Image processing apparatus and information processing program

Abstract

To appropriately perform heat control in a thermal printer according to an actual use state.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes a reading unit, a detection unit, a determination unit, and a processing unit. The reading unit reads an image printed based on predetermined test image data by a thermal printer that performs heat control according to a heat history table. The detection unit detects a difference between the image read by the reading unit and the test image represented by the test image data. The determination unit determines a heat history table for compensating for the difference detected by the detection unit. The processing unit performs predetermined processing for causing the thermal printer to set the heat history table determined by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] After a heating element in a thermal printer is energized under certain energization conditions, the temperature of the heating element changes depending on the energization conditions up to that point and the environmental conditions. Therefore, in order to compensate for such temperature changes, thermal control has conventionally been carried out using a thermal history table that is predetermined in consideration of various situations.

[0003] However, if the predetermined thermal history table is not appropriate for the actual usage conditions of the thermal printer, there is a risk that thermal control will not be performed properly. For example, various types of printing paper can be used appropriately, and differences in the type may affect thermal control. In view of these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to appropriately control the heat in a thermal printer in accordance with the actual usage conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4086579 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image processing device and an information processing program that can appropriately perform heat control in a thermal printer according to the actual usage situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image processing device according to an embodiment includes a reading unit, a detection unit, a determination unit, and a processing unit. The reading unit reads an image printed based on predetermined test image data by a thermal printer that performs thermal control according to a thermal history table. The detection unit detects a difference between the image read by the reading unit and the test image represented by the test image data. The determination unit determines a thermal history table that compensates for the difference detected by the detection unit. The processing unit performs predetermined processing to set the thermal history table determined by the determination unit in the thermal printer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main circuit configuration of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main circuit configuration of the label printer in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a processor of a multifunction peripheral during management processing, and the processing procedure of a processor of a label printer accompanying the management processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer management system 100 according to this embodiment. The printer management system 100 is configured to enable communication between the multifunction device 10 and multiple label printers 20 via a communication network 200. The number of label printers 20 included in the printer management system 100 may be any number, and may be just one.

[0009] This printer management system 100 is envisioned for use in a store such as a supermarket. As an example, the multifunction peripheral 10 is installed in the store's office, and the label printer 20 is installed in the store's back room. The printer management system 100 uses the multifunction peripheral 10 to perform management processing for maintaining the print quality of the label printer 20. In this case, a local area network (LAN) established in the store is used as the communication network 200. As the communication network, in addition to the LAN, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc. can be used alone or in appropriate combination.

[0010] The multifunction device 10 provides a plurality of functions to the user. In this embodiment, the multifunction device 10 provides various functions similar to those provided by existing multifunction devices, such as a scan function, a print function, a facsimile function, or a copy function. The functions that the multifunction device 10 can provide may be a portion of the various functions described above, or may include other functions, such as an image file management function. However, the multifunction device 10 has at least a scan function. The multifunction device 10 also has a function, described below, for managing label printers 20 that have been registered in advance as targets of management. The label printer 20 prints any image onto a label sheet in which a plurality of labels are arranged on a backing sheet. The image printed by the label printer 20 is typically a label image showing the product name, selling price, etc.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main circuit configuration of the multifunction device 10. As shown in FIG. The multifunction device 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory unit 12, an auxiliary memory unit 13, an operation and display unit 14, a scan unit 15, a print unit 16, a facsimile unit 17, a communication unit 18, a transmission path 19, and the like.

[0012] The processor 11, the main storage unit 12, and the auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected via a transmission line 19 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling the multifunction peripheral 10. The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 executes information processing for controlling each part to realize various functions of the multifunction peripheral 10 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0013] The main memory unit 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 12 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 12 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 12 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 11.

[0014] The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may be, for example, an EEPROM (electrical erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a control program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The control program PRA represents the control processing procedures for appropriately realizing various functions in response to user requests. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 13 is used to store printer management data DAA, thermal history modeling data DAB, and test image data DAC. The printer management data DAA, thermal history modeling data DAB, and test image data DAC will be described later.

[0015] The operation and display unit 14 inputs various instructions from the operator and displays various information to the operator. The operation and display unit 14 may include various operation devices and display devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, key switches, LED (light emitting diode) lamps, or a liquid crystal display panel, as appropriate. In most cases, the operator is the user of the multifunction device 10. However, there are also cases where the operator is a worker who performs maintenance on the multifunction device 10.

