Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique that can prevent the occurrence of an output result not intended by a user.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus has notification means that, based on the presence of a special color object and a non-special color object having color information matching color information for a special color of the special color object in a predetermined display area from editing performed by editing means, executes notification on a color related to at least one of the special color object and the non-special color object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for editing a printed image using ink that exhibits special colors such as fluorescent colors and metallic colors.

Background Art

[0002] When printing using special colors such as fluorescent colors, gold colors, and silver colors (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "special colors"), for a printing apparatus capable of printing using special color ink, special color RGB values indicating the special colors are set within the range of normal RGB values. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting such special color RGB values.

[0003] Image data output to such a printing apparatus is previously displayed on a display device for editing and confirmation of the printing result. At this time, since a general display device cannot display special colors, for a special color object printed with a special color, it is displayed using display RGB values for display. Here, if the special color RGB values are used as the display RGB values, the image displayed on the display device may give the user an impression different from the actual printing result. Therefore, as the display RGB values, for example, RGB values approximating the color at the time of printing are set.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is desired to suppress the occurrence of output results unintended by the user.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technology capable of suppressing the occurrence of output results unintended by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus including editing means capable of editing an object displayed in a predetermined display area, and changing the display in the predetermined display area based on the content of the editing by the editing means. The editing means , special printed using color ink -configured a characteristic object and , front printed using normal ink that is not the characteristic ink -configured a non-characteristic object, and is capable of editing. Based on the presence of the characteristic object and the non-characteristic object having color information matching the characteristic object information in the predetermined display area, the editing means has notification means for executing a notification regarding the color of at least one of the characteristic object and the non-characteristic object. color

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of output results unintended by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and not all combinations of the features described in the present embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. In addition, the relative positions, shapes, etc. of the configurations described in the embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

[0011] (First Embodiment) First, an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is connected to a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium, and can execute various edits such as changing (moving), enlarging / reducing, adding / deleting the arrangement position of an object with respect to the image printed by the printing apparatus. In the present embodiment, the case where the information processing apparatus is provided separately from the printing apparatus will be described, but each function of the information processing apparatus described below may be configured to be held by a control unit or the like of the printing apparatus.

[0012] <Configuration of the information processing apparatus> FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. The information processing apparatus 10 in FIG. 1 is configured by, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 12, a ROM 14, a RAM 16, and an external storage device 18. The CPU 12 controls the entire information processing apparatus 10, such as execution of programs and startup of hardware. The ROM 14 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 12, data tables, an embedded operating system (OS), and programs. In the present embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 14 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the OS stored in the ROM 14.

[0013] The RAM 16 is composed of, for example, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) that requires a backup power supply. Note that the data in the RAM 16 may be retained by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup. In this case, the RAM 16 can store data such as program control variables without volatility. Further, a memory area is provided in the RAM 16, and the setting information of the information processing apparatus 10 and the management data of the information processing apparatus 10 are stored in this memory area. The RAM 16 is also used as the main memory and the work memory of the CPU 12. The external storage device 18 stores various applications and content data handled by these applications.

[0014] The information processing apparatus 10 includes an input interface 20, and is connected to input devices such as a keyboard 22 and a pointing device 24 via this input interface 20. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 includes an output interface 26, and is connected to a display device 28 via this output interface 26. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 10 includes an input / output interface 30, and is connected to a peripheral device 32 which is a printing device that prints based on the image data output from the information processing apparatus 10 via this input / output interface 30. Note that the connected printing device is configured to be able to print using at least special ink (described later) based on the image data output from the information processing apparatus 10. With these configurations, the user can input commands and various types of information using input devices such as the keyboard 22 and the pointing device 24 while checking the content displayed on the display device 28.

[0015] The display device 28 which is the display area of the information processing apparatus 10 can use various known display devices such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Also, on the display device 28, various types of information are displayed and the state of the information processing apparatus 10 is notified. Note that a soft keyboard provided with various keys such as a numerical input key, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key may be installed on the display device 28 so as to receive input from the user via the display device 28. The display content on the display device 28 is controlled by the CPU 12.

[0016] <Printing System> Next, a printing system 200 composed of an information processing apparatus 10 and a peripheral device 32 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the printing system including the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. As described above, the peripheral device 32 is a printing device capable of printing using special inks. The special inks are inks that express special colors (hereinafter also referred to as "spot colors"), for example, inks whose colors expressed during printing cannot be displayed in the sRGB color space. That is, the printing device as the peripheral device 32 is configured to be capable of spot color printing, which is printing using spot color inks (i.e., special inks, hereinafter also referred to as "spot color inks") other than normal inks.

