Printing device, method, program and printing system

Abstract

To provide a printing device that can control a range in which clear ink is used in printing.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises receiving means that receives a printing job, and printing means that performs printing on the basis of the printing job received by the receiving means. The printing means includes image processing means that executes image processing to image data included in the printing job to generate printing data for performing the printing. When performing printing only on an image region corresponding to an image represented by the image data, using clear ink, the image processing means sets an output value of clear ink for the detected region to an output value that is different from the output value of the clear ink only for the image region, when detecting the region that is different from the image region in a printable region on a paper, so as to generate the printing data for performing printing only on the image region, using clear ink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a method, a program, and a printing system that can control printing using clear ink. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers such as inkjet printers may print using clear ink (transparent ink) in addition to color inks such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Patent Document 1 describes modes using clear ink, including a mode (full-surface application mode) in which the transparent ink is applied to the entire printable area on the printing paper, and a mode (automatic application mode) in which the clear ink is applied to areas other than white areas within the image area.

[0003] In recent years, an increasing number of inkjet printers use pigment inks, which use pigments as colorants, which have better weather resistance than dye inks. In the case of pigment inks, the colorant exists as particles in a solvent, making it difficult for it to penetrate into the recording medium. Therefore, the colorant remains on the surface of the recording medium, and the gloss of the image tends to differ somewhat from the gloss of the recording medium itself. Patent Document 2 describes a technology that reduces gloss unevenness by appropriately ejecting a transparent clear ink with film-forming properties and eliminating uneven reflected light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-53626 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-37015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device, method, program, and printing system that make it possible to control the range in which clear ink is used during printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the printing device of the present invention is a printing device comprising a receiving means for receiving a print job and a printing means for printing based on the print job received by the receiving means, wherein the printing means includes an image processing means for performing image processing on image data included in the print job and generating print data for the printing, and when printing using clear ink only in an image area corresponding to an image represented by the image data, if the image processing means detects an area within a printable area on paper that is different from the image area, the image processing means generates the print data for printing using clear ink only in the image area by setting the output value of clear ink for the detected area to an output value different from the output value of clear ink for only the image area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to control the range in which clear ink is used during printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a user interface screen of an application. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining each clear ink application mode. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining each clear ink application mode. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the information processing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in the printing device. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining each clear ink application mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an LUT used in the second color conversion process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect of clear ink. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a color conversion process. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining each clear ink application mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining image processing. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining image processing. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining ink decomposition in the clear ink application mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between ink and light reflection. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining image processing. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the information processing device. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in each device. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in each device. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image layout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1(a) is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing system. In Fig. 1, an information processing device 101 has an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an external storage device 114, an output interface 115, and an input / output interface 116. Input devices such as a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110, and a display unit 119 is connected to the output interface 115. The display unit 119 is composed of a monitor or panel, and displays various screens. For example, a user interface screen of an application 202, which will be described later, is displayed on the display unit 119.

[0011] The ROM 112 stores, for example, an initialization program, and the external storage device 114 stores, for example, a group of application programs, an operating system (OS), a printer driver, and various other data. The RAM 113 can be used as a work memory or the like when executing the various programs stored in the external storage device 114. Note that in this embodiment, the CPU 111 executes the programs stored in the ROM 112 to realize the operation of the information processing device 101 in this embodiment. The information processing device 101 can be, for example, a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a digital camera, a personal computer (PC), or the like.

[0012] The printing device 102 is connected to the information processing device 101 via an input / output interface 116. Communication between the printing device 102 and the information processing device 101 can be via a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of these. The printing device 102 is a device with a printing function. The printing device 102 may also be an MFP that has not only a printing function but also a reading function (scanner), a fax function, and a telephone function. MFP is an acronym for Multi Function Peripheral. In this embodiment, the printing device 102 will be described as an inkjet printer capable of ejecting pigment colored inks and transparent clear ink onto a recording medium. In the following description, printing paper (hereinafter simply referred to as paper) will be used as an example of a recording medium.

[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates the hardware configuration of the printing device 102. In the printing device 102, the CPU 121 reads a program stored in the ROM 123 into the RAM 122, which serves as a work area, and executes the program, thereby providing overall control of the printing device 102. The image processing accelerator 126 is hardware capable of executing image processing faster than the CPU 121. For example, the image processing accelerator 126 is activated when the CPU 121 writes parameters required for image processing and data to be processed to a predetermined address in the RAM 122. After reading the parameters and data, the image processing accelerator 126 executes image processing on the data. However, the image processing accelerator 126 is not an essential element, and equivalent processing may be executed by the CPU 121. The parameters may be stored in the ROM 123 or in storage (not shown), such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive. The image processing executed by the printing device 102 will be described later. The data transfer I / F 127 is an interface for executing data communication with the outside, and has a configuration according to the medium (wireless communication, wired communication, etc.) of the external network.

[0014] After image processing, the print data is transferred to the print head 125 by the print head controller 124. At the same time, the CPU 121 controls, via the print head controller 124, to operate a carriage motor (not shown) that drives the print head 125, and also to operate a transport motor that transports paper. The print head 125 scans the paper, and at the same time, an image is formed by the print head 125 ejecting ink droplets onto the printing paper based on the print data. The print head 125 is configured to be able to eject inks corresponding to the colors cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), as well as clear ink, for example.

[0015] 2 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the information processing apparatus 101. The following description will be given assuming that Windows is installed as an example of the operating system (OS) 201.

[0016] The application 202 is software for generating image data to be printed by the printing device 102. The user can perform layout and various editing operations on the screen displayed by the application 202, resulting in the generation of image data. After performing layout and various editing operations on the screen displayed by the application 202, the user performs various print settings on the printer driver 203 provided by the vendor of the printing device 102. A screen for performing print settings (print setting screen) is displayed by a user interface unit 204 called from the application 202 via the OS 201. The user can perform various print settings required for printing, such as specifying the paper type and paper size, on the print setting screen. Note that the application 202 may be able to accept print setting instructions from the user directly on the screen of the application 202 without displaying the print setting screen by using functions of the OS 201, such as PrintTicket and PrintCapabilities.

[0017] After completing the print settings on the print setting screen, the user presses the print button on the screen of the application 202 to instruct the application 202 to execute printing. Upon receiving the print execution instruction from the user, the application 202 generates image data and passes the image data to a graphics processing unit 205 of the printer driver 203 via the OS 201.

[0018] The graphics processing unit 205 performs color conversion processing, which will be described later, on the image data, and then converts the image data into a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device 102. The conversion processing performed on the image data will be described later. A print job including the image data converted into a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device 102, print setting information regarding various print settings, and a print command is sent to the printing device 102 via the communication unit 206. Thereafter, the printing device 102 ejects ink from the print head 125 onto the fed paper to form an image. Note that the print command includes, for example, an instruction command for causing the printing device 102 to execute printing based on the print setting information, which will be described later.

[0019] Although the above describes a printing method via the printer driver 203, the application 202 may be configured to send a print job to the printing device 102 directly via the input / output interface 116 without going through the printer driver 203. In other words, the application 202 may perform the above-mentioned color conversion process and conversion process into a data format that can be interpreted by the printing device 102.

[0020] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the application 202. The user can perform layout and various editing operations on the image to be printed displayed on the screen of the application 202, resulting in the generation of image data. Note that data to be processed by the application 202 can be specified, for example, by the user opening Explorer from the file menu of the application 202 and specifying the data, or by inputting the data by dragging and dropping an icon corresponding to the data onto the screen of the application 202. The data format may be any format that can be interpreted by the application 202, such as Bitmap or Tiff. Alternatively, vector formats such as XPS (XML Paper Specification) or EMF (Enhanced Metafile) may also be used.

[0021] The application 202 allows you to enable or disable borderless printing as one of the print settings. Figure 3(a) shows the screen when borderless printing is disabled because the checkbox for borderless printing setting 310 is not checked.

