Program creation

Abstract

This program provides a creation tool that, when printing an image selected from multiple patterns, allows the user to select object data from a set of patterns extracted based on printer-related information, for example, from a set of options that can express differences in the printer's print output. [Solution] The PC's CPU retrieves data for multiple patterns corresponding to a specific object from among multiple objects from the memory unit (S111). The CPU displays on the display unit the options corresponding to the pattern data extracted based on information about the printer from among the multiple pattern data (S121). The CPU accepts the selection of object data to be used to create print data from the options displayed on the display unit (S123). The CPU creates print data including the object data (S133).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a creation program. [Background Art]

[0002] The montage creating apparatus of Patent Document 1 creates print data for an arbitrary facial montage. The montage creating apparatus synthesizes a facial montage from patterns such as contours, hairstyles, eyes, noses, and mouths stored for each facial part, for example. The montage creating apparatus transfers print data of the synthesized facial montage. A printer prints the facial montage on a label based on the print data. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 6-266817 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the above printing, depending on conditions such as the size of the facial montage, the width of the label, and the resolution of the printer, there are part patterns for which the printer cannot express differences. In this case, even though the user has selected a desired part pattern, the printed result ends up having no visible difference from other part patterns.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a creation program that allows a user to select object data from among options for pattern data extracted based on printer-related information from among a plurality of pattern data, for example, options that can express differences in a printed result from the printer, when printing an image selected from a plurality of patterns. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] The creation program according to the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer for creating print data to execute an information acquisition process for acquiring information about a printer; an acquisition process for acquiring data of multiple patterns corresponding to a specific object from among a plurality of objects from a storage unit; a display process for displaying on a display unit the selection of patterns from among the plurality of pattern data acquired in the acquisition process that correspond to the pattern data extracted based on the information about the printer acquired in the information acquisition process; a first reception process for accepting the selection of object data to be used to create the print data from among the selections displayed on the display unit in the display process; and a creation process for creating the print data including the object data accepted in the first reception process.

[0007] The above creation program allows the user to select object data from a list of patterns extracted based on printer-related information, out of multiple data patterns.

[0008] In the present invention, the computer may further perform a conversion process that converts each of the plurality of pattern data into intermediate data based on the printer information acquired in the information acquisition process, and a first calculation process that calculates a first similarity score indicating the degree of similarity between the intermediate data converted in the conversion process, and the display process may display the options extracted based on the first similarity score calculated in the first calculation process on the display unit. The creation program may further allow the user to select object data from among the options for appropriate pattern data by printing on the printer.

[0009] In the present invention, the display process may display one of the intermediate data sets as the option if the first similarity calculated in the first calculation process exceeds a predetermined threshold, and may choose not to display the other as the option. The creation program can further allow the user to select object data from among the more appropriate options, even when there are intermediate data sets whose similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0010] In the present invention, the information acquisition process may acquire first information relating to the resolution of the printer head. Based on the head resolution information, the creation program can allow the user to select object data from a selection of data for a suitable pattern when printed by the printer.

[0011] In the present invention, the information acquisition process may acquire information regarding the width of the medium set in the printer. The creation program can allow the user to select object data from a selection of patterns suitable for the width of the medium.

[0012] In the present invention, the information acquisition process may acquire first information relating to the resolution of the printer head and second information relating to the width of the medium set in the printer. The creation program can allow the user to select object data from a selection of pattern data suitable for the head resolution and the width of the medium.

[0013] In the present invention, the first information may further include information regarding the deterioration of the head of the printer. The creation program can allow the user to select object data from a selection of pattern data suitable for the deteriorated head.

[0014] In the present invention, the computer performs a reading process to read an input image, a conversion process to convert the data of the plurality of patterns into intermediate data based on the printer information obtained in the information acquisition process, and a second calculation process to calculate a second similarity score indicating the degree of similarity between the intermediate data converted in the conversion process and the portion of the input image read in the reading process that corresponds to the intermediate data. The display process may display the intermediate data as options, in descending order of the second similarity score calculated in the second calculation process. The creation program can allow the user to select an object with a pattern similar to a portion of the input image.

[0015] In the present invention, the information acquisition process may acquire first information relating to the resolution of the printer head and second information relating to the width of the medium set in the printer, and the display process may display the options corresponding to the pattern data extracted based on the first information and the second information acquired in the information acquisition process. The creation program can allow the user to select object data from the options for pattern data suitable for the head resolution and the width of the medium.

[0016] In the present invention, the computer may further perform a reading process to read an input image, and a third calculation process to calculate a third similarity score indicating the degree of similarity between the pattern data and the portion of the input image read in the reading process that corresponds to the pattern. The display process may then display the options corresponding to the pattern data in descending order of the third similarity scores calculated in the third calculation process. The creation program can allow the user to select object data from among the options for pattern data similar to a portion of the input image.

[0017] In the present invention, the storage unit stores data of a plurality of patterns grouped by feature, extracts the pattern data for each group, and may further cause the computer to perform a fourth calculation process that calculates a fourth similarity indicating the similarity of the group to the input image based on the third similarity calculated in the third calculation process, and a second display process that displays the groups on the display unit in the order of the fourth similarity calculated in the fourth calculation process. The creation program can cause the user to select a pattern object from a selection of groups containing an appropriate pattern.

[0018] In the present invention, the storage unit stores the usage history of the pattern data, and the second display process may display the groups of the pattern data displayed on the display unit in descending order of the usage history. The creation program can provide the user with an appropriate pattern object based on the usage history.

