Program, storage medium, control method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that enables execution of a color conversion function for converting a color gamut of print data to be printed in a printing device into a color gamut reproducible in printing by the printing device.SOLUTION: An extensibility application 204 supports general-purpose printing software 202 that generates data which can be printed by printers of a plurality of manufacturers. The extensibility application 204 causes a computer to execute: a display control step of displaying a detailed setting screen (setting reception screen) 300C for receiving settings of a color conversion function for converting a color gamut of print data to be printed by a printing device 102 into a color gamut reproducible in printing by the printing device 102; and a transmission step for transmitting, to the printing device 102, the settings of the color conversion function received on the detailed setting screen 300C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A host computer (information processing device) capable of processing information exchanged between the printing device and the printing device is communicatively connected to the printing device. The control software for controlling the printing device is, for example, a printer driver installed on the host computer by the printing device. This printer driver allows the host computer to issue print instructions to the printing device. An operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS"), which is the basic software, is pre-installed on the host computer. The printer driver is configured in accordance with specifications defined by the OS and can be called and operated by the OS. Furthermore, such printer drivers differ depending on the vendor supplying the printing device; in other words, they are model-specific printer drivers suited to each printing device.

[0003] In recent years, Windows® has provided standard class drivers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "standard drivers") that can be commonly used with printing devices supplied by multiple different vendors. Such standard drivers are pre-installed in the OS. Any printing device can be connected to a host computer with an OS that incorporates the standard drivers and use the standard drivers. This eliminates the need to install model-specific printer drivers. Furthermore, the standard drivers can be used by specifying the printing functions of the printing device according to Print Device Capabilities (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PDC") generated based on information obtained from the printing device. This allows printing functions to be specified for each printing device using a single standard driver. A function-extension application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "extension application") that extends the functionality of a standard driver can be associated with the standard driver. The extension application is provided by each vendor. Therefore, it is difficult to execute the functions of an extension application using only the standard driver.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a support program used when printing with a printer communicably connected to an information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-074906 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the support program in Patent Document 1 cannot execute a color conversion function, which may result in printing that does not take into account the color gamut of the printing device.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mechanism that enables the execution of a color conversion function that converts the color gamut of print data to be printed by a printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing on the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the program of the present invention is a program that supports a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, and is characterized by having a computer execute a display control process that displays a setting acceptance screen that accepts settings for a color conversion function that converts the color gamut of the print data to be printed on the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing on the printing device, and a transmission process that can transmit the settings of the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen to the printing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to execute a color conversion function that converts the color gamut of print data to be printed by a printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing on the printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the printing system. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a color matching function. [Figure 2C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an LUT. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the printing system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a print function extension unit edits print function information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of capability information of a printing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of print functions supported by an extension application. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of capability information of general-purpose printing software. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed between the drawing application, general-purpose printing software, extension application, and printing device after the drawing application accepts print settings. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a print function extension unit edits print function information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of capability information of a printing device. [Figure 12] 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed between the drawing application, general-purpose printing software, extension application, and printing device after the drawing application accepts print settings. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a printing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of capability information of a printing device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of print functions supported by an extension application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0012] <<First Embodiment>> The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0013] <Printing system hardware configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the printing system 1000 includes a host computer 101, a printing device 102, a pointing device 117, a keyboard 118, and a display unit 119, which are communicatively connected to one another. The host computer 101 is an information processing device and includes an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an external storage device (storage medium) 114, an output interface 115, an input / output interface 116, and a NET interface 120. Note that the host computer 101 may be, for example, a desktop personal computer, but is not limited thereto, and may also be, for example, a notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0014] The CPU 111 is a computer that executes programs stored in the ROM 112 and the external storage device 114. An initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. The external storage device 114 stores application programs, an operating system (OS), print data generation software, and various other data. In this embodiment, the host computer 101 is equipped with Microsoft Windows® 11 as the OS. The RAM 113 is used as a work memory for executing various programs stored in the external storage device 114, enabling the various programs to run within the host computer 101. A pointing device 117 and a keyboard 118 are connected to the input interface 110 as input devices. A display unit 119 is connected to the output interface 115 as a display device. The display unit 119 displays, for example, a print setting screen 300A and a detailed setting screen 300C (described later). The NET interface 120 is a network interface that controls data transfer between the host computer 101 and external devices via a network. The printing device 102 is connected to the input / output interface 116. This allows the host computer 101 to communicate with printing devices 102 from multiple manufacturers, regardless of the manufacturer of the printing device 102, i.e., allows information to be processed between the host computer 101 and printing devices 102 from multiple manufacturers.

[0015] The printing device 102 may be, for example, a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having multiple functions such as copying, printing, and faxing, but is not limited to this. In addition, the printing performed by the printing device 102 is electrophotographic printing in this embodiment, but is not limited to this and can also be inkjet printing, for example. In addition, in this embodiment, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 are configured as separate devices, but are not limited to this. For example, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 may be configured as an integrated device.

[0016] <Software-based printing system configuration> FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a printing system. FIG. 2A(a) shows a general configuration when an extension application (program) 204 is not associated with the general-purpose printing software (general-purpose program) 202 and the printing device 102. FIG. 2A(b) shows a configuration when the extension application 204 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. The general-purpose printing software 202 generates data that can be printed on printing devices 102 from multiple manufacturers, i.e., is a program that can be used for printing on printing devices 102 from multiple manufacturers, and is pre-installed in the OS. A program that operates based on the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is used as this general-purpose printing software 202. The extension application 204 is a program that supports, i.e., assists, the general-purpose printing software 202. In this embodiment, the extension application 204 is an extension program (a program that executes a control method) that can extend functions that the general-purpose printing software 202 cannot execute on the printing device 102, but is not limited to this. For example, the extension application 204 may be a program that improves the convenience of the functions that the general-purpose printing software 202 can execute for the printing device 102. The extension application 204 is stored in the external storage device 114 together with the OS (general-purpose printing software 202), for example. As a result, the host computer 101 has the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 204.

