information file 500 on which the custom media information file 502 is based Custom Media Name - Information on changes to various files The information on changes in the various files refers to information on changes in the print control parameter information file 451, the dependent information file for each medium 452, and the medium name description file 453 in Fig. 5. When the various files are in the format shown in Fig. 5, the information included in the difference information 600 is not limited to text format, and may be in binary format or XML format.

[0030] Figure 9 <mediaid>The tag portion indicates a media ID for identifying the custom media information file 502. <basemediaid>The tag portion indicates a media ID for identifying the base media information file 500 .

[0031] Figure 9 <hmnfile>The tag part indicates the custom media name, and each line corresponds to a different language. <mitfile>Tags and <hmifile>The tag portion indicates information about changes to various files. <mitfile>The tag portion indicates information on changes to the print control parameter information file 451. In this embodiment, the print control parameter information file 451 is written in binary format. Therefore, changes to the print control parameter information file 451 are written using an offset value (address) that is a relative position from the beginning of the file and an actual change value.

[0032] <hmifile>The tag portion indicates information about changes in the dependent information file 452 for each medium. In Fig. 9, for example, the content of a setting made by the user, such as "high" print quality, is indicated as information about changes.

[0033] The amount of difference information 600 varies depending on the amount of change on screen 800, but it is generated as a file of, for example, approximately several hundred bytes in size. Note that, although an example is shown in Fig. 9 in which difference information 600 is generated in the format of an XML file, it may be written in another format.

[0034] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the LUT storage information 601. The LUT storage information 601 includes the following information.

[0035] · Custom media ID to identify the custom media information file 502 - LUT storage address information obtained from Reference LUT-DB503 For example, if the reference LUT is obtained from the reference LUT-DB 503 and used, the value "1" is used to indicate this.<ReferenceLUT.DB-use> The LUT file to be used is determined based on information such as the media group to which the currently targeted media belongs and the print mode. The determined LUT file name is added to the LUT storage information 601. <lutfilename>In this manner, in this embodiment, at a later stage when custom media information file 502 is restored, LUT storage information 601 is used to restore and obtain from reference LUT-DB 503 the LUT used in deleted custom media information file 502 according to the media group, print mode, and LUT file name described in LUT storage information 601.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the deletion of the custom media information file 502 registered in the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the media information file DB 400 is a collection of media information files 410 for a plurality of media units. The left diagram in FIG. 11 shows a state in which the custom media information file 502 is included in the media information file DB 400. Meanwhile, the right diagram shows a state in which the custom media information file 502 has been deleted from the media information file DB 400. Here, the deletion means that the custom media information file 502 does not exist anywhere, either internally, such as a non-volatile memory in the image forming apparatus 100, or in an externally connected storage or memory. In addition, the deletion of the custom media information file 502 may be designated by the user on the operation panel 209, or may be designated by the information processing apparatus 101. In this embodiment, even if the custom media information file 502 is deleted, the difference information 600 and the LUT storage location information 601 held in another storage area are not deleted.

[0037] 12 is a diagram for explaining a flow of restoring the deleted custom media information file 502 using the difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 generated in FIG. 6. The base media ID of the custom media information file 502 described in the difference information 600 is obtained, and the media information file that matches the base media ID, i.e., the base media information file 500, is obtained from a holding area in the non-volatile memory in the image forming apparatus 100. The obtained base media information file 500 is copied for work, and the difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 are reflected in the copied media information file 501. Here, the objects to be reflected are the print control parameter information file 451, the dependent information file for each medium 452, and the media name description file 453. The difference information 600 is described as, for example, text information, and the information is reflected in the print control parameter information file 451, the dependent information file for each medium 452, and the media name description file 453.

