Print data generation device

Abstract

This invention provides a data generation device that sets print settings for each object in print data where multiple layers of images are superimposed. [Solution] The print data generation device 90 generates print data P20 from image P10. Image P10 is a multi-layered image having a first image data P11, a second image data P12, and a third image data P13. The second image data P12 has multiple objects 100. The display unit 94 displays a setting screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple objects in the multi-layered image, and the print setting unit 95 sets the print settings for each of the multiple objects in the multi-layered image. The print settings are made using the setting table ST1. Based on the print settings set by the print setting unit 95, the data generation unit 97 generates print data P20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a print data generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a print instruction device connected to an image processing device that performs color conversion processing on an object included in image data is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a print instruction device that displays a setting screen for color conversion setting information for types of objects. In such a print instruction device, for example, when a user clicks on any position in a print target image, the type of the object at the clicked position is determined. When the type of the object is determined, a color conversion setting screen for the type of the object is opened. By the user operating the color conversion setting screen, color conversion settings for the object in the designated area can be made. Since the color conversion setting screen corresponds to the type of the object at the clicked position, the user can appropriately make color conversion settings in the area where color conversion settings are to be made.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, for example, there may be a case where the data of the printed image is obtained by overlapping a plurality of layers of images. In the print instruction device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the printed image is composed of a plurality of layers of images, in order to make print settings, even if a user designates a certain area in the image, it is impossible to determine which layer area of the plurality of layers has been designated. Therefore, in the case of data having a plurality of layers of images, appropriate print settings cannot be made.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to provide a data generation device that sets print settings for each object in print data where multiple layers of images are printed on top of each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a print data generation device that generates print data for printing multiple layers of images, wherein at least one of the multiple layers of images includes multiple objects, and comprises a display unit that displays a setting screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple objects in the multiple layers of images, a print setting unit that sets the print settings for each of the multiple objects in the multiple layers of images, and a data generation unit that generates the print data based on the print settings set by the print setting unit.

[0007] According to the print data generation device of the present invention, the display unit displays a settings screen, and print settings are configured on the settings screen. For example, the user can configure the print settings by operating the settings screen. The print settings are configured by the print settings unit for each of the multiple objects in a multi-layered image. The data generation unit generates print data based on the configured print settings. Therefore, print settings can be configured for each of the multiple objects in a multi-layered image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a data generation device that sets print settings for each object in print data where multiple layers of images are printed on top of each other. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of a printer according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a printer according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a printer control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bottom surface of an ink head according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how print data is generated from an image. [Figure 6] This figure shows the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data. [Figure 7] This figure shows the display screen where the job list display screen is shown. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing how to divide an object. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the object settings screen, where you can configure print settings for each object. [Figure 10] This figure shows the settings table when the first image object is divided. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the settings table when a cell in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 1" row is selected. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the settings table when the "Duplicate Settings" box is selected. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the settings table when the "Duplicate Settings" box is selected. [Figure 14] This is a diagram of the object settings screen when the object name cell displaying "Closed Region 2 with No Objects" is selected. [Figure 15] This figure shows the settings table when switching from the state shown in Figure 14 to a state where the first job image is displayed in the preview area. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the object settings screen when the name displayed in the object name cell is changed. [Figure 17] This diagram shows the object settings screen when grouping selected rows. [Figure 18] This figure shows the settings table when the data is grouped. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the display screen when the color of the target object is displayed in the object name cell. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram showing a setting table when a checkbox is selected from the state shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing a setting table when a checkbox is selected. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing a special edition setting screen. [Figure 23] In FIG. 22, it is a diagram showing a special edition setting screen when any cell is clicked. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing an ink OFF setting screen. [Figure 25] It is a schematic diagram showing a color range setting screen. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing a color value setting screen. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing a profile setting screen. [Figure 28] It is a diagram showing a color replacement setting screen. [Figure 29] It is a schematic diagram showing print data according to the second embodiment. [Figure 30] It is a diagram showing an ink OFF setting screen according to the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Of course, the embodiments described here are not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the printing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the printing system 1 comprises an inkjet printer 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "printer 10"), a data generation device 90, and a colorimeter 160. The printer 10 prints on the media 5 shown in Figure 2 based on the print data P20 generated by the data generation device 90. Printing by the printer 10 is controlled by a control device 120. The media 5 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited and only needs to be a printable medium. The media 5 may be recording paper, a resin sheet, a sealing material, etc. The media 5 may be a fabric such as a T-shirt. Alternatively, the media 5 may be a sheet used in so-called DTF (Direct to Film) where an image printed on a sheet (film) is transferred to a fabric, etc. The printer 10 according to this embodiment prints on the media 5 while sequentially pulling out the media 5 supplied as a roll. In this embodiment, the data generation device 90 and the control device 120 are separate units, but some or all of the functions of the data generation device 90 may be provided in the control device 120.

[0012] Figure 2 is a front view showing the printer 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the printing system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic bottom view showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the ink head 61 of the printer 10 (see Figure 2). The symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D shown in Figures 2 and 4 represent the front, back, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively. The symbol Y in the drawings indicates the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The symbol X in the drawings indicates the transport direction (sub-scanning direction). In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-back direction and intersects (orthogonal in this case) with the main scanning direction Y in a plan view. However, these directions are merely defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation configuration of the printer 10 or the present invention in any way.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the printer 10 includes a platen 11 that supports the media 5, a transport device 30 that transports the media 5, a carriage moving device 40, a carriage 60 equipped with an ink head 61 that ejects ink, an ink tank 71, a control device 120 (see Figure 1), and an operation panel 150. The transport device 30 and the carriage moving device 40 constitute a moving mechanism 20 that moves the media 5 and the ink head 61 relative to each other.

[0014] The conveying device 30 is configured to move the media 5, supported on the platen 11, in the sub-scanning direction X. The conveying device 30 includes a grid roller 31, a pinch roller 32, and a feed motor 33. The grid roller 31 is provided on the platen 11. The grid roller 31 rotates when driven by the feed motor 33. The pinch roller 32 is positioned above the grid roller 31. The pinch roller 32 is positioned opposite the grid roller 31. The pinch roller 32 is configured to swing up and down so that it can approach and move away from the grid roller 31. When the grid roller 31 rotates with the media 5 sandwiched between the pinch roller 32 and the grid roller 31, the media 5 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction X. The feed motor 33 is electrically connected to and controlled by the control device 120.

[0015] The carriage movement device 40 comprises a guide rail 41, a pulley 42, a pulley 43, a belt 44, and a scan motor 45. The guide rail 41 is located above the platen 11. The guide rail 41 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The carriage 60 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 41. The pulley 42 is located to the left of the left end of the guide rail 41. The pulley 43 is located to the right of the right end of the guide rail 41. The carriage 60 is located above the platen 11, facing the platen 11. The belt 44 is wrapped around the pulleys 42 and 43. The scan motor 45 is connected to the right pulley 43. However, the scan motor 45 may also be connected to the left pulley 42. When the scan motor 45 is driven, the pulley 43 rotates, causing the belt 44 to travel between the pulleys 42 and 43. The scan motor 45 is electrically connected to the control device 120 (see Figure 1) and controlled by the control device 120.

[0016] The carriage 60 is equipped with multiple ink heads 61. As shown in Figure 4, the ink heads 61 are formed in a shape where the length in the sub-scanning direction X is longer than the length in the main scanning direction Y. The multiple ink heads 61 are formed to be the same shape and size. Each ink head 61 is equipped with multiple nozzles 62 arranged in the sub-scanning direction X, and a nozzle surface 63 on which the nozzles 62 are formed. In this embodiment, each ink head 61 is equipped with two rows of nozzles 62. Since the nozzles 62 are minute, in Figure 4, multiple nozzles 62 are represented by straight lines. The nozzles 62 of the ink heads 61 eject ink onto the media 5 (see Figure 2). In this embodiment, the printer 10 is equipped with four ink heads 61, but the number of ink heads 61 is not limited to four. Also, although one ink head 61 is equipped with two rows of nozzles 62, one ink head 61 may be equipped with one row of nozzles or three or more rows of nozzles.

[0017] Each ink tank 71 stores one of the following inks: process color ink and spot color ink (e.g., white ink, clear ink, gloss ink, etc.). However, the color of the ink stored in the ink tank 71 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the material of the ink is not limited in any way, and various materials that have been conventionally used as ink materials for inkjet printers can be used. The ink may be, for example, a solvent-based pigment ink or a water-based pigment ink. Alternatively, the ink may be a water-based dye ink or a UV-curable pigment ink that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. The ink tank 71 may be, for example, an ink cartridge or a pouch. In this embodiment, the printer 10 is equipped with ink tanks 71 each storing cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, orange ink, white ink, and gloss ink (transparent ink).

[0018] The ink tank 71 and the ink head 61 are connected by an ink supply passage (not shown). One end of the ink supply passage is connected to the ink tank 71, and the other end of the ink supply passage 72 is connected to the ink head 61. The configuration of the ink supply passage is not particularly limited, but for example, it is made of a flexible tube. For example, a liquid pump (not shown) is connected to the ink supply passage. When the liquid pump is driven, the ink in the ink tank 71 flows through the ink supply passage and is supplied to the ink head 61.

