Recording device, its control method, and program

Abstract

Performs color adjustment without consuming recording media or materials. [Solution] The printer's CPU is capable of performing the following: an adjustment process (S9) which adjusts the color profile in response to input related to color profile adjustment received by the input unit; a generation process (S10) which generates recording data based on the image data and the color profile adjusted in S9 after S9; a preview screen display process (S12) which displays a preview screen based on the recording data on the display after S10; and a recording process (S18) which causes the head to perform a recording operation based on the recording data in response to input related to recording instructions received by the input unit after S12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing color adjustment in a color printer (recording apparatus) based on a representative color printed out and its surrounding colors displayed on a CRT. In this technique, the user visually compares the representative color printed by the color printer with its surrounding colors displayed on the CRT and selects a surrounding color close to the representative color. Based on the current color information of the representative color and the color information of the selected surrounding color, the color profile is adjusted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique of Patent Document 1, in order to perform color adjustment, it is necessary to print a representative color, and the recording medium and recording materials (such as ink, toner, etc.) are consumed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program capable of performing color adjustment without consuming a recording medium or recording materials.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The recording device according to the present invention comprises a storage unit for storing image data received from an external device, a recording unit for performing a recording operation to record an image on a recording medium using a recording material based on the image data, a display unit for displaying a preview screen showing the image to be recorded in the recording operation before the recording operation, an input unit for receiving input from a user, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of performing an adjustment process to adjust the color profile in response to an input related to color profile adjustment received by the input unit, a generation process for generating recording data for the image to be recorded in the recording operation based on the image data and the color profile adjusted in the adjustment process after the adjustment process, a preview screen display process for displaying the preview screen based on the recording data on the display unit after the generation process, and a recording process for causing the recording unit to perform the recording operation based on the recording data in response to an input related to a recording instruction received by the input unit after the preview screen display process.

[0007] The control method according to the present invention is a control method for a recording device comprising: a storage unit for storing image data received from an external device; a recording unit for performing a recording operation to record an image on a recording medium using a recording material based on the image data; a display unit for displaying a preview screen showing the image to be recorded in the recording operation before the recording operation; and an input unit for receiving input from a user, characterized in that the method performs: an adjustment process for adjusting the color profile in response to an input related to color profile adjustment received by the input unit; a generation process for generating recording data for the image to be recorded in the recording operation based on the image data and the color profile adjusted in the adjustment process after the adjustment process; a preview screen display process for displaying the preview screen based on the recording data on the display unit after the generation process; and a recording process for causing the recording unit to perform the recording operation based on the recording data in response to an input related to a recording instruction received by the input unit after the preview screen display process.

[0008] The program according to the present invention provides a recording device comprising: a storage unit for storing image data received from an external device; a recording unit for performing a recording operation to record an image on a recording medium using a recording material based on the image data; a display unit for displaying a preview screen showing the image to be recorded in the recording operation before the recording operation; and an input unit for receiving input from a user. The program provides a recording device comprising: an adjustment means for adjusting the color profile in response to input related to color profile adjustment received by the input unit; a generation means for generating recording data for the image to be recorded in the recording operation based on the image data and the color profile adjusted by the adjustment means; a preview screen display means for displaying the preview screen based on the recording data generated by the generation means on the display unit; and a recording means for causing the recording unit to perform the recording operation based on the recording data in response to input related to recording instructions received by the input unit after the display by the preview screen display means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an image based on a color profile adjusted according to user input is displayed on the preview screen of the recording device's display unit. The user can visually inspect the image shown on the preview screen and confirm whether the desired colors are reproduced in the image. Thus, according to the present invention, color adjustment can be performed without consuming recording media or recording materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a printer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the program executed by the CPU of the printer. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the job selection screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 5]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the print settings screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the color profile settings screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 7A] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the first adjustment screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 7B] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the second adjustment screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the preview screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the display color settings screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 10A] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the first calibration screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Figure 10B] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the second calibration screen displayed on the printer's screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a housing 1A, a transport mechanism 3, a head 5, a carriage 7, a scanning mechanism 8, a support plate 9, and a control device 100. The transport mechanism 3, head 5, carriage 7, scanning mechanism 8, support plate 9, and control device 100 are arranged inside the housing 1A.

