Programs, image processing methods, information processing devices, printing systems

Abstract

To suppress image loss that may occur during printing. [Solution] The present invention provides a program to cause an information processing device 10 capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus to function as: a print information collection processing unit 22 that acquires print data and print conditions to be printed by the image forming apparatus; a printer setting collection processing unit 23 that acquires information regarding the image forming area from the image forming apparatus; an image comparison processing unit 13 that compares a first print image generated based on the print data and print conditions with a second print image obtained by drawing the first print image in an area the same size as the image forming area; and an image defect suppression processing unit 17 that performs processing to suppress image defect if the first print image and the second print image differ by a certain amount or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an image processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a printing system.

Background Art

[0002] When an image forming apparatus prints print data, image missing may occur. Image missing means that the end portion of a printed image drawn based on print data protrudes from the image forming area of the image forming apparatus, and as a result, the end portion of the printed image is missing and printed on the paper.

[0003] Techniques for suppressing image missing are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for notifying an operator about automatic magnification implementation and accepting a selection (automatic magnification / continuation) when it is determined that image breakage occurs in saddle stitching printing that performs binding margin adjustment in consideration of the thickness after binding.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional technology has a problem that magnification (reduction) has to be performed to suppress image missing. Further, in the conventional technology, since it is not determined whether the printed image protrudes from the image forming area of the image forming apparatus, the user notices image missing after printing and has to reprint until image missing does not occur while making various adjustments.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique for suppressing image missing that may occur during printing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a program for causing an information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus to function as: a print information collection processing unit that acquires print data and print conditions to be printed by the image forming apparatus; a printer setting collection processing unit that acquires information regarding the image forming area from the image forming apparatus; an image comparison processing unit that compares a first print image generated based on the print data and print conditions with a second print image obtained by drawing the first print image in an area of ​​the same size as the image forming area; and an image defect suppression processing unit that performs an image defect suppression process when the first print image and the second print image differ by a certain amount or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This invention provides a technology that can suppress image loss that may occur during printing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of image defects. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically illustrates a method for suppressing image loss using an information processing device. [Figure 3] This is a system configuration diagram of an example printing system. [Figure 4] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example computer. [Figure 5] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates adjustment method 1, in which an information processing device adjusts the printing position. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates adjustment method 2, in which the information processing device adjusts the printing conditions. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates adjustment method 3, in which the information processing device adjusts the printer settings. [Figure 9] This figure shows the functional configuration of an example of an information processing device. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates an example of a print adjustment table stored in the print adjustment table storage unit. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing the main printing conditions among the printing data stored in the printing data storage unit. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the printer settings that can be used in the adjustment of this embodiment among the printer settings. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the log information stored in the log information storage unit. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the software configuration executed by the information processing device. [Figure 15] It is an example of a printing adjustment table setting screen displayed by the information processing device. [Figure 16] It is an example of an order setting screen for setting the trial order of adjustment methods 1 to 4. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining a method of determining image missing using printing conditions and printer settings. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining adjustment method 1 in detail. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining adjustment method 2 (line spacing) in detail. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining adjustment method 2 (character size) in detail. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining adjustment method 3 in detail. [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining adjustment method 4 in detail. [Figure 23] It is an example of an adjustment method confirmation screen displayed by the information processing device. [Figure 24] It is an example of an image missing confirmation screen displayed by the information processing device. [Figure 25] It is an example of a flowchart diagram for explaining the process in which the information processing device accepts editing of the printing adjustment table. [Figure 26] It is an example of a flowchart diagram for explaining the process of adjusting image missing by any one of adjustment methods 1 to 4. [Figure 27] It is an example of a flowchart diagram for explaining in detail the adjustment process of step S25. [Figure 28] It is an example of a flowchart diagram for explaining the process of print position adjustment. [Figure 29] This is a flowchart diagram for explaining an example of the process of adjusting printing conditions. [Figure 30] This is a flowchart diagram for explaining an example of the process (processing when it is determined that image missing is resolved by adjustment, i.e., OK-time processing). **Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention**

[0009] Hereinafter, as an example of embodiments for implementing the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus and an image processing method performed by the information processing apparatus will be described.

[0010] **Regarding Image Missing** FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of image missing. FIG. 1(a) is a printed image generated by software based on print data, and FIG. 1(b) is a printed image printed on paper by an image forming apparatus. Note that the software includes at least one of an application and a print driver. Comparing FIGs. 1(a) and (b), the right side of the character "circle" is missing in the printed image printed on the paper. Such a phenomenon is called image missing. Image missing means that the printed image generated based on the print data protrudes from the image forming area on the image forming apparatus side, and thus the image near the edge of the image forming area is missing.

[0011] If the user executes reduced printing, the printed image will be printed in the image forming area, so image missing will not occur. However, there may be cases where the user does not want to perform reduced printing.

[0012] Also, image missing can be recognized by the fact that characters or the like that should be visually formed after printing on the paper are missing (cannot be judged as characters). When image missing occurs, in order to resolve this, the user can change the print data itself, adjust the printing conditions with the print data unchanged, or adjust the settings on the image forming apparatus side, and then print again. That is, the user needs to repeat the reprinting while performing various adjustments until image missing no longer occurs. For this reason, it may take time until the printing result desired by the user is obtained.

[0013] <Overview of adjustments> Therefore, in this embodiment, the information processing device determines whether or not image loss will occur before printing, and if image loss occurs, instead of reducing the print image, it performs one or more adjustment processes from adjustment methods 1 to 3 to prevent image loss. This makes it possible to print the print image that the user has confirmed in the preview, and reduces wasted paper output due to image loss and user operations required for reprinting.

[0014] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the method used by the information processing device 10 to suppress image loss. In Figure 2, white arrows indicate the flow of information, black arrows indicate the flow of print data, and diagonal arrows indicate reference information used for adjustment.

[0015] (1) First, the information processing device 10 can use the information during printing (printing conditions 201, printing data 202), the printing adjustment table 203, and the preprint image 204. The printing conditions 201 will be described later. The printing data 202 is the data that forms the basis of the printed image. The printing adjustment table 203 contains information that is referenced to adjust the printing position, printing conditions, or image formation area. The preprint image 204 is used to determine whether the preprint image and the printed image will overlap by adjusting the printing position when performing preprint printing.

[0016] (2) The information processing device 10 also obtains printer settings (number of trays, paper size of the trays, image forming area, maximum image forming area, margin settings, etc.) from the image forming apparatus 50.

[0017] (3) Based on the respective information, the information processing device 10 generates a pre-print image and a print image and compares them. By performing this comparison, the information processing device 10 determines whether or not image defects have occurred. The pre-print image is a print image created in software. The print image is a print image that also takes into account the image forming area of ​​the image forming apparatus 50 (the print image that would appear if actually printed on paper). When making adjustments, the information processing device 10 regenerates the pre-print image with the adjusted printing conditions and compares the regenerated pre-print image with the print image (mainly in the case of adjustment method 2 described later).

[0018] (4) If there are missing parts in the image, the information processing device 10 performs one of the adjustment methods 1 to 4. Adjustment methods 1, 2, and 3 are examples of the first, second, and third adjustment methods, respectively. Adjustment method 4 is a combination of adjustment methods 2 and 3, so details will be described later. • Adjustment method 1: Adjusting the print position • Adjustment Method 2: Adjusting Print Conditions (Line Spacing, Font Size, etc.) • Adjustment method 3: Adjustment of the image forming area on the image forming apparatus 50 side (reduce the margins) (5) When the settings of the image forming apparatus 50 are changed as in adjustment method 3, the information processing device 10 retains the current settings and, after printing is performed, returns to the retained settings before the change. However, when the image forming apparatus prints multiple pages and prints consecutive pages using adjustment method 3, the settings are not returned each time, and the multiple pages are printed with the changed settings.

[0019] (6) In addition, before adjusting the print position, printing conditions, or image forming area, the information processing device 10 may display the adjustment details on a display or the like to notify the user. The information processing device 10 also records the adjustment details in the log information that records the job execution results.

[0020] As described above, this embodiment determines whether or not image defects will occur before printing, and if image defects occur, adjusts one or more of the print position, printing conditions, or image forming area. This makes it possible to print the print image that the user has confirmed in the preview, and reduces wasted paper output due to image defects and user operations required for reprinting.

[0021] <About Terminology> Preprint printing refers to printing data onto paper that already has input fields, lines, text, logos, etc., printed on it (preprinted). A preprint image is image data obtained by scanning a preprinted sheet or electronically generated image data for preprinting.

[0022] A printed image is an image drawn based on print data and fixed to paper or other materials, or an image that has been fixed to paper or other materials. An image is a drawn appearance or shape.

