Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To easily perform printing in a plurality of patterns suited to a user purpose.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: determination means for determining a parameter to be adjusted from among a plurality of parameters related to printing in an image forming apparatus based on a designated printing index; setting means for setting a first parameter value for the determined parameter to be adjusted; generating means for generating one or more second parameter values, which are different from the first parameter value, from the first parameter value based on generation information of the print pattern; and job generating means for generating and outputting a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to collectively perform printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known technique for a user to adjust print control parameters so that print settings suitable for a target printed matter are obtained when printing using an image forming device such as a printer or a multifunction device (hereinafter referred to as a printer). Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for printing a corrected color sample in which a plurality of color correction parameters are applied to a color to be corrected designated by a user on a display, selecting a desired color to be corrected from the printed corrected color sample, and obtaining the correction parameters for the color to be corrected, thereby correcting the color. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-166601 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The method described in Patent Document 1 can only adjust color, and in the wide variety of media that have been used in recent years, other printing indices besides color must also be adjusted to make the most of the characteristics of each. To allow users to make adjustments, some printing applications that run on personal computers (PCs) and large-format printers themselves are equipped with a system that creates media information related to printing. This adjusts parameters such as the amount of ink used for printing, prints using a pre-installed pattern, checks the print result, and further adjusts the parameters. These patterns are generally created by varying and combining printing control parameters such as the amount of ink used and the amount of reaction liquid, and the difference in print result due to differences in parameters can be confirmed with a single print.

[0005] However, the patterns that can be checked with this method are limited to the predetermined patterns prepared by the printer vendor, and the user cannot necessarily check the difference in the print result due to the difference in the parameters that he / she wants to check. In other words, the user cannot determine and print the print pattern that he / she desires. Because the patterns are fixed using control parameter values ​​that differ by a certain amount, for example, it is not possible to check the fine values ​​between them or values ​​outside the range of the prepared patterns. Therefore, the user may need to refer to the print results to guess the control parameter values ​​that will produce the desired print result, and repeat printing while making fine adjustments, which is very time-consuming.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to make it possible to easily perform printing in a plurality of patterns suited to the user's purpose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device of the present invention is characterized by having a determination means for determining the parameter to be adjusted from among a plurality of parameters related to printing in an image forming device based on a specified printing indicator; a setting means for setting a first parameter value for the determined parameter to be adjusted; a generation means for generating one or more second parameter values ​​different from the first parameter value from the first parameter value based on print pattern generation information; and a job generation means for generating and outputting a print job that causes the image forming device to collectively perform printing applying the first parameter value and printing applying the second parameter value. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily perform printing in a plurality of patterns suited to the user's purpose. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a media setting file editing process. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for printing indicators. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for control parameter values. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print pattern creation screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print pattern creation screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print pattern creation screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print pattern creation screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for an adoption pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a print result. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a readjustment start screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print pattern creation screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print pattern creation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below does not limit the invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiment, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. In the following description, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming system in this embodiment. The image forming system in this embodiment has a PC (personal computer) 100 as an information processing device, and a printer 120 as an image forming device. The PC 100 and the printer 120 are communicatively connected via a network 140. The PC 100 generates a print job and transmits the generated print job to the printer 120. The printer 120 executes printing based on the print job transmitted from the PC 100.

[0012] In the example of the present embodiment, the number of PCs 100 is one, but is not limited thereto and may be two or more. The number of printers 120 is also one, but may be two or more. If the functions of the PC 100 described below are incorporated in the printer 120, the image forming system may be configured with only the printer 120. In the present embodiment, the PC 100 is shown as an example of an information processing device, but is not limited thereto and, for example, an information terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone may be used as the information processing device. In addition, the printer 120 is shown as an example of an image forming device, but, for example, a multifunction device having a printing function may be used as the image forming device.

[0013] The PC 100 has a computer interior 112, a keyboard 108, a display 109, and an external memory 110. The computer interior 112 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The computer interior 112 also has a system bus 104, a keyboard controller 105, a display controller 106, a disk controller 107, and a communication unit 111. The CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the keyboard controller 105, the display controller 106, the disk controller 107, and the communication unit 111 are connected to each other via the system bus 104 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] The CPU 101 controls the overall control of the PC 100. The CPU 101 controls the operation of each functional unit connected via, for example, a system bus 104. The CPU 101 reads various programs, such as a control program, a system program, and an application program, from the external memory 110 via a disk controller 107 to the RAM 103. The CPU 101 executes the various programs read into the RAM 103 to perform various data processing and to control the display of the display 109. The CPU 101 executes processing based on the various programs read into the RAM 103 to realize the functional configuration of the PC 100 described later and the processing of the flowchart described later. The CPU 101 may read the control program, etc. from the ROM 102. The RAM 103 is a memory that functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM, etc., connected to an expansion port (not shown). The PC 100 may have one or more dedicated hardware different from the CPU 101, and at least a part of the processing by the CPU 101 may be executed by the dedicated hardware. Examples of dedicated hardware include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units).

