Program, Recording Medium, Control Method, and Information Processing Apparatus

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that restricts copying of a print printed on the basis of print data generated by a general purpose program that can be used for printing in printers from a plurality of manufacturers in common.SOLUTION: An extended application (program) 204 is a program that can extend functions of general purpose printing software 202 that can be used for printing in printers 102 from a plurality of manufacturers in common. The extended application has an execution process of causing the printers 102 to execute image data generation processing of generating image data of a pattern image that is applied to a print printed on the basis of print data generated by the general purpose printing software 202 and that emerges when the print is copied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a recording medium, a control method, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A printing device for performing printing is communicably connected to a host computer (information processing apparatus) capable of processing information with the printing device. As control software for controlling the printing device, for example, a printer driver installed from the printing device to the host computer is used. With this printer driver, a printing instruction can be given from the host computer to the printing device. An operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS"), which is basic software, is pre-installed on the host computer. The printer driver has a configuration that conforms to the specifications defined by the OS and can be called and operated by the OS. Further, such a printer driver is different for each vendor that supplies the printing device, that is, a printer driver specific to a model suitable for each printing device.

[0003] In recent years, Windows (registered trademark) provides standard class drivers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "standard drivers") that can be commonly used even for printing devices supplied by different vendors. Such standard drivers are pre-installed in the operating system. Then, by connecting an arbitrary printing device to a host computer having an operating system with the standard driver installed, the standard driver can be used. Thereby, it is possible to omit the installation of the printer driver specific to the model. Also, the standard driver can be used by specifying the printing function in the printing device according to the Print Device Capabilities (hereinafter referred to as "PDC") generated based on the information acquired from the printing device. Thereby, with one standard driver, the printing function can be specified for each printing device. A function extension application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "extension application") for extending the function can be associated with the standard driver. The extension application is provided by each vendor.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a support program for extending the printing function in a printer communicably connected to an information processing device. This support program can be extended to execute a synthesis process of synthesizing a specific object with an image to be printed when a print instruction is given to a general-purpose printing program pre-installed in the operating system of the information processing device. This synthesis process is a function not installed in the general-purpose printing program but can be executed by the support program. Also, when the printed matter (output) output from the printer is, for example, an important document, a mark such as a watermark indicating that it is an important document can be synthesized and printed on the printed matter by the synthesis process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, even if a watermark is printed on a printed matter, it is impossible to restrict the copying of the printed matter.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. The present invention provides a mechanism that enables a user to easily adjust the density of a background pattern image that appears when a printed matter printed based on print data generated by a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers is copied. The latent image part of the background pattern image And the density of the background part of the ground pattern image by sample printing And the screen displayed based on the capability information regarding the ground pattern information acquired in accordance with the Internet Printing Protocol for the purpose of providing a mechanism that enables a user to easily adjust the density of a background pattern image that appears when a printed matter printed based on print data generated by a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers is copied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, a program of the present invention is a program that supports a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers, and includes an execution step of causing a printing apparatus to print a sample print including a plurality of sample images in which a background pattern image that appears when a printed matter printed based on the image data generated by the general-purpose program is copied is printed at a plurality of densities, Via the screen displayed based on the capability information regarding the ground pattern information acquired in accordance with the Internet Printing Protocol from the user Of the latent image part of the ground pattern image density And the density of the background part of the ground pattern image and Each a reception step of receiving the density, a generation step of generating print data using the image data generated by the general-purpose program and the density received in the reception step, and a transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus, and causing a computer to execute the steps. The density of the latent image part of the ground pattern image and that of the background part of the ground pattern image density received in the reception step, and a transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus, and causing a computer to execute the steps.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a background pattern image that appears when a printed matter printed based on print data generated by a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers is copiedThe latent image part Concentration And the density of the background part of the ground pattern image can be easily adjusted by the user through sample printing And the screen displayed based on the capability information regarding the ground pattern information acquired in accordance with the Internet Printing Protocol .

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can exhibit the same function. Also, any component may be added. Further, any combination of two or more configurations (features) among the embodiments can also be made.

[0012] <<First Embodiment>> Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0013] <Hardware Configuration of the Printing System> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1000 includes a host computer 101, a printing device 102, a pointing device 117, a keyboard 118, and a display unit 119, which are communicably connected to each other. The host computer 101 is an information processing device and includes an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an external storage device (recording medium) 114, an output interface 115, an input / output interface 116, and a NETIF 120. Note that, as the host computer 101, for example, a desktop personal computer can be used, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like can also be used.

[0014] The CPU 111 executes programs and the like stored in the ROM 112 and the external storage device 114. The initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. The external storage device 114 stores an application program group, an operating system (OS), print data generation software, and various other data. In this embodiment, as the OS, Microsoft (registered trademark)'s Windows (registered trademark) 11 is installed in the host computer 101. The RAM 113 is used as a work memory or the like when executing various programs stored in the external storage device 114, and various programs can operate within the host computer 101. The input devices, namely, the pointing device 117 and the keyboard 118, are connected to the input interface 110. The display unit 119, which is a display device, is connected to the output interface 115. For example, the print setting screen and the detailed setting screen described later are displayed on the display unit 119. The NETIF 120 is a network interface and controls data transfer with external devices via the network. The printing device 102 is connected to the input / output interface 116. As a result, the host computer 101 can communicate with printing devices 102 of multiple manufacturers regardless of the manufacturer of the printing device 102, that is, it can process information with printing devices 102 of multiple manufacturers.

[0015] As the printing device 102, for example, a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of functions such as copying, printing, and faxing can be used, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the printing performed by the printing device 102 is electrophotographic printing in this embodiment, but it is not limited thereto, and for example, it can be inkjet printing or the like. In this embodiment, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 are configured as separate devices from each other, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 may be configured as an integrated device.

[0016] <Configuration of a Print System Centered on Software> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the printing system. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing a general configuration when the extended application (program) 204 is not associated with the general-purpose printing software (general-purpose program) 202 and the printing apparatus 102. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing a configuration when the extended application 204 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing apparatus 102. The general-purpose printing software 202 is a program that can be commonly used at the time of printing for printing apparatuses 102 of a plurality of manufacturers and is pre-installed in the OS. As this general-purpose printing software 202, a program that operates based on the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is used. The extended application 204 is an extended program (a program that executes a control method) capable of extending the functions of the general-purpose printing software 202 and may also be called "printing software". The extended application 204 is stored, for example, in the external storage device 114 together with the OS (general-purpose printing software 202). As a result, the host computer 101 has the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extended application 204.

[0017] <When the extended application is not associated> Referring to FIG. 2(a), a case where the extended application 204 is not associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing apparatus 102 will be described. The drawing application 201 is software for creating content (print data) to be printed by the printing apparatus 102. The drawing application 201 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a document creation application and a spreadsheet application. The drawing application 201 issues a print instruction to the OS by receiving a print request from a user via, for example, the keyboard 118. The print instruction includes print setting information for instructing the operations of the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing apparatus 102. The print setting information is also referred to as a "Print Ticket (PT)". Further, the drawing application 201 can cause the display unit 119 to display a print setting screen 300A (see FIG. 3(a)) provided by any one of the general-purpose printing software 202, the OS, and the drawing application 201 in order to output the print setting information. Further, when a control 305 in the print setting screen 300A is operated (pressed), the general-purpose printing software 202 can cause the display unit 119 to display a detailed setting screen 300B (see FIG. 3(b)) or a detailed setting screen 300C (see FIG. 3(c)). The print setting screens 300A to 300C will be described later. The print setting screen 300A includes setting items indicating printable functions and control items indicating the setting values thereof in accordance with the capability information acquired from the general-purpose printing software 202, that is, information that can be set as print settings. The capability information is information regarding the capabilities of the printing apparatus 102 to perform printing, and is also referred to as Print Capabilities (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PC"). Further, based on this capability information, it is also possible to determine whether or not the printing apparatus 102 can execute the background pattern image data generation process (determination step). The "background pattern image data generation process" is a process for generating image data of a background pattern image that appears when copied.