[0017] First, with reference to FIG. 2A(a), a configuration will be described for a case in which the extension application 204 is not associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. The drawing application 201 is software for creating content (print data) to be printed by the printing device 102. The drawing application 201 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a word processing application and a spreadsheet application. The drawing application 201 issues a print instruction to the OS upon receiving a print request from a user, for example, via the keyboard 118. The print instruction includes print setting information for instructing the operation of the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. The print setting information is also called a "Print Ticket (PT)." In addition, in order to output the print setting information, the drawing application 201 can display a print setting screen 300A (see FIG. 3(a)) provided by any of the general-purpose printing software 202, the OS, and the drawing application 201 on the display unit 119. Furthermore, by operating (pressing) a control 305 in the print setting screen 300A, a detailed setting screen 300B (see FIG. 3(b)) or a detailed setting screen 300C (see FIG. 3(c)) can be displayed on the display unit 119. The print setting screens 300A to 300C will be described later. The print setting screen 300A includes setting items indicating settable print functions and control items indicating their setting values ​​according to capability information acquired from the general-purpose printing software 202, i.e., information that can be set as print settings. The capability information is information regarding the printing capabilities of the printing device 102 and is also referred to as Print Capabilities (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "PC"). It is also possible to determine whether this capability information includes information that enables the display of the detailed setting screen 300C (a determination step). If it is determined as a result of this determination that the information that enables the display of the detailed setting screen 300C is included, the detailed setting screen 300C can be displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information that enables the display of the detailed setting screen 300C is not included, the detailed setting screen 300C is not displayed.

[0018] The general-purpose printing software 202 determines the PC based on the printing capability information 203. The printing capability information 203 is data indicating printing capabilities, including all configurable printing functions, their setting values, and the exclusive relationships between the setting values. The printing capability information 203 is also called PDC (Print Device Capabilities). The printing capability information 203 is included in a configuration file of the general-purpose printing software 202 and stored in the external storage device 114 as an unmodifiable file. Alternatively, the printing capability information 203 is dynamically generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. Specifically, the general-purpose printing software 202 acquires attribute data of the printing device 102 from the printing device 102. The general-purpose printing software 202 generates the printing capability information 203 based on the attribute information in this attribute data. Note that when the printing capability information 203 is dynamically generated in this manner, the printing capability information 203 can be edited. The attribute data of the printing device 102 is a response acquired by issuing an IPP "Get-Printer-Attributes" operation to the printing device 102. The response includes functions that can be specified by the printing device 102, that is, attribute information indicating the capabilities of the printing device 102, and setting values ​​related to the attribute information. The response is also stored in the RAM 113.

[0019] With this configuration, the general-purpose printing software 202 allows the user to specify print functions available on the printing device 102, depending on the printing device 102 connected to the general-purpose printing software 202. This allows the user to specify print functions available on the printing device 102, regardless of the printing device 102 connected to the general-purpose printing software 202. This allows the user to specify print functions available on the printing device, regardless of the printing device 102 connected to the general-purpose printing software 202, even when the printing device has different functions or is developed by a different printer manufacturer. In this embodiment, the general-purpose printing software 202 is configured to use the "IPP Class Driver" included in Windows® 11. The "IPP Class Driver" is a printer driver that executes printing processing according to the specifications of a standard printing protocol called IPP, and is included in the OS package. The "IPP Class Driver" is not a printer driver specific to the model of the printing device 102, but a standard class driver that can be used by printing devices 102 of various printer manufacturers, regardless of the printer manufacturer. The "IPP Class Driver" also acquires capability information from the printing device 102 and generates print capability information 203 based on that information.

[0020] Additionally, an extension application 204 can be associated with the general-purpose printing software 202. This allows the general-purpose printing software 202 to execute functions not available in the general-purpose printing software 202. For example, the IPP Class Driver (general-purpose printing software 202) cannot execute a color matching function (color conversion function) based on the color gamut reproducible by the printing device 102 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "color gamut of the printing device 102"). In other words, the IPP Class Driver does not support color matching processing. This is because the color matching function is executed independently by the printing device 102, which is manufactured by a specific printer manufacturer. The "color matching function" is a function that maps any color input from the host computer 101 (information processing device) to another color space (the color space of the printing device) and converts it to match the desired color. This color matching function takes into account the color space of the printing device 102, making it possible to maximize the use of the color gamut of the printing device 102 and maintain gradation. Furthermore, depending on the color matching function, it is possible, for example, to match the color of the monitor or make colors more vivid. This allows printing that takes into account the color gamut of the printing device. The extension application 204 can extend the IPP Class Driver to perform color matching processing that the IPP Class Driver cannot perform. In this embodiment, the IPP Class Driver cannot perform color matching processing, and the extension application 204 can extend the color matching processing to perform it, but this is not limited to this. For example, the IPP Class Driver can perform part of the color matching processing, and the extension application 204 can supplement the insufficient part of the color matching processing, further expanding the range of execution.

[0021] <Color matching function based on the color gamut of the printing device> The color matching function based on the color gamut of the printing device 102 is a function that maps (converts) the colors of input data (print data) to a color space reproducible by the printing device 10. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the color matching function. FIG. 2B shows the a*b* plane in the L*a*b* color space, and on this a*b* plane, the input data is represented in the common standard sRGB. As an example, the input data is contained within the sRGB gamut 1301 shown by the dashed line. Furthermore, it is assumed that most of the input data is mapped from the gamut 1301 to the gamut 1302 of a specific printing machine A shown by the solid line. Furthermore, the input data contained within the gamut 1301 and represented in sRGB is shown as multiple points 1303. Execution of the color matching function maps most of the multiple points 1303 within the gamut 1301 to points 1304 within the gamut 1302. In particular, points 1303 located in the first quadrant in FIG. 2B and outside the color gamut 1302 must be converted into colors that can be reproduced by the printing device 102, and therefore are always mapped so as to be compressed inside the color gamut 1302. Note that even if the color gamut is narrowed by compression, mapping can be performed so as to maintain the visual connection between colors and gradation as much as possible. Also, in the third quadrant in FIG. 2B, there is a portion where the color gamut 1301 is located inside the color gamut 1302. Each point 1303 within the color gamut 1301 in this portion is mapped so as to expand toward the color gamut 1302.