[0017] The "normal inks" are inks for performing process color printing, and are inks of colors such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) that are the basis of process color. Note that the process color is a color represented by one of CMYK or a combination of two or more of CMYK. In this embodiment, fluorescent pink ink and fluorescent orange ink are used as spot color inks. A spot color is a color different from the process color and cannot be expressed only by one of CMYK or a combination of two or more of CMYK. However, it is not limited to this form, and the number and colors of spot color inks can be arbitrary, and non-fluorescent color inks may be used. For example, violet ink, green ink, orange ink, gold ink, silver ink, etc. may be used as spot color inks. Also, other metallic color inks may be used. Furthermore, an ink in which a special ink and other inks (e.g., normal inks) are blended may also be treated as a special ink.

[0018] The information processing apparatus 10 includes, as software (programs), an OS 202, an application program (hereinafter referred to as "application") 204, and a printer driver 206. The application 204 is software for creating content to be printed. For example, it corresponds to an image editing application for creating poster data. In this printing system 200, the user designates, on the application 204, specific RGB data values, that is, spot color RGB values associated with spot colors, for the image data of characters and graphics for which spot color printing described later is to be performed. Then, when the application 204 receives a printing request from the user, it issues a printing instruction to the OS 202. When the OS 202 receives the printing instruction, it entrusts the subsequent printing-related processing to an OS printing system (not shown) provided in itself. Hereinafter, the description will be made on the assumption that the OS printing system cooperates with the printer driver 206 provided by the printer vendor.

[0019] When the OS printing system receives a display request for a printing setting screen from the application 204, it requests the printer driver 206 to display the printing setting screen, and the printer driver 206 displays the printing setting screen on the user interface unit 208. On the printing setting screen, it is possible to specify the size and type of the paper as the printing medium, and the spot color printing. When performing spot color printing, the user first selects the spot color to be used in the printing settings of the printer driver 206. Then, the user creates content on the application 204 and designates the spot color RGB values corresponding to the use of the spot color ink for the image data of characters and graphics for which the spot color ink is to be used.

[0020] The printer driver 206 provides an SDK (Software Development Kit) I / F 212. By using the SDK I / F 212, the application 204 can perform printing settings on the application 204 without opening the printing settings screen of the printer driver 206. Furthermore, the printer driver 206 can acquire information on the peripheral device 32 by the information acquisition unit 214. Based on the information acquired from the peripheral device 32, the printer driver 206 can display settings adapted to the functions of the peripheral device 32 on the user interface unit 208 or support them with the SDK I / F 212. Also, the printer driver 206 can display an area for accepting whether to set spot color printing, and switch whether to set spot color printing based on an operation on the corresponding area. Specifically, for example, the printer driver 206 can display a fluorescent pink spot color printing setting. The fluorescent pink spot color printing setting is an area for accepting a selection of whether to enable spot color printing (fluorescent pink spot color printing) for printing pixels having RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink in fluorescent pink. Note that when the fluorescent pink spot color printing is not enabled, pixels having RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink are printed in a color other than fluorescent pink. Therefore, the said area can also be said to be an area for accepting a setting regarding whether to print pixels having specific RGB values in fluorescent pink or in a color different from fluorescent pink. Also, for example, it can be said to be an area for accepting a setting of whether to print using spot color ink or to print using normal ink such as CMYK ink without using spot color ink.

[0021] When fluorescent pink spot color printing is set, if there are pixels with RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink among the pixels included in the print data generated by the printer driver 206, printing is performed with fluorescent pink spot color ink by the peripheral device 32. Also, when fluorescent pink spot color printing is not set, even if there are pixels with RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink among the pixels included in the print data generated by the printer driver 206, an image is formed by expressing the RGB values with process color inks such as CMYK. That is, at this time, the fluorescent pink spot color ink (color material) is not used. That is, by effectively setting the fluorescent pink spot color printing, pixels with RGB values corresponding to fluorescent pink are printed in the color printed using spot color. Note that, similar to the fluorescent pink spot color printing setting, other spot color printing settings may be displayed.

[0022] According to a print instruction from the application 204, the image data and print settings of the application 204 are passed to the graphics processing unit 210 of the printer driver 206 via the OS print system. The graphics processing unit 210 converts these data into a data format that can be interpreted by the peripheral device 32 and transmits it to the peripheral device 32 as a print job. Thereafter, ink is ejected from the print head of the peripheral device 32 onto the print medium fed to the peripheral device 32 to form an image. Here, when spot color printing is set, for the image data designated for printing with spot color, spot color ink is ejected onto the pixels designated with the spot color RGB values.