[0023] Image clipping refers to the phenomenon where the edges of a printed image, drawn based on print data, extend beyond the image forming area of ​​the image forming apparatus. As a result, when printed on paper, the edges of the printed image are clipped.

[0024] The first print image is the print image before adjustment, which is the print image generated by the original print data and printing conditions. In this embodiment, it is referred to as the pre-print image. The second print image is the print image drawn in the image forming area based on the print image generated by the original print data and printing conditions. In this embodiment, it is referred to as the print image. The third print image is the print image generated in the image forming area after the print position, line spacing, character size, margin settings (image forming area), etc., have been adjusted. In this embodiment, it is referred to as the pre-print image. The third print image is mainly used in adjustment method 2, but there is no problem if the third image is generated in adjustment methods 1 and 3. The fourth print image is the print image drawn in the image forming area after the print position, line spacing, character size, margin settings (image forming area), etc., have been adjusted. In this embodiment, it is referred to as the adjusted image.

[0025] Print data refers to the data that an image forming machine uses to create an image, and includes text, graphics, images, etc. Print conditions are the conditions used when converting print data into an image, such as character size, line spacing, font, tray, print position, and character pitch.

[0026] <Example System Configuration> Figure 3 shows the system configuration of the printing system 100. The printing system 100 includes an information processing device 10 and an image forming apparatus 50, which are connected to each other via a network N. The network N may be, for example, a LAN (including Wi-Fi), WAN, wide-area Ethernet (registered trademark), VPN (Virtual Private Network), etc., installed within the company. Note that the image forming apparatus 50 and the information processing device 10 may be directly connected by a USB cable or the like, instead of via network N.

[0027] The information processing device 10 receives an operation from the user and requests the image forming apparatus 50 to print the print data. The information processing device 10 may be a desktop PC (personal computer), notebook PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., running on a common OS such as Windows®, MAC OS®, Android®, iOS®, etc. In addition, the information processing device 10 may be any device capable of running a predetermined application and printer driver.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 50 is a device that converts print data into a print image and forms the print image on paper. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 50 only needs to have a printing function. In addition to the printing function, the image forming apparatus 50 may have multiple functions such as copying, scanning, and facsimile transmission and reception. Such a device with multiple functions is sometimes called a multifunction printer or MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). The image forming apparatus 50 may also be called a printer, image processing device, printing device, etc. The method by which the image forming apparatus 50 forms the image can be any method, such as electrophotography, inkjet, thermal transfer, or stencil printing.

[0029] In Figure 3, the information processing device 10 directly transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 50. However, the information processing device 10 may transmit document data to a print server, and the image forming apparatus 50 may download the print data from the print server. In this case, the print server possesses some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 described in this embodiment.

[0030] <Example Hardware Configuration> The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 50 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0031] <<Information Processing Device>> Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of an example of a computer 500 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 10 is constructed by the computer 500. The computer 500 includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, bus line 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, optical drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0032] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire computer 500. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. External devices in this case include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and post-processing devices. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using network N. The bus line 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in Figure 4.

[0033] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving the cursor. The optical drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the optical storage medium 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. The optical storage medium 513 may be a CD, DVD, Blu-ray (registered trademark), etc. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0034] <<Image forming apparatus>> Figure 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 50. As shown in Figure 5, the image forming apparatus 50 includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network interface 950.

[0035] Of these, the controller 910 includes the main components of the computer: the CPU 901, system memory (MEM-P) 902, northbridge (NB) 903, southbridge (SB) 904, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, local memory (MEM-C) 907, HDD controller 908, and HD 909, with the NB 903 and ASIC 906 connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

[0036] Of these, the CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 50. The NB 903 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 901 with the MEM-P 902, SB 904, and AGP bus 921, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 902, as well as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master and an AGP target.

[0037] MEM-P902 consists of ROM902a, which is a memory for storing programs and data that realize the various functions of the controller 910, and RAM902b, which is used for program and data deployment and drawing during memory printing. The programs stored in RAM902b may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0038] SB904 is a bridge for connecting NB903 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC906 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD controller 908, and MEM-C907, respectively. This ASIC906 consists of a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C907, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via PCI bus 922 between the scanner unit 931, printer unit 932, and facsimile unit 933. Note that the ASIC906 may be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

[0039] MEM-C907 is local memory used as a copy image buffer and code buffer. HD909 is storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. HD909 controls data reading or writing to it according to the control of CPU901. The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing, and by directly accessing MEM-C907 with high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster.

[0040] Furthermore, the short-range communication circuit 920 is equipped with an antenna 920a for the short-range communication circuit. The short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0041] Furthermore, the engine control unit 930 includes a scanner unit 931, a printer unit 932, and a facsimile unit 933. The operation panel 940 has a panel display unit 940a, such as a touch panel, that displays current settings and selection screens and accepts input from the operator. The operation panel 940 is equipped with hard keys 940b, which consist of a numeric keypad that accepts setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density settings, and a start key that accepts copy start instructions. The controller 910 controls the entire image forming apparatus 50, for example, controlling drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 940. The scanner unit 931 or the printer unit 932 includes an image processing section, such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0042] The image forming apparatus 50 can be sequentially switched and selected between the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 940. When the document box function is selected, the image forming apparatus 50 enters document box mode; when the copy function is selected, it enters copy mode; when the printer function is selected, it enters printer mode; and when the facsimile mode is selected, it enters facsimile mode.

[0043] Furthermore, the network interface 950 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N. The short-range communication circuit 920 and the network interface 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922.

[0044] <Examples of adjustments using adjustment methods 1 to 3> Figure 6 illustrates adjustment method 1, in which the information processing device 10 adjusts the print position. Adjustment method 1 is a method of adjusting the print position when it is determined that image defects will be eliminated by adjusting the print position of the pre-print image 212. The pre-print image 212 is an image generated by the software based on the print data and is displayed by the preview function. The image forming area 213 is an area for forming the image acquired from the image forming apparatus 50 (the image forming area is set to a paper size such as A4 or B4).

[0045] Figure 6(a) shows the position of the pre-print image 212 relative to the image forming region 213. In Figure 6(a), an image defect of ΔY occurs at the lower edge of the pre-print image 212. If it is determined that an image defect occurs as in Figure 6(a), the information processing device 10 moves the printing position upward without changing the size of the pre-print image 212. Figure 6(b) shows the adjusted image 217 after moving the printing position upward by ΔY. In Figure 6(b), the adjusted image 217 fits within the image forming region 213, and no image defect occurs.

[0046] The adjustment amount ΔY may be predetermined, or it may be determined by searching by gradually changing the printing position until no image loss occurs. In the case of searching, the upper limit of the change amount is predetermined.

[0047] Furthermore, when printing on pre-printed paper, it is assumed that the print position will not overlap with the pixel portion of the pre-printed image (input fields, lines, text, logos, etc.) by changing the print position. Also, the user will be notified, or at least recorded, that printing was done using adjustment method 1.

[0048] In Figure 6, image loss occurs at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 212 due to a low printing position, but image loss may also occur at the top edge of the pre-print image 212 due to a high printing position. As will be described later, the location of image loss is identified, so if image loss occurs at the top edge of the pre-print image 212, the information processing device 10 moves the printing position downward without changing the size of the pre-print image 212. Also, if image loss occurs at the left or right edges, the information processing device 10 adjusts the printing position to the right or left, in the opposite direction from the direction in which the image loss occurs. Since there is a risk of image loss occurring in the direction of movement, other adjustment methods are used in that case.

[0049] Figure 7 illustrates adjustment method 2, in which the information processing device 10 adjusts the printing conditions. Adjustment method 2 is a method of adjusting the printing conditions when it is determined that adjusting the printing conditions will eliminate image loss. For example, Figure 7(a) shows a pre-print image 214 that is longer than the image forming region 213. In Figure 7(a), image loss occurs at the lower end of the image forming region 213 by ΔY. If it is determined that image loss occurs as in Figure 7(a), the image forming apparatus 50 performs at least one of the following: narrowing the line spacing or changing the font size among the printing conditions of the print data. Figure 7(b) shows the adjusted image 215 with narrowed line spacing. In Figure 7(b), the adjusted image 215 fits within the image forming region 213, and no image loss occurs.

[0050] The amount to narrow the line spacing or reduce the font size may be predetermined, or it may be determined by a search that gradually changes the line spacing or font size until no image clipping occurs. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may target only a few lines, including the last line, or only a few lines of text, including the last line, rather than the entire page, using adjustment method 2. In the case of a search, an upper limit on the amount of change is predetermined. The user is notified, or at least recorded, that the printout was processed using adjustment method 2.