[0015] The keyboard controller 105 controls input from a keyboard 108 and a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). The display controller 106 controls the display of a display 109. The disk controller 107 controls access to an external memory 110 such as an HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or USB memory. The communication unit 111 connects the PC 100 to a network 140 and controls communication with other devices, etc. The communication unit 111 can output, for example, print data that the printer 120 can receive via the communication unit 125.

[0016] The printer 120 has a CPU 121, ROM 122, RAM 123, a system bus 124, a communication unit 125, a printing unit I / F 126, a memory controller 127, a printing unit 128, an external memory 129, and an operation unit 130. The CPU 121, ROM 122, RAM 123, the communication unit 125, the printing unit I / F 126, the memory controller 127, and the operation unit 130 are connected via the system bus 124 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0017] The CPU 121 is responsible for the overall control of the printer 120. The CPU 121 controls the operation of each functional unit connected via, for example, a system bus 124. The CPU 121 operates based on a control program stored in the ROM 122 or the external memory 129. The CPU 121 executes processing based on a control program stored in the ROM 122 or the external memory 129, thereby realizing the functional configuration of the printer 120 described below and the processing of a flowchart described below. The CPU 121 outputs an image signal to a printing unit (printer engine) 128 connected to a printing unit I / F 126 via the system bus 124. The CPU 121 is capable of communication processing with the PC 100 via a communication unit 125, and can notify the PC 100 of information in the printer 120. The CPU 121 can also receive output data to be output to the printing unit I / F 126 via the communication unit 125. The printer 120 may have one or more dedicated hardware different from the CPU 121, and at least a part of the processing by the CPU 121 may be executed by the dedicated hardware. Examples of special purpose hardware include ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs, and GPUs.

[0018] The RAM 123 is a memory that functions as a main memory or a work area of ​​the CPU 121. The RAM 123 is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM or the like connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 123 is used, for example, as an output information development area, an environmental data storage area, a non-volatile memory, or the like. The external memory 129 is, for example, a memory such as an HDD, an SSD, or an IC card. Access to the external memory 129 is controlled by a memory controller 127. The external memory 129 can be connected as an option, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, information about paper registered in the printer, paper attribute information, and the like. The operation unit 130 has a panel and can display various information. In addition, a user can perform various settings and instructions for the printer 120 via the panel of the operation unit 130.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system in this embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the functional configuration for executing the printing process and the editing process of the media setting file (the adjustment process of the control parameter value) among the components of the PC 100 and the printer 120 in the image forming system.

[0020] The following describes the PC 100. The PC 100 includes a DB (database) 201, a display unit 204, an editing unit 205, a print job generating unit 206, and a transmitting unit 207. The DB 201 stores a media settings file 202 and a control parameter table 203. The media settings file 202 is a file that records various information used for printing, such as parameters necessary for printing, and can be edited by an editing unit 205. The parameters recorded in the media settings file 202 include, for example, parameters that control the printing mechanism of the printer 120 according to the media (print medium) used, print settings, and print mode. The control parameter table 203 defines the control parameters to be adjusted and recommended values ​​for the control parameter values ​​for each combination of printing indicators (indices related to print quality, etc.).

[0021] The display unit 204 displays various screens, such as a screen related to printing processing, a screen related to editing processing of a media setting file (adjustment processing of control parameter values), etc. The display unit 204 is an example of a display means. The editing unit 205 edits the media settings file 202. The editing unit 205 edits the media settings file 202, for example, by changing control parameter values ​​using a media editing application (not shown) or the like. The editing unit 205 is an example of a determining means, a setting means, a generating means, an operating means, and a creating means. The media settings file 202 edited by the editing unit 205 is stored in the DB 201 for each medium. Since the information on this media settings file 202 is also used by the printer 120, it is sent to the printer 120 via the transmitting unit 207 and stored in the DB 221 of the printer 120.

[0022] The print job generation unit 206 generates a print job for causing the printer 120 to execute a print process in response to a print instruction input by a user, etc. The print job generation unit 206 acquires a media setting file 202 corresponding to the medium to be used for printing from the DB 201, and generates a print job based on the acquired media setting file 202. The print job generation unit 206 is an example of a job generation means. A transmission unit 207 transmits the print job data generated by the print job generation unit 206, the media setting file 202, and the like to the printer 120 via the network 140.

[0023] Next, a description will be given of the printer 120. The printer 120 has a DB (database) 221, a receiving unit 223, a print control unit 224, and a print execution unit 225. The DB 221 stores a media settings table 222. The media settings file 222 is a file that records various information used for printing, such as parameters required for printing, and records the same information as the media settings file 202 stored in the DB 202 of the PC 100.