[0022] <Example of color matching function based on the color gamut of the printing device> The input data colors are assumed to be RGB data consisting of three commonly used RGB channels, taking 8-bit values ​​from 0 to 255, but are not limited to this. The color matching function uses a look-up table (LUT), but is not limited to this. The LUT associates input RGB signal values ​​with output RGB signal values. The color matching function refers to this LUT to convert the RGB of the input data to RGB in the color space of the printing device 102. Using interpolation operations such as tetrahedral interpolation, it is possible to thin out the LUT to reduce the table size or to use any continuous value for the input data. FIG. 2C shows an example of an LUT. The LUT 1400 shown in FIG. 2C is a 16×16×16 LUT created by thinning out 8-bit RGB signal values ​​from 0 to 255 in 17 steps. The input 1401 is in the sRGB color space, and the output 1402 is in the color space of the printing device 102 (device). For example, when point 1403 is considered, point 1403 is converted from (0,0,102) in the sRGB color space to (0,12,182) in the color space of the printing device 102. Even if a point (0,0,110) that does not exist on the input 1401 side is input, the point can be converted to the interpolated result of (0,11,191) by using, for example, tetrahedral interpolation.

[0023] Furthermore, because the RGB signal values ​​of the input data do not take into account the color gamut of the printing device 102, there is a risk that the visual connection between colors may be lost or the gradation may be degraded when printed. For this reason, it is preferable to execute a color matching function that quickly and appropriately converts the RGB signal values ​​of the input data, taking into account the color gamut of the printing device 102.

[0024] Returning now to the explanation with reference to FIG. 2A(a), the OS generates intermediate data (sometimes referred to as "input data") based on a print instruction output from the drawing application 201 and transmits the intermediate data to the general-purpose printing software 202. The data output by the drawing application 201 for printing is not particularly limited, and is preferably, for example, data in XML Paper Specification format (XPS format). The data output by the drawing application 201 for printing may also be data in Graphic Device Interface format (GDI format). When an IPP Class Driver is used as the general-purpose printing software 202, if the data output by the drawing application 201 is GDI format data, the OS converts the GDI format data into XPS format data. The OS then transmits the converted XPS format data to the general-purpose printing software 202 as intermediate data. If the data output by the drawing application 201 is XPS format data, the OS transmits the XPS format data to the general-purpose printing software 202 as intermediate data. The intermediate data includes drawing data, which is information such as characters and figures to be formed on the print medium, and print setting information set by the user.

[0025] The general-purpose printing software 202 converts the intermediate data into print data (image data) that can be processed by the printing device 102, i.e., printable, and sends it to the printing device 102. Here, "print data" in this embodiment refers to Page Description Language (PDL) data conforming to IPP. PDL data is, for example, data in PDF (Portable Document Format) or PWG-Raster format. Note that the print data includes drawing data, which is information such as characters and figures to be formed on the print medium, and print setting attribute information that is generated based on print setting information set by the user and specifies the print settings. The print setting attribute information includes attribute information that indicates functions that can be specified by the printing device 102, i.e., the capabilities of the printing device 102, and setting values ​​related to the attribute information.

[0026] The printing device 102 prints on a print medium based on the print data sent from the general-purpose printing software 202. At this time, the printing device 102 performs operations in accordance with the print setting attribute information included in the print data, thereby forming the drawing data included in the print data on the print medium. The print setting attribute information includes, for example, print quality such as image quality priority or speed priority, attribute information for specifying double-sided printing or single-sided printing, and setting values ​​for the attribute information. For example, if the print setting attribute information includes attribute information specifying double-sided printing, the printing device 102 can perform double-sided printing.

[0027] <If an extension application is associated> Referring to FIG. 2A(b), a case where an extension application 204 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2A(b), unlike FIG. 2A(a), an extension application 204 is added. That is, the host computer 101 has a drawing application 201, general-purpose printing software 202, and print function information 203, and also has an extension application 204. The extension application 204 is software for extending the functions of the general-purpose printing software 202. Note that the extension application 204 is not pre-installed (bundled) in the OS. Therefore, the extension application 204 is downloaded from a server (not shown) via the Internet by a user operating the host computer 101 and installed on the host computer 101. Alternatively, when the printing device 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the extension application 204 may be automatically installed on the host computer 101 based on this connection. Specifically, when the printing device 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the printing device 102. The OS may download and install the extension application 204 corresponding to this device identification information from a server via the Internet. As a result, the host computer 101 stores the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 204 as separate control programs. Note that the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 204 may be updated and upgraded. In this case, the general-purpose printing software 202 update process and the extension application 204 update process may be performed at the same time or at different times. Furthermore, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose printing software 202 and the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the extension application 204 may be the same trigger or different triggers.Furthermore, when the extension application 204 is installed, the OS associates the extension application 204 with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102 .

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2A(b), the extension application 204 can exchange information (send and receive information) with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. That is, the extension application 204 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. In this embodiment, the extension application 204 includes a print setting screen extension unit 205, a print function extension unit 206, an intermediate data editing unit 207, and a notification unit 209. The extension application 204 also includes shared information 208 that can be accessed by each of the print setting screen extension unit 205, the print function extension unit 206, the intermediate data editing unit 207, and the notification unit 209. The shared information 208 is a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extension application 204 can write and read the shared information 208 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0029] The extension application 204 may terminate its operation as a whole upon completion of processing of each unit from the print setting screen extension unit 205 to the notification unit 209. In this case, the OS launches the extension application 204 each time it receives a processing execution request for each unit. The OS also terminates the operation of the extension application 204 as a whole, for example, when processing of the print setting screen extension unit 205 is completed. The extension application 204 may also cancel processing of each unit from the print setting screen extension unit 205 to the notification unit 209 during that processing. In this case, the OS deletes the job being processed in the print queue. As described above, the drawing application 201 issues a print instruction to the OS upon receiving a print request from the user. The drawing application 201 can also display a print setting screen. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2A(b), the drawing application 201 can display a print setting screen 300A (detailed setting screen 300C) provided by the print setting screen extension unit 205 (extension application 204). Furthermore, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 can save the detailed settings set by the user in the shared information 208. The print setting screen expansion unit 205 will be described in detail later.

[0030] The intermediate data editing unit 207 acquires intermediate data from the general-purpose printing software 202. The intermediate data editing unit 207 then converts the intermediate data into print data and transmits the print data to the printing device 102. The intermediate data editing unit 207 also acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 208 and adds the detailed settings to the print data. The printing device 102 prints on paper based on the print data from the intermediate data editing unit 207. The extension application 204 may also be configured to acquire print data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 and add detailed settings to the print data. Even in the configuration of FIG. 2A(b), there are cases where the color matching function is not executed. In this case, the general-purpose printing software 202 may transmit the print data to the printing device 102 without going through the extension application 204.