[0051] In Figure 7, an image clipping occurs at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 214. However, if the image clipping occurs at the top edge of the pre-print image 214, the information processing device 10 can simply narrow the line spacing or change the font size. Also, if the image clipping occurs at the left or right edges, the information processing device 10 can simply narrow the font size or the font pitch.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates adjustment method 3, in which the information processing device 10 adjusts the printer settings. Adjustment method 3 is a method of adjusting the size of the image forming area 213 when it is determined that adjusting the size of the image forming area 213 will eliminate image loss. In other words, adjustment method 3 reduces the margins. For example, Figure 8(a) shows a pre-print image 216 that is longer than the image forming area 213. In Figure 8(a), image loss occurs at the bottom edge of the image forming area 213 by ΔY. If it is determined that image loss occurs as in Figure 8(a), the information processing device 10 lengthens the image forming area 213 by ΔY. Figure 8(b) shows the lengthened image forming area 213. In Figure 8(b), the adjusted image 218 fits within the image forming area 213, and no image loss occurs.

[0053] The amount by which the margins are reduced may be predetermined, or it may be determined by searching by gradually changing the margins until no image clipping occurs. In the case of searching, the upper limit of the margin change is predetermined. The user is notified, or at least recorded, that the printout was printed using adjustment method 3.

[0054] In Figure 8, an image defect occurs at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 216, but an image defect may also occur at the top edge of the pre-print image 216. Since the location of the image defect has been identified through comparison, if an image defect occurs at the top edge of the pre-print image 216, the information processing device 10 reduces the margin at the top edge. Also, if an image defect occurs at the left or right edge, the information processing device 10 reduces the left or right margin where the image defect occurs.

[0055] <About the features> Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10.

[0056] The information processing device 10 includes an information collection unit 11, an image generation processing unit 12, an image comparison processing unit 13, an image defect-free processing unit 14, a print adjustment setting processing unit 15, an image defect-occurring processing unit 16, an image defect-suppression processing unit 17, an adjustment processing failure processing unit 18, a printer processing unit 19, and a post-print processing unit 21. Each of these functional units of the information processing device 10 is a function or means realized by the CPU 501 executing instructions included in one or more programs installed in the information processing device 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 includes a print data storage unit 41, an image data storage unit 42, a print adjustment table storage unit 43, and a log information storage unit 44. Each of these storage units in the information processing device 10 is realized or constructed using at least one of the HD 504 or RAM 503 shown in Figure 4.

[0058] First, the print adjustment setting processing unit 15 has a setting screen display / setting unit 34 and a setting information reading / recording processing unit 35. The setting screen display / setting unit 34 displays the adjustment information and preprint information stored in the print adjustment table stored in the print adjustment table storage unit 43 on the display 506 (see print adjustment table setting screen 300 in Figure 15). The displayed values ​​can be updated when an operation is received from the user. If there is no information in the print adjustment table, the setting screen display / setting unit 34 displays the initial value. The configurable items are as follows.

[0059] • Line spacing (automatic, fixed value (15pt)) • Font size (automatic, fixed value (9pt)) • Pre-printed paper usage setting (default: none) If the setting for using preprinted paper is "Yes", • The user specifies the tray in which to load the paper.

[0060] • The user specifies the folder where the image files for the preprint paper are stored.

[0061] The settings information reading and recording processing unit 35 reads adjustment information and preprint information from the print adjustment table storage unit 43. Furthermore, if the settings information reading and recording processing unit 35 receives a request from the user to update this information, it updates the print adjustment table in the print adjustment table storage unit 43.

[0062] The information gathering unit 11 includes a print information gathering processing unit 22, a preprint image information gathering processing unit 23, and a printer setting gathering processing unit 24. The print information gathering processing unit 22 collects print data along with print conditions (paper size, print position, etc.).

[0063] The preprint image information collection processing unit 23 collects preprint images printed on preprint paper from the image data storage unit 42. The storage location of the preprint images is stored in the print adjustment table.

[0064] The printer setting collection processing unit 24 collects printer settings from the image forming apparatus 50, which are information related to printing from the image forming apparatus 50. Printer settings include, for example, the number of trays, the paper size set in the trays, the image forming area, the maximum image forming area, and margin settings.

[0065] The image generation processing unit 12 generates a pre-print image, a print image, and a post-adjustment image. The pre-print image is a print image obtained by drawing print data based on the printing conditions. In addition, with respect to adjustment method 2, the pre-print image is also generated as a print image obtained by drawing print data based on the adjusted printing conditions. The print image is a print image obtained when a print image is drawn in the image formation area (a print image obtained when actually printed on paper). The post-adjustment image is a print image obtained when the print position, print conditions, or printer settings have been adjusted using one or more of adjustment methods 1 to 3.

[0066] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image during printing to determine whether there is any image loss or not. The image comparison processing unit 13 also determines the likely cause of the image loss (e.g., narrow margins in the print data, narrow image forming area on the image forming apparatus 50 side). Furthermore, the image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image after adjustment to determine whether the image loss has been resolved by the adjustment.

[0067] The image defect detection processing unit 14, if it determines that there are no image defects, executes printing with the default print position, printing conditions, or printer settings without any adjustments.

[0068] The image defect occurrence processing unit 16 includes a print position adjustment processing unit 25, a print condition adjustment processing unit 26, and a printer setting adjustment processing unit 27. The print position adjustment processing unit 25 changes or inserts the print position of the print data and requests the image generation processing unit 12 to generate the image again. The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the adjusted image and determines again whether there is no image defect or if there is an image defect. If the image comparison processing unit 13 determines that there is no image defect and it is a preprint print, it determines whether the pixel portion of the preprint image and the adjusted image overlap. That is, the image comparison processing unit 13 • Will adjusting the printing position cause other image defects? • In the case of pre-print printing, check whether the adjusted image overlaps with input fields, lines, text, logos, etc. in the pre-print image. To make a judgment.

[0069] The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 changes or inserts line spacing or font size, which are print conditions, and requests the image generation processing unit 12 to generate the image again. The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image after adjustment and determines again whether there are any missing parts in the image or not.

[0070] The printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 adjusts the printer settings and requests the image generation processing unit 12 to generate the image again. The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the adjusted image to determine again whether there are any missing parts in the image or not.

[0071] When an image defect occurs, the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 determines an adjustment method from one or more of the adjustment methods 1 to 3 in a predetermined trial order that does not cause an image defect. Once an adjustment method that does not cause an image defect is determined, the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 sets that adjustment method as a flag and notifies the image defect suppression processing unit 17 of the adjustment details (print position after adjustment, line spacing, character size, margin settings, etc.).

[0072] The image loss suppression processing unit 17 includes a print position execution processing unit 36, a print condition execution processing unit 37, and a printer setting execution processing unit 38. The image loss suppression processing unit 17 switches between the print position execution processing unit 36, the print condition execution processing unit 37, and the printer setting execution processing unit 38 according to the above flags.

[0073] The print position execution processing unit 36 ​​notifies the printer processing unit 19 of the print data along with the adjusted print position, which it has determined will not result in any image loss, and requests the print processing unit 28 to execute the print. The user is notified before printing, and the print may be executed after the user gives the print command. After printing, the print position execution processing unit 36 ​​records the adjustment details in log information so that the user can check the adjustment details later.

[0074] The print condition execution processing unit 37 requests the print processing unit 28 to execute printing using the adjusted print conditions, which it has determined will not cause any image loss. Printing may be performed after the user has been notified before printing and after the user has given the print command. After printing, the print condition execution processing unit 37 records the adjustment details in log information so that the user can check the adjustment details later.

[0075] The printer setting execution processing unit 38 requests the printer setting change processing unit 29 to change to the adjusted printer settings (margin settings) after determining that no image loss will occur. The printer setting change processing unit 29 then requests the print processing unit 28 to execute printing. Printing may be performed after notifying the user before printing and after the user has issued a print command. After printing is complete, the printer setting execution processing unit 38 requests the printer setting return processing unit 31 to revert to the printer settings before adjustment. After printing, the printer setting execution processing unit 38 records the adjustment details in log information so that the user can check the adjustment details later.

[0076] If the adjustment process fails, the processing unit 18 determines that the image defect cannot be resolved by adjusting using one or more of the adjustment methods 1 to 3, and displays a message on the display 506 asking whether the user wants to print. The message may be something like, "Image defects will occur, do you want to print as is?" The processing unit 18 should preferably recommend that the user review the print data, print conditions, or printer settings.

[0077] The printer processing unit 19 includes a print processing unit 28, a printer setting change processing unit 29, and a printer setting reset processing unit 31. The print processing unit 28 requests the image forming apparatus 50 to execute printing according to the instructed printing conditions and print data.

[0078] The printer setting change processing unit 29 retains the current printer settings (margin settings) before the change. The printer setting change processing unit 29 instructs the image forming apparatus 50 to change to the printer setting values ​​instructed by the printer setting execution processing unit 38.

[0079] After printing is completed, the printer setting reset processing unit 31 instructs the image forming apparatus 50 to revert to the previous printer setting value held by the printer setting change processing unit 29.