[0018] The general-purpose printing software 202 determines a PC based on the printing function information 203. The printing function information 203 is data indicating printing functions that can be set, their set values, exclusive relationships between the set values, and other printing functions described. The printing function information 203 is also called PDC (Print Device Capabilities). The printing function information 203 is included in the configuration file of the general-purpose printing software 202 and is arranged in the external storage device 114 as a file that cannot be changed. Or the printing function information 203 is dynamically generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. Specifically, the general-purpose printing software 202 acquires the attribute data of the printing device 102 from the printing device 102. The general-purpose printing software 202 generates the printing function information 203 according to the attribute information in this attribute data. When the printing function information 203 is dynamically generated in this way, the printing function information 203 can be edited. Also, the attribute data of the printing device 102 is a response obtained by issuing the IPP "Get-Printer-Attributes" operation to the printing device 102. The response includes functions that can be specified by the printing device 102, that is, attribute information indicating the capabilities of the printing device 102 and set values related to the attribute information. Also, the response is stored in the RAM 113.

[0019] With such a configuration, the general-purpose printing software 202 allows the user to specify the printing functions available on the printing device 102 according to the printing device 102 connected to the general-purpose printing software 202. As a result, regardless of the printing device 102 connected to the general-purpose printing software 202, that is, even when printing devices with different functions or printing devices developed by different printer manufacturers are connected, it is possible to specify the printing functions available on the printing device. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the general-purpose printing software 202 is configured to use the "IPP Class Driver" installed in Windows (registered trademark) 11. The "IPP Class Driver" is a printer driver that executes printing processing according to the specifications of a standard printing protocol called IPP and is included in the OS package. The "IPP ClassDriver" is not a specific printer driver according to the model of the printing device 102, but a standard class driver that can be commonly used on the printing devices 102 of each printer manufacturer regardless of the printer manufacturer. Also, the "IPP Class Driver" acquires the capability information of the printing device 102 and generates printing function information 203 based on the information. In addition, an extension application 204 can be associated with the general-purpose printing software 202. Thereby, functions not available in the general-purpose printing software 202 can be executed by the general-purpose printing software 202. The IPP ClassDriver (general-purpose printing software 202) cannot execute the ground pattern image data generation process (image data generation process) for generating the image data of the ground pattern image, that is, it does not support the execution of the ground pattern image data generation process. This is because the ground pattern image data generation process is a function that is independently executed by the printing device 102 manufactured by the printer manufacturer. The extension application 204 can be extended to enable the execution of the ground pattern image data generation process that the IPP ClassDriver cannot execute. In this embodiment, the IPP ClassDriver cannot execute the ground pattern image data generation process, and the extension application 204 can be extended to enable the execution of the ground pattern image data generation process, but it is not limited to this.For example, the IPP ClassDriver can execute a part of the ground pattern image data generation process, and the extended application 204 can supplement the shortage of the ground pattern image data generation process and further expand the execution range.

[0020] <Ground pattern function> Here, the ground pattern function will be described. A "ground pattern image" (sometimes simply referred to as a "ground pattern") is an image that appears when copied, that is, an image in which what was hidden appears on the surface. In this embodiment, it has a background part that disappears after copying and a latent image part that remains after copying. The latent image part is composed of relatively large dots, and the background part is composed of dots smaller than those of the latent image part. And each region of the latent image part and the background part can be added to the original document so as to have the same density. Here, even if the characters "Copy prohibited" are drawn with the large dots of the latent image part, the output printed and output by the printing device 102 has the same density as the small dots of the background part and the characters "Copy prohibited" cannot be read. And when this output is copied, due to the influence of the dot reproduction limit of the copier, the underlay skipping process, etc., in the copy, the background part composed of small dots disappears and only the latent image part of large dots remains. As a result, only the characters "Copy prohibited" appear on the copy. The "ground pattern function" is a function to suppress unauthorized copying.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a background pattern image. FIG. 9(a) shows a sample image 1301 of the background pattern image. FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 9(a). As shown in FIG. 9(b), the sample image 1301 has a latent image portion 1304 that constitutes the character "COPY" and a background portion 1305 that serves as the background of the character "COPY". The latent image portion 1304 is composed of a plurality of large dots 1302 having a relatively large size. The background portion 1305 is composed of a plurality of small dots 1303 that are smaller than the large dots 1302. Both the large dots 1302 and the small dots 1303 are provided as isolated full dots (8-bit data out of 8 bits). When adjusting the density of the latent image portion 1304, the size of the large dots 1302 is changed. For example, when adjusting the density of the latent image portion 1304 to be higher, the size of the large dots 1302 is enlarged, that is, made larger. Conversely, when adjusting the density of the latent image portion 1304 to be lower, the size of the large dots 1302 is reduced, that is, made smaller. In the present embodiment, when adjusting the density of the latent image portion 1304, for example, in a unit of 10×10 pixels, one large dot 1302 can be changed in size from 0 to 36 (a square of 6 pixels×6 pixels). When adjusting the density of the background portion 1305, the number of small dots 1303 is changed. For example, when adjusting the density of the small dots 1303 to be higher, the number of small dots 1303 per unit area is increased, that is, made more. Conversely, when adjusting the density of the small dots 1303 to be lower, the number of small dots 1303 per unit area is decreased, that is, made less. In addition, in adjusting the density of the background portion 1305, for example, in a unit of 16×16 pixels, it is preferable to arrange 0 to 64 small dots 1303 of 1 pixel×2 pixels so as to prevent them from touching each other. Also, "0" in FIG. 9(a) is a fine adjustment value of the density of the background portion (see FIGS. 12(c) and 12(d)).

[0022] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an image data generation process for generating image data of a background pattern image. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed, for example, by the CPU 111 of the host computer 101 or the CPU of the printing apparatus 102. Here, the CPU 111 of the host computer 101 and the CPU of the printing apparatus 102 are simply referred to as the "CPU". FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a latent image portion and a background portion. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1401, the CPU rasterizes the font of the character string included in the background pattern image. For example, the "C" in "COPY" is generated as the image 1501 shown in FIG. 11(a).

[0023] In step S1402, the CPU generates a pattern of the latent image portion. In this generation, for example, data with full dots of 3×3 = 9 pixels added on a white background of 10×10 units is generated. Then, by arranging this pattern repeatedly, the pattern of the image 1502 shown in FIG. 11(b) is generated.

[0024] In step S1403, the CPU synthesizes the image 1501 generated in step S1401 and the image 1502 generated in step S1402. By this synthesis, the image 1503 shown in FIG. 11(c) is generated. In the image 1503, for example, the "C" is generated as large dots.

[0025] In step S1404, the CPU rasterizes the font of the character string included in the background pattern image. For example, the "C" in "COPY" is generated as the image 1504 shown in FIG. 11(d). Note that in step S1404, the "C" may be made even bolder. Thereby, a gap is formed between the latent image portion and the background portion.

[0026] In step S1405, the CPU generates the pattern of the background part. In this generation, for example, data is generated in which ten sets of 1-pixel × 2-pixel full dot blocks are dispersed and arranged on a white background of 16×16 units. Then, by repeating and arranging this pattern, the pattern of the image 1505 shown in FIG. 11(e) is generated.

[0027] In step S1406, the CPU synthesizes the image 1504 generated in step S1404 and the image 1505 generated in step S1405. By this synthesis, the image 1506 shown in FIG. 11(f) is generated. In the image 1506, for example, only "C" becomes a white background, and the rest is generated as a background part with small dots.