[0019] In the present invention, the computer may be further caused to execute: a second reception process that receives a selection of whether to execute extraction processing for extracting the options; and a fourth display process that, when it is received in the second reception process that the extraction processing is not to be executed, displays the pattern data on the display unit without executing the extraction processing regardless of information related to the printer. The creation program can create print data assuming that a user prints with another printer.

[0020] In the present invention, the information related to the printer may further include information related to deterioration of the head of the printer. The creation program allows the user to select object data from options for pattern data corresponding to head deterioration.

[0021] In the present invention, the computer may be further caused to execute a size adjustment process for adjusting the size of the object received in the first reception process. The user can adjust the size of the pattern.

[0022] In the present invention, the computer may be further caused to execute a position adjustment process for adjusting the position of the object received in the first reception process. The user can adjust the position of the pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a printing system 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a selection screen 571 displaying options for a printed image Im. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a selection screen 571 displaying object options. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an editing mode of a printed image Im. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a first main process. [Figure 6]This is a diagram illustrating the data of an object. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative diagram showing how objects are converted into intermediate data. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the process of extracting options from three intermediate data points. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the process of extracting options from four intermediate data points. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the process of extracting options from four intermediate data points, and is a continuation of Figure 9. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the process of extracting options from four intermediate data points. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the process of extracting options from four intermediate data points, and is a continuation of Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart of the second main process. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of the third main process. [Figure 15] This diagram shows whether pattern data can be extracted based on the relationship between the head resolution and the width of the media M. [Figure 16] (A) is a diagram showing whether pattern data can be extracted based on the relationship between the head resolution and the degree of head degradation, and (B) is a diagram showing whether pattern data can be extracted based on the relationship between the head resolution and the tape width. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart of the fourth main process. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart of the fourth main process, a continuation of Figure 17. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the process of calculating the fourth similarity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to Figure 1, the outline of the printing system 1 will be described. The printing system 1 comprises a printer 3 and a PC 5. The printer 3 and the PC 5 are connected via a cable 2 and can communicate with each other. The printer 3 is fitted with a cassette 8 in which a roll of paper R on which a medium M is wound is held in a holding part 13. The medium M is thermal paper attached to a release liner with an adhesive.

[0025] Printer 3 feeds media M from cassette 8 and performs printing using thermal head 38. Printer 3 then cuts the printed media M using cutting unit 40. This allows printer 3 to create labels with printed characters and symbols. Hereinafter, the data to be printed on the labels will be referred to as "print data".

[0026] PC5 is a general-purpose personal computer. PC5 can run various programs. For example, when a program is run on PC5, the user can edit print data. PC5 sends the print data created by the user to printer 3 via cable 2. Printer 3 performs printing based on the print data sent from PC5. This creates a label based on the print data.

[0027] The electrical configuration of printer 3 will now be described. Printer 3 comprises a CPU 31, RAM 32, flash memory 33, EEPROM 34, communication unit 35, input unit 36, display unit 37, thermal head 38, roller 39, cutting unit 40, and sensor 41. The CPU 31 controls printer 3. The CPU 31 is electrically connected to the RAM 32, flash memory 33, EEPROM 34, communication unit 35, input unit 36, display unit 37, thermal head 38, roller 39, cutting unit 40, and sensor 41.

[0028] RAM32 stores various temporary data. Flash memory33 stores various programs executed by CPU31 to control printer3, as well as print data received from PC5. EEPROM34 stores print dot pattern data for editing print data, categorized by font and size.

[0029] The communication unit 35 is a controller for communicating with the PC 5. The input unit 36 ​​is a keyboard. The display unit 37 is an LCD. The thermal head 38 generates heat in response to signals from the CPU 31 and prints on the medium M. The roller 39 is a feed roller for advancing the medium M.

[0030] The cutting unit 40 cuts the media M printed by the thermal head 38. The sensor 41 detects information about the cassette 8 installed in the printer 3. The information about the cassette 8 includes, for example, information about the type of cassette. The detection result from the sensor 41 is transmitted to the CPU 31.

[0031] The electrical configuration of PC5 will now be described. PC5 comprises a CPU 51, RAM 52, ROM 53, HDD 54, communication unit 55, input unit 56, and display unit 57. The CPU 51 controls PC5. The CPU 51 is electrically connected to the RAM 52, ROM 53, HDD 54, communication unit 55, input unit 56, and display unit 57.

[0032] RAM52 temporarily stores various data. ROM53 stores the BIOS and other information. HDD54 stores various programs executed by the CPU51 to control PC5, as well as the operating system.

[0033] The communication unit 55 is a controller for communicating with the printer 3. The input unit 56 includes a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or touchpad. The display unit 57 is an LCD. The display unit 57 can display an editing window 570 for editing print data.

[0034] Refer to Figures 2 to 4 for a brief explanation of the editor. When editing print data, the user launches the editor. The editing window 570 is displayed on the display unit 57. The user edits the print data in the editing window 570. The following explanation uses the case of printing a face image as an example.

[0035] For example, a selection screen 571 is displayed for selecting a print image (Im). The selection screen 571 displays, for example, a selection of print image (Im) options. The user selects, for example, the print image (Im) in the upper left corner of the selection screen 571.

[0036] The printed image (Im) consists of multiple objects. These multiple objects include, for example, an outline, hairstyle, eyebrows, eyes, nose, cheeks, and mouth.

[0037] For example, if a user wants to modify an object, they select the part of the print image (Im) that corresponds to the object. The following example illustrates what happens when the user selects the "mouth" object.

