Information processing device, image forming device, image forming system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To enable formation of highly glossy images.SOLUTION: An information processing device is provided, comprising a color acquisition unit for acquiring color information indicative of a surface color of an image forming medium, a color setting unit for setting an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium on the basis of the color information, and an output unit for outputting information instructing to form an image on the image forming medium using the image forming color.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for forming an image with a glossy finish on an image forming medium. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a print control device that transmits a job for a printing device to perform printing using a plurality of color toners and a special color toner for adjusting glossiness. The print control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits a job including data for printing a special color toner page for printing using a special color toner and a color toner page other than the special color toner page on the same side of the same paper in a superimposed manner to the printing device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, in the conventional techniques, there are cases where a sufficient glossiness cannot be obtained. For example, when an image is formed on a colored image forming medium using a transparent toner, the image formed may have a cloudy appearance.

[0004] In view of the above technical problems, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to form an image with a high gloss appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device that is one embodiment of the present invention includes a color acquisition unit that acquires color information indicating the surface color of an image forming medium, a color setting unit that sets an image formation color for imparting gloss onto the image forming medium based on the color information, and an output unit that outputs information instructing the formation of an image on the image forming medium in the image formation color. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a highly glossy image can be formed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the reason why a cloudy appearance occurs due to an image-forming medium. [Diagram 2] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of the relationship between the surface property and the toner amount of an image-forming medium and the cloudiness. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the surface property and surface color of an image-forming medium and cloudiness; [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the principle of a pseudo-clear function. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of the relationship between the surface properties and surface color of an image-forming medium and a pseudo-clear function. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a main part of a laser printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an example of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating an example of a main part of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an ink cartridge. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a charging unit in the cleaning unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a contact point between the cleaning means and the fabric. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing an example of a setting screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a color paper gloss processing menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing a first example of a color designation menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing a second example of a color designation menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing a third example of a color designation menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing an example of an automatic color measurement menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing an example of a range designation menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing an example of a multiple gloss processing menu in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of a multiple range designation menu in the first embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of a preview screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an image forming method in the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an image forming method in the second embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device in Modification 1. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a preview screen in Modification 1. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an image forming method in a third embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter in an application example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, components having the same functions are given the same reference numbers, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0009] [First embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention is an image forming system that forms an image on an image forming medium. The image forming system in this embodiment has a function of forming an image to which gloss has been imparted. In this embodiment, the "gloss" may be the specular gloss defined in the JIS standard "Specular gloss level - Measurement method" (JIS Z 8741-1997). In this specification, it refers to the "60 degree gloss" as a representative of the specular gloss.

[0010] Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for imparting gloss to images in image forming apparatuses. For example, there is a technique for imparting gloss to an image by forming the image using clear toner or clear ink. Clear toner or clear ink is toner or ink for printing in a transparent color. Hereinafter, when simply referring to "clear toner," it is intended to include clear ink.

[0011] When a clear toner is used to impart gloss to an image, sufficient glossiness may not be obtained. For example, when an image is formed on a colored image-forming medium with a clear toner, an image with a cloudy appearance may be formed. One of the causes of the cloudy appearance is that the clear toner layer is not formed uniformly due to the cross-sectional structure of the image-forming medium. When a cloudy appearance occurs in an image, the image is perceived as less transparent to the human eye, and the glossiness of the image is reduced. On the other hand, when an image is formed on a white image-forming medium with a clear toner, even if a cloudy appearance occurs, the color is assimilated, so the glossiness is not reduced.

[0012] Examples of colored image-forming media include colored paper, cardboard, plastic, cloth, or woven fabric. Examples of colored paper include colored drawing paper produced by adding coloring agents to raw materials. Examples of white image-forming media include plain paper or high-quality paper.

[0013] Furthermore, the surface color of the colored image-forming medium does not have to be uniformly monochromatic. The colored image-forming medium may have a surface color that differs partially. As an example of an image-forming medium having a surface color that differs partially, the image-forming medium may have a surface colored with a striped pattern, a polka dot pattern, a checkered pattern, or the like.

[0014] Note that the term "colored" refers to a color that can be generated with toner or ink to be the same or substantially the same as the background color, and includes white, because the background color can be reproduced by using white toner or white ink.

[0015] By the way, when the reason why a cloudy appearance occurs when an image is formed on a colored image forming medium with a clear toner will be described in detail, there are reasons attributable to the image forming medium and reasons attributable to the toner.

[0016] First, the reason due to the image-forming medium will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the reason why the cloudy feeling occurs due to the image-forming medium. Fig. 1(A) is a diagram showing an example of a state where a small amount of toner adheres to an image-forming medium having an uneven surface. Fig. 1(B) is a diagram showing an example of a state where a large amount of toner adheres to an image-forming medium having an uneven surface.

[0017] Basically, when a solid image is output by an image forming device, the entire surface of the image forming medium is filled with toner. However, as shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B), in the case of an image forming medium 801 with an uneven surface, the unevenness appears on the surface of the toner. In particular, as shown in Figure 1(A), when a small amount of toner adheres to an image forming medium 801 with an uneven surface, gaps are formed between the unevenness, and light is reflected or scattered in the gaps, and the reflected or scattered light appears whitish to the human eye. It should be noted that, if a large amount of toner is adhered, as shown in Figure 1(B), the gaps between the unevenness become smaller, and the sense of whitish turbidity is reduced.

[0018] Next, the reason caused by the toner will be explained. As mentioned above, the cloudy feeling occurs in image-forming media with uneven surfaces, but even colored image-forming media with a smooth surface tend to have a cloudy feeling to some extent. Clear toner appears white because all visible wavelengths of light are reflected or scattered inside the toner, and the reflected or scattered light appears whitish to the human eye.

[0019] On the other hand, if the toner is colored, such as CMYK, it will only reflect some of the scattered light with wavelengths that are not absorbed. This reflected light will have almost the same wavelength as the reflected light from the image-forming medium, so it will not appear white. In other words, whether the toner is colored or white, it will reflect or scatter light, but if the toner is colored, it will blend in with the reflected light from the image-forming medium and become invisible to the human eye.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the surface properties and toner amount of an image-forming medium and the sense of cloudiness. As shown in Fig. 2, when a large amount of clear toner adheres to an image-forming medium having an uneven surface, the sense of cloudiness is moderate. On the other hand, when a small amount of clear toner adheres to an image-forming medium having an uneven surface, the sense of cloudiness is large. In contrast, when a large amount of clear toner adheres to an image-forming medium having a smooth surface, the sense of cloudiness is small. On the other hand, when a small amount of clear toner adheres to an image-forming medium having a smooth surface, the sense of cloudiness is moderate.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the surface properties and surface color of an image-forming medium and the sense of white turbidity. As shown in FIG. 3, when clear toner is attached to a colored image-forming medium having an uneven surface, a sense of white turbidity occurs. On the other hand, when clear toner is attached to a white image-forming medium having an uneven surface, no sense of white turbidity occurs and it appears transparent. Also, when clear toner is attached to a colorless and transparent image-forming medium (film or cellophane, etc.) having an uneven surface, the sense of white turbidity is slight and it appears almost transparent. On the other hand, when clear toner is attached to a colored and transparent image-forming medium (film or cellophane, etc.) having an uneven surface, a sense of white turbidity occurs to a certain extent. The same applies to an image-forming medium with a smooth surface as to a medium with an uneven surface.

[0022] If the light reflectance of a colorless and transparent film and clear toner were exactly the same, they would reflect the same light and therefore appear transparent. However, in reality, the reflectance of a colorless and transparent film and clear toner is not exactly the same, so they appear to have a slight white or colored tint.

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention aims to form an image with a high glossiness. In this embodiment, an image with glossiness is formed by forming an image with a color substantially the same as the surface color of the image-forming medium. When the image-forming medium and the image have substantially the same color, the colors are assimilated and the image is visible through the medium, improving the glossiness of the image. Hereinafter, the function of forming an image with a color substantially the same as the image-forming medium is also referred to as a "pseudo-clear function". In contrast, the function of imparting glossiness with clear toner is also referred to as a "clear function". In addition, in the following, toner or ink may be referred to as a developing material. In addition, in the following, substantially the same may be expressed as "same". For example, when the difference between the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K of the surface color of the image-forming medium and the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K of the image-forming color is within a predetermined range, it may be expressed as "same". In addition, when the difference between the values ​​of one or more components of C, M, Y, and K of the surface color of the image-forming medium and the values ​​of one or more components of C, M, Y, and K of the image-forming color is within a predetermined range, it may be expressed as "same" even if the values ​​of the other components are outside the predetermined range.

[0024] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the pseudo-clear function. Figure 4(A) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which white toner adheres to a colored image-forming medium. Figure 4(B) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which toners of substantially the same color adhere to a colored image-forming medium. Figure 4(C) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which white toner adheres to a white image-forming medium.

[0025] 4(A), when white toner 803 is attached to colored image-forming medium 802, reflected light 811 obtained by reflecting natural light 810 from toner 803 appears white, and reflected light 812 obtained by reflecting natural light 810 from image-forming medium 802 appears to be the color of image-forming medium 802. In this case, since reflected light 811 and reflected light 812 are different colors, reflected light 811 appears white to the human eye.

[0026] 4(B), when toner 804 of approximately the same color is attached to colored image-forming medium 802, reflected light 811 obtained by reflecting natural light 810 by toner 804 has the color of image-forming medium 802, and reflected light 812 obtained by reflecting natural light 810 by image-forming medium 802 has the color of image-forming medium 802. In this case, reflected light 811 and reflected light 812 have approximately the same color, so they appear transparent to the human eye.

[0027] 4(C), when white toner 803 is attached to white image-forming medium 805, reflected light 811 obtained by reflecting natural light 810 by toner 803 is white, and reflected light 812 obtained by reflecting natural light 810 by image-forming medium 805 is white. In this case, reflected light 811 and reflected light 812 are almost the same color, so they appear transparent to the human eye.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the surface properties and surface color of an image-forming medium and the pseudo-clear function. As shown in FIG. 5, among image-forming media having an uneven surface, image-forming media having a color that can be generated with CMYK toner can be given gloss by the pseudo-clear function. Also, even a white image-forming medium can be given gloss by the pseudo-clear function. Furthermore, even an image-forming medium having a color that cannot be generated with CMYK toner can be given gloss by the pseudo-clear function if a special color toner that is the same or approximately the same as the surface color of the image-forming medium is used. In the case of an image-forming medium with a smooth surface, it is the same as an image-forming medium with an uneven surface.

[0029] On the other hand, in a colorless and transparent or colored and transparent image forming medium such as film or cellophane, gloss cannot be imparted by the pseudo-clear function, because colorless and transparent or colored and transparent cannot be created with toners with colors other than clear toner.