[0022] The preview area 301 displays the paper area 302 and the image 303 laid out by the user. On the screen shown in FIG. 3A, the borderless printing setting 310 is disabled, allowing the user to directly manipulate (e.g., resize or reposition) the size and position of the image 303 on the paper area 302 using, for example, a pointing device. The margin area 304 is the area of ​​the paper area 302 excluding the image area corresponding to the image displayed as the image 303, and is also referred to as a border area. In other words, the disabled borderless printing allows the user to set a border area, and FIG. 3A shows a case where a border area is set. In this embodiment, the area corresponding to the image displayed on the screen based on image data or the image printed on paper based on image data is referred to as the image area. Therefore, the margin area and border area are different from the image area.

[0023] The printer settings 305 are an item for accepting specification of the printer driver 203 to be used for printing. The paper type settings 306 are a setting item for accepting specification of the type of paper to be used for printing. The paper size settings 307 are a setting item for accepting specification of the paper size to be used for printing. The print orientation settings 308 are a setting item for accepting specification of the print orientation. For the printer driver 203 selected by the user in the printer settings 305, the application 202 can acquire from the printing device 102 capability information that can be set (displayed as options) in the paper type settings 306, paper size settings 307, and print orientation settings 308 by using OS functions such as PrintCapabilities. The application 202 determines the size and orientation of the paper area 302 based on the setting values ​​set in the paper type settings 306 and paper size settings 307.

[0024] The clear coat setting 309 is a setting item for specifying a clear ink application mode, which is a printing mode in which printing is performed using transparent clear ink. The user can use this setting item to switch the clear ink application method. In this embodiment, there are multiple clear ink application modes, and the clear ink application method differs depending on the mode. The clear ink application modes will be described later. The borderless printing setting 310 is a setting item for specifying whether to enable or disable borderless printing. In FIG. 3(a), borderless printing is disabled. Therefore, the user can change the size and position of the image 303 on the paper area 302. By changing the size and position of the image 303 by the user, a margin area 304 can be set.

[0025] The print button 311 is a button for passing the print setting information set in the paper type setting 306 to the borderless print setting 310, and the layout information (drawing information) of the image 303 on the paper area 302 edited by the user, to the printer driver 203 specified in the printer settings 305. The example in FIG. 3(a) shows a setting example for printing an A4-sized landscape image on glossy paper in a clear ink application mode corresponding to "image only." Note that the print setting information may also include information set other than the paper type setting 306 to the borderless print setting 310.

[0026] Figure 3(b) shows the screen when borderless printing is enabled by checking the borderless print setting 310 checkbox. In other words, in Figure 3(b), the user cannot directly manipulate the size or position of the image 303 using, for example, a pointing device. In Figure 3(b), the size of the image 303 is controlled so that it is slightly larger than the paper area 302. In other words, in Figure 3(b), there is no margin area 304 like the one shown in Figure 3(a).

[0027] Next, we will explain the clear ink application mode that is set by the clear coat setting 309. In this embodiment, the user can selectively specify the method of applying clear ink to paper, and these application methods are collectively called "clear ink application modes."

[0028] The clear coat setting 309 in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) is a section for setting the method for applying clear ink to paper. The clear coat setting 309 displays a list of clear ink application modes provided by the printer driver 203 using a pull-down menu. The user selects any clear ink application mode from the pull-down menu, and the selected clear ink application mode is set. In this embodiment, the clear ink application mode has four modes displayed on the pull-down menu: "Full Coverage," "Image Only," "Automatic," and "None." The user can specify the method for applying clear ink to paper by selecting any mode from these four modes. Note that the clear ink application mode is set to the mode corresponding to "Automatic" by default. Each clear ink application mode is described below.

[0029] In this embodiment, the mode set when "Full Coverage" is selected is called the full coverage mode. The full coverage mode applies clear ink to the entire printable area on the paper. The printable area is the area calculated as the area inside the specified paper size by a predetermined margin, and is an area that can be determined from the paper size. The printable area is a margin established during printing by the printing device 102 and is different from the above-mentioned margin area (border area). In this embodiment, the terms margin area and border area refer to a white area that is different from the image area and can be set when borderless printing is disabled. When borderless printing is disabled, in other words, when bordered printing is set, a border area can exist within the printable area. Therefore, when borderless printing is disabled and the full coverage mode is selected, clear ink is applied to the entire printable area, meaning that clear ink is applied not only to the image area but also to the margin area.

[0030] In this embodiment, the mode set by selecting "Auto" is referred to as the automatic coating mode. The automatic coating mode is a mode in which clear ink is applied to areas other than white areas. A white area refers to an area where no color ink is applied, such as a white paper area. Unlike the full coating mode, clear ink is not applied to the margin area 304. Furthermore, if a white area is included within the image area, clear ink is not applied to the white area within the image area. Furthermore, when borderless printing is enabled by the borderless printing settings 310, the image area is controlled to be slightly larger than the paper area 302, and therefore includes the printable area. Therefore, when borderless printing is enabled, the clear coat settings 309 may be displayed in a way that makes the automatic coating mode unselectable.

[0031] Among recording media, including paper, there are some for which the effect of applying clear ink is noticeable, and others for which it is not. For example, plain paper and matte-coated paper do not benefit much from applying clear ink. On the other hand, glossy paper and other types of paper can benefit from applying clear ink, such as a uniform gloss appearance and an expanded color gamut. For this reason, for example, the type of paper to which the automatic application mode is applied may be set in advance, and whether or not to apply the automatic application mode may be switched based on paper type information obtained from the print setting information. In other words, the display of whether or not the automatic application mode is selectable may be controlled based on paper type information obtained from the print setting information.

[0032] In this embodiment, the mode in which "No" is selected and set is called the non-clear ink application mode. When the non-clear ink application mode is set, printing is performed without using clear ink.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence between each clear ink application mode and the locations and amounts of clear ink used. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the differences in print results depending on each clear ink application mode. Note that in print results 501 to 504 in Fig. 5, the areas where clear ink is applied are shown darker than image 505 (original image) formed on paper based on image data without using clear ink. Note that in print results 501 to 504, a margin area is set within the printable area.

[0034] When the full-surface application mode is set, the printing device 102 applies clear ink to the entire printable area, as shown in FIG. 4 and the print result 501. Applying clear ink to the entire printable area can improve the overall glossiness of the printable area, including marginal areas. However, this increases the amount of clear ink used, and there is a possibility that the texture of the paper will be lost due to the application of clear ink.

[0035] When the automatic application mode is set, as shown in FIG. 4 and the print result 503, the printing device 102 applies clear ink only to areas where ink has been applied. In the automatic application mode, clear ink is applied to areas other than the combined area of ​​the margin area and the white areas within the image area. For example, as in the "cloud" image shown in the print result 503, clear ink is not applied to the white areas within the image area. This may cause the user to perceive a non-uniform glossiness near the white areas within the image area.

[0036] When the non-clear ink application mode is set, the printing device 102 prints without using clear ink, as shown in FIG. 4 and the print result 504. For example, if a user wants to laminate the printed image, they can reduce the amount of clear ink used by selecting the "non-clear ink application mode." In this way, the clear coat setting 309 can be considered a control for switching the location and amount of clear ink used.

[0037] In this embodiment, the clear ink application mode also includes a mode that is set when "Image Only" is selected in the clear coat settings 309. In this embodiment, the mode set when "Image Only" is selected is called the specific application mode. When the specific application mode is set, the printing device 102 applies clear ink only to the image area, excluding the margin areas, as shown in the print result 502. In this embodiment, control is performed to separate the white areas and margin areas within the image area, which will be described later. In the specific application mode, unlike the automatic application mode, clear ink is also applied to the white areas within the image area. This allows for a uniform glossiness within the image area. Furthermore, when borderless printing is enabled in the borderless printing settings 310, the image area is controlled to be slightly larger than the paper area 302, and therefore includes the printable area. Therefore, when borderless printing is enabled, the clear coat settings 309 may be displayed in a manner that makes the specific application mode unselectable.

[0038] Using FIG. 8, we will explain printing examples in each clear ink application mode when borderless printing is disabled, in other words, when a border area is set. Unlike FIG. 5, FIG. 8 also shows the printable area. FIG. 8(a) shows a printable area 802 on a paper area 801. The paper area 801 corresponds to the paper area 302 in FIG. 3(a). Note that FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) do not show the area corresponding to the printable area 802. FIG. 8(b) shows an image 803 laid out within the printable area 802 with a margin area 806 set. Note that the image 803 includes clouds 804 and 805. Here, cloud 804 abuts the edge of the image area of ​​image 803.