[0038] For example, when a user selects the "mouth" object, the selection screen 571 shown in Figure 3 is displayed. The selection screen 571 displays a selection of patterns for selecting an object. The user selects, for example, pattern 576 from among the "mouth" patterns.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4(A), the pattern selected by the user is reflected in the print image Im on the selection screen 571.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4(B), the user can, for example, edit the reflected object. For example, the user can change the size of the object. This changes the size of the object "mouth" on the selection screen 571.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4(C), the user changes the position of the object. This changes the position of the object "mouth" on the selection screen 571. Alternatively, the user may use the input unit 56 to edit the text and layout in the print data.

[0042] Once editing the print data is complete, the user clicks the print button, for example, in the editing window 570. PC5 sends the print data to the connected printer 3. Printer 3 then performs printing based on the print data.

[0043] Referring to Figure 5, the first main process executed by PC5 is explained. The user connects printer 3 to PC5. The user launches an editor to edit the print data. CPU 51 reads the program stored in HDD 54 and executes the first main process.

[0044] When the first main process is executed, the CPU 51 refers to the flash memory 33 of printer 3 to obtain information about printer 3 (S101).

[0045] Information about printer 3 is, for example, primary information. Primary information is information about the resolution of the print head of printer 3.

[0046] Furthermore, the primary information may also include information regarding the degradation of the printer 3's head. For example, if printer 3 is used for a long period of time, the head's resolution will degrade. The primary information is this information about the degraded resolution. For example, the resolution at the time of head degradation can be identified in relation to the head's usage time and the number of pages printed.

[0047] The CPU 51 displays a selection of print image Im on the selection screen 571 (S107). The CPU 51 displays, for example, face image data from the HDD 54 on the selection screen 571. For example, the selection screen 571 shown in Figure 2 is displayed. The user selects, for example, the print image Im shown in Figure 2.

[0048] CPU 51 accepts the user's selection of an object (S109). The user selects an object from the print image Im. For example, the user selects the object "mouth" from the print image Im in Figure 2.

[0049] CPU 51 retrieves, for example, data for multiple patterns corresponding to a specific object from HDD 54 among multiple objects (S111).

[0050] A specific object is, for example, an object selected by the user. For example, if the user selects "mouth" as the specific object, the CPU 51 retrieves the pattern data for the object "mouth" from the HDD 54. The pattern data is, for example, the information for patterns A to C of the "closed mouth" shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(C).

[0051] The CPU 51 converts data from multiple patterns into intermediate data based on the information about printer 3 acquired in S101, namely the resolution information of the print head (S113).

[0052] For example, if the print head of printer 3 has a low resolution, the pattern data stored in HDD 54 may not be able to print the pattern at the expected resolution. For instance, the data for patterns A to C in Figures 6(A) to 6(C) has a high resolution. However, if the print head of printer 3 has a low resolution, it cannot reproduce the original data for patterns A to C as is. Therefore, in actual printing, patterns A to C will be printed as shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(C).

[0053] Therefore, the CPU 51 converts the data for each pattern shown in Figure 6, for example, into the intermediate data shown in Figure 7. In other words, the CPU 51 identifies the image when the pattern is actually printed by converting the pattern data in the HDD 54 into intermediate data corresponding to the resolution of the head.

[0054] CPU 51 calculates the first similarity (S115). The first similarity indicates the degree of similarity between the transformed intermediate data. For example, the first similarity can be calculated using a known method. Examples of known methods include SIFT (Scale-Invariant Feature Transform) and SURF (Speeded Up Robust Features).

[0055] Referring to Figure 8, we will explain using the case of three intermediate data patterns, A to C, as an example. The first-order similarity calculation results shown in Figure 8(A) are expressed as a percentage, for example. For example, the first-order similarity between "closed mouth" pattern A and "closed mouth" pattern B shown in Figure 7 is "80%". The first-order similarity between "closed mouth" pattern A and "closed mouth" pattern C is "60%". The first-order similarity between "closed mouth" pattern B and "closed mouth" pattern C is "75%".

[0056] CPU 51 compares the first similarity with a predetermined threshold (S117).

[0057] An example of the comparison method is explained with reference to Figure 8(B). For example, the predetermined threshold is 70%. In the calculation result in Figure 8(A), for example, "1" is assigned when the first similarity is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. If the first similarity is lower than the predetermined threshold, "0" is assigned.

[0058] The sum of the numbers assigned to column A is "1". The sum of the numbers assigned to column B is "2". The sum of the numbers assigned to column C is "1". A higher total value indicates a higher degree of similarity with other patterns.

[0059] CPU 51 performs the extraction process (S119). In the extraction process, CPU 51 extracts options from the acquired intermediate data based on the first similarity.

[0060] CPU 51 extracts intermediate data whose calculated first similarity is below a predetermined threshold. Note that the intermediate data below the predetermined threshold is not shown in Figure 8.

[0061] If CPU 51 finds two or more intermediate data points whose calculated first similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold, it extracts intermediate data points from the two or more intermediate data points, excluding any intermediate data points that are similar to any of them.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 8(B), pattern B has a high degree of similarity to both patterns A and C. Therefore, the CPU 51 extracts patterns A and C as options. Thus, by displaying patterns A and C on the user selection screen 571, it is possible to broaden the range of choices for the user while excluding pattern B, which has a high degree of similarity to both patterns A and C.

[0063] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, we will explain an example where there are four intermediate data patterns, A through D. In the example in Figure 9(A), intermediate data with a first-class similarity below a predetermined threshold and intermediate data with a first-class similarity above a predetermined threshold are mixed together.