[0080] The post-print processing unit 21 includes a print content recording processing unit 32 and a printer setting reset determination unit 33. The print content recording processing unit 32 records log information (whether adjustments were made, and if so, what kind of adjustments were made) in the log information storage unit 44.

[0081] The printer setting reset determination unit 33 determines whether the printer settings were changed and printed (whether adjustment method 3 was used) as the adjustment method. If the next page also requires a change in printer settings with the same margin settings, the unit decides not to perform the printer setting reset process if the adjustment method for the next page is also adjustment method 3 and the margins are the same, in order to avoid doing it twice.

[0082] <<Print Adjustment Table>> Figure 10 illustrates the print adjustment table stored in the print adjustment table storage unit 43. The print adjustment table contains information referenced when correcting image defects. First, the adjustment information includes "line spacing" and "font size," each with its own priority setting. The priority setting indicates which adjustment, line spacing or font size, takes precedence and can be set by the user. A third priority setting may be configured to adjust both line spacing and font size.

[0083] The value field is set to the line spacing or font size specified by the user. This field may also be set to "Automatic". The default value field is active if the user has not set a value. "Automatic" means that the image clipping detection processing unit 16 determines the line spacing or font size that does not cause image clipping through a search process. The user can also register additional "line spacing" or "font size" settings (add adjustment information) according to their needs.

[0084] The print adjustment table also includes preprint information such as "tray specification" and "image storage folder." The user enters the tray in the image forming apparatus 50 containing the preprint paper into "tray specification." The user enters the path or URL of the folder where the preprint images obtained by scanning the preprint paper are stored into "image storage folder." If preprint paper is stored in multiple trays, the user can add preprint information.

[0085] <<Printing conditions in print data>> Figure 11 shows the main printing conditions among the print data stored in the print data storage unit 41. First, the print data is the document data to be printed generated by the application converted into a descriptive format that the image forming apparatus 50 can interpret. The print data includes printing conditions such as characters, position, size, font, number of copies, double-sided / single-sided, color / monochrome, and collation.

[0086] The print data may or may not include the print conditions shown in Figure 11. The print data and print conditions may also be separate. The drawing size command specifies the vertical and horizontal pixel counts of the printed image. In other words, the drawing size command indicates the size of the printed image. The print size command, for example, specifies the paper size, indicating the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the paper. The tray selection command specifies the tray number containing the paper to be used for printing. The print position command specifies the x and y coordinates of the upper left corner of the print image relative to the print size. The line spacing command specifies the spacing between lines, for example, in points (pt) or line pitch (lpi). The font size command specifies the font size, for example, in points. The character pitch command specifies the horizontal spacing between characters, for example, by specifying the pitch (cpi).

[0087] <<Printer Settings>> Figure 12 shows the printer settings that may be used in the adjustments of this embodiment. The number of trays is the number of trays that the image forming apparatus 50 has. • The paper size for each tray is the size of the paper stored in that tray. The image forming area is the area in the image forming apparatus 50 where an image is formed, and is specified by its height and width. The image forming area may be set to a paper size such as A4. The maximum image forming area is the largest area in the image forming apparatus 50 where an image can be formed, and is specified by its height and width. Some image forming apparatuses 50 may not have a maximum image forming area. The margin setting is the height and width from the top, bottom, left, and right edges relative to the maximum image formation area. The margin and the image formation area are combined to form the maximum image formation area.

[0088] <<Log Information Storage Unit>> Figure 13 shows an example of log information stored in the log information storage unit 44. The log information storage unit 44 stores log information related to printing. The job ID is the identification information for the print job assigned by the image forming apparatus 50. • The file name is the printed file name. The printing start date and time is the date and time when the print job was sent to the image forming apparatus 50.

[0089] The print completion date and time is the date and time when the print job is completed by the image forming apparatus 50. The owner is the user who requested the printout. The print conditions are those included in the print data, and are the print conditions before any adjustments. The adjustment method and details include the identification information of the adopted adjustment method and the adjustment details used (print position after adjustment, line spacing, font size, margin settings, etc.). • Preprint printing indicates whether or not it is preprint printing. • Preprint images are identified by information (such as storage location) of preprint images used in preprint printing.

[0090] Furthermore, the image data storage unit 42 stores image data for preprinting. In the case of preprint printing, the print data is printed on paper that already has input fields, lines, characters, logos, etc. printed on it. When adjusting for missing images, depending on the adjustment method, there is a possibility that the content of the print data may overlap with the preprinted input fields, lines, characters, logos, etc. For this reason, the image data printed on the preprint paper is stored in advance in the image data storage unit 42, and the information processing device 10 determines whether the adjusted print image overlaps with the preprinted input fields, lines, characters, logos, etc.

[0091] <Software Configuration> Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the software configuration executed by the information processing device 10. In this embodiment, application 253 adjusts the print position, line spacing, character size, margin settings, etc.

[0092] First, the user inputs a print command into the source application 251. This causes the source application 251 to pass the document data to the printer driver 252. The source application 251 can be any application that handles document data, such as a word processor or a web browser.

[0093] The printer driver 252 converts document data into print data according to the print conditions as part of its existing processing. The printer driver 252 then launches the application. The user may have pre-configured whether or not to launch the application. The printer driver 252 passes the print data to the application 253 and requests automatic adjustments such as print position, line spacing, font size, and margin settings.

[0094] Application 253 performs one or more of adjustment methods 1 to 3 (such as setting the print position, line spacing, font size, and margins). Application 253 sends the adjusted print data to the image forming apparatus 50 (adjustment methods 1 and 2). Alternatively, Application 253 changes the printer settings (adjustment method 3).

[0095] Furthermore, application 253 and printer driver 252 may not be separate entities; the printer driver 252 may include the functionality of application 253.

[0096] <Print Adjustment Table Settings Screen> Figure 15 shows an example of the print adjustment table setting screen 300 displayed by the information processing device 10. The information set on the print adjustment table setting screen 300 is stored in the print adjustment table storage unit 43. The line spacing setting field 301 accepts line spacing settings from a pull-down menu. It is set to "Automatic" before the user makes a setting. • The font size setting field 302 accepts font size settings from a pull-down menu. It is set to "Automatic" before the user makes a setting. The line spacing setting field 301 and the font size setting field 302 are associated with priority setting fields 303 and 304, respectively. In adjustment method 2, the user can set whether to prioritize line spacing or font size using a pull-down menu. Note that setting a priority for one may automatically set the priority of the other to a different priority. The tray designation field 305 is where the user sets the tray number containing the preprint paper. The tray number may be set using a pull-down menu or entered manually. The image storage folder setting field 306 is where the user sets the path or URL of the folder where preprint images are saved.

[0097] Figure 16 shows an example of the order setting screen 310 for setting the trial order of adjustment methods 1 to 4. Individual adjustment methods 1 to 3 are associated with corresponding rank setting fields 311 to 313. Users can set numbers 1 to 3 in rank setting fields 311 to 313. Naturally, if a user sets the same number in multiple rank setting fields 311 to 313, the setting screen display / setting unit 34 will display a warning and reject the setting.

[0098] Furthermore, the ranking fields 314-316 are displayed corresponding to the two adjustment methods: adjustment method 1 and 2, adjustment method 1 and 3, and adjustment method 2 and 3. Users can set a priority for any of the adjustment method combinations they wish to try.

[0099] Priorities may be set in advance. For example, the priority order for adjustment methods 1-3 may be set in advance. Alternatively, adjustment methods 1-3 may be made mandatory, and the user may not be able to set the priority order for a combination of two adjustment methods unless they set the priority order for adjustment methods 1-3.

[0100] <How to determine if an image is missing> Next, we will explain how to determine whether or not there is any image loss, referring to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating how to determine image loss using printing conditions and printer settings. First, the main printing conditions 228 used to determine image loss are as follows. • Page conditions 231 Drawing size command (the size of the image before printing is 221) Print size command (the size of the print area 211 set in the software) Tray selection command (the tray containing the paper to be used for printing) • Conditions regarding printed images 232 Print position command Line spacing command Font size command Character pitch command Furthermore, the main printer settings 229 used in this embodiment are as follows: • Tray-related settings 234 Number of trays Paper size loaded in the tray • Settings related to printed images 235 Image formation region (region reserved for image formation) 213 Maximum image forming area (the largest area in which an image can be formed in the image forming apparatus 50) Margin settings (vertical and horizontal length of the margin area) This section explains how to determine the presence or absence of image defects using this information.

[0101] (1) The image generation processing unit 12 generates a pre-print image 221 in the print area 211.

