Printing system, printing program, and method of producing printed matter

Abstract

To provide a configuration in which a user can easily recognize a region printed with special color ink or a region not printed with the special color ink, and a color of a colored image, in a preview image.SOLUTION: A printing system includes: a display for preview-displaying a colored image on a screen; and a printer which prints the colored image with colored ink and prints a special-color region with special-color ink. The display automatically switches between first preview display which highlights at least a partial range of the special-color region and second preview display showing the colored image without highlighting the range, to display the image on the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing program, and a method for producing printed matter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been known to display a preview of an image printed using special ink. Patent Document 1 describes generating and displaying a preview image in which a plurality of image layers included in a printing job are overlapped, and the preview image according to the overlapping order specified by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the preview image, a configuration in which both where the area printed with special ink or the area not printed with special ink is located and what color the colored image is can be easily recognized has been desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printing system for solving the above problems includes a display that previews and displays a colored image on a screen, and a printer that prints the colored image using colored ink and prints a special area using special ink. The display automatically switches between a first preview display that emphasizes at least a part of the special area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the area, and displays them on the screen.

[0006] A printing system for solving the above problems includes a display for previewing and displaying a colored image on a screen, and a printer for printing the colored image using colored ink and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. The display automatically switches between a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the area excluding the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range, and displays them on the screen.

[0007] A printing program for solving the above problems causes a computer to realize functions of previewing and displaying a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, the program automatically switches between a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range, and displays them on the screen.

[0008] A method for producing a printed matter for solving the above problems includes previewing and displaying a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, the method automatically switches between a first preview display that emphasizes the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the special feature area, and displays them on the screen.

[0009] A printing program for solving the above problems causes a computer to realize functions of previewing and displaying a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, the program automatically switches between a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the area excluding the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range, and displays them on the screen.

[0010] A method for producing a printed matter to solve the above problems includes previewing a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes at least a part of the area excluding the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the area are automatically switched and displayed on the screen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) Configuration of the printing system: (1-1) Configuration of the user terminal: (1-2) Configuration of the server: (1-3) Configuration of the printer: (2) Preview display processing: (3) Other embodiments:

[0013] (1) Configuration of the printing system: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system includes at least a printer 50 and a user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 functions as a display for displaying a preview of a printed matter to be printed by the printer 50. In the present embodiment, the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 are configured to exchange printing data and the like via a server 30. In another embodiment, the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 may be configured to directly exchange various data without going through the server 30, or may be configured to exchange data through another server or terminal. The number of devices shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the number is not limited. Each may be configured by a plurality of units.

[0014] These devices can communicate with each other via a network. The mode of the network may be various modes such as wireless communication and wired communication. In the present embodiment, the printing system is used when producing a printed matter in response to an order from a customer. In the present embodiment, the user terminal 10 is a terminal operated by a user who is a customer. The user terminal 10 is installed, for example, at the storefront of a store that accepts orders for user - original printed matters, and the printer 50 and the server 30 are installed, for example, in the backyard of the store. The backyard may be a place connected to the storefront or a place away from the store such as a printing factory. Also, the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 may be installed in the store, and the server 30 may be installed in a remote location away from the store.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the customer uses the user terminal 10 installed at the storefront to design the printing data and place an order. The printing data generated according to the user's design is transmitted to the server 30. The server 30 manages the progress of printing by the printer 50 and the like. The printing data is stored in the server 30, and the server 30 transmits the printing data to the printer 50 to execute the printing. In the backyard, the printing operator performs operations for executing printing corresponding to the user's order on the printer 50.

[0016] Regarding the types of printed matter produced according to an order, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that printing is performed on a sheet-shaped or plate-shaped printing medium to produce printed matter. Further, the user can also perform design so that the printed matter uses special inks. The special inks are, for example, inks for reproducing various colors that cannot be reproduced by process color inks, such as clear ink that imparts gloss, metallic inks such as gold, silver, and copper, fluorescent inks, and white inks. In the present embodiment, in particular, printed matter using clear ink is assumed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When displaying a print preview of printed matter using clear ink, it is desired to display in an easy-to-understand manner for the user where the special area printed using clear ink is, or what color the color itself represented by the process color ink is.

[0017] (1-1) Configuration of user terminal: FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 10. In the present embodiment, the user terminal 10 is a terminal used by the user to perform design and display a preview of printed matter. The user terminal 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, a non-volatile memory 10c, a display unit 10d, and an input unit 10e. The processor 10a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c to control each part of the user terminal 10 and the printer 50.

