Support Program
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BROTHER KOGYO KK
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
Smart Images
Figure 2026110817000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a support program for supporting printer control. It relates to.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a technique for converting a color image into a monochrome image is known. For example, in Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, in a V4 printer driver for Windows (registered trademark), an extension plugin converts an image shown in print data from color to monochrome as a process for extending the processing of the printer driver. processing to extend the monochrome.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
[0238] .
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In recent years, a technique for controlling a printer by a printing program incorporated as a standard in an operating system (OS) without using a printer driver has been put into practical use. In this technique, the OS associates the printer with the OS standard printing program, and thereafter, when receiving a print instruction for the printer, printing by the OS standard [[ID=*]] printing program becomes possible without using a printer driver. printing program becomes possible without using a printer driver. printing program becomes possible without using a printer driver.
[0005] However, in the above-described OS standard general-purpose printing program, the conventional printer driver Some of the features implemented may not be supported, and the printer may not support the correct image. Printing may not be possible. For example, the OS standard general-purpose printing program is described in Patent Document 1. Some systems may not have the functionality to convert images like the one shown from color to monochrome. It is inconvenient.
[0006] This specification describes an information processing device that incorporates an OS standard general-purpose printing program. Even when using a standard general-purpose printing program, the technology ensures that the image will be printed properly. Disclose. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The support program designed to address the aforementioned issues is: It is executable by the computer of the information processing device and connects to the information processing device. It is compatible with the Linter and is pre-installed in the operating system of the information processing device. A support program that supports a general-purpose printing program, To the aforementioned computer, The mark output from the application program incorporated into the aforementioned information processing device Printing instructions, which cause the printer to perform printing according to the general-purpose printing program. If printing instructions are given, Intermediate image data corresponding to the print instruction is obtained from the aforementioned operating system. The acquisition process, A decision process to determine whether or not a conversion from color to monochrome is necessary, The process is executed, and if the judgment process determines that a conversion is necessary, The intermediate image acquired from the operating system by the acquisition process described above Printing the converted image, which is the image obtained by converting the aforementioned image shown in the data from color to monochrome. Causing the printer to execute a process for causing the printer to perform This is the gist of the invention.
[0008] According to the support program disclosed in this specification, when there is a print instruction for a general-purpose print program to a general-purpose printer, and it is necessary to convert a print target image from color to monochrome, the support program executes a process for causing the printer to print the converted image after conversion to monochrome. Therefore, even if a general-purpose print program of an operating system (OS) standard does not support the color-to-monochrome conversion function, when it is necessary to convert a print target image from color to monochrome, a monochrome image can be printed.
[0009]
[0010] A control method for implementing the above program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are also novel and useful.
Advantages of the Invention
[0011] [Figure 1] [[ID=--]] [Figure 2] [Figure 3]
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0012] The following describes a personal computer that utilizes the support program of this embodiment (hereinafter, The term "PC" will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This specification refers to a printing press. This document discloses a support program that runs on a PC connected to a printer with the necessary capabilities.
[0013] [Overall structure] As shown in Figure 1, the PC1 of this embodiment includes a CPU 11 and a memory 12. It is equipped with a controller 10. PC1 is an example of an information processing device. CPU11 is a controller This is an example of a computer. PC1 also has a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "User IF"). It comprises a )13 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF")14, These are electrically connected to the controller 10. Note that the controller 10 is shown in Figure 1. This is a general term encompassing the hardware and software used to control PC1, and in reality This does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware present in PC1.
[0014] The CPU 11 processes the program read from memory 12 and also responds to user input. Based on this, various processes are executed. Memory 12 contains various application programs. Various programs and data, including (hereinafter referred to as "apps"), are stored. Memory 12 is also used as a workspace when various processes are executed. CPU 11 The buffer provided by is also an example of memory. An example of memory 12 is built into PC1. This includes not only ROM, RAM, HDD, etc., but also any data that the CPU 11 can read and write to. It may also be a storage medium, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.
[0015] User IF13 is hardware that displays a screen to inform the user of information, and This includes hardware that accepts operations from the user. Note that user IF13 receives information A combination of a display capable of showing an image and a mouse, keyboard, etc., that has input acceptance capabilities. Alternatively, it could be a touch panel equipped with both display and input acceptance functions.