[0038] Furthermore, the LUT held in custom media information file 502 is changed based on LUT storage information 601. That is, based on the contents of the address information of the acquisition source in LUT storage information 601, it is possible to know whether the LUT of the deleted custom media information file 502 was acquired from reference LUT-DB 503, or whether it remains the original LUT of media information file 501. The address information of the acquisition source is the address information of the<ReferenceLUT.DB-use> ~ <lutfilename>For example, if "1" is entered, it is clear that the LUT of the deleted custom media information file 502 was obtained from the reference LUT-DB 503. On the other hand, if any information other than "1" is entered, it is clear that the original LUT of the media information file 501 remains. If it was obtained from the reference LUT-DB 503, the corresponding LUT is obtained based on the LUT storage information 601, and the LUT is rewritten in the media information file 501. On the other hand, if the original LUT remains, the LUT is not rewritten.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for receiving an instruction to restore deleted custom media information files 502. Here, a UI screen displayed on operation panel 209 is shown. Various operation menus related to media information files are displayed on screen 1301 on operation panel 209, and a button 1302 for "Restore deleted custom media" is displayed. When the user presses button 1302, screen 1303 is displayed showing a confirmation message such as "Do you want to restore deleted custom media?". In addition, a "Yes" button 1304 and a "No" button 1305 are displayed together with the confirmation message. When the "Yes" button 1304 is pressed, a process for displaying a list of deleted custom media information files 502 is started. When the "No" button 1305 is pressed, the screen returns to screen 1301.

[0040] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when button 1304 is pressed. When button 1304 is pressed, screen 1401 is displayed, displaying a list of deleted custom media information files 502. In Fig. 14, the names of four types of deleted custom media information files 502 are displayed in a list, with each name provided with a check box that the user can select. When a check box is checked, the user presses "Restore" button 1402, and restoration processing of the checked custom media information file 502 is initiated. In other words, screen 1401 in Fig. 14 is a screen for accepting the selection of the custom media information file to be restored.

[0041] Figure 16 is a flow chart showing the process of displaying a screen for accepting the selection of custom media information file 502 to be restored. The process in Figure 16 is realized, for example, by CPU 200 reading a program stored in ROM 201 into RAM 202 and executing it. At the start of the process in Figure 16, custom media information file 502 has already been deleted.

[0042] In S200, the CPU 200 accepts the selection of a menu item "Restore deleted custom media information files" on the UI screen of the management software. For example, the CPU 200 accepts the pressing of a button 1302 on a screen 1301.

[0043] In S201, CPU 200 displays on operation panel 209 a confirmation message for restoring deleted custom media information file 502, and determines whether an instruction to restore the deleted custom media information file has been accepted. For example, CPU 200 determines whether pressing of button 1304 or button 1305 on screen 1303 has been accepted. If it is determined that an instruction to restore deleted custom media information file 502 has been accepted, the process proceeds to S202. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to restore deleted custom media information file 502 has not been accepted, in S209 CPU 200 cancels the process of FIG. 16 and ends.

[0044] In S202, CPU 200 obtains difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 from a storage area in the non-volatile memory of image forming apparatus 100 in order to restore deleted custom media information file 502.

[0045] In S203, the CPU 200 acquires a custom media ID from the difference information 600, and in S204, acquires a list of media registered in the media information file DB 400 (media list).

[0046] In S205, CPU 200 compares the custom media ID acquired in S203 with the media IDs in the media list registered in media information file DB 400. CPU 200 then determines whether there is one or more custom media IDs that exist only in difference information 600. If it is determined that there is one or more, the process proceeds to S206. Here, the custom media ID determined to exist as one or more is the media ID of deleted custom media information file 502. This is because, as described in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, even if custom media information file 502 is deleted, difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 are not deleted.

[0047] In S206, CPU 200 adds custom media IDs that exist only in difference information 600 to a list of deleted custom media information files 502. In S207, CPU 200 displays a list of deleted custom media information files 502 on operation panel 209 so that the user can select one. In S207, for example, screen 1401 in Fig. 14 is displayed. After S207, the processing in Fig. 16 ends.

[0048] If it is determined in S205 that there is no custom media ID present only in the difference information 600, the process proceeds to S208. In S208, the CPU 200 displays a message on the operation panel 209 indicating that no custom media information file 502 has been deleted. After S208, the process in FIG. 16 ends.

[0049] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the process of creating custom media information file 502. The process of Figure 15 is realized, for example, by CPU 200 reading a program stored in ROM 201 into RAM 202 and executing it. The process of Figure 15 corresponds to the case where the process of creating custom media information file 502 is performed by image forming apparatus 100, as described in Figure 6.

[0050] In S100, CPU 200 accepts an instruction to create custom media information file 502 on the UI screen of the management software. In S101, CPU 200 accepts selection of base media information file 500 that will be the base of custom media information file 502 on the UI screen of the management software. Once base media information file 500 is selected, in S102 CPU 200 creates media information file 501 by duplicating base media information file 500.