[0064] First, CPU 51 extracts pattern D from patterns A to D, which has the lowest calculation result in Figure 9(B), i.e., pattern D is not similar to any of the others. Next, CPU 51 excludes pattern B from patterns A to C shown in Figure 9(C), which has the highest calculation result in Figure 9(D).

[0065] Furthermore, for the remaining patterns A and C shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the CPU 51 extracts both patterns A and C because the first similarity is below a predetermined threshold.

[0066] Therefore, CPU51 extracts patterns A, C, and D as options.

[0067] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, another example is given where there are four intermediate data patterns, A through D. In the example in Figures 11 and 12, in the calculation of the first class similarity shown in Figure 11(A), there is no intermediate data below a predetermined threshold, meaning that all first class similarities are higher than the predetermined threshold.

[0068] First, CPU 51 eliminates pattern B, which has the highest calculation result in Figure 11(B). Next, CPU 51 extracts pattern D, which has the lowest calculation result among patterns A, C, and D in Figure 11(C), i.e., pattern D, which is not similar to any of the others.

[0069] Furthermore, patterns A and C shown in Figure 12(A) are similar to each other because their first similarity score is higher than a predetermined threshold. Therefore, CPU 51 extracts either pattern A or C.

[0070] Therefore, CPU51 extracts one of the following as options: pattern A, pattern D, or a combination of pattern A and pattern C.

[0071] Furthermore, the extracted intermediate data is calculated based on information about printer 3, specifically information about the head resolution. Therefore, it can be said that the processing in S119 is based on information about printer 3.

[0072] The CPU 51 displays the options corresponding to the intermediate data of the patterns from the multiple pattern data acquired in S111 on the selection screen 571 (S121). In this case, the CPU 51 displays the intermediate data extracted in S119 as options on the selection screen 571. If the calculation results of the first similarity in the processing of S119 are all lower than the threshold, the CPU 51 only needs to display all the intermediate data on the selection screen 571.

[0073] Since the options are extracted based on the first similarity, users are less likely to hesitate when choosing data with similar patterns from the options. The user selects one of the displayed intermediate data.

[0074] CPU 51 accepts the selection of object data to be used to create print data (S123). Object data is intermediate data selected by the user from the options displayed on selection screen 571.

[0075] The CPU 51 reflects the received object data pattern onto the print image Im on the selection screen 571 (S125). The user then edits the reflected object.

[0076] CPU 51 adjusts the size of the object received in S123 based on the user's operation (S127).

[0077] The CPU 51 adjusts the position of the object received in S123 based on the user's operation (S129).

[0078] CPU 51 determines whether editing of all objects is complete (S131). If it determines that editing of all objects is not complete (S131: NO), CPU 51 returns to S109.

[0079] If the CPU determines that editing of all objects is complete (S131: YES), it creates the print data (S133). In this case, the print data includes the received object data.

[0080] The CPU 51 sends the print data to the printer 3 and issues a print command to the printer 3 (S135). Upon receiving the print command, the printer 3 prints the edited print image Im onto the medium M based on the print data.

[0081] CPU51 returns processing to S107. For example, the user edits the following print image (Im).

[0082] As explained above, the CPU 51 acquires information about the printer 3. The CPU 51 acquires data for multiple patterns corresponding to a specific object from among multiple objects from the HDD 54. The CPU 51 displays the options corresponding to the pattern data extracted based on the acquired information about the printer 3 on the selection screen 571. The CPU 51 accepts the selection of object data to be used to create the print data from the options displayed on the selection screen 571. The CPU 51 creates the print data including the accepted object data.

[0083] The CPU 51 described above can allow the user to select object data from among a selection of data patterns extracted based on information related to the printer 3 from among multiple data patterns.

[0084] The CPU 51 converts multiple pattern data into intermediate data based on the information acquired from the printer 3. The CPU 51 calculates a first similarity score, which indicates the degree of similarity between the converted intermediate data. The CPU 51 displays the extracted options on the selection screen 571 based on the calculated first similarity score. The CPU 51 further allows the user to select object data from the options for the appropriate pattern data by printing with the printer 3.

[0085] The CPU 51, when it encounters intermediate data where the calculated first similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold, displays one of them as an option and does not display the other. Furthermore, even when there are intermediate data that exceed the predetermined threshold, the CPU 51 can allow the user to select the object data from the more appropriate options.

[0086] The CPU 51 obtains primary information regarding the resolution of the printer 3's head. Based on the head resolution information, the CPU 51 allows the user to select object data from a range of options for a pattern data appropriate for printing on the printer 3.

[0087] The primary information further includes information about the degradation of the print head of printer 3. The CPU 51 can allow the user to select object data from a selection of pattern data suitable for the degraded head.

[0088] CPU51 adjusts the size of the accepted object. The user can adjust the size of the pattern.

[0089] CPU51 adjusts the position of the received object. The user can adjust the position of the pattern.

[0090] In the above description, PC5 is an example of the "computer" of the present invention. HDD54 is an example of the "storage unit" of the present invention. Head resolution information is an example of the "first information" of the present invention. Display unit 57 and selection screen 571 are examples of the "display unit" of the present invention.

[0091] The CPU 51 that executes the process in S101 is an example of the "information acquisition process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S111 is an example of the "acquisition process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S119 is an example of the "extraction process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S121 is an example of the "display process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S123 is an example of the "reception process" of the present invention.

[0092] The CPU 51 that executes the process in S133 is an example of the "creation process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S127 is an example of the "size adjustment process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S129 is an example of the "position adjustment process" of the present invention.