[0030] In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, a printed matter on which an image with a sufficient glossiness is formed can be produced using an image forming apparatus that does not include a clear toner. In another aspect, according to the present embodiment, a printed matter with rich expressiveness can be produced by mixing an area on which a glossy image is formed and an area on which a cloudy image is formed using an image forming apparatus that includes a clear toner.

[0031] <Overall configuration of image forming system> The overall configuration of the image forming system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming system in one embodiment.

[0032] 6, the image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 10, a print control apparatus 20, and a terminal apparatus 30. The image forming apparatus 10, the print control apparatus 20, and the terminal apparatus 30 are each connected to a communication network N1. The communication network N1 is configured so that the connected apparatuses can communicate with each other.

[0033] The communication network N1 is constructed by a network using wired communication, such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), etc. The communication network N1 may include not only wired communication, but also wireless communication, such as wireless LAN or short-range wireless communication, or a network using mobile communication, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or 5th Generation (5G).

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on an image forming medium. The image forming apparatus 10 may be an electrostatic recording apparatus that uses static electricity to attach toner to printing paper, which is an example of an image forming medium. The image forming apparatus 10 may be a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects liquid such as ink to attach it to printing paper. As an example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be a laser printer, an inkjet printer, an electrostatic copier, etc.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on an image forming medium in accordance with an image forming job. The image forming job may include, for example, image data, medium information, and setting information. The image data is electronic data indicating an image to be formed on the image forming medium. The image data may be data in which characters, images, etc. are laid out. The medium information is information indicating the type of image forming medium. The setting information is information indicating settings such as color (monochrome or color, etc.), image forming surface (single-sided or double-sided, etc.), number of copies, magnification, etc.

[0036] The image formation job may be input from the print control device 20 to the image forming apparatus 10 by an operation on the print control device 20. The image formation job may be input to the image forming apparatus 10 by an operation on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0037] The print control device 20 is an example of an information processing device that spools an image formation job and transmits it to the image forming device 10 according to a job scheduler. The print control device 20 may be, for example, a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a server. Software called a digital front end (DFE) may be pre-installed in the print control device 20.

[0038] The print control device 20 receives an image formation instruction from the terminal device 30 and generates an image formation job based on the image formation instruction. The print control device 20 accumulates the image formation job in a spool and transmits the image formation job read from the spool to the image forming device 10 according to the job execution state of the image forming device 10.

[0039] The terminal device 30 is an example of an information processing terminal operated by a user. The terminal device 30 may be, for example, a computer such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The terminal device 30 may be pre-installed with software capable of generating images, such as image editing software.

[0040] The terminal device 30 acquires an image to be formed on an image forming medium in response to a user's operation. The terminal device 30 transmits an image formation instruction including the acquired image to the print control device 20 in response to a user's operation.

[0041] The print control device 20 and the terminal device 30 are not limited to information processing devices as long as they are devices equipped with a communication function. The print control device 20 and the terminal device 30 may be, for example, a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board with an electronic blackboard function capable of mutual communication), an output device such as a digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, an industrial machine, an imaging device, a sound collection device, a medical device, a network home appliance, an automobile (Connected Car), a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, or a desktop PC.

[0042] The overall configuration of the image forming system 1000 shown in Fig. 6 is an example, and various system configuration examples are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, the image forming system 1000 may include multiple image forming devices 10, print control devices 20, and terminal devices 30. For example, the print control device 20 may be realized by multiple computers, or may be realized as a cloud computing service. The classification of devices such as the image forming device 10, print control device 20, and terminal device 30 shown in Fig. 6 is an example.

[0043] <Hardware configuration of image forming system> The hardware configuration of the image forming system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] Laser printer The hardware configuration of a laser printer, which is an example of the image forming apparatus 10, will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main part of a laser printer in one embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a writing unit 101, an image creating unit 102, an intermediate transfer belt 103, a secondary transfer unit 104, a fixing unit 105, a colorimeter 106, a display 107, and a control device 110.

[0046] A writing unit 101 forms a transfer image (toner image) on an image creating unit 102 by using a laser beam.

[0047] The imaging unit 102 holds a photoconductor, developer, and toner, and forms a toner image by laser light from the writing unit 101. The imaging unit 102 includes photoconductor drums Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (key plate, black), and S (special color). The imaging unit 102 performs an image creation process (charging process, exposure process, and development process) to form a toner image on each of the photoconductor drums Y, M, C, K, and S. The toner images formed on the photoconductor drums Y, M, C, K, and S are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 103 in a transfer process. After the transfer of the toner image, the imaging unit 102 performs a cleaning process to clean the intermediate transfer belt 103 in preparation for the next image creation process.

[0048] The special color is a general term for a color that is different from any of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and includes a transparent color. In this embodiment, the photoconductor drum S is filled with clear toner.

[0049] When forming a full-color toner image, the imaging unit 102 sequentially forms a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image, superimposes them, and transfers them onto the intermediate transfer belt 103. When forming an image to which a gloss is imparted, the imaging unit 102 transfers a clear toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 103. The imaging unit 102 forms a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, a black toner image, and a clear toner image on the photoconductor drums Y, M, C, K, and S, respectively.

[0050] The transfer of the toner images from the photoconductor drums Y, M, C, K, and S to the intermediate transfer belt 103 is the primary transfer, and the transfer from the intermediate transfer belt 103 to the print paper is the secondary transfer. The image creating unit 102 transports the toner images (full-color toner images) transferred and superimposed from the photoconductor drums Y, M, C, K, and S to the position of the secondary transfer section 104 (secondary transfer position). The secondary transfer position is the position where the secondary transfer roller contacts the transport path R1 or R2. R1 is the transport path during single-sided printing, and R2 is the transport path during double-sided printing.

[0051] The secondary transfer unit 104 transfers (secondarily transfers) the full-color toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 103 all at once onto a print sheet at a secondary transfer position.

[0052] The fixing unit 105 applies heat and pressure to the printing paper onto which the toner image has been transferred using a pair of rollers, thereby fixing the toner image to the printing paper.

[0053] The colorimeter 106 is a measuring device that measures the surface color of the printing paper transported on the transport path R1 or R2. As an example, the colorimeter 106 may be a colorimeter that uses a spectrophotometric color measurement method. Color information indicating the surface color of the printing paper measured by the colorimeter 106 is input to the control device 110.

[0054] The colorimeter 106 may be installed outside the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the colorimeter 106 may be installed in a paper feed unit that supplies printing paper to the image forming apparatus 10. In addition, for example, the colorimeter 106 may be an external device connected to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0055] The display 107 is an example of a display device. The control device 110 controls the overall operation of the image forming device 10. The control device 110 converts image data sent from a higher-level device into a format (transfer image) that the writing unit 101 can form an image. The control device 110 executes a predetermined image forming process based on an image forming job or the like input from an external device such as the print control device 20.

[0056] The hardware configuration of the control device 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device in one embodiment.

[0057] 8, the control device 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, an external memory I / F (Interface) 124, a communication system I / F 125, an internal bus I / F 126, a PCIe I / F 127, an image output DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) 128, an image processing unit 129, and a compressor / decompressor 130. An internal bus 120 connects these units together.

[0058] The internal bus 120 further connects each unit to a PCIe bus 134 via an internal bus I / F 126 and a PCIe I / F 127 .

[0059] The CPU 121 performs various types of arithmetic processing to perform all system-related settings, and starts up the image output DMAC 128, the image processing unit 129, and the compressor / decompressor .

[0060] The ROM 122 mainly stores operation control programs for the CPU 121. The RAM 123 is used as a temporary storage location for the results of calculations by the CPU 121 and various data, and also functions as a memory for saving images. The ROM 122, RAM 123, etc. are collectively referred to as internal memory unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

[0061] An image memory used as a memory for storing images is connected to the external memory I / F 124. When the CPU 121 receives image data from the print control device 20, it performs drawing in the image memory via the external memory I / F 124 based on the printer language.

[0062] The communication I / F 125 is an interface between the print control device 20 and the control device 110 .

[0063] The internal bus I / F 126 is an interface between the PCIe I / F 127 and the internal bus 120. The internal bus I / F 126 inputs and outputs image data via the external memory I / F 124 between an address designated by the PCIe bus master and the image memory.

[0064] The PCIe I / F 127 exchanges data with the PCIe bus master in accordance with the protocol of the PCIe bus 134 .

[0065] The image output DMAC 128 and the image processing unit 129 are connected to the CPU 121, the external memory I / F 124, etc. via the internal bus 120. The image output DMAC 128 is also connected to the PCIe I / F 127.

[0066] The image output DMAC 128 functions as a DMA controller during printing. That is, when the image output DMAC 128 is started by the CPU 121, it reads image data from a pre-specified area of ​​the external memory and outputs the image data to the PCIe I / F 127. This output is performed by exchanging handshakes as needed.

[0067] The image processor 129 corrects distortion of the read image.

[0068] The compressor / decompressor 130 is activated by the CPU 121 to compress or decompress various data. The compressor / decompressor 130 is used to reduce memory consumption.

[0069] <Inkjet recording device> The hardware configuration of an inkjet recording device, which is another example of the image forming device 10, will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 13. The inkjet recording device can be used when the image formation medium is, for example, plastic, cloth, or textile. Fig. 9 is a side view showing an example of an inkjet recording device in one embodiment. Fig. 10 is a bottom view showing an example of a main part of an inkjet recording device in one embodiment.

[0070] 9, the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment includes a conveying means for conveying fabric 1010, a recording means 1002 for ejecting ink onto fabric 1010 by an inkjet method to perform recording, and a cleaning means 1008 for cleaning fabric 1010. Cleaning means 1008 is characterized in that it is provided upstream of recording means 1002 in the conveying direction of fabric 1010, and cleans fabric 1010 by electrostatic adsorption.

[0071] The inkjet recording device in this embodiment is a serial type image forming device, and has a recording means 1002, transport mechanisms 1005 and 1006, etc., inside the device body, and feeds a fabric 1010, which is the object to be printed, from a fabric feed section 1004 on the side of the device body. Then, while the fabric 1010 is intermittently transported horizontally by the transport mechanism 1005, dust and fibers on the surface of the fabric 1010 are removed by a cleaning means 1008, and then a required image is recorded by discharging liquid droplets vertically downward by the recording means 1002. Thereafter, the recorded fabric 1010 is sent out from a fabric discharge section 1006, and the fabric 1010 is wound up and collected by a winding section 1007.

[0072] In this embodiment, the recording means 1002 includes a main guide member 1021, a slave guide member 1022, a carriage 1023, a recording head 1024, and a head tank 1029. The recording means 1002 slidably holds a carriage 1023 carrying a recording head 1024 by the main guide member 1021 and slave guide member 1022 that are horizontally mounted between left and right side plates 1011L and 1011R, and moves and scans in the main scanning direction via a timing belt 1028 that is passed between a driving pulley 1026 and a driven pulley 1027 by a main scanning motor 1025.