[0051] In S103, CPU 200 accepts user operations including input of a custom media name and parameter changes on the UI screen of the management software. For example, CPU 200 accepts input of a custom media name and parameter changes for each setting item on screen 800 of FIG.

[0052] In S104, CPU 200 determines whether or not at least one of input of a custom media name and change of parameters has been accepted. If it is determined that at least one of them has been accepted, the process proceeds to S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the above user operation has not been accepted on the UI screen of the management software, the process proceeds to S107.

[0053] In S105, CPU 200 overwrites the print control parameter information file 451, dependent information file for each medium 452, and media name description file 453 with the parameter values ​​changed on the UI screen. In S106, CPU 200 stores the values ​​changed in S105 as difference information 600. In S107, CPU 200 writes the custom media name entered on the UI screen and an ID for identifying custom media information file 502 into difference information 600.

[0054] In S108, the CPU 200 determines whether or not the ink deposition amount has been changed on the UI screen. If it is determined that the ink deposition amount has been changed, in S109, the CPU 200 acquires an LUT corresponding to the changed ink deposition amount from the reference LUT-DB 503, and replaces the LUT that existed in the media information file 501 with the acquired LUT. If it is determined in S108 that the ink deposition amount has not been changed, the process proceeds to S111. Note that in S108, it may be determined that the ink deposition amount has been changed due to a change in an item other than the item "ink deposition amount." For example, it may be determined that the ink deposition amount has been changed based on a designation such as an improvement in black density or an expansion of the color gamut.

[0055] In S110, the CPU 200 records address information of the source of the LUT acquired in S109 as LUT storage information 601. The address information here is, for example,<ReferenceLUT.DB-use> ~ <lutfilename>This is the information in the part.

[0056] In S111, CPU 200 holds custom media information file 502, which is obtained by modifying media information file 501, as registration information in media information file DB 400. In S112, CPU 200 saves difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 in a storage area in non-volatile memory different from media information file DB 400. Then, the processing in FIG. 15 ends.

[0057] Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing the process of restoring deleted custom media. The process of Fig. 17 is realized, for example, by CPU 200 reading a program stored in ROM 201 into RAM 202 and executing it. The process of Fig. 17 corresponds to the case where the process of restoring deleted custom media information file 502 is performed by image forming apparatus 100, as described in Fig. 12.

[0058] In S300, CPU 200 accepts the selection of a custom media information file to be restored and an instruction to restore it. For example, a custom media information file to be restored is selected on screen 1401 shown in Fig. 14, and restore button 1402 is pressed.

[0059] In S301, the CPU 200 acquires a base media ID corresponding to the media ID of the restoration target from the difference information 600. In S302, the CPU 200 acquires a base media information file 500 from the media information file DB 400 in the non-volatile memory based on the acquired base media ID.

[0060] In S303, the CPU 200 copies the base media information file 500 to create the media information file 501. In S304, the CPU 200 reflects the contents of the difference information 600 in the media information file 501. Specifically, the contents of the difference information 600 are overwritten in the print control parameter information file 451, the dependent information file for each medium 452, and the media name description file 453.

[0061] In S305, the CPU 200 refers to the LUT storage information 601 corresponding to the media ID of the restoration target. In S306, the CPU 200 judges whether or not it is necessary to acquire an LUT from the reference LUT-DB 503. For example, when the LUT storage information 601 is<ReferenceLUT.DB-use> ~ <lutfilename>If there is information of this part, it is determined that it is necessary to obtain an LUT from the reference LUT-DB 503. If it is determined that it is necessary to obtain an LUT from the reference LUT-DB 503, the process proceeds to S307, and if it is determined that it is not necessary to obtain an LUT, the process proceeds to S310. In S310, the CPU 200 maintains the LUT used in the media information file 501 as it is.

[0062] In S307, the CPU 200 accesses the reference LUT-DB 503. In S308, the CPU 200 acquires an LUT from the reference LUT-DB 503 based on the address information of the LUT described in the LUT storage information 601. In S309, the CPU 200 replaces the LUT used in the media information file 501 with the LUT acquired in S308. When proceeding from S310 to S311, the LUT used in the media information file 501 is used as is.

[0063] In S311, CPU 200 replaces the media ID and media name of media information file 501 with the custom media ID and media name described in difference information 600. In S312, CPU 200 stores media information file 501 after the processing of Fig. 17 has been performed as custom media information file 502 in media information file DB 400 in non-volatile memory. Thereafter, the processing of Fig. 17 ends.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the capacity required for backup because it is only necessary to store difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 instead of storing custom media information file 502 itself. In addition, custom media information files that have been deleted from the storage area can be easily restored.