[0093] In the example of S119 and Figure 8, the CPU 51 extracts patterns A and C as second intermediate data, excluding pattern B, which is similar to both. However, this is not limited to this. In the processing of S119, the CPU 51 may extract only pattern B instead of patterns A and C. Pattern B has a high degree of similarity to both patterns A and C. Therefore, if pattern B is displayed on the user selection screen 571, it can be said that there is no problem in excluding patterns A and C. It would be desirable for the user to be able to set which patterns to extract.

[0094] After extracting pattern D in Figures 9(A) and (B), CPU 51 may extract only pattern B from the remaining patterns A, B, and C shown in Figure 9(C). In this case, CPU 51 should display patterns B and D as options on the selection screen 571.

[0095] In the embodiment, among patterns A, B, C, and D in Figures 11(A) and (B), the CPU 51 may extract pattern B, which was initially excluded, as an option. In this case, among the remaining patterns A, C, and D shown in Figure 11(C), the CPU 51 may extract pattern D, which is not similar to any of the others. The CPU 51 does not need to extract the remaining patterns A and C because they have a high degree of similarity. In this case, the CPU 51 should display patterns B and D as options on the selection screen 571.

[0096] Referring to Figure 13, the second main process will be explained. In the first main process described above, the first similarity score was calculated. In contrast, the second main process differs in that it calculates the second similarity score. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the first main process.

[0097] When the second main process is executed, CPU 51 obtains information about printer 3 (S201). The process in S201 is the same as S101 in the first main process.

[0098] CPU 51 reads the input image (S203). The input image is, for example, a photograph of a face. The user selects, for example, a photograph of the face of a person they want to print.

[0099] CPU 51 analyzes the input image and decomposes it into multiple objects (S205). For example, CPU 51 decomposes it into objects such as outline, hairstyle, eyebrows, eyes, nose, cheeks, and mouth.

[0100] CPU 51 displays the print image Im (S207). CPU 51 accepts the user's selection of an object (S209). CPU 51 retrieves pattern data from HDD 54 (S211). CPU 51 converts the pattern data into intermediate data (S213). The processing in S207-S213 is the same as S107-S113 of the first main processing.

[0101] CPU 51 calculates the second similarity (S215). The second similarity indicates the degree of similarity between the intermediate data converted in the S213 process and the part of the input image read in the S203 process that corresponds to the intermediate data. The part of the input image that corresponds to the intermediate data is, for example, the "mouth" part. The second similarity is calculated in relation to all the converted data. The calculation method is the same as that of the S115 process in the first main process.

[0102] The CPU 51 displays the intermediate data on the selection screen 571 in descending order of the calculated second similarity (S221). Therefore, the user can easily select object data similar to the objects in the input image. The user then selects the desired pattern to print.

[0103] CPU 51 receives the object data of the pattern selected by the user from the displayed options (S223). CPU 51 reflects the selected object data pattern onto the print image Im (S225). CPU 51 adjusts the size of the reflected pattern (S227). CPU 51 adjusts the position of the reflected pattern (S229). The processing in S223 to S229 is the same as the processing in S123 to S129 of the first main processing.

[0104] CPU 51 determines whether editing of all objects is complete (S231), similar to the process in S131 of the first main process. If editing of all objects is not complete (S231: NO), CPU 51 returns to the process in S209 and repeats S211 to S231.

[0105] If it is determined that editing of all patterns is complete (S231: YES), the CPU 51 creates the print data (S233) and sends a print command to printer 3 (S235). The processing in S231 to S235 is the same as S131 to S135 of the first main processing.

[0106] CPU51 returns processing to S203.

[0107] As explained above, CPU 51 reads the input image. Based on the information acquired from printer 3, CPU 51 converts multiple pattern data into intermediate data. CPU 51 calculates a second similarity score, which indicates the degree of similarity between the converted intermediate data and the portion of the input image corresponding to the intermediate data. CPU 51 displays the intermediate data as options, sorted by the highest calculated second similarity score. CPU 51 allows the user to select an object with a pattern similar to the portion of the input image.

[0108] In the above description, the CPU 51 that executes the process in S203 is an example of the "reading process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S213 is an example of the "conversion process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S215 is an example of the "second arithmetic process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S221 is an example of the "display process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the processes in S215 and S221 is an example of the "extraction process".

[0109] Furthermore, the first and second main processes described above can be modified as follows. For example, the information regarding printer 3 may be the second information instead of the first information. For example, the second information may be information regarding the width of the medium M. For example, if the width is narrowed, the print image Im will be reduced to match the width of the medium M. In this case, the print image is converted into intermediate data.

[0110] The CPU 51 obtains information regarding the width of the media M set in the printer 3 (S101, S201). Based on the information regarding the width of the media M, the CPU 51 converts it into intermediate data that is close to the actual print image (S113, S213).

[0111] The CPU 51 calculates the first or second similarity score based on the intermediate data (S115, S215). The CPU 51 displays the pattern data options on the selection screen 571 (S121, S221).

[0112] Therefore, the CPU 51 can allow the user to select object data from a selection of patterns suitable for the width of the medium M.

[0113] Furthermore, the information regarding the printer 3 may include second information in addition to the first information. The CPU 51 may obtain first information regarding the resolution of the print head of the printer 3 and second information regarding the width of the media M set in the printer 3.