[0039] FIG. 8(c) shows the print result when the full application mode is selected using the clear coat settings 309. Areas that are displayed darker than the image 803 indicate that clear ink has been applied. The cloud 804 area borders the margin area 806, and because equal amounts of clear ink are applied to both areas, there is no difference in gloss, resulting in an unclear boundary. FIG. 8(d) shows the print result when the automatic application mode is selected using the clear coat settings 309. The cloud 804 area borders the margin area 806, and neither area is coated with clear ink, resulting in an unclear boundary. FIG. 8(e) shows the print result when the specific application mode is selected using the clear coat settings 309. The cloud 804 area borders the margin area 806, but clear ink is applied to the cloud 804 area and not to the margin area 806. This results in a difference in gloss, resulting in a clear boundary between the cloud 804 area and the margin area 806.

[0040] Up to this point, we have explained the clear ink application modes in this embodiment and the differences in printing results depending on each mode. Next, using FIG. 13, we will explain image processing in which the printing device 102 generates (outputs) print data based on a print job received from the information processing device 101. As described above, the print job includes image data converted into a data format interpretable by the printing device 102, print setting information related to print settings, and print commands. The print setting information includes, for example, information set in the paper type setting 306 to borderless print setting 310 in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, image data received by the printing device 102 and converted into a data format interpretable by the printing device 102 will be simply referred to as image data.

[0041] In this embodiment, the printing device 102 inputs image data of 8 bits each (i.e., 256 gradations each) for red (R), green (G), and blue (B) to the image processing shown in FIG. 13 . The input image data is then output as print data of 1 bit each for cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and clear ink (P) through the image processing shown in FIG. 13 . In this embodiment, an example is described in which four color inks, C, M, Y, and K, are used. However, this is not limiting, and other color inks may also be used. For example, neutral color inks such as light magenta and light cyan may be used, or monotone inks such as light gray, gray, dark gray, photo black, and matte black may also be used. For example, the printing device 102 may be configured to use 12 colors by adding the above inks to C, M, Y, and K.

[0042] Furthermore, the number of bits of the image data input to the image processing and the print data output from the image processing are not limited to the above. For example, the image data may be 16-bit image data for each RGB color, and the print data may be multi-value data with 2 bits each for CMYKP (i.e., 4 gradations).

[0043] 13, the image processing executed by the printing device 102 includes print job analysis processing 1300, first color conversion processing 1301, second color conversion processing 1302, output gamma processing 1303, and binarization processing 1304. Each processing is a processing unit executed by, for example, the CPU 121 of the printing device 102, but the following description focuses on each processing.

[0044] First, print job analysis processing 1300 analyzes the print job and acquires image data and print setting information. The information acquired from the print job is not limited to this; for example, a print command may also be acquired. Furthermore, rasterization may be performed on the image data at this stage to enable pixel-by-pixel processing later. Image data with 8 bits per RGB color is input to first color conversion processing 1301.

[0045] The first color conversion process 1301 uses a three-dimensional lookup table (LUT) to convert image data with 8 bits per RGB color into 8-bit data per R'G'B' color (herein referred to as R'G'B' data). The conversion process from image data to R'G'B' data, in other words, corrects the difference between the color space represented by the input image data and the color space reproducible by the printing device 102. In other words, it converts the color space represented by the input image data into a device-independent color space, and then converts the device-independent color space into a color space dependent on the printing device 102. Here, the device-independent color space is, for example, an XYZ color space.

[0046] The first color conversion process 1301 uses a 3D LUT, but the 3D LUT does not need to have grid points for all input combinations. For example, data may be prepared only for points at a predetermined interval in the 3D color space, and interpolation processing may be performed for points other than those at the predetermined interval.

[0047] The R'G'B' data output from the first color conversion process 1301 is input to the second color conversion process 1302. The second color conversion process 1302 uses a 3D LUT to convert the data into 8-bit data for each CMYKP color (referred to here as CMYKP data). In other words, the processing in the second color conversion process 1302 converts input RGB system data represented by luminance signals into output CMYK system data represented by density signals. The second color conversion process 1302 may also perform processing such as masking, undercolor removal, and black generation.

[0048] The second color conversion process 1302 uses a 3D LUT, but the 3D LUT does not need to have grid points for all input combinations. For example, data may be prepared only for points at a predetermined interval in the 3D color space, and interpolation processing may be performed for points other than those at the predetermined interval.

[0049] The CMYKP data output from the second color conversion process 1302 is input to the output gamma process 1303. The output gamma process 1303 performs gamma correction on the input CMYKP data using a one-dimensional LUT. Generally, there is no linear relationship between the number of dots formed by ink being applied per unit area of ​​paper and the output characteristics, such as reflection density, obtained by measuring them. Gamma correction makes it possible to create a linear relationship between the 8-bit input gradation level for each CMYKP color and the density level of the printed image.

[0050] The gamma-corrected CMYKP data output from the output gamma processing 1303 is input to the binarization processing 1304. The binarization processing 1304 performs quantization processing on the gamma-corrected CMYKP data. The quantization processing outputs print data with 1 bit for each CMYKP color. After that, ink is applied to paper based on the print data to form an image on the paper.

[0051] Here, we will explain how the output value of the clear ink changes with respect to the gradation value in the full application mode and automatic application mode. Note that the output value corresponds to the amount of ink applied to the paper.

[0052] FIG. 15 shows the change in the clear ink output value versus gradation value determined by the second color conversion process 1302. In this embodiment, the output values ​​are stored in LUT format and therefore expressed discretely. FIG. 15(a) shows the change in the clear ink (P) output value versus gradation value in automatic application mode. FIG. 15(b) shows the change in the clear ink (P) output value versus gradation value in full-surface application mode. As an example, FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) show a gray line from white (R=G=B=255, the white point on the LUT) to black (R=G=B=0, the black point on the LUT) in an LUT for 12 ink colors, including CMYK and monotone inks. FIG. 15(a) also shows monotone inks, light gray (LGY), gray (GY), and photo black (PBK), in addition to clear ink. Generally, when monotone inks such as light gray, gray, photo black, and matte black are added to CMYK, smoother gradations can be expressed in the monotone areas from white to black. In Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the vertical axis represents the output value per unit area of ​​each ink, with 100 being the maximum value.

[0053] As shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), printing is performed using only light gray (LGY) ink from the white color of R=G=B=255 to R=G=B=208. Gray (GY) ink is then introduced from R=G=B=208, with the light gray ink output reaching a maximum near R=G=B=208 and then beginning to decrease. Furthermore, photo black (PBK) ink is introduced from R=G=B=128, with the gray ink output reaching a maximum and then decreasing. Finally, at R=G=B=0, only photo black ink is used. It is common to combine other color inks in the gray line to achieve a tonal balance, but this is omitted in this example.

[0054] As described above, in full-surface application mode, clear ink is applied to the entire printable area on the paper. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15(b), in the density range from R=G=B=255 to approximately R=G=B=208, where light gray ink is mainly output in a single color, control is performed to output a larger amount of clear ink. The reason for this is explained below.

[0055] Generally, when pigment ink is applied to glossy paper, pigment particles remain on the surface of the paper, unlike dye ink. Therefore, in areas where pigment ink is used heavily, the glossiness of the pigment particles themselves becomes more noticeable, and light reflection becomes stronger only in those areas.

[0056] This light reflection will be explained using Figures 16(a) to 16(d). The white arrows in Figures 16(a) to 16(d) represent light. As shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the output value of light gray ink is low near the white color. In this case, the cross-sectional image of the dots per unit area will be a mixture of areas where light gray ink is applied and areas where the paper surface is exposed, as shown in Figure 16(a).

[0057] Normally, unless the recording medium is film, the light reflection of glossy paper itself is weaker than that of a paper covered with pigment ink. Therefore, the more exposed the paper surface, the weaker the light reflection. Furthermore, in this case, the paper surface has unevenness between areas coated with light gray ink and areas not coated with light gray ink. As shown in the light reflection image in Figure 16(a), the light is scattered by the unevenness on the image surface, weakening the light reflection. Filling the gaps in the unevenness that occurs near the white area with more clear ink reduces the unevenness on the paper surface, suppressing light scattering as shown in Figure 16(b). In other words, this strengthens the light reflection, achieving a uniform glossiness with the areas coated with other color inks.