[0031] The print function extension unit 206 can edit the print function information 203 (PDC) generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS. This allows functions provided by the extension application 204 to be added. It can also add functions that can be executed by the printing device 102 but not by the general-purpose printing software 202 (e.g., a color matching function), and add exclusive relationships between print function setting values. The OS starts the print function extension unit 206 when the extension application 204 is first associated with the printing device 102 and the general-purpose printing software 202. The OS may also start the print function extension unit 206 at other times (e.g., when the OS starts up). Even if printing-related functions are subsequently extended by such activation, the print function extension unit 206 can detect the extended functions and add them to the print function information 203. An example of a later extension of printing-related functions is adding an optional device (e.g., a finisher) to the printing device 102.

[0032] The notification unit 209 can notify the user when an error occurs in the printing device 102. For example, if an out-of-paper error occurs in the printing device 102, the general-purpose printing software 202 detects the occurrence of this error. The OS uses a notification function called a toast notification, which is one of the OS's functions, to display a message on the display unit 119 indicating the occurrence of the out-of-paper error, which is the result of detection by the general-purpose printing software 202. When the user operates the toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 209, and a user interface screen (UI screen) of the notification unit 209 is displayed. The user interface screen can display, for example, a detailed message about the out-of-paper error, instructions on how to refill paper, etc.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the extension application 204 can be said to have the following four functions. The first function is to display a settings screen. This function is executed by the print setting screen extension unit 205. The second function is to edit intermediate data, convert it into print data, and add detailed settings to the print data. This function is executed by the intermediate data editing unit 207. The third function is to extend the functions that can be specified by the print data generation software. This function is executed by the print function extension unit 206. The fourth function is to display a screen in response to an error occurring in the printing device 102. This function is executed by the notification unit 209. Note that the configuration of the extension application 204 is not limited to having these four functions; it is preferable that the configuration include at least one of these functions, and it may also be configured to include other functions. Furthermore, once the extension application 204 has sent print data to the printing device 102, it is unable to display screens such as guides associated with the print data during processing by each unit.

[0034] <Example of print settings screen / details settings screen> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the printing system. FIG. 3(a) is a print setting screen displayed by the drawing application 201. FIG. 3(b) is a detailed setting screen displayed when the extended application 204 is not associated. FIG. 3(c) is a detailed setting screen displayed when the extended application 204 is associated. Note that the units and modules that display each screen are not particularly limited. For example, the print setting screen extension unit 205 may be configured to only generate a display screen. In that case, the print setting screen extension unit 205 transmits the generated display screen to the drawing application 201 via the general-purpose printing software 202. The drawing application 201 may be configured to display the acquired display screen.

[0035] The print setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 3(a) is a screen on which printing conditions for printing on the printing device 102 can be set. This print setting screen 300A includes controls (buttons) 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305. Control 301 allows the user to set the printing device 102 to be used for printing, the print orientation on the printing device 102, and the number of copies to be printed on the printing device 102. In FIG. 3(a), as an example, the printing device 102 to be used for printing is set to "printer 200a," the print orientation on the printing device 102 is set to "portrait," and the number of copies to be printed on the printing device 102 is set to "1." Control 302 displays a preview screen. Control 303 allows the user to instruct the printing device 102 to start printing. Control 304 allows the user to instruct the printing device 102 to cancel printing. Control 305 allows the user to configure detailed settings.

[0036] In a configuration in which the extension application 204 is not associated, operating control 305 displays a detailed settings screen 300B shown in FIG. 3B. The detailed settings screen 300B includes controls 306, 307, 308, and 309. Control 306 allows the user to select and set the type of paper to be used for printing on the printing device 102. In FIG. 3B, "plain paper" is selected as an example. Control 307 allows the user to select and set the paper size to be used for printing on the printing device 102. In FIG. 3B, "A4" is selected as an example. Control 308 allows the user to select the paper feed slot for the paper to be used for printing on the printing device 102. In FIG. 3B, "automatic" is selected as an example. Control 309 allows the user to end the settings made in controls 306 to 308. Operating control 309 also returns the user to the print settings screen 300A shown in FIG. 3A.

[0037] In a configuration in which the extension application 204 is associated, operating the control 305 displays the detailed settings screen (settings acceptance screen) 300C shown in FIG. 3C (display control process). The detailed settings screen 300C is a screen displayed together with the print settings screen 300A, but its display format is not particularly limited. For example, the detailed settings screen 300C may be displayed overlapping the print settings screen 300A, or adjacent to the print settings screen 300A, or the print settings screen 300A may disappear and then the detailed settings screen 300C may be displayed. Similar to the detailed settings screen 300B, the detailed settings screen 300C includes controls 306, 307, 308, and 309. The detailed settings screen 300C also includes an additional control 310. The control 310 can accept settings for a color matching function that converts the color gamut of the print data to be printed by the printing device 102 into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing on the printing device 102. By operating the control 310, a list 311 is displayed (see FIG. 3(d)). The list 311 is a selection section for selecting whether or not to execute the color matching function, as one of the settings for the color matching function. The list 311 includes "Yes (execute the color matching function)" and "No (do not execute the color matching function)," and in FIG. 3(d) "Yes" is selected as an example.

[0038] Here, the reason why the items included in the detail setting screen 300B shown in FIG. 3B are different from the items included in the detail setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3C will be explained. The detail setting screen 300B and the detail setting screen 300C are each generated based on print function information (capability information). As described above, the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support the execution of a color matching function. Therefore, the general-purpose printing software 202 alone cannot add the color matching function to the print function information. Furthermore, even if the print function information originally includes the color matching function, the general-purpose printing software 202 cannot interpret the color matching function included in the print function information. Therefore, the settings of the color matching function cannot be displayed on the detail setting screen. Therefore, the print function extension unit 206 adds the color matching function to the print function information 203. Then, the print setting screen extension unit 205 references the capability information and displays the detail setting screen 300C. This allows the extension application 204 to display the settings of the color matching function on the detail setting screen.

[0039] <Flowchart of the print function extension unit for editing print function information> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process by which the print function extension unit edits print function information. The program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the CPU 111 controlling the print function extension unit 206. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a list of capability information for a printing device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a list of print functions supported by an extension application. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list of capability information for general-purpose printing software. As shown in FIG. 4, in step S401, the print function extension unit 206 acquires capability information from the printing device 102 (acquisition process). The capability information is a setting value included in a response acquired by issuing an IPP "Get-Printer-Attributes" operation to the printing device 102. The setting value is attribute information indicating functions that can be specified on the printing device 102 and is associated with the attribute information. Table 501 shown in FIG. 5 lists the capability information for the printing device 102. The capability information may include, for example, information about the size of paper used for printing on the printing device 102. Other information includes information about the type of paper (media) used for printing on the printing device 102, information about the paper feed slot for paper used for printing on the printing device 102, and information about a color matching function that can be executed on the printing device 102. Note that this information about the color matching function includes the aforementioned "Yes (execute color matching function)" and "No (do not execute color matching function)."