[0102] (2) The image generation processing unit 12 draws the print image 222 in an area the same size as the image formation area 213. That is, the print image 222 is generated in an area the same size as the image formation area 213. The area the same size as the image formation area 213 is an area created in memory based on the image formation area 213. If the print image 222 extends beyond the area the same size as the image formation area 213, the extended portion of the image will not be drawn. The pre-print image 221 and the print image 222 are the same print image obtained by rasterizing the print data, but the parts that are not drawn will be the difference.

[0103] (3) The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the pre-print image 221 with the printed image 222. If the printed image 222 extends beyond the "area the same size as the image forming area 213", the portion of the printed image 222 that extends beyond the area becomes a missing image. Therefore, in this case, the pre-print image 221 and the printed image 222 do not match. The image comparison processing unit 13 determines that there is no missing image if they are the same, and determines that there is a missing image if they are different.

[0104] To determine if they match, the upper left corners of the pre-print image 221 and the printed image 222 should be aligned, and it should be determined whether the pixel values ​​are the same for each pixel. The image comparison processing unit 13 determines that there are no image defects if the pixel values ​​match overall in the pre-print image 221 and the printed image 222. On the other hand, a perfect match is not necessary; if the number of pixels with different pixel values ​​is not above a certain level, it may be determined that the pre-print image 221 and the printed image 222 are the same (no image defects).

[0105] Alternatively, for a simpler approach, the image comparison processing unit 13 may compare the drawing size included in the print data with the size of the image formation area and determine that image loss has occurred if the drawing size > the size of the image formation area.

[0106] This section explains how to determine the location of image defects. As an example, assume that the print area 211 (or pre-print image 221) is divided into 4 to 8 sections beforehand. When dividing, it is best to divide the area so that the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the print image can be identified. The image comparison processing unit 13 identifies which part of the area has a mismatch in pixel values.

[0107] Furthermore, the image comparison processing unit 13 determines whether the pre-print image and the adjusted image match using the same method, but the method of determination differs depending on the adjustment method. In the case of adjustment methods 1 and 3, the pre-print image 221 and the adjusted image are compared using the same method as the comparison between the pre-print image and the printed image.

[0108] In adjustment method 2, since the line spacing or character size is different, it is considered that the pre-print image 221 and the adjusted image will not match based on pixel-by-pixel comparison, regardless of whether or not there is image loss. Therefore, in adjustment method 2, the image comparison processing unit 13 compares the pre-print image 221 and the adjusted image on a content-by-content basis. The image comparison processing unit 13 divides the content into individual parts using the bounding rectangle of the content. The image comparison processing unit 13 then matches the size of the content in the pre-print image 221 and the adjusted image (at least one is reduced or enlarged). The image comparison processing unit 13 determines whether the content is the same character if it is text, the same shape if it is a graphic, or the same image if it is an image. This comparison is performed using the pixel value for each pixel position. Since we want to detect cases where only a part of the text is missing, a relatively high threshold is used to determine whether or not they match (for example, requiring that 98% or more of the pixels match). The image comparison processing unit 13 determines that image loss has occurred at the threshold location if the number of mismatched content parts is equal.

[0109] In addition, in adjustment method 2, the image generation processing unit 12 generates a pre-print image with adjusted line spacing or character size. That is, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 notifies the image generation processing unit 12 of the print conditions with adjusted line spacing or character size and requests the generation of a pre-print image. The image comparison processing unit 13 compares this pre-print image and the adjusted image pixel by pixel, as in adjustment methods 1 and 3, to determine if they match.

[0110] <Adjustment method 1> Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating adjustment method 1 in detail. In Figure 18, the image is judged to have missing parts using the comparison method in Figure 17. The comparison also reveals that image loss has occurred at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 221.

[0111] In adjustment method 1, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 adjusts the print position command within the print conditions. • If the print position command exists in the print data The print position adjustment processing unit 25 changes the parameters of the relevant part (for example, changing the Y coordinate 10 of the print position command to Y coordinate 5 (moving the print position upwards)). • If there is no print position command The print position adjustment processing unit 25 inserts a print position command into the relevant section (for example, inserting Y coordinate 5 as the print position command into the print conditions).

[0112] The image generation processing unit 12 then draws the adjusted image 241 in the image formation region 213 using the adjusted printing conditions. The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the pre-print image 221 with the adjusted image 241 to determine whether or not the image defects have been resolved. The determination method is the same as in Figure 17. In Figure 18, the adjusted image 241 fits within the image formation region 213 due to adjustment method 1. If the image defects are not resolved, the information processing device 10 sequentially determines whether or not the image defects can be resolved using adjustment methods 2 to 4. In this embodiment, adjustment methods 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 are tried in that order to see if the image defects can be resolved, but this order is just one example.

[0113] If image clipping occurs at the top edge of the pre-print image 221, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 will, for example, change the Y coordinate 5 of the print position command to Y coordinate 10 (moving the print position downwards), or insert a print position command into the relevant area (for example, insert Y coordinate 10 as the print position command into the print conditions). If image clipping occurs at the left or right edges, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 will, for example, change the X coordinate 10 of the print position command to X coordinate 5 (moving the print position to the left), or insert a print position command into the relevant area (for example, insert X coordinate 5 as the print position command into the print conditions).

[0114] <Adjustment method 2> Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating adjustment method 2 (line spacing adjustment) in detail. In Figure 19, the comparison method in Figure 17 is used to determine that there is image loss. The comparison also reveals that image loss has occurred at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 221.

[0115] In adjustment method 2, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 adjusts the line spacing command within the print conditions. • If the line spacing command is present in the print conditions The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 changes the parameters of the relevant part (for example, changing the line spacing from 20pt to 15pt). • If the line spacing command is not present in the print conditions The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 inserts a line spacing command in the relevant section (for example, inserting a line spacing of 15pt).

[0116] The image generation processing unit 12 then draws the adjusted image 242 in the image formation area 213 using the adjusted printing conditions. The information processing device 10 compares the pre-print image 221 with the adjusted image 242 to determine whether or not the image defects have been resolved. The determination method may be the same as in Figure 17. In Figure 19, the adjusted image 242 fits within the image formation area 213 due to adjustment method 2. If the image defects are not resolved, the information processing device 10 sequentially determines whether or not the image defects are resolved using adjustment methods 3 and 4. Note that the image generation processing unit 12 may apply adjustment method 2 only to a few lines including the last line, or to a few lines of text including the last line, rather than the entire page.

[0117] If image clipping occurs at the top edge of the pre-print image 221, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 will change or insert a line spacing command. If image clipping occurs at the left or right edge, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 will change or insert a character pitch command.

[0118] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating adjustment method 2 (font size adjustment) in detail. In Figure 20, it is determined that there is image loss using the comparison method in Figure 17. Furthermore, the comparison results detect that image loss has occurred at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 221.

[0119] In adjustment method 2, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 adjusts the character size specification command within the print conditions. • If a font size specification command exists in the print conditions The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 changes the parameters of the relevant part (for example, changing the font size from 11 points to 9 points). • If the command to specify the font size does not exist in the print conditions. The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 inserts a character size specification command in the relevant section (for example, inserting 9 points).

[0120] Then, the image generation processing unit 12 draws the adjusted image 243 in the image formation region 213 using the adjusted printing conditions. The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the pre-print image 221 with the adjusted image 243 to determine whether or not the image defects have been resolved. The determination method is the same as in Figure 17. In Figure 20, the adjusted image 243 fits within the image formation region 213 due to adjustment method 2. If the image defects are not resolved, the information processing device 10 sequentially determines whether or not the image defects are resolved using adjustment methods 3 and 4.

[0121] If image clipping occurs at the top edge of the pre-print image 221, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 will change or insert a character size command. If image clipping occurs at the left or right edges, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 will change or insert a character size command.

[0122] <Adjustment method 3> Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating adjustment method 3 in detail. In Figure 21, it is determined that there is image loss using the comparison method in Figure 17. The comparison also detects that image loss has occurred at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 221. In adjustment method 3, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 adjusts the margin settings in the image forming apparatus 50. • If there is a margin In other words, this occurs when the image forming area 213 is smaller than the maximum image forming area. The printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 sets the image forming apparatus 50 to reduce the margins. That is, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 enlarges the image forming area (for example, changing the margin height from 10 to 5). The margin height is the length from the edge of the image forming area 213, and a shorter margin height results in narrower margins. • If there are no margins In other words, this is the case when the image forming area 213 and the maximum image forming area are the same size. Since the margin cannot be made any smaller, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 notifies the adjustment processing failure processing unit 18 that the adjustment failed. If adjustment method 3 has a higher priority (e.g., 3 > 1 > 2), the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 determines whether the image defect can be resolved by other adjustment methods.