[0023] Here, an example of the peripheral device 32 that can perform printing with six predetermined colors using spot color ink when spot color printing is set in the printer driver 206 will be described. When spot color printing is set in the printer driver 206, among the image data, pixels having spot color RGB values corresponding to the set spot color are printed using spot color ink. Here, spot color RGB values are respectively assigned to six predetermined colors.

[0024] For the special RGB values, for example, let R = 255 (0xFF), G = 0 (0x00), and B = 255 (0xFF). Pixels with these RGB values are printed in the color of fluorescent pink, which is one of the spot colors, by using fluorescent pink ink. Also, as other special RGB values, for example, let R = 255 (0xFF), G = 85 (0x55), and B = 0 (0x00). Pixels with these RGB values are printed in the color of orange, which is one of the spot colors, by mixing and using fluorescent pink, magenta, and yellow inks. In this case, for example, if orange ink can be used as the spot color ink, printing may be performed in the color of orange by using only orange ink. That is, pixels with the special RGB values corresponding to the spot color only need to be printed by using at least the spot color ink, and they may or may not be mixed with the normal ink for printing.

[0025] Note that in spot color printing, pixels that are not pixels with the special RGB values corresponding to the spot color are printed by using only normal ink. Also, spot color printing is executed when spot color printing is enabled by a user operation. That is, when the spot color printing setting is not enabled, pixels with the special RGB values corresponding to the spot color are also printed by using only normal ink because the RGB values are referenced as usual.

[0026] Specifically, when the printer driver 206 enables the printing setting for the spot color of fluorescent pink and the RGB values of the pixels included in the image data to be transmitted are R = 255, G = 0, and B = 255, the peripheral device 32 can perform spot color printing of fluorescent pink. The same applies to other spot colors. That is, when the printer driver 206 enables the printing setting for each spot color and the RGB values of the pixels included in the image data to be transmitted are the characteristic RGB values corresponding to each spot color, the peripheral device 32 can perform the corresponding spot color printing. Note that if the image data does not include pixels having the characteristic RGB values corresponding to spot color printing even though the printer driver 206 enables the spot color printing setting, spot color printing is impossible. An error (warning) may be notified when spot color printing is impossible.

[0027] <Monitoring Process and Display Process> In the information processing apparatus 10 configured as described above, the application 204 is launched, and editing processes such as adding objects in the image data are performed. In the information processing apparatus 10, when the application 204 is launched, an editing screen for editing the image data is displayed on the display device 28, and the editing process is started. Note that the application 204 is functioned by the CPU 12. In the present embodiment, the CPU 12 functions as an editing unit capable of editing image data. Also, in the present embodiment, the application 204 can edit an image generated by overlapping a plurality of objects. Further, the application 204 can execute an editing process of adding (newly overlapping) or deleting an object, or changing the color, size, or position of the object based on an editing operation received from the user. When such an editing operation is performed, the edited objects are overlapped to generate a new single image. An object is, for example, an image, a figure, or text. Then, the application 204 manages whether each object edited by the application 204 is a featured object or a non-featured object based on the information associated with each object. A featured object is an object printed using at least spot color ink. A non-featured object is an object printed using only normal ink without using spot color ink. Also, the application 204 can edit whether each object is a non-featured object or a featured object based on an editing operation received from the user. Specifically, when the color of an object is specified / changed to be featured, the object is set to be a featured object. When the color of an object is specified / changed to be a normal color that is not featured, the object is set to be a non-featured object.

[0028] Also, while the editing process is being performed, the application 204 executes a monitoring process to monitor the presence of non - featured objects that have RGB values that match the RGB values for the featured objects printed in spot color. Also, in parallel with the editing process and the monitoring process, a display process for displaying a warning message is performed. This monitoring process and display process are executed in the application 204. Note that the image data edited by the editing process is stored in the external storage device 18 or the like and is output to the peripheral device 32 by the CPU 12 via the input / output interface 30 as appropriate and used.

[0029] Note that the image data to be edited may be created by the information processing apparatus 10 or may have been input from another device in advance. Also, in the image data to be edited, color information (RGB values) is set for each object and the background based on the colors expressed during printing. Then, on the editing screen, colors are assigned to and displayed for each object in the image data based on the set color information. Note that the display device 28 may not be able to represent spot colors. For this reason, for featured objects, in addition to the RGB values for the feature for output to the peripheral device 32, RGB values for display when displayed on the editing screen are set. That is, featured objects have two RGB values, namely, the RGB values for the feature and the RGB values for display. The RGB values for the feature and the RGB values for display may be the same value, but may be different values. If the RGB values for the feature and the RGB values for display are different values, there is a possibility of an output result unintended by the user. For this reason, the monitoring process and display process described below are performed.