[0012] Printer 1 corresponds to the "recording device" of the present invention. Head 5 corresponds to the "recording unit" of the present invention.

[0013] The transport mechanism 3 includes two pairs of rollers 31 and 32. Each pair of rollers 31 and 32 includes a drive roller that rotates by the drive of the transport motor 30 shown in Figure 2, and a driven roller that rotates along with the drive roller. The pairs of rollers 31 and 32 transport the paper S by rotating while gripping the paper S. The paper S corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present invention.

[0014] The head 5, carriage 7, scanning mechanism 8 and support plate 9 are arranged between two roller pairs 31, 32.

[0015] The support plate 9 is arranged below the carriage 7 and the head 5. The support plate 9 supports the sheet S conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 3.

[0016] The carriage 7 is movable by the drive of the scanning mechanism 8 while holding the head 5.

[0017] The scanning mechanism 8 includes a pair of guides 81, 82 that support the carriage 7 and a belt 83 connected to the carriage 7. When the belt 83 runs by the drive of the scanning motor 80 shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 7 moves along the guides 81, 82. <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The touch panel 160 includes a display 161 and a touch sensor 162 incorporated into the display 161. The display 161 corresponds to the "display unit" of the present invention. The touch sensor 162 is an element for receiving input from the user of the printer 1 and corresponds to the "input unit" of the present invention.

[0023] The control device 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The CPU 101 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention. The RAM 103 corresponds to the "storage unit" of the present invention.

[0024] ROM 102 stores programs and data for the CPU 101 to control various operations. For example, ROM 102 stores one or more color profiles. Color profiles are used to manage the color representation of images. The color profiles stored in ROM 102 may be received from an external device 200, stored during the manufacturing of printer 1, or both.

[0025] RAM 103 temporarily stores data used by CPU 101 when executing a program. For example, RAM 103 temporarily stores recording commands received from external device 200 and inputs received by touch sensor 162.

[0026] The CPU 101 executes recording processing based on programs and data stored in the ROM 102, recording commands stored in the RAM 103, etc.

[0027] In the recording process, the CPU 101 alternately performs a transport operation in which the transport mechanism 3 transports a predetermined amount of paper S, and a scanning operation in which the scanning mechanism 8 moves the carriage 7 while ejecting ink from the nozzle 5N to the head 5. Of the scanning operations, the ejection operation in which the head 5 ejects ink from the nozzle 5N corresponds to the "recording operation" of the present invention.

[0028] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain the program that CPU 101 executes.

[0029] The CPU 101 first determines whether or not it has received a recording command from the external device 200 (S1).

[0030] If it determines that it has not received a recording command (S1:NO), CPU101 repeats the process of S1.

[0031] If the CPU 101 determines that a recording command has been received (S1: YES), it determines whether the "Job Selection" button has been tapped (S2). The "Job Selection" button is not shown in the diagram, but it is displayed on the display 161.

[0032] If CPU101 determines that the "Job Selection" button has not been tapped (S2:NO), it repeats the process of S2.

[0033] If the CPU 101 determines that the "Select Job" button has been tapped (S2: YES), it displays the job selection screen D1 on the display 161 as shown in Figure 4 (S3).

[0034] A job corresponds to a recording command. Each time the CPU 101 receives a recording command from one or more external devices 200, it stores the recording command as a job in the RAM 103. The RAM 103 can store multiple jobs. The job selection screen D1 displays all jobs stored in the RAM 103.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 4, the job selection screen D1 displays three jobs: "RGB.docx", "CMYK.xslx", and "Text.txt", along with a "Select All" button. The user can select one or more of the three jobs by tapping them. Alternatively, the user can select all jobs by tapping the "Select All" button.