[0123] If there is a margin, the image generation processing unit 12 draws the adjusted image 244 in the image formation area 213 with reduced margins. The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the adjusted image 244 drawn in the image formation area 213 with reduced margins with the original pre-print image 221 to determine whether the image loss has been resolved. The adjusted image 244 from adjustment method 3 and the original pre-print image 221 may be the same. The method of determination can be the same as in Figure 17. In Figure 21, the adjusted image 244 fits within the image formation area 213 with reduced margins due to adjustment method 3. If the image loss is not resolved, the image comparison processing unit 13 determines whether the image loss is resolved by adjustment method 4.

[0124] If image clipping occurs at the top edge of the pre-print image 221, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 reduces the margin at the top edge. If image clipping occurs at the left or right edge, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 reduces the margin at the left or right edge (or both) where the image clipping occurs.

[0125] <Adjustment method 4> Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating adjustment method 4 in detail. In Figure 22, the image is judged to have missing parts using the comparison method in Figure 17. The comparison also reveals that image loss has occurred at the bottom edge of the pre-print image 221.

[0126] Adjustment method 4 is a combination of adjustment methods 2 and 3. Adjustment method 4 is effective when image defects cannot be resolved with adjustment method 2 or adjustment method 3 alone. A. Adjustment Method 2 (Same as Figure 19) • If the line spacing command is present in the print conditions The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 changes the parameters of the relevant part (for example, changing the line spacing from 20pt to 15pt). • If the line spacing command is not present in the print conditions The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 inserts a line spacing command in the relevant section (for example, inserting a line spacing of 15pt).

[0127] To adjust the font size, use the same method as in Figure 20. B. Adjustment Method 3 (Same as Figure 21) • If there is a margin In other words, this occurs when the image forming area 213 is smaller than the maximum image forming area. The printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 sets the image forming apparatus 50 to reduce the margins. That is, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 enlarges the image forming area (for example, changing the margin height from 10 to 5).

[0128] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the adjusted image 245, which is drawn with modified printing conditions in the image formation area 213 with reduced margins, with the original pre-print image 221 to determine whether the image defects have been resolved. The determination method is the same as in Figure 17. In Figure 22, the adjusted image 245, with modified printing conditions due to adjustment method 4, fits within the image formation area 213 with reduced margins. If the image defects are not resolved, the image comparison processing unit 13 determines that adjustment is not possible.

[0129] <Inquiries to users> If it is determined that the image defects can be resolved by adjusting using adjustment methods 1 to 4, printing will be automatically performed using the adjusted printing conditions. This allows the image forming apparatus 50 to perform printing using the adjusted printing conditions without contacting the user. In this case, the user can recognize that the printing conditions have been adjusted from the print result and the recorded log information. However, some users may want to confirm whether to print using the adjusted printing conditions before automatic printing. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to be able to set whether or not to contact the user.

[0130] Figure 23 shows an example of the adjustment method confirmation screen 230, which is displayed when it is determined that the image defects can be resolved by adjusting using adjustment methods 1 to 4, and when it is set to contact the user.

[0131] In Figure 23, it is determined that the image defects will be resolved by adjustment method 1. Therefore, the adjustment method confirmation screen 320 displays the message 321, "Image defects have been detected. The following adjustments will be made using adjustment method 1. Do you want to continue printing?", along with the details of the adjustments made using adjustment method 1 322.

[0132] The adjustment method confirmation screen 320 displays a "Print without adjustment" button 323, a "Print with adjustment" button 324, and a "Cancel printing" button 325. The "Print without adjustment" button 323 is for printing without adjustment, resulting in image defects. The "Print with adjustment" button 324 is for printing after adjusting using adjustment method 1. The "Cancel printing" button 325 is for canceling printing. The user can press any of these buttons.

[0133] In this way, the information processing device 10 can notify the user of the determined adjustment method and ask whether or not to adjust and print using this method. Furthermore, the adjustment method confirmation screen 320 may not only simply notify the user, but may also, for example, display adjustment methods 2-4 that have not been tried and accept instructions from the user regarding which adjustment method they would like to try.

[0134] On the other hand, if it is determined that the image defect cannot be resolved by any of the adjustment methods 1 to 4, the adjustment processing failure unit 18 will notify the user that an image defect has occurred.

[0135] Figure 24 shows an example of the image defect confirmation screen 330 displayed by the information processing device 10. In Figure 24, it is determined that the image defect cannot be resolved by any of the adjustment methods 1 to 4. Therefore, the image defect confirmation screen 330 displays the message 331, "An image defect has been detected, but it could not be resolved by adjustment methods 1 to 4. Please cancel printing and consider changing the printing conditions." Message 331 recommends that the user review the print data, printing conditions, or printer settings.

[0136] The image defect confirmation screen 330 displays a print execution button 332 and a print cancellation button 333. The print execution button 332 is for printing even if image defects occur without adjustment. The print cancellation button 333 is for canceling printing. The user can press either button. In this way, the information processing device 10 can notify the user that image defects will occur and ask whether or not to print.

[0137] <Action or process> The following explanation will describe the processes performed by the information processing device 10, with reference to Figures 25 to 30. Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the process by which the information processing device 10 accepts editing of the print adjustment table. The flowchart in Figure 25 is executed at any time between printing operations.

[0138] For example, when a user inputs an operation to display the contents of the print adjustment table to the information processing device 10, the setting information reading and recording processing device 35 reads the print adjustment table from the print adjustment table storage unit 43 (S11).

[0139] The settings screen display / settings unit 34 displays the print adjustment table setting screen 300 on the display 506 (S12).

[0140] The settings information reading and recording processing unit 35 determines whether the contents of the print adjustment table have been updated after receiving the user's editing operation (S13).

[0141] If updated (Yes in S13), the setting information reading / recording processing unit 35 stores the updated print adjustment table in the print adjustment table storage unit 43 (S14).

[0142] Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating the process of adjusting image defects using one of the adjustment methods 1 to 4. In the explanation of Figure 26, it is assumed that the user has set the trial order of adjustment method 1>2>3>4 (a combination of 2 and 3) on the order setting screen 310.

[0143] For example, when a user inputs a print command to the information processing device 10 for document data displayed in the source application 251, printing begins. The printer driver 252 generates print data and passes it to the launched application 253. When application 253 starts processing, the information collection unit 11 first collects information (S21). Specifically, the print information collection processing unit 22 of the information collection unit 11 collects print data (including print conditions). The preprint image information collection processing unit 23 collects preprint images, which are image data printed on preprint paper, from the image data storage unit 42 (all of them if there are multiple preprint images). The printer settings collection processing unit 24 collects printer settings.

[0144] Next, the image generation processing unit 12 generates a pre-print image based on the print data (including print conditions), and then generates a print image based on the print data (including print conditions) and printer settings (S22).

[0145] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image during printing. If they are the same, it determines that there is no image loss; if they differ by a certain amount or more, it determines that there is image loss (S23).

[0146] If there are no missing images (No in S24), the process proceeds to step S28; if there are missing images (Yes in S24), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0147] When an image defect occurs, the processing unit 16 determines whether the image defect can be resolved sequentially using adjustment methods 1 to 4 according to the trial order (S25). Details are explained in Figure 27. If adjustment method 3 is adopted, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 sets the printer setting reset flag to ON.

[0148] Once the trials of adjustment methods 1 to 4 are complete, the image defect handling unit 16 determines whether the image defect has been resolved by any of the adjustment methods 1 to 4 (S26). A trial is the process of determining an adjustment method to suppress image defects without actually performing printing.

[0149] If the decision in step S26 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S27; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0150] Since the image defect cannot be resolved in step S31, the adjustment process failure processing unit 18 displays the image defect confirmation screen 330 to notify the user that an image defect has occurred (S31).

[0151] In step S27, the image defect suppression processing unit 17 performs the OK processing (S27). The details are explained in Figure 30. The OK processing refers to performing adjustments using one of the adjustment methods 1 to 4.

[0152] After the OK processing, the printer processing unit 19 executes printing using the print data or printer settings adjusted by one of the adjustment methods 1 to 4 (S28).

[0153] Next, the printer setting reset determination unit 33 determines whether the printer setting reset flag is ON or OFF (S29).

[0154] If the printer setting reset flag is ON (Yes in S29), the printer setting reset processing unit 31 resets the printer settings to the settings before they were changed using adjustment method 3 after printing is performed (S32). However, if there is a next page (multiple pages of print data are being printed, or multiple print jobs are being printed), the printer setting reset determination unit 33 waits to determine whether the adjustment method for the next page is adjustment method 3 and whether the margins are the same. Then, if the adjustment method for the current page (an example of the first page) is adjustment method 3, but the adjustment method for the next page (an example of the second page) is not adjustment method 3, or if the adjustment method is adjustment method 3 but the margins are different, the printer setting reset processing unit 31 resets the printer settings to the settings before they were changed using adjustment method 3. Since the adjustment method for the next page is determined in step S25, the printer setting reset processing unit 31 executes step S32 after step S25 for the next page is completed. This eliminates the unnecessary adjustment of the printer setting reset processing unit 31 to the same printer settings when consecutive pages have the same adjustment method 3 and the same margins.