[0058] Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the effect of clear ink. Figure 10(a) shows how the reflected light is uneven due to the ink step caused by the colored pigment ink. In contrast, Figure 10(b) shows how the reflected light is uniformed by applying transparent clear ink. In this way, applying clear ink can reduce uneven gloss.

[0059] Furthermore, near the point where R=G=B=208, i.e., where the light gray ink output value is at its maximum, as shown in Figure 16(c), if the paper is filled almost entirely with light gray ink (almost a single color), the paper surface will have fewer irregularities, and the light reflection from the pigment particles themselves will tend to be stronger. Therefore, more clear ink is required to cover the pigment particles and impart a uniform gloss. On the other hand, in areas where light gray ink and gray ink are used simultaneously, as shown in Figure 16(d), the light gray ink and gray ink are applied randomly between multiple passes, creating irregularities on the paper surface. This causes light scattering, resulting in a relatively weaker light reflection from the pigment particles themselves than when printing in a single color. In other words, the amount of clear ink applied can be reduced in density ranges higher than those where multiple ink colors are used simultaneously. The above can be summarized as follows:

[0060] That is, for white, the surface of the paper is filled with clear ink to enhance light reflection, so it is necessary to apply a large amount of clear ink. Also, in areas near the white color, where the paper is almost entirely filled with light gray ink (almost a single color), it is necessary to apply a large amount of clear ink to suppress light reflection. Furthermore, in areas where multiple colors of ink, such as light gray ink and gray ink, are applied, even if the pigment particles themselves have a glossy appearance, unevenness occurs on the image surface, so light reflection is relatively weakened. For this reason, the amount of clear ink applied can be reduced more than for white and areas near the white color.

[0061] As shown in Figure 15(a), when applying clear ink in automatic application mode, processing is performed so that clear ink is not applied to white areas. This is because some applications and operating systems do not necessarily have the functionality to accurately output object information for identifying image areas, and in such cases, it is not possible to apply clear ink only to image areas by identifying the image areas. In such cases, instead of identifying the image areas, a method is used in which clear ink is applied only to areas where color ink has been applied, and clear ink is not applied to white areas.

[0062] If the output value of the clear ink for white is set to zero, as shown in Figure 15(a), the amount of clear ink gradually increases near white (for example, gradation values ​​254 to 240) through interpolation processing. Note that the control of the output value of the clear ink for gradation values ​​240 to 0 in automatic application mode is the same as in full surface application mode. In automatic application mode, the glossiness changes smoothly in white and near white (for example, gradation values ​​255 to 240), but compared to full surface application mode, the uniformity of the glossiness in white and near white (for example, gradation values ​​255 to 240) is lower.

[0063] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between input values ​​and output values ​​of the second color conversion process 1302. In Fig. 12, the "%" as the output value represents the output value (deposition amount) per unit area, with the maximum value being 100%. Note that Fig. 12 only shows the output value of the clear ink.

[0064] In the automatic application mode, the output value is 0% for an input value of 255, 3% for an input value of 254, 25% for an input value of 248, and 50% for an input value of 240, and because the output value is calculated by interpolation, a small amount is applied for the input values ​​of 254 and 248. In the full application mode, the output value is 50% for an input value of 255, 50% for an input value of 254, 50% for an input value of 248, and 50% for an input value of 240, and a sufficient amount of clear ink is applied for the input values ​​of 254 and 248. In the specific application mode, image processing when the specific application mode, described below, is set results in the output value being 0% for an input value of 255, 50% for an input value of 254, 50% for an input value of 248, and 50% for an input value of 240, and a sufficient amount of clear ink is also applied for the input values ​​of 254 and 248. In addition, with an input value of 255, no ink other than the clear ink is used in any mode.

[0065] Next, the processing of the application 202 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the application 202 when the clear ink application mode is selected by the user in the clear coat setting 309. The processing of FIG. 6 is realized, for example, by the CPU 111 of the information processing apparatus 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 into the RAM 113 and executing it. The processing of FIG. 6 is started, for example, when the print button 311 is pressed. In the following, the processing will be described with the application 202 as the subject of the processing. However, part of the processing of FIG. 6 may be realized by the CPU 111 executing another program. It is also assumed that image data is created by the user operating the application 202 before the processing of FIG. 6 starts. FIG. 11(a) shows an example of an image based on the created image data. As an example, FIG. 11(a) shows RGB values ​​(255, 255, 255) of the margin area and the "cloud" image area, RGB values ​​(75, 255, 150) of the "mountain" image area, and RGB values ​​(0, 0, 0) of the "house" image area.

[0066] In S601, the application 202 determines whether the specific coating mode has been selected by the user in the clear coat settings 309. If it is determined that the specific coating mode has been selected, the process proceeds to S602; if not, the process proceeds to S603. If the specific coating mode has not been selected, for example, if another mode has been selected, the process of S602 is not executed. That is, the RGB value information shown in FIG. 11(a) is maintained and transmitted to the printing device 102.

[0067] In S602, the application 202 performs color conversion processing on the image data to slightly color white areas within the image area. For example, if the image data is 8-bit RGB data, RGB=(255,255,255) is the RGB value corresponding to white. That is, when the image data is sent to the printing device 102, the pixel area within the image area to which RGB=(255,255,255) is assigned is printed as white. In this embodiment, color conversion processing is performed to change the RGB values ​​of pixels that have been assigned RGB values ​​corresponding to white to RGB values ​​corresponding to colors other than white. Specifically, for example, the RGB value corresponding to colors other than white is RGB=(254,254,254). In the color conversion processing in S602, for example, RGB values ​​may be normalized so that the gradation in the RGB color space changes from the range of 0 to 255 to the range of 0 to 254. For example, if the RGB values ​​of image data corresponding to the image in FIG. 11(a) are normalized so that the gradation in the RGB color space falls within the range of 0 to 254, the processing result will be as shown in FIG. 11(b). In this case, the RGB values ​​of intermediate colors other than white will also change slightly. In the example in FIG. 11(b), the color RGB=(75,255,150) changes to RGB=(75,254,149). Note that color conversion processing is not performed on the marginal areas in S602. Therefore, the RGB values ​​of the marginal areas will maintain the RGB value (255,255,255) corresponding to white.

[0068] Another color conversion processing method may be to detect pixels in an image area that are assigned RGB values ​​corresponding to white and convert those pixels to RGB values ​​of (254, 254, 254). For example, if only the portions of image data representing the image shown in FIG. 11(a) that are assigned RGB values ​​corresponding to white are color converted, the processing result will be as shown in FIG. 11(c). In this case, the RGB values ​​of pixels assigned RGB values ​​corresponding to colors other than white will remain unchanged. Note that even in the case of FIG. 11(c), color conversion processing is not performed on the margin area, so the RGB values ​​of the margin area remain the RGB value of (255, 255, 255) corresponding to white. Detection of pixels to be subject to such color conversion processing may be performed, for example, by a user specifying a color on the image displayed on the screen.

[0069] In this embodiment, the margin area and the white area within the image area are separated in this way in the image data. Note that, in this embodiment, an example of converting RGB values ​​= (255, 255, 255) to (254, 254, 254) will be described as the color conversion process, but this is not limited to this, and for example, at least one of the color components R, G, and B may be changed to 254. Furthermore, the example of converting the gradation value from 255 to 254 is not limited to this, and any gradation value near white that is determined by the user to be difficult to distinguish may be used.

[0070] As a result of the processing in S602, the white area in the image area is slightly colored, and only the marginal area has an RGB value of (255, 255, 255). Note that in S602, color conversion processing is performed on the image data, but the results of the color conversion processing are not applied to the image 303 displayed in the preview area 301. In other words, the image 303 displayed in the preview area 301 is an image displayed based on image data without pixel value conversion. This is because the processing in S602 is not performed based on an explicit user instruction for coloring, and it is difficult for the user to confirm color differences in the previewed image. However, the results of the color conversion processing may be applied to the image 303 displayed in the preview area 301. In other words, the image 303 displayed in the preview area 301 may be an image displayed based on image data that has undergone color conversion processing, i.e., pixel value conversion. Furthermore, the image 303 displayed in the preview area 301 may be switchable between image data without pixel value conversion and image data with pixel value conversion.