[0036] After S3, CPU101 determines whether a job has been selected (S4).

[0037] In the job selection screen D1 in Figure 4, if one or more jobs are tapped, or if the "Select All" button is tapped, the CPU 101 determines that a job has been selected (S4: YES). In the job selection screen D1 in Figure 4, if no jobs are tapped and the "Select All" button is not tapped, the CPU 101 determines that no job has been selected (S4: NO) and repeats the process in S4.

[0038] If the CPU 101 determines that a job has been selected (S4:YES), it displays the print settings screen D2 on the display 161 as shown in Figure 5 (S5).

[0039] A single job includes image data as well as information related to print settings. Print settings include paper size settings, paper type settings, color settings, color profile settings, etc. Paper size settings refer to the size of the paper S used for printing, such as A4 size or B4 size. Paper type settings refer to the type of paper S used for printing, such as plain paper or glossy paper. Color settings refer to whether the image recorded on the paper S is monochrome or color, such as black and white or color. Color profile settings refer to which of the one or more color profiles stored in ROM 102 will be used during the recording operation.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 5, the print settings screen D2 displays four setting buttons: "Paper Size Settings," "Paper Type Settings," "Color Settings," and "Color Profile Settings," along with a "Print" button. By tapping any of the four setting buttons, the user can change the settings for the job selected in S4. Alternatively, by tapping the "Print" button, the user can print the job selected in S4 without changing any settings.

[0041] After S5, CPU101 decides whether or not to change the color profile settings (S6).

[0042] If the "Color Profile Settings" button is tapped on the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5, the CPU 101 determines to change the color profile settings (S6: YES). If any setting button other than "Color Profile Settings" is tapped on the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5, the CPU 101 executes the process related to changing that setting. If the "Print" button is tapped on the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5, the CPU 101 proceeds to S10 (generation process).

[0043] If the CPU 101 determines that it is necessary to change the color profile settings (S6:YES), it displays the color profile settings screen D3 on the display 161, as shown in Figure 6.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 6, the color profile settings screen D3 displays five color profiles: "Default," "Vivid," "Natural," "User1," and "User2," along with "Adjust," "Add," "Preview," and "Back" buttons. For example, "Default," "Vivid," and "Natural" are color profiles stored during the manufacturing of printer 1, while "User1" and "User2" are color profiles received from two external devices 200 used by different users. The user can select the color profile to be used in the recording operation by tapping one of the five color profiles. Furthermore, the user can adjust the selected color profile by tapping the "Adjust" button. Alternatively, the user can add a new color profile by tapping the "Add" button.

[0045] If one of the five color profiles is tapped on the color profile setting screen D3 in Figure 6 and the "Adjust" button is tapped, the CPU 101 displays the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A or the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B on the display 161 (S7: Adjustment screen display process). Both the first adjustment screen D4a and the second adjustment screen D4b are screens for adjusting color profiles and incorporate a touch sensor 162 as an input unit.

[0046] In S7, if the image data related to the recording command is image data containing RGB color information, the CPU 101 displays the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A on the display 161. Alternatively, in S7, if the image data related to the recording command is image data containing CMYK color information, the CPU 101 displays the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B on the display 161. Image data containing RGB color information is the "first type" of the present invention, and image data containing CMYK color information is the "second type" of the present invention.

[0047] In the example in Figure 7A, the first adjustment screen D4a displays the numerical values ​​for each RGB color, the contrast value, and an "OK" button. In the example in Figure 7B, the second adjustment screen D4b displays the numerical values ​​for each CMYK color, the density correction value, and an "OK" button. Each value can be adjusted from 0 to 100. The intensity of each color in the image recorded on the paper S is set according to the numerical value for each color. The brightness difference of the image recorded on the paper S is set according to the contrast value. The density of the image recorded on the paper S is set according to the density correction value. The user can input each value via the touch sensor 162 by tapping the first adjustment screen D4a or the second adjustment screen D4b.