[0016] The scanning unit 15 reads an original document and generates image data of the image represented on the original document. The print unit 16 prints the image represented by the image data onto an appropriate printing paper sheet, and includes a known print device such as an electrophotographic image forming device. The facsimile unit 17 performs various well-known processes for carrying out image communication in accordance with facsimile standards via a communication network (not shown) such as the PSTN (public switched telephone network).

[0017] The communication unit 18 executes communication processing for transmitting and receiving data via the communication network 200. As the communication unit 18, for example, an existing communication device that complies with the communication method adopted in the communication network 200 can be used. The transmission path 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the main circuit configuration of the label printer 20. The label printer 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory unit 22, an auxiliary memory unit 23, a display unit 24, an input unit 25, a print unit 26, a communication unit 27, and a transmission path 28.

[0019] The processor 21, main memory unit 22, and auxiliary memory unit 23 are connected via a transmission line 28 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling the label printer 20. The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 executes information processing for controlling each part to realize various functions of the label printer 20 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0020] The main memory unit 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 22 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 22 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 22 may also store data necessary for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 22 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 21.

[0021] The auxiliary memory unit 23 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The auxiliary memory unit 23 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory). The auxiliary memory unit 23 may be an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary memory unit 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 21. The auxiliary memory unit 23 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary memory unit 23 stores a control program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The control program PRB represents the control processing procedures for realizing various functions of the label printer 20. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary memory unit 23 is used as an area for storing the thermal history table TAA. Thus, the auxiliary memory unit 23 is an example of a storage unit that stores the thermal history table TAA. The thermal history table TAA will be described later.

[0022] The display unit 24 performs various display operations to notify the operator of various types of information. As the display unit 24, well-known display devices such as a screen display device such as a liquid crystal display and a light-emitting device such as an LED lamp can be used alone or in combination. The display device included in the display unit 24 is, for example, a display device provided on a touch panel.

[0023] The input unit 25 is used by the operator to input various instructions. Known input devices such as a touch sensor, a key switch, and a keyboard can be used alone or in combination as the input unit 25. An example of an input device included in the input unit 25 is a touch sensor provided on the above-mentioned touch panel.

[0024] The print unit 26 conveys a long, narrow backing sheet and prints a label image, such as text, on label paper affixed to one side of the backing sheet. The backing sheet and label paper are typically made of paper, but may be made of a material other than paper, such as resin. The backing sheet and label paper may also be made of different materials. The print unit 26 may be, for example, a thermal transfer printer. That is, the print unit 26 uses a thermal head with an array of many heating elements, and forms dots by melting and transferring ink from an ink ribbon to label paper using the heat generated by the heating elements, and forms an image using the array of these dots. The print unit 26 may also be a thermal printer.

[0025] The communication unit 27 executes communication processing for transmitting and receiving data via the communication network 200. As the communication unit 27, for example, an existing communication device that complies with the communication method adopted in the communication network 200 can be used. The transmission path 28 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0026] Next, the operation of the printer management system 100 configured as above will be described. As mentioned above, the print unit 26 prints images using heat generated by the heating elements. Therefore, it is affected by heat accumulation due to the operating status of nearby heating elements or the past operating status of the same heating element. Therefore, the print unit 26 performs thermal control to adjust the temperature of the heating elements when forming dots, for example, by controlling the time that power is applied to the heating elements. In other words, the print unit 26 is an example of a printing section.

[0027] This thermal control process refers to the thermal history table TAA to adjust the energization time for a heating element to form one dot. The thermal history table TAA is a data table that determines the energization time for a heating element to form one dot, based on the past energization history of the heating element, the new energization status of each of multiple heating elements predetermined as reference elements, and multiple energization patterns with different past energization histories. The appropriate energization time for forming a desired dot varies depending on the printing conditions. Examples of printing conditions include print speed, ambient temperature, humidity, head element temperature, paper type, and ribbon type. However, the printing conditions may not include some of these factors, or may include other factors. The thermal history table TAA may be similar in format to those already used in existing thermal printers. In other words, the thermal control process in the label printer 20 may be similar to existing processes.