[0016] Communication IF14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as printer 2. The communication standards for IF14 are Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and USB. For example, PC1 may have multiple communication IF14s that support multiple communication standards. stomach.
[0017] The memory 12 of PC1 contains an operator including a general-purpose printing program 41, as shown in Figure 1. A editing system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, an auxiliary program 42, and an editing application. 43 and are stored in memory. Auxiliary program 42 is an example of a support program. Editing app 43 is an example of an application program. OS21 is, for example, W Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), iOS (Registered trademark), Android (Registered trademark).
[0018] The general-purpose printing program 41 prints various printers, such as printer 2, based on user instructions. This is the OS standard program for executing printing. The general-purpose printing program of this embodiment... RAM 41 includes a function to generate intermediate image data based on the image data to be printed. It is a program.
[0019] The general-purpose printing program 41 is provided by various printer vendors and includes multiple types of models. Dell printers support features that are commonly available. The general-purpose printing program 41 is... It does not support all of the features unique to each type of printer, but rather supports only certain features. This is limited to general-purpose items.
[0020] The auxiliary program 42 receives instructions from the OS 21 in conjunction with the processing of the general-purpose printing program 41. A program or group of programs that performs processing based on the target hardware This is an application that supports control. The auxiliary program 42 of this embodiment connects to PC1. This corresponds to the model of printer 2, for example, general-purpose printing program 41 When a command is received to print to printer 2 using the generic printing program, It is launched from 41. The auxiliary program 42 is, for example, a print support application (abbreviation, It is called PSA.
[0021] The auxiliary program 42 can accept multiple types of commands from the general-purpose printing program 41. Based on the received commands, it executes various processes. Furthermore, the auxiliary program 42 is... It could be a combination of multiple programs, each accepting an execution command, or it could be just one program. A program that can perform different processes in response to instructions. That's good too.
[0022] Support programs are programs provided by the printer vendor for each type of printer. It can also be in grams. For example, auxiliary programs for inkjet printers or laser printers. Support programs for the linter may be provided for each. For example, OS21 on PC1 is... When a new printer is connected to PC1, depending on the type of printer connected, Download necessary auxiliary programs from a server, etc., and install them into your device. Then, OS2 1 is the identification information of the embedded auxiliary program and the printer information of the newly connected printer. It is associated with and stored in memory 12. Note that this applies not only to each printer type, but also to each printer. There are auxiliary programs available for each model of printer or for each series of printer models. That's good too.
[0023] Editing app 43 is an app for creating and editing image data and document data, for example. The editing app 43 is, for example, Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. It could be an application from an online application or an application provided by the vendor of printer 2. The editing application 43 accepts user operations, including instructions to cause the printer 2 to perform a predetermined action. Specifically, the editing application 43, via the user interface 13, for example, to printer 2. It accepts a print command to initiate printing.
[0024] In this embodiment, printer 2 is a device having a printing function. PC1 is connected to communication IF14 It is possible to communicate with printer 2 via this. Printer 2 receives print data from, for example, PC 1. It receives the data and performs printing based on the received print data.
[0025] [Printing Instructions] Next, the printing procedure, including the operation of the auxiliary program 42 of this embodiment, will be described. The procedure described below involves sending a general-purpose printing program 41 to printer 2 to perform printing. The procedure involves converting the image to be printed from color to monochrome. Processing is included.
[0026] The general-purpose printing program 41 of this embodiment has a function to convert images from color to monochrome. It does not support this. Therefore, it is necessary to convert it using a program other than the general-purpose printing program 41. In this embodiment, the method for converting an image from color to monochrome involves an auxiliary programmer. The method of converting images using RAM 42 and the method of converting images using printer 2, There are two.
[0027] This specification describes the use of auxiliary program 42 for color-to-monochrome conversion. The method will be explained using the first form, referring to the sequence diagram in Figure 2, and the method using printer 2. The method will be explained as a second form, referring to the sequence diagram in Figure 3. Figures 2 and 3 are, In an application that accepts print commands, such as the editing application 43, use the general-purpose printing program 41. When a print execution command is received to print to printer 2, and printer 2 is compatible with This describes the operation when the auxiliary program 42 is installed on PC1.