[0065] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a series of processes from copying the original base media information file 500 to editing, and generating the difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 are executed within the image forming device 100. In this embodiment, the series of processes are executed within the information processing device 101.

[0066] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flow of creating a custom media information file 502 in this embodiment. It differs from FIG. 6 in that a series of processes from copying the base media information file 500 to editing, and generating difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 are executed within the information processing device 101. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 transmits the created or restored custom media information file 502, difference information 600, and LUT storage information 601 to the image forming device 100 connected via a network or a local cable. The image forming device 100 registers the custom media information file 502 received from the information processing device 101 in the media information file DB 400 within the image forming device 100. In addition, the image forming device 100 saves the difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 received from the information processing device 101 in a storage area different from the media information file DB 400.

[0067] That is, in this embodiment, the processes in Fig. 15 to Fig. 17 are executed in the information processing device 100. However, when the image forming device 100 refers to the media information file DB 400, the image forming device 100 communicates with the image forming device 100, which is different from the first embodiment. According to this embodiment, the information processing device 100 that creates the print job can also create the custom media information file 502, difference information 600, and LUT storage information 601. Note that in this embodiment, the processes in Fig. 15 to Fig. 17 may be executed by media management software installed in the information processing device 100, or may be executed by a print application that causes the image forming device 100 to execute printing.

[0068] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first and second embodiments. In the first embodiment, in S207, a list of deleted custom media information files 502 was displayed on the operation panel 209 so that the user could select it. In other words, the user could select the custom media IDs to be restored from among the custom media IDs that exist only in the difference information 600. In this embodiment, all custom media IDs that exist only in the difference information 600 are determined to be restored.

[0069] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the process for determining the custom media information file to be restored in this embodiment. The process in Figure 19 is realized, for example, by CPU 200 reading a program stored in ROM 201 into RAM 202 and executing it. At the start of the process in Figure 19, custom media information file 502 has already been deleted.

[0070] S400 to S405, S407, and S408 in Fig. 19 are similar to S200 to S205, S208, and S209 in Fig. 16, and therefore their description will be omitted. In S406, CPU 200 determines all custom media IDs that exist only in difference information 600 as restoration targets. Thereafter, the processing in Fig. 19 ends.

[0071] After FIG. 19, the processes of S301 to S312 in FIG. 17 are executed for each of the custom media information files 502 to be restored that were determined in S406.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to restore all of the custom media IDs that exist only in the difference information 600 without any user operation.

[0073] [Fourth embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first and second embodiments. In each of the above embodiments, the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 have been described. Since the difference information 600 is information containing only difference information, if the information is in a file format, the file size can be kept small. Therefore, even if the information is stored in the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to prevent the storage area from being overloaded.

[0074] Incidentally, a configuration is assumed in which the created custom media information file 502 itself is sent to another environment, for example, another image forming device. In this embodiment, instead of sending the custom media information file 502 itself, difference information 600 and LUT storage information 601 are sent. As a result, if the base media information file 500 already exists in the receiving image forming device 100, the custom media information file 502 can be generated.

[0075] 20 and 21 are diagrams showing the flow of creating the custom media information file 502 in this embodiment. In FIG. 20, the process up to generating the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 in the image forming apparatus 100 is the same as that described in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the management PC 2001 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via a network or locally acquires the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 in the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the management PC 2001 may request the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 from the image forming apparatus 100, or the image forming apparatus 100 may transmit the created difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 to the management PC 2001. Then, the management PC 2001 transmits the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 acquired from the image forming apparatus 100 to each base printer located at a place separated from the management PC 2001 all at once. At this time, the information may be transmitted by email, via the cloud, or by a dedicated line. As described above, when the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 are in a file format, the file size can be kept small, and therefore the amount of communication can be reduced. If the base media information file 500 already exists in each base printer that receives the information, as described with reference to Figures 12 and 17, the base printer can create the custom media information file 502. If the base media information file 500 does not exist in each base printer, the management PC 2001 may transmit the base media information file 500 acquired from the image forming apparatus 100 to each base printer.