[0018] Note that the processor 10a may be composed of a single chip, may be composed of a plurality of chips, or may be configured as a SoC together with various functional blocks. Further, for example, an ASIC may be adopted instead of the CPU, or a configuration in which the CPU and the ASIC cooperate may be adopted. When each device in the present embodiment includes a processor, the processor can be realized in various modes similar to the processor 10a.

[0019] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various communication protocols. The user terminal 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. Further, the communication unit 10b includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories mounted on the user terminal 10.

[0020] The display unit 10d is a display device for displaying arbitrary images. The input unit 10e is a device for the user to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel or the like. In the present embodiment, since the user terminal 10 is assumed to be a tablet terminal, the input unit 10e is mainly assumed to be a touch panel. Of course, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like may also be used. In any case, the user can input their intention by operating the input unit 10e while visually recognizing the images and characters displayed on the display unit 10d.

[0021] The processor 10a executes a design program (not shown) and a printing program. By executing the design program, the processor 10a realizes the function of allowing the user to design (edit) the image to be printed on the printing medium selected by the user. When the user performs an operation to end the design (editing), the processor 10a executes the printing program. By executing the printing program, the processor 10a realizes the function of generating and displaying a preview image when the print data designed (edited) by the user is printed on the printing medium, and the function of causing the printer 50 to perform printing using the print data. Details will be described later.

[0022] (1-2) Configuration of the server: FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 30. Server 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, and a non-volatile memory 30c. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c to control each part of server 30 and each device connected to the network.

[0023] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. Server 30 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 30b. Note that the communication unit 30b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to server 30.

[0024] Print data 10c1 transmitted from user terminal 10 is recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c of server 30. The processor 30a transmits the print data 10c1 to printer 50 to execute the printing of the print data 10c1. Also, server 30 manages the progress of the print job in printer 50 based on various status information transmitted from printer 50.

[0025] (1-3) Configuration of Printer: FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of printer 50. Printer 50 includes a processor 50a, a communication unit 50b, a non-volatile memory 50c, a printing unit 50d, and a UI unit 50e. The processor 50a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute a control program recorded in the non-volatile memory 50c to control each part of printer 50.

[0026] The communication unit 50b includes a communication interface for communicating with an external device according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printer 50 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 50b. Note that the communication unit 50b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the printer 50.

[0027] The printing unit 50d performs printing on various printing media handled in the store. The printing unit 50d includes an actuator, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc. for executing printing on the printing media. The sensors include sensors for detecting various detection targets that can change in the printer 50. For example, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the printing media and a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink for each color used in printing can be mentioned.

[0028] The printer 50 can print a colored image using colored ink and print a special feature area using special feature ink. As described above, the special feature ink includes clear ink for imparting gloss. In the present embodiment, hereinafter, the clear ink is used as the special feature ink, and the colored ink is described as including cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink.

[0029] (2) Preview display process: In particular, transparent inks such as clear ink have the problem that their printing range is difficult to understand in the preview. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processor 10a expresses the printing range of the clear ink by moving and displaying a pattern indicating the clear ink over the entire special feature area where the clear ink is printed in the preview.

[0030] The user operates the user terminal 10 to use an editing application to create and edit print data to be printed on a printed medium. The user can create print data using the image data prepared by themselves, or can also create print data by combining the image data prepared in advance by the editing application side. For example, when the user wants to obtain a gloss on the printed matter, the user can set the area where the clear ink is to be printed within the image being created.

[0031] When the creation and editing of the print data are completed, the user inputs an instruction of completion of editing to the editing application. When the instruction of completion of editing is input, the processor 10a performs a preview display.