[0073] The carriage 1023 is fitted with recording heads 1024a, 1024b, 1024c, 1024d, and 1024e (when no distinction is made, they will be referred to as "recording heads 1024" as described above), which are liquid ejection heads for ejecting ink droplets of each color, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and white (W). Nozzle rows consisting of multiple nozzles are arranged in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the droplet ejection direction faces vertically downward.

[0074] The liquid ejection head constituting the recording head 1024 may be equipped with a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element, a thermal actuator that utilizes a phase change caused by film boiling of liquid using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor, a shape memory alloy actuator that uses a metal phase change caused by a temperature change, or an electrostatic actuator that uses electrostatic force, as a pressure generating means for generating pressure to eject droplets.

[0075] The carriage 1023 can also be equipped with a droplet ejection head that ejects a fixing fluid that reacts with the ink to improve the fixability of the ink. The carriage 1023 also has a head tank 1029 that supplies ink of each color corresponding to each nozzle row of the recording head 1024. The head tank 1029 is supplied with ink from an ink cartridge that is detachably mounted in the main body of the apparatus.

[0076] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ink cartridge. The ink cartridge 1030 has ink tanks 1032 of various colors, and although yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and white (W) are shown in the figure, this is not necessarily limited to these and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the ink cartridge 1030 is provided with a panel 1033 as necessary.

[0077] Since the recording head 1024 ejects droplets in a vertically downward direction, it is preferable to create a negative pressure to prevent dripping, and it is preferable that the head tank 1029 has a function of maintaining a negative pressure as well as a function as a buffer tank.

[0078] In this embodiment, it is preferable that at least a portion of the liquid chamber, the fluid resistance portion, the vibration plate, and the nozzle member of the recording head 1024 is made of a material containing at least one of SUS, silicon, and nickel.

[0079] Since SUS is compatible with a wide range of ink types and has high thermal conductivity, a head made of SUS parts can be formed with excellent temperature control. In addition, the use of silicon allows for processing using semiconductor technology and MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology, making it possible to process with extremely fine detail and high precision.

[0080] Nickel parts can be made into thin metal films using electroforming technology, and high-precision shapes can be created. Nickel is easily dissolved in acidic conditions, making it less suitable for ink, but by electroforming with alloys such as palladium, it is possible to manufacture thin metal parts that are highly durable and easy to process.

[0081] Furthermore, the nozzle diameter of the nozzles of the recording head 1024 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm to 30 μm.

[0082] An encoder scale 1121 having a predetermined pattern formed thereon is stretched between both side plates 1011L and 1011R along the main scanning direction of the carriage 1023, and the carriage 1023 is provided with an encoder sensor 1123 consisting of a transmission type photosensor that reads the pattern of the encoder scale 1121. The encoder scale 1121 and the encoder sensor 1123 form a linear encoder (main scanning encoder) that detects the movement of the carriage 1023.

[0083] A maintenance and recovery mechanism 1009 for maintaining and recovering the state of the nozzles of the recording head 1024 is disposed in a non-printing region on one side in the scanning direction of the carriage 1023. This maintenance and recovery mechanism 1009 includes caps 1092a, 1092b, 1092c, 1092d, and 1092e (referred to as "caps 1092" when not distinguishing between them) for capping the nozzle faces of the recording head 1024, a wiper member (wiper blade) 1093 for wiping the nozzle face, and an idle discharge receiver 1094 for receiving droplets when idle discharge is performed to discharge droplets that do not contribute to recording in order to discharge thickened recording liquid (ink).

[0084] For nozzle maintenance and recovery of the print head 1024, the carriage 1023 is moved to a position facing the maintenance and recovery mechanism 1009, which is the home position, and then the nozzles are capped with a cap 1092, and nozzle suction is performed. Furthermore, by performing a maintenance and recovery operation such as dummy ejection, which ejects droplets that do not contribute to image formation, it is possible to form an image by ejecting droplets stably.

[0085] The fabric 1010 to be printed that is wound around the feed section paper tube 1041 of the feed section 1004 is fed between the upper and lower feed rollers 1051, 1052 of the transport mechanism section 1005, and then sent out along the platen 1053 from between the upper and lower feed rollers 1061, 1062 of the discharge section 1006. The fabric 1010 is then fixed to the winding section paper tube 1071 of the winding section 1007, and wound up by rotating the winding section paper tube 1071 by a motor.

[0086] A code wheel 1154 is attached to the shaft 1052a of the feed roller 1052, and an encoder sensor 1155 consisting of a transmission type photosensor is provided to detect a pattern formed on the code wheel 1154. The code wheel 1154 and the encoder sensor 1155 constitute a rotary encoder (feed encoder) 1156 that detects the amount of rotation and the rotation angle of the feed roller.

[0087] Similarly, a code wheel 1157 is attached to the shaft 1062a of the feed roller 1062, and an encoder sensor 1158 consisting of a transmission type photosensor is provided to detect a pattern formed on the code wheel 1157. The code wheel 1157 and the encoder sensor 1158 constitute a rotary encoder (feed encoder) 1159 that detects the amount of rotation and the rotation angle of the feed roller.

[0088] The rotational amount of the feed rollers 1051, 1052 and the feed rollers 1061, 1062 are controlled to be equal or the feed rollers 1061, 1062 are controlled to rotate slightly more than the other rollers, so that tension is applied to the fabric 1010 on the platen 1053 in the conveying direction, thereby preventing the fabric 1010 from floating.

[0089] In the inkjet recording device of this embodiment configured as described above, the fabric 1010 is fed horizontally from the feed section 1004 at a feed distance corresponding to one scan. Then, by driving the recording head 1024 in response to an image signal while moving the carriage 1023, ink droplets are ejected from above to below the stationary fabric 1010 to record one line, and after the fabric 1010 is fed a predetermined distance, the next line is recorded. After recording has been completed, the fabric 1010 is fed from the feed section 1006 and taken up by the take-up section 1007.

[0090] In this embodiment, a charged drum 1081 (charged body), a charging means 1082, and a charged body pressing portion 1083 are shown. The cleaning means 1008 in this embodiment is provided upstream of the recording means 1002 in the conveying direction of the fabric 1010, and is characterized in that it cleans the fabric 1010 by electrostatic adsorption. The cleaning means 1008 has at least a charged body that rotates in contact with or near the fabric 1010, and a charging means that applies static electricity to the surface of the charged body. The charged body has at least an insulating layer 1201 on the fabric 1010 side. In this embodiment, the charged drum 1081 is used as the charged body, but this is not limited thereto, and the charged body may be in the form of a belt, which will be described later, and is preferably an endless belt.

[0091] In the cleaning means 1008, a charged drum 1081, which is a charged body, is pressed against the fabric 1010 by a charged body pressing portion 1083, and rotates in synchronization with the conveyance of the fabric 1010. As a result, the surface of the charged drum 1081 and the fabric 1010 are synchronized, and dirt (adherents) on the surface of the fabric 1010 can be attracted to the surface of the charged drum 1081 while in contact (or in the vicinity) and cleaned. The charged drum 1081 is in contact with charging means 1082, which is a charging means, and an electrostatic charge is applied to the surface by the charging means 1082, so that the drum can be charged.

[0092] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the charging means in the cleaning means. Fig. 12(a) shows an example of the configuration of a charged drum 1081. Fig. 12(a) shows a schematic cross-section of the charged drum 1081, and illustrates an example of the configuration in which a conductive layer 1202 and an insulating layer 1201 are laminated. The charging means 1082 is composed of a charging roller 1203 and an AC bias supply unit 1204 used by the charging roller 1203 to apply static electricity to the charged drum 1081. The charging roller 1203 rotates while in contact with the charged drum 1081, and applies static electricity to the surface of the charged drum 1081.

[0093] In FIG. 12(a), the charging drum 1081 has a two-layer structure, but this is not limiting, and it can have a single-layer structure as long as the layer in contact with the charging means 1082 is the insulating layer 1201.

[0094] Examples of materials for the insulating layer 1201 include resins or elastomers such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEI (polyetherimide), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PC (polycarbonate), ETFE (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene), and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). These materials are preferably materials that do not contain a conductivity control material. The volume resistivity of the insulating layer 1201 is preferably 1012 Ωcm or more, and more preferably 1015 Ωcm or more. The thickness of the insulating layer 1201 is preferably 20 to 100 μm.

[0095] The conductive layer 1202 may be made of the above resin or elastomer containing carbon, a metal material, etc. The conductive layer 1202 preferably has a volume resistivity of 105 to 107 Ωcm. The conductive layer 1202 preferably has a thickness of 50 to 200 μm.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12(a), the charging roller 1203 is connected to an AC bias supply unit 1204 that applies an AC bias of, for example, 2 kV to 3 kV. The preferred range of the applied AC bias is ±1.2 kV to ±4.0 kV, more preferably ±1.6 kV to ±2.4 kV. If the value of the AC bias is higher than the lower limit, sufficient adsorption force is obtained, and dust can be sufficiently removed. If the value is equal to or lower than the upper limit, the adsorption to the fabric 1010 is not too strong, and the charging means 1082 and the fabric 1010 can be smoothly peeled off after dust removal. In addition, residual charges can be made less likely to remain on the fabric 1010, and the residual charges can be prevented from causing the ink droplets to bend, reducing the accuracy of the landing position, and from generating mist.

[0097] 12(a), the AC bias supplied to this charging roller 1203 allows the insulating layer 1201 of the charged drum 1081 to be alternately charged with positive and negative charges in the direction of movement of the charged drum 1081. As described above, the insulating layer 1201 of the charged drum 1081 that is charged with positive and negative charges preferably has a volume resistivity of 1012 Ωcm or more, and more preferably 1015 Ωcm or more. When the insulating layer 1201 is formed to satisfy this requirement, the positive and negative charges charged to the insulating layer 1201 can be prevented from moving at the boundary therebetween, and the insulating layer 1201 can be alternately and stably charged with positive and negative charges.

[0098] When an image output command is given to the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment, the charging drum 1081 is rotated by a drive motor in synchronization with the conveying speed of the fabric 1010 , and at the same time, an AC bias is applied from an AC bias supply unit 1204 to the charging roller 1203 .

[0099] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the contact points between the cleaning means and the fabric. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the insulating layer 1201 of the charged drum 1081 is charged with alternating positive and negative charges in the moving direction of the charged drum 1081 by the charging roller 1203 and the AC bias supply unit 1204. Then, a minute electric field is generated on the surface of the charged drum 1081 as shown by the arc-shaped arrow in FIG. 13(a). The fabric 1010 is attracted to the charged drum 1081 in which this minute electric field is generated, and the electrostatic force on the charged drum 1081 acts on the fibers on the fabric 1010, so that the fibers of the fabric 1010 are attracted to the charged drum 1081.