[0028] In step S1407, the CPU synthesizes the image 1503 generated in step S1403 and the image 1506 generated in step S1406. By this synthesis, the image 1507 shown in FIG. 11(g) is generated as the image data of the background pattern image.

[0029] <Density adjustment for obtaining the effect of the background pattern image> The calibration function of the background pattern image will be described. By performing the calibration function, the effect of the background pattern image is enhanced. As described above, the background pattern image obtains an effect by outputting large dots and small dots at respective constant densities. However, small dots may not be output at a constant density depending on, for example, the printing performance of a copying machine (printer) or the quality of the paper medium on which the background pattern image is printed. Also, when outputting the background pattern image, it is necessary to perform density adjustment to output the latent image part and the background part at the same density. Therefore, in the calibration function of the background pattern image, a sample for density adjustment can be printed, and the densities of the latent image part and the background part that are considered optimal can be reset from the output product. The details of the calibration function of the background pattern will be described later.

[0030] Returning to the description with reference to FIG. 2(a), the OS generates intermediate data (sometimes referred to as "input data") based on the print instruction output from the drawing application 201 and transmits it to the general-purpose printing software 202. The data output by the drawing application 201 for printing is not particularly limited, and for example, data in the XML Paper Specification format (XPS format) is preferably used. Also, the data output by the drawing application 201 for printing may be data in the Graphic Device Interface format (GDI format). When using the IPP Class Driver as the general-purpose printing software 202, if the data output by the drawing application 201 is GDI format data, the OS converts the GDI format data into XPS format data. Then, the OS transmits this converted XPS format data as intermediate data to the general-purpose printing software 202. Also, if the data output by the drawing application 201 is XPS format data, the OS transmits the XPS format data as intermediate data to the general-purpose printing software 202. Note that the intermediate data includes drawing data, which is information such as characters and graphics formed on the print medium, and print setting information set by the user.

[0031] The general-purpose printing software 202 converts the intermediate data into print data (image data) that can be processed by the printing device 102, that is, printable (conversion step), and transmits it to the printing device 102. Here, the "print data" in this embodiment is Page Description Language (PDL) data compliant with IPP. The PDL data is, for example, data in the PDF (Portable Document Format) or PWG-Raster format. Note that the print data includes drawing data, which is information such as characters and graphics formed on the print medium, and print setting attribute information that is generated based on the print setting information set by the user and specifies the print settings. The print setting attribute information includes attributes that can be specified by the printing device 102, that is, attribute information indicating the capabilities of the printing device 102, and setting values related to the attribute information.

[0032] The printing device 102 performs printing on a printing medium based on the print data sent from the general-purpose printing software 202. At this time, the printing device 102 can form the drawing data included in the print data on the printing medium by performing operations according to the print setting attribute information included in the print data. The print setting attribute information includes, for example, print quality such as quality priority or speed priority, attribute information for specifying double-sided printing or single-sided printing, etc., and the setting values of the attribute information. For example, when the print setting attribute information includes attribute information specifying double-sided printing, the printing device 102 can execute double-sided printing.

[0033] <When an extended application is associated> Referring to FIG. 2(b), a case where the extended application 204 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing apparatus 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2(b), unlike FIG. 2(a), the extended application 204 is added. That is, the host computer 101 has the drawing application 201, the general-purpose printing software 202, the printing function information 203, and further has the extended application 204. The extended application 204 is software for extending the functions of the general-purpose printing software 202. Note that the extended application 204 is not pre-included (not bundled) in the OS. Therefore, the extended application 204 is downloaded from a server (not shown) via the Internet and installed in the host computer 101 when the user operates the host computer 101. Alternatively, the extended application 204 may be automatically installed in the host computer 101 based on this connection when the printing apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the printing apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the printing apparatus 102. The OS may download and install the extended application 204 corresponding to this device identification information from a server via the Internet. As a result, the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extended application 204 are held in the host computer 101 as separate control programs. Note that the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extended application 204 may be updated and upgraded respectively. In this case, the general-purpose printing software 202 update process and the extended application 204 update process may be performed at the same timing or at different timings. Also, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose printing software 202 and the trigger for acquiring the extended application 204 may be the same trigger or different triggers.Also, when the extended application 204 is installed, the OS associates the extended application 204 with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the extended application 204 can exchange information (send and receive information) with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102, respectively. That is, the extended application 204 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. In this embodiment, the extended application 204 includes a print setting screen extension unit 205, a print function extension unit 206, an intermediate data editing unit 207, and a notification unit 209. Further, the extended application 204 has shared information 208 that can be accessed from each of the units of the print setting screen extension unit 205, the print function extension unit 206, the intermediate data editing unit 207, and the notification unit 209. The shared information 208 is a file stored in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extended application 204 can write to and read from the shared information 208 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0035] Note that the extended application 204 may end its operation as a whole when the processing of each unit from the print setting screen extension unit 205 to the notification unit 209 is completed. In this case, the OS will start the extended application 204 each time it receives a processing execution request for each unit. Also, the OS may end the operation of the extended application 204 as a whole when the processing of, for example, the print setting screen extension unit 205 is completed. Further, the extended application 204 may cancel the processing during the processing of each unit from the print setting screen extension unit 205 to the notification unit 209. In this case, the jobs being processed on the print queue are deleted by the OS. As described above, the drawing application 201 issues a print instruction to the OS by receiving a print request from the user. Also, the drawing application 201 can display the print setting screen. In the configuration shown in Fig. 2(b), the drawing application 201 can display the print setting screen 300A (detailed setting screen 300C) provided by the print setting screen extension unit 205 (extended application 204). Also, the print setting screen extension unit 205 can save the detailed settings set by the user in the shared information 208. Details of the print setting screen extension unit 205 will be described later.

[0036] The intermediate data editing unit 207 acquires intermediate data from the general-purpose printing software 202. Then, after converting the intermediate data into print data, the intermediate data editing unit 207 transmits the print data to the printing apparatus 102. Also, the intermediate data editing unit 207 acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 208 and adds detailed settings to the print data. The printing apparatus 102 performs printing on paper based on the print data from the intermediate data editing unit 207. Note that the extended application 204 may be configured to acquire the print data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 and add detailed settings to the print data. Also, even in the case of the configuration of FIG. 2(b), there may be cases where shading and shading calibration are not performed. In this case, the general-purpose printing software 202 may transmit the print data to the printing apparatus 102 without going through the extended application 204.

[0037] The printing function extension unit 206 can edit the printing function information 203 (PDC) generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS. Thereby, it is possible to add functions provided by the extended application 204. Also, it is possible to add functions (such as shading and shading calibration functions) that are executable by the printing apparatus 102 but not executable by the general-purpose printing software 202, and to add exclusive relationships between setting values of printing functions. The OS activates the printing function extension unit 206 when the extended application 204 is first associated with the printing apparatus 102 and the general-purpose printing software 202. Also, the OS may activate the printing function extension unit 206 at other timings (for example, at the time of OS startup, etc.). By such activation, even when functions related to printing are extended later, the printing function extension unit 206 can detect the extended functions and add them to the printing function information 203. Examples of functions related to printing being extended later include adding an option device (for example, a finisher, etc.) to the printing apparatus 102 later.

[0038] The notification unit 209 can notify when an error occurs in the printing device 102. For example, when a paperless error occurs in the printing device 102, the general-purpose printing software 202 detects the occurrence of this error. The OS causes the display unit 119 to display, as a message, the occurrence of a paperless error, which is the detection result by the general-purpose printing software 202, by means of a notification function called toast notification, which is one of the functions of the OS. When the user operates the toast notification, the notification unit 209 is called by the OS, and the user interface screen of the notification unit 209 is displayed. On the user interface screen (UI screen), for example, detailed messages regarding a paperless error, a method of loading paper, etc. can be displayed.

