Program Sets and Programs

Abstract

To provide a program set used for controlling a printer, and to provide a technique for reducing user's labor when changing parameters related to paper characteristics.SOLUTION: A PC 1 incorporates an editing application 22, a printer driver 23, and a paper setting tool 24. The paper setting tool 24 registers, in a paper information table 25, a paper preset data in which a correction name indicating correction value preset data including a plurality of correction values is associated with a plurality of parameters indicating paper characteristics. Printer driver 23 refers to paper information table 25, creates a list of paper preset data, and passes it to editing application 22. The printer driver 23, which receives the print settings in which one of the paper preset data is set from the editing application 22, acquires the correction values used for printing based on the set paper preset data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed herein relates to program sets and programs used to control printers. [Background technology]

[0002] A known technique involves storing correction values ​​in advance, correcting the image data according to the correction values ​​when passing the image data to a printer, and then causing the printer to print an image based on the corrected image data. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an inkjet printer prints a test pattern, a scanner reads the printout, and an information processing device creates a correction table based on the read result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-176126 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Printers can print on a variety of paper types with different characteristics, such as paper quality, which can result in differences in the finished print, such as differences in the degree of colorant bleeding depending on the characteristics. Therefore, to properly correct differences based on paper characteristics, it is necessary to reset the correction values ​​every time a parameter related to the paper characteristics in the print settings is changed. This procedure of resetting the correction values ​​based on changes to the parameter related to the paper characteristics is time-consuming for the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The program set created to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A program set having a first program and a second program, The first program is installed in a computer of an information processing device, executes a registration process to register paper preset data in which a first correction value, which is a correction value used to correct image data, and paper information indicating paper characteristics are associated with each other in a paper information table stored in the information processing device, and a plurality of the paper preset data can be registered in the paper information table; The second program is configured to: a list creation process for creating a list of the paper preset data registered in the paper information table; a response process for passing the list created by the list creation process to an application program installed on the information processing device in response to a request from the application program, and the application program is capable of setting one of the paper preset data included in the list as a paper parameter related to paper among parameters included in print settings, Furthermore, the second program is configured to cause the computer of the information processing device to: an acquisition process for acquiring, when image data and the print settings in which one of the paper preset data included in the list is set as the paper parameter, from the paper information table, the first correction value corresponding to the paper preset data set in the transferred print settings; a correction process for correcting the image data passed from the application program using the first correction value acquired in the acquisition process; a transmission process of transmitting a print command to a printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, the print command causing printing to be performed based on the image data corrected by the correction process; Execute It is configured as follows.

[0006] In the program set disclosed in this specification, a first program prepares paper preset data in which a first correction value is associated with paper information and registers the data in a paper information table. A second program then passes a list of the prepared paper preset data to an application program. This allows the application program to select paper preset data. When the application program passes print settings in which one of the paper preset data items is set, the second program references the paper information table and obtains the first correction value from the set paper preset data. This allows a user to set one of the paper preset data items via the application program, and obtains the first correction value along with the setting. This eliminates the need to change the first correction value when changing paper-related parameters.

[0007] A control method for realizing the functions of the above-described device, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology that reduces the user's effort when changing parameters related to paper characteristics in a program set used to control a printer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a paper information table. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a correction value information table. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main screen of an editing application 22. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a print setting screen by a printer driver. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating screen transitions when a new paper preset is registered using a paper setting tool. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating screen transitions when a new correction preset is registered using the paper setting tool. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of how a barcode image changes due to ink bleed correction. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a printing procedure of the printing system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a program embodied in the program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a program executed on a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") that can be connected to a printer having a printing function.

[0011] [Printing system configuration] 1, the printing system 100 of this embodiment includes a PC 1 and a label printer 3. The number of PCs 1 and label printers 3 constituting the printing system is not limited to one each, and may be multiple.

[0012] The PC 1 constituting the printing system 100 is equipped with a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The PC 1 is an example of an information processing device, and the CPU 11 is an example of a computer. The PC 1 also has a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for hardware and software used to control the PC 1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually present in the PC 1.

[0013] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs read from the memory 12 and based on user operations. Various programs and various data are stored in the memory 12. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of memory. Note that the memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the PC 1, but may also be a storage medium readable and writable by the CPU 11, such as a recording medium, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

[0014] The user IF 13 includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information and hardware for accepting user operations. The user IF 13 may be a combination of a display capable of displaying information and a mouse or keyboard having an input acceptance function, or may be a touch panel having a display function and an input acceptance function.

[0015] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as the label printer 3. The communication IF 14 is compatible with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or USB. The PC 1 may be equipped with multiple communication IFs 14 compatible with multiple communication standards.