[0019] The control device 120 shown in Figure 1 is a device that controls printing to the media 5 (see Figure 2). The configuration of the control device 120 is not particularly limited. The control device 120 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, but for example, it includes an interface (I / F) for receiving print data etc. from an external device such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions for the control program, a ROM (read-only memory) that stores the program executed by the CPU, a RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a storage device such as memory that stores the above program and various data.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 120 is connected to the feed motor 33, the scan motor 45, the ink head 61, and the operation panel 150, and controls their operation. The detailed configuration of the control device 120 will be described later.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, an operation panel 150 with buttons and a display is located on the front of the right side cover 13R of the printer 10. The operation panel 150 is connected to the control unit 120 (see Figure 1).

[0022] The colorimeter 160 shown in Figure 1 is configured to measure the color information of media 5. The color information of media 5 includes, for example, the color information of media 5 in the RGB color space, the color information of media 5 in the CMYK color space, and the color information of media 5 in the L*a*b* color space. The colorimeter 160 is, for example, a spectral spectrophotometer capable of measuring the intensity for each wavelength of light. The colorimeter 160 is connected to the data generation device 90. The colorimeter 160 also transmits the measured color information to the data generation device 90.

[0023] The configuration of the printer 10 and colorimeter 160 according to this embodiment has been described above. Now, in order to print on media 5 using the printer 10 according to this embodiment, print data P20 (see Figure 5) is generated by the data generation device 90 based on the image P10 (see Figure 5) to be printed. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of when print data P20 is generated from image P10. Image P10 is the image that the user wants to print. Image P10 is, for example, data in PDF (Portable Document Format) format. Image P10 includes not only photographs, but also shapes, symbols, characters, etc., or combinations of photographs, shapes, symbols, and characters. Print data P20 is data generated by the data generation device 90 based on image P10. Image P10 also contains color value information.

[0024] Image P10 has a first image data P11, a second image data P12, and a third image data P13. Image P10 is an image formed by superimposing the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13. In other words, image P10 is a multi-layered image. However, the number of image data that image P10 has is not limited. Image P10 may have two image data, or it may have four or more image data. Print data P20 has a first job image P21, a second job image P22, and a third job image P23. The first job image P21, the second job image P22, and the third job image P23 are the image data that will be printed on media 5 when print data P20 is executed. The first job image P21, the second job image P22, and the third job image P23 are raster data or bitmap data obtained by processing the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13 with a RIP (Raster Image Processor), respectively. Here, RIP processing includes all processes that convert the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13 into data that can be output by the printer 10 (see Figure 2). For example, this includes resolution conversion processing that converts the resolution of the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13 to the print resolution, color conversion processing that converts color data so that the colors expressed in the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13 can be expressed with the ink colors used by the printer 10, and halftone processing that binarizes the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first image data P11 and the third image data P13 are images filled with a single color, so-called solid images. The first image data P11 and the third image data P13 are examples of solid images in the present invention. However, the number of solid images is not particularly limited. Also, the layer number of image data in image P10 to which the solid image is located is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, image P10 has three image data, but the number of image data contained in image P10 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the first job image P21, the second job image P22, and the third job image P23 may be obtained, for example, by processing image data consisting of a single layer (for example, the second image data P12). The first image data P11 and the third image data P13, which are solid images, may be generated by removing the object 100 described later from the second image data P12 and changing it to an image filled with a single color.

[0026] Figure 6 shows the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13. The second image data P12 contains multiple objects 100. An object is an image, shape, path, or text to be printed, and can be processed individually. In this embodiment, the objects 100 include a first graphic object 101, a second graphic object 102, a text object 103, a first image object 104 (see also Figure 8), and a second image object 105. A graphic object is an object in the form of a shape. A text object is an object in the form of text. An image object is an object in the form of an image. The format of these objects is predetermined when the image P10 is generated. The first graphic object 101, the second graphic object 102, the text object 103, the first image object 104, and the second image object 105 are examples of first objects in the present invention. Note that the objects included in the second image data P12 are not limited to these. The number of objects included in the second image data P12 is also not limited. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, since the first image data P11 and the third image data P13 are solid images, the first image data P11 and the third image data P13 do not contain any objects. However, the first image data P11 and the third image data P13 may contain objects. The type, number, and arrangement of objects included in each job image are not particularly limited.

[0027] The first graphic object 101 and the second graphic object 102 are vector-based objects. Vector-based objects are objects represented by geometric information (such as the position and length of points and lines). In this embodiment, the first graphic object 101 has a filled area 101a and a border area 101b. The filled area 101a is the part that is filled with a single color. The border area 101b is the part that shows the outline of the filled area 101a. The border area 101b is composed of a single color. The same applies to the filled area 102a and border area 102b of the second graphic object 102. However, the second graphic object 102 is a circular figure, and the border area 102b is displayed both outside and inside the filled area 102a.

[0028] Text object 103 is a text object that does not have a border and is displayed in a single color. The first graphic object 101, the second graphic object 102, and text object 103 contain color value information. The first image object 104 and the second image object 105 are raster objects. Raster objects are objects represented as a collection of pixels, such as images like photographs. The second image data P12 also has a first closed region CA1 and a second closed region CA2. The first closed region CA1 is the area of ​​the second image data P12 other than the first graphic object 101, the second graphic object 102, the text object 103, the first image object 104, the second image object 105, and the second closed region CA2. In other words, the first closed region CA1 is the area enclosed by the first graphic object 101, the second graphic object 102, the text object 103, the first image object 104, the second image object 105, the upper edge P12a of the second image data P12, the right edge P12b of the second image data P12, the left edge P12c of the second image data P12, and the lower edge P12d of the second image data P12. Note that the upper edge 12a, right edge 12b, left edge 12c, and lower edge 12d of the second image data P12 indicate the top, bottom, left, and right edges in the drawing view in Figure 6, and do not necessarily coincide with the top, bottom, left, and right directions in the printer 10 (see Figure 2). The second closed region CA2 is the area of ​​the second image data P12 enclosed by the second graphic object 102 (more specifically, the inner frame line portion 102b of the frame line portion 102b). In this specification, "closed region" includes not only regions enclosed by objects, such as the second closed region CA2, but also regions enclosed by the edges of the job image and objects, such as the first closed region CA1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first job image P21 shown in Figure 5 is data for printing the white ink layer. The white ink layer is formed by the ejection of white ink from the ink head 61 (see Figure 4). The second job image P22 is data for printing the color ink layer. The color ink layer is formed by the ejection of process color ink (CMYK ink) and orange ink (Or ink) from the ink head 61. The third job image P23 is data for printing the gloss ink layer. The gloss ink layer is formed by the ejection of gloss ink from the ink head 61. The first job image P21, the second job image P22, and the third job image P23 are printed in the order of first job image P21, second job image P22, and third job image P23. Therefore, when the print data P20 is executed, the white ink layer, the color ink layer, and the gloss ink layer are formed on the media 5 from bottom to top. In other words, the white ink layer is formed as the first layer, the color ink layer as the second layer, and the gloss ink as the third layer.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the first job image P21 is associated with the first job information JN1. The second job image P22 is associated with the second job information JN2. The third job image P23 is associated with the third job information JN3. The first job information JN1 is information about the printer 10's print settings when printing the first job image P21. The second job information JN2 is the print information setting for the printer 10 when printing the second job image P22. The third job image JN3 is the print information setting for the printer 10 when printing the third job image P23. The first job information JN1, the second job information JN2, and the third job information JN3 are information set by the data generation device 90 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. Details of the first job information JN1, the second job information JN2, and the third job information JN3 and how to set them will be described later. The first job image P21, the second job image P22, and the third job image P23 do not necessarily have to be associated with the first job information JN1, the second job information JN2, and the third job information JN3, respectively. For example, the first job image P21, the second job information JN2, and the third job image P23 may be generated based on the first job information JN1, the second job information JN2, and the third job information JN3, respectively.

[0031] Next, the data generation device 90 shown in Figure 3 will be described. The data generation device 90 is connected to the control device 120 via wired or wireless means so as to be able to communicate with it. The data generation device 90 includes a display screen 90a and an operating mechanism 90b (see also Figure 1). The display screen 90a displays, for example, the operation screen of a RIP application. The operating mechanism 90b is a mechanism for operating the screen displayed on the display screen 90a, and is, for example, a mouse or keyboard. However, the forms of the data generation device 90, the display screen 90a, and the operating mechanism 90b are not limited in any way.

[0032] In this embodiment, the data generation device 90 has a dedicated RIP application installed for performing RIP processing. By operating the RIP application, the first job image P21, the second job image P22, and the third job image P23 shown in Figure 5 are generated. The data generation device 90 may also have functions other than the RIP application. In this embodiment, the data generation device 90 is also configured to send a print command to the printer 10. The user starts the RIP application and displays it on the display screen 90a, and operates the RIP application via the operation mechanism 90b. As a result, RIP processing is performed on image P10, and print data P20 is generated.

[0033] In this embodiment, the data generation device 90 includes a storage unit 91, an acquisition unit 92, a job list display unit 93, a display unit 94, a print setting unit 95, a determination unit 96, a print data generation unit 97, and a transmission unit 98. Note that each of the above-described units 91-98 of the data generation device 90 may be configured by software or by hardware. For example, each of the units 91-98 of the data generation device 90 may be performed by a processor or incorporated into a circuit.