[0039] As described above, in this embodiment, it can be said that the extended application 204 has the following four functions. The first function is the function of displaying a setting screen. This function is executed by the print setting screen extension unit 205. The second function is the function of editing intermediate data, converting it into print data, and adding detailed settings to the print data. This function is executed by the intermediate data editing unit 207. The third function is the function of extending functions that can be specified by the print data generation software. This function is executed by the print function extension unit 206. The fourth function is the function of displaying a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the printing device 102. This function is executed by the notification unit 209. Note that the configuration of the extended application 204 is not limited to a configuration having these four functions, and preferably has a configuration having at least one function, and may further have a configuration having other functions. Also, once the print data is transmitted to the printing device 102, the extended application 204 cannot display a screen such as a guide associated with the print data during the processing of each unit.

[0040] <An example of the print setting screen / detailed setting screen> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the printing system. FIG. 3(a) is a print setting screen displayed by the drawing application 201. FIG. 3(b) is a detailed setting screen displayed in the case of a configuration in which the extended application 204 is not associated. FIG. 3(c) is a detailed setting screen displayed in the case of a configuration in which the extended application 204 is associated. FIG. 3(d) is a moire calibration screen displayed when the control 314 of the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) is operated. FIG. 3(e) is a latent image portion density adjustment screen displayed when the control 318 of the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) is operated. FIG. 3(f) is a reference value setting screen displayed when the control 319 of the moire calibration screen 300D shown in FIG. 3(d) is operated. Note that the unit or module that displays each screen is not particularly limited. For example, the print setting screen extension unit 205 may be configured to only generate a display screen. In that case, the print setting screen extension unit 205 transmits the generated display screen to the drawing application 201 via the general-purpose printing software 202. The drawing application 201 may be configured to display the acquired display screen.

[0041] The printing settings screen 300A shown in Fig. 3(a) includes controls (buttons) 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305. With control 301, the printing device 102 to be used for printing, the printing orientation on the printing device 102, and the number of copies to be printed on the printing device 102 can be set. In Fig. 3(a), as an example, the printing device 102 to be used for printing is set to "Printer 200a", the printing orientation on the printing device 102 is set to "vertical", and the number of copies to be printed on the printing device 102 is set to "1". With control 302, a preview screen is displayed. With control 303, the start of printing on the printing device 102 can be instructed. With control 304, the cancellation of printing on the printing device 102 can be instructed. With control 305, detailed settings can be made. By operating control 305, an additional printing screen is displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the printing settings screen extension unit 205.

[0042] The detailed settings screen 300B shown in Fig. 3(b) includes controls 306, 307, 308, and 309. With control 306, the type of paper to be used for printing on the printing device 102 can be selected and set. In Fig. 3(b), as an example, "plain paper" is selected. Control 307 can select and set the paper size to be used for printing on the printing device 102. In Fig. 3(b), as an example, "A4" is selected. With control 308, the paper feed slot for the paper to be used for printing on the printing device 102 can be selected. In Fig. 3(b), as an example, "automatic" is selected. With control 309, the settings in controls 306 to 308 can be ended. Also, by operating control 309, the process returns to the printing settings screen 300A shown in Fig. 3(a).

[0043] The detailed settings screen (settings screen) 300C shown in Fig. 3(c) includes controls 306, 307, 308, and 309, similar to the detailed settings screen 300B. In addition, controls 310, 312, and 314 are added to and included in the detailed settings screen 300C. With control 310, it is possible to select whether to execute ground pattern printing (ground pattern image data generation process). By operating control 310, list 311 is displayed. List 311 includes "on" (execute ground pattern printing) and "off" (do not execute ground pattern printing), and either of these can be selected. In Fig. 3(c), "off" is selected as an example. Thus, control 310 functions as a selection unit for selecting whether to execute ground pattern printing. With control 312, the color of the ground pattern can be selected. By operating control 312, list 313 is displayed. List 313 includes black, cyan, and magenta, and any of these can be selected. In Fig. 3(c), "black" is selected as an example. Thus, control 312 functions as a color determination unit for determining the color of the ground pattern. With control 314, calibration of the ground pattern can be executed. When control 314 is operated, the ground pattern calibration screen 300D shown in Fig. 3(d) is displayed.

[0044] Here, the reason why the items included in the detailed setting screen 300B shown in FIG. 3(b) are different from the items included in the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) will be explained. The detailed setting screen 300B and the detailed setting screen 300C are each generated based on the printing function information (capability information). As described above, the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support background patterns or the calibration function of background patterns. Therefore, with only the general-purpose printing software 202, it is not possible to add background patterns or the calibration function of background patterns to the printing function information. Also, even if the printing function information originally included background patterns or the calibration function of background patterns, the general-purpose printing software 202 cannot interpret the background patterns or the calibration function of background patterns included in the printing function information. Therefore, with only the general-purpose printing software 202, it is not possible to display the background pattern or the calibration setting of the background pattern on the detailed setting screen 300B. Thus, the printing function extension unit 206 adds background patterns or the calibration function of background patterns to the printing function information 203. Then, the printing setting screen extension unit 205 refers to the capability information and displays the detailed setting screen 300C. Thereby, the extended application 204 can display the background pattern or the calibration setting of the background pattern on the detailed setting screen.

[0045] The background pattern calibration screen 300D shown in FIG. 3(d) includes controls 316, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323 and a thumbnail 324. With control 316, the color of the background pattern to be adjusted can be specified. By operating control 316, a list 317 is displayed. List 317 includes black, cyan, and magenta, and any one of these can be specified as the adjustment target. In FIG. 3(d), as an example, "black" is selected.

[0046] With Control 318, the density of the latent image portion can be adjusted. By operating Control 318, the latent image portion density adjustment screen 300E shown in FIG. 3(e) is displayed. The latent image portion density adjustment screen 300E includes Control 325. By operating Control 325, the density value of the latent image portion can be specified at intervals of 1 with values from 0 to 36. Thus, Control 318 and the latent image portion density adjustment screen 300E function as a density adjustment unit for adjusting the density of the latent image portion. With Control 319, the reference value can be set. By operating Control 319, the reference value setting screen 300F shown in FIG. 3(f) is displayed. The reference value setting screen 300F includes Control 326, Control 327, and sample data 328. With Control 326, the reference value of the density of the background portion can be specified at intervals of 4 with values from 0 to 64. With Control 327, based on the value in Control 325 and the value in Control 326, the sample data 328 is generated and printed out. With Control 320, numerical values from -7 to +7 can be received, and the density of the background portion can be finely adjusted. Thus, Control 319, Control 320, and the reference value setting screen 300F function as a density adjustment unit for adjusting the density of the background portion.

[0047] In the control 321, sample data is generated based on the values set in the controls 316, 318, 319, and 320, and printing is output. The control 321 functions as a printing instruction unit that instructs printing of a ground pattern sample (specimen). Note that a thumbnail (ground pattern specimen image) 324 is displayed as the sample data. In this way, the ground pattern calibration screen 300D includes the control 321 that functions as a printing instruction unit and the thumbnail 324 as a ground pattern specimen image as an information screen including information related to the ground pattern. Note that it is preferable that the information screen includes both the printing instruction unit and the ground pattern specimen image, but it is not limited thereto, and at least one of them may be included. Also, by operating the control 322, the values set in the controls 316, 318, 319, and 320 are saved and the process ends. By operating the control 323, the values set in the controls 316, 318, 319, and 320 are canceled and the process ends. In this way, on the detailed setting screen 300C, the execution conditions for ground pattern printing can be set (setting step). And this detailed setting screen 300C includes, as the execution conditions for ground pattern printing, in this embodiment, a selection unit for selecting whether or not to execute ground pattern printing, a color determination unit for determining the color of the ground pattern, a density adjustment unit for adjusting the density of the latent image portion and the background portion, etc., but is not limited thereto. As the execution conditions for ground pattern printing, it is preferable that at least one of these is included. Then, the intermediate data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 is converted into image data printable by the printing device 102 based on each execution condition.