[0016] The memory 12 of the PC 1 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, an editing application program (hereinafter referred to as "editing app") 22, a printer driver 23, a paper setting tool 24, a paper information table 25, and a correction value information table 26. The paper setting tool 24 is an example of a first program. The printer driver 23 is an example of a second program. The editing app 22 is an example of an application program installed in the information processing device. The OS 21 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), or Android (registered trademark).

[0017] The editing application 22 is a program that at least creates and edits an image to be printed and receives a print instruction for the image. The editing application 22 may also receive an instruction to save an image, for example. The editing application 22 may be, for example, Microsoft (registered trademark) Word or PowerPoint, or an application provided by the vendor of the label printer 3. The editing application 22 in this embodiment has the function of creating, editing, and saving an image to be printed on a label. Details of the editing application 22 will be described later.

[0018] The printer driver 23 is a program corresponding to the label printer 3, and communicates with the label printer 3 to control it. The printer driver 23 has functions for accepting print settings and image data, generating print data based on the image data, and outputting the print data to the printer. The printer driver 23 is started when, for example, a print instruction or an instruction to display a screen for print settings is received from the editing application 22.

[0019] The paper setting tool 24 is a program that generates paper preset data consisting of multiple parameters and correction value preset data consisting of multiple correction values. The paper setting tool 24 also has functions for deleting and editing existing paper preset data and correction value preset data. Details of the paper setting tool 24 will be described later.

[0020] The paper information table 25 is a table that stores paper preset data. A plurality of paper preset data can be registered in the paper information table 25. As shown in FIG. 2, the paper preset data of this embodiment is associated with a paper name for identifying each paper preset data, a plurality of parameters, and a correction name that indicates one of the correction value preset data. The plurality of parameters that make up the paper preset data are information that indicates the characteristics of the paper, such as the paper type, paper size (label width and height), label spacing, and margins. The paper preset data may also include parameters other than these. The parameters that make up the paper preset data are an example of paper information.

[0021] The correction value information table 26 is a table that stores correction value preset data. A plurality of correction value preset data can be registered in the correction value information table 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the correction value preset data in this embodiment associates a correction name for identifying each correction value preset data with a plurality of correction values. The correction values ​​that make up the correction value preset data are correction values ​​used when printing an image, and include, for example, the dot removal amount for ink bleeding correction, the transport adjustment amount for transport error correction, the guaranteed print speed, and the print density. The correction value preset data may also include other correction values, such as brightness, contrast, and color balance. The correction values ​​that make up the correction value preset data are an example of first and second correction values.

[0022] In this embodiment, the paper preset data includes a correction name as shown in Fig. 2. This correction name corresponds to the correction name included in the correction value preset data shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the paper preset data associates multiple parameters indicating paper characteristics with multiple correction values ​​that make up the correction value preset data.

[0023] The label printer 3 that constitutes the printing system 100 has at least a printing function and a communication function, can store roll paper, and can print images based on received print data onto the roll paper. Roll paper is a print medium in which labels are superimposed on a continuous strip of release paper and wound up. The labels on the roll paper may be continuous long tapes or die-cut labels that have been pre-cut to a predetermined shape. The printing method of the label printer 3 in this embodiment is inkjet, but other printing methods such as thermal transfer or electrophotography may also be used. The label printer 3 is an example of a printer.

[0024] The label printer 3 prints on labels and transports the roll paper in parallel. Below, the size of the print medium will be referred to simply as the "paper size." Of the paper size, the size in the direction in which the paper is transported in the label printer 3 will be referred to as the "height," and the size in the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction in the label printer 3 will be referred to as the "width."

[0025] The label printer 3 also supports color printing and can accommodate ink cartridges for four colors: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). Note that the label printer 3 does not have to support color printing and may be designed exclusively for monochrome printing.

[0026] [Editing app details] Next, a description will be given of details of the editing application 22. The editing application 22 of this embodiment has a function of providing a main screen 220 as shown in Fig. 4, and causes the main screen 220 to be displayed on the user IF 13 based on, for example, the start-up of the editing application 22.

[0027] The main screen 220 includes an editing area 221 for editing the image to be printed on the label, a paper name selection list 222 which is a list box for selecting the paper name, a height setting area 223 for setting the label height, a margin setting area 224 for setting the margins, an orientation setting area 225 for setting the paper orientation, and a toolbox 226 which lists shortcut icons corresponding to various functions including printing and saving. Note that the items displayed on the main screen 220 are not limited to these, and other items may also be included.

[0028] An image of the label being edited is displayed in an editing area 221 of the main screen 220. When the settings in the paper name selection list 222, height setting area 223, etc. are changed, the label image displayed in the editing area 221 also changes.

[0029] On the main screen 220, a paper name selection list 222 displays, as settable paper names, a list of paper names included in each paper preset data registered in the paper information table 25. In other words, the paper name selection list 222 displays, in a selectable manner, the paper names of the paper preset data that have been registered in advance in the paper information table 25.