[0034] Next, a method for generating print data P20 by operating the data generation device 90 will be described in detail, along with the details of each part 91 to 98 of the data generation device 90. The storage unit 91 stores the image P10 (see Figure 5). The storage unit 91 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile storage area. The method by which the printer 10 acquires the image P10 is not particularly limited. For example, the data generation device 90 may acquire the image P10 by communicating with the processing device that creates the image P10, and the image P10 may be stored in the storage unit 91. Alternatively, the image P10 may be stored in the storage unit 91 via a network connecting the processing device and the data generation device 90. Furthermore, the image P10 may be created by the data generation device 90 and stored in the storage unit 91. The acquisition unit 92 acquires the first image data P11 (see Figure 5), the second image data P12 (see Figure 5), and the third image data P13 (see Figure 5) from the image P10 stored in the storage unit 91. At the same time, the acquisition unit 92 also acquires color value information contained in the first graphic object 101 (see Figure 6), the second graphic object 102 (see Figure 6), and the text object 103 (see Figure 6).

[0035] Figure 7 shows the job list display screen JD. The job list display unit 93 (see Figure 3) is programmed to display the job list display screen JD, as shown in Figure 7, on the display screen 90a. The job list display screen JD is a screen that lists and displays jobs for the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13. A job is one or more controls executed by the printer 10. Although not shown in the illustration, the display screen 90a (the desktop screen of the display screen 90a, etc.) displays, for example, an icon to launch a RIP application. When the user selects this icon via the operation mechanism 90b (see Figure 3), the job list display unit 93 displays the job list display screen JD on the display screen 90a.

[0036] In the following explanation, "selecting" an item placed on the screen displayed on display screen 90a refers to selecting it with the mouse of the operating mechanism 90b, and performing actions such as clicking, right-clicking, or double-clicking.

[0037] In this embodiment, the job list display screen JD has a selection area AR1. Multiple jobs are placed in this selection area AR1. In this embodiment, jobs JB1 to JB5 are listed and placed there. The selection area AR1 represents the job list. Here, the job list is a list of multiple jobs that the printer 10 will execute sequentially. By setting each of the jobs JB1 to JB5 displayed in the job list, the print settings of the first job information JN1, second job information JN2, and third job information JN3 (see Figure 5), which are associated with the first job image P21, second job image P22, and third job image P23 (see Figure 5), respectively, are set. Details of jobs JB1 to JB5 will be described later.

[0038] The job list display screen JD shows an add button BT1 and a delete button BT2. For example, if a user has selected one or more jobs JB1 through JB5 and then selects the delete button BT2, the selected jobs will be removed from the selection area AR1. Conversely, if the user selects the add button BT1, a new job will be added to the selection area AR1.

[0039] Figure 9 shows an object settings screen BP for setting print settings for each object. The object settings screen BP is a screen that is displayed on the display screen 90a by selecting a predetermined location on the job list display screen JD (see Figure 7), for example. The display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the object settings screen BP on the display screen 90a. The object settings screen BP is an example of a setting screen in the present invention. The object settings screen BP displays a setting table ST1, a preview area PA, a layer selection button B50, a confirm button BT11, a cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2.

[0040] The setting table ST1 is displayed by the display unit 94 (see Figure 3). The setting table ST1 is a table that shows a list of settings for each layer in which a job is configured (here, the first image data P11 to the third image data P13 (see Figure 5)) and each object contained in each layer. The number of columns and rows in the setting table ST1 is determined by the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 92 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 92 acquires three image data files: the first image data P11 to the third image data P13. The number of columns in the setting table ST1 increases or decreases depending on the number of image data files acquired by the acquisition unit 92. Columns 2 to 4 of the setting table ST1 list the names of "Layer 1 (Wh layer)", "Layer 2 (CMYKOr layer)", and "Layer 3 (Gl layer)". "Layer 1 (Wh layer)" in the setting table ST1 corresponds to the first image data P11. Similarly, the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" and "3rd layer (Gl layer)" in setting table ST1 correspond to the 2nd image data P12 and the 3rd image data P13, respectively.

[0041] The object name cell NL, located in the leftmost column of rows 2 to 10 of the settings table, displays the name of each object. This name is the name of the object included in the first image data P11 to the third image data P13 acquired by the acquisition unit 92. In this embodiment, as described above, the first image data P11 and the third image data P13 do not contain any objects, so the object name cell NL displays the name of the object included in the second image data P12. To the right of the object name cell NL is cell CL. When cell CL is selected, print settings can be configured for the area corresponding to the selected cell. The row for "Fill of Object 1" in the settings table ST1 indicates the area corresponding to the filled portion 101a (see Figure 6) of the first graphic object 101 (see Figure 6). The area corresponding to the filled portion 101a of the first graphic object is determined, for example, by coordinates on the display screen 90a. As described above, the first graphic object 101 is an object included in the second image data P12, but the area indicated by "Fill of Object 1" also indicates the area in the first image data P11 and the third image data P13 that has the same coordinates as the filled area 101a. Therefore, for example, in setting table ST1, cell CL in the "1st layer (Wh layer)" column of the row for "Fill of Object 1" is a cell for setting the print settings for the area in the first image data P11 that has the same coordinates as the filled area 101a of the first graphic object. In setting table ST1, "Border of Object 1", "Fill of Object 2", "Border of Object 2", and "Fill of Object 3" refer to the border area 101b of the first graphic object 101, the filled area 102a of the second graphic object 102, the border area 102b of the second graphic object 102, and the text object 103, respectively. In setting table ST1, "Area without Objects 1" refers to the first closed area CA1. "Area without objects 2" refers to the second closed region CA2. Also, "Raster portion 1" in setting table ST1 refers to the first image object 104, which is raster data."Raster portion 2" refers to the second image object 105, which is raster data. In this embodiment, the nine items of "Object, etc." are linked to three columns: "Layer 1 (Wh layer)", "Layer 2 (CMYKOr layer)", and "Layer 3 (Gl layer)", and the system is configured so that settings can be entered into each of the 27 cells CL.

[0042] In the setting table ST1 shown in Figure 9, "Setting 1" is displayed in cell CL of the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column in the "Fill of Object 1" row. Therefore, it is indicated that "Setting 1" is applied to the area of ​​the fill portion 101a of the first graphic object in the second image data P12. The same applies to "Setting 2" displayed in cell CL of the "3rd layer (Gl layer)" column in the "Fill of Object 3" row and "Setting 3" displayed in cell CL of the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column in the "Raster portion 1" row. Note that "Setting 1," "Setting 2," and "Setting 3" are names for convenience of explanation, and their contents are not particularly limited here. As shown in Figure 9, the settings for all objects (first graphic object 101, second graphic object 102, text object 103, first image object 104, second image object 105) of all images (first image data P11, second image data P12, and third image data P13 (see Figure 5)) included in the multi-layer image are displayed in the setting table ST1. That is, the display unit 94 displays the setting table ST1 on a single setting screen. Here, "display on a single screen" means that it is displayed on one setting screen without displaying a separate window or screen. Note that, for example, if the number of rows and / or columns in the setting table ST1 is relatively large, only a part of the setting table ST1 may be displayed on the object setting screen BP. In such cases, for example, the area of ​​the setting table ST1 that is displayed may be changed by scrolling the object setting screen BP. Also, in the area of ​​the setting table ST1 corresponding to the blank cell CL, for example, the default settings of the printer 10 are applied. These default settings may, for example, be stored in advance in the data generation device 90. Furthermore, to indicate that the default settings are being applied, for example, the cell CL may be configured to display a specific character, or the cell CL may be displayed in color.

[0043] The object settings screen BP has a preview area PA. The preview area PA is the area where the image data set by the setting table ST1 is displayed. The display unit 94 shown in Figure 3 displays one of the first to third image data P11 to P13 in the preview area PA shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, the second image data P12 is displayed in the preview area PA.

[0044] The object settings screen BP displays the layer selection button BT50. The layer selection button B50 is a button for selecting the image to be displayed in the preview area PA. In this embodiment, the three layer selection buttons B50 will also be referred to as layer selection buttons B51, B52, and B53, from left to right in the drawing view. Layer selection button B51 is a button for displaying the first image data P11 (see Figure 6). When the user selects layer selection button B51, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the first image data P11 in the preview area PA. Similarly, when the user selects layer selection buttons B52 or B53, the display unit 94 displays the second image data P12 and the third image data P13 (see Figure 6) in the preview area PA, respectively. Figure 9 shows the state when layer selection button B52 is selected. The display unit 94 may also display two or more or three of the first image data P11, second image data P12, and third image data P13 simultaneously in the preview area PA. Furthermore, the images that the display unit 94 displays in the preview area PA are not limited to the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13 themselves. The display unit 94 may also display, for example, enlarged or reduced images of the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and / or the third image data P13 in the preview area PA.

[0045] The OK button BT11 is used to confirm the print settings in the setting table ST1 of the object setting screen BP. When the user selects the OK button BT11, the print setting unit 95 (see Figure 3) applies the settings displayed in the setting table ST1. After that, the object setting screen BP is closed, and the job list display screen JD (see Figure 7) is displayed on the display screen 90a. The Cancel button BT12 is selected when the user does not want to apply the settings displayed in the object setting screen BP. When the user selects the Cancel button BT12, the object setting screen BP is closed without applying the settings in the setting table ST1, and then the job list display screen JD is displayed on the display screen 90a.