[0071] In S603, the application 202 sends the print job including the image data, print setting information including the options for the clear coat setting 309, and a print command to the printing device 102, and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0072] As explained for the automatic coating mode and the specific coating mode, when borderless printing is enabled, the clear coat settings 309 may be displayed so that the automatic coating mode and the specific coating mode cannot be selected. However, when borderless printing is enabled, the clear coat settings 309 may be configured to allow selection of both the automatic coating mode and the specific coating mode. For example, when borderless printing is enabled and the specific coating mode is selected, S601 may be controlled to treat the full coating mode as selected, i.e., S601: No, and proceed to S603. In this case, the color conversion process of S602, i.e., pixel value conversion, is not performed. Even in this case, the clear ink is applied to the entire printable area, achieving the same effect as when color conversion process is performed in the specific coating mode.

[0073] Next, we will explain the processing within the printing device 102. As described above, the printing device 102 generates print data by performing the image processing shown in Fig. 13 on image data included in a print job received from the information processing device 101. In the image processing, the amount of clear ink to be applied is controlled by the LUT of the second color conversion process 1302.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the LUT used in the second color conversion process 1302. As shown in FIG. 9, in the LUT, output values ​​are defined discretely for each grid point, and output values ​​between grid points are calculated by interpolation. The LUT shown in FIG. 9 has grid points such as (255, 255, 255), (240, 240, 240), (224, 224, 224), and (0, 0, 0). In this embodiment, ink separation is performed in the second color conversion process 1302 using an LUT in which output values ​​are defined discretely for each grid point, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0075] In this embodiment, the printing device 102 has two LUTs: an LUT for the full surface application mode and an LUT for the automatic application mode. In other words, in the full surface application mode and the automatic application mode, ink decomposition is performed using a LUT specific to each mode. Specifically, for example, in the full surface application mode, an LUT that performs ink decomposition as shown in FIG. 15(b) is used, and in the automatic application mode, an LUT that performs ink decomposition as shown in FIG. 15(a) is used. On the other hand, the non-clear ink application mode and the specific application mode do not have their own LUTs, and ink decomposition is performed under control using the LUTs of the other clear ink application modes.

[0076] In print job analysis processing 1300, the printing device 102 acquires image data, print setting information, and print commands from the print job received from the information processing device 101. The printing device 102 also analyzes the print setting information and acquires information about the clear ink application mode that has been set based on the information in the clear coat setting 309. Specifically, for example, the printing device 102 acquires information about which of the automatic application mode, full application mode, specific application mode, and non-clear ink application mode has been set.

[0077] Image processing when the automatic application mode is set will be described. When the automatic application mode is set, the printing device 102 converts image data into R'G'B' data in a first color conversion process 1301 after the print job analysis process 1300 described above. Next, the printing device 102 performs ink separation using an LUT for the automatic application mode in a second color conversion process 1302. The LUT for the automatic application mode specifies that clear ink should not be applied to white, i.e., RGB values ​​= (255, 255, 255). Therefore, control is performed so that clear ink is not applied to margin areas and white areas within the image area. The printing device 102 then performs output gamma processing 1303 and binarization processing 1304 to generate print data.

[0078] Image processing when the full coverage mode is set will be described. When the full coverage mode is set, the printing device 102 converts image data into R'G'B' data in a first color conversion process 1301 after the print job analysis process 1300 described above. Next, the printing device 102 performs ink separation using an LUT for the full coverage mode in a second color conversion process 1302. The LUT for the full coverage mode specifies that clear ink should be applied to white, i.e., RGB values ​​= (255, 255, 255). Therefore, control is performed so that clear ink is applied to margin areas and white areas within the image area. The printing device 102 then executes output gamma processing 1303 and binarization processing 1304 to generate print data.

[0079] Image processing when the non-clear ink application mode is set will be described. When the non-clear ink application mode is set, the printing device 102 converts image data into R'G'B' data in a first color conversion process 1301 after the print job analysis process 1300. Next, the printing device 102 performs ink separation using an LUT for the automatic application mode in a second color conversion process 1302. Because the LUT for the automatic application mode is used, clear ink is not applied to margin areas and white areas within the image area, but clear ink is applied to areas other than the white areas within the image area. In an output gamma process 1303, the printing device 102 sets the output value of only the clear ink included in the processing result of the second color conversion process 1302 to zero. Then, the printing device 102 executes a binarization process 1304 to generate print data. As described above, in the non-clear ink application mode, clear ink is not applied to the entire printable area. Here, the non-clear ink application mode has been described as using an LUT for the automatic application mode to set the output value of the clear ink to zero, but an LUT for the non-clear ink application mode may also be used. Specifically, for example, an LUT in which the output value of the clear ink is defined as zero may be used as the LUT for the non-clear ink application mode.

[0080] Image processing when the specific application mode is set will be described using FIG. 14. When the specific application mode is set, the printing device 102 executes the white determination process 1401 after the print job analysis process 1300 described above. Note that the print job analysis process 1300 rasterizes the printable area, that is, the image area as well as the margin area. The printing device 102 then executes the white determination process 1401 from the rasterized image data. Based on the image data, the printing device 102 determines whether the RGB value of each pixel is (255, 255, 255). The printing device 102 sets white attribute = 1 for pixel areas with RGB values ​​of (255, 255, 255). On the other hand, it sets white attribute = 0 for pixel areas that are not (255, 255, 255). In other words, the white determination process 1401 is a process for identifying areas of white pixels.

[0081] Next, in a first color conversion process 1301, the printing device 102 converts the image data into R'G'B' data. Next, in a second color conversion process 1302, the printing device 102 performs ink separation using an LUT for full-surface application mode. The LUT for full-surface application mode specifies that clear ink should be applied to white pixels, i.e., pixels with RGB values ​​= (255, 255, 255). Therefore, at this point, processing is performed so that clear ink is applied to margin areas and white areas within the image area.

[0082] Next, the printing device 102 performs output gamma processing 1303 using the results of the white determination processing 1401. The printing device 102 performs processing to set the output value of only clear ink to zero for areas of pixels with a white attribute of 1. This controls the application of clear ink to white pixels with RGB values ​​of (255, 255, 255). On the other hand, the printing device 102 performs output gamma processing 1303 similar to the automatic application mode and full-surface application mode for areas of pixels with a white attribute of 0. The printing device 102 then performs binarization processing 1304 to generate print data. This control prevents clear ink from being applied to areas of white pixels, i.e., pixels with RGB values ​​of (255, 255, 255), and controls the application of the same amount of clear ink as in the full-surface application mode to areas of pixels other than those with RGB values ​​of (255, 255, 255). When the specific application mode is set, the image area does not include any white areas, i.e., areas with RGB values ​​of (255, 255, 255), due to the color conversion process in S602 in Fig. 6. Therefore, by executing the white determination process 1401, it is possible to identify the image area, and control is made so that clear ink is applied to that image area and clear ink is not applied to the marginal areas.

[0083] 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in the printing device 102 that receives a print job from the information processing device 101. The processing in FIG. 7 is realized, for example, by the CPU 121 reading a program stored in the ROM 123 into the RAM 122 and executing it.

[0084] In S701, the CPU 121 refers to the print setting information included in the print job and determines whether or not the full surface application mode is set in the clear coat setting 309. If it is determined that the full surface application mode is set, the process proceeds to S704, and if it is determined that the full surface application mode is not set, the process proceeds to S702.

[0085] In S704, the CPU 121 executes the image processing when the full-face application mode is set as described above to generate print data, and forms an image on paper based on the print data. After that, the processing in FIG. 7 ends.

[0086] In S702, the CPU 121 refers to the print setting information included in the print job, and determines whether or not the automatic application mode is set in the clear coat setting 309. If it is determined that the automatic application mode is set, the process proceeds to S705, and if it is determined that the automatic application mode is not set, the process proceeds to S703.

[0087] In S705, CPU 121 executes the image processing when the automatic application mode is set as described above to generate print data, and forms an image on paper based on the print data. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 7 ends.