[0028] In the printer management system 100, the multifunction device 10 performs processing to optimize the thermal history table TAA used in the label printer 20 that is the subject of management. The label printers 20 to be managed by the multifunction device 10 are registered in advance in the multifunction device 10. That is, printer management data DAA representing a list of the label printers 20 to be managed is created and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The printer management data DAA may be created by the processor 11 in response to operations on the operation / display unit 14, or by a separate information processing device. The printer management data DAA includes at least a communication address for communication via the communication network 200, for example. The printer management data DAA may include any information other than the communication address. In this embodiment, the printer management data DAA includes an identification name that allows the user to identify each of the multiple label printers 20, in association with the communication address of that label printer 20.

[0029] It is not necessary to manage all label printers 20 connected to the communication network 200. The printer management data DAA may include information about label printers 20 that are not subject to management. In this case, however, information such as a flag is associated with each label printer 20 and included in the printer management data DAA, making it possible to determine whether the label printer is subject to management.

[0030] When a user or administrator of the label printer 20 confirms that the label printer 20 under management is experiencing degradation in print results and determines that the problem needs to be resolved, they issue a command to activate the management function of the label printer 20, for example, by performing a predetermined operation on the operation / display unit 14 of the multifunction device 10. In response to this command, the processor 11 of the multifunction device 10 starts management processing as part of the control processing based on the control program PRA. Note that the person who issues this command and performs the various tasks related to the management function described below is referred to as the operator.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processor 11 during the management processing and the processing procedure of the processor 21 accompanying the management processing. When the processor 11 in the multifunction device 10 starts the management process, the process proceeds to ACT11. As ACT11, the processor 11 determines one of the label printers 20 registered as management targets as the target printer. For example, based on the printer management data DAA, the processor 11 causes the operation / display unit 14 to display a screen showing a list of the label printers 20 registered as management targets, and determines the label printer 20 specified by the operator on the list as the target printer.

[0032] As ACT12, the processor 11 requests the target printer to print a test image based on the test image data DAC stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. That is, the processor 11 causes the communication unit 18 to send predetermined request data for requesting printing and the test image data DAC stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 to the communication network 200, for example, to a communication address included in the printer management data DAA for the target printer.

[0033] When the request data is transmitted to the target label printer 20 via the communication network 200 and received by the communication unit 27, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 4 during control processing based on the control program PRB. As ACT21, processor 21 prints a test image in response to the request. At this time, print unit 26 executes thermal control based on thermal history table TAA stored in auxiliary storage unit 23. The test image may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the person who determines the specifications of printer management system 100 as an image containing print elements that can be printed by label printer 20, such as multiple lines of different thicknesses, characters, barcodes, etc. Thus, by processor 21 executing information processing based on control program PRB, the computer with processor 21 as its core functions as a control unit.

[0034] The test image data DAC may be stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 23 in each of the label printers 20. In this case, the processor 11 in the multifunction device 10 does not send the test image data DAC when a request to print a test image is made. Then, in the label printer 20, the processor 21 prints the test image based on the test image data DAC stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 in response to a request to print a test image from the multifunction device 10.

[0035] The operator removes the label paper on which the test image has been printed by the target printer, sets it in the scan unit 15 of the multifunction device 10, and instructs the processor 11 to start reading. In response to this instruction, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT13. As ACT13, the processor 11 causes the scan unit 15 to read the test image printed on the set label paper. In other words, the scan unit 15 is an example of a reading section.

[0036] In ACT14, processor 11 detects differences between the image data obtained by scan unit 15 in ACT13 and the test image data DAC stored in auxiliary storage unit 13. In other words, the image data obtained in ACT13 represents an image based on the test image data DAC, but if the thermal control of the target printer is not performed properly, the image represented by the test image data will not be printed correctly and the image data obtained in ACT13 will differ from the test image data DAC. Processor 11 then detects any differences that arise. Thus, by processor 11 executing information processing based on control program PRA, the computer with processor 11 as its central part functions as a detection unit.

[0037] In ACT 15, processor 11 checks whether a predetermined change condition is met with respect to the detection made in ACT 14. The change condition is met when the test image printed by the target printer has deteriorated beyond an acceptable range, and may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the person who determines the specifications of printer management system 100. If the change condition is met, processor 11 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 16.