[0032] The print data for producing a printed matter using a special ink such as clear ink is composed of a plate of a colored image represented by process color ink and a plate of the special ink. When the plate of the special ink is automatically generated by the printer, it may not include the plate of the special ink at this point. I3 shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of an image (colored image) of the plate of the colored image included in the print data, and i2 shows an example of a mask image created from the image of the plate of the clear ink. In the example of FIG. 6, it shows that the clear ink is overprinted on the areas (the triangular and quadrangular areas a1 in this example) where the ink is ejected in the colored image i3. That is, a1 is an area printed using at least any one of the colored inks and is also an area printed using the clear ink. Since the clear ink is transparent, even if the plate of the clear ink is simply overlaid on the plate of the colored image for preview display, it is difficult to recognize the difference from the case where there is no plate of the clear ink and only the plate of the colored image. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to grasp where the special area where the clear ink is printed is.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 10a automatically switches between and displays on the screen a first preview display that emphasizes at least a part of the characteristic area a1 and a second preview display that shows a colored image without emphasizing the area. Specifically, the processor 10a masks the pattern image i1 associated with the clear ink using the mask image i2 created from the image of the clear ink plate and synthesizes it with the colored image. The processor 10a identifies the area (characteristic area a1) where the clear ink is printed in the image of the clear ink plate, creates a mask image i2 in which the pixel values of the image to be masked are made transparent (transparency rate 100%) for the pixels within the area and opaque (transparency rate 0%) for the pixels outside the area. The processor 10a uses the mask image i2 to display the pattern image i1 in the part of the characteristic area a1 where the pattern image i1, which is the image to be masked, overlaps, and masks the pattern image i1 in the areas other than the characteristic area a1.

[0034] The pattern image i1 is an image of the same size as the image i3. In this embodiment, the pattern image i1 corresponding to the clear ink is an image in which black lines, white lines, and transparent lines are repeatedly arranged in a predetermined order. The transparency rates of the black line area and the white line area are 0% (opaque), and the transparency rate of the transparent line area is 100% (transparent). The pattern image i1 is prepared in advance according to the type of the characteristic ink and recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c.

[0035] The processor 10a displays the white line area of the pattern image i1 overlapping the feature area a1 in white, the black line area of the pattern image i1 overlapping the feature area a1 in black, and the transparent area of the pattern image i1 overlapping the feature area a1 in the color in the colored image i3. By displaying in this way, the processor 10a emphasizes at least a part of the feature area in the first preview display. When the pattern image i1 overlaps the entire mask image i2 and the colored image i3 as shown in FIG. 5, the pattern image i1 is synthesized throughout the entire feature area a1 as shown in the image i4. As a result, in the feature area a1 of the preview image i4, a white line area, a black line area, and an area represented by the color of the colored image itself are displayed. The display mode of the preview that displays at least a part of the range of the feature area a1 in white in this way corresponds to the first preview display in the present embodiment. Also, the display mode of the preview that displays the said range as the colored image corresponds to the second preview display. By emphasizing at least a part of the feature area using white, which is a color with high luminance, it is possible to make the user recognize the feature area that shines with clear ink.

[0036] If it is assumed that the first preview display like i4 in FIG. 5 is constantly performed, there may be a misunderstanding that the pattern of the pattern image i1 is actually printed in the synthesized state. Therefore, the processor 10a automatically switches between the first preview display and the second preview display. Specifically, the processor 10a performs a preview display while moving the pattern image i1 in the longitudinal direction of the colored image i3. By doing so, the portion (white line area) displayed in white in the first preview display automatically moves over the entire feature area a1. Since the range where at least a part is displayed in white automatically moves over the entire feature area a1, it is easy for the user to recognize the shape of the feature area a1 (the boundary between the feature area and the non-feature area). Note that the black line area and the transparent area in the pattern image i1 also automatically move over the entire feature area a1. In addition, by previewing the pattern of the pattern image i1 while moving within the feature area a1, the possibility of causing the user to misunderstand that the pattern of the pattern image i1 is the pattern to be actually printed can be reduced.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the preview image i4 created according to the positions of the pattern image i1 with respect to the mask image i2 and the colored image i3 by moving the pattern image i1 with respect to the mask image i2 and the colored image i3, and illustrates how the preview image i4 changes. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the longitudinal direction of the colored image i3 is the left-right direction on the paper surface.

[0038] As shown in (1) of FIG. 6, when the pattern image i1 does not overlap with the mask image i2 and the colored image i3 at all, the colored image i3 is preview-displayed as it is. The preview image i4 in the state of (1) is a state in which the entire characteristic region a1 is secondarily preview-displayed. (2) of FIG. 6 shows a state in which the pattern image i1 has moved to the right at a constant speed from the state of (1) and the right end of the pattern image i1 has reached near the center of the colored image i3. In the state shown in (2), the pattern image i1 overlaps only the left half of the colored image i3 and the mask image i2. The left half where the pattern image i1 overlaps is synthesized with the pattern image i1, and the right half is displayed with the colored image i3 as it is. That is, the part of the characteristic region a1 located in the left half of the colored image i3 is first preview-displayed, and the part located in the right half of the characteristic region a1 is secondarily preview-displayed. Note that the preview image i4 is generated and displayed according to the position of the pattern image i1 also from the state of (1) to the state of (2).