[0114] For example, the CPU 51 creates intermediate data based on the second information, namely the width of the medium M, as described above. Then, the CPU 51 further transforms the transformed intermediate data in relation to the first information, namely the resolution of the head. Alternatively, the intermediate data may be generated first in relation to the resolution of the head, and then the information regarding the width of the medium M may be applied to that intermediate data.

[0115] Subsequently, the CPU 51 calculates the first or second similarity score based on the converted intermediate data (S115, S215). The CPU 51 displays the pattern data options on the selection screen 571 (S121, S221).

[0116] Therefore, the CPU 51 allows the user to select object data from a range of options for pattern data that is suitable for the head resolution and the width of the media M.

[0117] Referring to Figure 14, the third main process will be explained. Unlike the first and second main processes, the third main process calculates a third similarity. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the second main process.

[0118] When the third main process is executed, CPU 51 accepts the option to execute the extraction process (S301). The extraction process is the process described in S317 below. CPU 51 accepts settings from the user.

[0119] The CPU 51 determines whether or not to perform the extraction process (S303). If it determines not to perform the extraction process (S303: NO), it displays all patterns of data on the selection screen 571, regardless of the information about printer 3 (S333). In this case, the CPU 51 displays all print image Im options stored in the HDD 54 on the selection screen 571 without performing the extraction process.

[0120] CPU 51 accepts the user's selection of the print image Im (S335). CPU 51 creates the print data in the same way as the second main process (S337) and sends a print command to printer 3 (S339).

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined that the extraction process should be performed (S303: YES), the CPU 51 obtains information about the printer 3 (S305). Specifically, the CPU 51 obtains first information and second information. The first information is information about the resolution of the print head of the printer 3. The second information is information about the width of the media M set in the printer 3.

[0122] CPU 51 reads the input image (S307). CPU 51 decomposes the input image into objects (S309). CPU 51 displays the print image Im options on the selection screen 571 (S311). CPU 51 accepts the object selection (S313). CPU 51 obtains the pattern data of the selected object (S315).

[0123] The processing in S307-S315 is the same as the processing in S203-S211 of the second main processing. A detailed explanation is omitted.

[0124] CPU 51 executes the extraction process (S317). In the extraction process, multiple patterns of data are extracted based on the first and second information obtained in S305.

[0125] Refer to Figure 15 to explain the extraction of pattern data. The table in Figure 15 is stored, for example, on HDD54. The table in Figure 15 shows, for example, the data information for pattern A of the object "closed mouth". The first information, i.e., the head resolution information, is classified as "low", "medium", and "high". The second information, i.e., the width information of the medium M, is classified as "small", "medium", and "large".

[0126] A "○" indicates a combination of the first and second pieces of information that, when printed, successfully reproduces the original pattern. A "×" indicates a combination of the first and second pieces of information that, when printed, does not successfully reproduce the pattern. For example, if the head resolution is "high" and the width of the medium M is "large," pattern A will be extracted. On the other hand, if the head resolution is "low" and the width of the medium M is "small" or "medium," pattern A will not be extracted.

[0127] CPU51 performs extraction on all patterns of objects received in S313.

[0128] CPU 51 calculates the third similarity (S318). The third similarity indicates the degree of similarity between the pattern data extracted in S317 and the part of the input image read in S307 that corresponds to the pattern. The calculation method for the third similarity is the same as the calculation method for the second similarity in the processing of S215, for example.

[0129] CPU 51 displays the options corresponding to the pattern data extracted in processing S317 (S321). CPU 51 displays the options corresponding to the pattern data in descending order of the third similarity calculated in processing S318.

[0130] The user selects object data from the options and edits the print image (Im).

[0131] CPU 51 executes processes S323-S331, S337, and S339. Processes S323-S331, S337, and S339 correspond to processes S223-S231, S233, and S235 of the second main process.

[0132] CPU51 returns processing to S301.

[0133] As explained above, the CPU 51 acquires first information regarding the resolution of the printer head 3 and second information regarding the width of the media M set in the printer 3. Based on the acquired first and second information, the CPU 51 displays a selection of options corresponding to the extracted pattern data. The CPU 51 allows the user to select object data from the selection of pattern data suitable for the head resolution and the width of the media M.

[0134] CPU 51 reads the input image. CPU 51 calculates a third similarity score, which indicates the degree of similarity between the pattern data and the portion of the input image corresponding to the pattern. CPU 51 displays the options corresponding to the pattern data in descending order of the calculated third similarity score. CPU 51 allows the user to select object data from the options for pattern data similar to the portion of the input image.

[0135] CPU 51 accepts a choice of whether to perform the extraction process. If the CPU 51 accepts that the extraction process should not be performed, it displays the pattern data on the selection screen 571 without performing the extraction process, regardless of the information about printer 3. CPU 51 can create print data assuming that the user will print on another printer 3.

[0136] In the above description, the CPU 51 that executes the process in S307 is an example of the "reading process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S318 is an example of the "third arithmetic process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S321 is an example of the "second display process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S301 is an example of the "second reception process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S333 is an example of the "fourth display process" of the present invention.

[0137] Furthermore, the third main process can be modified as follows. For example, the disclosure in the third main process may also be applied to the first and second main processes.

[0138] For example, CPU 51 may perform the extraction process in S317 between S111 and S113 of the first main process. Alternatively, CPU 51 may perform the extraction process in S317 between S211 and S213 of the second main process. In this case, since the pattern data is extracted and the number of choices is reduced, CPU 51 can reduce the computational cost of conversion to intermediate data in the processes of S113 and S213.