[0038] As ACT16, processor 11 acquires the printing conditions used when a test image was printed by the target printer. The printing conditions acquired here are the actual printing conditions for the test image for each item of the printing conditions evaluated when determining the thermal history table TAA. That is, processor 11 acquires, for example, the printing speed, outside temperature, humidity, head element temperature, paper type, and ribbon type. For example, processor 11 displays a screen on operation / display unit 14 that allows the operator to specify these conditions, and acquires the printing conditions by inputting the conditions specified by the operator on the screen. The processor 11 may obtain some items, such as the printing speed or the head element temperature, from the target printer via the communication network 200.

[0039] In ACT17, the processor 11 generates a thermal history table that can compensate for the difference detected in ACT14, taking into account the printing conditions acquired in ACT16. The processor 11 generates the thermal history table, for example, by AI (artificial intelligence) processing using the thermal history modeling data DAB. The thermal history modeling data DAB is also referred to as thermal history modeling algorithm data. The thermal history modeling data DAB is a model that predicts the thermal history table from the printing conditions and is optimized by machine learning of the print results of the label printer 20 under various printing conditions. Here, the processor 11 determines the thermal history table that can compensate for the difference detected in ACT14 by generating it through AI processing. In other words, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as a decision unit. The processor 11 as the ACT 18 transmits the generated thermal history table from the communication unit 18 to the communication network 200 and to the target printer.

[0040] When the thermal history table is transmitted to the target printer via the communication network 200 and received by the communication unit 27 of the target printer, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT22. As ACT22, the processor 21 updates the received thermal history table as a new thermal history table TAA by overwriting the thermal history table TAA already stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 with the received thermal history table. Thus, in the multifunction device 10, the processor 11 causes the communication unit 18 to transmit the thermal history table, which is an example of a process for setting the thermal history table in the label printer 20. In other words, when the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as a processing unit. Also, when the processor 21 executes information processing based on the control program PRB, the computer with the processor 21 as its central part functions as a rewriting unit. If the change condition is not met regarding the difference detected in ACT 14, the processor 11 in the multifunction device 10 determines NO in ACT 15 and skips ACT 16 to ACT 18. Therefore, in this case, the thermal history table TAA of the target printer is not updated.

[0041] As described above, the printer management system 100 uses the scan unit 15 of the multifunction device 10 to read a test image that has actually been printed by the label printer 20 based on the test image data. The multifunction device 10 then detects any differences between the test image read by the scan unit 15 and the test image represented by the test image data, creates a thermal history table that compensates for these differences, and sends this thermal history table to the label printer 20. The label printer 20 updates the thermal history table TAA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23 with the thermal history table sent from the multifunction device 10. In this way, the thermal history table TAA applied to thermal control in the label printer 20 can be optimized according to the actual printing conditions of the label printer 20, making it possible to perform thermal control in the label printer 20 appropriately according to the actual usage conditions.

[0042] Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 acquires the printing conditions under which the test image was printed by the label printer 20, and generates a thermal history table appropriate for printing under those printing conditions. This enables the label printer 20 to perform thermal control using an appropriate thermal history table according to the actual usage conditions of the label printer 20, making it possible to print appropriate images under those usage conditions.

[0043] The printer management system 100 can be realized by adding a function to the multifunction device 10 that reads a test image using the scan function of the multifunction device 10 and generates a thermal history table based on the read results. It is very common for stores such as supermarkets to have multifunction devices and label printers installed. By introducing the multifunction device 10 and label printer 20 of the above embodiment as the multifunction device and label printer installed in the store and enabling communication via a communications network 200 such as an in-store LAN, the printer management system 100 can be efficiently realized.

[0044] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. In ACT17, the processor 11 may determine the thermal history table by selecting, from a plurality of thermal history tables prepared in advance, a thermal history table that is appropriate for compensating for the difference detected in ACT14.

[0045] The predetermined process for setting the thermal history table in the label printer, such as writing the thermal history table to a portable storage device that can be read by the label printer 20, may be a process separate from the transmission.

[0046] For example, the image processing device of the present application may be realized as a device in a form different from the multifunction device 10, such as a printer management device that mainly performs information processing in the above embodiment for managing the label printer 20.