[0048] FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing an example of a sample related to the background pattern. FIG. 12(a) is an image diagram of a reference sample. FIG. 12(b) is an enlarged view of a patch 1602 of the reference sample 1601 shown in FIG. 12(a). FIG. 12(c) is a sample for finely adjusting the density of the background portion. FIG. 12(d) is an enlarged view of the sample 1607 shown in FIG. 12(c). FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the calibration process of the background pattern. As shown in FIG. 13, in step S1701, the extended application 204 receives the density of the latent image portion from the latent image portion density adjustment screen 300E. As described above, the latent image portion composed of large dots is composed of large dots. The large dots are more stable than the small dots with respect to the durability of the printing apparatus 102 and the type of paper medium. However, when the latent image portion is thin or is too dense compared to the small dots in the background portion, values from 0 to 36 are input to the control 325 of the latent image portion density adjustment screen 300E as the density value of the latent image portion. Thereby, the density of the latent image portion is adjusted.

[0049] In step S1702, the extended application 204 instructs the printing apparatus 102 to generate and output a reference sample for adjusting the density of the background portion. For example, when the density of the background portion and the density of the latent image portion are clearly different, a reference sample 1601 shown in FIG. 12(a), in which there is a density gap and patches of the background portion are arranged, is generated and output. A patch 1603 shown in FIG. 12(b) is composed of a background portion 1604 and a latent image portion 1605. The latent image portion 1605 is common to all the patches in the reference sample 1601 and is output at the density of the latent image portion set in step S1701. The background portion 1604 is a discrete arrangement of 16 background dots of 1 pixel × 2 pixels (partial reference indicated by reference numeral 1606) in units of 16 × 16 pixels so as not to be adjacent to each other, and the pattern is repeatedly arranged. Also, in other patches in the reference sample 1601, it is shown that only the numbers below the patches have background dots added. In this single chart, patches in which the number of dots in the background portion is changed to 0, 4, ···, 64 at intervals of 4 are arranged. Since this reference sample 1601 changes the density of the background portion in a relatively wide range, it is considered that there is a patch of the background portion close to the latent image portion somewhere. Therefore, by outputting one sheet of this reference sample 1601, it is possible to roughly grasp what degree the density of the background portion should be. Also, the reference sample 1601 is output by operating the control 327 of the latent image density adjustment screen 300E.

[0050] In step S1703, the extended application 204 receives, as the density of the background portion, a reference value from the latent image density adjustment screen 300E. Here, the number "16 (partial reference indicated by reference numeral 1606)" of the patch close to the latent image portion and the background portion is input to the control 326 of the latent image density adjustment screen 300E from the output of the reference sample 1601.

[0051] In step S1704, the extended application 204 instructs the printing apparatus 102 to generate and output samples for finely adjusting the density of the background portion. Here, as a sample for finely adjusting the density of the background portion in order to further approximate the densities of the background portion and the latent image portion, for example, a sample 1607 shown in FIG. 12(c) is generated and output. This sample 1607 is composed of 15 patches ranging from -7 to +7 in which the density of the background portion is changed by 1 for a patch 1608 composed of the density of the latent image portion selected in step S1701 and the density of the background portion selected in step S1703. Note that the densities of the latent image portions of the patches on the sample 1607 are all the same density. Therefore, the density of the background portion can be adjusted more finely than the above-described reference value. In the patch 1609 shown in FIG. 12(d), "COPY" is the latent image portion, and the effect of the background pattern can actually be imaged. Also, the sample 1607 is output by operating the control 321 of the background pattern calibration screen 300D.

[0052] In step S1705, the extended application 204 receives, as relative values, the numerical values obtained by adjusting the density of the background portion. Here, based on the output of the sample 1607, the numbers -7 to +7 for which patches where the latent image portion and the background portion are close are selected are input to the control 320 of the background pattern calibration screen 300D. Note that in the present embodiment, the reference sample 1601 and the sample 1607 are generated by the printing apparatus 102, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the extended application 204 may instruct the general-purpose printing software 202 to create them, or the extended application 204 may create them.

[0053] <Flowchart of a printing function extension unit that edits printing function information> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process in which the printing function extension unit edits printing function information. Note that a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the CPU 111 controlling the printing function extension unit 206. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a list of the capability information of the printing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a list of the printing functions supported by the extended application. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list of the capability information of the general-purpose printing software. As shown in FIG. 4, in step S401, the printing function extension unit 206 acquires the capability information from the printing apparatus 102 (acquisition step). The capability information is set values included in a response obtained by issuing the IPP "Get-Printer-Attributes" operation to the printing apparatus 102. The set values are attribute information indicating functions that can be specified in the printing apparatus 102 and those related to the attribute information. In the table 501 shown in FIG. 5, a list of the capability information of the printing apparatus 102 is shown. Examples of the capability information include information regarding the size of the paper used for printing by the printing apparatus 102. In addition, there is information regarding the type (media) of the paper used for printing by the printing apparatus 102, information regarding the paper feed port of the paper used for printing by the printing apparatus 102, and information regarding the embossing printing that can be executed by the printing apparatus 102.

[0054] In step S402, the printing function extension unit 206 obtains, from the shared information 208, the printing functions supported by the extension application 204. The shared information 208 stores a list of the printing functions supported by the extension application 204. This list includes all the printing functions that the extension application 204 can process and their setting values. Table 601 shown in FIG. 6 has information regarding the size of the paper supported by the extension application 204 as a printing function. In addition, there is information regarding the type (media) of the paper supported by the extension application 204, information regarding the paper feed port of the paper supported by the extension application 204, and information regarding the background printing supported by the extension application 204. Note that the printing functions supported by the extension application 204 may be updated by, for example, an update of the extension application 204.

[0055] In step S403, the printing function extension unit 206 obtains, from the OS, the printing function information 203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202. The printing function information 203 is created based on the capability information 501 obtained by the general-purpose printing software 202 from the printing device 102. The printing function information 203 (PDC) created by the general-purpose printing software 202 includes only the printing functions supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 among the capability information obtained from the printing device 102. For example, in Table 601 shown in FIG. 6, "7x10 inches" and "Oval No. 6" are included as paper sizes, but the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support the corresponding paper sizes. Therefore, the printing function information 203 does not include the corresponding paper sizes. By adding functions and options to the printing function information 203 by the printing function extension unit 206, the extension application 204 can compensate for the functional deficiencies of the general-purpose printing software 202. Also, the printing function extension unit 206 can delete unnecessary functions and options from the printing function information 203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0056] Steps S404, S405, and S406 are processes that are repeatedly performed for the list of functions included in the capability information obtained from the printing apparatus 102 in step S401. In the present embodiment, steps S404, S405, and S406 are repeatedly performed for all 13 options included in Table 501.

[0057] In step S404, the printing function expansion unit 206 determines whether the currently processed function or option exists in the printing function information 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. As a result of the determination in step S404, if it is determined that it exists in the printing function information 203, if the last item among the options is being processed, the process ends. Or, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S404, if it is determined that it does not exist in the printing function information 203, the process proceeds to step S405. For example, in the present embodiment, Table 501 includes the paper size "A4", and Table 701 also includes the paper size "A4". In this case, in step S404, it is determined that the currently processed function or option exists in the printing function information 203. In contrast, Table 501 includes "off" for the background printing, but Table 701 does not include "off" for the background printing. In this case, in step S404, it is determined that the currently processed function or option does not exist in the printing function information 203.