[0046] The settings table ST1 allows the user to divide the object to be configured according to their instructions. For example, if the user right-clicks on an object name cell NL displaying the name "Raster Part 1", the first image object 104 corresponding to that cell can be divided. Figure 8 shows the state when an object is divided. When the user right-clicks on an object name cell NL displaying the name "Raster Part 1", the first image object 104 is displayed on the display screen 90a, as shown in Figure 8. The user indicates the desired range of the first image object 104 using the cut line CT. The cut line CT can be set to the desired position and shape by, for example, the user operating the operation mechanism 90b (see Figure 3). In Figure 8, the cut line CT has a rectangular shape, but the shape of the cut line CT is not particularly limited. Figure 10 shows the settings table ST1 when the first image object has been divided. As shown in Figure 8, when the cut line CT is selected, the object name cells SL displaying "Raster Part 1_1" and "Raster Part 1_2" are displayed in the settings table ST1, as shown in Figure 10. Note that Figure 10 only shows the portion of the object settings screen BP where the settings table ST1 is displayed. "Raster portion 1_1" corresponds to the area of ​​the first image object 104 enclosed by the cut line CT in Figure 8. "Raster portion 1_2" shown in Figure 10 corresponds to the area of ​​the first image object 104 shown in Figure 8 other than the area enclosed by the cut line CT. In other words, the object name cell SL of "Raster portion 1_1" and the object name cell SL of "Raster portion 1_2" are divided from the object name cell SL of "Raster portion 1" shown in Figure 9. Here, cell CL is displayed to the right of the object name cell SL of "Raster portion 1_1" and the object name cell SL of "Raster portion 1_2". Therefore, it is possible to set the print settings for the area of ​​the first image object 104 (see Figure 8) enclosed by the cut line CT (see Figure 8) and the print settings for the area of ​​the first image object 104 other than the area enclosed by the cut line CT separately.In Figure 9, "Setting 3" was entered in cell CL of the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column in the row of "Raster part 1". In Figure 10, "Setting 3" is entered in cell CL of the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column in the rows of "Raster part 1_1" and "Raster part 1_2". In this way, when the object to be set is divided, the setting entered in the original cell CL is pre-entered in the cell CL of the divided object. However, when the object to be set is divided, the setting entered in the original cell CL does not necessarily have to be entered in the cell CL of the divided object.

[0047] The settings table ST1 is configured to allow the settings entered in cell CL to be duplicated. Figure 11 shows the settings table ST1 when cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 1" row is selected. "Setting 1" is entered in cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 1" row. Here, the user right-clicks cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column of the "Fill of the first object" row. As shown in Figure 11, when cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column of the "Fill of the first object" row is right-clicked, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the setting duplication boxes PB1 and PB2 on the object settings screen BP. The setting duplication box PB1 displays the text "Apply this setting to all layers at the same position". The setting duplication box PB2 displays the text "Apply this setting to everything at the same layer". As shown in Figure 11, when cell CL is selected, the row in the setting table ST1 corresponding to the selected cell CL is filled in by the display unit 94. Therefore, the cell CL selected by the user and the row in which the selected cell CL is located are made easier for the user to see.

[0048] When the setting duplication box PB1 is selected, the "Setting 1" entered in the selected cell CL (in this case, the cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 1" row) is duplicated to the cell CL in the same row. Figure 12 shows the setting table ST1 when the setting duplication box PB1 is selected. As shown in Figure 12, "Setting 1" is also displayed in the cell CL of the "1st layer (Wh layer)" and "3rd layer (Gl layer)" columns of the "Border of Object 1" row. At this time, the contents of "Setting 1" are set by the print settings unit 95 (see Figure 3) in the areas corresponding to "Layer 1 (Wh layer)" and "Layer 3 (Gl layer)" in the row of "Fill of Object 1," that is, the area in the first image data P11 (see Figure 6) corresponding to the filled portion 101a (see Figure 6) of the first graphic object 101 (see Figure 6), and the area in the third image data P13 (see Figure 6) corresponding to the filled portion 101a of the first graphic object 101. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the setting table ST1 when the setting duplication box PB2 is selected. At this time, as shown in Figure 13, "Setting 1" is displayed in all cells CL in the column of "Layer 2 (CMYKOr layer)." Therefore, "Setting 1" is set by the print settings unit 95 (see Figure 3) for the filled portion 101a and border portion 102b of the first graphic object 101 shown in Figure 6, the filled portion 102a and border portion 102b of the second graphic object 102, the text object 103, the first image object 104 and the second image object 105, the first closed region CA1 and the second closed region CA2. In Figure 11, "Setting 3" is entered in cell CL of the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column in the row of "Raster portion 1", but in Figure 13, this cell CL is overwritten with "Setting 1". However, when the setting duplication box PB2 is selected, it may be set so that the previously entered setting is not overwritten.

[0049] When an object name cell NL is selected, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the area corresponding to the selected object name cell NL in the preview area PA. Figure 14 is a diagram of the object setting screen BP when an object name cell NL displaying "Closed area 2 without objects" is selected. As shown in Figure 14, the selected area CP is displayed in the preview area PA by the display unit 94. In Figure 14, since an object name cell NL displaying "Closed area 2 without objects" is selected, the selected area CP is displayed superimposed on the second closed area CA2, which is the area corresponding to "Closed area 2 without objects". The selected area CP is displayed in the preview area PA even if the second image data P12 is not displayed in the preview area PA. Figure 15 is a diagram of the object setting screen BP when the state shown in Figure 14 is switched to a state where the first image data P11 is displayed in the preview area PA. When the user selects the layer selection button B51 in the state shown in Figure 14, the state shown in Figure 15 is reached. As shown in Figure 15, the first image data P11 is displayed in the preview area PA, along with the selected area CP. The selected area CP shown in Figure 15 is displayed in the same position as the selected area CP shown in Figure 14. Note that the selected area CP is also displayed in the preview area PA when the third image data P13 (see Figure 6) is displayed in the preview area PA (when the layer selection button B53 is selected).

[0050] The setting table ST1 is configured to allow the name displayed in the object name cell NL to be changed. By selecting the object name cell NL (for example, by right-clicking), the user can input the name that will be displayed in the object name cell NL. For example, the user selects the object name cell NL that displays the name "Fill of Object 1" and operates the operation mechanism 90b (see Figure 3) to input the text "Picture of XX". At this time, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the entered text in the object name cell NL. Figure 16 shows the object setting screen BP when the name displayed in the object name cell NL is changed. In Figure 14, the object name cell NL displayed the name "Fill of Object 1", but in Figure 16, it displays the name "Picture of XX".

[0051] The settings table ST1 is configured to allow the selected rows to be grouped. Figure 17 shows the settings table ST1 when the selected rows are grouped. Here, as shown in Figure 17, the object name cell NL displaying "Closed Region 1 without Objects" and the object name cell NL displaying "Closed Region 2 without Objects" are selected. In this state, if the user right-clicks, for example, the group button GB is displayed by the display unit 94 (see Figure 3). By selecting the group button GB, the rows selected in the settings table ST1 can be grouped. Figure 18 shows the settings table ST1 when the rows are grouped. As shown in Figure 18, the settings table ST1 displays an object name cell SL displaying "Group 1". When a setting is entered in cell CL in the same row as the object name cell SL displaying "Group 1", the print settings unit 95 (see Figure 3) applies the entered setting to the area corresponding to the first closed region CA1 corresponding to "Closed Region 1 without Objects", and to the area corresponding to the second closed region CA2 corresponding to "Closed Region 2 without Objects". Note that the name displayed in the object name cell SL when grouped is not limited to "Group 1". Additionally, the user may select the object name cell NL, for example, which displays "Group 1," and change the displayed name.

[0052] The name displayed in the object name cell SL may be the color of the object being set. As described above, the first graphic object 101 (see Figure 6), the second graphic object 102 (see Figure 6), and the text object 103 (see Figure 6) of the second image data P12 (see Figure 6) acquired by the acquisition unit 92 (see Figure 3) contain color value information. The display unit 94 (see Figure 3) may display text in the object name cell SL based on the color value information contained in the first graphic object 101, the second graphic object 102, and the text object 103. Figure 19 shows the display screen 90a when the color of the object being set is displayed in the object name cell NL. The setting table ST1 contains object name cells NL that display "Color of ○○" and "Color of □□". "○○" and "□□" are the names of colors (red, blue, yellow, etc.). The method for determining the name of the color to be displayed in the object name cell NL is not particularly limited. For example, a map showing the relationship between color value information and the name of the color corresponding to that color value may be stored in advance in the data generation device 90, and the display unit 94 may determine the name of the color to be displayed in the object name cell NL based on this map.

[0053] Checkbox CB1 determines whether or not only the portion of the setting table ST1 where the color of the object to be set is displayed can be set. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the setting table ST1 when checkbox CB1 is selected from the state shown in Figure 19. When checkbox CB1 is selected, a check mark appears on checkbox CB1. At this time, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays only the object name cells NL and their corresponding cells CL that display "Color of XX" and "Color of YY". Therefore, when checkbox CB1 is selected, the display unit 94 displays only the settings for the area corresponding to the object name cells that contain the color name. Note that if checkbox CB1 is selected again in the state shown in Figure 20, the setting table ST1 returns to the state shown in Figure 19.