[0039] When the pattern image i1 further moves to the right from the state of (2) in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 5, the pattern image i1 overlaps the entire mask image i2 and the colored image i3, and the pattern image i1 is synthesized with the entire characteristic region a1 as shown in i4 of FIG. 5. That is, the entire characteristic region a1 is in a state of being first preview-displayed.

[0040] (3) of FIG. 6 shows a state in which the pattern image i1 has further moved to the right from the state of FIG. 5 and the left end of the pattern image i1 has reached near the center of the mask image i2 and the colored image i3. In the state shown in (3), the pattern image i1 overlaps only the right half of the colored image i3 and the mask image i2. The right half where the pattern image i1 overlaps is synthesized with the pattern image i1, and the left half is displayed with the colored image i3 as it is. That is, the part of the characteristic region a1 located in the right half of the colored image i3 is first preview-displayed, and the part located in the left half is secondarily preview-displayed.

[0041] (4) in Fig. 6 shows a state where the left end of the pattern image i1 has reached the right end of the mask image i2 and the colored image i3. In the state of (4), since the pattern image i1 does not overlap with the mask image i2 and the colored image i3, the colored image i3 is directly previewed (i4). That is, the preview image i4 in the state of (4) is a state where the entire feature area a1 is secondarily previewed. After the state of (4), it returns to the state of (1) again. Note that between (2) and (3), between (3) and (4), and between (4) and (1), a preview image i4 corresponding to the position of the pattern image i1 is generated and displayed in the same manner. Considering the case where any point in the feature area a1 is focused on, when the white line area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, it is displayed in white, when the black line area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, it is displayed in black, and when the transparent area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, the color of the colored image i3 is displayed. Also, when the pattern image i1 itself does not overlap the point, the point is displayed in the color of the colored image i3. When focusing on the point, it can also be said that the state of being displayed in white or black corresponds to the first preview display, and the state of being displayed in the color of the colored image i3 corresponds to the second preview display.

[0042] Thus, according to this embodiment, the user can be made to recognize that the area where the display mode automatically changes is the feature area a1. Also, at any point in the area (a1) where the clear ink is used, the automatic change between the white display, the black display, and the display of the colored image i3 as it is is repeated, so it is easy for the user to recognize that the clear ink is used at the arbitrary point. Also, the color of the colored image itself, that is, the color of the colored image expressed using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks which are colored inks, can be made recognized by the user through the second preview display. Also, since these displays automatically switch, the user can be made to have the above recognition without any operation by the user.

[0043] The preview display process for realizing the above functions will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The preview display process shown in FIG. 7 starts when the user inputs completion of editing to the editing application. When the preview display process starts, the processor 10a determines whether a special feature area is set (step S100). That is, the processor 10a acquires the print data created by the user and determines whether the print data includes the plate of the special feature ink other than the plate of the colored image.

[0044] In step S100, if it is determined that the special feature area is not set, the processor 10a draws the colored image as a preview image (step S105). That is, since the print data does not include the plate of the special feature ink, the processor 10a records the plate of the colored image (i3 in FIGS. 5 and 6) in the display RAM of the display unit 10d. As a result, the colored image i3 is displayed on the display unit 10d.

[0045] In step S100, if it is determined that the special feature area is set, the processor 10a acquires a pattern image (step S110). That is, the processor 10a reads out a pattern image corresponding to the type of the special feature ink pre-recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c, and creates an image i1 having the same size as the colored image i3.

[0046] Subsequently, the processor 10a creates a mask image from the special feature area (step S115). That is, the processor 10a extracts the special feature area from the image of the plate of the special feature ink to be printed over the colored image i3 (an image having gradation values) and creates a mask image i2.

[0047] Subsequently, the processor 10a creates a preview image by overlapping the masked pattern image and the colored image (step S120). That is, the processor 10a enables only the pattern image in the area overlapping the feature area by the mask image i2 and the pattern image i1, and generates a preview image i4 by overlapping the enabled pattern image and the colored image i3. When step S120 is executed for the first time, the position of the pattern image i1 with respect to the colored image i3 is an initially determined initial position.