[0048] After S7, the CPU 101 determines whether the "OK" button was tapped on the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A or the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B (S8).

[0049] If the CPU 101 determines that the "OK" button has not been tapped on the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A or the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B (S8:NO), the CPU 101 repeats the process of S8.

[0050] If the CPU determines that the "OK" button has been tapped on the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A or the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B (S8: YES), the CPU 101 adjusts the color profile according to the input related to the color profile adjustment entered on the first adjustment screen D4a or the second adjustment screen D4b (S9: Adjustment process). Specifically, in S9, the CPU 101 adjusts the color profile selected on the color profile setting screen D3 in Figure 6 based on the numerical values ​​shown on the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A or the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B.

[0051] After S9, the CPU 101 switches the display on the display 161 to the color profile setting screen D3 in Figure 6, and then returns to processing S6. The user can re-select a color profile and adjust the selected color profile on the color profile setting screen D3 in Figure 6.

[0052] If it is determined that the color profile settings will not be changed (S6:NO), CPU101 proceeds to S10.

[0053] In S10, the CPU 101 generates recording data for the image to be recorded in the recording operation, based on the image data and the set color profile. If S9 was executed before S10, the color profile is the color profile adjusted in S9. The image data is vector data represented in PDL. The recording data is raster-format density data for each RGB or CMYK color.

[0054] After S10, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the "Preview" button was tapped on the color profile setting screen D3 in Figure 6 (S11).

[0055] If the user taps the "Back" button instead of the "Preview" button on the color profile settings screen D3 in Figure 6, the display on display 161 switches to the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5. The user can further modify the settings by tapping one of the four setting buttons on the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5. Alternatively, the user can tap the "Print" button on the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5 to print the job selected in S4 with the modified settings if any changes have been made to the print settings. If the CPU 101 determines that the "Print" button has been tapped on the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5 (S11: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to S17.

[0056] If the CPU 101 determines that the "Preview" button has been tapped on the color profile setting screen D3 in Figure 6 (S11: YES), the CPU 101 displays the preview screen D5 on the display 161 as shown in Figure 8 (S12: Preview screen display process).

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 8, preview screen D5 displays a color image of the text "RGB" along with the "Back," "Color Correction," and "Print" buttons. The image shown on preview screen D5 is based on the recorded data generated in S10.

[0058] The colors of the image displayed on the preview screen D5 are adjusted according to the ink ejected from the head 5, and more specifically, according to the dyes, pigments, and other materials contained in the ink. For example, the ROM 102 stores a table that associates the type of ink with the color adjustment values ​​of the image displayed on the preview screen D5. The CPU 101 receives information indicating the type of ink ejected from the head 5 via the touch sensor 162 or an external device 200. The CPU 101 displays an image with adjusted colors on the preview screen D5 based on the received information indicating the type of ink and the table read from the ROM 102.

[0059] In the preview screen D5 of Figure 8, the user can visually check the color image and then tap one of the following buttons: "Back," "Color Correction," or "Print."

[0060] After S12, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the "Color Correction" button was tapped on the preview screen D5 in Figure 8 (S13).

[0061] If the user taps the "Back" button instead of the "Color Correction" button on the preview screen D5 in Figure 8, the display on display 161 switches to the color profile settings screen D3 in Figure 6. The user can then re-select a color profile on the color profile settings screen D3 in Figure 6 and adjust the selected color profile on the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A or the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B.