[0054] The checkbox CB2 determines whether or not to display information about the color values ​​of the object being configured. Figure 21 shows the object settings screen BP when checkbox CB2 is selected in the state shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 21, when checkbox CB2 is selected, a "Color Value" column is added to the settings table ST1. In this embodiment, the "Color Value" column is added to the second column from the left of the settings table ST1. However, the position in which the "Color Value" column is displayed is not limited to this position. The cell CL of the "Color Value" column displays information about the color values. For example, in the "Color Value" column of the row for "Fill of Object 1", "(L,a,b)=(50,20,30)" is displayed. "(L,a,b)=(50,20,30)" represents the L* value, a* value, and b* value in the L*a*b* color space, respectively. The color value information displayed in the "Color Value" column of the row for "Fill of Object 1" is the color value information for the fill area 101a (see Figure 6) of the first graphic object 101 (see Figure 6). Similarly, the "Color Value" columns for "Outline of Object 1," "Fill of Object 2," and "Outline of Object 2" also display color value information in the L*a*b* color space. In addition, cell CL in the "Color Value" column of the row for "Fill of Object 3" displays "(C,M,Y,K)=(20,20,30,40)." "(C,M,Y,K)=(20,20,30,40)" is color value information in CMYK values. Note that no color value information is displayed in the "Color Value" columns of the rows for "Area without Object 1" and "Area without Object 2." The first closed region CA1 (see Figure 6) and the second closed region CA2 (see Figure 6), which correspond to "Area without objects 1" and "Area without objects 2," do not contain any objects, and therefore do not have color value information. Consequently, color value information is not displayed in the rows for "Area without objects 1" and "Area without objects 2." Also, color value information is not displayed in the "Color Value" column of the rows for "Raster Part 1" and "Raster Part 2."As mentioned above, the first image object 104 and the second image object 105, corresponding to "Raster Part 1" and "Raster Part 2," are raster data and therefore contain color value information for each pixel. Displaying the color value information for all pixels would reduce readability, so the color values ​​are not displayed in the rows for "Raster Part 1" and "Raster Part 2."

[0055] Next, we will explain jobs JB1 to JB5 shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, "Sample1," "Sample2," "Sample3," "Sample4," and "Sample5" are names that represent jobs JB1, JB2, JB3, JB4, and JB5, respectively. For example, if the user selects "Sample1" in the selection area AR1, they can edit the settings for job JB1. Similarly, if "Sample2," "Sample3," "Sample4," and "Sample5" are selected, the settings for jobs JB2, JB3, JB4, and JB5 can be edited, respectively. The following describes the print settings for each of the selected "Sample1," "Sample2," "Sample3," "Sample4," and "Sample5."

[0056] In this embodiment, the spot color plate can be configured by selecting "Sample1," that is, by selecting job JB1. Here, a spot color plate is an image that is ejected using a spot color ink. In this embodiment, the first image data P11 (see Figure 6), which is printed with white ink, and the third image data P13 (see Figure 6), which is printed with gloss ink, are the spot color plates.

[0057] When the user selects "Sample1" on the job list display screen JD, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the spot color plate setting screen DP1 (see Figure 22) on the display screen 90a. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the spot color plate setting screen DP1. The spot color plate setting screen DP1 is an example of a setting screen in the present invention. The spot color plate setting screen DP1 is a screen for setting the print settings of a spot color plate (in this embodiment, the first image data P11 and the third image data P13). In this embodiment, the settings are made for the first image data P11 and the third image data P13, which do not contain objects, but the spot color plate setting screen DP1 may also be used to set the print settings for a spot color plate that contains objects. The spot color plate setting screen DP1 displays a preview area PA, a layer selection button B50, a setting table ST1, a confirm button BT11, a cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2. The preview area PA, layer selection button B50, setting table ST1, confirm button BT11, cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2 are the same as those in the object setting screen BP (see Figure 9), so their explanation is omitted. However, as mentioned above, the spot color setting screen DP1 is the screen for setting spot color plates. Therefore, cell CL in the column for "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" corresponding to the second image data P12, which does not correspond to a spot color plate, is unavailable here (in Figure 22, the corresponding cell CL is filled in).

[0058] Figure 23 shows the spot color plate setting screen DP1 when any cell CL is selected in Figure 22. Here, it is assumed that a cell CL other than the cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column is selected. As shown in Figure 23, the cell CL in the "3rd layer (Gl layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 1" row is selected. When a cell CL is selected, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the spot color plate setting window SW1. The spot color plate setting window SW1 is a window for setting the density of the spot color plate. The spot color plate setting window SW1 displays "Spot Color Plate: Gl". This indicates that the cell CL being set is a spot color plate for the gloss ink layer. If the cell CL being set is a white ink layer, for example, "Spot Color Plate: Wh" will be displayed. The spot color plate setting window SW1 displays an input box B1. Input box B1 is configured to allow the user to input a number. The user selects input box B1 and enters the desired density, thereby inputting the density of the gloss ink. Here, gloss ink density is the ratio of the amount of gloss ink ejected per unit area to the maximum amount of gloss ink ejected per unit area that can be ejected from the ink head 61 (see Figure 4), which is set to 100%. The number of nozzles 62 (see Figure 4) that eject gloss ink changes according to the gloss ink density value. That is, the higher the gloss ink density value, the more nozzles 62 eject gloss ink. The number of nozzles 62 that eject gloss ink corresponding to the gloss ink density is stored in the control device 120 (see Figure 1) in advance, for example. After entering the desired value in input box B1, the user selects the OK button BT21 to determine the gloss ink density. At this time, text such as "Setting 1" as shown in Figure 9 is displayed in cell CL. However, the text displayed in cell CL when the OK button BT21 is selected is not particularly limited. Note that selecting the Cancel button BT22 as shown in Figure 22 closes the spot color plate setting window SW1. At this time, the gloss ink density is not changed.

[0059] Next, we will explain what happens when the "Sample2" section of the job list display screen JD shown in Figure 7 is selected, that is, when job JB2 is selected. In this embodiment, by selecting job JB2, the user can set the ink OFF condition. Setting the ink OFF condition means setting the ink head 61 (see Figure 4) so ​​that ink is not ejected from the area desired by the user.

[0060] When the user selects "Sample2" on the job list display screen JD, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the ink OFF setting screen DP2 (see Figure 24) on the display screen 90a. Figure 24 is a diagram showing the ink OFF setting screen DP2. The ink OFF setting screen DP2 is an example of a setting screen in the present invention. The ink OFF setting screen DP2 displays the preview area PA, layer selection button B50, setting table ST1, confirm button BT11, cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2. The preview area PA, layer selection button B50, setting table ST1, confirm button BT11, cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2 are the same as those displayed on the object setting screen BP (see Figure 9), so their explanation is omitted. Note that the ink OFF setting is not limited to the type of image data or object, so any cell CL can be selected.

[0061] As shown in Figure 24, when any cell CL is selected in the ink OFF setting screen DP2, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the ink OFF setting window SW2. The ink OFF setting window SW2 is a window for setting the ink ejection to OFF for the area corresponding to the selected cell. Here, cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKor layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 2" row is selected. Therefore, in Figure 24, the setting for the filled area 102a of the second image data P12 is being applied. The ink OFF setting window SW2 displays checkboxes CB3, CB4, and CB5. To the right of checkbox CB3 in the drawing view, the words "Always OFF" are displayed. When checkbox CB3 is selected, ink ejection is disabled in the area corresponding to the selected cell CL. Here, since the setting for the filled area 102a of the second image data P12 is being applied, when checkbox CB3 is selected, the print setting unit 95 (see Figure 3) sets the area of ​​the filled area 102a of the second image data P12 so that ink is not ejected. For example, if cell CL in the "First Layer (Wh Layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 2" row is selected and checkbox CB3 is selected, the print settings unit 95 will set the first image data P11 so that ink is not ejected in the area corresponding to the filled portion 102a of the second graphic object 102.

[0062] To the right of checkbox CB4 in the drawing view, the text "When the first layer has ink OFF" is displayed. When checkbox CB4 is selected, if the setting for ink ejection is disabled in the area corresponding to the filled area 102a in the first image data P11 (see Figure 6), the setting for ink ejection will be disabled. When checkbox CB4 is selected, the determination unit 96 (see Figure 3) determines whether ink ejection is OFF in the setting for the area corresponding to the filled area 102a in the first image data P11, that is, in the setting in cell CL of the "First Layer (Wh Layer)" column in the "Fill of Object 2" row. If ink ejection is OFF in the setting in cell CL of the "First Layer (Wh Layer)" column in the "Fill of Object 2" row, the print setting unit 95 (see Figure 3) sets the filled area 102a of the second image data P12 so that ink is not ejected. In the settings for cell CL in the "First Layer (Wh Layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 2" row, ink ejection is OFF when, for example, cell CL in the "First Layer (Wh Layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 2" row is selected and checkbox CB3 in the ink OFF setting window SW2 is selected. If ink ejection is not OFF in the settings for cell CL of "Fill of Object 2" in the "First Layer (Wh Layer)" column, the print setting unit 95 sets the ink to be ejected to the filled area 102a of the second image data P12. To the right of checkbox CB5 in the drawing view, the words "When the third layer has ink OFF" are displayed. When checkbox CB5 is selected, it is possible to set the ink ejection to not be performed in the area corresponding to the filled area 102a of the third image data P13 (see Figure 6) if the setting is such that ink ejection is not performed. The determination unit 96 determines, in the same way as when checkbox CB4 is selected, whether ink ejection is OFF in the setting of the area corresponding to the filled area 102a in the third image data P13 (see Figure 6), that is, in the setting of cell CL in the "3rd layer (Gl layer)" column of the row "Fill of object 2".Similar to when checkbox CB4 is selected, the system is set so that ink is not ejected from the painted area 102a of the second image data P12, based on the determination by the determination unit 96. After making the desired setting in the ink OFF setting window SW2, the user can confirm the ink OFF setting by selecting the confirm button BT31. At this time, text such as "Setting 1" will be displayed in cell CL. Note that selecting the cancel button BT32 will close the ink OFF setting window SW2. In this case, the ink OFF setting will not be changed.