[0048] Subsequently, the processor 10a draws the created preview image (step S125). That is, the processor 10a records the preview image i4 generated in step S120 in the display RAM of the display unit 10d. As a result, the preview image i4 is displayed on the display unit 10d.

[0049] Subsequently, the processor 10a determines whether to end the preview (step S130). That is, the processor 10a determines whether the condition for ending the preview display is satisfied. The processor 10a considers that the preview display end condition is satisfied, for example, when the user finalizes the design and places an order (gives a print instruction) or gives an instruction for re - editing.

[0050] If it is not determined in step S130 that the preview has ended, the processor 10a moves the pattern image (step S135). That is, the processor 10a moves the pattern image i1 by a predetermined amount with respect to the mask image i2 and the colored image i3, and returns to step S120. Steps S120 - S135 are executed every time a certain period of time elapses, and the preview image i4 is updated every certain period of time.

[0051] If it is determined in step S130 that the preview has ended, the processor 10a ends the preview display process.

[0052] (3) Other embodiments: The above embodiments are examples for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, the user terminal may not be a terminal prepared by the store side and may be a terminal owned by the user. The user terminal is not limited to being used in the store and may be used at the user's home or various other places.

[0053] The device that functions as a display for displaying a preview only needs to be able to display a preview of the printed matter to be printed by the printer, and may be a device other than the terminal operated by the user who ordered the printed matter. For example, when displaying a preview on the device operated by the printing operator during the printing operation, the above-described preview display may be performed. Alternatively, a projector that projects an image onto a screen may be used as the display. In this case, the screen corresponds to the screen.

[0054] Also, the special ink is not limited to clear ink. The present invention is applicable to various special inks such as white ink and metallic ink. The pattern of the pattern image may be made different according to the type of special ink. By doing so, the user can recognize which special ink is printed in which area.

[0055] The pattern associated with the special ink may be a mode in which the same pattern is arranged periodically in a plurality. The mode in which a plurality of the same patterns are arranged may be, for example, a stripe pattern as in the above embodiment, or a pattern formed by arranging a plurality of logo marks. The pattern image associated with the special ink may be an image in which a plurality of different designs are arranged, or an image in which only one design is arranged. Also, the size of the pattern image is not particularly limited. The direction in which the pattern image moves is not limited to the longitudinal direction of the colored image. For example, it may be the short side direction of the colored image, or a direction parallel to the diagonal line of the colored image. The pattern image may be rotated and moved, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise around a predetermined point. Alternatively, the pattern image may be repeatedly enlarged or reduced, or the pattern image itself may be prepared as a video. The transmittance of the area where the pattern image of the mask image is displayed may be repeatedly changed between 0% and 100%, or these may be combined. In any case, by dynamically changing the pattern image while displaying it, it becomes easier for the user to recognize.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the pattern image was provided with an opaque area and a transparent area, but the pattern image may be configured to include at least one of an opaque area and a translucent area. Even if the pattern image is composed of only an opaque area or a translucent area, the first preview display and the second preview display will be switched by providing a period during which the moving pattern image does not overlap the colored image and a period during which they overlap. Also, if the pattern image includes a transparent area, preview display may be performed while the pattern image larger than the colored image loops and moves so as to always overlap the colored image. Even in this case, if a specific point is focused on, it can be said that the first preview display in which the characteristic area is emphasized by the pattern image and the second preview display in which the colored image is displayed as it is in the transparent area without being emphasized are automatically switched.

[0057] In the printed data, the order of superposition of the plate of the colored image and the plate of the characteristic ink may be in any order. It may be either the case where the colored image is printed on the printing medium and then printed with the characteristic ink on top of it or the reverse case. Whichever the order is, as shown in the above embodiment, preview display may be realized by masking the pattern image with the mask image and overlaying it on the colored image.