[0100] In order to attract the fibers of the fabric 1010 to the charged drum 1081 in this manner, it is preferable that the position at which the charged roller 1203 contacts the charged drum 1081 is near the position at which the charged drum 1081 and the fabric 1010 contact or are near the position, and is upstream of the position at which the charged drum 1081 and the fabric 1010 contact or are near the position. In other words, it is preferable that the charged roller 1203 applies static electricity to the charged drum 1081 immediately upstream in the rotation direction of the charged drum 1081 from the position at which the fabric 1010 and the charged drum 1081 contact or are near the position. With this configuration, a microelectric field can be reliably generated on the surface of the charged drum 1081 at the position at which the fabric 1010 and the charged drum 1081 contact, and the fabric 1010 can be more stably attracted to the charged drum 1081.

[0101] When dust 1220 (adherent matter) is present on the fabric 1010, the dust 1220 comes into contact with the charged drum 1081 as shown in Fig. 13(b), and both the fabric 1010 and the dust 1220 are attracted to the charged drum 1081 by the electrostatic force on the surface of the charged drum 1081. When the fabric 1010 is then separated from the charged drum 1081, the dust 1220 on the surface of the fabric 1010 is attracted to the charged drum 1081 as shown in Fig. 13(c), and the dust 1220 can be removed from the fabric 1010.

[0102] <Computer> The print control device 20 and the terminal device 30 may be realized by a computer. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 14, computer 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD (Hard Disk) 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0104] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the computer 500. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501.

[0105] The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, characters, or an image. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N1. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501.

[0106] Moreover, the keyboard 511 is a type of input means having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 513 as an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to DVD-RW, and may be DVD-R, etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0107] <Functional configuration of image forming system> The functional configuration of the image forming system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system in the first embodiment.

[0108] Terminal Device As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal device 30 includes an image acquisition unit 301 and an instruction unit 302.

[0109] The image acquisition unit 301 and the instruction unit 302 are realized, for example, by processing executed by the CPU 501 and the network I / F 509 in accordance with a program loaded from the ROM 502 onto the RAM 503 shown in FIG.

[0110] The image acquisition unit 301 acquires an image to be formed on an image forming medium. The image acquisition unit 301 may generate an image by an image editing program in response to a user's operation. The image acquisition unit 301 may read an image stored in advance in the HD 504 or the recording medium 515 in response to a user's operation. The image may include area information indicating an area in which an image forming color for imparting gloss is formed, or may include area information indicating an area in which an image without imparting gloss is formed.

[0111] The instruction unit 302 transmits an image formation instruction to the print control device 20. The image formation instruction includes image data indicating an image acquired by the image acquisition unit 301. The image formation instruction may include medium information and setting information input by a user. Here, the medium information may include information for identifying the image formation medium, such as the type of medium, manufacturer, and product number, and characteristic information of the image formation medium. In this case, the user may input the medium information, or may set the medium information by selecting a desired medium from a media catalog. The medium information may also include color information indicating the surface color of the image formation medium. In this case, the user may input a numerical value of the color information, or may select from a color palette that presents various colors. That is, the image acquisition unit 301 can accept the setting of the medium information and the setting information via a setting screen displayed on the display 506 of the terminal device 30. Here, the details of the setting screen will be described later. Note that the color information may be set by measuring the surface color of the image formation medium with a colorimeter connected to the terminal device 30, or the characteristic information may be set by measuring the state of the image formation medium with a colorimeter. The setting information may also include gloss setting information indicating the degree of gloss.

[0112] <Print control device> As shown in FIG. 15, the print control device 20 includes an instruction receiving unit 201, a job storage unit 202, and a job transmitting unit 203.

[0113] The instruction receiving unit 201 and the job transmitting unit 203 are realized, for example, by a program loaded from a ROM 502 onto a RAM 503 shown in FIG.

[0114] The job storage unit 202 is realized, for example, by using the HD 504 shown in Fig. 14. Reading or writing of data stored in the HD 504 is performed via an HDD controller 505, for example.

[0115] The instruction receiving unit 201 receives an image formation instruction received from the terminal device 30. The instruction receiving unit 201 generates an image formation job based on the image formation instruction.

[0116] The job storage unit 202 stores the image forming job generated by the instruction receiving unit 201 .

[0117] The job transmitting unit 203 stores the image formation job generated by the instruction receiving unit 201 in the job storage unit 202. The job transmitting unit 203 monitors the job execution state of the image forming apparatus 10, and when a new image formation job becomes executable, reads out one of the image formation jobs stored in the job storage unit 202 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0118] Image forming device As shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 150, a job receiving unit 151, a display control unit 152, a color obtaining unit 153, a color setting unit 154, an area obtaining unit 155, an image forming unit 156, and a preview unit 157.

[0119] The job receiving unit 151, the display control unit 152, the color acquisition unit 153, the color setting unit 154, the area acquisition unit 155 and the preview unit 157 are realized, for example, by a process executed by the CPU 121 and the communication I / F 125 of a program loaded from the ROM 122 onto the RAM 123 shown in Fig. 8. The storage unit 150 is realized, for example, by using the ROM 122 or the RAM 123 shown in Fig. 8.

[0120] The image forming section 156 is realized by, for example, the writing unit 101, the image creating unit 102, the intermediate transfer belt 103, the secondary transfer section 104, and the fixing section 105 shown in FIG.

[0121] The job receiving unit 151 receives an image formation job. The job receiving unit 151 may receive an image formation job from the print control device 20. The job receiving unit 151 may receive an input of the image formation job in response to an operation on the operation panel of the image forming device 10.

[0122] The display control unit 152 controls displaying a screen operated by the user on the display 506 or the display 107. The screen operated by the user includes a setting screen for making settings for executing the pseudo-clear function and the clear function. The display 506 is an example of a display device. The display control unit 152 is an example of a reception unit that receives a user's operation via the setting screen.

[0123] The color acquisition unit 153 acquires color information (hereinafter also referred to as "medium color information") indicating the surface color of the image forming medium (hereinafter also referred to as "medium color"). The medium color information is information indicating each value of C, M, Y, and K, for example. The color acquisition unit 153 may accept input of each value of C, M, Y, and K as the medium color via a setting screen, or may accept input of the type of the image forming medium or the surface color of the image forming medium as information corresponding to the medium color information. The color acquisition unit 153 may also measure the medium color from the image forming medium set in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0124] When measuring the medium color, the color acquisition unit 153 may measure the medium color using the colorimeter 106 included in the image forming apparatus 10. The color acquisition unit 153 may also receive input of the medium color from an external colorimeter connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via various wired or wireless interfaces. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 does not need to include the colorimeter 106 inside.

[0125] When an image forming medium having a surface color that differs in parts is used, the color acquisition unit 153 acquires medium color information indicating the surface color of each area having a different color. In this case, the medium color information may include information indicating the range of the area and information indicating the surface color of the area.

[0126] The color setting unit 154 sets an image formation color for imparting gloss to an image based on the medium color information acquired by the color acquisition unit 153. Hereinafter, the image formation color set by the color setting unit 154 is also referred to as a "gloss color." The gloss color is substantially the same color as the medium color. The color setting unit 154 generates color information indicating the gloss color (hereinafter, also referred to as "gloss color information").

[0127] As an example, the gloss color may be a color having one or more components identical to the medium color. The components correspond to the respective values ​​of C, M, Y, and K when the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image using process colors (CMYK). In other words, the color setting unit 154 may set as the gloss color a color having at least one of the C, M, Y, and K values ​​identical to the respective C, M, Y, and K values ​​indicated in the medium color information.

[0128] As an example, the gloss color may be a color whose components are all the same as the medium color. That is, the color setting unit 154 may set a color whose C, M, Y, and K values ​​are all the same as the C, M, Y, and K values ​​indicated in the medium color information as the gloss color.

[0129] For example, the gloss color may be a color obtained by reducing the black component from the medium color. That is, the color setting unit 154 may set, as the gloss color, a color whose C, M, and Y values ​​are the same as the C, M, and Y values ​​indicated in the medium color information and whose K value is smaller than the K value indicated in the medium color information.

[0130] For example, the gloss color may be a color obtained by removing black components from the medium color. That is, the color setting unit 154 may set a color whose C, M, and Y values ​​are the same as those indicated in the medium color information and whose K value is 0 as the gloss color.

[0131] The color setting unit 154 can set one or more fluorescent colors based on the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K included in the medium color information acquired by the color acquisition unit 153. For example, the color setting unit 154 can set a fluorescent color in which all components are the same as the medium color acquired by the color acquisition unit 153, but is not limited to this. Methods for setting the gloss color include a method of making one or more components the same as the medium color, a method of making all components the same as the medium color, and a method of reducing or removing black components from the medium color, and the color setting unit 154 may determine which setting method to adopt based on any one of the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K of the medium color, or characteristic information of the image formation medium, or gloss setting information.

[0132] Furthermore, the color setting unit 154 can set the fluorescent color based on other information such as the wavelength of the reflected light of the image forming medium, which is included in the medium color information, RGB values, HSV values, HSL values, etc. The color setting unit 154 may set the fluorescent color based on RGB values, HSV values, HSL values, etc.

[0133] In addition, the color setting unit 154 can calculate the fluorescent color by any of the setting methods each time the color acquisition unit 153 acquires the medium color information, but the color setting unit 154 may set the gloss color by reading out the gloss color preset for each medium color from the storage unit 150. In this case, the color setting unit 154 can set the gloss color by reading out the gloss color corresponding to the medium color information acquired by the color acquisition unit 153 from the storage unit 150. The color setting unit 154 may set the gloss color by reading out the gloss color corresponding to the characteristic information or gloss setting information of the image forming medium from the storage unit 150. Here, the storage unit 150 can be provided in any of the image forming device 10, the print control device 20, the terminal device 30, and an external device accessible via a network. For example, the storage unit 150 may be provided in a device having the color setting unit 154, or may be provided in a device other than the device having the color setting unit 154, so that the color setting unit 154 can read out the gloss color from the storage unit 150 via a network. The storage unit 150 can store gloss colors in association with medium color information, characteristic information of the image forming medium, and gloss setting information.

[0134] Furthermore, the color setting unit 154 may set a gloss color in which all components are the same as the medium color only when the gloss color corresponding to the medium color information acquired by the color acquisition unit 153 is not stored in the storage unit 150. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the gloss color corresponding to the medium color information acquired by the color acquisition unit 153 is not stored in the storage unit 150, the color setting unit 154 may set a gloss color by making one or more components the same as the medium color, or by reducing or removing black components from the medium color. For example, the color setting unit 154 may set a fluorescent color for a component of C, M, and Y whose medium color value is equal to or less than a first predetermined value, so that the value of the component is set to 0. Furthermore, the color setting unit 154 may set a fluorescent color for a component of C, M, and Y whose medium color value is equal to or more than a second predetermined value, so that the value of the component is set to a predetermined value larger than the value of the medium color. At this time, the color setting unit 154 can set the fluorescent color so that, for the C, M, and Y components whose values ​​of the medium color are smaller than a second predetermined value, the value of the component is the same as the medium color or is smaller than the value of the medium color by a predetermined value. However, in either case, the fluorescent color can be set so that the K component of the medium color is smaller than the value of the medium color by a predetermined value or is 0.