[0030] In this way, on the editing screen, non-characteristic objects printed using normal ink are represented by RGB values corresponding to the colors that appear during printing, and characteristic objects are displayed using display RGB values. Therefore, the user can identify characteristic objects on the editing screen. The user will perform various edits on the image while checking the image displayed on the editing screen. After editing, the image data reflecting the content of the edit is stored in the external storage device 18 and output to the peripheral device 32. Since known techniques can be used for the setting of the characteristic RGB value and the display RGB value in the image data and various edits of the image data, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted in the following explanations.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing routine of the monitoring process. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a warning dialog, a frame portion, and a warning icon. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing routine of the display process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a warning message. A series of processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 5 are performed by the CPU 12 by expanding and executing the application 204 stored in the ROM 14 in the RAM 16. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIGS. 3 and 5 may be executed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electric circuit. Note that the symbol S in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart.

[0032] =Monitoring Process= When the application 204 is launched and an editing screen is displayed on the display device 28, the information processing apparatus 10 starts a monitoring process that monitors the addition of non-characteristic objects with RGB values that match the RGB values for characteristics of the characteristic objects and notifies a warning dialog. When the monitoring process is started, first, the CPU 12 determines whether any object has been edited on the editing screen based on input from input devices such as the keyboard 22 and the pointing device 24 (S302). Note that editing of an object includes not only changing the color, size, or position of an object already displayed on the editing screen, but also adding a new object to the editing screen.

[0033] In S302, if it is determined that no object has been edited, the CPU 12 determines whether the application 204 has ended (S304). If it is determined that it has not ended, the process returns to S302. Also, in S304, if it is determined that the application 204 has ended, this monitoring process ends. On the other hand, in S302, if it is determined that an object has been edited, the CPU 12 determines whether a characteristic object exists in the image (S306).

[0034] In S306, if it is determined that no characteristic object exists in the image, the process proceeds to S304. Also, in S306, if it is determined that a characteristic object exists in the image, the CPU 12 determines whether a non-characteristic object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for characteristics set for the characteristic object existing in the image exists (S308). Specifically, in S308, it is determined whether the RGB value of the added non-characteristic object matches the RGB value for characteristics set for the characteristic object existing in the image. Note that when there are multiple different characteristic objects, the RGB value for characteristics of each characteristic object is compared with the RGB value of the added non-characteristic object for determination.

[0035] In S308, if there is no non-feature object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the feature of the feature object, that is, if it is determined that the RGB value of the added non-feature object does not match the RGB value for the feature, the process proceeds to S304. Also, in S308, if there is a non-feature object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the feature of the feature object, that is, if it is determined that the RGB value of the added non-feature object matches the RGB value for the feature, a warning dialog 402 is displayed (S310). Here, on the editing screen, as described above, the feature object is shown with a display RGB value different from the RGB value for the feature. For this reason, if there is (i.e., an added) non-feature object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the feature, the user identifies the non-feature object shown with the RGB value for the feature as an object having an RGB value different from that of the feature object.

[0036] However, in the image data reflecting the editing on the editing screen, the RGB value for the feature will be set for the feature object shown with the display RGB value. Note that the image data reflecting the editing on the editing screen is the image data used for printing and is the image data generated by overlapping a plurality of objects on the editing screen. Also, the same RGB value for the feature is set for the non-feature object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the feature. For this reason, in the peripheral device 32 where the image data is output, printing will be performed using the feature ink not only for the originally intended feature object but also for the non-feature object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the feature. Such a printing result cannot be grasped by the user only from the color (RGB value) of each object on the editing screen. Also, such a printing result may differ from the printing result intended by the user.

[0037] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a non-feature object with an RGB value matching the RGB value for features is added by editing, a warning dialog 402 is displayed (see FIG. 4). Also, when a non-feature object with an RGB value matching the RGB value for features is generated due to the color change of any object by editing, the warning dialog 402 is displayed. The warning dialog 402 is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the vicinity of the non-feature object 414 with an RGB value matching the RGB value for features when the non-feature object 414 is added in the image where the feature object 412 exists. Note that the display position of the warning dialog 402 is not limited to this, and it may be displayed within the editing screen. Also, when the warning dialog 402 is displayed, the target feature object and non-feature object may be in a form that can be easily visually recognized (for example, highlighted display, blinking display).

[0038] In the warning dialog 402, a warning message indicating that the RGB value of the non-feature object matches the RGB value for features is displayed, and a notification 404 prompting the change of the RGB value of the non-feature object if it is not desired to print the non-feature object with feature ink is also displayed. Also, in the warning dialog 402, an "OK" selection button 406 for completing the notification by the warning dialog 402 is displayed.