[0024] Receiving unit 223 receives print job data, a media setting file, and the like transmitted from PC 100 via network 140. The received print job data is sent to print control unit 224. The received media setting file is stored in DB 221. Print control unit 224 generates print data based on the print job data and media setting file 222 stored in DB 221, and outputs the generated print data to print execution unit 225. Print execution unit 225 prints the print data generated by print control unit 224 using a printing mechanism (not shown).

[0025] In the image forming system of this embodiment, printing is performed, for example, by detecting a user's input on an application (not shown) running on the PC 100. When printing, a media settings file 202 containing various setting information used for printing is used by the print job generation unit 206. Specifically, the print job generation unit 206 obtains the media settings file 202 corresponding to the media to be used from the DB 201, and generates a print job. The print job data generated by the print job generation unit 206 is sent to the transmission unit 207 and transmitted to the printer 120.

[0026] The print job data sent from the PC 100 is received by the receiving unit 223 of the printer 120 and sent to the print control unit 224. The print control unit 224 generates print data based on the received print job data and outputs it to the print execution unit 225. When generating print data based on the print job data, the print control unit 224 obtains printing-related parameters from the media setting file 222 stored in the DB 221 and uses them to generate the print data. The print execution unit 225 prints the received print data using a printing mechanism (not shown). When printing is completed, the printed matter is discharged (ejected) from the printer 120.

[0027] Next, a process of editing a media settings file (adjusting control parameter values) in the image forming system of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a media settings file editing process (adjusting control parameter values) for editing a media settings file using a media editing application or the like. Fig. 3 shows the process after the media settings file to be edited is selected by a user operation or the like. In other words, after the user selects a media settings file, the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is started and executed.

[0028] In step S301, the editing unit 205 of the PC 100 acquires the base media setting file 202 from the DB 201 in accordance with the selection of the media setting file by the user.

[0029] In step S302, the display unit 204 of the PC 100 displays a print index selection screen 400 as shown in FIG. 4, and displays all print indexes present in a print index table (not shown) acquired from the DB 201 on the screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print index selection screen for allowing a user to select a print index desired for a printed matter. In the example shown in FIG. 4, selectable print indexes are color development, abrasion resistance, graininess, character line quality, scratch resistance, media damage reduction, productivity (printing speed), and cost reduction. These are indicators of what a user values ​​when printing on media. For example, color development should be selected when the user values ​​the vividness of the color of the printed matter and the reproducibility of the color of the original image, and abrasion resistance should be selected when the user values ​​the robustness against friction of the printed surface of the printed matter.

[0030] When multiple indices are selected on the print index selection screen 400 by a user operation or the like and the decision button 401 is pressed, in step S303, the editing unit 205 selects the print indexes selected by the user as the print indexes the user desires for the printed matter. In this example, it is assumed that the user selects two print indexes from the print indexes displayed on the print index selection screen 400.

[0031] In step S304, the editing unit 205 determines two control parameters to be adjusted based on the combination of printing indices selected in step S303. The two control parameters to be adjusted are determined by referring to a control parameter table 203 stored in the DB 201, which defines which control parameters should be adjusted for each combination of selected printing indices.

[0032] For example, to adjust color development, the main control parameters are the amount of ink used and the amount of RCT (reactive liquid) used. As for other indices, for example, the main control parameters for abrasion resistance are the amount of ink used and the amount of RCT used, for graininess the number of passes and fixing temperature, and for character line quality the amount of ink used and the number of passes. Also, for example, the main control parameters for scratch resistance and media damage reduction are the fixing temperature and amount of ink used, for productivity the number of passes, and for cost reduction the number of passes and amount of ink used. Here, printing indices and main control parameters are presented as examples, but are not limited to these.

[0033] Note that if the control parameter table 203 is not stored in the DB 201, and if the control parameter table 203 can be created by utilizing the functions of the printer 120, it may be used to determine the control parameters to be adjusted.

[0034] Here, when the user selects the print index, it is acceptable to select not only the print index but also a weighting level indicating its level. Here, weighting refers to the priority of each print index. For example, if color and abrasion resistance are selected as two print indexes, and a color level of 5 and an abrasion resistance level of 3 are selected, each control parameter that results in a combination that prioritizes color over abrasion resistance may be obtained from the control parameter table 203.

[0035] Furthermore, in the process of editing the media settings file (processing of adjusting the control parameter values), values ​​stored in the control parameter table 203 are used for the control parameter values ​​other than the two control parameters to be adjusted. The control parameter table 203 shows the two control parameters to be adjusted for each combination of printing indicators, as well as recommended values ​​for the control parameters. Note that it may be possible to make it possible for the user to change the control parameter values ​​other than the two control parameters to be adjusted as necessary, if desired.