[0135] When an image forming medium having a surface color that differs in parts is used, the color setting unit 154 sets an image forming color for each area having a different color based on the surface color of the area. In this case, the gloss color information may include information indicating the range of the area and information indicating the gloss color of the area.

[0136] The area acquisition unit 155 acquires area information indicating an area where gloss is to be imparted to an image. The area information may include an area where an image is formed in a glossy color (hereinafter also referred to as a "pseudo clear area") and an area where an image is formed in a transparent color (hereinafter also referred to as a "clear area"). The area acquisition unit 155 may acquire the area information by an operation on a setting screen, or may acquire the area information based on information included in an image forming job.

[0137] The image forming unit 156 forms an image on an image forming medium based on the image forming job received by the job receiving unit 151, the gloss color information generated by the color setting unit 154, and the area information acquired by the area acquiring unit 155. The image forming unit 156 forms an image in the pseudo-clear area indicated in the area information in a gloss color (i.e., using C, M, Y, and K toners). Also, the image forming unit 156 forms an image in the clear area indicated in the area information in a transparent color (i.e., using clear toner).

[0138] Preview unit 157 controls display of a preview screen on display 506. The preview screen is a screen for presenting a preview image to a user. Preview unit 157 generates a preview image based on an image forming job, area information, and gloss color information. Specifically, preview unit 157 generates a preview image by converting an image in a pseudo-clear area indicated in the area information, among images included in the image forming job, into a gloss color indicated in the gloss color information. Preview unit 157 is another example of a display control unit. Also, the preview image is an example of a second image.

[0139] <User Interface> The user interface of the image forming system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0140] <Settings screen> 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a setting screen in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, a setting screen 400 has a gloss processing menu 401, a setting button 402, and a back button 403.

[0141] The gloss processing menu 401 has a plain paper gloss processing menu 411, a colored paper gloss processing menu 412, and a multiple gloss processing menu 413. The plain paper gloss processing menu 411 is a menu for making settings related to the clear function. The colored paper gloss processing menu 412 is a menu for making settings related to the pseudo-clear function. The multiple gloss processing menu 413 is a menu for making settings when the clear function and the pseudo-clear function are used together.

[0142] A set button 402 is a button for confirming the setting information set in the gloss processing menu 401. A return button 403 is a button for discarding the setting information set in the gloss processing menu 401 and returning to the previous screen.

[0143] 17 is an image diagram showing an example of the color paper gloss processing menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 17 is an example of the setting screen 400 when the color paper gloss processing menu 412 shown in Fig. 16 is selected.

[0144] 17, the color paper gloss processing menu 412 has a color designation menu 421, an automatic color measurement menu 422, and a range designation menu 423. The color designation menu 421 is a menu for acquiring the medium color by a user's operation. The automatic color measurement menu 422 is a menu for measuring the medium color by the colorimeter 106. The range designation menu 423 is a menu for designating an area to which gloss is to be imparted.

[0145] Fig. 18 is an image diagram showing a first example of a color designation menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 18 shows an example of a setting screen 400 when the color designation menu 421 shown in Fig. 17 is selected.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 18, color designation menu 421-1 may have type selection menu 431. Type selection menu 431 may have options 432-1 to 432-3 for the type of colored paper. Options 432 may include, for example, R blue paper 432-1, R red paper 432-2, R green paper 432-3, and the like. Options 432 may be set in advance to represent the type of image forming medium on which an image may be formed. Each option 432 is associated in advance with the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K that represent the surface color of the corresponding colored paper. Also, each option 432 may be associated with characteristic information of the corresponding image forming medium.

[0147] Fig. 19 is an image diagram showing a second example of a color designation menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 19 is another example of the setting screen 400 when the color designation menu 421 shown in Fig. 17 is selected.

[0148] 19, the color designation menu 421-2 may have color options 433-1 to 433-8. The options 433 may include, for example, blue 433-1, light blue 433-2, green 433-3, yellow-green 433-4, yellow 433-5, red 433-6, orange 433-7, purple 433-8, etc. The options 433 may be preset to represent the surface color of an image forming medium on which an image may be formed. Each option 433 is associated in advance with the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K that express the corresponding color.

[0149] Fig. 20 is an image diagram showing a third example of the color designation menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 20 shows another example of the setting screen 400 when the color designation menu 421 shown in Fig. 17 is selected.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 20, the color designation menu 421-3 may have a C value setting field 434-1, an M value setting field 434-2, a Y value setting field 434-3, and a K value setting field 434-4. A value between 0 and 255 can be input into the C value setting field 434-1, the M value setting field 434-2, the Y value setting field 434-3, and the K value setting field 434-4. The C, M, Y, and K values ​​expressing the surface color of the image forming medium are input into the C value setting field 434-1, the M value setting field 434-2, the Y value setting field 434-3, and the K value setting field 434-4. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the color code is a setting value, and input may be accepted for each value of RGB values ​​or each value of HSV values, for example.

[0151] In addition, the C, M, Y, and K values ​​input via the setting screen can be associated with the surface color of the image-forming medium, and the characteristic information of the image-forming medium input via the setting screen can be associated with the type of the image-forming medium, and can be registered in the storage unit 150. At this time, the setting screen can register the input C, M, Y, and K values ​​and the characteristic information of the image-forming medium in association with each other by accepting the input of the name of the type of the image-forming medium or the name of the surface color of the new image-forming medium, or accepting the selection of the type of the image-forming medium or the surface color of the image-forming medium that has already been registered. The type of the image-forming medium registered in the storage unit 150 is displayed on the setting screen as a choice of the type of colored paper as shown in FIG. 18, and the surface color of the registered image-forming medium is displayed as a choice of color as shown in FIG. 19, and can be selected. The storage unit 150 can store fluorescent colors in advance in association with the medium colors. The association between the medium colors and the fluorescent colors and the C, M, Y, and K values ​​of the fluorescent colors may be changed on the setting screen. For example, when the type of image forming medium or the surface color of the image forming medium is selected on the setting screen, the corresponding fluorescent color values ​​C, M, Y, and K may be displayed. At this time, by accepting input for each of the fluorescent color values ​​C, M, Y, and K and storing them in the storage unit 150, each of the fluorescent color values ​​C, M, Y, and K can be changed.

[0152] In this way, the color acquisition unit 153 can acquire medium color information based on the input received via the setting screen. For example, the color acquisition unit 153 can read out each of the C, M, Y, and K values ​​corresponding to the type of the selected image forming medium or the surface color of the image forming medium from the storage unit 150. This allows the color setting unit 154 to set a fluorescent color based on each of the C, M, Y, and K values ​​acquired by the color acquisition unit 153.

[0153] Fig. 21 is an image diagram showing an example of an automatic color measurement menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 21 is an example of a setting screen 400 when the automatic color measurement menu 422 shown in Fig. 17 is selected.

[0154] When the automatic color measurement menu 422 is selected in the color paper gloss processing menu 412, color measurement processing is executed by the colorimeter 106. For example, if the image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with the colorimeter 106, the image forming apparatus 10 may input an image forming medium into the transport path R1 or R2 and measure the surface color of the image forming medium during transport using the colorimeter 106. Also, for example, if an external colorimeter is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 or the terminal device 30, the image forming apparatus 10 or the terminal device 30 may wait until a measurement result is input from the external colorimeter.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 21, when the measurement of the medium color is completed, the setting completion button 441 can be pressed. When the user presses the setting completion button 441, medium color information indicating the measured medium color is generated. Here, the medium color information includes, for example, information indicating each of the measured C, M, Y, and K values, but may also include characteristic information of the image-forming medium measured by the colorimeter. The measured C, M, Y, and K values ​​and the characteristic information of the image-forming medium can be registered in the storage unit 150 in association with the type of the image-forming medium or the surface color of the image-forming medium. At this time, the setting screen can register the measured C, M, Y, and K values ​​and the characteristic information of the image-forming medium in association with the type of the image-forming medium or the surface color of the image-forming medium by accepting input of the name of the type of the image-forming medium or the name of the surface color of the new image-forming medium, or by accepting selection of the type of the image-forming medium or the surface color of the image-forming medium that has already been registered.

[0156] Fig. 22 is an image diagram showing an example of a range designation menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 22 is an example of the setting screen 400 when the range designation menu 423 shown in Fig. 17 is selected.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 22, the range designation menu 423 has a setting area 451 and a setting completion button 452. The range of the pseudo-clear area 453 is input in the setting area 451. For example, when a user selects a desired area by dragging or the like using a pointing device or the like, the selected area is accepted as the range of the pseudo-clear area 453. However, without being limited to this, the pseudo-clear area may be set by image data or an image forming job. For example, a specific area in an image can be set as the pseudo-clear area. Note that an image may include area information indicating an area in which an image formation color for imparting gloss is formed and area information indicating an area in which an image without imparting gloss is formed. In this case, the pseudo-clear area is set based on area information indicating an area in which an image formation color for imparting gloss is formed among multiple areas in the image.

[0158] After the range of pseudo-clear area 453 is input, when the user presses setting completion button 452, area information indicating the input pseudo-clear area is generated.

[0159] Fig. 23 is an image diagram showing an example of a multiple gloss processing menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 23 is an example of a setting screen 400 when the multiple gloss processing menu 413 shown in Fig. 16 is selected.

[0160] 23, the multiple gloss processing menu 413 has a color designation menu 461, an automatic color measurement menu 462, and a multiple range designation menu 463. The color designation menu 461 and the automatic color measurement menu 462 are similar to the color designation menu 421 and the automatic color measurement menu 422 of the colored paper gloss processing menu 412 (see FIG. 17). The multiple range designation menu 463 is a menu for designating a pseudo-clear area and a clear area.

[0161] Fig. 24 is an image diagram showing an example of a multiple range designation menu in the first embodiment. Fig. 24 is an example of the setting screen 400 when the multiple range designation menu 463 shown in Fig. 23 is selected.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 24, the multiple range designation menu 463 has a setting area 471 and a setting completion button 472. The ranges of the pseudo clear area 473 and the clear area 474 are input in the setting area 471. Only one of the pseudo clear area 473 and the clear area 474 may be input. A plurality of each of the pseudo clear area 473 and the clear area 474 may be input. The pseudo clear area 473 is an example of a first area. The clear area 474 is an example of a second area.