[0062] If the CPU 101 determines that the "Color Correction" button has been tapped in the preview screen D5 in Figure 8 (S13: YES), it displays the display color setting screen D6 on the display 161, as shown in Figure 9.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 9, the display color setting screen D6 displays two display colors, "Default" and "User," along with "Correct," "Add," and "Back" buttons. For example, "Default" is the display color stored during the manufacturing of printer 1, and "User" is the display color received from external device 200. The user can select the display color for preview screen D5 by tapping one of the two display colors. Furthermore, the user can correct the selected display color by tapping the "Correct" button. Alternatively, the user can add a new display color by tapping the "Add" button.

[0064] If one of the two display colors is tapped on the display color setting screen D6 in Figure 9 and the "Correct" button is tapped, the CPU 101 displays either the first correction screen D7a in Figure 10A or the second correction screen D7b in Figure 10B on the display 161 (S14: Correction screen display process). Both the first correction screen D7a and the second correction screen D7b are screens for adjusting the display color of the preview screen D5 and thereby performing color correction of the recorded data generated in S10, and are screens that incorporate a touch sensor 162 as an input unit.

[0065] In S14, if the image data related to the recording command is image data containing RGB color information, the CPU 101 displays the first correction screen D7a in Figure 10A on the display 161. Alternatively, in S14, if the image data related to the recording command is image data containing CMYK color information, the CPU 101 displays the second correction screen D7b in Figure 10B on the display 161.

[0066] In the example in Figure 10A, the first correction screen D7a displays the numerical values ​​for each RGB color, the contrast value, and an "OK" button. In the example in Figure 10B, the second correction screen D7b displays the numerical values ​​for each CMYK color, the density correction value, and an "OK" button. Each value can be adjusted from 0 to 100. The intensity of each color in the image displayed on the preview screen D5 is set according to the numerical value for each color. The brightness difference of the image displayed on the preview screen D5 is set according to the contrast value. The density of the image displayed on the preview screen D5 is set according to the density correction value. The user can input each value via the touch sensor 162 by tapping the first correction screen D7a or the second correction screen D7b.

[0067] After S14, the CPU 101 determines whether the "OK" button was tapped on the first correction screen D7a in Figure 10A or the second correction screen D7b in Figure 10B (S15).

[0068] If the CPU 101 determines that the "OK" button has not been tapped on the first correction screen D7a in Figure 10A or the second correction screen D7b in Figure 10B (S15: NO), the CPU 101 repeats the process in S15.

[0069] If the CPU determines that the "OK" button has been tapped on the first correction screen D7a in Figure 10A or the second correction screen D7b in Figure 10B (S15: YES), the CPU 101 performs color correction on the recorded data according to the input related to color correction entered on the first correction screen D7a or the second correction screen D7b (S16: Correction Processing). Specifically, in S16, the CPU 101 performs color correction on the recorded data generated in S10 based on the numerical values ​​shown on the first correction screen D7a in Figure 10A or the second correction screen D7b in Figure 10B.

[0070] After S16, CPU 101 returns processing to S12 and switches the display on display 161 to preview screen D5 in Figure 8. The user can further perform color correction by tapping the "Color Correction" button on preview screen D5 in Figure 8. If the user taps the "Back" button on the display color settings screen D6 in Figure 9, the display on display 161 will also switch to preview screen D5 in Figure 8.

[0071] If the CPU 101 determines that the "Print" button has been tapped in the preview screen D5 of Figure 8 (S13:NO), it proceeds to S17.

[0072] In S17, the CPU 101 generates ejection data by converting the recorded data generated in S10, or, if S16 (correction processing) is performed, by converting the color-corrected recorded data. The ejection data is data indicating the ejection amount in each ejection cycle for each nozzle 5N.

[0073] After S17, the CPU 101 performs recording processing related to printing based on the ejection data generated in S17 (S18). Tapping the "Print" button on the print settings screen D2 in Figure 5 or the "Print" button on the preview screen D5 in Figure 8 corresponds to the "input related to recording instruction" in this invention.

