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

Abstract

To provide a configuration that more clearly presents a specific range in preview of a printed matter.SOLUTION: A printing system includes: a display which masks a part of a range-display image with a mask image to be synthesized with a colored image, and preview-displays the image; and a printer which prints the colored image with colored ink. The display displays a preview while changing the range-display image.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 is known to display a preview of an image printed using special ink. Patent Document 1 describes a method of previewing by reproducing a color close to the printing result according to the type of paper in the printing result when printing using special ink.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the preview of printed matter, a configuration for more clearly expressing a specific range has been desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printing system for solving the above problems includes a display that masks a part of an image for range display with a mask image, synthesizes it with a colored image, and previews and displays it on a screen, and a printer that prints the colored image using colored ink. The display previews and displays while changing the image for range display.

[0006] A printing program for solving the above problems is a printing program that causes a computer to mask a part of an image for range display with a mask image, synthesize it with a colored image, preview and display it on a screen, and print the colored image using colored ink, and previews and displays while changing the image for range display.

[0007] A method for producing a printed matter for solving the above problems includes preview-displaying on a screen by masking a part of an image for range display with a mask image, synthesizing it with a colored image, and, in response to receiving a printing instruction from a user after the preview display, printing the colored image using colored ink. In the preview display, the image for range display is displayed while being changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 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:

[0010] (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 the user terminal 10 and the printer 50 may be configured to exchange data via 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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 of 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, a printing operator performs operations for executing printing corresponding to the user's order on the printer 50.

[0013] Regarding the types of printed matter produced according to an order, in the present embodiment, for example, 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 expressed by the process color ink is.

[0014] (1-1) Configuration of the 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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. In addition, the communication unit 10b includes an interface for communicating with various removable memories mounted on the user terminal 10.

[0017] 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 be used. In any case, the user can input their intention by operating the input unit 10e while viewing the images and characters displayed on the display unit 10d.

[0018] The processor 10a executes a design program (not shown) and a printing program. By executing the design program, the processor 10a realizes a 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 a function of generating and displaying a preview image when the print data designed (edited) by the user is printed on the printing medium, and a function of causing the printer 50 to perform printing using the print data. Details will be described later.

[0019] (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 the server 30 and each device connected to the network.

[0020] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The 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 the server 30.

[0021] The print data 10c1 transmitted from the user terminal 10 is recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c of the server 30. The processor 30a transmits the print data 10c1 to the printer 50 that executes the printing of the print data 10c1 to cause the printing to be executed. Also, the server 30 manages the progress of the print job in the printer 50 based on various status information transmitted from the printer 50.

[0022] (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 the control program recorded in the non-volatile memory 50c to control each part of the printer 50.

[0023] The communication unit 50b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices 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 mounted on the printer 50.

[0024] The printing unit 50d performs printing on various printing media handled in the store. The printing unit 50d includes actuators, 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.

[0025] The printer 50 can print a colored image using colored ink and print a special feature area that overlaps the colored image using clear ink. In the present embodiment, the description will continue assuming that the colored ink includes cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink.

[0026] (2) Preview display processing: 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 area within the special feature area where the clear ink is printed in the preview.

[0027] 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 an area for printing clear ink within the image being created.

[0028] 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 completion-of-editing instruction is input, the processor 10a performs a preview display.

[0029] 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 clear ink is overprinted on the areas (in this example, the triangular and quadrangular areas a1) where 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 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.

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 10a masks the gloss 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. Further, the processor 10a performs a preview display while moving the gloss image i1 with respect to the mask image i2 and the colored image i3. The gloss image i1 is an image for range display in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the mask image is an image that displays the area (characteristic area a1) where printing is performed with clear ink. The processor 10a identifies the area (characteristic area a1) where clear ink is printed in the image of the clear ink plate, makes the pixel values of the image to be masked transparent (transparency rate 100%) for the pixels within the area, and makes the pixel values of the image to be masked opaque (transparency rate 0%) for the pixels outside the area, thereby creating a mask image i2. The processor 10a uses the mask image i2 to display the gloss image i1 in the portion of the characteristic area a1 where the gloss image i1, which is the image to be masked, overlaps, and masks the gloss image i1 in the areas other than the characteristic area a1.