[0063] Next, we will explain what happens when the "Sample3" section of the job list display screen JD shown in Figure 7 is selected, that is, when job JB3 is selected. In this embodiment, the user can set the color values ​​by selecting job JB3. Setting the color values ​​means changing the color values ​​according to the user's instructions.

[0064] Here, we will explain the color range when setting color values. A color range is a range of colors represented by predetermined color values ​​and color differences, etc. Figure 25 shows the color range setting screen CD. The color range setting screen CD is displayed on the display screen 90a by the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) when, for example, the user operates the job list display screen JD (see Figure 7) (for example, the user right-clicks on the job list display screen JD and presses the button to go to the color range setting screen CD). The color range setting screen CD is a screen in which the user has predetermined the color range and the name of that range.

[0065] As shown in Figure 25, the color range setting screen CD displays the color range table RT and the color range setting area RA. The color range setting area RA displays the reference color input boxes LB1, LB2, LB3, the color difference input box FB, and the definition formula input box UB. In this embodiment, the reference color input boxes LB1, LB2, and LB3 are boxes into which the L* value, a* value, and b* value of the reference color are entered, respectively. Each of the reference color input boxes LB1, LB2, and LB3 is configured to allow the user to input numerical values. The color difference input box FB is a box into which the color difference relative to the reference color is entered. The color difference input box FB is configured to allow the user to input numerical values. The definition formula input box UB is a box into which the user selects the definition formula (specifically, the color difference definition formula) to be used when calculating the color range to be set. The definition formula input box UB is configured to allow the user to select one of several definition formulas via a pull-down menu. In addition, the color range setting screen CD displays the add button BT71 and the delete button BT72. With numerical values ​​or definition formulas entered in the reference color input boxes LB1, LB2, LB3, color difference input box FB, and definition formula input box UB of the color range setting area RA, the user can select the add button BT71 to input a color range into the color range table RT. In addition, the user can enter a name for the color range they have set in the leftmost column of the color range table RT. In Figure 25, the name "Red T-shirt" is entered. When the colors contained in each of the multiple objects 100 (see Figure 6) are included in the color range entered in the color range table RT, that object 100 corresponds to the second object in this invention.

[0066] The color range setting area RA on the color range setting screen CD displays the colorimeter button BT81 and the calibration button BT82. When the colorimeter button BT81 is selected, the colorimeter 160 (see Figure 1) is controlled by the data generation device 90. The colorimeter button BT81 is used when you want the color represented by the numerical values ​​entered in the reference color input boxes LB1, LB2, and LB3 to be the same as the color of media 5 (see Figure 2). If media 5 is, for example, a red T-shirt (woven fabric), after the colorimeter button BT81 is selected, the user measures the color of media 5 (red T-shirt) with the colorimeter 160, and the measurement data is sent from the colorimeter 160 to the data generation device 190. Of the color data sent, the L* value is displayed in the reference color input box LB1, the a* value in the reference color input box LB2, and the b* value in the reference color input box LB3. In this embodiment, the L*, a*, and b* values ​​of media 5 (red T-shirt) are assumed to be 55, 65, and 70, respectively. After numerical values ​​are entered into the reference color input boxes LB1, LB2, and LB3, respectively, when the add button is selected, "55, 65, 70" is displayed in the "Reference Color Lab" column of the color range table RT. Note that the reference color input boxes LB1 to LB3 may also be entered directly by the user. The calibration button BT82 is selected when the user calibrates the colorimeter 160. After selecting the calibration button BT82, the user calibrates the colorimeter 160. The configuration of the colorimeter 160 is carried out by a conventionally known method.

[0067] When the user selects "Sample3" as shown in Figure 7, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the color value setting screen DP3 (see Figure 26) on the display screen 90a. Figure 26 is a diagram showing the color value setting screen DP3. The color value setting screen DP3 is an example of a setting screen in the present invention. The color value setting screen DP3 displays the preview area PA, layer selection button B50, setting table ST1, confirm button BT11, cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2. The preview area PA, layer selection button B50, setting table ST1, confirm button BT11, cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2 are the same as those in the object setting screen BP (see Figure 9), so their explanation is omitted. However, since the color value setting screen is a screen for setting color value information, the columns for "Layer 1 (Wh layer)" for setting the white ink layer and "Layer 3 (Gl layer)" for setting the gloss ink layer are not selectable here (in Figure 26, the corresponding cell CL is filled in).

[0068] As shown in Figure 26, when any cell CL is selected in the color value setting screen DP3, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the color value setting window SW3. The color value setting window SW3 is a window for changing (shifting) the color value for the area corresponding to the selected cell CL according to the user's instructions. Here, cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column of the "Raster part 1" row is selected. Therefore, Figure 26 illustrates the state in which the first image object 104 is being set. The color value setting window SW3 displays the shift condition box SB. In the shift condition box SB, for example, the condition for whether or not to shift the color value is selected. If the setting to shift the color value is selected, for example, the color shift will be performed if the color contained in the first image object 104 is included in a predetermined color range. Here, whether or not to shift the color is determined by whether or not the color contained in the first image object 104 is included in the color range entered in the color range table RT (see Figure 25). The shift condition box SB is configured to allow selection from multiple conditions via a pull-down menu. However, the method of selecting the shift condition box SB is not limited to this. Also, the color value setting window SW3 displays color value change boxes DB1 to DB3. Color value change boxes DB1 to DB3 are boxes that indicate the direction and amount of change to the color value in the L*a*b* color space. Color value change box DB1 is a box that indicates the direction and amount of change to the L* value. Color value change box DB1 is configured to allow the user to input a numerical value. For example, if the number "+10" is entered in color value change box DB1, 10 will be added to the L* value of the first image object 104. Also, if the number "-10" is entered in color value change box DB1, 10 will be subtracted from the L* value of the first image object 104. Thus, color value change box DB1 indicates the amount of change to the color value with a numerical value and represents the direction of the color value with a positive or negative sign. Color value change boxes DB2 and DB3 are boxes that change the a* value and b* value in the same way as color value change box DB1. When the user selects the OK button BT41, the color value settings are configured by the print settings unit 95 (see Figure 3).Selecting the Cancel button (BT42) will close the color value setting window (SW3). In this case, the ink color value settings will not be changed.

[0069] Next, we will explain what happens when the "Sample4" section of the job list display screen JD shown in Figure 7 is selected, that is, when job JB4 is selected. In this embodiment, the user can configure the ICC profile by selecting job JB4. The ICC profile defines the color exchange between the color information of the image printed on the media 5 (see Figure 2) by the printer 10 and the image P10 (see Figure 5) displayed on the display screen 90a, and the device-independent color space.

[0070] When the user selects "Sample4" as shown in Figure 8, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the profile setting screen DP4 (see Figure 27) on the display screen 90a. Figure 27 is a diagram showing the profile setting screen DP4. The profile setting screen DP4 is an example of a setting screen in the present invention. The profile setting screen DP4 displays a preview area PA, a layer selection button B50, a setting table ST1, a confirmation button BT11, a cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2. The preview area PA, layer selection button B50, setting table ST1, confirmation button BT11, a cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2 are the same as those in the object setting screen BP (see Figure 9), so their explanation is omitted. However, since the profile setting screen DP4 is a screen for setting the ICC profile that defines color exchange, the columns for "Layer 1 (Wh layer)" for setting the white ink layer and "Layer 3 (Gl layer)" for setting the gloss ink layer are unavailable here (in Figure 27, the corresponding cell CL is filled in). For example, if the user has set the color range table RT (see Figure 25), only the cell CL corresponding to object 100 (the second object in this invention) that has a color included in the set color range may be available for selection. Alternatively, the color of the cell CL corresponding to the second object may be changed, so that the cell CL is displayed in a manner that is relatively easy for the user to see.

[0071] As shown in Figure 27, when any cell CL is selected in the profile setting screen DP4, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the profile setting window SW4. The profile setting window SW4 is a screen for setting the ICC profile to be used for the area corresponding to the selected cell. Here, the cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column of the "Object 1 outline" row is selected. Therefore, Figure 27 illustrates the state in which the outline section 101b of the first graphic object is being set. As shown in Figure 27, the profile setting window SW4 displays profile setting boxes FB1, FB2, FB3 and checkboxes CB6, CB7. Profile setting box FB1 is a box for selecting an input ICC profile that converts the color of the area corresponding to the selected cell CL to a device-independent color space (e.g., L*a*b* color space) (the input ICC profile defines the color exchange between the color information of image P10 and the device-independent color space). Profile setting box FB2 is a box for setting an output ICC profile that converts the colors in the device-independent color space of the area corresponding to the selected cell CL into colors that can be output by the printer 10 (an output ICC profile defines the color exchange between the colors that the printer 10 can output and the device-independent color space). Profile setting box FB3 is a box for selecting the method of determining (matching) out-of-gamut colors when color conversion is performed using the input ICC profile and output ICC profile set by profile setting boxes FB1 and FB2. For example, matching methods include compressing the entire color gamut or compressing the out-of-gamut portion. The options for selecting profile setting boxes FB1, FB2, and FB3 may be those that are pre-stored in the data generation device 90.