[0139] Furthermore, the processes in S301, S303, S333, and S335 may be incorporated into the first and second main processes. Note that in S333, only a portion of the data may be displayed instead of all the data patterns.

[0140] Furthermore, the techniques of the first and second main processes may be applied to the third main process. For example, the CPU 51 may calculate the third similarity in relation to the intermediate data converted in processes S113 and S213. In this case, the CPU 51 generates the converted data between S315 and S317 of the third main process. In process S318, the CPU 51 calculates the third similarity in relation to the converted data.

[0141] For example, the information about printer 3 obtained in the S305 process of the third main process may also include information about the deterioration of the printer 3's head. For example, the degree of head deterioration corresponds to information about age-related deterioration such as usage time and number of printed pages.

[0142] HDD54 may store a table showing the relationship between the head degradation level and printable patterns for each object pattern. CPU51 determines whether to extract a pattern for each object pattern based on its relationship to the head degradation level.

[0143] For example, the table shown in Figure 16(A) shows the relationship between the head resolution and the degree of head degradation, indicating whether pattern A, for example, a "closed mouth," can be extracted and printed. In the S317 process, the CPU 51 extracts object patterns by referring to the table shown in Figure 16(A), for example.

[0144] Furthermore, the table shown in Figure 16(B) shows the relationship between the width of the medium M and the degree of head degradation, indicating whether, for example, pattern A, "closed mouth," can be printed. In the S317 process, the CPU 51 extracts the object pattern by referring to the table shown in Figure 16(B), for example.

[0145] Therefore, CPU51 allows the user to select object data from a range of pattern data options that take head degradation into consideration.

[0146] The fourth main process will be explained with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Unlike the first to third main processes, the fourth main process differs in that it calculates the fourth similarity.

[0147] Another difference is that HDD54 stores data from multiple patterns grouped by their characteristics. Each group stores patterns that, for example, have similar appearances. In the case of the object "mouth," it is grouped by patterns such as "thick lips," "single line," and "open mouth."

[0148] When the fourth main process is executed, CPU 51 executes processes S401 to S415. Processes S401 to S415 are the same as S301 to S315 of the third main process.

[0149] The CPU 51 refers to the HDD 54 to identify the group (S416). For example, if the target object is "mouth", the CPU 51 identifies the group shown in Figure 19(A) as "thick lips", "single line", "open mouth", etc.

[0150] CPU 51 executes the extraction process (S417). CPU 51 extracts pattern data for the identified group. The method for extracting pattern data is the same as the extraction process in S317 of the third main process.

[0151] As shown in Figure 19(A), for example, when the head resolution is set to "medium", the first and second patterns of the group "thick lips" are extracted.

[0152] CPU 51 calculates the third similarity of the patterns extracted in the extraction process in S417 (S418). The method for calculating the third similarity is the same as the process in S318 of the third main process.

[0153] As shown in Figure 19(B), for example, when the resolution shown in Figure 19(A) is "medium", the third similarity of the first pattern in the group "thick lips" is 90 percent, and the third similarity of the second pattern is 80 percent.

[0154] CPU 51 calculates the fourth similarity based on the calculated third similarity (S419). The fourth similarity indicates the similarity to the input image on a group basis. The fourth similarity is, for example, the average of the third similarity for each pattern.

[0155] As shown in Figure 19(C), for example, the average third similarity for the group "thick lips" is 85 percent. Therefore, CPU 51 identifies the average of 85 percent as the fourth similarity.

[0156] CPU 51 determines whether it has calculated the fourth similarity for all groups (S420). If it determines that the calculation of the fourth similarity for all groups is not complete (S420: NO), CPU 51 returns to S416 to calculate the fourth similarity for the other groups.

[0157] In the example in Figure 19, the process from S416 to S420 is repeated to calculate the fourth similarity for the groups "Single Line" and "Open Mouth". The average of the third similarity scores for the group "Single Line", i.e., the fourth similarity, is 57.5 percent. The average of the third similarity scores for the group "Open Mouth", i.e., the fourth similarity, is 72.5 percent.

[0158] If the CPU determines that the calculation of the fourth similarity for all groups is complete (S420: YES), the CPU 51 displays the groups on the selection screen 571 in the order of the calculated fourth similarity (S421).

[0159] For example, in the example in Figure 19(C), the groups are displayed in the order of "thick lips," "open mouth," and "single line."

[0160] Here, the CPU 51 displays the patterns in the group shown on the selection screen 571 in order of their usage history. In other words, within each group, the extracted patterns are displayed in order of their usage history. The HDD 54 only needs to store the usage history of the pattern data.

[0161] In Figure 19(C), for example, the group "thick lips" is displayed in the order of the second pattern followed by the first pattern.

[0162] CPU 51 executes the processes S423 to S439. The processes S423 to S439 are the same as those of the third main process S323 to S339.

[0163] CPU51 returns processing to S401.

[0164] As explained above, the flash memory 33 stores data for multiple patterns, grouped by their features. The CPU 51 extracts the pattern data for each group. Based on the calculated third similarity, the CPU 51 calculates a fourth similarity, which indicates the similarity between the group and the input image. The CPU 51 displays the groups on the selection screen 571 in the order of the calculated fourth similarity. The CPU 51 allows the user to select a pattern object from the group selection that contains the appropriate pattern.

[0165] The flash memory 33 stores the usage history of the pattern data. The CPU 51 displays the groups shown on the selection screen 571 in descending order of the frequency of pattern data usage. The CPU 51 can then provide the user with an appropriate pattern object based on the usage history.