[0058] Note that a grayscale image is also a kind of colored image in the present invention. Therefore, in the preview of a printed matter in which a grayscale colored image and a characteristic ink are overlaid, the grayscale colored image can be recognized by the user in the second preview display, and the range of the characteristic area can be recognized by the user in the first preview display.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the first preview display was in a mode that emphasized at least a part of the feature area. However, it may be a mode that emphasizes at least a part of the area excluding the feature area (the area where the printed medium with gloss is exposed without printing of colored ink or feature ink). Therefore, the first preview display in this case is a preview display mode that emphasizes at least a part of the area excluding the feature area (the area where the printed medium with gloss is exposed), and the second preview display is a display mode that shows a colored image without emphasizing the said area. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, i1 is a pattern image, i2 is a mask image, i3 is a colored image (the white part is the area where the printed medium is exposed), and i4 is a preview image. In the example of FIG. 8, the mask image i2 is an image for displaying the pattern image in the area where the printed medium is exposed. The processor 10a identifies the area where the colored ink is printed in the image of the colored image plate, and creates a mask image i2 such that the pixel value of the image to be masked in the area is made opaque (transmittance 0%) for the pixels within the area, and the pixel value of the image to be masked for the pixels outside the area is made transmissive (transmittance 100%). By moving the pattern image i1, which is the image to be masked, and performing mask processing using the mask image i2 and synthesizing it with the colored image i3, as shown in FIG. 8, a preview display is performed such that the pattern image moves across the entire area where the printed medium is exposed. By doing so, the user can be made to recognize that the area where the display mode automatically changes is the area where the printed medium is exposed. In the example of FIG. 8, (1) is a state where the entire area where the printed medium is exposed is second-preview-displayed. (2) of FIG. 8 is a state where the part of the printed medium exposure portion located in the left half of the colored image i3 is first-preview-displayed, and the part of the printed medium exposure portion located in the right half is second-preview-displayed. (3) of FIG. 8 is a state where the entire area where the printed medium is exposed is first-preview-displayed. (4) of FIG. 8 is a state where the part of the printed medium exposure portion located in the right half of the colored image i3 is first-preview-displayed, and the part of the printed medium exposure portion located in the left half is second-preview-displayed.When focusing on any point in the area where the printed medium is exposed, it is displayed in white when the white line area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, in black when the black line area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, and in the color of the printed medium itself when the transparent area of the pattern image i1 overlaps or when the pattern image i1 itself does not overlap. At this point, the state of being displayed in white or black can also be referred to as the first preview display, and the case of being displayed in the color of the printed medium itself can be referred to as the second preview display. The user can be made to recognize the area where the printed medium is exposed by the first preview display. Also, the user can be made to recognize the color of the printed medium itself by the second preview display. Further, since the first preview display and the second preview display automatically switch (transition), the user can be made to have the above recognition without the user's operation. Incidentally, when the color of the printed medium is white, a color other than white (for example, light gray, etc.) may be used for the opaque color of the pattern image i1 so as to be easily distinguishable from the color of the printed medium. Also, the mask image may be an image that displays the area where the colored image is exposed (the area where clear ink is not printed) in the colored image. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, i1 is a pattern image, i2 is a mask image, i3 is a colored image where the white part is also the area where the background image is printed, and i4 is a preview image. In the example of FIG. 8, similar to the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6, the characteristic area is the area (triangles and squares) represented by colors other than white in the colored image i3. However, the mask image i2, contrary to the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6, is an image for masking the pattern image in the characteristic area (that is, displaying the pattern image in the area other than the characteristic area (in this example, the area represented by white in the colored image i3)). The processor 10a identifies the areas (triangles and squares) where clear ink is printed in the image of the clear ink plate, and creates a mask image i2 such that the pixel values of the image to be masked for the pixels within the area are made non-transmissive (transmittance 0%), and the pixel values of the image to be masked for the pixels outside the area are made transmissive (transmittance 100%). By moving the pattern image i1, which is the image to be masked, and performing mask processing using the mask image i2 and then synthesizing it with the colored image i3, as shown in FIG. 8, a preview display is presented such that the pattern image i1 moves across the entire area where clear ink is not printed. By doing so, the user can be made to recognize that the area where the display mode automatically changes is not the characteristic area. In the example of FIG. 8, (1) shows a state where the entire non-characteristic area is in the second preview display, and (3) shows a state where the entire non-characteristic area is synthesized with the pattern image i1 and in the first preview display. (2) in FIG. 8 shows a state where the pattern image i1 is synthesized and in preview display (first preview display) in the part of the non-characteristic area located in the left half of the colored image i3, and the part of the non-characteristic area located in the right half of the colored image i3 is in a state where the color of the non-characteristic area (the color of the background image) is in preview display (second preview display).(4) in Fig. 8 shows a state (first preview display) in which the pattern image i1 is synthesized and previewed in a portion located in the right half of the colored image i3 in the non-feature area, and a state (second preview display) in which the color of the non-feature area (the color of the background image) is previewed in a portion located in the left half of the colored image i3 in the non-feature area. When paying attention to any point in the non-feature area, the point may be in a state of being displayed in white when the white line area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, in a state of being displayed in black when the black line area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, in a state of being displayed in the color of the non-feature area (the color of the background image) when the transparent area of the pattern image i1 overlaps, and in a state of being displayed in the color of the non-feature area (the color of the background image) when the pattern image i1 itself does not overlap. It can also be said that the state of being displayed in white or black at the point corresponds to the first preview display, and the state of being displayed in the color of the non-feature area (the color of the background image) corresponds to the second preview display. Through the second preview display, the user can recognize the color of the non-feature area (the color of the background image in the colored image). By switching between the first preview display and the second preview display, the user can recognize the area where the clear ink is not printed. As a result, the user can recognize the area other than the area where the clear ink is not printed, that is, the area where the clear ink is printed.