[0031] The gloss image i1 is an image of the same size as the image i3. In this embodiment, the gloss 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. That is, in this embodiment, the gloss image i1 is an image in which a plurality of the same patterns are arranged. 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 gloss image i1 is prepared in advance according to the type of the special ink and recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c.

[0032] Processor 10a displays the white line area of the gloss image i1 overlapping the feature area a1 in white, the black line area of the gloss image i1 overlapping the feature area a1 in black, and the transparent area of the gloss image i1 overlapping the feature area a1 in the color in the colored image i3. By displaying in this way, processor 10a emphasizes the feature area where the gloss image i1 overlaps. When the gloss image i1 overlaps the entire mask image i2 and colored image i3 as shown in FIG. 5, in the entire feature area a1 as shown in the image i4, the gloss image i1 is synthesized. 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 will be displayed. By emphasizing the feature area using white, which is a color with high luminance, the user can recognize the feature area with gloss created by the clear ink.

[0033] If the first preview display like i4 in FIG. 5 is constantly performed, there is a possibility that the user may misunderstand that it is actually printed with the pattern of the gloss image i1 synthesized. Therefore, processor 10a performs preview display while moving the gloss image i1 in the longitudinal direction of the colored image i3. By doing so, the white line area, black line area, and transparent area will automatically move across the entire feature area a1. As a result, it is easier for the user to recognize the shape of the feature area a1 (the boundary between the feature area and the non-feature area). Also, the possibility of causing the user to misunderstand that the pattern of the gloss image i1 is the pattern actually printed can be reduced.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the preview image i4 created according to the position of the gloss image i1 with respect to the mask image i2 and the colored image i3 when the gloss image i1 is moved 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 (first direction) of the colored image i3 is the left-right direction on the paper surface.

[0035] As shown in (1) of FIG. 6, when the gloss image i1 does not overlap the mask image i2 and the colored image i3 at all, the colored image i3 is directly preview - displayed. (2) of FIG. 6 shows a state where the gloss image i1 has moved to the right at a constant speed from the state of (1) and the right - end of the gloss image i1 has reached near the center of the colored image i3. In the state shown in (2), the gloss image i1 overlaps only the left - half of the colored image i3 and the mask image i2. The left - half where the gloss image i1 overlaps is synthesized with the gloss image i1, and the right - half is directly displayed as the colored image i3. Note that, from the state of (1) to the state of (2), the preview image i4 is generated and displayed according to the position of the gloss image i1.

[0036] When the gloss image i1 further moves to the right from the state of (2) of FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 5, the gloss image i1 overlaps the entire mask image i2 and the colored image i3, and the gloss image i1 is synthesized over the entire characteristic area a1 as shown in i4 of FIG. 5.

[0037] (3) of FIG. 6 shows a state where the gloss image i1 has further moved to the right from the state of FIG. 5 and the left - end of the gloss image i1 has reached near the center of the mask image i2 and the colored image i3. In the state shown in (3), the gloss image i1 overlaps only the right - half of the colored image i3 and the mask image i2. The right - half where the gloss image i1 overlaps is synthesized with the gloss image i1, and the left - half is directly displayed as the colored image i3.

[0038] (4) in FIG. 6 shows a state where the left end of the gloss image i1 has reached the right end of the mask image i2 and the colored image i3. In the state of (4), since the gloss image i1 does not overlap the mask image i2 and the colored image i3, the colored image i3 is directly previewed (i4). After the state of (4), it returns to the state of (1) again. That is, the processor 10a performs preview display while moving the gloss image i1 in a loop in the longitudinal direction (the first direction) with respect to the colored image. After the gloss image i1 moves to the end in the first direction of the region not masked by the mask image i2 (that is, the characteristic region a1 in the present embodiment), the process of moving again from the start end is repeated, so that the user can recognize the range not masked by the mask image i2 (characteristic region a1). In addition, by moving the gloss image i1, which is an image with a plurality of the same patterns arranged side by side, within the region not masked by the mask image i2 (characteristic region a1), the user can recognize the range not masked by the mask image i2 (characteristic region a1). It should be noted that, similarly, between (2) and (3), between (3) and (4), and between (4) and (1), a preview image i4 corresponding to the position of the gloss image i1 is generated and displayed.