[0039] When the warning dialog 402 is displayed, next, the CPU 12 determines whether the RGB value of the non-feature object with an RGB value matching the RGB value for features has been changed (S312). In S312, if it is determined that the RGB value of the non-feature object has been changed, the CPU 12 erases the warning dialog 402 (S314) and proceeds to S304. In S314, the CPU 12 also erases the frame portion 408 and the warning icon 410 together with the warning dialog 402. Also, in S312, if it is determined that the RGB value of the feature object has not been changed, the CPU 12 determines whether the "OK" selection button 406 has been selected (S316).

[0040] In S316, if it is determined that the "OK" selection button 406 has not been selected, the process returns to S312. Also, in S316, if it is determined that the "OK" selection button 406 has been selected, the CPU 12 changes the RGB value of the non-feature object that matches the feature RGB value to the display RGB value of the feature object for which the feature RGB value is set (S318). That is, in S318, the RGB value of the non-feature object that matches the feature RGB value is changed to an RGB value that matches the display RGB value of the feature object for which the feature RGB value is set. Therefore, on the editing screen, the added non-feature object will be displayed in the same color as the feature object. This is to make it easier for the user to visually recognize the non-feature object 414 that will be printed in a special way after closing the warning dialog 402.

[0041] Thereafter, the CPU 12 displays a frame portion 408 around the non-feature object whose display RGB value has been changed (S320), displays a warning icon 410 on the frame portion 408 (S322), and proceeds to S304. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame portion 408 has a rectangular shape that surrounds the non-feature object 414 with a thick line. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the warning icon 410 is located at the corner of the frame portion 408 and is displayed using a mark that can prompt the user to pay attention, such as an exclamation mark. Note that the shape and display method of the frame portion 408 are not limited to this, and any shape and display method may be used as long as it is easy for the user to visually recognize on the editing screen. Also, the arrangement position of the warning icon 410 is not limited to this, and it may be anywhere on the frame portion 408, or at a position outside the frame portion 408 as long as it is near the frame portion 408.

[0042] =Display Processing= When the warning icon 410 is displayed on the editing screen by the monitoring process, the information processing apparatus 10 starts the display process for displaying the warning message. When the display process is started, first, the CPU 12 determines whether the warning icon 410 has been moused over (S502). In S502, based on the movement of the pointing device 24 and the display on the display device 28, it is determined whether the mouse pointer is positioned on the warning icon 410.

[0043] In S502, when it is determined that the warning icon 410 has not been moused over, the CPU 12 determines whether the application 204 has ended (S504). In S504, when it is determined that the application 204 has not ended, the process returns to S502. Also, in S504, when it is determined that the application 204 has ended, this display process is terminated.

[0044] In S502, when it is determined that the warning icon 410 has been moused over, the CPU 12 displays the warning message 602 (S506). The warning message 602 notifies that the color (feature RGB value) set as a feature is specified in the non - featured object (see FIG. 6). After that, the CPU 12 determines whether the mouse - over of the warning icon 410 has been released (S508). In S508, when it is determined that the mouse - over of the warning icon 410 has not been released, the process returns to S508. Also, in S508, when it is determined that the mouse - over of the warning icon 410 has been released, the warning message 602 is erased (S510), and the process proceeds to S502. Thus, in this embodiment, the CPU 12 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user of a warning via the warning dialog 402 and the warning message 602.

[0045] As described above, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a characteristic object and a non-characteristic object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the characteristic of the characteristic object coexist in the edited image, a warning dialog 402 is displayed. In this warning dialog 402, a warning message indicating that there is a non-characteristic object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the characteristic, and a notification regarding the change of the RGB value of the non-characteristic object are made. In the present embodiment, as the notification regarding the above change, a notification for prompting the change of the color of the non-characteristic object, that is, the RGB value, is made. For this reason, in the edited image data, the intention of the user is appropriately reflected.

[0046] In addition, for the non-characteristic object whose display RGB value has been changed, its peripheral part is surrounded by a frame part 408, and a warning icon 410 is displayed on the frame part 408. Then, when the warning icon 410 is moused over, a warning is notified to the non-characteristic object that the color set for printing as a characteristic is set. As a result, the user can more appropriately recognize the non-characteristic object printed as a characteristic at the time of printing, and the intention of the user is more appropriately reflected in the printing result.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) Next, an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In the following description, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are used, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0048] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a warning dialog is displayed when a characteristic object having an RGB value for a characteristic set to match the RGB value of a non-characteristic object existing in the image occurs during image editing.