[0088] In S703, the CPU 121 refers to the print setting information included in the print job and determines whether a specific coating mode is set in the clear coat settings 309. If it is determined that the specific coating mode is set, the process proceeds to S706, and if it is determined that the specific coating mode is not set, the process proceeds to S707. For example, if the non-clear ink coating mode is set in the clear coat settings 309, the process proceeds to S707.

[0089] In S706, CPU 121 executes the image processing when the specific application mode is set as described above to generate print data, and forms an image on paper based on the print data. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 7 ends.

[0090] In S707, the CPU 121 executes the image processing described above when the non-clear ink application mode is set to generate print data, and forms an image on paper based on the print data. After that, the processing in FIG. 7 ends.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, control of the four clear ink application modes is achieved using only two LUTs: one for the full application mode and one for the automatic application mode, without using four LUTs for the second color conversion process 1302. The LUT used in the second color conversion process 1302 is an LUT that separates RGB into output ink colors, and therefore is the LUT with the largest data size among all the image processing LUTs. Therefore, by making it possible to reduce the number of LUTs, a significant effect can be achieved in reducing data size.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, transparent clear ink is not applied to margin areas, and clear ink can be applied to image areas even if they include white areas. This reduces gloss unevenness within the image area while reducing the amount of clear ink used and preserving the texture of the paper. Furthermore, the user can use the clear coat setting 309 to switch the range and amount of clear ink used (applied) depending on the use case.

[0093] In this embodiment, in step S602, white areas within the image area are separated from blank spaces by adding a color to the white areas. Typically, for printing devices that handle data that includes blank spaces, it is difficult to accurately identify the location of the blank spaces. However, this embodiment makes it possible to easily identify the blank spaces. Furthermore, because no special commands are required to indicate the location of the image area or blank spaces, an increase in the amount of information transmitted as part of the print job can be prevented.

[0094] Although the image data included in the print job received from the information processing device 101 is data defined in the RGB color space, the present invention is not limited to this and may be data defined in other color spaces such as CMYK. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to 8-bit gradation data of 0 to 255 and may be data of other gradations, for example, 16-bit gradation data of 0 to 65535.

[0095] The application 202 may allow various layouts and the like to be specified for images represented by image data. For example, FIG. 21(a) shows a case where an image is arranged smaller than the printable area, which corresponds to the example in which a margin area is set as described in this embodiment. Also, for example, FIG. 21(b) shows a case where multiple images are arranged in the printable area. FIG. 21(b) shows an example in which four images with margin areas set are arranged. Also, for example, FIG. 21(c) shows a case in which multiple images are arranged in the printable area and text is also arranged. FIG. 21(c) shows an example in which text and comments are added to FIG. 21(b).

[0096] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, an example has been given in which color conversion is first performed on the printable area to temporarily determine the clear ink output value, and then the clear ink output value is changed only for the image area, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to first divide the printable area into areas that are different from the image area within the printable area, and then determine different clear ink output values ​​for each. This makes it possible to apply clear ink only to the image area, thereby achieving the same image effect.

[0097] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it was explained that to realize the specific application mode, the second color conversion process 1302 performs ink separation using an LUT for the full-surface application mode, and the output gamma process 1303 performs processing to set the output value of clear ink corresponding to the margin area to zero. It was explained that by doing so, control is performed so that clear ink is applied to the image area and clear ink is not applied to the margin area. In this embodiment, other configurations will be explained.

[0098] 17 is a diagram showing the flow of image processing in the printing device 102. After the print job analysis process 1300, the printing device 102 determines in the white determination process 1401 whether the pixel value of each pixel in the image area is white. Specifically, for example, it determines whether the RGB value is (255, 255, 255). If the RGB value is (255, 255, 255), the information of white attribute = 1 is set for the pixel. On the other hand, if the RGB value is not (255, 255, 255), the information of white attribute = 0 is set for the pixel.

[0099] Next, in a first color conversion process 1301, the printing device 102 converts the image data into R'G'B' data. Next, in a second color conversion process 1302, the printing device 102 performs ink separation using an LUT for automatic application mode for pixels with information set to white attribute = 1, and performs ink separation using an LUT for full application mode for pixels corresponding to information set to white attribute = 0. This allows clear ink to be applied to areas of white pixels, for example, pixels with RGB values ​​= (255, 255, 255), while applying the same amount of clear ink as in the full application mode to areas corresponding to pixels of colors other than white. After the first color conversion process 1302, the printing device 102 performs output gamma process 1303 and binarization process 1304 to generate print data.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, the second color conversion process 1302 can control the four clear ink application modes using only two LUTs: one for the full application mode and one for the automatic application mode, without having to prepare four LUTs corresponding to each of the four modes. The LUT for the second color conversion process 1302 is an LUT that separates RGB into output ink colors, and therefore has the largest data size among the LUTs used in image processing. Therefore, by making it possible to reduce the number of LUTs, a significant effect can be achieved in reducing data size.

[0101] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, a configuration was described in which a slight color is added to a white area within an image area, thereby controlling the printing device 102 to apply clear ink. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a user is notified that a slight color will be added to a white area.

[0102] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing of the application 202 when a specific application mode is selected by the user. The processing of Fig. 18 is realized, for example, by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 into the RAM 113 and executing it. The processing of Fig. 18 is started, for example, when the print button 311 is pressed. In the following, the application 202 will be described as the subject of this processing. However, part of the processing of Fig. 18 may be realized by the CPU 111 executing another program.

[0103] In S1801, the application 202 determines whether or not a specific application mode is selected in the clear ink application mode setting 309. If it is determined that the specific application mode is selected, the process proceeds to S1802, and if it is determined that the specific application mode is not selected, the process proceeds to S1806.

[0104] In S1802, the application 202 determines whether or not a pixel having a predetermined pixel value exists within the image area. The predetermined pixel value is, for example, RGB value = (255, 255, 255), which is white. If it is determined that a pixel having the predetermined pixel value exists, the process proceeds to S1803. If it is determined that a pixel having the predetermined pixel value does not exist, the process proceeds to S1806. Pixels having a white pixel value may be detected, for example, by comprehensively checking (scanning) all pixels in the image area. This process can be controlled to skip the subsequent processes of S1803 to S1805 for image data that does not include pixels having a white pixel value. Note that the process of S1802 is not essential, and the process may proceed to S1803 after S1801. In this case, if there is no white area within the image area, the process proceeds to S1806 without performing the process of S1805.

[0105] In S1803, the application 202 displays a message screen on the display unit 119. The message screen includes, for example, a message such as "With these print settings, there is a possibility that white areas in the image will be slightly colored. If you want to cancel printing, please press Cancel," as well as buttons for accepting an instruction to continue the print process and an instruction to cancel the print process. This process makes it possible to notify the user of the possibility of color changes before printing.

[0106] In S1804, the application 202 determines whether or not an instruction to cancel the print process from the user has been accepted. If it is determined that an instruction to cancel the print process has been accepted, the process of FIG. 18 ends, and no further print process is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to cancel the print process has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S1805. Note that the message screen displayed in S1803 may be configured to display only a message. After S1804, S1805 and S1806 are executed. The explanation for S1805 is the same as that for S602, and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted. The explanation for S1806 is the same as that for S603, and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0107] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of the possibility of color changes before printing.

[0108] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first to third embodiments. In this embodiment, processing will be described when image data is data in a PDF (Portable Document Format) data format (PDF data).

[0109] 19 is a diagram showing the flow of the application 202 when the application 202 is an application capable of decoding PDF data. The application 202 analyzes PDF data in a PDF analysis process 1801. The PDF data contains rendering data information, such as vector data and bit map data, for object information within a page, as well as size information and font information for each object. The application 202 analyzes the PDF data in the PDF analysis process 1801 and acquires the rendering data information as the analysis result. Then, the application 202 identifies the printable area on the paper area in a printable area determination process 1802. The printable area can be determined, for example, as the area inside a specified paper size by a predetermined margin.

[0110] Next, in image area determination processing 1803, the application 202 identifies the image area in which the object is to be drawn based on the analysis results acquired in PDF analysis processing 1801. For example, if borderless printing is disabled as print setting information, a reduced image area within the printable area is identified.