[0040] In step S402, the print function extension unit 206 acquires print functions supported by the extension application 204 from the shared information 208. The shared information 208 stores a list of print functions supported by the extension application 204. This list includes all print functions that the extension application 204 can process and their setting values. Table 601 shown in FIG. 6 includes, as print functions, information on paper sizes supported by the extension application 204. Other information includes information on paper types supported by the extension application 204, information on paper feed slots supported by the extension application 204, and information on color matching functions supported by the extension application 204. Note that, like Table 501, this information on color matching functions includes "Yes (execute color matching function)" and "No (do not execute color matching function)." In addition, the print functions supported by the extension application 204 may be updated by updating the extension application 204, etc.

[0041] In step S403, the print function extension unit 206 acquires the print function information 203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202 from the OS. The print function information 203 is created based on the capability information 501 acquired by the general-purpose printing software 202 from the printing device 102. The print function information 203 (PDC) created by the general-purpose printing software 202 includes only the print functions supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 from the capability information acquired from the printing device 102. For example, the table 601 shown in FIG. 6 includes paper sizes such as "7x10 inches" and "Regular size 6," but the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support these paper sizes. Therefore, the print function information 203 does not include these paper sizes. Furthermore, the table 601 shown in FIG. 6 includes information about the color matching function, but the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support this function. Therefore, the print function information 203 does not include the color matching function. The print function extension unit 206 adds functions and options to the print function information 203, which enables the extension application 204 to compensate for insufficient functions of the general-purpose printing software 202. The print function extension unit 206 can also delete unnecessary functions and options from the print function information 203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0042] Steps S404, S405, and S406 are processes that are repeatedly performed for the list of functions included in the capability information acquired from the printing device 102 in step S401. In this embodiment, steps S404, S405, and S406 are repeatedly performed for all 11 options included in table 501.

[0043] In step S404, the print function extension unit 206 determines whether the function or option currently being processed exists in the print function information 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. If the determination in step S404 determines that the function or option exists in the print function information 203, and the last item among the options is being processed, the process ends. Alternatively, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again. On the other hand, if the determination in step S404 determines that the function or option does not exist in the print function information 203, the process proceeds to step S405. For example, in this embodiment, table 501 includes a paper size of "A4," and table 701 also includes a paper size of "A4." In this case, in step S404, it is determined that the function or option currently being processed exists in the print function information 203. In contrast, table 501 includes "Yes (execute color matching function)," but table 701 does not include "Yes (execute color matching function)." In this case, in step S404, it is determined that the function or option currently being processed does not exist in the print function information 203.

[0044] In step S405, the print function extension unit 206 determines whether a function (option) currently being processed exists among the functions (options) supported by the extension application 204. If it is determined in step S405 that a function currently being processed exists, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S405 that a function currently being processed does not exist, the process ends if the last item among the options is being processed, as in the case where the determination in step S404 is "Yes." Alternatively, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again. For example, in this embodiment, if the function currently being processed is "Yes (execute color matching function)," the "Yes (execute color matching function)" also exists in table 601. Therefore, in step S405, it is determined that a function currently being processed exists.

[0045] In step S406, the print function extension unit 206 adds the function (option) currently being processed to the print function information 203. After step S406 is executed, the process ends if the last item among the options is being processed, just as if the answer was "Yes" in step S404. Alternatively, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again.

[0046] As described above, the extension application 204 can add functions (options) that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202, are supported by the printing device 102, and are compatible with the extension application 204, to the printing function information 203. Then, capability information (PC) is generated based on the printing function information 203 edited by this addition process. Furthermore, the print setting screen extension unit 205 generates a display screen based on this capability information, thereby extending the functions that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 and displaying the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0047] <Processing after the drawing application accepts print settings> 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the drawing application, general-purpose printing software, extension application, and printing device after the drawing application accepts print settings. The processing in the drawing application, general-purpose printing software, and extension application is executed by the CPU 111 of the host computer 101. This processing program is stored in the external storage device 114. The CPU 111 then reads the processing program from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executes it. Furthermore, the processing in the printing device 102 is executed by the CPU (not shown) of the printing device 102. Furthermore, the software configuration of the printing system 1000 is the software configuration shown in FIG. 2A(b).

[0048] 8, in step S801, the drawing application 201 accepts print settings from the user. The user can instruct the drawing application 201 to set print settings by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118, for example.

[0049] In step S802, the drawing application 201 displays the print setting screen 300A shown in FIG.

[0050] In step S803, the drawing application 201 accepts a detailed setting instruction from the user. The user can instruct the detailed setting by, for example, operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 305 on the print setting screen 300A.

[0051] In step S804, the drawing application 201 requests the general-purpose printing software 202 to display detailed settings.

[0052] In step S805, the general-purpose printing software 202 requests the extension application 204 to display the detailed settings.

[0053] In step S806, the print setting screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 displays the detailed setting screen 300C of Fig. 3(c). As described above, the print function extension unit 206 adds a color matching function to the print function information 203 (PDC). The print setting screen extension unit 205 can display the detailed setting screen 300C by referring to the capability information (PC) generated based on this added print function information 203.

[0054] In step S807, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 accepts the user's detailed settings on the detailed setting screen 300C. As an example, on the detailed setting screen 300C, it is assumed that the paper type "plain paper" is selected in control 306, the paper size "A4" is selected in control 307, and the paper feed slot "automatic" is selected in control 308 (see FIG. 3(c)). It is also assumed that "Yes (execute color matching function)" is selected in control 310. In this setting state, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 accepts that the user has operated control 309 on the detailed setting screen 300C.

[0055] In step S808, the print setting screen expansion unit 205 accepts that the user has completed the detailed settings based on the operation of the control 309 in step S807. The user can instruct the user to complete the detailed settings by, for example, operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 309.