[0028] In this embodiment, each processing step is basically performed by an auxiliary program 42, etc. This shows the processing performed by CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program. This includes hardware control using the OS21 API. This specification does not provide detailed information on OS21. The operation of each program will be explained by omitting details. Also, "Acquisition" is not a mandatory request. Used conceptually.
[0029] [First form] First, the first form involves converting an image from color to monochrome using the auxiliary program 42. This will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram in Figure 2.
[0030] The editing app 43 accepts the creation and editing of text, diagrams, and other documents based on user instructions. When the editing app 43 receives instructions regarding printing the selected text, etc. (A01), A print screen for receiving instructions from the user is displayed on user IF13 (A02). The application 43 allows you to, for example, issue a print command, set basic print settings, and make detailed print settings on the print screen. It accepts instructions to begin accepting print settings.
[0031] Editing application 43, with printer 2 selected on the currently displayed print screen, performs detailed printing. When the instruction to start accepting settings is received (A03), the information of the received detailed setting instructions is... The data is passed to OS21. OS21 then processes the details of the printing using the general-purpose printing program 41. When a specific instruction is received, the general-purpose printing program 41 is executed, and the general-purpose printing program 4 The instruction to start accepting detailed print settings is passed to 1 (A04). The general-purpose print program 41, When the instruction to start accepting detailed print settings is received, the selected printer is Printer 2. The instruction to accept and execute detailed print settings is passed to the corresponding auxiliary program 42 (A05).
[0032] The auxiliary program 42 starts operating based on an execution instruction from the general-purpose printing program 41. Then, a settings screen is displayed on user interface 13 to accept input operations for detailed print settings. (A06). The auxiliary program 42, for example, based on the model information of printer 2, A settings screen is displayed that accepts various detailed settings and allows user input.
[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of a settings screen displayed in A06, which is settings screen 100. Settings screen 10 Section 0 has multiple tabs. Figure 4 shows Basic Tab 1, which accepts basic print settings. This indicates that 01 is selected. The settings items in the Basic tab 101 include the output image. The color settings are included, and User IF13 allows you to select the color to set the output of the color image. Option 102 and a monochrome option 103 for setting the output of a monochrome image are displayed.
[0034] Furthermore, after the auxiliary program 42 starts displaying the settings screen 100 in A06, communication Function information is requested from printer 2 via IF14 (A11), and function information is received from printer 2. Receive function information (A12). The function information includes information indicating the model of printer 2, and the printer This includes information indicating whether or not the function of printer 2 is present. The information indicating whether or not the function of printer 2 is present includes: For example, there is information on whether or not it has a function to convert images from color to monochrome. For example, there is information on whether or not it has a function to decompress compressed data, and in this case, the decompression function is Information indicating the types of compression methods that can be supported is also included. Auxiliary program 42 is for printer 2. Functional information is stored in memory 12.
[0035] Communication between the auxiliary program 42 and the printer 2 may be performed, for example, via OS21. Then, using MIB (Management Information Base), auxiliary program 42 directly It is also possible to communicate with printer 2. If done via OS21, auxiliary program 42 and the printer Ta2 refers to, for example, the communication protocol of OS21, such as IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). It communicates accordingly.
[0036] Subsequently, pressing the OK button shown in Figure 4 will prompt you to exit the detailed settings 100. If the request is received, the auxiliary program 42 will end the display of the settings screen 100 and select The selected print settings and completion notification are passed to the general-purpose print program 41. Auxiliary program 42 or Upon receiving the termination notification, the general-purpose printing program 41 passes the termination notification to the editing application 43.
[0037] Next, when the editing application 43 receives a print command from the user on the print screen, (A 31) The print command is passed to the general-purpose printing program 41 (A32). General-purpose printing program 41 The print command includes information indicating the image data to be printed and information indicating the print settings. To obtain.
[0038] The general-purpose printing program 41 determines the format of the image data included in the received print instruction to be an intermediate image. Intermediate image data is generated by converting it to an image data format (A33), and the intermediate image data is It generates a print job that includes various types of image data included in the editing app 43. The general-purpose printing program 41 then processes the received image data in a manner suitable for generating print data. It is converted into intermediate image data. Note that the image data included in the print instruction is used to generate the print data. If the data is suitable, the generation of intermediate image data will be omitted and the intermediate image data will be used as is. That's fine. Intermediate image data could be, for example, XPS data.