[0049] Hereinafter, the monitoring process executed by the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. Note that since the specific processing details of the display process to be executed in parallel with the monitoring process are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing routine of the monitoring process executed by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of display of a warning dialog on the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0050] When the monitoring process is started, first, the CPU 12 determines whether any object has been edited on the editing screen based on the input from input devices such as the keyboard 22 and the pointing device 24 (S702). If it is determined in S702 that the object has not been edited, the CPU 12 determines whether the application 204 has ended (S704). If it is determined that the application 204 has not ended, the process returns to S702. If it is determined in S704 that the application 204 has ended, this monitoring process is terminated.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined in S702 that the object has been edited, the CPU 12 determines whether there is a non-feature object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value set for the feature object existing in the image (S706). Specifically, in S706, it is determined whether there is a non-feature object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value of the added feature object.

[0052] In S706, if it is determined that there is no non - characteristic object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for characteristics set for the added characteristic object, the process proceeds to S704. Also, in S706, if it is determined that there is a non - characteristic object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for characteristics set for the added characteristic object, a warning dialog 402 is displayed (S708). The warning dialog 402 is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, near the non - characteristic object 814 when there is a non - characteristic object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for characteristics in the image where the characteristic object 812 is added. The display position of the warning dialog 402 may be anywhere within the editing screen. Also, when displaying the warning dialog 402, the target characteristic object and non - characteristic object may be displayed in an easily visible manner using known techniques.

[0053] When the warning dialog 402 is displayed, next, the CPU 12 determines whether the RGB value of the non - characteristic object that matches the RGB value for characteristics has been changed (S710). In S710, if it is determined that the RGB value of the non - characteristic object has been changed, the CPU 12 erases the warning dialog 402 (S712) and proceeds to S704. In S712, the CPU 12 also erases the frame portion 408 and the warning icon 410 together with the warning dialog 402. Also, in S710, if it is determined that the RGB value of the non - characteristic object has not been changed, it is determined whether the "OK" selection button 406 has been selected (S714).

[0054] In S714, when it is determined that the "OK" selection button 406 is not selected, the process returns to S710. Also, in S714, when it is determined that the "OK" selection button 406 has been selected, the CPU 12 changes the RGB value of a non-characteristic object that matches the RGB value for the characteristic to the display RGB value of the characteristic object for which the RGB value for the characteristic is set (S716). That is, in S716, the RGB value of the non-characteristic object that matches the RGB value for the characteristic is changed to an RGB value that matches the display RGB value of the characteristic object for which the RGB value for the characteristic is set. After that, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 12 displays a frame portion 408 around the non-characteristic object whose display RGB value has been changed (S718), displays a warning icon 410 on the frame portion 408 (S720), and proceeds to S704.

[0055] As described above, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, even when a characteristic object is added to an image including a non-characteristic object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the characteristic, the warning dialog 402 is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Thereby, not only when adding a non-characteristic object but also when adding a characteristic object, the same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved.

[0056] (Third Embodiment) Next, an information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. In the following description, for configurations that are the same as or corresponding to those of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are used, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0057] The third embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that when there are a characteristic object and a non-characteristic object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the characteristic in an image due to editing, a change confirmation dialog is displayed.

[0058] Next, the monitoring process executed by the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. Note that the specific processing content of the display process that will be executed in parallel with the monitoring process is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. In the following description, a case where a non-characteristic object having an RGB value that matches the RGB value for characteristics corresponding to the first embodiment is added will be described as an example. However, the form in which the change confirmation dialog is displayed is not limited to this. That is, when adding a characteristic object in which the RGB value for characteristics that matches the RGB value of the non-characteristic object corresponding to the second embodiment is set, the change confirmation dialog may be displayed.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing routine of the monitoring process executed by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the change confirmation dialog. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the change of the non-characteristic object when the "Yes" selection button is selected, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the change of the non-characteristic object when the "No" selection button is selected. In the description of the monitoring process using FIG. 9, for the same processes as those in the monitoring process of FIG. 3, the same step numbers as those used in the flowchart of the monitoring process of FIG. 3 will be used, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] When the monitoring process is started, first, at S302, it is determined whether or not any object has been edited on the editing screen based on the input from an input device such as the keyboard 22 or the pointing device 24. If it is determined in this determination that any object has not been edited, the process proceeds to S304, and it is determined whether or not the application 204 has ended. If it is determined at S304 that the application 204 has not ended, the process returns to S302. If it is determined that the application has ended, this monitoring process ends.