[0036] In step S305, the display unit 204 displays a control parameter value setting screen 500 as shown in FIG. 5 for adjusting the value of the control parameter to be adjusted determined in step S304. The control parameter value setting screen is an example of a second screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the control parameter value setting screen. The control parameter value setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 displays a control parameter 501 to be adjusted and a range of values ​​that can be set for the control parameter. In addition, the control parameter value setting screen 500 displays a cursor (slider) 502 indicating the setting value of the control parameter and a range of non-recommended values ​​503. In FIG. 5, the recommended value of the control parameter is set as the setting value as an example. The recommended value and the range of non-recommended values ​​503 of the control parameter can be acquired from the control parameter table 203. Here, the non-recommended value is a range of setting values ​​that can be set but are likely to cause damage to the media or overflow ink when printing is performed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the ink usage amount and the RCT (reaction liquid) amount are shown as the control parameters 501 to be adjusted. Also, for example, the ink usage amount can be adjusted from 20% to 130%, excluding the non-recommended value range 503, with the setting value being 110%.

[0037] The user freely specifies the setting value of the control parameter within the settable range shown on the control parameter value setting screen 500, for example, by manipulating the position of the cursor (slider) 502. Then, when the decision button 505 is pressed on the control parameter value setting screen 500 by the user operation or the like, in step S306, the editing unit 205 determines the setting value specified by the user as the user setting value of the control parameter to be adjusted. This user setting value of the control parameter is an example of a first parameter value. Note that when the back button 505 is pressed on the control parameter value setting screen 500, the screen returns to the print index selection screen described above.

[0038] In step S307, the display unit 204 displays a print pattern creation screen 600 as shown in FIG. 6A. Even if printing is performed using the control parameter values ​​(user setting values) set by the user as described above, a print result (printed matter) that satisfies the user is not necessarily obtained. For this reason, in this embodiment, pattern printing is performed using a plurality of control parameter values ​​in the vicinity of the control parameter values ​​(user setting values) set by the user. The pattern printing is performed by giving a plus or minus adjustment range to the set control parameter values ​​(user setting values) for the control parameters to be adjusted. The print pattern creation screen 600 as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed so that the user can specify the adjustment range of each control parameter value and the number of patterns in pattern printing. The print pattern creation screen is an example of a first screen.

[0039] Fig. 6(A) is a diagram showing an example of a print pattern creation screen. In the print pattern creation screen 600 shown in Fig. 6(A), a coordinate plane 601 of control parameters is displayed on the left side. Each axis in the coordinate plane 601 corresponds to each control parameter determined in step S304. A reference point 603, which is a control parameter value (user setting value) set by the user determined in step S306, is plotted on the control parameter coordinate plane 601. Furthermore, an adjustment point 602A obtained by adjusting the control parameter value is plotted on the control parameter coordinate plane 601. In addition, the range 503 of unrecommended values ​​described in Fig. 5 is displayed as an unrecommended region 615.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 6A, a control parameter coordinate plane 601 is displayed with the horizontal axis representing the RCT usage and the vertical axis representing the ink usage, and a reference point 603 with an RCT usage of 40% and an ink usage of 110% is plotted. Four adjustment points 602A are plotted as points with a difference of plus or minus 10% with respect to the reference point 603. The reference point 603 and the adjustment point 602A are patterns to be printed in the pattern printing, and the total number of points is displayed as the number of patterns 604. Adjustment points 602B to 602E, which will be described later, are also control parameter values ​​to be printed in the pattern printing, but are different from the adjustment point 602A in the way they are plotted on the control parameter coordinate plane 601. Therefore, all adjustment points plotted on the control parameter coordinate plane 601 are grouped together as adjustment points 602, and are counted as the number of patterns 604. The parameter value corresponding to the adjustment point 602 is an example of a second parameter value.

[0041] A control 605 for customizing a reference point 603 and an adjustment point 602A is displayed on the right side of the print pattern creation screen 600 shown in FIG. 6A. By operating this control 605 and pressing an apply button 612, the changes are reflected in the coordinate plane 601 of the control parameters. Various information displayed and specified in this control 605 is an example of print pattern generation information, and can be changed by operating the control 605. For example, in the pattern shape 606, the shape of the adjustment point 602 placed relative to the reference point 603 can be specified, and other shapes can be selected by opening a pull-down list as shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6B shows a state in which a "square" is selected as the pattern shape, and one reference point 603 and eight adjustment points 602 are displayed on the coordinate plane 601 of the control parameters. In this example, the number of patterns 604 is "9". Another pattern shape is "reference point only", which has only the reference point 603 and no adjustment points 602. FIG. 6(A) shows a state in which the pattern shape is a "diamond".

[0042] Next, the value range 608 of the control 605 will be described. By changing the value range 608, the adjustment range (range between parameter values) between the reference point 603 and the adjustment point 602 can be set. FIG. 7(A) shows the print pattern creation screen 600 in a state where the value of the horizontal axis of the value range 608 has been changed from "10" to "20" from the state shown in FIG. 6(A). As shown in FIG. 7(A), the adjustment point 802A is plotted at a position where the RCT usage amount is ±20% from the reference point 603. Similarly, when the value on the vertical axis is changed, the adjustment point 602 moves in the direction in which the ink usage amount changes with respect to the reference point 603. The larger the value range 608 is made, the greater the difference that occurs in the print results for each pattern. Therefore, if you want to narrow down the options more precisely, make the value range 608 smaller.