[0155] Furthermore, the printer setting reset processing unit 31 sets the printer setting reset flag to OFF because the printer settings have been restored (S33).

[0156] With printing now complete, the print content recording processing unit 32 instructs the log information to be saved to the log information storage unit 44 (S30). If it is determined in step S24 that there are no image defects, then "no adjustment processing required" is saved as the log.

[0157] Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating the adjustment process in step S25 in detail.

[0158] Based on the trial sequence, first, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 of the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 adjusts the print position (S41). Details are explained in Figure 28.

[0159] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image after adjustment and determines whether or not the image defects have been resolved by adjustment method 1 (S42).

[0160] If the decision in step S42 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S43; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0161] In step S53, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 sets a flag to indicate that the print position should be adjusted (S53). The print position adjustment processing unit 25 also saves the amount of print position adjustment along with the flag. The process shown in Figure 27 is then completed.

[0162] In step S43, since adjusting the print position does not resolve the image defect, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 of the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 adjusts the print conditions (S43). The details are explained in Figure 29.

[0163] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image after adjustment to determine whether or not there are any image defects (S44).

[0164] If the decision in step S44 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S45; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0165] In step S52, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 sets a flag indicating that it will adjust the print conditions (S52). The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 also saves how the print conditions were adjusted, along with the flag. The process shown in Figure 27 is then completed.

[0166] In step S45, since adjusting the printing conditions does not resolve the image defect, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 of the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 adjusts the printer settings (S45). Each time the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 changes the margin by a small amount, it requests the image generation processing unit 12 to generate the adjusted image. Then, the image comparison processing unit 13 performs the comparison in step S46. By repeating this process, the margin that does not cause image defect with the smallest amount of adjustment is searched for. The margin can be reduced until the image formation area reaches the maximum image formation area.

[0167] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the adjusted image drawn in the image formation area with adjusted margins, and determines whether or not there are any image defects (S46).

[0168] Even if image loss occurs, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 may adjust the printer settings to minimize the margins. While it may not completely eliminate image loss, it can suppress it. However, if adjustment method 4 can completely eliminate image loss, then adjustment method 4 should be used. If none of adjustment methods 1 to 4 can completely eliminate image loss, the adjustment processing failure processing unit 18 may accept the selection of any of adjustment methods 1 to 4 that can suppress image loss, although not completely.

[0169] If the decision in step S46 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S47; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S51.

[0170] In step S51, the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 sets a flag to indicate that it will adjust the printer settings (S51). The printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 also saves the amount the margins have been reduced along with the flag. The process shown in Figure 27 is then completed.

[0171] In step S47, since adjusting the printer settings does not resolve the image defect, the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 performs adjustments in both the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 and the printer setting adjustment processing unit 27 (S47).

[0172] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image after adjustment to determine whether or not there are any image defects (S48).

[0173] If the decision in step S48 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S49; if it is No, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0174] In step S50, the image defect detection processing unit 16 sets a flag to adjust the print conditions and printer settings (S50). In Figure 27, this is referred to as "combination". The image defect detection processing unit 16 also saves how the print conditions were adjusted and how much the margins were reduced, along with the flag. The process shown in Figure 27 is then completed.

[0175] In step S49, since the image defect is not resolved by adjustment methods 1 to 4, the image defect occurrence processing unit 16 determines that the image defect cannot be resolved (NG) (S49).

[0176] Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating the process of adjusting the print position.

[0177] First, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 obtains the printing conditions from the information collection unit 11 and acquires the tray command instruction set in the printing conditions (S61).

[0178] Furthermore, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 obtains preprint information from the print adjustment table (S62).

[0179] The print position adjustment processing unit 25 determines whether or not to print on preprint paper based on whether the tray specified in the tray command instruction (an example of second tray information) matches the tray specification in the preprint information (an example of first tray information) (S63).

[0180] If the decision in step S63 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S64; if it is No, the process proceeds to step S66.

[0181] In step S64, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 obtains preprint images from the preprint image information collection processing unit 23 from the folder set in the image storage folder of the print adjustment table. The print position adjustment processing unit 25 adjusts the print position using the preprint images (S64). That is, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 executes the following process. (i) The print position adjustment processing unit 25 requests the image generation processing unit 12 to generate the adjusted image after adjusting the print position. (ii) The image comparison processing unit 13 determines whether the image before printing and the image after adjustment match. (iii) If they match, determine whether the adjusted image overlaps with the pixels of the preprinted image.

[0182] In step S66, since no preprinted paper is used, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 performs the following process. (iv) The print position adjustment processing unit 25 requests the image generation processing unit 12 to generate the adjusted image after adjusting the print position. (v) The image comparison processing unit 13 compares whether the image before printing and the adjusted image match.

[0183] In both steps S64 and S66, an adjusted image is generated each time a slight change is made to the print position. The system then searches for the print position that does not result in image loss with the smallest adjustment amount. The upper limit of the print position adjustment amount is assumed to be predetermined.

[0184] In step S65, the image comparison processing unit 13 determines whether or not there is any image loss (S65). For preprinted prints, no image loss is determined if both (ii) and (iii) are positive. For non-preprinted prints, no image loss is determined if (v) is positive.

[0185] If the image defect is resolved, or if the image defect is resolved and there is no overlap with the preprinted image (No. in S65), the print position adjustment processing unit 25 rewrites the print position in the print conditions or adds a print position to the print conditions (S67).

[0186] If the image defect is not resolved, or if overlap with the preprinted image occurs (Yes in S65), the image comparison processing unit 13 does not perform print position adjustment.

[0187] If there is no overlap with the preprinted image, the print position adjustment processing unit 25 may rewrite the print position in the print conditions or add a print position to the print conditions, even if image loss occurs. Image loss cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be suppressed. However, if the image loss can be completely eliminated by adjustment methods 2 to 4, then adjustment should be done using that method. If the image loss cannot be completely eliminated by any of adjustment methods 1 to 4, the adjustment processing failure processing unit 18 may accept the selection of any of adjustment methods 1 to 4 that can suppress image loss, although not completely.

[0188] Figure 29 is a flowchart illustrating the process of adjusting print conditions.

[0189] First, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 obtains adjustment information from the print adjustment table (S71).

[0190] The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 adjusts the print conditions according to the priority order of line spacing and character size included in the adjustment information (S72). The print condition adjustment processing unit 26 requests the image generation processing unit 12 to generate a pre-print image (create a pre-print image with the adjusted conditions) and a post-adjustment image. Note that for adjustment methods 1 and 3, the pre-print image used to determine image defects in S65 of Figure 28 may be used.

[0191] In step S72, if the initial value of the adjustment information remains "automatic" or if the user sets "value" to "automatic," an image is generated each time the line spacing or font size is changed in small increments. The system then searches for the line spacing or font size that does not cause image loss with the smallest adjustment amount. The upper limit of the line spacing or font size adjustment amount is assumed to be predetermined. If the user sets a fixed value for the adjustment information value, the line spacing or font size is adjusted to that fixed value.

[0192] The image comparison processing unit 13 compares the image before printing with the image after adjustment and determines whether or not image loss occurs (S73).

[0193] If the decision in step S73 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S74; if it is No, the process proceeds to step S75.

[0194] In step S74, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 determines whether there are any other adjustment items (such as line spacing or font size) (S74).

[0195] If the decision in step S74 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S72. If it is No, the process terminates because the image defect is not resolved or overlap with the preprinted image occurs. The image comparison processing unit 13 does not apply any adjustments to the printing conditions.

[0196] If there are no missing images (No. in S73), the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 rewrites the line spacing or font size among the print conditions, or adds line spacing or font size to the print conditions (S75).

[0197] Even if image loss occurs, the print condition adjustment processing unit 26 may rewrite line spacing or font size among the print conditions, or add line spacing or font size to the print conditions. Image loss cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be suppressed. However, if image loss can be completely eliminated by adjustment methods 3 and 4, then adjustment should be done using those methods. If image loss cannot be completely eliminated by any of adjustment methods 1 to 4, the adjustment processing failure processing unit 18 may accept the selection of any of adjustment methods 1 to 4 that can suppress image loss, although not completely.

[0198] Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating the process (OK processing) when it is determined that the image defects can be resolved through adjustment.

[0199] The image loss suppression processing unit 17 determines the status of the flags for the print position, print conditions, or printer settings (S81-S83).

[0200] If the print position flag is ON, the print position execution processing unit 36 ​​of the image loss suppression processing unit 17 notifies the printer processing unit 19 to execute printing using print data with adjusted print position (S84).