[0163] For example, when a user selects a desired area by dragging or the like using a pointing device or the like, the selected area is accepted as the range of pseudo-clear area 473 or clear area 474. The user may select in advance or afterwards whether to designate the area as pseudo-clear area 473 or clear area 474.

[0164] When the user presses setting completion button 472 after inputting at least one of pseudo-clear region 473 and clear region 474, region information indicating the input pseudo-clear region and clear region is generated.

[0165] <Preview screen> Fig. 25 is an image diagram showing an example of a preview screen in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, a preview screen 600 has a preview image area 601. The preview image area 601 displays a preview image. The preview image may include pseudo-clear areas 611, 612. The preview image may include a clear area 613.

[0166] The pseudo-clear regions 611 and 612 convert the part of the image formed on the image forming medium that is included in the region into a glossy color and display it. Specifically, the pseudo-clear regions 611 and 612 convert the part of the image formed on the image forming medium that is included in the region into a glossy color and display it.

[0167] The clear area 613 converts the part of the image formed on the image forming medium that is included in the clear area 613 to have a cloudy white color. Specifically, the clear area 613 converts the color of the image included in the clear area 613 to approach white.

[0168] <Processing procedure of image forming system> The processing procedure of the image forming method executed by the image forming system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the image forming method in the first embodiment.

[0169] In step S1, the image acquisition unit 301 of the terminal device 30 acquires an image to be formed on an image formation medium in response to an operation by a user. The image acquisition unit 301 sends the acquired image to the instruction unit 302.

[0170] In step S2, the instruction unit 302 of the terminal device 30 receives the image from the image acquisition unit 301. Next, the instruction unit 302 generates an image formation instruction. The image formation instruction includes image data indicating the image. The image formation instruction may include medium information and setting information input by the user. The instruction unit 302 transmits the image formation instruction to the print control device 20.

[0171] In step S3, the instruction receiving unit 201 of the print control device 20 receives an image formation instruction from the terminal device 30. Next, the instruction receiving unit 201 generates an image formation job based on the received image formation instruction. Then, the instruction receiving unit 201 stores the generated image formation job in the job storage unit 202.

[0172] In step S4, the job transmitting unit 203 of the print control device 20 monitors the job execution state of the image forming device 10, and when a new image formation job becomes executable, reads one of the image formation jobs from the job storage unit 202. If multiple image formation jobs are stored in the job storage unit 202, the job transmitting unit 203 may read the image formation job that was stored first. Then, the job transmitting unit 203 transmits the read image formation job to the image forming device 10.

[0173] In step S5, the job receiving unit 151 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the image formation job from the print control device 20. Next, the job receiving unit 151 receives the received image formation job. Then, the job receiving unit 151 sends the received image formation job to the display control unit 152 and the image forming unit 156.

[0174] The display control unit 152 receives an image formation job from the job receiving unit 151. The display control unit 152 performs control to display a setting screen 400 related to the received image formation job on the display 506. The display control unit 152 may display the setting screen 400 in response to a user's operation. The user's operation may include an operation to select an image formation job to be set.

[0175] In step S6, color acquisition unit 153 of image forming apparatus 10 acquires medium color information indicating the surface color of the image forming medium in response to a user's operation on setting screen 400. Color acquisition unit 153 may acquire the medium color information in response to an operation on color designation menu 421 or automatic color measurement menu 422 of colored paper gloss processing menu 412, or color designation menu 461 or automatic color measurement menu 462 of multiple gloss processing menu 413. Then, color acquisition unit 153 sends the acquired medium color information to color setting unit 154.

[0176] In step S7, the color setting unit 154 of the image forming device 10 receives the medium color information from the color acquisition unit 153. Next, the color setting unit 154 sets a gloss color based on the medium color information. Then, the color setting unit 154 generates gloss color information indicating the set gloss color. Then, the color setting unit 154 sends the generated gloss color information to the image forming unit 156.

[0177] In step S8, area acquisition unit 155 of image forming apparatus 10 acquires area information in response to a user's operation on setting screen 400. The area information may include a pseudo-clear area or a clear area. Area acquisition unit 155 may acquire area information in response to an operation on range designation menu 423 or multiple range designation menu 463. Then, area acquisition unit 155 sends the acquired area information to image forming unit 156.

[0178] In step S9, the image forming unit 156 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives an image forming job from the job receiving unit 151. The image forming unit 156 also receives gloss color information from the color setting unit 154. The image forming unit 156 also receives area information from the area obtaining unit 155. Next, the image forming unit 156 sends the image forming job, gloss color information, and area information to the preview unit 157.

[0179] The preview unit 157 receives the image forming job, gloss color information, and area information from the image forming unit 156. Next, the preview unit 157 generates a preview image based on the image forming job, gloss color information, and area information. Specifically, the preview unit 157 converts an image in a pseudo-clear area indicated in the area information, among images included in the image forming job, into the gloss color indicated in the gloss color information. In this way, the preview image is generated.

[0180] Next, preview unit 157 generates screen data for displaying preview screen 600 including the preview image. Preview unit 157 then performs control to display preview screen 600 on display 506 based on the screen data.

[0181] In step S10, the image forming unit 156 of the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on an image forming medium based on the image forming job, gloss color information, and area information. Of the images to be formed on the image forming medium, the image forming unit 156 forms an image in the pseudo-clear area in gloss color (i.e., using C, M, Y, and K toners). The image forming unit 156 also forms an image in the clear area in transparent color (i.e., using clear toner).

[0182] Note that the image forming unit 156 may form an image on an image forming medium without displaying the preview screen 600. In this case, the image forming unit 156 does not need to send the image forming job, gloss color information, and area information to the preview unit 157 in step S9.

[0183] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> The image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment sets a gloss color for imparting gloss to an image based on the surface color of an image forming medium on which the image is formed, and forms an image on the image forming medium in the gloss color. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, an image with a high glossiness can be formed.

[0184] The image forming medium may be a colored image forming medium. The image forming medium may be colored paper. According to this embodiment, a highly glossy image can be formed on a colored image forming medium.

[0185] The gloss color may have one or more components identical to the surface color of the image forming medium. The gloss color may be the same color as the surface color of the image forming medium. The image forming color may be a color obtained by reducing black components from the surface color of the image forming medium. The gloss color may be a color obtained by removing black components from the surface color of the image forming medium. According to this embodiment, an image with improved glossiness can be formed.

[0186] The image forming apparatus 10 may form an image in a glossy color in an area where the image is to be glossy. The image forming apparatus 10 may form an image in a glossy color in a pseudo-clear area and form an image in a transparent color in a clear area. According to this embodiment, it is possible to produce a printed matter with rich expressiveness that includes glossy areas and opaque areas.

[0187] The image forming apparatus 10 may obtain the surface color of the image forming medium measured using a colorimeter. According to this embodiment, the surface color of the image forming medium can be obtained simply and accurately.

[0188] The image forming apparatus 10 may display a preview image of the image converted into a glossy color on the display device. According to this embodiment, the user can easily check the image when it is formed on the image forming medium.

[0189] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the pseudo-clear function is set in the image forming device 10, and the image forming device 10 forms an image in a glossy color according to the setting of the pseudo-clear function. In the second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the pseudo-clear function is set in the print control device 20, and the image forming device 10 forms an image in a glossy color according to an instruction from the print control device 20.

[0190] The image forming system 1000 in the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0191] <Functional configuration of image forming system> The functional configuration of the image forming system 1000 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system in the second embodiment.

[0192] <Print control device> 27, the print control device 20 includes a storage unit 150, a display control unit 152, a color acquisition unit 153, a color setting unit 154, an area acquisition unit 155, a preview unit 157, an instruction receiving unit 201, a job storage unit 202, and a job transmission unit 203. That is, the print control device 20 in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it further includes a storage unit 150, a display control unit 152, a color acquisition unit 153, a color setting unit 154, an area acquisition unit 155, and a preview unit 157.

[0193] In this embodiment, the job transmission unit 203 is an example of an output unit. Also, the image formation job is an example of information instructing the formation of an image.

[0194] In this embodiment, the print control device 20 may be connected to an external colorimeter via various wired or wireless interfaces. The color acquisition unit 153 may receive input of the medium color from the colorimeter connected to the print control device 20.

[0195] Image forming device 27, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a job receiving unit 151 and an image forming unit 156. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 in the second embodiment differs from the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment in that it does not include the storage unit 150, the display control unit 152, the color acquisition unit 153, the color setting unit 154, the area acquisition unit 155, and the preview unit 157.

[0196] <Processing procedure of image forming system> The processing procedure of the image forming method in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Fig. 28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the image forming method in the second embodiment.

[0197] In step S21, the image acquisition unit 301 of the terminal device 30 acquires an image to be formed on an image formation medium in response to an operation by a user. The image acquisition unit 301 sends the acquired image to the instruction unit 302.

[0198] In step S22, the instruction unit 302 of the terminal device 30 receives the image from the image acquisition unit 301. Next, the instruction unit 302 generates an image formation instruction. Then, the instruction unit 302 transmits the image formation instruction to the print control device 20.

[0199] In step S23, the instruction receiving unit 201 of the print control device 20 receives an image formation instruction from the terminal device 30. Next, the instruction receiving unit 201 generates an image formation job based on the received image formation instruction. Then, the instruction receiving unit 201 stores the generated image formation job in the job storage unit 202 and sends it to the display control unit 152.

[0200] The display control unit 152 receives an image formation job from the instruction receiving unit 201. The display control unit 152 performs control to display on the display 506 a setting screen 400 related to the received image formation job.

[0201] In step S24, the color acquisition unit 153 of the print control device 20 acquires medium color information indicating the surface color of the image forming medium in response to a user's operation on the setting screen 400. Then, the color acquisition unit 153 sends the acquired medium color information to the color setting unit 154.

[0202] In step S25, the color setting unit 154 of the print control device 20 receives the medium color information from the color acquisition unit 153. Next, the color setting unit 154 sets a gloss color based on the medium color information. Then, the color setting unit 154 generates gloss color information indicating the set gloss color. Then, the color setting unit 154 sends the generated gloss color information to the job sending unit 203.

[0203] In step S26, the area acquisition unit 155 of the print control device 20 acquires area information in response to a user's operation on the setting screen 400. Then, the area acquisition unit 155 sends the acquired area information to the job transmission unit 203.

[0204] In step S27, the job sending unit 203 of the print control device 20 receives the gloss color information from the color setting unit 154. The job sending unit 203 also receives the area information from the area acquisition unit 155. Next, the job sending unit 203 sends the gloss color information and the area information to the preview unit 157.

[0205] The preview unit 157 receives the gloss color information and the area information from the job transmission unit 203. Next, the preview unit 157 reads out the image forming job from the job storage unit 202. Next, the preview unit 157 generates a preview image based on the image forming job, the gloss color information, and the area information.