[0166] In the above description, the CPU 51 that executes the process in S419 is an example of the "fourth arithmetic process" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that executes the process in S421 is an example of the "second display process" of the present invention.

[0167] The fourth main process can be further modified as follows. For example, the techniques of the first and second main processes may be applied to the fourth main process. For example, although the fourth similarity in the above fourth main process was calculated based on pattern data, the calculation may also be performed in relation to the transformed data. That is, transformed data may be generated between S417 and S418, and the third and fourth similarity may be calculated.

[0168] The above embodiments and modifications can be further modified in various ways as follows. The above disclosures and the various modifications described below can be combined in any way that does not conflict with each other. In the above embodiments, the printing system 1 is equipped with a PC 5, but is not limited thereto. For example, the PC 5 may be composed of a device having a display unit such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the printer 3 and PC 5 are connected via cable 2, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the printer 3 and PC 5 may communicate wirelessly without using cable 2.

[0170] In the above embodiment, pattern data was obtained from HDD54, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be stored in printer 3 or in the cloud.

[0171] In the above embodiment, a microcomputer, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processor instead of the CPU 51. The first main processing to the fourth surface processing may be distributed processing by multiple processors. The program may be downloaded (i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal) from, for example, an internet-connected server (not shown) and stored in non-volatile memory. In this case, the program only needs to be stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as an HDD provided on the server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1. Printing System 3. Printer 5 PC 51 CPU 57 Display section 571 Selection screen M Print media

Claims

1. On the computer used to create print data, Information acquisition process to obtain information about the printer, The process involves retrieving data from the memory unit in the form of multiple patterns corresponding to a specific object among multiple objects, and A display process that displays on the display unit the selection of the pattern data extracted from the plurality of pattern data acquired in the acquisition process based on the printer information acquired in the information acquisition process, A first reception process that accepts the selection of object data to be used to create the print data from the options displayed on the display unit in the aforementioned display process, A creation process that creates the print data including the object data received in the first reception process. A creation program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

2. To the aforementioned computer, Based on the information about the printer obtained in the information acquisition process, a conversion process is performed to convert each of the multiple patterns of data into intermediate data, A first calculation process calculates a first similarity score that indicates the degree of similarity between the intermediate data converted in the above conversion process. Let's execute it further, The creation program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display process causes the selection of options extracted based on the first similarity calculated in the first calculation process to be displayed on the display unit.

3. The aforementioned display process is: The creation program according to claim 2, characterized in that if there are intermediate data sets whose first similarity calculated in the first calculation process exceeds a predetermined threshold, one of them is displayed as the option and the other is not displayed as the option.

4. The creation program according to claim 2, characterized in that the information acquisition process acquires first information relating to the resolution of the printer head.

5. The creation program according to claim 2, characterized in that the information acquisition process acquires information regarding the width of the medium set in the printer.

6. The aforementioned information acquisition process is: First information regarding the resolution of the printer head, Second information relating to the width of the medium set in the aforementioned printer and The creation program according to claim 2, characterized by obtaining

7. The creation program according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the first information further includes information regarding the deterioration of the head of the printer.

8. The aforementioned computer, The input image is read, and Based on the information about the printer obtained in the information acquisition process, a conversion process is performed to convert the data of the multiple patterns into intermediate data, A second calculation process calculates a second similarity score that indicates the degree of similarity between the intermediate data converted in the conversion process and the portion of the input image read in the reading process that corresponds to the intermediate data. Make it run, The aforementioned display process is: The creation program according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate data is displayed in descending order of the second similarity calculated in the second calculation process, as the aforementioned options.

9. The aforementioned information acquisition process is: First information regarding the resolution of the printer head, Second information relating to the width of the medium set in the aforementioned printer and Obtain, The aforementioned display process is: The creation program according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays the options corresponding to the pattern data extracted based on the first information and the second information obtained in the information acquisition process.

10. The aforementioned computer, The input image is read, and A third calculation process calculates a third similarity score that indicates the degree of similarity between the data of the pattern and the portion of the input image read in the reading process that corresponds to the pattern. Let's execute it further, The aforementioned display process is: The creation program according to claim 9, characterized in that it displays the options corresponding to the pattern data in order of the highest third similarity calculated in the third arithmetic process.

11. The storage unit stores the data of multiple patterns, grouped by their characteristics. For each of the aforementioned groups, extract the data for the aforementioned pattern. To the aforementioned computer, A fourth calculation process calculates a fourth similarity, which indicates the similarity to the input image on a group basis, based on the third similarity calculated in the third calculation process, A second display process that displays the groups in the order of the fourth similarity calculated in the fourth calculation process on the display unit. The creation program according to claim 10, characterized by further execution.

12. The storage unit stores the usage history of the data of the pattern. The second display process described above is: The creation program according to claim 11, characterized in that the data of the pattern displayed in the display unit is displayed in descending order of the usage history.

13. To the aforementioned computer, A second reception process that accepts a choice of whether to perform an extraction process to extract the aforementioned options, If the second reception process indicates that the extraction process should not be performed, then, regardless of the printer information, a fourth display process is performed to display the pattern data on the display unit without performing the extraction process. The creation program according to claim 1, characterized by further execution.

14. The creation program according to claim 9, characterized in that the information relating to the printer further includes information relating to the deterioration of the head of the printer.

15. To the aforementioned computer, Size adjustment process for adjusting the size of the object received in the first reception process. The creation program according to claim 1, characterized by further execution.

16. To the aforementioned computer, Position adjustment process for adjusting the position of the object received in the first reception process. The creation program according to claim 1, characterized by further execution.

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