[0039] The general-purpose printing program 41 further outputs an execution instruction to the auxiliary program 42 (A34 ), and then run auxiliary program 42. The execution instruction will print the generated intermediate image data. The configuration information is passed to the auxiliary program 42. According to A34, the auxiliary program 42 The general-purpose printing program 41 included in OS21 provides intermediate image data indicating the image to be printed. Since it is obtained from [source], A34 is an example of an acquisition process.
[0040] Auxiliary program 42 edits the intermediate image data based on the print settings (A35). For example, if the print settings include a compositing instruction, the intermediate image data received in A34 format will be composited. Based on the information, the image shown in the intermediate image data is combined with the information shown in the synthesis information. It generates a composite image by combining various content. The content to be combined is an image. It can be a shape or text. Also, in the print settings, you can print multiple pages of images as a single image. If there is a setting to aggregate to a sheet, also known as Nin1 setting, then the intermediate image data will be used. The images on each page are scaled down and arranged so that all N pages of images fit onto a single sheet. This generates a consolidated image, which is a combination of images from N pages into a single image. The process of generating aggregated images in step 35 is an example of aggregation processing.
[0041] The auxiliary program 42 further analyzes the image shown in the intermediate image data from color to Determine whether or not conversion to monochrome is necessary (A36). Specifically, determine whether or not conversion is necessary. The decision is made based on the printer's capabilities and print settings. For example, if printer 2 is monochrome only... If it's a printer, it will determine that conversion is necessary. Also, the print settings should be configured to output monochrome images. If the setting is enabled, for example, if the monochrome option 103 is selected on the settings screen 100 If the image shown in the intermediate image data is in color, then conversion is deemed necessary. If the image is monochrome, no conversion is necessary, regardless of the printer's capabilities or print settings. You just need to make a decision. A36 is an example of a decision-making process. Note that when executing A36, If you haven't acquired the capabilities of printer 2, then before running A36, you need to acquire the capabilities of printer 2. You may obtain it.
[0042] If it is determined that a conversion from color to monochrome is necessary (Alt: Monochrome conversion required), Assistant program 42 performs rasterization based on the edited intermediate image data in A35. Then generate raster data (A41). Rasterize using auxiliary program 42. Therefore, compared to rasterizing with the general-purpose printing program 41, it offers greater flexibility. This increases the likelihood of generating print data suitable for printing with NTA2.
[0043] Auxiliary program 42 further converts the image shown in the raster data from color to monochrome. Select the conversion table to be used for the conversion (A42). The auxiliary program 42 has multiple types It has a conversion table for different types of colorants. For example, depending on whether the coloring agent used in printing is toner or ink... Select the appropriate conversion table. The type of coloring agent is, for example, a function obtained from printer 2. The decision is based on information, specifically information indicating the printer model and information indicating the cartridge. Yes, it is possible. Furthermore, the functional information may include information that directly indicates the type of coloring agent. Because the color varies to some extent depending on the coloring agent, different conversion tables are used depending on the type of coloring agent. By using this method for conversion, high-quality printing can be expected. Also, for example, the print settings include The appropriate conversion table is selected depending on whether the eco setting is enabled or not. The eco setting controls the consumption of colorants. This setting is for reducing the amount used and is an example of a specific setting. This applies when the eco setting is enabled. By using a conversion table that results in a lower concentration than in the case of ineffectiveness, the coloring agent can be eliminated. Costs can be reduced.
[0044] Subsequently, the auxiliary program 42 uses the selected conversion table to display the raster data. Convert the image from color to monochrome (A43). A43 is an example of the conversion process. Yes. Note that the raster data to be converted is based on the edited intermediate image data based on the print settings. This is pre-existing data, and the converted raster data also reflects print settings such as aggregation and compositing. This will be data showing a grayscale image.
[0045] Subsequently, auxiliary program 42 calculates the print date based on the converted raster data in A43. Generates data (A44). The print data generated in A44 format will be used for printing on printer 2. The data is in a usable format, for example, it is PDL data specific to printer model 2. Note that the print data generated by auxiliary program 42 is not limited to the model of printer 2. The data may also be in a format that can be used for printing on a printer.