[0074] After S18, CPU101 terminates the program.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, the CPU 101 can perform an adjustment process (S9) to adjust the color profile in response to input related to color profile adjustment received by the touch sensor 162; a generation process (S10) after S9 to generate recording data based on image data and the color profile adjusted in S9; a preview screen display process (S12) after S10 to display a preview screen D5 based on the recording data on the display 161; and a recording process (S18) after S12 to cause the head 5 to perform a recording operation based on the recording data in response to input related to recording instructions received by the touch sensor 162. In this case, an image based on the color profile adjusted according to the user's input is displayed on the preview screen D5 on the printer 1's display 161 (see Figure 8). The user can visually check the image shown on the preview screen D5 and confirm whether the desired colors are reproduced in the image. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to perform color adjustment without consuming paper S or ink.

[0076] In a configuration where the control unit of the external device 200 adjusts the color profile and displays a preview screen on the external device 200's display, the user has to perform the following cumbersome actions, resulting in poor user efficiency. Specifically, in the above configuration, the user inputs information related to color profile adjustment to the external device 200, checks the preview screen displayed on the external device 200's display, and then sends input related to recording to the printer 1. The user then moves to the printer 1's installation location and obtains the recording result. If the desired color is not reproduced in the recording result, the user returns to the external device 200 to perform input and verification work related to color profile adjustment, and then moves back to the printer 1's installation location to obtain the recording result again. The user has to perform these cumbersome actions until the desired color is reproduced in the recording result. In contrast, in this embodiment, if the user moves to the printer 1's installation location to acquire the recording results and the desired colors are not reproduced in the recording results, the user can then perform the color profile adjustment input to the printer 1 again at that location, i.e., at the printer 1's installation location, and check the preview screen D5 displayed on the display 161, without having to return to the external device 200 to perform the work. Thus, this embodiment improves the user's work efficiency compared to the above configuration.

[0077] The colors of the image shown on preview screen D5 (see Figure 8) are adjusted according to the ink ejected from head 5. In this case, the color adjustments made by the user visually on preview screen D5 can be more reliably reproduced in the ink-based recording results.

[0078] The CPU 101 can further execute S7 (adjustment screen display processing) before S9 (adjustment processing). In S7, the CPU 101 displays adjustment screen D4a or D4b (see Figures 7A and 7B) for adjusting the color profile on the display 161. In this case, the user can make inputs related to color profile adjustment while looking at adjustment screen D4a or D4b displayed on the display 161, and then check whether the desired color is reproduced by looking at the preview screen D5 displayed on the same display 161. In other words, the entire process from input to confirmation related to color profile adjustment can be performed while looking at the same display 161. This improves the user's work efficiency. In addition, since there is no need to provide a separate display to show adjustment screen D4a or D4b in addition to the display 161 that shows preview screen D5, the device configuration is simplified.

[0079] The adjustment screen D4a or D4b (see Figures 7A and 7B) incorporates a touch sensor 162 for receiving input related to color profile adjustment. In this case, the user can input color profile adjustments on the adjustment screen D4a or D4b while viewing the screen. This further improves the user's work efficiency.

[0080] If the image data related to the recording command contains RGB color information, the CPU 101 displays the first adjustment screen D4a in Figure 7A on the display 161. Alternatively, if the image data related to the recording command contains CMYK color information, the CPU 101 displays the second adjustment screen D4b in Figure 7B on the display 161. By displaying adjustment screens according to the type of image data in this way, the colors desired by the user can be reproduced more reliably.

[0081] When performing color correction after S12 (preview screen display processing), if color correction is performed on the image data, it is necessary to convert the color-corrected image data into raster format data and regenerate the recorded data. In contrast, in this embodiment, when performing color correction after S12, color correction is performed on the recorded data generated in S10 based on the adjusted color profile, rather than on the image data. In this case, the conversion to raster format data as described above is unnecessary, and the process can be simplified.