[0056] In step S809, the extension application 204 transmits detailed setting completion information indicating that the detailed setting in step S808 has been completed to the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0057] In step S810, the general-purpose printing software 202 receives the detailed setting completion information transmitted in step S809 from the extension application 204. The general-purpose printing software 202 transmits this detailed setting completion information to the drawing application 201.

[0058] In step S811, the drawing application 201 accepts a print instruction from the user. The user can issue a print instruction by, for example, operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select a control 303 on the print setting screen 300A (see FIG. 3(a)).

[0059] In step S812, the drawing application 201 issues the print instruction received in step S811 to the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0060] In step S813, the general-purpose printing software 202 uses an OS module to generate intermediate data based on the print instruction in step S812.

[0061] In step S814, the general-purpose printing software 202 stores the print setting information (PT) based on the print instruction in step S812 in the shared information 208.

[0062] In step S815, the general-purpose printing software 202 transmits the drawing data of the intermediate data generated in step S813 to the extension application 204.

[0063] In step S816, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extension application 204 obtains the print setting information saved in step S814 from the shared information 208.

[0064] In step S817, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extension application 204 generates print data using the drawing data sent in step S815 and the print setting information acquired in step S816. This print data has been converted into data including the color matching function settings accepted on the detailed setting screen 300C (conversion step).

[0065] In step S818, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extension application 204 transmits the print data generated in step S817 to the printing device 102 (transmission step). Note that this print data includes the setting information for the color matching function accepted on the detailed setting screen 300C.

[0066] In step S819, the printing device 102 receives the print data transmitted in step S818. The printing device 102 interprets the print data and performs the necessary image processing on the print data. The image processing here involves the execution of a color matching function, i.e., color matching processing.

[0067] In step S820, the printing device 102 prints the print data that underwent image processing in step S819. As a result, the printed matter takes into account the color space of the printing device 102, i.e., the color gamut of the printing device 102 is used to the maximum extent possible, and gradation is maintained, compared to when color matching processing is not performed.

[0068] As described above, in the printing system 1000, even if the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support color matching processing, the extension application 204 can cause the printing device 102 to execute color matching processing. As a result, the printing device 102 prints a printed material that has undergone (reflects) color matching processing. Note that in the description with reference to FIG. 8, the software configuration of the printing system 1000 is assumed to be the software configuration shown in FIG. 2A(b), and the detailed settings screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) is displayed. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when a request to display detailed settings is made to the general-purpose printing software 202 in step S804, the general-purpose printing software 202 displays the detailed settings screen 300B shown in FIG. 3(b). In this case, after operating the control 309 on the detailed settings screen 300B, the general-purpose printing software 202 requests the extension application 204 to display an additional detailed settings screen. Next, the extension application 204 may display an additional detailed settings screen that allows color matching function settings to be configured. In addition, in this embodiment, the extension application 204 generates print data from the intermediate data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202, but this is not limited to this. For example, the extension application 204 itself may generate the intermediate data.

[0069] <<Second embodiment>> The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. The differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. In the first embodiment, the extension application 204, together with the general-purpose printing software 202, generates print data including color matching function settings. This print data is sent to the printing device 102. The printing device 102 can interpret the print data including the color matching function settings and execute color matching processing. In this way, in the first embodiment, the extension application 204, together with the general-purpose printing software 202, causes the printing device 102 to execute color matching processing.

[0070] However, some printing devices 102 are unable to perform color matching processing. In this case, even if the extended application 204 generates print data that includes color matching function settings, the printing device 102 cannot perform color matching processing. If the printing device 102 is unable to perform color matching processing, it is preferable for the extended application 204 to generate print data on which color matching processing has been performed and send it to the printing device 102.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the printing device 102 can perform color matching processing based on the capability information of the printing device 102. If it is determined that the printing device 102 can perform color matching processing as a result of this determination, the extension application 204 generates print data that reflects the color matching function settings and transmits it to the printing device 102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing device 102 cannot perform color matching processing, the extension application 204 generates print data in which color matching processing has been performed on the drawing data and transmits it to the printing device 102. This makes it possible to provide the user with the color matching function even if the printing device 102 cannot perform color matching processing. Note that this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the printing system 1000 when the extension application 204 is associated, the PDC editing processing, and the processing after the drawing application 201 accepts the print settings.

[0072] <Software-based printing system configuration> FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment. The block diagram in FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration in which an extension application 902 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the host computer 101 includes a drawing application 201, the general-purpose printing software 202, print function information 203, and an extension application 902. The extension application 902 is communicably connected to the printing device 901. Unlike the printing device 102 in the first embodiment, the printing device 901 is incapable of performing color matching processing. The extension application 902 includes a print setting screen extension unit 205, an intermediate data editing unit 207, a notification unit 209, a print function extension unit 903, and a color matching processing unit 904. The print function extension unit 903 can add a color matching function to the print function information 203 even if it is determined that the printing device 102 cannot perform color matching processing based on capability information acquired from the printing device 901. The color matching processing unit 904 performs color matching processing on the intermediate data (drawing data) from the general-purpose printing software 202 based on the color matching function settings set by the user.

[0073] <Flowchart of the print function extension unit for editing print function information> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process by which the print function extension unit edits print function information. The program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the CPU 111 controlling the print function extension unit 903. The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart in which steps S1001 and S1002 have been added to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list of capability information for the printing device. As shown in FIG. 10, when the repeated processing of steps S404 to S406 is completed, processing proceeds to step S1001. Table 1101 shown in FIG. 11 lists the capability information for the printing device 901. This table 1101 includes, as capability information, information on paper size, information on paper type, and information on the paper feed slot. However, unlike table 601 shown in FIG. 5, it does not include information on the color matching function. Therefore, it can be seen that the printing device 901 is unable to perform color matching processing. Therefore, the color matching function is not added to the printing function information 203 after the processing of steps S404 to S406 is completed.

[0074] 10, in step S1001, the print function extension unit 903 determines whether the extension application 902 has a color matching processing unit 904, i.e., whether the color matching processing unit 904 is present. If the determination in step S1001 determines that the color matching processing unit 904 is present, the process proceeds to step S1002. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1001 determines that the color matching processing unit 904 is not present, the process ends. As described above, since the extension application 902 has a color matching processing unit 904, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0075] In step S1002, the print function expansion unit 903 adds information about the color matching function in the table 601 shown in FIG. 5, that is, "Yes" and "No", to the print function information 203.