[0046] Auxiliary program 42 instructs the printer to execute the print operation using the print data generated in A44 format. Send to printer 2 along with the command (A45). The processing from A41 to A45 is different. This is an example of the process for instructing printer 2 to print the replacement image.
[0047] Printer 2, having received print data and print commands from auxiliary program 42, Based on the print command, the image shown in the print data is printed (A61), and then the print command is executed. The procedure is now complete. This means that if a conversion from color to monochrome was necessary, A printed document with the black image printed on it is generated.
[0048] Furthermore, when the auxiliary program 42 sends print data to the printer 2, the print data A sent code indicating that transmission has been completed is sent to the general-purpose printing program 41 in response. Upon receiving a code indicating completion, the general-purpose printing program 41 sends the print data to the printer 2. The printing process ends without any further processing required for verification.
[0049] Furthermore, when the auxiliary program 42 generates print data, the printer 2 acts as a data decompression machine. Provided that it has the capability, the converted raster data is compressed, and based on the compressed data... You may generate print data by sending the compressed data to printer 2, reducing communication burden. It can reduce the load.
[0050] On the other hand, if it is determined that conversion from color to monochrome is unnecessary (Alt: Monochrome conversion not possible) (Required), Auxiliary program 42 processes the edited intermediate image data in A35 format into a general-purpose printing program. Pass to 41 (A51). The general-purpose printing program receives intermediate image data from auxiliary program 42. Program 41 is a raster image based on intermediate image data received from auxiliary program 42. Perform a scan to generate raster data, and then generate print data based on that raster data. A52).
[0051] The print data generated by the general-purpose printing program 41 can be printed on various printers. The print data must be in a usable format, such as PWGRaster data or PD. This is F data. If it is to be rasterized by the general-purpose printing program 41, the auxiliary program The processing time for Gram 42 is reduced, and an increase in the processing time for the auxiliary program 42 is expected to be avoided.
[0052] Then, the general-purpose printing program 41 prints the print data generated in A52 using the print command. It is sent to printer 2 along with (A53). Print data and print from general-purpose printing program 41. Upon receiving the print command, printer 2, based on the received print command, prints the print data. Print the displayed image (A61). This completes the printing process.
[0053] In the first form, if conversion from color to monochrome is required, A41 will assist. Program 42 performs rasterization based on the edited intermediate image data. A raster is generated, and the print data generated from that raster data is sent to printer 2 on A45 paper. However, even when conversion from color to monochrome is not necessary, that is, from color to monochrome Regardless of whether conversion to NOCR is required or not, auxiliary program 42 edits the intermediate image data. Based on the data, rasterization is performed to generate raster data, and then generated from that raster data. You may also send the printed data to printer 2.
[0054] [Second form] Next, we will discuss the second form, which uses printer 2 to convert the image from color to monochrome. This will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the same process as in the first form is explained. The same number is used, and the explanation is omitted. Also, in the second form, auxiliary program 42 However, the processing after determining whether or not monochrome conversion is necessary differs from the first form. Therefore, A3 I will omit the explanation up to number 6.
[0055] If it is determined that a conversion from color to monochrome is necessary (Alt: Monochrome conversion required), Assistant program 42, similar to the first form, rasterizes based on the edited intermediate image data. The program runs to generate raster data (A41). Then, the auxiliary program 42 runs the raster Generate print data (A44) without performing a monochrome conversion process on the sample data.
[0056] Then, the auxiliary program 42 sends the generated print data to the print command that instructs the execution of printing. The command and the conversion command instructing the conversion to monochrome are associated and sent to printer 2. Send (A46). Note that the conversion command will be sent in association with the print command or print data. It is sufficient if it is done so; it does not need to be sent simultaneously with the print command or print data. It may be sent before the print command or the sending of print data. In the second form, color or The conversion command is sent to printer 2 without performing the monochrome conversion. The process of sending the data to printer 2 in association with the print data involves printing the converted image to printer 2. This is an example of a process to achieve this.