[0030] 5. The editing application 22 can launch the print setting screen 230 of the printer driver 23 in response to a user operation. The print setting screen 230 also includes a paper size selection list 232, which is a list box for selecting a paper size. The paper size selection list 232 displays a list of paper names for each paper preset data registered in the paper information table 25 as settable paper sizes. The print setting screen 230 also includes an "Add Paper Size" button 233, which is a button for adding a paper size option. When the "Add Paper Size" button 233 is operated, the printer driver 23 launches a paper setting tool 24 that can additionally register paper preset data.

[0031] [Paper Setting Tool Details] Next, we will explain the details of the paper setting tool 24. The paper setting tool 24 of this embodiment has a function of providing various screens, and for example, when the paper setting tool 24 is started, it causes the user IF 13 to display a basic screen 240 as shown in Fig. 6(A).

[0032] The basic screen 240 includes a list area 241 that displays a list of paper preset data registered in the paper information table 25, a new button 242 for instructing the creation of new paper preset data, an edit button 243 for instructing the editing of selected paper preset data, a delete button 244 for instructing the deletion of selected paper preset data, and an exit button 245 for exiting the paper setting tool 24. Note that the items displayed on the basic screen 240 are not limited to these, and other items may also be included.

[0033] List area 241 of basic screen 240 displays the setting contents of each paper preset data registered in paper information table 25, i.e., the paper name, various parameters indicating the characteristics of the paper, and the correction name for identifying the correction value preset data. Also, list area 241 accepts the selection of one of the multiple paper preset data registered in paper information table 25, and displays the selected paper preset data distinguished from unselected paper preset data.

[0034] Furthermore, when the New button 242 on the basic screen 240 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 displays the paper setting screen 250 shown in FIG. 6B on the user IF 13. A default value is displayed for each item that can be set on the paper setting screen 250. When the Edit button 243 is operated, the paper setting screen 250 is also displayed on the user IF 13. In this case, the settings of the paper preset data selected in the list area 241 are reflected in each item that can be set on the paper setting screen 250. When the Delete button 244 is operated, the paper preset data selected in the list area 241 is deleted from the list area 241 and also from the paper information table 25.

[0035] The paper setting screen 250 includes a paper name field 251, a paper type selection list 252 which is a list box for selecting the type of paper, a size setting area 253 for setting the label size, a margin setting area 254 for setting the margins, a correction value setting area 255 for setting the correction value, an OK button 258, and a cancel button 259. Note that the items displayed on the paper setting screen 250 are not limited to these, and other items may also be included.

[0036] A paper name is entered in a paper name field 251 of the paper setting screen 250. In this embodiment, since the label size and margins are set as information indicating the characteristics of the paper, it is advisable to enter a name in the paper name that can distinguish the type or use of the label.

[0037] On the paper setting screen 250, the paper type selection list 252 displays a list of paper types that are installed in the paper setting tool 24 as settable paper types. That is, the paper setting tool has pre-installed paper types that are compatible with the label printer 3, and these are displayed selectably in the paper type selection list 252. The paper types are installed in the paper setting tool 24 as combinations of paper quality and label format. For example, if the label printer 3 supports roll paper and fanfold paper as paper types and die-cut labels, marking labels, and non-fixed length labels as label formats, then multiple paper type options such as "roll paper / die-cut label," "roll paper / marking label," "roll paper / non-fixed length label," "fanfold paper / die-cut label," "fanfold paper / marking label," and "fanfold paper / non-fixed length label" can be selected.

[0038] The size setting area 253 of the paper setting screen 250 displays the label width and height as label characteristics, and these can be set via the user IF 13. The size setting area 253 also displays the label spacing as a label printing characteristic, and these can be set via the user IF 13. The margin setting area 254 also displays the top, bottom, left, and right margins of the label, and these can be set via the user IF 13.

[0039] Of the paper setting screen 250, the correction value setting area 255 includes a correction name selection list 255A, which is a list box for selecting a correction name, a new button 255B for instructing the creation of new correction value preset data, an edit button 255C for instructing the editing of the correction value preset data selected in the correction name selection list 255A, and a delete button 255D for instructing the deletion of the correction value preset data selected in the correction name selection list 255A.

[0040] The correction name selection list 255A displays, as selectable correction names, a list of correction names included in each correction value preset data registered in the correction value information table 26. That is, the correction name selection list 255A displays, selectably, the correction value preset data registered in advance in the correction value information table 26.

[0041] Furthermore, when New button 255B on paper setting screen 250 is operated, paper setting tool 24 causes user IF 13 to display correction value setting screen 260 as shown in FIG. 7A. A default value is displayed for each item that can be set on correction value setting screen 260. When Edit button 255C is operated, correction value setting screen 260 is also displayed on user IF 13. In this case, the setting contents of the correction value preset data selected in correction name selection list 255A are displayed for each item that can be set on correction value setting screen 260.