[0043] Next, the number of layers 609 of the control 605 will be described. By changing the number of layers 609, the number of adjustment points 602 can be increased or decreased. By increasing the number of layers 609, the number of adjustment points 602 can be increased, and by decreasing the number of layers 609, the number of adjustment points 602 can be decreased. FIG. 7B shows the print pattern creation screen 600 in a state in which the value of the number of layers 609 has been changed from "1" to "2" from the state shown in FIG. 6A. In the state of the number of layers "2", eight adjustment points 602B are added to the reference point 603 and adjustment point 602A displayed on the coordinate plane 601 of the control parameters in the number of layers "1". This is equivalent to adding all neighboring points of the adjustment point 602A and the reference point 603 that originally existed at the stage of the number of layers "1" as adjustment points.

[0044] Next, the option 607 of the control 605 will be described. The number of layers 609 described above can be combined with the option 607 to change the print pattern. FIG. 8(A) shows the print pattern creation screen 600 when the number of layers 609 is "3" and the option 607 is "upward". In this case, the addition of neighboring points due to the number of layers "3" is performed only in the upward direction (negative direction of the vertical axis) from the reference point 603. In the adjustment point 602 shown in FIG. 8(A), when the number of layers is "1", which is the default value, the adjustment point 602A is placed as the first layer, the adjustment point 602B is added as the second layer, and the adjustment point 602C is added as the third layer. When the option 607 is "none", all neighboring points of the adjustment point 602 and the reference point 603 in the original number of layers are unconditionally increased to become new adjustment points. On the other hand, when the option 607 is "upward", "downward", "rightward", or "leftward", neighboring points are added only in the specified direction as adjustment points.

[0045] Next, the "free placement" checkbox 610 of the control 605 will be described. When the "free placement" checkbox 610 is checked, the mode is switched to the free placement mode, and the user can freely move and place the already placed adjustment point 602 or place a new adjustment point 602D by user operation or the like. Also, the adjustment point 602 that has been placed may be deleted. FIG. 8(B) shows the print pattern creation screen 600 in a state in which the user switches from the state shown in FIG. 6(A) to the free placement mode, changes the position of the already placed adjustment point 602A, and adds an adjustment point 602D as a new print pattern. For example, by pressing any location on the coordinate plane 601 of the control parameters in the free placement mode, a new pattern can be added there. FIG. 8(B) shows a state in which the position of the adjustment point 602A is changed, the RCT usage is changed from 100% ink usage and 40% RCT usage to 45%, and a new adjustment point 602D with an ink usage of 95% and an RCT of 30% is added.

[0046] Next, the "non-recommended value complement" check box 611 of the control 605 will be described. In the print pattern creation screen 600 shown in FIG. 9(A), the range where the RCT usage is 0% to 10% and the range where the ink usage is 125% or more are displayed as non-recommended areas 615. In the example shown in FIG. 9(A), the created pattern includes a non-recommended printing point 616A, a non-recommended printing point 616B that can be complemented, and a non-configurable point 617. The non-recommended area 615 is displayed on the control parameter coordinate plane 601, which is equivalent to the non-recommended value range 503 in the control parameter value setting screen 500 described in FIG. 5. The pattern included in this non-recommended area 615 is classified as a non-recommended printing point 616A and is excluded from the printing target in the pattern printing. Note that, among the non-recommended printing points 616A, a point on the boundary between the non-recommended area 615 and the other area is classified as a non-recommended printing point 616B that can be complemented. The classification method may be any method, such as by distance from the adjustment point 602. In the example shown in Fig. 9(A), an increase in the number of layers has resulted in a pattern in which the ink usage is 110% and the RCT usage is minus 10%. Because this is outside the range of values ​​that can be set for the control parameters, it is displayed on the control parameter coordinate plane 601 as an unsettable point 617. The unsettable point 617 is also excluded from the printing targets in the pattern printing, just like the non-recommended printing point 616A. As a result of these exclusions, the number of patterns to be printed in the example shown in Fig. 9(A) is 10.

[0047] When the non-recommended printing point 616B that can be complemented is displayed on the coordinate plane 601 of the control parameters, by checking the "non-recommended value complement" checkbox 611, the non-recommended printing point 616B that can be complemented is changed to a non-recommended value complement point 618 outside the non-recommended region 615. FIG. 9B shows a print pattern creation screen 600 that is displayed after using the non-recommended value complement function in the state shown in FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the non-recommended printing point 616A that can be complemented is replaced with a non-recommended value complement point 618 and displayed in a printable position. At this time, the number of patterns 604 becomes "13". In this example, the position of the non-recommended value complement point 618 is set to the midpoint between the non-recommended printing point 616B that can be complemented and the adjustment point 602 that is closest to it, but it may be another value, such as a position biased to one side.