[0060] Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable as a program or method executed by a computer. For example, the present invention causes a computer to realize functions of previewing a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range are automatically switched and displayed on the screen, which also constitutes an invention of a printing program. Also, the present invention includes previewing a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the special feature area are automatically switched and displayed on the screen, which also constitutes an invention of a production method of a printed matter. Note that the execution order of each step of the production method is not limited to the described order.

[0061] Also for example, the present invention causes a computer to realize functions of previewing a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the area excluding the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range are automatically switched and displayed on the screen, which also constitutes an invention of a printing program. Also, the present invention includes previewing a colored image on a screen, printing the colored image using colored ink, and printing a special feature area using special feature ink. In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the area excluding the special feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range are automatically switched and displayed on the screen, which also constitutes an invention of a production method of a printed matter. Furthermore, a system, program, or method as described above may be implemented as a single device, or may be implemented using components provided in a plurality of devices, and includes various aspects. Also, it can be appropriately changed, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention is also established as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any recording medium developed in the future, and can be considered in exactly the same way.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 10… User terminal, 10a… Processor, 10b… Communication unit, 10c… Non-volatile memory, 10c1… Print data, 10d… Display unit, 10e… Input unit, 30… Server, 30a… Processor, 30b… Communication unit, 30c… Non-volatile memory, 50… Printer, 50a… Processor, 50b… Communication unit, 50c… Non-volatile memory, 50d… Printing unit, 50e… UI unit, a1… Feature area, i1… Pattern image, i2… Mask image, i3… Colored image, i3… Image, i4… Preview image

Claims

1. A display for previewing and displaying a colored image on a screen, and A printer for printing the colored image using colored ink and printing a feature area using feature ink, A printing system comprising: The display automatically switches between a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range, and displays them on the screen. Printing system.

2. A display for previewing and displaying a colored image on a screen, and A printer for printing the colored image using colored ink and printing a feature area using feature ink, A printing system comprising: The display automatically switches between a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the area excluding the feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range, and displays them on the screen. Printing system.

3. The feature ink is a clear ink that imparts gloss. The first preview display displays the range in white, and the second preview display displays the range as the colored image. The printing system according to claim 1.

4. The display automatically moves the range displayed in white across the entire feature area. The printing system according to claim 3.

5. The colored ink includes cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The colored image is a grayscale image. The printing system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. Causing a computer to preview and display a colored image on a screen, Causing the colored image to be printed using colored ink, Causing a feature area to be printed using feature ink, A printing program for causing a computer to implement functions, wherein in the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes at least a partial range of the feature area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the range are automatically switched and displayed on the screen. Printing program.

8. Previewing and displaying a colored image on a screen, Printing the colored image using colored ink, Printing a feature area using feature ink, A method for producing a printed matter, comprising: ​ In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes the characteristic area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the characteristic area are automatically switched and displayed on the screen. A method for producing a printed matter.

9. Preview the colored image on the screen. Print the colored image using colored ink. Print the characteristic area using characteristic ink. A printing program that causes a computer to implement the functions of: In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes at least a part of the area excluding the characteristic area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the area are automatically switched and displayed on the screen. A printing program.

10. Preview the colored image on the screen. Print the colored image using colored ink. Print the characteristic area using characteristic ink. A method for producing a printed matter, comprising: In the preview display, a first preview display that emphasizes at least a part of the area excluding the characteristic area and a second preview display that shows the colored image without emphasizing the area are automatically switched and displayed on the screen. A method for producing a printed matter.

Images