[0042] In addition, when the delete button 255D on the paper setting screen 250 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 deletes the correction value preset data selected in the correction name selection list 255A from the correction name selection list 255A and also from the correction value information table 26.

[0043] When the OK button 258 on the paper setting screen 250 is operated, if the New button 242 was operated to display the paper setting screen 250, the paper setting tool 24 generates new paper preset data of the set contents, registers the generated paper preset data in the paper information table 25, and closes the paper setting screen 250. If the Edit button 243 was operated to display the paper setting screen 250, the selected paper preset data among the paper preset data registered in the paper information table 25 is updated to the set contents, and the paper setting screen 250 is closed. On the other hand, if the Cancel button 259 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 closes the paper setting screen 250 without generating or updating the paper preset data.

[0044] 7(A) includes a test print button 261 that accepts an instruction to print a test pattern, an ink bleed correction value selection list 262 that is a list box for selecting a correction value for ink bleed correction, a transport error correction value selection list 263 that is a list box for selecting a correction value for transport error correction, a correction name field 265, a next button 268, and a cancel button 269. The correction value setting screen 260 also includes a test pattern image area 262A that displays an image of the test pattern for ink bleed correction, and a test pattern image area 263A that displays an image of the test pattern for transport error correction. Note that the items displayed on the correction value setting screen 260 are not limited to these, and other items may also be included.

[0045] When the test print button 261 on the correction value setting screen 260 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 instructs the label printer 3 to print a test pattern for inputting correction values. There are two types of test patterns printed based on the operation of the test print button 261: a test pattern for ink bleed correction and a test pattern for conveyance error correction. Each operation of the test print button 261 causes the label printer 3 to print each test pattern once. The label printer 3 of this embodiment prints one type of test pattern per label. That is, in this embodiment, two types of test patterns are printed based on the operation of the test print button 261, and therefore two labels are used. The instruction to print the test pattern may be sent directly from the paper setting tool 24 to the label printer 3, or may be sent from the paper setting tool 24 to the label printer 3 via the printer driver 23. The types of test patterns printed are not limited to two; three or more types of test patterns may be printed.

[0046] Ink bleed correction is a correction method for reducing the effects of bleeding of coloring materials, such as ink. When bleeding occurs, for example, when printing a barcode image, the width of the black bars increases, potentially making it impossible to record accurate information. When printing text, the characters may become thicker and appear blurred. The degree of bleeding of coloring materials varies depending on the paper quality. Therefore, ink bleed correction accepts a dot reduction amount setting as a correction value and performs a process of reducing the outlines of lines or characters included in the image by an amount equivalent to the set dot reduction amount, i.e., converting the color of pixels located at the outlines to the background color or white. This correction reduces the width of lines, for example, by an amount equivalent to the set dot reduction amount, resulting in thinner lines compared to before correction.

[0047] Regarding ink bleed correction, the lines constituting a barcode are illustrated. FIG. 8(A) shows a portion of a barcode image 30 before correction. FIG. 8(B) shows a portion of the barcode image 30 after correction. FIG. 8(C) shows a portion of a barcode image 30 printed based on the corrected barcode image 30. FIG. 8(D) shows a portion of a barcode image 30 printed based on the uncorrected barcode image 30. As shown in FIG. 8, if the barcode image 30 is printed without correction, the black bars 31 will thicken due to ink bleed, and will be printed wider than the black bars 31 in the desired barcode image 30 ((A) → (D) in FIG. 8). On the other hand, if ink bleed correction is performed to convert the pixels corresponding to the set amount of dot removal from the outline of the black bars 31 constituting the barcode image 30 to white, both ends of the black bars 31 in the width direction will be removed by an amount corresponding to the set amount of dot removal. As a result, the black bars 31 become thinner and the white bars 32 become thicker ((A) → (B) in FIG. 8). Then, by printing the corrected barcode image 30, the thin black bars 31 become thicker due to ink bleeding ((B) → (C) in FIG. 8). As a result, the width of the black bars 31 approaches that of the barcode image 30 before correction, increasing the likelihood of obtaining the desired barcode image 30.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in the test pattern image area 262A of FIG. 7A, an ink bleed correction pattern image 262B is printed as a test pattern for setting the dot removal amount, which is a correction value for ink bleed correction. The test pattern image 262B includes black bars 262C of a predetermined width and white bars 262D of different widths. Each black bar 262C is assigned a number corresponding to the amount of dot removal. The number corresponds to the width of each white bar 262D, and the number is calculated by dividing the number by the number of dots in the width of the white bar 262D by 2. That is, the width of white bar 262D No. 1 is 2 dots, and the width of white bar 262D No. 2 is 4 dots. Note that no white bar 262D is printed on No. 0, leaving it as a solid black bar. The user is then asked to visually inspect the printed copy of the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and input the largest number of black bars 262C for which no white bar 262D is visible. In other words, as the ink bleeds, the black bar 262C widens and the white bar 262D narrows. Therefore, the number at which the white bar 262D becomes obscured and no longer visible corresponds to the amount of ink bleed, and the user is asked to input this number as the amount of dot removal.