[0057] If it is determined that conversion from color to monochrome is not necessary (Alt: Monochrome conversion not required), The auxiliary program 42, similar to the first form, uses the intermediate image data after editing in A35 for general purposes. The data is then passed to the print program 41 (A51). Then, the intermediate image data is received from the auxiliary program 42. The general-purpose printing program 41, upon receiving the intermediate image data from the auxiliary program 42, Based on the data, print data is generated (A52), and the generated print data is used as a print command. Both will be sent to printer 2 (A53).
[0058] Printer 2, having received print data and print commands from auxiliary program 42, converts If a command is associated (Alt:Convert command available), the received print will be displayed before printing. Convert the image to be printed, as shown in the data, from color to monochrome (A60). Printer 2 prints the image shown in the print data based on the received print command. Execute (A61). This will allow you to perform a conversion from color to monochrome if necessary. A printed document with a monochrome image is generated.
[0059] In the second form, the auxiliary program 42 does not perform the conversion to a monochrome image, and the conversion command The image is sent to printer 2, and printer 2 converts the image from color to monochrome and prints it. Therefore, the load on auxiliary program 42 is reduced. On the other hand, as in the first form, the auxiliary program M42 converts the image to monochrome and sends print data based on that converted image to printer2. If you believe this, there will be no need for conversion on printer 2, reducing the load on printer 2 and saving memory. This can contribute to the development of printers that do not have a color-to-monochrome conversion function. It can also handle Ta.
[0060] In the second form, the auxiliary program 42 is a converter for the printer 2 to monochrome images. It may also be possible to determine whether or not it has the ability. For example, auxiliary program 42 determines if printer 2 is If your printer does not have a color-to-monochrome conversion function, select monochrome as the print setting. It is also acceptable to not accept limb 103.
[0061] Furthermore, in the second form, if it is determined that conversion from color to monochrome is necessary, an auxiliary... Program 42 converts the data to raster data and prints it along with the conversion command to printer 2. It is sending data, but does not convert it to raster data or send the print data, and the conversion command You may choose to send only the data. In this case, the intermediate image data after editing in A35 format will be rasterized. Without changing anything, it returns to the general-purpose printing program 41, and it is determined that conversion from color to monochrome is unnecessary. Similarly, the general-purpose printing program 41 performs rasterization to generate the print data. The configuration may also involve sending the print data to printer 2.
[0062] As explained in detail above, PC1 converts the image to be printed from color to monochrome. If conversion to monochrome is required, the auxiliary program 42 will convert the image to monochrome. This executes the process to instruct the printer to print. This converts the color to monochrome. Even if the general-purpose printing program 41 does not support the conversion function, it can convert from color to monochrome. When conversion is required, you can print monochrome images.
[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. It is not. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein is naturally limited to the extent that it does not depart from its gist. Various improvements and modifications are possible within the system. For example, the devices connected to PC1 are not limited to printers. Any device with printing capabilities, such as a multifunction printer, copier, or fax machine, will suffice. Also, a PC is acceptable. The number of printers connected to device 1 is not limited to the example shown; it can be two or more.
[0064] Furthermore, the display screens shown in the illustrations are all examples and are not limited to these. For example, each image and each box The placement and representation of the tan are not limited to the examples shown. For example, auxiliary program 42 is shown in A4 of Figure 2. After performing the monochrome conversion in step 3, preview the converted monochrome image and use You may then give the user the option to choose whether or not to continue with the printing process.
[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary program 42 has multiple conversion tables, A4 In step 2, an appropriate conversion table is selected and used, but there is only one conversion table. You may always use that conversion table.
[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, only the printing operation is described in detail as an operation of the auxiliary program 42. However, auxiliary program 42 may have other roles as well. The program that performs processing in this form is not limited to auxiliary program 42, but also general-purpose printing programs. When printing using Mu 41, instructions are received from OS 21 or the general-purpose printing program 41. Any program that can be attached would suffice. For example, the print workflow whose specifications have been released by Microsoft. A raw application (Print workflow) would also be acceptable.
[0067] Furthermore, the execution timing of the auxiliary program 42 is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, It can be executed directly by OS21, or it can be a resident auxiliary program. It may also be 42. If it is resident, the auxiliary program 42 receives an execution command before You should perform the actions described above.
[0068] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, any multiple steps Multiple processes in the process can be executed in any order, provided that no inconsistencies occur in the process content. It can be executed, or in parallel.