[0039] When considering any point in the special area a1, when the white line area of the gloss image i1 overlaps, it is displayed in white; when the black line area of the gloss image i1 overlaps, it is displayed in black; when the transparent area of the gloss image i1 overlaps, the color of the colored image i3 is displayed. Also, when the gloss image i1 itself does not overlap the point, the point is displayed in the color of the colored image i3. In this way, at any point in the area where the clear ink is used, the state of being displayed in white, the state of being displayed in black, and the state of being displayed in the color of the colored image i3 automatically change repeatedly, so it is easy for the user to recognize that clear ink is used at that point. Also, while moving the gloss image with respect to the mask image and the colored image, by displaying the area to be printed with clear ink (hiding the area where clear ink is not printed) and displaying the gloss image masked with the mask image, the gloss image moves and is displayed in the area where clear ink is printed, and the area where clear ink is printed can be recognized by the user. That is, the printing system can express a specific range (in this embodiment, the area where clear ink is printed) in an easy-to-understand manner for the user. Also, the color of the colored image itself, that is, the color of the colored image expressed using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink, which are colored inks, can also be recognized by the user as the gloss image i1 moves. Also, since the gloss image i1 moves automatically, the user can be made to have the above recognition without any user operation.

[0040] 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 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 a plate of a special ink other than the plate of the colored image.

[0041] In step S100, if it is determined that the feature area is not set, the processor 10a draws the colored image as a preview image (step S105). That is, since the printing data does not include the plate of the 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.

[0042] In step S100, if it is determined that the feature area is set, the processor 10a acquires a gloss image (step S110). That is, the processor 10a reads out a gloss image corresponding to the type of feature ink pre-recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c, and creates an image i1 having the same size as the colored image i3.

[0043] Subsequently, the processor 10a creates a mask image from the feature area (step S115). That is, the processor 10a extracts the feature area from the image of the plate of the feature ink to be printed over the colored image i3 (an image having gradation values) to create a mask image i2.

[0044] Subsequently, the processor 10a creates a preview image by overlapping the masked gloss image and the colored image (step S120). That is, the processor 10a enables only the gloss image in the area overlapping the feature area by the mask image i2 and the gloss image i1, and generates a preview image i4 by overlapping the effective gloss image and the colored image i3. When step S120 is executed for the first time, the position of the gloss image i1 with respect to the colored image i3 adopts a predetermined initial position.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 printing instruction), or when the user instructs re - editing, etc.

[0047] If it is not determined in step S130 that the preview has ended, the processor 10a moves the gloss image (step S135). That is, the processor 10a moves the gloss 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 to S135 are executed every time a certain period of time elapses, and the preview image i4 is updated every certain period of time.

[0048] If it is determined in step S130 that the preview has ended, the processor 10a ends the preview display process.

[0049] (3) Other embodiments: The above - mentioned embodiments are examples for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, the user terminal does not have to 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.

[0050] The device that functions as a display for displaying the preview only needs to be able to display the 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 a device operated by a printing operator during a printing operation, the above - mentioned 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.

[0051] Furthermore, the special ink is not limited to clear ink. The present invention may be applied to various special inks such as white ink and metallic ink. The pattern of the range display 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.