[0049] In this embodiment, numbers printed in the test pattern are displayed in advance as options in the bleed correction value selection list 262, and the user selects from that list. The correction value for ink bleed correction, which is the amount of dot removal, is an example of a first correction value. The amount of dot removal that is set may be the number of dots to be removed itself, or a value indicating a guideline for the amount to be removed (for example, the number of dots to be removed is an input value multiplied by a predetermined number of dots).

[0050] Conveyance error correction is a correction to reduce misalignment of ink due to paper conveyance error. When conveying paper in the label printer 3, skew may occur due to paper slippage. In the label printer 3, the black ink print nozzles and cyan ink print nozzles are arranged at a distance in the paper conveyance direction, and if skew occurs, the ink landing position will be shifted by the amount of skew, even if printing is performed using print nozzles in the same position in the width direction. The amount of skew differs depending on the paper quality. Therefore, conveyance error correction accepts the setting of a conveyance adjustment amount as a correction value, and the label printer 3 adjusts the ink ejection position based on the set conveyance adjustment amount.

[0051] In this embodiment, as shown in the test pattern image area 263A in FIG. 7A, a conveyance error correction pattern image 263B is printed as a test pattern for inputting correction values ​​for conveyance error correction. The image 263C of each bar set is assigned a number corresponding to the conveyance adjustment amount. The image 263C of each bar set differs in the position of the cyan bar relative to the black bar. In the image 263C of each bar set, the cyan bar is positioned one dot to the left in the +1 position, two dots to the left in the +2 position, one dot to the right in the -1 position, two dots to the right in the -2 position, and the cyan bar is positioned in the same position as the black bar in the 0 position. The user is then asked to visually inspect the printout of the conveyance error correction pattern image 263B and enter the number where the black bar and cyan bar overlap. In other words, if the paper is skewed, even if black ink and cyan ink are ejected from print nozzles in the same position in the width direction, they may not land in the same position, resulting in misalignment in the width direction. For example, if there is no skew, the image of bar set 0 is one in which both bars overlap. However, if there is a one-dot skew to the left during transport from the black ink print nozzle to the cyan ink print nozzle, the two bars will not overlap in image 263C of bar set 0, but will overlap in image 263C of bar set +1. In this way, the number where the black bar and cyan bar overlap corresponds to the amount of skew, and this number is input as the transport adjustment amount.

[0052] In this embodiment, the numbers printed in the test pattern are displayed in advance as options in the transport error correction value selection list 263, and the user selects from that list. The correction value for transport error correction, which is the transport adjustment amount, is an example of a second correction value. Note that the transport adjustment amount that is set may be the number of dots to be adjusted itself, or a value that indicates a guideline for the amount of adjustment (for example, the number of dots to be adjusted is an input value x a predetermined number of dots).

[0053] A correction name is entered in the correction name field 265 of the correction value setting screen 260. As mentioned above, since the correction value differs depending on the paper quality, it is advisable to enter a name that can distinguish the paper quality or the model number of the paper as the correction name.

[0054] When the Next button 268 on the correction value setting screen 260 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 closes the correction value setting screen 260 and causes the user IF 13 to display a fixing check setting screen 270 as shown in FIG. 7B. At this stage, the setting of the correction value preset data is not complete, and no registration or update is made to the correction value information table 26. On the other hand, when the Cancel button 269 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 closes the correction value setting screen 260 without registering or updating the correction value information table 26.

[0055] The fixing confirmation setting screen 270 accepts the setting of a correction value suitable for fixing the coloring material. Specifically, the fixing confirmation setting screen 270 includes a speed selection list 271, which is a list box for selecting a guaranteed print speed, a density selection list 272, which is a list box for selecting a print density, a test print button 273 for accepting an instruction to print a test pattern, an OK button 278, and a cancel button 279. The fixing confirmation setting screen 270 also includes a test pattern image area 273A that displays an image of the test pattern for fixing adjustment.