[0076] As described above, the extension application 902 can add functions (options) that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202, are supported by the printing device 102, and are supported by the extension application 204 to the printing function information 203. The extension application 902 then determines whether or not a color matching processing unit 904 is present. If it is determined that the color matching processing unit 904 is present, the color matching function is added to the printing function information 203. As a result of this addition process, even if the printing device 901 is unable to perform color matching processing, capability information is generated based on the printing function information 203 to which the color matching function has been added. The extension application 902 can display the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) by generating a display screen based on this capability information.

[0077] <Processing after the drawing application accepts print settings> 12 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the drawing application, general-purpose printing software, extension application, and printing device after the drawing application accepts print settings. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram in which steps S1201 to S1204 have been added to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 12, after step S815 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S1201. In step S1201, the color matching processing unit 904 of the extension application 902 acquires the print setting information (PT) saved in step S814 from the shared information 208. The color matching processing unit 904 also acquires information related to color matching function settings included in the print setting information.

[0078] In step S1202, the color matching processing unit 904 acquires the capability information of the printing device 901 from the shared information 208. If the shared information 208 does not include the capability information of the printing device 901, the print function extension unit 903 may request the capability information from the printing device 901. In this case, the capability information is also saved in the shared information 208.

[0079] In step S1203, the color matching processing unit 904 determines whether the printing device 901 is capable of color matching processing based on the capability information acquired in step S1202. As described above, in this embodiment, the printing device 901 is a printing device that is incapable of color matching processing. Therefore, the determination result in step S1203 is that the printing device 901 is incapable of color matching processing. Note that if the determination result in step S1203 is that the printing device 901 is capable of color matching processing, the process skips step S1204 and proceeds to step S817. This is because the printing device 901 is capable of color matching processing faster than the color matching processing unit 904. Specifically, this is because the printing device 901 is capable of processing faster than the color matching processing unit 904 due to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0080] In step S1204, the color matching processing unit 904 performs color matching processing on the intermediate drawing data (intermediate data) based on the information related to the color matching function settings acquired in step S1201 (execution step). The processing result is saved in the shared information 208. The color matching processing unit 904 also edits the print setting information to set the color matching function to "off" or deletes information related to the color matching function settings from the print setting information. After step S1204 is executed, the process proceeds sequentially to steps S817 to S820. Note that the print data sent in step S818 reflects the execution results of the color matching processing executed in step S1204. The printed material obtained in step S820 is one on which color matching processing has been executed, that is, the color gamut of the printing device 102 is used to the fullest extent and gradation is maintained.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the color matching process cannot be performed by the printing device 901, the extension application 902 can perform the color matching process. As a result, the printing device 901 can also print a printed material that has undergone color matching processing.

[0082] <<Third Embodiment>> The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. The differences from the previous embodiments will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. In the first embodiment, color matching processing was performed taking into account the color gamut of the printing device 102. This made it possible to maximize the use of the color gamut of the printing device 102 and print a printed matter that preserves gradation. However, there are also cases where a user desires, for example, that the printed matter matches the reproduction colors of the display unit 119 or that the colors be reproduced vividly on the display unit 119. It is preferable that the host computer 101 be capable of performing color matching processing suitable for such cases.

[0083] <Example of detailed settings screen> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the printing system according to the third embodiment. The advanced settings screen 1500 shown in FIG. 13(a) is a detailed settings screen displayed when the extended application 204 is associated with the printing system. Like the advanced settings screen 300C, the advanced settings screen 1500 includes controls 306, 307, 308, and 309. The advanced settings screen 1500 also includes an additional control 1501. Operating the control 1501 displays a list 1502 (see FIG. 13(b)). The list 1502 includes color matching function settings such as "Monitor," "Photo," "sRGB," and "Vivid," as well as "None (does not execute the color matching function)," from which one can be selected. In the list 1502 shown in FIG. 3(d), "Photo" is selected as an example. It should be noted that list 1502 is not limited to including all of "Monitor," "Photo," "sRGB," "Vivid," and "None (Do not perform color matching function)," but may include at least one of these.

[0084] By selecting "Monitor," color matching processing is performed so that the printed matter approaches the reproduced colors of the display unit 119. In this way, "Monitor" functions as a color adjustment unit that adjusts the color of the printed part of the printed matter, reflecting the results of the color matching function, so that it approaches the reproduced colors of the display unit 119. By selecting "Photo-like," color matching processing is performed so that gradation is maintained. In this way, "Photo-like" functions as a tone adjustment unit that adjusts the tone obtained by executing the color matching processing. By selecting "sRGB," color matching processing is performed so that the printed matter approaches the colors of the sRGB. In this way, "sRGB" functions as a color adjustment unit that adjusts the color of the printed part of the printed matter, reflecting the results of the color matching function, so that it approaches the colors of the sRGB. By selecting "Vivid," color matching processing is performed so that saturation is maintained. In this way, "Vivid" functions as a saturation adjustment unit that adjusts the saturation obtained by executing the color matching function.

[0085] <Example of printing device capability information / printing functions supported by the extended application> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a list of capability information of a printing device. Table 1601 shown in FIG. 14 shows a list of capability information of the printing device 102. The capability information includes information on paper size, information on paper type, information on the paper feed slot, and information on the color matching function. Note that the information on the color matching function includes the above-mentioned "monitor," "photographic," "sRGB," "vivid," and "none (color matching function is not executed)." FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a list of printing functions supported by an extension application. Table 1701 shown in FIG. 15, like table 1601, includes, as printing functions, information on paper size, information on paper type, information on the paper feed slot, and information on the color matching function. Note that, like table 1601, the information on the color matching function also includes the above-mentioned "monitor," "photographic," "sRGB," "vivid," and "none (color matching function is not executed)."