[0047] For example, a thermal printer of a type other than a label printer, such as a printer that prints an arbitrary image on plain paper in response to a print request from another information processing apparatus, may also be subject to management.

[0048] The process for determining the thermal history table may be executed by an information processing device, such as a cloud server, separate from the device that reads the test image.

[0049] Some or all of the functions realized by the processors 11 and 21 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0050] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0051] [Appendix 1] the determining unit uses, as the condition information, information indicating at least one of a print speed, an outside temperature, a humidity, and a head element temperature; The image processing device according to claim 2.

[0052] [Appendix 2] The thermal printer and the image processing device are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network, The thermal printer comprises: a storage unit that stores a thermal history table; a printing unit that uses a thermal head to print an image under thermal control in accordance with the thermal history table stored in the storage unit; a control unit that controls the printing unit to print an image based on predetermined test image data; Equipped with The image processing device includes: a reading unit that reads an image printed by the printing unit based on the test image data; a detection unit that detects a difference between the image read by the reading unit and a test image represented by the test image data; a determination unit that determines a thermal history table that compensates for the difference detected by the detection unit; a processing unit that performs processing to transmit the thermal history table determined by the determination unit to the thermal printer; Equipped with The thermal printer further comprises: a rewriting unit that rewrites the thermal history table stored in the storage unit with the thermal history table transmitted from the processing unit; Equipped with Printer management system.

[0053] [Appendix 3] a reading unit that reads an image printed based on predetermined test image data by a thermal printer that performs thermal control according to a thermal history table; a detection unit that detects a difference between the image read by the reading unit and a test image represented by the test image data; a determination unit that determines a thermal history table that compensates for the difference detected by the detection unit; a processing unit that performs a predetermined process to set the thermal history table determined by the determination unit in the thermal printer; A multifunction device equipped with the above.

[0054] [Appendix 4] The thermal printer and the multifunction device are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network, The thermal printer comprises: a storage unit that stores a thermal history table; a printing unit that uses a thermal head to print an image under thermal control in accordance with the thermal history table stored in the storage unit; a control unit that controls the printing unit to print an image based on predetermined test image data; Equipped with The multifunction device includes: a reading unit that reads an image printed by the printing unit based on the test image data; a detection unit that detects a difference between the image read by the reading unit and a test image represented by the test image data; a determination unit that determines a thermal history table that compensates for the difference detected by the detection unit; a processing unit that performs processing to transmit the thermal history table determined by the determination unit to the thermal printer; Equipped with The thermal printer further comprises: a rewriting unit that rewrites the thermal history table stored in the storage unit with the thermal history table transmitted from the processing unit; Equipped with Printer management system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10...Multifunction device, 11, 21...Processor, 12, 22...Main memory unit, 13, 23...Auxiliary memory unit, 14...Operation and display unit, 15...Scan unit, 16...Print unit, 17...Facsimile unit, 18, 27...Communication unit, 19, 28...Transmission path, 20...Label printer, 24...Display unit, 25...Input unit, 26...Print unit, 100...Printer management system, 200...Communication network.

Claims

1. a reading unit that reads an image printed based on predetermined test image data by a thermal printer that performs thermal control according to a thermal history table; a detection unit that detects a difference between the image read by the reading unit and a test image represented by the test image data; a determination unit that determines a thermal history table that compensates for the difference detected by the detection unit; a processing unit that performs a predetermined process to set the thermal history table determined by the determination unit in the thermal printer; An image processing device comprising:

2. the determination unit acquires predetermined condition information related to printing conditions for the image read by the reading unit, and determines a thermal history table taking into account the acquired condition information. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the determining unit uses, as the condition information, information indicating the type of printing paper on which the image read by the reading unit is printed; The image processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the determining unit uses, as the condition information, information indicating the type of ink ribbon used to print the image read by the reading unit; The image processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the processing unit transmits the thermal history table determined by the determination unit to the thermal printer; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

6. a computer that controls an image processing apparatus having a reading unit that reads an image printed based on predetermined test image data by a thermal printer that performs thermal control according to a thermal history table; a detection unit that detects a difference between the image read by the reading unit and a test image represented by the test image data; a determination unit that determines a thermal history table that compensates for the difference detected by the detection unit; a processing unit that performs a predetermined process to set the thermal history table determined by the determination unit in the thermal printer; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

Images