[0056] When the test print button 273 on the fixing check setting screen 270 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 instructs the label printer 3 to print a test pattern for fixing check. In this embodiment, the test pattern printed based on the operation of the test print button 273 is a fixing check pattern image 273B, in which half of the label is a solid black image 273C and the other half is a solid white image 273D, as shown in the test pattern image area 273A in FIG. 7(B). This fixing check pattern image 273B is printed at the guaranteed print speed selected in the speed selection list 271 and at the print density selected in the density selection list 272. The user folds the printed label between the solid black image 273C and the solid white image 273D so that both images are on the inside. Then, the user visually checks whether black ink is attached to the area of ​​the solid white image 273D. The maximum print speed and print density suitable for ink fixation differ depending on the paper quality, so the user must repeat test printing to determine the optimal combination of guaranteed print speed and print density. The guaranteed print speed and print density are examples of the second correction value.

[0057] When the OK button 278 is operated on the fixing confirmation setting screen 270, if the New button 255B is operated to display the correction value setting screen 260, the paper setting tool 24 generates new correction value preset data of the set contents, registers the generated correction value preset data in the correction value information table 26, and closes the fixing confirmation setting screen 270. If the Edit button 255C is operated to display the correction value setting screen 260, the paper setting tool 24 updates the selected correction value preset data from the correction value preset data registered in the correction value information table 26 to the set contents, and closes the fixing confirmation setting screen 270. On the other hand, if the Cancel button 279 is operated, the paper setting tool 24 closes the fixing confirmation setting screen 270 without registering or updating the correction value information table 26.

[0058] The correction values ​​that make up the correction value preset data can be broadly divided into correction values ​​related to image processing and correction values ​​related to printer control. Correction values ​​related to image processing are used when print data is generated by the printer driver 23. The dot removal amount for ink bleed correction corresponds to a correction value related to image processing. Correction values ​​related to printer control are used when the label printer 3 prints the image shown in the print data. The transport adjustment amount, guaranteed print speed, and print density for transport error control correspond to correction values ​​related to printer control.

[0059] [Printing procedure for the printing system] Next, the printing procedure in the printing system 100 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram in FIG. 9. Note that each processing step of the editing application 22, printer driver 23, and paper setting tool 24 described below basically indicates processing by the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in each program. That is, processes such as "determination," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" in the following description represent processing by the CPU 11. Processing by the CPU 11 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS 21 of the PC 1. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS 21.

[0060] In the printing system 100 of this embodiment, before creating a label using the label printer 3, that is, before printing using the label printer 3, it is necessary to register the paper preset data and the correction value preset data using the paper setting tool 24. To do this, the user first operates the user IF 13 of the PC 1 to start the paper setting tool 24. The started paper setting tool 24 displays the basic screen 240 shown in FIG. 6(A). Furthermore, in accordance with the user's operation, the basic screen 240 is displayed to display the paper setting screen 250 shown in FIG. 7(A), and the paper setting screen 250 is displayed to display the correction value setting screen 260 shown in FIG. 7(B).

[0061] Then, the paper setting tool 24 accepts input of various correction values ​​via the correction value setting screen 260 and the fixing confirmation setting screen 270 (processing step 10; hereinafter, "processing step" will be referred to as "S"). After accepting the input of various correction values, the paper setting tool 24 generates correction value preset data that associates the various input correction values, and registers the generated correction value preset data in the correction value information table 26 (S11). Because appropriate correction values ​​vary depending on the paper quality, multiple correction value preset data may be registered in advance. Furthermore, default value correction value preset data, in which default values ​​for each correction value are associated, may be registered in advance in the correction value information table 26. If only default value correction value preset data is used, registration of correction value preset data based on user operation may be omitted.

[0062] Furthermore, paper setting tool 24 accepts input of various parameters that indicate paper characteristics via paper setting screen 250. After accepting input of various parameters (S12), paper setting tool 24 generates paper preset data that associates the input parameters, and registers the generated paper preset data in paper information table 25 (S13). Multiple paper preset data may also be registered in advance.

[0063] Thereafter, the user starts the editing application 22 (S20). When the editing application 22 starts up, it requests information indicating the capabilities of the label printer 3 from the printer driver 23 (S21).

[0064] In response to the capability request from the editing application 22, the printer driver 23 references the paper information table 25, acquires the paper name of each paper preset data registered in the paper information table 25, and creates a list of the acquired paper names (S22). The printer driver 23 then returns the created list to the editing application 22 (S23). Note that in response to the capability request from the editing application 22, the printer driver 23 acquires various types of capability information from the label printer 3, and in S23 also returns the capability information acquired directly from the label printer 3. Specifically, in S23, the created list is returned to the editing application 22 by including the paper names included in the list in the paper size item included in the capability information.

[0065] After receiving a response from the printer driver 23, the editing application 22 displays the main screen 220 shown in FIG. 4 and accepts label editing (S24). In S24, a selection of a paper name is accepted as a print setting, and the paper name is selected based on an operation from the user. Note that an instruction to start the paper setting tool 24 may also be accepted in S24, making it possible to start the paper setting tool 24. In other words, new paper preset data and correction value preset data may also be added in S24.