[0048] In step S308, the editing unit 205 creates a print pattern (reference points and adjustment points) for pattern printing in accordance with user operations, etc. on the print pattern creation screen 600 as described above. Then, when the print execution button 614 is pressed on the print pattern creation screen 600 by user operations, etc., the process of step S309 is executed.

[0049] In step S309, the print job generating unit 206 generates and outputs a print job based on the print pattern created in step S308, and causes the printer 120 to print (test print) using the created print pattern. The print job generating unit 206 generates a print job that collectively prints all printable adjustment points 602 and reference points 603 plotted on the coordinate plane 601 of the control parameters at the time when the print execution button 614 is pressed. That is, the print job generating unit 206 generates a print job for pattern printing that collectively prints all adjustment points 602 to which their parameter values ​​are applied and prints to which the parameter values ​​of the reference points 603 are applied. Note that, as described above, for control parameters other than the control parameters to be adjusted, the control parameter values ​​acquired from the control parameter table 203 are used. The print job generating unit 206 transmits the generated print job data for pattern printing to the printer 120 via the transmitting unit 207 and the network 140. The printer 120 that receives the print job data performs pattern printing based on the received print job data. During the execution of this printing, the display unit 204 of the PC 100 displays a printing in progress screen (not shown).

[0050] When printing in step S309 is completed, in step S310, the editing unit 205 saves the pattern printing history in the RAM 103 of the PC 100 for use on the next print pattern creation screen 600. The pattern printing history includes information indicating the number of times printing has occurred in the editing process of this media settings file, an identification number for each pattern used in that printing, and a control parameter value for each pattern. The pattern printing history information is held until creation of the media settings file is completed.

[0051] In step S311, the display unit 204 displays an adopted pattern selection screen 1001 as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the adopted pattern selection screen. In the adopted pattern selection screen 1001 shown in FIG. 10, control parameter values ​​1005 of the print pattern printed (trial printing) in step S309 are displayed with identification numbers 1004 for the control parameters to be adjusted. A radio button 1002 is provided for each print pattern, and only the print pattern selected by the user's selection operation or the like can be set to a selected state as shown by a radio button 1003. The user checks the print result 1100 as shown in FIG. 11, which is discharged from the printer 120 by executing the print (trial printing) in step S309, and selects the pattern corresponding to the print result that the user thinks is the best on the adopted pattern selection screen 1001.

[0052] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the print result of pattern printing. The print result 1100 includes information useful for selecting a pattern on the adoption pattern selection screen 1001. For example, the identification number 1102 and control parameter value 1103 printed next to the print result 1101 for each pattern are the same as the identification number 1004 and control parameter value 1005 on the adoption pattern selection screen 1001. In addition, the number of prints 1104 indicates which print this corresponds to in a series of media setting file editing processes. The user can compare the print results 1101 for each pattern to select the best pattern on the adoption pattern selection screen 1001.

[0053] When a pattern is selected on the adoption pattern selection screen 1001 by a user operation or the like and the readjustment button 1006 or the end adjustment button 1007 is pressed, the processing of step S312 is executed. In step S312, the editing unit 205 selects one pattern that is in a selected state by the user at the time when the adjustment button 1006 or the end adjustment button 1007 is pressed as the adoption pattern.

[0054] In step S313, the editing unit 205 determines whether the button pressed on the adoption pattern selection screen 1001 is the readjustment button 1006 or the end adjustment button 1007. If the editing unit 205 determines that the end adjustment button 1007 has been pressed, the process of step S314 is executed, and if the editing unit 205 determines that the readjustment button 1006 has been pressed, the process of step S316 is executed.

[0055] In step S314, the editing unit 205 updates the values ​​related to the two printing indices selected in step S303 in the control parameter table 203 stored in the DB 201 with the control parameter values ​​of the selected pattern. That is, in the parameter adjustment that prioritizes the two printing indices selected on the printing indices selection screen 400, the control parameter value of the adopted pattern selected in step S312 is the correct value. This value becomes the control parameter value recommended in step S305 for the next adjustment.

[0056] Next, in step S315, the editing unit 205 creates a media setting file 202 using the control parameter values ​​of the adopted pattern selected in step S312, and saves the created media setting file 202 in the DB 201. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the editing unit 205 creates the media setting file 202 by setting the ink usage to 110% and the RCT usage to 30%. Note that the media setting file 202 is created using the values ​​stored in the control parameter table 203 acquired in step S304 for the control parameter values ​​other than the two control parameters to be adjusted. Once the media setting file 202 is saved in the DB 201, the series of processes ends, and the editing unit 205 deletes the pattern printing history saved in the RAM 103. Then, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 ends.