[0076] FIG. 21 is another diagram showing the flow of creating a custom media information file 502 in this embodiment. In FIG. 21, the process up to generating the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 is performed in the management PC 2101. That is, the same program as the program that runs in the image forming apparatus 100 in the first to third embodiments is executed in the management PC 2101. As a result, the difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 can be generated in the management PC 2101, as in FIG. 6. The management PC 2101 further transmits the generated difference information 600 and the LUT storage information 601 to each base printer. As a result, as explained in FIG. 20, if the base media information file 500 already exists in each base printer, the custom media information file can be created. Also, if the base media information file 500 does not exist in each base printer, the management PC 2101 may transmit the base media information file 500 to each base printer. As described above, in this embodiment, when the difference information file 600 and the LUT storage information 601 are configured in a file format, it is possible to keep the file size small, and therefore the amount of communication between devices can be reduced.

[0077] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the 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. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0078] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following information processing device, method, and program. (Item 1) a generating means for generating second media information obtained by editing the first media information based on a change of a parameter by a user; a registration means for registering the second media information generated by the generation means in a media information database; a first storage means for generating and storing difference information between the first media information and the second media information, the difference information being generated by a parameter change made by the user; a second storage means for generating and storing information relating to acquisition of a look-up table (LUT) used for the second media information; An information processing device comprising: (Item 2) 2. The information processing device according to item 1, further comprising an LUT database in which LUTs associated with media types are registered. (Item 3) The information processing device described in item 2, characterized in that when the LUT used in the second media information is a LUT obtained from the LUT database, information indicating that the LUT used in the second media information is a LUT obtained from the LUT database is stored in the second storage means as information regarding the acquisition of the LUT. (Item 4) The information processing device described in item 2 or 3, characterized in that when the LUT used in the second media information is an LUT obtained from the LUT database, information on the source of the LUT in the LUT database is stored in the second storage means as information regarding the acquisition of the LUT. (Item 5) 5. The information processing device according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein, when the LUT used in the second media information is the LUT used in the first media information, information indicating that the LUT used in the second media information is the LUT used in the first media information is stored in the second storage means as information regarding the acquisition of the LUT. (Item 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the difference information includes identification information for identifying the first media information. (Item 7) a deletion unit for deleting media information registered in the media information database, Even if the media information deleted by the deletion means is the second media information, the difference information stored in the first storage means and the information related to acquisition of the LUT stored in the second storage means are not deleted. 7. The information processing device according to item 6, (Item 8) 8. The information processing device according to item 7, further comprising a restoration unit that restores the second media information deleted by the deletion unit. (Item 9) The information processing device described in item 8, characterized in that the restoration means retrieves the first media information from the media information database based on the difference information stored in the first storage means, and restores the second media information by reflecting the difference information in the retrieved first media information. (Item 10) Item 10. The information processing device described in item 9, characterized in that when the information regarding the acquisition of the LUT stored in the second storage means indicates that the LUT used for the second media information is a LUT acquired from the LUT database, the restoration means acquires a LUT from the LUT database and uses the acquired LUT for the first media information in which the difference information is reflected. (Item 11) Item 11. The information processing device according to item 10, characterized in that when the information regarding the acquisition of the LUT stored in the second storage means indicates that the LUT used in the second media information is the LUT used in the first media information, the restoration means maintains the LUT used in the first media information acquired from the media information database. (Item 12) the difference information includes identification information for identifying the second media information, The information processing device described in any one of items 8 to 11, further comprising an identification means for identifying the second media information included in the difference information stored in the first storage means as the second media information deleted by the deletion means based on the fact that the second media information included in the difference information stored in the first storage means is not registered in the media information database. (Item 13) a display means for displaying a list of the second media information identified by the identification means; a receiving means for receiving a selection of the second media information to be restored by the restoring means from the list of the second media information displayed by the display means; 13. The information processing device according to item 12, further comprising: (Item 14) Item 14. The information processing device according to item 13, wherein the restoration means restores the second media information selected by the reception means. (Item 15) 13. The information processing device according to item 12, wherein the restoration means restores the second media information identified by the identification means. (Item 16) 16. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 15, further comprising the media information database. (Item 17) Item 17. The information processing device according to item 16, wherein the information processing device is an image forming device that performs printing using media information. (Item 18) 16. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the media information database is provided in an external device of the information processing device. (Item 19) Item 19. The information processing device according to item 18, wherein the external device is an image forming device that performs printing using media information. (Item 20) 16. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 15, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the difference information generated by the information processing device and information related to acquisition of the LUT to an external device. (Item 21) 21. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 20, wherein the difference information includes at least one of change information regarding print control parameters, change information regarding dependency information for each medium, and change information regarding a medium name. (Item 22) A method executed in an information processing device, comprising: a generating step of generating second media information in which the first media information is edited based on a change of the parameter by a user; a registration step of registering the second media information generated in the generation step in a media information database; a first storage step of generating and storing difference information between the first media information and the second media information, the difference information being generated by a parameter change made by the user; a second storage step of generating and storing information relating to acquisition of a look-up table (LUT) used for the second media information; The method according to claim 1, further comprising: (Item 23) 22. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 21.