[0111] Next, in clear ink application attribute processing 1804, the application 202 sets attribute information indicating that clear ink is to be applied to the identified image area based on the processing result of the image area determination processing 1803 and the selection of a specific application mode. For example, the application 202 sets a clear ink application attribute of 1 for the identified image area. On the other hand, the application 202 sets attribute information indicating that clear ink is not to be applied to the margin area. For example, the application 202 sets a clear ink application attribute of 0 for the margin area, indicating that clear ink is not to be applied.

[0112] Next, the application 202 generates a print job including image data for which a printable area, an image area, and clear ink application attributes are set in a print job generation process 1805. The generated print job is sent to the printing device 102.

[0113] In clear ink application attribute analysis 1806, the printing device 102 analyzes the clear ink application attributes based on the image data included in the received print job. Next, in first color conversion processing 1301, the printing device 102 converts the image data into R'G'B' data. Next, in second color conversion processing 1302, the printing device 102 performs ink separation using an LUT for full-surface application. The LUT for full-surface application mode specifies that clear ink should also be applied to white pixels, i.e., pixels with RGB values ​​= (255, 255, 255). Therefore, at this point, processing is performed so that clear ink is applied to margin areas and white areas within the image area.

[0114] Next, in output gamma processing 1303, the printing device 102 controls the output value of the clear ink based on the analysis results of clear ink application attribute analysis 1806. Specifically, for example, in areas where clear ink application attribute = 1 is set, the output value of the clear ink is not changed. On the other hand, in areas where clear ink application attribute = 0 is set, processing is performed to set the output value of only the clear ink to zero. Therefore, for example, in margin areas, processing is performed to set the output value of the clear ink to zero. On the other hand, because attribute information indicating that clear ink is to be applied is set for image areas, the output value of the clear ink is maintained. Thereafter, the printing device 102 executes binarization processing 1304 to generate print data.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the application 202 separates the printable area and the image area using the drawing data information of the PDF data, and sets clear ink application attributes for each. With this configuration, it is possible to control the application of clear ink to the image area and not to apply clear ink to the margin area.

[0116] In this embodiment, an application capable of processing PDF data has been described as an example, but the printer driver 203 or the printing device 102 itself may analyze the PDF data and perform similar processing. Also, in this embodiment, the data format is PDF, but other formats that include information about the size and position of objects may be used, such as an XPS file. Furthermore, these data formats are also used as intermediate data during rendering in the OS of the information processing device 101, so the printer driver 203 may obtain and analyze the intermediate data via the OS to obtain the above-mentioned rendering data information.

[0117] [Fifth embodiment] The fifth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first to fourth embodiments. In this embodiment, processing when the image data is rasterized data will be described.

[0118] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow of the application 202 when the image data is rasterized data. In rasterized data analysis 1901, the application 202 acquires, for example, one page of rasterized data. The application 202 then analyzes the rasterized data, distinguishes between white pixels and pixels of colors other than white, and detects a pixel group of a predetermined shape made up of pixels of colors other than white. Here, the predetermined shape is, for example, a corner shape. Generally, an image is often arranged in a printable area as a rectangular image area. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, four corner-shaped pixel groups are detected using a technique such as pattern image detection to identify the image area.

[0119] The application 202 identifies the printable area on the paper in printable area determination processing 1902. The printable area is determined, for example, as the area inside the designated paper size by a predetermined margin.

[0120] Next, in image area determination processing 1903, the application 202 identifies an image area in which the object is to be drawn based on the analysis results acquired in rasterized data analysis 1901. Specifically, for example, the application 202 identifies, as the image area, an area surrounded by pixel groups in the shape of four corners detected in rasterized data analysis 1901. At this time, the application 202 may store coordinate information of the determined image area.

[0121] Next, in clear ink application attribute processing 1904, the application 202 sets attribute information indicating that clear ink is to be applied to the specified image area based on the processing result of the image area determination processing 1902 and the selection of a specific application mode. The application 202 sets attribute information indicating that clear ink is to be applied to the specified image area. For example, the application 202 sets a clear ink application attribute of 1 for the specified image area. On the other hand, the application 202 sets attribute information indicating that clear ink is not to be applied to the margin area. For example, the application 202 sets a clear ink application attribute of 0 for the margin area, indicating that clear ink is not to be applied.

[0122] Next, the application 202 generates a print job including image data for which a printable area, an image area, and clear ink application attributes have been set in a print job generation process 1905. The generated print job is sent to the printing device 102. The processing in the printing device 102 is the same as that described in the fourth embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the application 202 separates the printable area and the image area based on the rasterized data, and sets clear ink application attributes for each. With this configuration, it is possible to control the application of clear ink to the image area and not to apply clear ink to the margin area.

[0124] 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 a 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., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0125] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following printing device, method, program, and printing system. (Item 1) 1. A printing device, comprising: a receiving means for receiving a print job; a printing unit that performs printing based on the print job received by the receiving unit, the printing means includes image processing means for executing image processing on image data included in the print job and generating print data for performing the printing; When printing is performed using clear ink only in an image area corresponding to the image represented by the image data, when the image processing means detects an area different from the image area within the printable area on the paper, the image processing means sets an output value of the clear ink for the detected area to an output value different from the output value of the clear ink for only the image area, thereby generating the print data for printing using the clear ink only in the image area. A printing device characterized by: (Item 2) The printing device described in item 1 is characterized in that, when the image processing means detects an area within the printable area that is different from the image area, it performs color conversion on the printable area and then changes the output value of the clear ink obtained by the color conversion performed on the detected area, thereby generating the print data for printing using clear ink only on the image area. (Item 3) The printing device described in item 1 or 2 is characterized in that it is capable of executing three printing modes using clear ink: a first mode in which clear ink is used over the entire printable area; a second mode in which clear ink is used only in areas where ink is applied within the image area laid out within the printable area; and a third mode in which clear ink is used only over the entire image area. (Item 4) The printing device described in item 3 is characterized in that when the image processing means executes the first mode, color conversion is performed by a first color conversion means, and when the image processing means executes the second mode, color conversion is performed by a second color conversion means different from the first color conversion means. (Item 5) the first color conversion means and the second color conversion means are lookup tables in which output values ​​of clear ink are defined, an output value of the clear ink defined for white and near white by the first color conversion means is greater than an output value of the clear ink defined for white and near white by the second color conversion means; 5. The printing device according to item 4, (Item 6) 6. The printing device according to item 5, wherein the second color conversion means defines the output value of clear ink for white as zero. (Item 7) Item 6. The printing device according to item 6, wherein the second color conversion means defines the output value of the clear ink so that it gradually increases from the output value defined for white in the vicinity of white. (Item 8) The printing device described in any one of items 4 to 7, characterized in that when executing the third mode, the image processing means performs color conversion on the printable area using the first color conversion means, and then changes the output value of the clear ink obtained for the detected area to zero. (Item 9) 9. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the area different from the image area is an area of ​​pixels having pixel values ​​that represent white. (Item 10) 10. The printing device according to item 9, wherein the region of pixels having pixel values ​​representing white is a margin region. (Item 11) Whether borderless printing is enabled or disabled can be set as a print setting, 11. The printing device according to item 10, wherein the margin area is a border area when the borderless printing is set to be disabled. (Item 12) 1. A method performed in a printing device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print job; a printing step of performing printing based on the print job received in the receiving step, the printing step includes an image processing step of executing image processing on image data included in the print job to generate print data for performing the printing; When printing is performed using clear ink only in an image area corresponding to the image represented by the image data, In the image processing step, when an area different from the image area is detected within the printable area on the paper, an output value of the clear ink for the detected area is set to an output value different from the output value of the clear ink for only the image area, thereby generating the print data for printing using the clear ink only in the image area. A method characterized by: (Item 13) 12. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the printing device according to any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 14) A printing system including an information processing device and a printing device, The information processing device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring print setting information for performing printing based on image data; a change unit that changes pixel values ​​of pixels of an image represented by the image data when the print setting information acquired by the acquisition unit includes information about the use of clear ink in the printing; a transmission means for transmitting a print job including the print setting information and the image data whose pixel values ​​have been changed by the change means to the printing device; Equipped with The printing device a receiving means for receiving the print job; a printing unit that performs printing based on the print job received by the receiving unit, the printing means includes image processing means for executing image processing on the image data included in the print job and generating print data for performing the printing; When printing is performed using clear ink only in the image area corresponding to the image, when the image processing means detects an area different from the image area within the printable area on the paper, the image processing means sets an output value of the clear ink for the detected area to an output value different from the output value of the clear ink for only the image area, thereby generating the print data for printing using the clear ink only in the image area. A printing system characterized by: (Item 15) Item 15. The printing system according to item 14, wherein the pixel values ​​are changed by the change means so that clear ink is used, and the output values ​​are changed by the image processing means so that clear ink is not used. (Item 16) 16. The printing system according to item 14 or 15, wherein the change unit changes a pixel value corresponding to a specific color to a pixel value corresponding to a color other than the specific color. (Item 17) Item 17. The printing system according to item 16, wherein the specific color includes white. (Item 18) Item 18. The printing system according to item 17, wherein the modification means modifies the white color in the image area. (Item 19) Item 19. The printing system according to item 18, wherein the modification means does not modify the white color of a margin area that is different from the image area. (Item 20) Whether borderless printing is enabled or disabled can be set as a print setting, 20. The printing system according to item 19, wherein the margin area is a border area when the borderless printing is set to be disabled. (Item 21) the pixel value is a value represented by a plurality of color components, 21. The printing system according to any one of items 14 to 20, wherein the change unit changes the pixel value by changing the value of at least one color component. (Item 22) 22. The printing system according to item 21, wherein the plurality of color components are red (R), green (G), and blue (B). (Item 23) As printing modes using clear ink, it is possible to set as print settings a first mode in which clear ink is used over the entire printable area, a second mode in which clear ink is used only in areas where ink is applied within the image area laid out within the printable area, and a third mode in which clear ink is used only over the entire image area, the change means changes the pixel value when the third mode is set as the printing mode using the clear ink. 23. A printing system according to any one of items 14 to 22. (Item 24) Item 24. The printing system described in item 23, characterized in that when the first mode is set as the printing mode using the clear ink and when the second mode is set, the pixel value is not changed by the change means. (Item 25) The information processing device includes: 25. The printing system according to any one of items 14 to 24, further comprising a display control means for controlling to display a preview image before the printing is performed based on the image data whose pixel values ​​have been changed by the change means. (Item 26) 26. The printing system according to item 25, wherein the preview image is an image displayed based on the image data in which the pixel values ​​have not been changed by the change means. (Item 27) 26. The printing system according to item 25, wherein the preview image is an image displayed based on the image data in which the pixel values ​​have been changed by the change means.