[0201] If the print condition flag is ON, the print condition execution processing unit 37 of the image loss suppression processing unit 17 notifies the printer processing unit 19 to execute printing using the adjusted print conditions (S85).

[0202] If the printer setting flag is ON, the printer setting execution processing unit 38 of the image loss suppression processing unit 17 notifies the printer processing unit 19 to execute printing using the adjusted printer settings (margin settings) (S86).

[0203] If the composite flag is ON, the image loss suppression processing unit 17 notifies the printer processing unit 19 to execute printing using the adjusted printing conditions and adjusted printer settings (S87).

[0204] If the printer settings are changed (in the case of adjustment methods 3 and 4), the printer setting change processing unit 29 changes the printer settings (S88) and sets the printer setting reset flag to ON (S89).

[0205] <Main effects> The information processing device 10 of this embodiment determines whether or not image defects will occur before printing, and if image defects occur, adjusts one or more of the print position, print conditions, or image forming area. This makes it possible to print the print image that the user has confirmed in the preview, and reduces the output of wasted paper due to image defects and the user's operation required for reprinting.

[0206] <Other application examples> Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited in any way to these examples, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0207] For example, in this embodiment, the information processing device 10 performs the process to suppress image loss, but the image forming apparatus 50 may also perform the process to suppress image loss.

[0208] Furthermore, the printing medium used by the image forming apparatus 50 is not limited to paper; it may also be a sheet material such as film. In the case of an inkjet printer, printing may be done directly on the medium without using paper.

[0209] Furthermore, the configuration examples shown in Figure 9 and other figures are divided according to their main functions to facilitate understanding of the processing performed by the information processing device 10. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or their names. The processing of the information processing device 10 can be further divided into many more processing units depending on the processing content. It is also possible to divide a single processing unit so that it includes even more processing.

[0210] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 10 Information Processing Devices 50 Image forming apparatus 100 Printing Systems [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0212] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-110557

Claims

1. An information processing device that can communicate with an image forming apparatus, A print information collection processing unit that acquires print data and print conditions to be printed by the image forming apparatus, A printer setting collection processing unit that acquires information regarding the image forming region from the image forming apparatus, An image comparison processing unit that compares a first printed image generated based on the print data and print conditions with a second printed image obtained by drawing the first printed image in an area the same size as the image forming area, If the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, an image defect suppression processing unit performs image defect suppression processing. A program designed to function as such.

2. The image comparison processing unit determines that if the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, image defects will occur when the first printed image is printed by the image forming apparatus. The program according to claim 1.

3. As a first adjustment method, the information processing device is The print position adjustment processing unit is configured to either change the print position command included in the print data to a value that suppresses image loss, or, if the print data does not include a print position command, to insert a print position command with a value that suppresses image loss into the print data. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. As a second adjustment method, the information processing device is used Either change the line spacing command included in the print conditions to a value that suppresses image loss, or, if the print conditions do not include a line spacing command, insert a line spacing command with a value that suppresses image loss into the print data. Or, Either change the character size command included in the print conditions to a value that suppresses image clipping, or, if the print conditions do not include a character size command, insert a character size command with a value that suppresses image clipping into the print data. To function as a print condition adjustment processing unit that performs at least one of the following: The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The printer setting collection processing unit acquires margin settings from the image forming apparatus, As a third adjustment method, the information processing device is In addition to the image forming region, if there is a margin at the edge of the first printed image where image defects have occurred, the printer setting adjustment processing unit will function to request the image forming apparatus to reduce the value of the margin setting at the edge. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. As a first adjustment method, the information processing device is The print position adjustment processing unit is configured to either change the print position command included in the print data to a value that suppresses image loss, or, if the print data does not include a print position command, to insert a print position command with a value that suppresses image loss into the print data. As a second adjustment method, the information processing device is used Either change the line spacing command included in the print conditions to a value that suppresses image loss, or, if the print conditions do not include a line spacing command, insert a line spacing command with a value that suppresses image loss into the print data. Or, Either change the character size command included in the print conditions to a value that suppresses image clipping, or, if the print conditions do not include a character size command, insert a character size command with a value that suppresses image clipping into the print data. To function as a print condition adjustment processing unit that performs at least one of the following: As a third adjustment method, The printer setting collection processing unit acquires margin settings from the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned information processing device In addition to the image forming region, if there is a margin at the edge of the first printed image where image defects have occurred, the printer setting adjustment processing unit will function to request the image forming apparatus to reduce the value of the margin setting at the edge. It is possible, The process of suppressing image loss is performed using two pre-set combinations of the first adjustment method, the second adjustment method, or the third adjustment method. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned image defect suppression processing unit is: From the first adjustment method, the second adjustment method, the third adjustment method, and any combination of two of these, Determine the adjustment method that can suppress image loss according to the pre-set priority. The program according to claim 6.

8. When the printer setting adjustment processing unit suppresses image loss using the third adjustment method, The margin setting value before the change is retained, The aforementioned information processing device After printing is performed, it functions as a printer setting reset processing unit that requests the image forming apparatus to revert to the margin settings values ​​before the change. The program according to claim 5.

9. When printing multiple pages consecutively, When the printer setting adjustment processing unit suppresses image loss on the first page using the third adjustment method, and then suppresses image loss on the subsequent second page using the same margin setting value with the third adjustment method, The printer setting reset processing unit does not request the image forming apparatus to revert to the margin setting values ​​before the change after printing the first page. The program according to claim 8.

10. If the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, The print position adjustment processing unit changes the print position of the first print image to a print position that suppresses image loss, and generates a fourth print image drawn in an area of ​​the same size as the image forming area. The image comparison processing unit determines that if the first printed image and the fourth printed image do not differ by a certain amount, the first adjustment method can suppress image defects. The program according to claim 3.

11. If the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, The printing condition adjustment processing unit changes the line spacing or character size of the print data to a line spacing or character size that suppresses image loss, and generates a fourth print image drawn in an area the same size as the image forming area. A third printed image is generated based on the printing conditions and the printed data, with the line spacing or character size of the printed data changed to a line spacing or character size that suppresses image loss. The image comparison processing unit determines that if the third printed image and the fourth printed image do not differ by a certain amount, the second adjustment method can suppress image defects. The program according to claim 4.

12. If the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, The printer setting adjustment processing unit generates a fourth print image drawn in an area the same size as the image forming area with reduced margins. The image comparison processing unit determines that if the first printed image and the fourth printed image do not differ by a certain amount, the third adjustment method can suppress image defects. The program according to claim 5.

13. If it is determined that image loss can be suppressed by the first adjustment method, The print position adjustment processing unit acquires first tray information relating to the tray on which the preprint paper is set, If the second tray information included in the print data is the same as the first tray information, it is determined to be a preprint print. If the pixels of a pre-printed image held in advance overlap with the fourth printed image, it is determined that the first adjustment method cannot suppress image loss. The program according to claim 10.

14. If the image comparison processing unit determines that it cannot suppress image loss using the first adjustment method, the second adjustment method, the third adjustment method, or any combination of two of these, it will output a message recommending a change in the print position, print conditions, or printer settings. The program according to claim 7.

15. The image defect suppression processing unit outputs the first adjustment method, the second adjustment method, the third adjustment method, or a combination of two of these, which are used to suppress image defects. The system will execute printing when a user requests it. The program according to claim 7.

16. As a second adjustment method, the information processing device is used The printing condition adjustment processing unit is configured to either change the character pitch command included in the printing conditions to a value that suppresses image loss, or, if the printing conditions do not include a character pitch command, to insert a character pitch command with a value that suppresses image loss into the print data. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

17. An information processing device that can communicate with an image forming apparatus, The process of acquiring print data and print conditions to be printed by the image forming apparatus, A process for obtaining information about the image forming region from the image forming apparatus, A process of comparing a first printed image generated based on the print data and print conditions with a second printed image obtained by drawing the first printed image in an area of ​​the same size as the image forming area, If the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, a process is performed to suppress image loss. An image processing method that performs this task.

18. An information processing device that can communicate with an image forming apparatus, A print information collection processing unit that acquires print data and print conditions to be printed by the image forming apparatus, A printer setting collection processing unit that acquires information regarding the image forming region from the image forming apparatus, An image comparison processing unit that compares a first printed image generated based on the print data and print conditions with a second printed image obtained by drawing the first printed image in an area the same size as the image forming area, If the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, an image defect suppression processing unit performs an image defect suppression process, An information processing device having

19. A printing system comprising an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, A print information collection processing unit that acquires print data and print conditions to be printed by the image forming apparatus, A printer setting collection processing unit that acquires information about the image formation region, An image comparison processing unit that compares a first printed image generated based on the print data and print conditions with a second printed image obtained by drawing the first printed image in an area the same size as the image forming area, If the first printed image and the second printed image differ by a certain amount or more, an image defect suppression processing unit performs an image defect suppression process, A printing system having

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