[0058] In step S405, the printing function extension unit 206 determines whether the function (option) currently being processed exists in the functions (options) supported by the extension application 204. If, as a result of the determination in step S405, it is determined that the function currently being processed exists, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S405, it is determined that the function currently being processed does not exist, if the last item among the options is being processed as in the case where the determination in step S404 is "Yes", the process ends. Or, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again. For example, in this embodiment, when the function currently being processed is ground pattern printing "off", the ground pattern printing "off" also exists in Table 601. Therefore, in step S405, it is determined that the function currently being processed exists.

[0059] In step S406, the printing function extension unit 206 adds the function (option) currently being processed to the printing function information 203. After step S406 is executed, if the last item among the options is being processed as in the case where the determination in step S404 is "Yes", the process ends. Or, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again.

[0060] As described above, the extension application 204 can add functions (options) that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 but are supported by the printing apparatus 102 and that the extension application 204 can support to the printing function information 203. Then, based on the printing function information 203 edited by this addition process, capability information (PC) is generated. Further, the printing setting screen extension unit 205 can generate a display screen based on this capability information, thereby expanding functions not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 and displaying the detailed setting screen 300C shown in Fig. 3(c).

[0061] <Processing after the drawing application accepts the printing settings> FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processes executed among a drawing application, general-purpose printing software, an extended application, and a printing device after the drawing application accepts a print setting. Here, a series of processes of performing calibration of the background pattern, adjusting the density, and then performing background pattern printing will be described. The processes in the drawing application, general-purpose printing software, and extended application are executed by the CPU 111 of the host computer 101. This processing program is stored in the external storage device 114. Then, the CPU 111 reads the processing program from the external storage device 114 into the RAM 113 and executes it. Also, the processing in the printing device 102 is executed by the CPU (not shown) of the printing device 102. Here, for ease of understanding, the case of outputting the sample 1607 out of the reference sample 1601 and the sample 1607 will be described. Also, the software configuration of the printing system 1000 is the software configuration shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S801, the drawing application 201 accepts a print setting by the user. The user can, for example, operate the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to instruct the drawing application 201 of the print setting.

[0063] In step S802, the drawing application 201 displays the print setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 3(a) on the display unit 119.

[0064] In step S803, the drawing application 201 accepts a detailed setting instruction by the user. The user can, for example, operate the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 305 of the print setting screen 300A to instruct the detailed setting.

[0065] In step S804, the drawing application 201 makes a display request for the detailed setting to the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0066] In step S805, the general-purpose printing software 202 makes a display request for detailed settings to the extended application 204.

[0067] In step S806, the print setting screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the detailed setting screen 300C in Fig. 3(c). As described above, the pattern printing setting is added to the print function information 203 (PDC) by the print function extension unit 206. The print setting screen extension unit 205 can display the detailed setting screen 300C with reference to the capability information (PC) generated based on the added print function information 203.

[0068] In step S807, the print setting screen extension unit 205 accepts the detailed settings on the detailed setting screen 300C by the user. Here, as an example, on the detailed setting screen 300C, the paper type "plain paper" is selected by the control 306, the paper size "A4" is selected by the control 307, and the paper feed port "automatic" is selected by the control 308 (see Fig. 3(c)). In this set state, the print setting screen extension unit 205 accepts that the control 314 of the detailed setting screen 300C by the user has been operated. As a result, the pattern calibration screen 300D shown in Fig. 3(d) is displayed. And as an example, on the pattern calibration screen 300D, "black" is selected from the list 317 by the control 316 (see Fig. 3(d)). Also, on the pattern calibration screen 300D, the density of the latent image part is adjusted as desired by the control 318, the reference value is set as desired by the control 319, and the density of the background part is finely adjusted as desired by the control 320. In this set state, the print setting screen extension unit 205 accepts that the control 321 of the pattern calibration screen 300D by the user has been operated.

[0069] In step S808, the print setting screen extension unit 205 requests the printing device 102 to print the sample 1607 shown in FIG. 12(c). Further, the print setting screen extension unit 205 transmits information regarding various settings on the ground pattern calibration screen 300D received in step S807 to the printing device 102 together with this request.

[0070] In step S809, the printing device 102 receives the information transmitted in step S808. The printing device 102 generates and outputs the data of the sample 1607 based on the information. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the reference sample 1601 (see FIG. 12(a)) or the sample 1607 is output.

[0071] In step S810, the print setting screen extension unit 205 receives the optimal values set by the user on the latent image density adjustment screen 300E (see FIG. 3(e)) and the reference value setting screen 300F (see FIG. 3(f)) based on the output in step S809.

[0072] In step S811, the print setting screen extension unit 205 sequentially receives the operation of the control 322 of the ground pattern calibration screen 300D by the user and the operation of the control 309 of the detailed setting screen 300C, and ends the detailed setting. The operations of the control 322 and the control 309 can be performed by the user operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118.

[0073] In step S812, the extended application 204 transmits detailed setting end information indicating the end of the detailed setting in step S811 to the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0074] In step S813, the general-purpose printing software 202 receives the detailed setting end information transmitted from the extended application 204 in step S812. The general-purpose printing software 202 transmits this detailed setting end information to the drawing application 201.

[0075] In step S814, the drawing application 201 receives a print instruction from the user. The user can issue a print instruction, for example, by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 303 on the print settings screen 300A (see Fig. 3(a)).

[0076] In step S815, the drawing application 201 issues the print instruction received in step S814 to the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0077] In step S816, the general-purpose printing software 202 uses the OS module to generate intermediate data based on the print instruction in step S815.

[0078] In step S817, the general-purpose printing software 202 saves the print setting information (PT) based on the print instruction in step S815 to the shared information 208.

[0079] In step S818, the general-purpose printing software 202 sends the drawing data among the intermediate data generated in step S816 to the extended application 204.

[0080] In step S819, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 retrieves the print setting information saved in step S817 from the shared information 208.

[0081] In step S820, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 generates print data using the drawing data sent in step S818 and the print setting information retrieved in step S819.

[0082] In step S821, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 sends the print data generated in step S820 to the printing device 102.

[0083] In step S822, the printing apparatus 102 receives the print data transmitted in step S821. The printing apparatus 102 interprets the print data and performs necessary image processing on the print data. The image processing here adds, as input data, the background pattern whose density has been adjusted in the setting in step S810.

[0084] In step S823, the printing apparatus 102 prints the print data on which the image processing has been performed in step S822. As a result, an image with the background pattern added will be output.

[0085] As described above, in the printing system 1000, even when the general-purpose printing software 202 cannot select a background pattern or calibration of the background pattern, the extended application 204 enables the selection of a background pattern and calibration of the background pattern. Then, the extended application 204, together with the general-purpose printing software 202, can cause the printing apparatus 102 to execute background pattern printing (background pattern image data generation process) (execution step). As a result, a printed matter in which unauthorized copying is suppressed by the background pattern will be printed from the printing apparatus 102. In the description with reference to FIG. 8, it is assumed that the software configuration of the printing system 1000 is the software configuration shown in FIG. 2(b), and the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) is being displayed, but it is not limited to this. For example, when a display request for detailed settings is made to the general-purpose printing software 202 in step S804, the general-purpose printing software 202 displays the detailed setting screen 300B shown in FIG. 3(b). In this case, after the operation of the control 309 on the detailed setting screen 300B, the general-purpose printing software 202 requests the extended application 204 to display an additional detailed setting screen. Next, the extended application 204 may additionally display a detailed setting screen in which settings for the background pattern and calibration of the background pattern are possible. Also, in this embodiment, the extended application 204 generates print data from the intermediate data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202, but it is not limited to this. For example, the extended application 204 itself may generate intermediate data.