[0066] The editing application 22 may request the printer driver 23 to transfer paper preset data corresponding to the selected paper name, and in this case, the printer driver 23 reads the paper preset data corresponding to the selected paper name from the paper information table 25 and responds to the editing application 22. The editing application 22 that has received the paper preset data may change the settings in the height setting area 223, the margin setting area 224, and the orientation setting area 225 based on the paper preset data.

[0067] Thereafter, the editing application 22 receives a print instruction input through an operation by the user (S30). When the editing application 22 receives a print instruction from the user, the editing application 22 passes the print settings received in S24 and image data indicating the image to be printed to the printer driver 23 (S31). The print settings include the name of the selected paper.

[0068] When the print settings and image data are passed to printer driver 23, printer driver 23 acquires correction values ​​based on the print settings (S32). Specifically, printer driver 23 reads paper preset data corresponding to the paper name included in the print settings from paper information table 25, and reads correction value preset data corresponding to the correction name included in the read paper preset data from correction value information table 26. In this way, printer driver 23 acquires various correction values ​​included in the correction value preset data. In this manner, since the paper preset data includes correction names, when the user selects a paper name with editing application 22, correction values ​​are also automatically selected in printer driver 23.

[0069] After S32, the printer driver 23 generates print data corrected based on the correction values ​​related to image processing among the acquired correction values ​​(S33). In S33, print data is generated in which ink bleeding correction has been performed using, for example, the dot removal amount. The correction value preset data may also include correction values ​​related to image processing other than the dot removal amount. For example, if correction values ​​such as brightness, contrast, and color balance are included, color balance correction may be performed according to those correction values. In S33, either the image data or the print data may be corrected. That is, correction may be performed first, print data generation may be performed first, or correction and print data generation may be performed simultaneously. The image to be corrected may be only a specific image, such as an image showing a barcode, or the entire image. The objects to be corrected may be only text objects and line objects, or all objects.

[0070] After S33, the printer driver 23 sends a print instruction to the label printer 3, in which the print data and the correction values ​​related to printer control from among the acquired correction values ​​are associated with each other (S34).

[0071] Upon receiving the print instruction, the label printer 3 prints an image based on the received print data in accordance with the received correction values ​​(S40). In S40, for example, the print position is adjusted in accordance with the transport adjustment amount. The paper is also transported in accordance with the guaranteed print speed. The amount of ink ejected is also adjusted in accordance with the print density. In this way, the label printer 3 prints an image that reflects the various correction values.

[0072] As described above in detail, in the printing system 100 of this embodiment, the paper setting tool 24 prepares paper preset data in advance, in which a correction name indicating one of the correction value preset data including multiple correction values ​​is associated with multiple parameters indicating paper characteristics, and registers the prepared paper preset data in the paper information table 25. The printer driver 23 then passes a list of paper names from the prepared paper preset data to the editing application 22. The editing application 22 accepts the selection of a paper name included in the list as a print setting item. When the printer driver 23 receives print settings including a paper name from the editing application 22, it references the paper information table 25 and acquires the correction value preset data associated with that paper name. As a result, when the user sets one of the paper names via the editing application 22, various correction values ​​are also acquired along with the setting. This eliminates the need to change various correction values ​​when changing paper-related parameters.

[0073] Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, it is obvious that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the information processing device constituting the printing system 100 may be any information processing device capable of communicating with a printer, and is not limited to PCs, but may also be a PDA or smartphone. Furthermore, the printer constituting the printing system 100 may be any device with a printing function, and is not limited to label printers, but may also be printers, copiers, or multifunction peripherals that print on cut paper. Note that labels may have special surface treatments (lamination, gloss), and multiple corrections based on differences in surface roughness for each label are often required. Therefore, a configuration in which printing is performed on a label printer 3 as described herein is preferable.

[0074] In addition, in the embodiment, printer driver 23 and paper setting tool 24 are configured as separate programs, but they may be configured as a single program. For example, printer driver 23 may have a function for creating paper preset data and correction value preset data.

[0075] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the paper information table 25 and the correction value information table 26 are stored in the PC 1, but the device that stores these tables is not limited to the PC 1. For example, they may be stored in a device other than the PC 1, such as a server, or they may be stored in the label printer 3. The printer driver 23 may be configured to store the storage destination of the tables, and the tables may be referenced from the storage destination device.

[0076] In addition, in the embodiment, the paper preset data associates paper information indicating the characteristics of the paper with a correction value, but the type of colorant and environmental values ​​(temperature and humidity) may also be associated. In other words, the appropriate correction value may differ depending on the type of colorant and environmental values, and by associating this information with the data, it becomes possible to select, for example, a paper name for each type of colorant or a paper name for each environmental value, making it easy to switch to a more appropriate correction value.