[0079] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 100 Image forming apparatus: 101 Information processing apparatus: 200, 300 CPU: 201, 301 ROM: 202, 302 RAM< / lutfilename> < / lutfilename> < / lutfilename> < / lutfilename> < / hmifile> < / mitfile> < / hmifile> < / mitfile> < / hmnfile> < / basemediaid> < / mediaid>

Claims

1. a generating means for generating second media information obtained by editing the first media information based on a change of a parameter by a user; a registration means for registering the second media information generated by the generation means in a media information database; a first storage means for generating and storing difference information between the first media information and the second media information, the difference information being generated by a parameter change made by the user; a second storage means for generating and storing information relating to acquisition of a look-up table (LUT) used for the second media information; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an LUT database in which LUTs associated with media types are registered.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the LUT used in the second media information is an LUT obtained from the LUT database, information indicating that the LUT used in the second media information is an LUT obtained from the LUT database is stored in the second storage means as information regarding the acquisition of the LUT.

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the LUT used in the second media information is an LUT obtained from the LUT database, information on the source of the LUT database is stored in the second storage means as information regarding the acquisition of the LUT.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the LUT used in the second media information is the LUT used in the first media information, information indicating that the LUT used in the second media information is the LUT used in the first media information is stored in the second storage means as information regarding the acquisition of the LUT.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the difference information includes identification information for identifying the first media information.

7. a deletion unit for deleting media information registered in the media information database, Even if the media information deleted by the deletion means is the second media information, the difference information stored in the first storage means and the information related to acquisition of the LUT stored in the second storage means are not deleted.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a restoration unit that restores the second medium information deleted by the deletion unit.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the restoration means retrieves the first media information from the media information database based on the difference information stored in the first storage means, and restores the second media information by reflecting the difference information in the retrieved first media information.

10. The information processing device of claim 9, characterized in that when the information regarding the acquisition of the LUT stored in the second storage means indicates that the LUT used for the second media information is a LUT acquired from the LUT database, the restoration means acquires a LUT from the LUT database and uses the acquired LUT for the first media information in which the difference information is reflected.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that when the information regarding the acquisition of the LUT stored in the second storage means indicates that the LUT used in the second media information is the LUT used in the first media information, the restoration means maintains the LUT used in the first media information acquired from the media information database.

12. the difference information includes identification information for identifying the second media information, The information processing device according to claim 8, further comprising an identification means for identifying the second media information included in the difference information stored in the first storage means as the second media information deleted by the deletion means based on the fact that the second media information included in the difference information stored in the first storage means is not registered in the media information database.

13. a display means for displaying a list of the second media information identified by the identification means; a receiving means for receiving a selection of the second media information to be restored by the restoring means from the list of the second media information displayed by the display means; The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:

14. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the restoration means restores the second media information selected by the reception means.

15. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the restoration means restores the second media information identified by the identification means.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising the media information database.

17. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that performs printing using media information.

18. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the media information database is provided in an external device of the information processing apparatus.

19. 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the external device is an image forming device that performs printing using media information.

20. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the difference information generated by the information processing apparatus and information related to acquisition of the LUT to an external device.

21. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the difference information includes at least one of change information relating to print control parameters, change information relating to dependency information for each medium, and change information relating to a medium name.

22. A method executed in an information processing device, comprising: a generating step of generating second media information in which the first media information is edited based on a change of the parameter by a user; a registration step of registering the second media information generated in the generation step in a media information database; a first storage step of generating and storing difference information between the first media information and the second media information, the difference information being generated by a parameter change made by the user; a second storage step of generating and storing information relating to acquisition of a look-up table (LUT) used for the second media information; The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

23. 22. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images