[0061] On the one hand, in S302, if it is determined that any object has been edited, the process proceeds to S306 to determine whether there is a characteristic object in the image. In this determination, if it is determined that there is no characteristic object in the image, the process proceeds to S304; if it is determined that there is a characteristic object in the image, the process proceeds to S308. In S308, it is determined whether there is a non-characteristic object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value set for the characteristic object existing in the image. In S308, if it is determined that the non-characteristic object does not exist, the process proceeds to S304. Also, in S308, if it is determined that the non-characteristic object exists, a change confirmation dialog 1002 is displayed (S902).

[0062] The change confirmation dialog 1002 is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, near the non-characteristic object 1014 when a non-characteristic object 1014 with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the characteristic object is added to the image where the characteristic object 1012 exists. Note that the display position of the change confirmation dialog 1002 may be anywhere as long as it is displayed within the editing screen. Also, when displaying the change confirmation dialog 1002, the target characteristic object and non-characteristic object may be displayed in an easily visible manner using known techniques.

[0063] A warning message 1004 indicating that there is a non-characteristic object with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the characteristic object existing in the image is displayed in the change confirmation dialog 1002. Also, a notification 1006 asking whether the color of the non-characteristic object specified in the warning message 1004 may be converted is displayed in the change confirmation dialog 1002. Furthermore, an "OK" selection button 1008 and a "Cancel" selection button 1010 are displayed as options associated with the notification 1006 in the change confirmation dialog 1002. In this embodiment, in the notification 1006, the user is asked whether to change the non-characteristic object to an approximate color with an RGB value that matches the RGB value for the characteristic object.

[0064] When the change confirmation dialog 1002 is displayed, next, the CPU 12 determines whether the "Yes" selection button 1008 has been selected (S904). In S904, if it is determined that the "Yes" selection button 1008 has not been selected, that is, the "No" selection button 1010 has been selected, the CPU 12 changes the RGB value of the non-characteristic object to the display RGB value as shown in FIG. 11(a) (S318). Thereafter, the CPU 12 displays a frame portion 408 around the non-characteristic object whose RGB value has been changed to the display RGB value (S320), displays a warning icon 410 on the frame portion 408 (S322), and proceeds to S304.

[0065] On the other hand, in S904, if it is determined that the "Yes" selection button 1008 has been selected, the CPU 12 changes the RGB value of the non-characteristic object that matches the characteristic RGB value to the RGB value that is its approximate color as shown in FIG. 11(b) (S906), and proceeds to S304. The RGB value that is the approximate color is the RGB value that is the closest among the RGB values whose color distance from the characteristic RGB value is greater than 96 in the RGB color space and whose absolute value of the difference from each value of RGB is equal, and is the color that is the closest to white among such RGB values. Note that white is (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255). Note that the RGB value that is the approximate color is not limited to the above-described RGB value, and may be a predetermined RGB value other than the above approximate color, or may be a configuration that can be appropriately changed.

[0066] As described above, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a characteristic object and a non-characteristic object having an RGB value that matches the characteristic RGB value of the characteristic object coexist, the change confirmation dialog 1002 is displayed. In this change confirmation dialog, a warning message indicating that there is a non-characteristic object having an RGB value that matches the characteristic RGB value, and a notification regarding the change of the RGB value of the non-characteristic object are made. In the present embodiment, as the notification regarding the above change, a notification asking whether to change the color of the non-characteristic object, that is, to an RGB value approximating the RGB value, is made. Then, when the "Yes" selection button 1008, which is an option associated with the notification regarding the change, is selected, the RGB value of the non-characteristic object is changed to the RGB value of the approximated color. Further, when the "No" selection button 1010, which is the above option, is selected, the RGB value of the non-characteristic object is changed to the display RGB value. When the RGB value is changed to the display RGB value, the frame portion 408 and the warning icon 410 are displayed on the non-characteristic object. As a result, in addition to the effects in the first embodiment, the work of the user to change the color of the non-characteristic object is omitted, and the workability is improved. Further, the object is displayed in a color close to the color set by the user, and an image reflecting the intention of the user can be displayed.

[0067] (Other embodiments) Note that the above embodiment may be modified as shown in the following (1) to (7).

[0068] (1) In the above embodiment, when a characteristic object or a non-characteristic object is added, the warning dialog 402 and the change confirmation dialog 1002 are displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when a characteristic object or a non-characteristic object located behind the edited object is displayed due to other editing processes such as enlargement, reduction, deletion, and movement of the object, the above-described dialog may be displayed.

[0069] (2) In the above embodiment, in the display process, when the warning icon 410 is moused over, the warning message 602 is displayed. However, the process for displaying the warning message 602 is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, the warning message 602 may be displayed by clicking, that is, selecting the warning icon 410. For the process of displaying the warning message 602, various known techniques using the warning icon 410 can be used.