[0126] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 101 Information processing device: 102 Printing device: 111, 121 CPU: 112, 123 ROM: 113, 122 RAM

Claims

1. 1. A printing device, comprising: a receiving means for receiving a print job; a printing unit that performs printing based on the print job received by the receiving unit, the printing means includes image processing means for executing image processing on image data included in the print job and generating print data for performing the printing; When printing is performed using clear ink only in an image area corresponding to the image represented by the image data, when the image processing means detects an area different from the image area within the printable area on the paper, the image processing means sets an output value of the clear ink for the detected area to an output value different from the output value of the clear ink for only the image area, thereby generating the print data for printing using the clear ink only in the image area. A printing device characterized by:

2. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the image processing means detects an area within the printable area that is different from the image area, it performs color conversion on the printable area, and then changes the output value of the clear ink obtained by the color conversion performed on the detected area, thereby generating the print data for printing using clear ink only on the image area.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing modes using clear ink are capable of executing a first mode in which clear ink is used over the entire printable area, a second mode in which clear ink is used only in areas where ink is applied within the image area laid out within the printable area, and a third mode in which clear ink is used only over the entire image area.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the image processing means performs color conversion using a first color conversion means when executing the first mode, and performs color conversion using a second color conversion means different from the first color conversion means when executing the second mode.

5. the first color conversion means and the second color conversion means are lookup tables in which output values ​​of clear ink are defined, an output value of the clear ink defined for white and near white by the first color conversion means is greater than an output value of the clear ink defined for white and near white by the second color conversion means; 5. The printing device according to claim 4.

6. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second color conversion means defines an output value of clear ink for white as zero.

7. 7. The printing device according to claim 6, wherein the second color conversion means defines an output value of the clear ink in the vicinity of white so that the output value gradually increases from an output value defined for white.

8. The printing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when executing the third mode, the image processing means performs color conversion on the printable area using the first color conversion means, and then changes the output value of the clear ink obtained for the detected area to zero.

9. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the area different from the image area is an area of ​​pixels having a pixel value that represents white.

10. 10. The printing device according to claim 9, wherein the region of pixels having pixel values ​​representing white is a blank space region.

11. Whether borderless printing is enabled or disabled can be set as a print setting, 11. The printing device according to claim 10, wherein the margin area is a border area when the borderless printing is set to be disabled.

12. 1. A method performed in a printing device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a print job; a printing step of performing printing based on the print job received in the receiving step, the printing step includes an image processing step of executing image processing on image data included in the print job to generate print data for performing the printing; When printing is performed using clear ink only in an image area corresponding to the image represented by the image data, In the image processing step, when an area different from the image area is detected within the printable area on the paper, an output value of the clear ink for the detected area is set to an output value different from the output value of the clear ink for only the image area, thereby generating the print data for printing using the clear ink only in the image area. A method characterized by:

13. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A printing system including an information processing device and a printing device, The information processing device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring print setting information for performing printing based on image data; a change unit that changes pixel values ​​of pixels of an image represented by the image data when the print setting information acquired by the acquisition unit includes information about the use of clear ink in the printing; a transmission means for transmitting a print job including the print setting information and the image data whose pixel values ​​have been changed by the change means to the printing device; Equipped with The printing device a receiving means for receiving the print job; a printing unit that performs printing based on the print job received by the receiving unit, the printing means includes image processing means for executing image processing on the image data included in the print job and generating print data for performing the printing; When printing is performed using clear ink only in the image area corresponding to the image, when the image processing means detects an area different from the image area within the printable area on the paper, the image processing means sets an output value of the clear ink for the detected area to an output value different from the output value of the clear ink for only the image area, thereby generating the print data for printing using the clear ink only in the image area. A printing system characterized by:

15. 15. The printing system according to claim 14, wherein the pixel values ​​are changed by the change means so that clear ink is used, and the output values ​​are changed by the image processing means so that clear ink is not used.

16. 15. The printing system according to claim 14, wherein the change unit changes a pixel value corresponding to a specific color to a pixel value corresponding to a color other than the specific color.

17. 17. The printing system of claim 16, wherein the specific color includes white.

18. 18. The printing system according to claim 17, wherein the modifying means modifies the white color in the image area.

19. 19. The printing system according to claim 18, wherein the change unit does not change the white color of a margin area that is different from the image area.

20. Whether borderless printing is enabled or disabled can be set as a print setting, 20. The printing system according to claim 19, wherein the margin area is a border area when the borderless printing is set to be disabled.

21. the pixel value is a value represented by a plurality of color components, 15. The printing system according to claim 14, wherein the modifying means modifies the pixel value by varying the value of at least one color component.

22. 22. The printing system according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of color components are red (R), green (G), and blue (B).

23. As printing modes using clear ink, it is possible to set as print settings a first mode in which clear ink is used over the entire printable area, a second mode in which clear ink is used only in areas where ink is applied within the image area laid out within the printable area, and a third mode in which clear ink is used only over the entire image area, the changing means changes the pixel value when the third mode is set as a printing mode using the clear ink.

15. The printing system according to claim 14.

24. 24. The printing system according to claim 23, wherein when the first mode is set as the printing mode using the clear ink and when the second mode is set as the printing mode using the clear ink, the pixel value is not changed by the change means.

25. The information processing device includes: The printing system according to claim 14, further comprising a display control unit that controls to display a preview image before the printing is performed based on the image data whose pixel values ​​have been changed by the change unit.

26. 26. The printing system according to claim 25, wherein the preview image is an image displayed based on the image data in which the pixel values ​​have not been changed by the change unit.

27. 26. The printing system according to claim 25, wherein the preview image is an image displayed based on the image data whose pixel values ​​have been changed by the change unit.

Images