[0069] Furthermore, the processing disclosed in the embodiments can be performed using a single CPU, multiple CPUs, ASICs, etc. It may be run on any hardware, or a combination thereof. Also, in the embodiment The disclosed process is recorded on a recording medium containing a program for performing that process, and This can be realized in various ways, such as by different methods. [Explanation of symbols]
[0070] 1 PC 2 Printer 11 CPU 13 User Interface 41 General-purpose printing program 42 Support Programs
Claims
1. It is executable by the computer of the information processing device and connects to the information processing device. It is compatible with the Linter and is pre-installed in the operating system of the information processing device. A support program that supports a general-purpose printing program, To the aforementioned computer, The mark output from the application program incorporated into the aforementioned information processing device Printing instructions, which cause the printer to perform printing according to the general-purpose printing program. If printing instructions are given, Intermediate image data corresponding to the print instruction is obtained from the aforementioned operating system. The acquisition process, A decision process to determine whether or not a conversion from color to monochrome is necessary, The process is executed, and if the judgment process determines that a conversion is necessary, The intermediate image acquired from the operating system by the acquisition process described above Printing the converted image, which is the image obtained by converting the aforementioned image shown in the data from color to monochrome. To cause the aforementioned printer to perform the necessary processing, A support program characterized by the following features.
2. In the support program described in claim 1, To the aforementioned computer, The process for causing the printer to print the converted image is the acquisition process. The intermediate image data obtained from the operating system is shown in the previous The image is converted from color to monochrome, and further, the conversion process is performed. A transmission process that sends print data showing the converted image, which is the converted image, to the printer. Make it run A support program characterized by the following features.
3. In the support program described in claim 2, In the aforementioned conversion process, If the type of coloring agent used for printing is Type 1, then the first conversion table is used to convert the color When converting from monochrome, if the type of coloring agent used for printing is type 2, then the second conversion tape... Use a blueprint to convert from color to monochrome. A support program characterized by the following features.
4. In the support program described in claim 2, The print settings based on the aforementioned print instructions include a specific setting indicating whether or not to reduce the consumption of colorants. Rarely, In the aforementioned conversion process, The specific setting included in the print settings by the print instruction reduces the consumption of coloring agents. When indicating that the above specific setting does not reduce the consumption of coloring agents, Convert from color to monochrome using a specific table that results in lower density after conversion. A support program characterized by the following features.
5. In a support program according to any one of claims 2 to 4, In the aforementioned conversion process, The intermediate image data obtained from the operating system by the acquisition process The data is converted into raster data based on the data, and the converted raster data is shown Convert the image from color to monochrome. A support program characterized by the following features.
6. In a support program according to any one of claims 2 to 5, To the aforementioned computer, If the judgment process determines that conversion is unnecessary, the acquisition process will then perform the operation The intermediate image data obtained from the operating system The operating system, which has returned the intermediate image data, will return the intermediate image The printer is sent print data based on the image data. A support program characterized by the following features.
7. In a support program according to any one of claims 2 to 6, To the aforementioned computer, When it is necessary to combine images from multiple pages into a single image, the acquisition process described above The intermediate image data obtained from the operating system shows multiple pairs The aggregation process generates an aggregated image, which is an image obtained by combining the aforementioned images on a page into a single image. If, after the aggregation process has been executed, the judgment process determines that further conversion is necessary, In the conversion process, the aggregated image generated by the aggregation process is converted from color to monochrome. Convert to A support program characterized by the following features.
8. In the support program described in claim 1, To the aforementioned computer, The process for causing the printer to print the converted image is as follows: conversion command The system executes a command transmission process to send the following to the printer, and the printer then displays the image in color. The printer has a conversion function to convert from monochrome, and upon receiving the conversion command, When print data associated with the conversion command is received, the received print data The image shown in the image is converted from color to monochrome, and the converted image is the converted image. Print the image. A support program characterized by the following features.
9. In the support program described in claim 8, To the aforementioned computer, After the aforementioned determination process, the data obtained from the operating system by the aforementioned acquisition process is obtained. The intermediate image data is returned to the operating system, and the intermediate image data The operating system that has been returned the print data based on the intermediate image data Send the data to the printer. A support program characterized by the following features.