[0070] (3) In the above embodiment, for the non-characteristic object whose display RGB value is changed, a frame portion 408 is provided at its peripheral portion, and the warning icon 410 is provided on the frame portion 408. However, it is not limited to this. That is, for the non-characteristic object whose display RGB value is changed, at least one of the frame portion 408 and the warning icon 410 may be provided. Specifically, only the frame portion 408 may be provided, or only the warning icon 410 may be provided. When only the warning icon 410 is provided, for example, the warning icon 410 may be provided on the non-characteristic object. Also, when only the frame portion 408 is provided, the warning message 602 may be displayed when the frame portion 408 is moused over.

[0071] (4) In the above embodiment, the characteristic RGB value is set for the characteristic object together with the display RGB value. However, it is not limited to this. That is, the characteristic color information described as the characteristic RGB value in the above embodiment may be values in various known color spaces. In this case as well, the display color information is the RGB value. Also, in the above embodiment, in the warning dialog, a warning that there is a non-characteristic object with an RGB value that matches the characteristic RGB value and a notification regarding the change of the RGB value of the non-characteristic object are made. However, it is not limited to this. In the warning dialog, either the above warning or the above notification may be notified.

[0072] (5) In the above embodiment, when the "OK" selection button or the "No" selection button is selected in the warning dialog, the RGB value of the non-characteristic object that matches the RGB value for the characteristic is changed to the display RGB value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the RGB value after the change, any RGB value may be used as long as it is different from the RGB value for the characteristic, but a color that is not used in other objects is preferable. In this case, the RGB value after the change is preset.

[0073] (6) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above embodiment to a system or device via a network or a printing medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0074] (7) The above embodiment and the various forms shown in the above (1) and (6) may be combined as appropriate.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 10 Information processing apparatus 12 CPU 28 Display device

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising editing means for editing an object displayed in a predetermined display area, and changing the display in the predetermined display area based on the content of the editing by the editing means, wherein the editing means, a characteristic object set to be printed using characteristic ink, and a non-characteristic object set to be printed using normal ink other than the characteristic ink, can be edited, and notification means for executing a notification regarding the color of at least one of the characteristic object and the non-characteristic object based on the presence of the characteristic object and the non-characteristic object having color information matching the color information of the characteristic object in the predetermined display area as a result of the editing by the editing means. The information processing apparatus is characterized by this.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification is at least one of a notification indicating the presence of the non-characteristic object having color information matching the color information of the characteristic object and a notification regarding the change of the color information of the non-characteristic object.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification is a notification prompting a change in the color information of the non-characteristic object.

4. The notification includes the display of a button for completing the notification, and the editing means changes the non-characteristic object to preset color information when the button is selected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 is characterized by this.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification is a notification asking whether to change the color information of the non-characteristic object to specific color information.

6. The notification means further notifies options corresponding to a notification asking whether to change the color information of the non-characteristic object to the specific color information, and the editing means changes the color information of the non-characteristic object to the specific color information or to preset color information of the non-characteristic object according to the selection of the option. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized by this.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the specific color information is color information approximating the color information of the characteristic object.

8. The color information is an RGB value, and The color information approximating the color information of the characteristic object is the RGB value that is the closest among the RGB values with a color distance from the color information of the characteristic object greater than 96 in the RGB color space, and the absolute values of the differences from each value of the RGB value are equal, and is the one closest to white among these RGB values. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 6, wherein display color information for display in the predetermined display area is further set in the characteristic object.

10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4, 6 to 9, wherein the editing means provides a frame portion surrounding the non-characteristic object changed to the set color information and a warning icon.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the notification means notifies a message indicating that the color information of the non-characteristic object matches the color information of the characteristic object in response to processing on the warning icon.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing on the warning icon is a mouse over.

13. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising output means for outputting image data in which the content of the editing is reflected to a printing apparatus capable of printing using at least characteristic ink based on the image data.

14. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the editing by the editing means includes at least one of changing the position of an object, changing the size of an object, adding an object, changing the color of an object, and deleting an object.

15. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the characteristic ink is an ink having a color different from process colors.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the characteristic ink includes an ink that exhibits at least one of a fluorescent color, a gold color, and a silver color.

17. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the normal ink is at least one of cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink.

18. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the color information is an RGB value.

19. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of editing an object displayed in a predetermined display area, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a characteristic object set to be printed using characteristic ink, and a non-characteristic object set to be printed using normal ink other than the characteristic ink, both of which are editable, and a notification step of executing a notification regarding the color of at least one of the characteristic object and the non-characteristic object based on the presence of the characteristic object and the non-characteristic object having color information matching the color information of the characteristic object in the predetermined display area by editing. The information processing method is characterized by this.

20. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 18.

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