[0057] In step S316, which is executed when it is determined that the readjustment button 1006 has been pressed on the selection screen 1001 for the adopted pattern, the display unit 204 displays a readjustment start screen 1200 as shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the readjustment start screen. In the readjustment start screen 1200 shown in Fig. 12, a control parameter value 1201 that will be the new reference point 603 in the next print pattern is displayed in the center of the screen. This control parameter value 1201 is the control parameter value of the adopted pattern selected in step S312. In addition, in order to select the next process, a readjustment button 1202 for performing adjustment again, an index selection button 1203 for starting over from the selection of the print index, and a stop button 1204 for canceling the adjustment are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

[0058] When any one of the Readjust button 1202, the index selection button 1203, or the Cancel button 1204 is pressed on the readjustment start screen 1200 by a user operation or the like, the editing unit 205 determines which button was pressed in step S317. If the editing unit 205 determines that the Readjust button 1202 was pressed, the process of step S318 is executed. If the editing unit 205 determines that the index selection button 1203 was pressed, the process returns to step S302, and the processes from step S302 onward described above are executed. If the editing unit 205 determines that the Cancel button 1204 was pressed, the editing unit 205 deletes the pattern printing history stored in the RAM 103, and ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] In step S318, the editing unit 205 sets the control parameter values ​​of the adopted pattern selected in step S312 to new reference values. Then, the process returns to step S307, and the display unit 204 displays the print pattern creation screen 600, and the processes from step S307 onwards are executed. At this time, the print pattern creation screen 600 is displayed in a state such as that shown in FIG. 13(A), for example.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 13(A), a new reference point 603 based on the control parameter value of the pattern selected in step S312 and an adjustment point 602A arranged with reference to the reference point 603 are plotted on the control parameter coordinate plane 601 on the left side of the screen. Also, a printed adjustment point 619, which is an adjustment point for which pattern printing has been performed up until the previous time, is plotted on the control parameter coordinate plane 601. Also, the pattern shape 606, option 607, value width 608, number of layers 609, and check boxes 610 and 611 on the right side of the screen are all set as they were by the user at the time of the previous adjustment. The printed adjustment point 619 is excluded from the printing target, so it is displayed separately from the other adjustment points 602. When the user places the mouse cursor on the printed adjustment point 619, a tool tip 1300 shown in FIG. 13(B) is displayed on the print pattern creation screen 600, and the print result 1100 can be easily confirmed from the information on the printed pattern printing.

[0061] 14 shows a print pattern creation screen 600 that has been complemented because a new adjustment point could not be plotted at a new reference point 603 based on the control parameter values ​​of the pattern selected in step S312 with the previous settings unchanged. In this example, the value range 608 had both the vertical and horizontal values ​​of "10" in the previous settings, but this makes it impossible to plot an adjustment point 602 for the new reference point 603. Therefore, as shown in FIG 14, the vertical and horizontal values ​​of the value range 608 are halved, and the display area of ​​the control parameter coordinate plane 601 is changed accordingly.

[0062] According to this embodiment, control parameters to be adjusted based on the printing index required for the printed matter specified by the user are determined, and printing is performed by controlling the parameter values ​​of the control parameters. At this time, printing of multiple patterns is performed in a batch, to which the parameter value set by the user and multiple parameter values ​​in the vicinity thereof are respectively applied. For example, printing is performed in a batch with various parameter values ​​set based on recommended values ​​that are premised on prioritizing the printing index specified by the user. This makes it possible to easily perform printing in multiple patterns suited to the user's purpose. In addition, since printing in multiple patterns suited to the user's purpose can be easily performed, a media setting file of control parameter values ​​suited to efficiently perform printing as desired by the user can be created, thereby reducing the user's work load.

[0063] (Another embodiment of the present invention) 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 embodiment 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) for implementing one or more of the functions.