[0072] Checkbox CB6 determines whether to retain pure colors. Here, pure colors are colors that can be represented using only one color of ink. When checkbox CB6 is selected, if the area corresponding to the selected cell CL contains a pure color portion, the color conversion will be performed on that portion without using an ICC profile. Checkbox CB7 determines whether to prioritize the use of an embedded profile. An embedded profile is, for example, a color profile embedded in the file of image P10 (see Figure 5) when it was created. When checkbox CB7 is selected, if such an embedded profile exists, it will be set to be used preferentially. When the user selects the OK button BT51, the ICC profile settings are set by the print settings unit 95. At this time, text such as "Setting 1" will be displayed in cell CL. Note that selecting the Cancel button BT52 will close the profile setting window SW4. In this case, the ICC profile settings will not be changed.

[0073] Next, we will explain what happens when the "Sample5" section of the job list display screen JD shown in Figure 7 is selected, that is, when job JB5 is selected. In this embodiment, by selecting job JB5, the user can configure color substitution settings. Color substitution settings involve replacing the target color value with a color value specified by the user.

[0074] When the user selects "Sample5" as shown in Figure 8, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the color replacement setting screen DP5 (see Figure 28) on the display screen 90a. Figure 28 is a diagram showing the color replacement setting screen DP5. The color replacement setting screen DP5 is an example of a setting screen in the present invention. The color replacement setting screen DP5 displays a preview area PA, a layer selection button B50, a setting table ST1, a confirmation button BT11, a cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2. The preview area PA, layer selection button B50, setting table ST1, confirmation button BT11, cancel button BT12, and checkboxes CB1 and CB2 are the same as those in the object setting screen BP (see Figure 9), so their explanation is omitted. However, since the color substitution settings screen DP5 is a screen for setting color substitutions, the cells CL in the "1st layer (Wh layer)" column for setting the white ink layer, the "3rd layer (Gl layer)" column for setting the gloss ink layer, and the rows for "Area without objects 1", "Area without objects 2", "Raster part 1", and "Raster part 2" in the "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)" column are not selectable here (in Figure 28, the corresponding cells CL are filled in). For example, if the user has set the color range table RT (see Figure 25), only the cells CL corresponding to object 100 (the second object in this invention) that has a color included in the set color range may be selectable. Alternatively, the color of the cell CL corresponding to the second object may be changed, so that the cell CL is displayed in a manner that is relatively easy for the user to see.

[0075] As shown in Figure 28, when any cell CL is selected in the color replacement settings screen DP5, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the color replacement settings window SW5. The color replacement settings window SW5 is a window for replacing the color of the area corresponding to the selected cell CL with a color specified by the user. Here, the cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYK R layer)" column of the "Fill of Object 1" row is selected. Therefore, Figure 28 illustrates the state in which the fill area 101a of the first graphic object 101 is set. The color replacement settings window SW5 displays method setting buttons MB1 and MB2, and input boxes BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4, BB5, BB6, BB7, and BB8. Input boxes BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4, BB5, BB6, BB7, and BB8 are configured to allow the user to input numerical values. The method setting button MB1 is a button that sets the replacement color to be specified using L*a*b* values. When the Method Setting button MB1 is selected, the Print Settings Unit 95 replaces the color values ​​of the area corresponding to the selected cell CL by using the number entered in input box BB1 as the L* value, the number entered in input box BB2 as the a* value, and the number entered in input box BB3 as the b* value. The Method Setting button MB2 is a button that sets the replacement color to be specified in CMYKOr values. When the Method Setting button MB2 is selected, the Print Settings Unit 95 replaces the color values ​​of the area corresponding to the selected cell CL with the CMYKOr values ​​entered in input boxes BB4, BB5, BB6, BB7, and BB8. When the user selects the OK button BT61, the color replacement settings are set by the Print Settings Unit 95. At this time, text such as "Setting 1" is displayed in cell CL. Note that selecting the Cancel button BT62 closes the Color Replacement Settings window SW5. In this case, the color replacement settings are not changed.

[0076] The print data generation unit 97 shown in Figure 3 generates print data P20 based on the print settings set by the print setting unit 95. The print data generation unit 97 generates first job information JN1 (see Figure 6) based on the settings entered in cell CL of the "First Layer (Wh Layer)" column of setting table ST1 (see Figures 9, 22, 24, 27, 28) in the object setting screen BP1, spot color plate setting screen DP1 (see Figure 9), ink OFF setting screen DP2 (see Figure 22), color value setting screen DP3 (see Figure 24), profile setting screen DP4 (see Figure 27), and color replacement setting screen DP5 (see Figure 28). Similarly, the print data generation unit 97 generates second job information JN2 (see Figure 6) and third job information JN3 (see Figure 6) based on the settings entered in cell CL of the "Second Layer (CMYOr Layer)" column and cell CL of the "Third Layer (Gl Layer)" column. Furthermore, the print data generation unit 97 processes the first image data P11, the second image data P12, and the third image data P13 shown in Figure 5 using RIP to generate the first job image P21, the second job image P22, and the third job image P23. The print data generation unit 97 links the first job image P21 with the first job information JN1. Similarly, the second job image P22 is linked with the second job information JN2, and the third job image P23 is linked with the third job information JN3. This generates the print data P20. The transmission unit 98 shown in Figure 3 transmits the print data P20 generated by the data generation unit 97 to the control device 120 of the printer 10.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 120 of the printer 10 comprises a receiving unit 121 and a printing unit 122. The receiving unit 121 receives print data P20 generated by the data generation device 90. The printing unit 122 performs printing based on the print data P20 received by the receiving unit 121. The printing unit 122 controls the ink head 61, transport device 30, carriage moving device 40, etc., based on the first to third job information JN1 to JN3 (see Figure 5) contained in the print data P20, and prints the first to third job images P21 to P23 (see Figure 5) onto the media 5 (see Figure 2).

[0078] As described above, according to the data generation device 90 of this embodiment, the display unit 94 displays the object setting screen BP, the spot color plate setting screen DP1, the ink OFF setting screen DP2, the color value setting screen DP3, the profile setting screen DP4, and the color replacement setting screen DP5 on the display screen 90a. The user can configure the print settings by operating these setting screens. Here, the setting table ST1 displayed on these setting screens has an object name cell NL. The setting table ST1 also has columns for "1st layer (Wh layer)", "2nd layer (CMYKOr layer)", and "3rd layer (Gl layer)". Therefore, in each setting screen displayed on the display screen 90a, the print settings can be configured for each object in each layer of image P10 (1st image data P11, 2nd image data P12, and 3rd image data P13).

[0079] According to the data generation device 90 of this embodiment, the display unit 94 displays the settings for all objects (first graphic object 101, second graphic object 102, text object 103, first image object 104, second image object 105) of all images (first image data P11, second image data P12, and third image data P13) in the setting table ST1. The setting table ST1 has a series of object name cells NL, and the names of the objects 100 to be set are listed. In addition, the setting table ST1 displays the names of each layer of image P10 in separate columns as "Layer 1 (Wh layer)", "Layer 2 (CMYKOr layer)", and "Layer 3 (Gl layer)". For example, when a user checks the setting table ST1 on the object setting screen BP, it displays a list of which layer of the image, which object, and what settings have been applied. The same applies to the setting table ST1 on the spot color setting screen DP1, ink OFF setting screen DP2, color value setting screen DP3, profile setting screen DP4, and color replacement setting screen DP5. Therefore, for a given print setting, the print settings for all objects in all images can be viewed on a single settings screen.

[0080] According to the data generation device 90 of this embodiment, the "1st layer (Wh layer)" column of the setting table ST1 contains cells CL for setting the first image data P11 (white ink layer), which is a solid image. The "3rd layer (Gl layer)" column of the setting table ST1 contains cells CL for setting the third image data P13 (gloss ink layer), which is a solid image. As shown in Figure 12, when "Setting 1" is displayed in the cells CL of the "1st layer (Wh layer)" and "3rd layer (Gl layer)" columns of the row for "Object 1 outline", the contents of "Setting 1" are reflected in the area of ​​the first image data P11 (see Figure 6) corresponding to the filled area 101a (see Figure 6) of the first graphic object 101 (see Figure 6), and in the area of ​​the third image data P13 (see Figure 6) corresponding to the filled area 101a of the first graphic object 101, respectively. Therefore, the print settings can be applied to the area of ​​the white ink layer or gloss ink layer that corresponds to the object.

[0081] According to the data generation device 90 of this embodiment, the ink OFF setting screen DP2 allows setting whether or not to eject ink in the area corresponding to the selected cell CL, that is, whether or not to print. Therefore, the print setting unit 95 sets whether or not to eject ink for each multi-layer object. If there are objects among the first to third image data P11 to P13 that you do not want to eject ink from during printing, you can set it so that ink is not ejected in the area of ​​those objects without editing image P10.

[0082] According to the data generation device 90 of this embodiment, in the ink OFF setting screen DP2, it is possible to set whether or not to eject ink in cell CL of the "1st layer (Wh layer)" and "3rd layer (Gl layer)" columns. For example, if cell CL of the "1st layer (Wh layer)" column in the row of "Fill of object 2" is selected and checkbox CB3 is selected, the print setting unit 95 sets the area in the first image data P11 that corresponds to the filled portion 102a of the second graphic object 102 so that ink is not ejected. Therefore, it is possible to set whether or not to eject ink in the area corresponding to the object included in the second image data P12, which is an image of a layer other than the solid image, among the solid image (first image data P11 and third image data P13).