[0086] <<Second Embodiment>> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17, the second embodiment will be described. The description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. In the first embodiment, the extended application 204 generates print data including the ground pattern and the calibration settings of the ground pattern together with the general-purpose printing software 202. That is, the extended application 204 generates print data including the ground pattern and the calibration settings of the ground pattern together with the general-purpose printing software 202. This print data is transmitted to the printing device 102. The printing device 102 interprets the print data including the ground pattern and the calibration settings of the ground pattern, and generates and outputs sample print data for ground pattern synthesis and ground pattern calibration. Thus, in the first embodiment, the extended application 204 causes the printing device 102 to execute an image data generation process for generating image data of the ground pattern together with the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0087] However, depending on the printing device 102, a pattern or a generation unit for calibration samples of the pattern (hereinafter referred to as "pattern - sample generation unit") may not be installed, that is, it may not be possible to execute the pattern image data generation process. In this case, it is preferable to generate print data after performing pattern synthesis or generating sample print data for pattern calibration, and then transmit it to the printing device 102. Therefore, in the present embodiment, based on the capability information of the printing device 102, it is determined whether the pattern - sample generation unit is installed. As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the pattern - sample generation unit is installed, the extended application 204 generates print data that reflects the settings of the pattern or pattern calibration, and transmits it to the printing device 102. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pattern - sample generation unit is not installed, the extended application 204 synthesizes the pattern with the drawing data and generates sample print data for pattern calibration to generate print data, and transmits it to the printing device 102. Thereby, even when the printing device 102 does not have a pattern - sample generation unit, the user can be provided with a pattern or a pattern calibration function. Note that the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the printing system 1000, the editing process of the PDC, and the process after the drawing application 201 accepts the print settings are different when the extended application 204 is associated.

[0088] <Configuration of a software - centered printing system> FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the printing system according to the second embodiment. The block diagram shown in FIG. 14 shows the configuration when the extended application 902 is associated with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing apparatus 102. As shown in FIG. 14, the host computer 101 has a drawing application 201, general-purpose printing software 202, printing function information 203, and an extended application 902. The extended application 902 is communicably connected to a printing apparatus 901. The printing apparatus 901 is a printing apparatus that does not have a background pattern / sample generation unit, unlike the printing apparatus 102 in the first embodiment. The extended application 902 has a print setting screen extension unit 205, an intermediate data editing unit 207, a notification unit 209, a printing function extension unit 903, and a background pattern / sample processing unit 904. The printing function extension unit 903 causes the extended application 204 to generate a background pattern or a sample for calibrating the background pattern even when it is determined based on the capability information acquired from the printing apparatus 901 that there is no background pattern or background pattern calibration function. The printing function information 203 has a background pattern or a background pattern calibration function added thereto. The background pattern / sample processing unit 904 performs synthesis of the background pattern or calibration of the background pattern on the intermediate data (drawing data) from the general-purpose printing software 202 based on the background pattern or background pattern calibration setting.

[0089] <Flowchart of the printing function extension unit for editing printing function information> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process in which the printing function extension unit edits the printing function information. Note that the program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is executed by the CPU 111 controlling the printing function extension unit 903. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is a flowchart in which steps S1001 and S1002 are added to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a list of the capability information of the printing apparatus.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 15, when the repetitive processing from step S404 to step S406 ends, the process proceeds to step S1001. Table 1101 shown in FIG. 16 shows a list of the capability information of the printing apparatus 901. This table 1101 includes, as the capability information, information regarding the size of the paper, information regarding the type of paper, and information regarding the paper feed port. However, unlike the table 501 shown in FIG. 5, it does not include information regarding the background printing. Therefore, it can be seen that the printing apparatus 901 is not equipped with the background pattern / sample generation unit. Thus, the background pattern and the calibration function of the background pattern are not added to the printing function information 203 after the processing from step S404 to step S406 ends.

[0091] In step S1001, the printing function expansion unit 903 determines whether the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 exists in the expansion application 902, that is, determines the presence or absence of the background pattern / sample processing unit 904. As a result of the determination in step S1001, if it is determined that the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 exists, the process proceeds to step S1002. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1001, if it is determined that the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 does not exist, the process ends. As described above, since the expansion application 902 has the background pattern / sample processing unit 904, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0092] In step S1002, the printing function expansion unit 903 adds the information regarding the background printing (options: off, on, sample printing, reference sample printing) supported by the expansion application 902 in the table 601 shown in FIG. 6 to the printing function information 203.

[0093] As described above, the extended application 902 is not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202, but is supported by the printing device 102, and the functions (options) that the extended application 204 can support can be added to the printing function information 203. Then, the extended application 902 determines the presence or absence of the pattern / sample processing unit 904. As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the pattern / sample processing unit 904 is present, a pattern or a pattern calibration function is added to the printing function information 203. By this addition process, even when the printing device 901 does not have a pattern / sample generation unit, the capability information is generated based on the printing function information 203 to which the pattern or the pattern calibration function is added. The extended application 902 can display the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) by generating a display screen based on this capability information.

[0094] <Processing after the drawing application accepts the print settings> FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed among the drawing application, the general-purpose printing software, the extended application, and the printing device after the drawing application accepts the print settings. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram in which steps S1201 to S1215 are mainly added to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 17, in step S808 after step S807 is executed, the print setting screen extension unit 205 accepts the end of the detailed setting in step S807.

[0095] After step S808 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1201. In step S1201, the pattern / sample processing unit 904 of the extended application 902 transmits detailed setting end information indicating the end of the detailed setting in step S808 to the general-purpose printing software 202. Note that this information includes the setting information at the controls 316, 318, 319, 320, and 312 of the pattern calibration screen 300D.

[0096] In step S1202, the general-purpose printing software 202 uses the modules of the OS to generate intermediate data. For example, the general-purpose printing software 202 generates a blank paper image as drawing data and generates the settings notified in step S1201 as intermediate data.

[0097] In step S1203, the general-purpose printing software 202 stores the print setting information (PT) in the shared information 208.

[0098] In step S1204, the general-purpose printing software 202 sends the drawing data among the intermediate data generated in step S1202 to the extended application 902.

[0099] In step S1205, the texture / sample processing unit 904 of the extended application 902 acquires the print setting information stored in step S1203 from the shared information 208. Also, the texture / sample processing unit 904 acquires the setting information for each control included in the detailed setting end information transmitted in step S1201.

[0100] In step S1206, the texture / sample processing unit 904 acquires the capability information of the printing device 901 from the shared information 208. If the capability information of the printing device 901 is not included in the shared information 208, the printing function extension unit 903 may request the capability information from the printing device 901. In this case as well, the capability information is stored in the shared information 208.

[0101] In step S1207, the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 determines whether the printing apparatus 901 has a background pattern / sample generation unit based on the capability information acquired in step S1206. As described above, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 901 is not equipped with a background pattern / sample generation unit. Therefore, the determination result in step S1207 is that the printing apparatus 901 has no background pattern / sample generation unit. If the determination result in step S1207 is that the printing apparatus 901 has a background pattern / sample generation unit, the process skips step S1208 and proceeds to step S1209. This is because the background pattern / sample generation unit in the printing apparatus 901 can generate samples at a higher speed than the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 by means of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0102] In step S1208, the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 adds a background pattern sample to the drawing data based on the calibration setting information of the background pattern included in the print setting information acquired in step S1205. This additional information is stored in the shared information 208. Further, the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 edits the calibration setting value of the background pattern in the print setting information to "0" or deletes the calibration setting information of the background pattern from the print setting information.

[0103] In step S1209, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 902 generates print data using the drawing data transmitted in step S1204 and the print setting information acquired in step S1205.

[0104] In step S1210, the intermediate data editing unit 207 transmits the print data generated in step S1209 to the printing apparatus 102.