[0206] Specifically, the preview unit 157 converts the image in the pseudo-clear region indicated in the region information, among the images included in the image forming job, into the gloss color indicated in the gloss color information. Next, the preview unit 157 generates screen data for displaying a preview screen 600 including the preview image. Then, the preview unit 157 performs control to display the preview screen 600 on the display 506 based on the screen data.

[0207] In step S28, the job transmission unit 203 of the print control device 20 monitors the job execution state of the image forming device 10, and reads out one of the image formation jobs from the job storage unit 202 when a new image formation job becomes executable.

[0208] Next, the job transmitting unit 203 converts the read image forming job based on the gloss color information and the area information. The job transmitting unit 203 converts the image forming job so as to instruct that, among the images included in the image forming job, the image in the pseudo-clear area is formed in a gloss color and the image in the clear area is formed in a transparent color. Then, the job transmitting unit 203 transmits the converted image forming job to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0209] In step S29, the job receiving unit 151 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the image formation job from the print control device 20. Next, the job receiving unit 151 accepts the received image formation job. Then, the job receiving unit 151 sends the accepted image formation job to the image forming unit 156.

[0210] In step S30, the image forming unit 156 of the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on an image forming medium based on the image forming job. The image forming unit 156 forms the image in the pseudo-clear area of ​​the image formed on the image forming medium in a glossy color. The image forming unit 156 also forms the image in the clear area in a transparent color.

[0211] <Effects of the second embodiment> The print control device 20 in this embodiment sets a gloss color for imparting gloss to an image based on the surface color of an image forming medium on which the image is formed, and outputs an image forming job that instructs forming an image on the image forming medium in the gloss color. The image forming device 10 forms an image on the image forming medium in the gloss color in accordance with the image forming job output from the print control device 20. In one aspect, according to this embodiment, an image with a high gloss appearance can be formed.

[0212] [Variation 1] In the second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the pseudo-clear function is set in the print control device 20, and the image forming device 10 forms an image in a glossy color according to an instruction from the print control device 20. In the first modified example, a configuration will be described in which an image to which gloss has been imparted is previewed in the terminal device 30.

[0213] The image forming system 1000 in the first modification will be described below, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0214] <Functional configuration of terminal device> The functional configuration of the terminal device 30 in the first modification will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device in the first modification.

[0215] 29, the terminal device 30 in the first modification includes a color acquisition unit 153, an area acquisition unit 155, a preview unit 157, an image acquisition unit 301, and an instruction unit 302. That is, the terminal device 30 in the first modification is different from the terminal device 30 in the first embodiment in that it further includes a color acquisition unit 153, an area acquisition unit 155, and a preview unit 157.

[0216] In this modification, image editing software may be pre-installed in the terminal device 30. The image editing software may have a function of performing image creation, area designation, preview, etc., using a special color registered in advance. By registering a medium color as a special color in the image editing software, the terminal device 30 can realize image creation, area designation, or preview using the medium color.

[0217] In this modification, the color acquisition unit 153 acquires medium color information in response to a user's operation. The color acquisition unit 153 may accept input of the medium color via a screen operated by the user. The medium color may be input by operating a color selection screen for selecting a desired color from various colors. The color selection screen may be a color palette, for example.

[0218] The input of the medium color may be performed by operating a medium selection screen for selecting the type of image forming medium. The medium selection screen may display a predetermined media catalog. The image forming media on which the image may be formed may be registered in advance in the media catalog.

[0219] The type of image-forming medium may be associated with each of the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K that express the surface color of the image-forming medium. The values ​​of C, M, Y, and K may be set in advance so as to reproduce the surface structure of the image-forming medium. The color acquisition unit 153 may acquire the values ​​of C, M, Y, and K associated with the type of the selected image-forming medium as medium color information.

[0220] In this modification, the region acquisition unit 155 acquires region information indicating a region to which a gloss is to be imparted to an image. The region information may include a pseudo-clear region and a clear region. The region acquisition unit 155 may acquire the region information via a screen operated by a user.

[0221] In this modified example, preview unit 157 performs control to display a preview screen on display 506. Preview unit 157 generates a preview image by converting an image in a pseudo-clear region indicated in the region information, among images acquired by image acquisition unit 301, into a medium color or a color approximate to the medium color.

[0222] In this modification, the image acquisition unit 301 may generate an image using image editing software. The image acquisition unit 301 may draw the image in the pseudo-clear area in a medium color in response to a user's operation.

[0223] In this modified example, the instruction unit 302 transmits an image formation instruction to the print control device 20. The image data included in the image formation instruction includes information instructing to impart gloss to the image included in the pseudo-clear region.

[0224] The instruction receiving unit 201 of the print control device 20 recognizes that the image included in the pseudo-clear region is to be given a glossy color based on the image formation instruction received from the terminal device 30. The instruction receiving unit 201 generates an image formation job that instructs forming the image included in the pseudo-clear region in a glossy color based on the image formation instruction.

[0225] <User Interface> The user interface of the image forming system 1000 in the first modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0226] <Preview screen> Fig. 30 is an image diagram showing an example of a preview screen in Modification Example 1. As shown in Fig. 30, a preview screen 650 has a preview image area 651, a paper color selection button 652, a paper type selection button 653, a range designation button 654, and a simulate button 655. The preview image area 651 displays a preview image. The preview image may include pseudo-clear areas 661, 662. The preview image may include a clear area 663.

[0227] The paper color selection button 652 is a button for launching a color selection screen. When the user presses the paper color selection button 652, the color selection screen is launched. The color selection screen may include, for example, a color palette that presents various colors. When the user selects the surface color of the image forming medium on the color selection screen, the color acquisition unit 153 acquires medium color information indicating the selected color.

[0228] The paper type selection button 653 is a button for launching a medium selection screen. When the user presses the paper type selection button 653, the medium selection screen is launched. The medium selection screen may include, for example, a media catalog in which various image forming media are registered in advance. When the user selects the type of image forming medium on the medium selection screen, the color acquisition unit 153 acquires medium color information indicating the surface color of the image forming medium associated with the selected image forming medium.

[0229] The range designation button 654 is a button for designating the range of the pseudo-clear region or the clear region. The range designation of the region may be performed, for example, in the preview image region 651. When the user selects a desired region by dragging or the like using a pointing device or the like in the preview image region 651, the selected region is accepted as the range of the pseudo-clear region or the clear region.

[0230] The simulate button 655 is a button for reflecting the surface color of the image forming medium in the preview image. When the user presses the simulate button 655, the preview image displayed in the preview image area 651 is converted into an image when formed on an image forming medium of the medium color. For example, the background color of the preview image changes to the medium color. Also, for example, the image in the pseudo-clear area is converted into the medium color or an approximate color thereof.

[0231] <Effects of Modification 1> The terminal device 30 in the first modification displays on the display device a preview image in which the image included in the glossy region is converted into the surface color of the image-forming medium or a color close to the surface color. According to this modification, the user can easily check the image as it will be formed on the image-forming medium.

[0232] The terminal device 30 may acquire the surface color of the image-forming medium associated with the type of image-forming medium selected by the user. According to this modification, the user can intuitively select the surface color of the image-forming medium.

[0233] The terminal device 30 may output an image formation instruction including information instructing to impart gloss to the image included in the glossy region. According to this modification, an image with a high glossiness can be formed.

[0234] [Third embodiment] In the second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the pseudo-clear function is set in the print control device 20, and the image forming device 10 forms an image in a glossy color according to instructions from the print control device 20. In the third embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the pseudo-clear function is set in the terminal device 30, and the image forming device 10 forms an image in a glossy color according to instructions from the terminal device 30.

[0235] The image forming system 1000 in the third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0236] <Functional configuration of image forming system> The functional configuration of an image forming system 1000 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system in the third embodiment.

[0237] Terminal Device 31, the terminal device 30 includes a storage unit 150, a display control unit 152, a color acquisition unit 153, a color setting unit 154, a region acquisition unit 155, a preview unit 157, an image acquisition unit 301, and an instruction unit 302. That is, the terminal device 30 in the third embodiment is different from the terminal device 30 in the first embodiment in that it further includes a storage unit 150, a display control unit 152, a color acquisition unit 153, a color setting unit 154, a region acquisition unit 155, and a preview unit 157.

[0238] In this embodiment, the instruction unit 302 is an example of an output unit. Also, the image formation instruction is an example of information instructing to form an image.

[0239] In this embodiment, the terminal device 30 may be connected to an external colorimeter via various wired or wireless interfaces. The color acquisition unit 153 may receive an input of the medium color from the colorimeter connected to the terminal device 30.

[0240] Image forming device 31, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a job receiving unit 151 and an image forming unit 156. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 in the third embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment in that the image forming apparatus 10 does not include the storage unit 150, the display control unit 152, the color acquisition unit 153, the color setting unit 154, the area acquisition unit 155, and the preview unit 157.

[0241] <Processing procedure of image forming system> The processing procedure of the image forming method in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the image forming method in the third embodiment.

[0242] In step S41, the image acquisition unit 301 of the terminal device 30 acquires an image to be formed on an image forming medium in response to a user's operation. The image acquisition unit 301 sends the acquired image to the display control unit 152 and the instruction unit 302.

[0243] The display control unit 152 receives an image from the image acquisition unit 301. The display control unit 152 performs control to display on the display 506 a setting screen 400 related to the received image.

[0244] In step S42, the color acquisition unit 153 of the terminal device 30 acquires medium color information indicating the surface color of the image forming medium in response to a user's operation on the setting screen 400. Then, the color acquisition unit 153 sends the acquired medium color information to the color setting unit 154.

[0245] In step S43, the color setting unit 154 of the terminal device 30 receives the medium color information from the color acquisition unit 153. Next, the color setting unit 154 sets a gloss color based on the medium color information. Then, the color setting unit 154 generates gloss color information indicating the set gloss color. Then, the color setting unit 154 sends the generated gloss color information to the instruction unit 302.

[0246] In step S44, the area acquisition unit 155 of the terminal device 30 acquires area information in response to a user's operation on the setting screen 400. Then, the area acquisition unit 155 sends the acquired area information to the instruction unit 302.

[0247] In step S45, the instruction unit 302 of the terminal device 30 receives an image from the image acquisition unit 301. The instruction unit 302 also receives gloss color information from the color setting unit 154. The instruction unit 302 further receives region information from the region acquisition unit 155. Next, the instruction unit 302 sends the image, gloss color information, and region information to the preview unit 157.

[0248] The preview unit 157 receives an image, gloss color information, and area information from the instruction unit 302. Next, a preview image is generated based on the image, gloss color information, and area information. Specifically, the preview unit 157 converts an image in a pseudo-clear area indicated in the area information, among the image received from the instruction unit 302, into a gloss color indicated in the gloss color information. Next, the preview unit 157 generates screen data for displaying a preview screen 600 including the preview image. Then, the preview unit 157 performs control to display the preview screen 600 on the display 506 based on the screen data.