[0082] After S12 (preview screen display processing) and before S16 (correction processing), CPU 101 can further execute S14 (correction screen display processing). In S14, CPU 101 displays a correction screen D7a or D7b (see Figures 10A and 10B) for performing color correction on display 161. In this case, the user can view the preview screen D5 displayed on display 161 and then make inputs related to color correction while viewing the correction screen D7a or D7b displayed on the same display 161. That is, a series of operations from confirming color profile adjustment to color correction can be performed while viewing the same display 161. This improves the user's work efficiency. In addition, since there is no need to provide a separate display to show the correction screen D7a or D7b in addition to the display 161 that shows the preview screen D5, the device configuration is simplified.

[0083] A touch sensor 162 for receiving input related to color correction is incorporated into the correction screen D7a or D7b (see Figures 10A and 10B). In this case, the user can input color correction information on the correction screen D7a or D7b while viewing the screen. This further improves the user's work efficiency.

[0084] If the image data related to the recording command contains RGB color information, the CPU 101 displays the first correction screen D7a in Figure 10A on the display 161. Alternatively, if the image data related to the recording command contains CMYK color information, the CPU 101 displays the second correction screen D7b in Figure 10B on the display 161. By displaying a correction screen according to the type of image data in this way, the user's desired color can be reproduced more reliably.

[0085] Image data is generally classified into two types: image data containing RGB color information and image data containing CMYK color information. According to this embodiment, effective color adjustment or correction can be performed by displaying an adjustment screen or correction screen corresponding to the classification.

[0086] <Variation> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims.

[0087] For example, in the embodiment described above, multiple color profiles are stored in the ROM 102, and the user can adjust one color profile selected from among the multiple color profiles, but this is not limited to this. For example, one color profile may be stored in the ROM 102, and the user can adjust only one color profile.

[0088] In the embodiment described above, the ROM 102 stores both the color profile stored during the manufacturing of the printer 1 and the color profile received from the external device 200, but is not limited to this. For example, the ROM 102 may store either the color profile stored during the manufacturing of the printer 1 or the color profile received from the external device 200.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the adjustment screen D4a or D4b is displayed on the display 161 that displays the preview screen D5, but this is not limited to that. For example, the adjustment screen D4a or D4b may be displayed on a display other than the display 161 that displays the preview screen D5.

[0090] The input unit is not limited to one integrated with the display 161 (display unit), such as the touch sensor 162 in the above-described embodiment. For example, the input unit may be a separate button or the like. Alternatively, if user input to an external device 200 is received by the communication interface of the recording device, the communication interface may function as the input unit.

[0091] The recording medium is not limited to paper; it may also be cloth or plastic film. In other words, the recording medium may be made of any material as long as it is capable of recording images.

[0092] The recording unit is not limited to a serial type, but may also be a line type. Furthermore, the recording unit is not limited to a liquid ejection type, but may also be a laser type, a thermal transfer type, or the like.

[0093] The recording material is not limited to ink; it may also be toner, etc. If the recording material is toner, the color of the image displayed on the preview screen may be adjusted according to the toner, and more specifically, according to the pigments and other materials contained in the toner.

[0094] This invention is not limited to printers, but can also be applied to facsimile machines, copiers, multifunction devices, and the like.

[0095] The program according to the present invention can be recorded on removable recording media such as flexible disks or fixed recording media such as hard disks and distributed, as well as distributed via communication lines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Printer (recording device) 5. Head (recording unit) 101 CPU (Control Unit) 103 RAM (storage unit) 161 Display (Display Unit) 162 Touch sensor (input section) 200 External device S Paper (recording medium) D4a 1st adjustment screen (adjustment screen) D4b 2nd adjustment screen (adjustment screen) D5 Preview Screen D7a First Correction Screen (Correction Screen) D7b 2nd correction screen (correction screen)