[0105] In step S1211, the printing device 901 receives the print data transmitted in step S1210. The printing device 901 interprets this print data, performs necessary image processing on the print data, and executes printing. After step S1211 is executed, the process proceeds to steps S810 to S819 in sequence.

[0106] After step S819 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1212. In step S1212, the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 of the extension application 902 adds a background pattern to the drawing data based on the calibration setting information of the background pattern included in the print setting information acquired in step S1205. This additional information is stored in the shared information 208. Also, the background pattern / sample processing unit 904 edits the background pattern setting value in the print setting information to "0", or deletes the background pattern setting information from the print setting information.

[0107] In step S1213, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extension application 902 generates print data using the drawing data stored in the shared information 208 and the print setting information. Note that in step S1213, a preview of the print data may be performed.

[0108] In step S1214, the intermediate data editing unit 207 transmits the print data generated in step S1213 to the printing device 102.

[0109] In step S1215, the printing device 901 receives the print data transmitted in step S1214. The printing device 901 interprets this print data, performs necessary image processing on the print data, and executes printing.

[0110] As described above, in this embodiment, even when the printing apparatus 109 does not have a background pattern / sample generation unit, the extended application 902 can execute background pattern image data generation processing together with the general-purpose printing software 202 in place of the background pattern / sample generation unit. Thereby, even the printing apparatus 102 can print a printed matter in which unauthorized copying is suppressed by the background pattern. As described above, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the printing apparatus 109 does not have a background pattern / sample generation unit, it is possible to execute background pattern image data generation processing together with the general-purpose printing software 202. On the other hand, when it is determined that the printing apparatus 109 has a background pattern / sample generation unit, it is also possible to cause the printing apparatus 102 to execute background pattern image data generation processing together with the general-purpose printing software 202, as in the first embodiment.

[0111] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors of a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program. Further, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0112] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following programs, recording media, methods, and configurations. (Program 1) A program that supports a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers, an execution step of causing a printing apparatus to execute a sample print including a plurality of sample images in which background pattern images that appear when a printed matter printed based on the image data generated by the general-purpose program is copied are printed at a plurality of densities; Via the screen displayed based on the capability information regarding the ground pattern information acquired in accordance with the Internet Printing Protocol from a user Of the latent image part of the ground pattern image density And the density of the background part of the ground pattern image and Each a reception step of receiving; image data generated by the general-purpose program and the The density of the latent image part of the ground pattern image and that of the background part of the ground pattern image a generation step of generating print data using the density; a transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus, wherein the program causes a computer to execute the steps. (Program 2) The program according to Program 1, wherein, in the execution step, the printing apparatus is caused to execute the plurality of sample images and the sample prints each including a number corresponding to each of the plurality of sample images. (Program 3) The program according to Program 2, wherein, in the reception step, one of the numbers corresponding to each of the plurality of sample images is received as a value indicating the density. (Program 4) The background portion of the moire pattern image disappears after copying The and the latent image portion remains after copying. The The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 3, wherein the moire pattern image has a latent image portion. (Program 5) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 4, wherein the general-purpose program is a program that cannot generate the moire pattern image. (Program 6) The general-purpose program The Internet Printing Protoco To l The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 5, wherein the program operates based on the Internet Printing Protocol. (Program 7) A recording medium storing the program according to any one of Programs 1 to 6. (Method 1) A method of performing control to support a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers, the method including: an execution step of causing the printing apparatus to execute a sample print including a plurality of sample images printed with a moire pattern image that appears when a printed matter printed based on the image data generated by the general-purpose program is copied, at a plurality of densities; Via the screen displayed based on the capability information regarding the ground pattern information acquired in accordance with the Internet Printing Protocol from the user Of the latent image part of the ground pattern image densityAnd the density of the background part of the ground pattern image and Each a reception step of receiving image data generated by the general-purpose program and the The density of the latent image part of the ground pattern image and that of the background part of the ground pattern image a generation step of generating print data using the density, and a transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus, and a control method characterized by comprising the same. (Configuration 1) An information processing apparatus comprising a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers and a program supporting the general-purpose program, wherein the program causes the printing apparatus to execute a sample print including a plurality of sample images obtained by printing a background pattern image that appears when a printed matter printed based on the image data generated by the general-purpose program is copied, at a plurality of densities; Via the screen displayed based on the capability information regarding the ground pattern information acquired in accordance with the Internet Printing Protocol from the user Of the latent image part of the ground pattern image density And the density of the background part of the ground pattern image and Each a reception step of receiving image data generated by the general-purpose program and the The density of the latent image part of the ground pattern image and that of the background part of the ground pattern image a generation step of generating print data using the density, and a transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus, and causing a computer to execute the same, and an information processing apparatus characterized by the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 102 Printing apparatus 114 External storage device (recording medium) 202 General-purpose printing software (general-purpose program) 204 Extended application (program) 300C Detailed setting screen (setting screen) 300D Background pattern calibration screen 300E Latent image portion density adjustment screen 300F Reference value setting screen

Claims

1. A program that supports a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing devices of multiple manufacturers, an execution step of causing a printing device to execute a sample print including a plurality of sample images in which moire images that appear when a printed matter printed based on the image data generated by the general-purpose program is copied are printed at a plurality of densities, a reception step of receiving, from a user via a screen displayed based on capability information regarding moire information acquired according to the Internet Printing Protocol, the density of the latent image portion of the moire image and the density of the background portion of the moire image, respectively, a generation step of generating print data using the image data generated by the general-purpose program and the density of the latent image portion of the moire image and the density of the background portion of the moire image received in the reception step, and a transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing device, the program being characterized by causing a computer to execute the steps.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the execution step, the printing device is caused to execute the plurality of sample images and the sample print including numbers corresponding to the plurality of sample images.

3. The program according to claim 2, wherein in the reception step, one of the numbers corresponding to the plurality of sample images is received as a value indicating the density.

4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the moire image has a background portion that disappears after copying and a latent image portion that remains after copying.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the general-purpose program is a program that cannot generate the moire image.

6. The program according to claim 1, wherein the general-purpose program is a program that operates based on the Internet Printing Protocol.

7. A recording medium storing the program according to claim 1.

8. A method of performing control to support a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing devices of multiple manufacturers, An execution step of causing a printing device to print a sample print including a plurality of sample images in which ground pattern images that emerge when a printed matter printed based on image data generated by the general-purpose program are copied are printed at a plurality of densities respectively; A reception step of receiving, from a user via a screen displayed based on capability information regarding ground pattern information acquired according to the Internet Printing Protocol, the density of the latent image portion of the ground pattern image and the density of the background portion of the ground pattern image respectively; A generation step of generating print data using the image data generated by the general-purpose program, the density of the latent image portion of the ground pattern image received in the reception step, and the density of the background portion of the ground pattern image; A transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing device, wherein the control method is characterized by comprising these steps.

9. An information processing apparatus comprising a general-purpose program capable of generating image data printable by printing devices of a plurality of manufacturers, and a program that supports the general-purpose program, The program is An execution step of causing a printing device to print a sample print including a plurality of sample images in which ground pattern images that emerge when a printed matter printed based on image data generated by the general-purpose program are copied are printed at a plurality of densities respectively; A reception step of receiving, from a user via a screen displayed based on capability information regarding ground pattern information acquired according to the Internet Printing Protocol, the density of the latent image portion of the ground pattern image and the density of the background portion of the ground pattern image respectively A generation step of generating print data using the image data generated by the general-purpose program, the density of the latent image portion of the ground pattern image received in the reception step, and the density of the background portion of the ground pattern image; A transmission step of transmitting the print data to the printing device, wherein the information processing apparatus is characterized by causing a computer to execute these steps.

Images