[0086] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0087] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following programs, storage media, methods, and configurations. (Program 1) A program that supports a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, On the computer, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; a transmission step capable of transmitting the color conversion function settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen to the printing device. (Program 2) to the computer, a conversion step is executed prior to the transmission step, in which the data generated by the general-purpose program is converted into print data printable by the printing device based on the setting of the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; The program according to program 1, wherein in the transmitting step, the print data converted in the converting step is transmitted to the printing device. (Program 3) The program according to Program 2, wherein the printing device is capable of executing the color conversion function based on the print data transmitted in the transmitting step. (Program 4) On the computer, A program that supports a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; an execution step of executing the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; a transmitting step capable of transmitting the execution result of the executing step to the printing device; (Program 5) A program described in Program 4, characterized in that in the execution process, the color conversion function is executed on the data generated by the general-purpose program with the settings of the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen. (Program 6) The program according to Program 5, wherein the printing device can reflect the execution result transmitted in the transmitting step in a printed matter printed by the printing device. (Program 7) In the computer, an acquisition step of acquiring, prior to the display control step, capability information relating to the printing capability of the printing device from the printing device; a determination step of determining whether or not the capability information acquired in the acquisition step includes information that enables display of the setting reception screen, The program described in program 1 or 4, characterized in that in the display control process, if it is determined as a result of the judgment in the judgment process that information that enables the display of the setting reception screen is included, the setting reception screen is displayed, and if it is determined that information that enables the display of the setting reception screen is not included, the setting reception screen is not displayed. (Program 8) A program according to any one of Programs 1 to 7, characterized in that in the display control step, the setting reception screen is displayed together with a print setting screen on which printing conditions related to printing on the printing device can be set. (Program 9) The program described in any one of Programs 1 to 8, wherein the setting reception screen includes a selection section for selecting whether or not to execute the color conversion function as a setting for the color conversion function. (Program 10) A program described in any one of Programs 1 to 9, characterized in that the setting reception screen includes a saturation adjustment section that adjusts the saturation by executing the color conversion function as a setting of the color conversion function. (Program 11) A program described in any one of Programs 1 to 10, characterized in that the setting reception screen includes a gradation adjustment section that adjusts the gradation by executing the color conversion function as a setting of the color conversion function. (Program 12) A program described in any one of Programs 1 to 11, characterized in that the setting reception screen includes a color adjustment section that adjusts the color of the printed area of ​​a printed material printed by the printing device and reflects the results of executing the color conversion function as a setting for the color conversion function. (Program 13) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 12, wherein the color conversion function is a function that cannot be executed by the general-purpose program for the printing device. (Program 14) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 13, wherein the general-purpose program is a program that operates based on IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). (Storage Medium 1) A storage medium having stored thereon one of the programs described in Programs 1 to 14. (Method 1) A control method for supporting a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, comprising the steps of: a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; a transmission step capable of transmitting the color conversion function settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen to the printing device. (Method 2) A control method for supporting a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, comprising the steps of: a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; an execution step of executing the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; a transmission step capable of transmitting the execution result of the execution step to the printing device. (Configuration 1) An information processing device that is communicably connected to printing devices of multiple manufacturers and can process information between the printing devices, a general-purpose program for generating data that can be printed by the printing devices of the plurality of manufacturers; a program that supports the general-purpose program, The program On the computer, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; a transmission step capable of transmitting the color conversion function settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen to the printing device. (Configuration 2) An information processing device that is communicably connected to printing devices of multiple manufacturers and can process information between the printing devices, a general-purpose program for generating data that can be printed by the printing devices of the plurality of manufacturers; a program that supports the general-purpose program, The program On the computer, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; an execution step of executing the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; a transmitting step capable of transmitting the execution result of the executing step to the printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 101 host computer 102 Printing device 114 External storage device (storage medium) 202 General-purpose printing software 204 Extended Applications 205 Print setting screen expansion unit 206 Printing function expansion unit 207 Intermediate Data Editing Unit 300C detailed setting screen 311 List

Claims

1. A program that supports a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, On the computer, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; a transmission step capable of transmitting the color conversion function settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen to the printing device.

2. The computer, a conversion step is executed prior to the transmission step, in which the data generated by the general-purpose program is converted into print data printable by the printing device based on the setting of the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting step transmits the print data converted in the converting step to the printing device.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the color conversion function can be executed in the printing device based on the print data transmitted in the transmitting step.

4. A program that supports a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, On the computer, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; an execution step of executing the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; a transmitting step capable of transmitting the execution result of the executing step to the printing device;

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein in the execution step, the color conversion function is executed on the data generated by the general-purpose program with the settings of the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the execution result transmitted in the transmitting step can be reflected in a printed matter printed by the printing device.

7. The computer, an acquisition step of acquiring, prior to the display control step, capability information relating to the printing capability of the printing device from the printing device; a determination step of determining whether or not the capability information acquired in the acquisition step includes information that enables display of the setting reception screen, The program described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that in the display control process, if it is determined as a result of the judgment process that the information that enables the display of the setting reception screen is included, the setting reception screen is displayed, and if it is determined that the information that enables the display of the setting reception screen is not included, the setting reception screen is not displayed.

8. 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display control step displays the setting acceptance screen together with a print setting screen on which printing conditions related to printing by the printing device can be set.

9. 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the setting acceptance screen includes a selection section for selecting whether or not to execute the color conversion function as a setting of the color conversion function.

10. 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the setting acceptance screen includes a saturation adjustment section for adjusting saturation resulting from execution of the color conversion function as a setting of the color conversion function.

11. 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the setting acceptance screen includes a tone adjustment section for adjusting tone by executing the color conversion function as a setting of the color conversion function.

12. The program according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the setting reception screen includes a color adjustment section that adjusts the color of the printed area of ​​a printed material printed by the printing device and reflects the results of executing the color conversion function as a setting for the color conversion function.

13. 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the color conversion function is a function that cannot be executed by the general-purpose program on the printing device.

14. 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the general-purpose program is a program that operates based on IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

15. 5. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 1.

16. A control method for supporting a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, comprising: a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; a transmission step capable of transmitting the color conversion function settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen to the printing device.

17. A control method for supporting a general-purpose program that generates data that can be printed on printing devices from multiple manufacturers, comprising: a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; an execution step of executing the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; a transmission step capable of transmitting the execution result of the execution step to the printing device.

18. An information processing device that is communicably connected to printing devices of multiple manufacturers and is capable of processing information between the printing devices, a general-purpose program for generating data that can be printed by the printing devices of the plurality of manufacturers; a program that supports the general-purpose program, The program On the computer, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; a transmission step capable of transmitting the color conversion function settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen to the printing device.

19. An information processing device that is communicably connected to printing devices of multiple manufacturers and is capable of processing information between the printing devices, a general-purpose program for generating data that can be printed by the printing devices of the plurality of manufacturers; a program that supports the general-purpose program, The program On the computer, a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of a color conversion function for converting the color gamut of print data to be printed by the printing device into a color gamut that can be reproduced by printing by the printing device; an execution step of executing the color conversion function accepted on the setting acceptance screen; a transmitting step capable of transmitting the execution result of the executing step to the printing device.

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