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores image data received from an external device, A recording unit that performs a recording operation to record an image onto a recording medium using a recording material based on the aforementioned image data, A display unit that displays a preview screen showing the image to be recorded in the recording operation before the aforementioned recording operation, An input unit that receives input from the user, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, The input unit receives an input related to the adjustment of the color profile, and performs an adjustment process to adjust the color profile accordingly. After the adjustment process, a generation process is performed to generate recording data for the image to be recorded in the recording operation, based on the image data and the color profile adjusted in the adjustment process. After the generation process, a preview screen display process is performed to display the preview screen based on the recorded data on the display unit. After the preview screen display process, a recording process is performed in which the recording unit performs the recording operation based on the recording data in response to the input related to the recording instruction received by the input unit, A recording device characterized by being capable of performing the following.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the color of the image shown on the preview screen is adjusted according to the recording material.

3. The control unit, Before the adjustment process, an adjustment screen display process is performed to display an adjustment screen for adjusting the color profile on the display unit. The recording device according to claim 1, further characterized in that it is capable of performing the following.

4. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that the adjustment screen incorporates the input unit for receiving input related to the adjustment of the color profile.

5. The adjustment screen includes a first adjustment screen corresponding to the case where the image data is of type 1, and a second adjustment screen corresponding to the case where the image data is of type 2, which is different from type 1. The control unit, The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the adjustment screen display process, the first adjustment screen is displayed if the image data is of the first type, and the second adjustment screen is displayed if the image data is of the second type.

6. The control unit, After the preview screen display process, a correction process is performed to perform color correction on the recorded data in accordance with the input related to color correction received by the input unit. After the correction process, a recording process is performed in which, in response to the input related to the recording instruction received by the input unit, the recording unit is instructed to perform the recording operation based on the color-corrected recording data in the correction process, The recording device according to claim 1, further characterized in that it is capable of performing the following.

7. The control unit, A correction screen display process is performed to display a correction screen for performing the color correction on the display unit before the correction process. The recording device according to claim 6, further characterized in that it is capable of performing the following.

8. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that the correction screen incorporates the input unit for receiving input related to the color correction.

9. The correction screen includes a first correction screen corresponding to the case where the image data is of a first type, and a second correction screen corresponding to the case where the image data is of a second type different from the first type. The control unit, The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the correction screen display process, the first correction screen is displayed when the image data is of the first type, and the second correction screen is displayed when the image data is of the second type.

10. The first type is image data containing RGB color information, The recording device according to claim 5 or 9, characterized in that the second type is image data including CMYK color information.

11. A control method for a recording device comprising: a storage unit for storing image data received from an external device; a recording unit for performing a recording operation to record an image on a recording medium using a recording material based on the image data; a display unit for displaying a preview screen showing the image to be recorded in the recording operation before the recording operation; and an input unit for receiving input from a user, The input unit receives an input related to the adjustment of the color profile, and performs an adjustment process to adjust the color profile accordingly. After the adjustment process, a generation process is performed to generate recording data for the image to be recorded in the recording operation, based on the image data and the color profile adjusted in the adjustment process. After the generation process, a preview screen display process is performed to display the preview screen based on the recorded data on the display unit. After the preview screen display process, a recording process is performed in which the recording unit performs the recording operation based on the recording data in response to the input related to the recording instruction received by the input unit, A control method characterized by performing the following.

12. A recording device comprising: a storage unit for storing image data received from an external device; a recording unit for performing a recording operation to record an image on a recording medium using recording material based on the image data; a display unit for displaying a preview screen showing the image to be recorded in the recording operation before the recording operation; and an input unit for receiving input from a user, In response to the input related to the adjustment of the color profile received by the input unit, adjustment means adjust the color profile. A generation means that generates recording data of the image to be recorded in the recording operation based on the image data and the color profile adjusted by the adjustment means. A preview screen display means for displaying the preview screen based on the recorded data generated by the generation means on the display unit, and After the display by the preview screen display means, the recording means causes the recording unit to perform the recording operation based on the recording data in response to the input related to the recording instruction received by the input unit. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

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