[0083] According to the data generation device 90 of this embodiment, the color settings can be changed in the color value setting screen DP3, the profile setting screen DP4, and the color replacement setting screen DP5. The color settings in the color value setting screen DP3, the profile setting screen DP4, and the color replacement setting screen DP5 can also be set when object 100 corresponds to a second object. For example, a user may want to change the color of object 100 based on the relationship between the colors contained in object 100 and the colors of media 5 (visibility of the color ink layer, etc.). In such cases, for example, a range of colors relatively close to the colors of media 5 can be set in the color range table RT (see Figure 25), and the color settings of object 100 (second object) included in that color range can be changed. Therefore, even if image data P10 has a second object, the color settings can be changed without editing the image data P10.

[0084] <Second Embodiment> Next, the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for components and parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0085] In the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment, a red T-shirt (woven fabric) is used as the media 5. The printing system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a data generation device 190 (see Figure 30).

[0086] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram showing image P10A according to the second embodiment. Image P10A according to the second embodiment is a multi-layered image, similar to image P10 (see Figure 6) in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 29, image P10A has first image data P11, second image data P12A, and third image data P13. The first image data P11 and third image data P13 of image P10A are the same as the first image data P11 (see Figure 6) and third image data P13 (see Figure 6) in the first embodiment. Therefore, image P10A differs from image P10 according to the first embodiment in that the second image data P12A is different. As shown in Figure 29, the second image data P12A has a third graphic object 106, a fourth graphic object 107, a fifth graphic object 108, a sixth graphic object 109, and a third image object 110. The second image data P12 is an image in which a picture of a tomato is displayed by the third to sixth graphic objects 106 to 109. The third graphic object 106 is a red image, and is an image consisting of colors included in the color range of "red T-shirt" in the color range table RT (see Figure 25). Therefore, the third graphic object 106 is an example of the second object in the present invention. The fourth to sixth graphic objects 107 to 109 are images showing the stem of a tomato. The third image object 110 is the portion of the second image data P12A excluding the third to sixth graphic objects 106 to 109, and is the background of the picture of the tomato represented by the third to sixth graphic objects 106 to 109.

[0087] Figure 30 shows the ink OFF setting screen DP6 according to the second embodiment. Figure 30 displays the setting table ST2. The object name cell NL of the setting table ST2 displays the words "Tomato body", "Stem 1", "Stem 2", "Stem 3", and "Background". "Tomato body", "Stem 1", "Stem 2", "Stem 3", and "Background" correspond to the third graphic object 106, the fourth graphic object 107, the fifth graphic object 108, the sixth graphic object 109, and the third image object 110, respectively.

[0088] As shown in Figure 30, when any cell CL is selected on the ink OFF setting screen DP6, the display unit 94 (see Figure 3) displays the ink OFF setting window SW6. Here, cell CL in the "2nd layer (CMYKor layer)" column of the "Tomato body" row is selected. Therefore, in Figure 30, the area corresponding to the third graphic object 106 in the second image data P12A is being set. The ink OFF setting window SW6 displays checkboxes CB3, CB4, CB5, and CB8. Checkboxes CB3, CB4, and CB5 are the same as the checkboxes CB3, CB4, and CB5 displayed in the ink OFF setting window SW2 (see Figure 24) according to the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted here. The ink OFF setting window SW6 displays checkbox CB8. To the right of checkbox CB8, the text "When the color is within the range of "Red T-shirt"" is displayed. The display unit 94 displays checkbox CB8 when a color range is set in the color range table RT on the color range setting screen CD (see Figure 25). Furthermore, the display unit 94 displays text to the right of checkbox CB8 based on the name of the color range entered in the color range setting screen CD. That is, the name "Red T-shirt" entered in the color range setting screen CD is displayed to the right of checkbox CB8. When checkbox CB8 is selected, the print setting unit 95 sets the printer to not eject ink if the color of the area corresponding to the selected cell CL is included in the "Red T-shirt" range set in the color range setting screen CD. In Figure 30, if the color of the area corresponding to the third graphic object 106 in the second image data P12A is included in the "Red T-shirt" range, the printer is set not to eject ink into that area. As described above, since the third graphic object 109 is a red object, when checkbox CB8 is selected, the printer is set not to eject red ink into the area corresponding to the third graphic object 109.

[0089] According to the data generation device 190 of this embodiment, by selecting the checkbox CB8 in the ink OFF setting window SW6, if the color of the area corresponding to the selected cell CL is included in the "red T-shirt" range, ink will not be ejected in that area. Users may want to set the device not to print images that are included in a predetermined color range. In such cases, the user can specify a color range in the color range table RT (see Figure 25) and set the device not to eject ink in the color areas included in that color range in the ink OFF setting screen DP6.

[0090] According to the data generation device 190 of this embodiment, by selecting checkbox CB8 on the ink OFF setting screen DP6, for example, the device is set not to eject ink in the area of ​​the first image data P11 corresponding to the third graphic object 106. The first image data P11 is a solid color image. Therefore, when the color of the third graphic object 106 is included in the color range specified in the color range table RT, the device can be set not to eject ink in the area of ​​the first image data P11, which is a solid color image, corresponding to the third graphic object 106.

[0091] According to the data generation device 190 of this embodiment, the range of colors can be specified using the color range table RT. In this embodiment, as described above, the media 5 is a red T-shirt. Also, the third graphic object 106, which corresponds to cell CL in the row of "Tomato Body" in the "Second Layer (CMYKor Layer)" column of the setting table ST2 shown in Figure 30, is also red. In this way, when the color of all or part of the image to be printed is the same as, or relatively close to, the color of the media 5, all or part of the image can be represented on the media 5 by the color of the media 5 without ejecting ink. In this embodiment, even without ejecting ink in the area corresponding to the third graphic object 106 (tomato body), a part of the third graphic object 106 can be represented by the color of the media 5 (red). It is relatively difficult for the printer 10 to print a color that is completely identical to the color of the media 5. According to this embodiment, all or part of the image can be represented by utilizing the color of the media 5. Furthermore, since all or part of the image is represented by the color of the media 5, ink consumption can be reduced and printing efficiency can be improved.

[0092] Furthermore, if cell CL in the "Layer 1 (Wh Layer)" or "Layer 3 (Gl Layer)" column is selected and checkbox CB8 is selected, it is possible to set the system so that ink is not ejected if the color of the color ink layer in the corresponding area falls within the range of "Red T-shirt". For example, if checkbox CB8 is selected in cell CL in the "Layer 1 (Wh Layer)" column of the "Tomato Body" row, it is possible to set the system so that white ink is not ejected in the area of ​​the first image data P11 (see Figure 29) corresponding to the third graphic object 106 if the color of the third graphic object 106 falls within the range of "Red T-shirt". In this case, the white ink layer that serves as the base for the color ink layer is also not formed, making the color of media 5 more visible. The same applies if checkbox CB8 is selected in cell CL in the "Layer 3 (Gl Layer)" column. In the third image data P13 (see Figure 29), the gloss ink layer is not formed in the area corresponding to the third graphic object 106, making the color of media 5 more visible.

[0093] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0094] The print settings provided by the data generation device are not limited to those described above. The data generation device may, for example, adjust the print resolution, ink ejection amount, etc.

[0095] The technology disclosed herein can be applied to various types of printers. In addition to the roll-to-roll type printers shown in the embodiments described above, it can also be applied to so-called flatbed type printers, for example, in which a recording medium is fixed on a table and the table is transported to print. Furthermore, it can also be applied to so-called gantry type printers, in which a recording medium is placed on a table and a carriage is moved relative to the table in the main scanning direction Y and in the front-back direction to print. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 5 Media 10 Printers 90 Data generation device 94 Display section 95 Print Settings Section 97 Data Generation Unit 100 objects P10 Image (Multi-layered image) P20 Print Data DP1 special color setting screen DP2 Ink OFF setting screen DP3 Color Value Setting Screen DP4 Profile Settings Screen DP5 Color Replacement Settings Screen

Claims

1. A data generation device that generates print data for printing by overlapping multiple layers of images, At least one of the aforementioned multi-layered images includes multiple objects, A display unit that displays a settings screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple objects in the multi-layered image, A print setting unit that sets the print settings for each of the multiple objects in the multi-layered image, A print data generation device comprising: a data generation unit that generates the print data based on the print settings set by the print setting unit.

2. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the print settings for all objects in all images on a single settings screen.

3. The display unit consists of rows and columns, and displays a settings table for setting the print settings on the settings screen. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting table has a row containing a name corresponding to either the multiple layers of images or the multiple objects, and each column contains a name corresponding to the other of the multiple layers of images or the multiple objects.

4. Of the multiple layers of images, at least one image is a solid color image, The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting unit reflects the print settings of the first object, which is an object included in the image of a predetermined layer other than the solid image among the multiple layers of image, in the area of ​​the solid image corresponding to the first object.

5. The print data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the print setting unit sets whether or not to print for each object of the multiple layers of image.

6. Of the multiple layers of images, at least one image is a solid color image, The print data generation device according to claim 5, wherein the print setting unit reflects in the area of ​​the solid image corresponding to the first object whether or not to print the first object which is included in an image of a predetermined layer other than the solid image.

7. The print data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the print setting unit is set not to print a second object that includes a color within a predetermined color range among the objects.

8. Of the multiple layers of images, at least one of the images is a solid color image, The print data generation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the print setting unit is set not to print the area of ​​the solid image corresponding to the second object.

9. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting unit changes the color of a second object that includes a color within a predetermined color range among the objects.

10. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the predetermined color range includes the colors of the media on which the multiple layers of images are printed.

Images