[0249] In step S46, the instruction unit 302 of the terminal device 30 generates an image formation instruction based on the gloss color information and the area information. The instruction unit 302 generates an image formation instruction to form an image in the pseudo-clear area in a gloss color and an image in the clear area in a transparent color. The instruction unit 302 then transmits the image formation instruction to the print control device 20.

[0250] In step S47, the instruction receiving unit 201 of the print control device 20 receives an image formation instruction from the terminal device 30. Next, the instruction receiving unit 201 generates an image formation job based on the received image formation instruction. Then, the instruction receiving unit 201 stores the generated image formation job in the job storage unit 202.

[0251] In step S48, the job transmitting unit 203 of the print control device 20 monitors the job execution state of the image forming device 10, and when a new image formation job becomes executable, reads out one of the image formation jobs from the job storage unit 202. Then, the job transmitting unit 203 transmits the read image formation job to the image forming device 10.

[0252] In step S49, the job receiving unit 151 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the image formation job from the print control device 20. Next, the job receiving unit 151 accepts the received image formation job. Then, the job receiving unit 151 sends the accepted image formation job to the image forming unit 156.

[0253] In step S50, the image forming unit 156 of the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on an image forming medium based on the image forming job. The image forming unit 156 forms the image in the pseudo-clear area of ​​the image formed on the image forming medium in a glossy color. The image forming unit 156 also forms the image in the clear area in a transparent color.

[0254] <Effects of the third embodiment> The terminal device 30 in this embodiment sets a gloss color for imparting gloss to an image based on the surface color of the image forming medium on which the image is formed, and outputs an image forming instruction to form an image on the image forming medium in the gloss color. The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on the image forming medium in the gloss color according to an image forming job based on the image forming instruction output from the terminal device 30. According to this embodiment, an image with a high glossiness can be formed.

[0255] [Application example] The image forming system 1000 in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied to the security field. For example, a printed matter on which an image with a glossy finish is formed by the image forming system 1000 can be used to prevent unauthorized duplication.

[0256] For example, when printing tickets for a concert or the like, if a glossy image is formed on a portion of the ticket, it is possible to distinguish between a genuine ticket and a ticket that has been copied using a copier. This is because copiers do not detect gloss or shine, and so the glossy image is not copied onto the copy.

[0257] Fig. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter in the application example. Fig. 33 shows an example of an original 680 on which an image is formed by the image forming system 1000, and an example of a copy 690 produced by copying the original 680 by a copier.

[0258] An original 680 has a non-glossy image 681 and a glossy image 682 formed thereon. A duplicate 690 has a non-glossy image 691 formed thereon. It can be seen that an image corresponding to image 682 of original 680 is not formed on duplicate 690.

[0259] In the printed matter on which an image is formed by the image forming system 1000, the image and the surface color of the image forming medium are substantially the same color, so the colors blend together and the image is visible through the medium. This makes it possible to improve the security function or the authenticity identification function without compromising the design of the printed matter.

[0260] [supplement] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function described above.

[0261] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0262] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows.

[0263] <1> a color acquisition unit that acquires color information indicating a surface color of an image forming medium; a color setting unit that sets an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; an output unit that outputs information instructing to form an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; An information processing device comprising:

[0264] <2> a storage unit that stores the image formation color in association with the surface color, the color setting unit sets the image formation color by reading from the storage unit an image formation color corresponding to the surface color acquired by the color acquisition unit; the above <1> The information processing device described in

[0265] <3> When the color setting unit cannot read out from the storage unit an image formation color corresponding to the surface color acquired by the color acquisition unit, the color setting unit sets an image formation color having one or more components identical to the surface color based on the surface color acquired by the color acquisition unit. the above <2> The information processing device described in

[0266] <4> The imaging color has one or more components identical to the surface color. the above <1> from <3> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12,

[0267] <5> the imaging color is identical in all components to the surface color; the above <4> The information processing device described in

[0268] <6> the image forming color is a color obtained by subtracting a black component from the surface color; the above <4> The information processing device described in

[0269] <7> the image forming color is a color obtained by removing a black component from the surface color; the above <6> The information processing device described in

[0270] <8> a region acquiring unit that acquires region information indicating a region to be glossed on the image forming medium; the output unit outputs information instructing to form the image in the image formation color in the region. the above <1> from <7> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12,

[0271] <9> the region information includes a first region in which the image is formed in the image forming color and a second region in which the image is formed in a transparent color; the output unit outputs information instructing to form the image in the image formation color in the first region and to form the image in the transparent color in the second region. the above <8> The information processing device described in

[0272] <10> the color acquisition unit acquires the color information indicating the surface color measured using a colorimeter; the above <1> from <9> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12,

[0273] <11> A display control unit is further provided for displaying a second image obtained by converting the image into the image forming color on a display device. the above <1> from <10> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12,

[0274] <12> an image acquisition unit that acquires the image to be formed on the image forming medium; a display control unit that displays, on a display device, a second image obtained by converting the image included in the region to be glossy into the surface color or a color approximate to the surface color; The above further comprises <1> from <10> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12,

[0275] <13> a storage unit that stores the type of the image forming medium and the image forming color in association with each other; A reception unit that receives a selection of the type of the image forming medium; Further equipped with the color acquisition unit acquires the color information indicating the surface color associated with the type of the image forming medium selected by a user; the color setting unit sets an image formation color corresponding to the color information in the storage unit as the image formation color; the above <1> from <12> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12,

[0276] <14> a storage unit that stores the surface color of the image forming medium and the image forming color in association with each other; A receiving unit that receives an input of a surface color of the image forming medium; Further equipped with the color acquisition unit acquires the color information based on a surface color of the image forming medium input by a user; the color setting unit sets an image formation color corresponding to the color information in the storage unit as the image formation color; the above <1> from <12> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12,

[0277] <15> an output unit that outputs an image formation instruction including information instructing to impart gloss to the image forming medium included in the region; the above <12> The information processing device described in

[0278] <16> a color acquisition unit that acquires color information indicating a surface color of an image forming medium; a color setting unit that sets an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; an image forming unit that forms an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0279] <17> An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus can communicate with each other via a network, The information processing device includes: a color acquisition unit that acquires color information indicating a surface color of an image forming medium; a color setting unit that sets an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; an output unit that transmits an image formation instruction to the image forming device for forming an image on the image forming medium in the image formation color; Equipped with The image forming apparatus includes: a job receiving unit that receives a job based on the image formation instruction; an image forming unit that forms the image on the image forming medium in the image forming color based on the job; An image forming system comprising:

[0280] <18> The computer obtaining color information indicative of a surface color of an image-forming medium; setting an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; outputting information instructing to form an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; An information processing method for performing the above.

[0281] <19> On the computer, obtaining color information indicative of a surface color of an image-forming medium; setting an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; outputting information instructing to form an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; A program for executing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0282] 10 Image forming device 20 Printing control device 30 Terminal Equipment 101 Write Unit 102 Imaging unit 103 Intermediate transfer belt 104 Secondary transfer section 105 Fixing unit 106 Colorimeter 107 Display 110 Control device 150 Storage section 151 Job Reception Department 152 Display control section 153 Color acquisition section 154 Color Settings 155 Area acquisition part 156 Image forming section 157 Preview Section 201 Instructions Reception Department 202 Job storage unit 203 Job sending unit 301 Image Acquisition Unit 302 Instruction section 1000 Image forming system [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0283] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-20578 A

Claims

1. a color acquisition unit that acquires color information indicating a surface color of an image forming medium; a color setting unit that sets an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; an output unit that outputs information instructing to form an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; An information processing device comprising:

2. a storage unit that stores the image formation color in association with the surface color, the color setting unit sets the image formation color by reading from the storage unit an image formation color corresponding to the surface color acquired by the color acquisition unit; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. When the color setting unit cannot read out from the storage unit an image formation color corresponding to the surface color acquired by the color acquisition unit, the color setting unit sets an image formation color having one or more components identical to the surface color based on the surface color acquired by the color acquisition unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The image forming color has one or more components identical to the surface color. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the imaging color is identical in all components to the surface color; The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. the image forming color is a color obtained by subtracting a black component from the surface color; The information processing device according to claim 4.

7. the image forming color is a color obtained by removing a black component from the surface color; The information processing device according to claim 6.

8. a region acquiring unit that acquires region information indicating a region to be glossed on the image forming medium; the output unit outputs information instructing to form the image in the image formation color in the region.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1.

9. the region information includes a first region in which the image is formed in the image forming color and a second region in which the image is formed in a transparent color; the output unit outputs information instructing to form the image in the image formation color in the first region and to form the image in the transparent color in the second region. The information processing device according to claim 8.

10. the color acquisition unit acquires the color information indicating the surface color measured using a colorimeter; 8. The information processing device according to claim 1.

11. a display control unit that displays a second image obtained by converting the image into the image forming color on a display device; 8. The information processing device according to claim 1.

12. an image acquisition unit that acquires the image to be formed on the image forming medium; a display control unit that displays, on a display device, a second image obtained by converting the image included in the region to be glossy into the surface color or a color approximate to the surface color; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

13. a storage unit that stores the type of the image forming medium and the image forming color in association with each other; A reception unit that receives a selection of the type of the image forming medium; Further equipped with the color acquisition unit acquires the color information indicating the surface color associated with the type of the image forming medium selected by a user; the color setting unit sets an image formation color corresponding to the color information in the storage unit as the image formation color; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

14. a storage unit that stores the surface color of the image forming medium and the image forming color in association with each other; A receiving unit that receives an input of a surface color of the image forming medium; the color acquisition unit acquires the color information based on a surface color of the image forming medium input by a user; the color setting unit sets an image formation color corresponding to the color information in the storage unit as the image formation color; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

15. an output unit that outputs an image formation instruction including information instructing to impart gloss to the image forming medium included in the region; The information processing device according to claim 12.

16. a color acquisition unit that acquires color information indicating a surface color of an image forming medium; a color setting unit that sets an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; an image forming unit that forms an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; An image forming apparatus comprising:

17. An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus can communicate with each other via a network, The information processing device includes: a color acquisition unit that acquires color information indicating a surface color of an image forming medium; a color setting unit that sets an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; an output unit that transmits an image formation instruction to the image forming device for forming an image on the image forming medium in the image formation color; Equipped with The image forming apparatus includes: a job receiving unit that receives a job based on the image formation instruction; an image forming unit that forms the image on the image forming medium in the image forming color based on the job; An image forming system comprising:

18. The computer obtaining color information indicative of a surface color of an image-forming medium; setting an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; outputting information instructing to form an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; An information processing method for performing the above.

19. On the computer, obtaining color information indicative of a surface color of an image-forming medium; setting an image forming color for imparting gloss to the image forming medium based on the color information; outputting information instructing to form an image on the image forming medium in the image forming color; A program for executing the above.

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