[0052] The range display image may be in a mode where a plurality of the same patterns are arranged periodically. The mode where a plurality of the same patterns are arranged may be, for example, a stripe pattern like the above-described embodiment, or a pattern formed by arranging a plurality of logo marks. The range display image associated with the special ink may be an image in which a plurality of different patterns are arranged, or an image in which only one design is arranged. Also, the size of the range display image is not particularly limited. The direction (first direction) in which the range display 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 range display image may be rotationally moved in a second direction (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise) around a predetermined point. In addition, the range display image may be repeatedly enlarged or reduced, or the range display image itself may be prepared as a moving image. Alternatively, the transmittance of the area where the range display 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 range display image and displaying it, it becomes easier for the user to recognize.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the range display image was provided with an opaque area and a transparent area. However, the range display image may be configured to include at least one of an opaque area and a translucent area. Even if the range display image is composed only of an opaque area or a translucent area (even if no transparent area is provided), a period during which the moving range display image does not overlap the colored image and a period during which they overlap are provided, so that the preview display in which the special area is emphasized by the range display image and the preview display in which the colored image is displayed without being emphasized are switched. Also, if the image for range display includes a transparent area, preview display may be performed while looping and moving the image for range display, which is larger than the colored image, 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 preview display in which the characteristic area is emphasized by the image for range display and the preview display in which the colored image is displayed as it is in the transparent area without being emphasized are automatically switched.

[0054] In the print data, the order of overlapping the plate of the colored image and the plate of the special ink may be any order. It may be either the case of printing the special ink on top of the colored image printed on the printing medium or the reverse case. Whichever the order is, as shown in the above embodiment, preview display may be realized by masking the image for range display with a mask image and overlapping it with the colored image.

[0055] 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 special ink are overlapped, the grayscale colored image can be recognized by the user in the second preview, and the range of the characteristic area can be recognized by the user in the first preview.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the mask image was an image that displayed the area where printing was to be performed with clear ink. However, the mask image may be an image that displays the area where the shiny printing medium is exposed in a colored image (the area where colored ink is not printed). A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, i1 is a gloss image, i2 is a mask image, i3 is a colored image (the white portion is the area where the printing 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 gloss image in the area where the printing medium is exposed. The processor 10a identifies the area where colored ink is to be printed in the image of the colored image plate, and creates a mask image i2 such that the pixel values of the image to be masked are made non-transmissive (transmittance 0%) for the pixels within that area, and the pixel values of the image to be masked are made transmissive (transmittance 100%) for the pixels outside that area. By moving the gloss 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 gloss image moves across the entire area where the printing medium is exposed. By doing this, the user can be made to recognize that the area where the display mode automatically changes is the area where the printing medium is exposed. Note that in the example of FIG. 8, (3) shows a state where the gloss image i1 is synthesized and preview-displayed across the entire area where the printing medium is exposed. (2) in FIG. 8 shows a state where the gloss image i1 is synthesized and preview-displayed in the area where the printing medium is exposed in the left half of the colored image i3, and the color of the printing medium itself is preview-displayed in the area where the printing medium is exposed in the right half of the colored image i3. (4) in FIG. 8 shows a state where the gloss image i1 is synthesized and preview-displayed in the area where the printing medium is exposed in the right half of the colored image i3, and the color of the printing medium itself is preview-displayed in the area where the printing medium is exposed in the left half of the colored image i3. By providing a period during which the gloss image i1 does not overlap with the area where the printing medium is exposed, the user can be made to recognize the color of the printing medium itself.In this way, while moving the gloss image with respect to the mask image and the colored image, a masked gloss image is displayed such that the gloss image is displayed in the area where the printing medium is exposed (the area where neither the colored ink nor the clear ink is printed) (the gloss image is hidden in the area where the colored ink is printed). As a result, the gloss image moves and is displayed in the area where the printing medium is exposed, and the user can recognize the area where the printing medium is exposed. When the color of the printing medium is white, a color other than white (for example, light gray, etc.) may be used for the opaque color of the gloss image i1 so as to be easily distinguishable from the color of the printing medium. In the above-described embodiment, the mask image is an image that displays the area to be printed with clear ink. However, 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 a colored image. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, i1 is an image for range display, i2 is a mask image, i3 is a colored image, and 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 (triangle and square) represented in 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 image for range display in the characteristic area (that is, displaying the image for range display in the area other than the characteristic area (the area represented in white in the colored image i3 in this example)). The processor 10a identifies the area (triangle and square) where clear ink is printed in the image of the clear ink plate, and creates a mask image i2 in which the pixel values of the image to be masked are made non-transmissive (transmittance 0%) for the pixels within the area, and transmissive (transmittance 100%) for the pixels outside the area. By moving the image for range display 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 performed such that the image for range display 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, (3) is a state in which the image for range display i1 is synthesized and preview-displayed over the entire non-characteristic area. (2) in FIG. 8 is a state in which the image for range display i1 is synthesized and preview-displayed in the part of the non-characteristic area that is located in the left half of the colored image i3, and the color of the non-characteristic area (the color of the background image) is preview-displayed in the part of the non-characteristic area that is located in the right half of the colored image i3. (4) in FIG. 8 is a state in which the image for range display i1 is synthesized and preview-displayed in the part of the non-characteristic area that is located in the right half of the colored image i3, and the color of the non-characteristic area (the color of the background image) is preview-displayed in the part of the non-characteristic area that is located in the left half of the colored image i3.By providing a period during which the range display image i1 does not overlap with the non-characteristic area, the color of the non-characteristic area (the color of the background image among the colored images) can be recognized by the user. In this way, by moving the range display image with respect to the mask image and the colored image and displaying the masked range display image, the area where the clear ink is not printed can be recognized by the user. As a result, the area other than the area where the clear ink is not printed, that is, the area where the clear ink is printed, can be recognized by the user.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable as a program or method executed by a computer. For example, the present invention is a printing program that causes a computer to mask a part of the range display image with a mask image, synthesize it with a colored image, and preview and display it on the screen, and realizes a function of printing the colored image using colored ink, and is also established as an invention of a printing program that performs preview display while changing the range display image. In addition, the present invention is a method for producing a printed matter that includes masking a part of the range display image with a mask image, synthesizing it with a colored image, previewing and displaying it on the screen, and printing the colored image using colored ink in response to receiving a printing instruction from the user after the preview display, and in the preview display, the range display image is displayed while being changed, and is also established as an invention of a method for producing a printed matter.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable as a program or method executed by a computer. Also, the systems, programs, and methods as described above may be realized as a single device in some cases, or may be realized by using components provided in a plurality of devices, and include various aspects. Also, it can be appropriately changed, such as part being software and part being 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 Reference Numerals