[0064] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0065] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, etc. (Configuration 1) a determination unit for determining which of a plurality of parameters relating to printing in the image forming apparatus is to be adjusted based on a designated printing index; A setting means for setting a first parameter value for the parameter to be adjusted; a generating means for generating one or more second parameter values ​​different from the first parameter values ​​based on generation information of a print pattern, from the first parameter values; an information processing apparatus comprising: a job generating unit configured to generate and output a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to collectively perform printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied. (Configuration 2) 2. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising an operation unit for operating the generation information of the print pattern. (Configuration 3) 3. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the generation information for the print pattern includes information on the number of the second parameter values ​​to be generated and information on a width between the parameter values. (Configuration 4) 4. The information processing device according to configuration 3, wherein at least one of the information relating to the number of the second parameter values ​​and the information relating to the range between the parameter values ​​is changeable. (Configuration 5) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means refers to a table in which the parameters to be adjusted for each combination of the printing indices are defined, and determines the parameters to be adjusted based on the specified combination of the printing indices. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a display means for displaying a first screen that displays the first parameter value set by the setting means and the second parameter value generated by the generating means. (Configuration 7) The parameters to be adjusted by the determining means are two; The information processing device according to configuration 6, characterized in that on the first screen, the first parameter value and the second parameter value are plotted and displayed on a coordinate plane having the parameter to be adjusted as an axis. (Configuration 8) The information processing device according to configuration 7, characterized in that the operated first parameter value and the second parameter value are changed in response to a user operation on the first parameter value and the second parameter value displayed on the first screen. (Configuration 9) 9. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, wherein the first screen further displays generation information of the print pattern. (Configuration 10) the display means displays a second screen for displaying a settable value range for the parameter to be adjusted and for allowing the user to specify the first parameter value; 10. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 6 to 9, wherein the second screen displays a range of non-recommended values ​​together with the range of settable values. (Configuration 11) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, further comprising: a creation means for creating a setting file for printing based on the first parameter value or the second parameter value selected by a user after performing printing applying the first parameter value and printing applying the second parameter value. (Configuration 12) the setting means sets the first parameter value or the second parameter value selected by a user after performing printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied as a new first parameter value; 12. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the generating means generates a new second parameter value from a new first parameter value. (Configuration 13) 13. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 12, wherein among the new first parameter value and the new second parameter value, parameter values ​​that have already been printed are excluded from targets for printing. (Method 1) An information processing method executed by an information processing device, a determination step of determining, based on a designated printing index, a parameter to be adjusted from among a plurality of parameters related to printing in the image forming apparatus; a setting step of setting a first parameter value for the parameter to be adjusted; a generating step of generating one or more second parameter values ​​different from the first parameter values ​​from the first parameter values ​​based on generation information of a print pattern; an information processing method comprising: a job generation step of generating and outputting a print job that causes the image forming device to collectively perform printing applying the first parameter value and printing applying the second parameter value. (Program 1) The computer of the information processing device a determining step of determining, based on a designated printing indicator, a parameter to be adjusted from among a plurality of parameters related to printing in the image forming apparatus; setting a first parameter value for the parameter to be adjusted; a generating step of generating one or more second parameter values ​​different from the first parameter values ​​based on generation information of a print pattern from the first parameter values; a job generating step of generating and outputting a print job that causes the image forming apparatus to collectively perform printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100: PC (information processing device) 120: printer (image forming device) 201, 221: database 202: media setting file 203: control parameter table 204: display unit 205: editing unit 206: print job generation unit 207: transmission unit

Claims

1. a determination unit for determining which of a plurality of parameters relating to printing in the image forming apparatus is to be adjusted based on a designated printing index; a setting means for setting a first parameter value for the parameter to be adjusted; a generating means for generating, from the first parameter value, one or more second parameter values ​​different from the first parameter value based on generation information of a print pattern; an information processing apparatus comprising: a job generating unit configured to generate and output a print job for causing the image forming apparatus to collectively perform printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit for operating the generation information of the print pattern.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation information of the print pattern includes information on the number of the second parameter values ​​to be generated and information on a width between the parameter values.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the information relating to the number of said second parameter values ​​and the information relating to the range between said parameter values ​​is changeable.

5. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the parameter to be adjusted based on a specified combination of the printing indices by referring to a table in which the parameters to be adjusted for each combination of the printing indices are defined.

6. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a first screen on which the first parameter value set by the setting means and the second parameter value generated by the generating means are displayed.

7. The number of the parameters to be adjusted determined by the determining means is two, 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said first screen displays said first parameter value and said second parameter value by plotting them on a coordinate plane having said parameter to be adjusted as an axis.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the operated first parameter value and the operated second parameter value are changed in response to a user operation on the first parameter value and the second parameter value displayed on the first screen.

9. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first screen further displays generation information of the print pattern.

10. the display means displays a second screen for displaying a settable value range for the parameter to be adjusted and for allowing the user to specify the first parameter value; 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second screen displays a range of non-recommended values ​​together with the range of settable values.

11. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a creation unit that creates a setting file for printing based on the first parameter value or the second parameter value selected by a user after performing printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied.

12. the setting means sets the first parameter value or the second parameter value selected by a user after performing printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied as a new first parameter value; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said generating means generates the new second parameter value from the new first parameter value.

13. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein among the new first parameter value and the new second parameter value, parameter values ​​that have already been printed are excluded from targets to be printed.

14. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, a determination step of determining, based on a designated printing index, a parameter to be adjusted from among a plurality of parameters related to printing in the image forming apparatus; a setting step of setting a first parameter value for the parameter to be adjusted; a generating step of generating one or more second parameter values ​​different from the first parameter values ​​from the first parameter values ​​based on generation information of a print pattern; and generating and outputting a print job that causes the image forming apparatus to collectively perform printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied.

15. The computer of the information processing device a determining step of determining, based on a designated printing indicator, a parameter to be adjusted from among a plurality of parameters related to printing in the image forming apparatus; setting a first parameter value for the determined parameter to be adjusted; a generating step of generating one or more second parameter values ​​different from the first parameter values ​​from the first parameter values ​​based on generation information of a print pattern; a job generating step of generating and outputting a print job that causes the image forming apparatus to collectively perform printing to which the first parameter value is applied and printing to which the second parameter value is applied.

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