[0059] 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…Characteristic area, i1…Glossy image (image for range display), i2…Mask image, i3…Colored image, i3…Image, i4…Preview image

Claims

1. A display that masks a part of an image for range display with a mask image, synthesizes it with a colored image, and previews and displays it on a screen, A printer that prints the colored image using colored ink, A printing system comprising: The display previews and displays while changing the image for range display. Printing system.

2. The mask image is an image that displays an area to be printed with clear ink. The printing system according to Claim 1.

3. The mask image is an image that displays an area where the printing medium is exposed in the colored image. The printing system according to Claim 1.

4. The preview display is performed while looping and moving the image for range display in a first direction with respect to the mask image and the colored image. The printing system according to Claim 1.

5. The preview display is performed while enlarging or reducing the image for range display. The printing system according to Claim 1.

6. The preview display is performed while rotating the image for range display in a second direction with respect to the mask image and the colored image. The printing system according to Claim 1.

7. The preview display is performed while displaying the image for range display itself as a video. The printing system according to Claim 1.

8. The preview display is performed while looping and changing the transmittance of the image for range display. The printing system according to Claim 1.

9. The image for range display is an image in which a plurality of the same patterns are arranged. The printing system according to Claim 1.

10. On a computer, A printing program that masks a part of an image for range display with a mask image, synthesizes it with a colored image, and previews and displays it on a screen, and realizes a function of printing the colored image using colored ink, and previews and displays while changing the image for range display. Printing program.

11. A method for producing a printed matter, which masks a part of an image for range display with a mask image, synthesizes it with a colored image, previews and displays it on a screen, and includes printing the colored image using colored ink in response to receiving a printing instruction from a user after the preview display, wherein in the preview display, the image for range display is displayed while being changed. Method for producing a printed matter.

Images