[0077] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the timing at which the printer driver 23 refers to the paper information table 25 is when a request is made from the editing application 22 when the editing application 22 is started up, but it may also be when a request is made from the editing application 22 when the editing application 22 receives input of print settings, or when the printer driver 23 is started up, or when the print setting screen of the printer driver 23 is displayed, for example.

[0078] In addition, in the embodiment, correction value preset data that compiles multiple correction values ​​is prepared and saved in a table separate from the paper preset data, but multiple correction values ​​may also be included in the paper preset data. However, by saving correction value preset data that compiles multiple correction values ​​and allowing the user to select correction value preset data as in the embodiment, multiple correction values ​​can be collectively set in the paper preset data. This reduces the effort required to set correction values ​​when registering paper preset data.

[0079] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be changed or they can be executed in parallel as long as no contradiction occurs in the processing content.

[0080] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by hardware such as a single CPU, multiple CPUs, or ASIC, or a combination thereof. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 PC 3. Label printer 22 Editing Apps 23 Printer Driver 24 Paper Settings Tool 25 Paper Information Table 26 Correction Value Information Table 100 Printing Systems 220 Main Screen

Claims

1. A program set having a first program and a second program, The first program is installed in a computer of an information processing device. executes a registration process to register paper preset data in which a first correction value, which is a correction value used to correct image data, a second correction value, which is a correction value different from the first correction value, and paper information indicating paper characteristics are associated in a paper information table stored in the information processing device, and a plurality of the paper preset data can be registered in the paper information table; The second program is installed in the computer of the information processing device. a list creation process for creating a list indicating the paper preset data registered in the paper information table; a response process of passing the list created by the list creation process to an application program installed on the information processing device in response to a request from the application program, and the application program is capable of setting one of the paper preset data included in the list as a paper parameter related to paper among parameters included in print settings, The second program further includes: an acquisition process for acquiring, when image data and the print settings in which one of the paper preset data included in the list is set as the paper parameter, from the paper information table, the first correction value and the second correction value corresponding to the paper preset data set in the transferred print settings; a correction process of correcting the image data passed from the application program using the first correction value and the second correction value acquired in the acquisition process; a transmission process of transmitting a print command to a printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, the print command causing printing to be performed based on the image data corrected by the correction process; Execute A set of programs configured to:

2. A program set having a first program and a second program, The first program is installed in a computer of an information processing device. executes a registration process to register paper preset data in which a first correction value, which is a correction value used to correct image data, a second correction value, which is a correction value different from the first correction value, and paper information indicating paper characteristics are associated in a paper information table stored in the information processing device, and a plurality of the paper preset data can be registered in the paper information table; The second program is installed in the computer of the information processing device. a list creation process for creating a list indicating the paper preset data registered in the paper information table; a response process of passing the list created by the list creation process to an application program installed on the information processing device in response to a request from the application program, and the application program is capable of setting one of the paper preset data included in the list as a paper parameter related to paper among parameters included in print settings, The second program further includes: an acquisition process for acquiring, when image data and the print settings in which one of the paper preset data included in the list is set as the paper parameter, from the paper information table, the first correction value and the second correction value corresponding to the paper preset data set in the transferred print settings; a correction process for correcting the image data passed from the application program using the first correction value acquired in the acquisition process; a transmission process of transmitting, to a printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, a print command for causing printing based on the image data corrected in the correction process to be performed using the second correction value acquired in the acquisition process; Execute A set of programs configured to:

3. A program set according to claim 1 or claim 2, In the correction process, correcting the image data by narrowing the width of a line included in an image shown in the image data passed from the application program based on the first correction value acquired in the acquisition process; A set of programs configured to:

4. A program set as defined in claim 3, In the correction process, When the image data passed from the application program includes an image showing a barcode, the image data is corrected by removing both ends of each black line in the width direction of each black line constituting the barcode by the number of dots based on the first correction value acquired in the acquisition process. A set of programs configured to:

5. A program set according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In the registration process, accepting an input of the first correction value via a user interface of the information processing device, and registering the paper preset data in which the input first correction value, the second correction value, and the paper information are associated with each other in the paper information table stored in the information processing device; A set of programs configured to:

6. A program set according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The first program is installed in the computer of the information processing device. executing a correction value registration process for registering correction value preset data in which the first correction value and the second correction value are associated with each other in a correction value information table stored in the information processing device, wherein a plurality of the correction value preset data can be registered in the correction value information table; In the registration process, a selection of one of the correction value preset data registered in the correction value information table is accepted via a user interface of the information processing device, and the paper preset data in which the first correction value and the second correction value corresponding to the selected correction value preset data are associated with the paper information is registered in the paper information table stored in the information processing device; A set of programs configured to:

7. A program set according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: the printer is a label printer, The characteristics of the paper indicated in the paper information are characteristics related to the paper quality of the label, In the transmission process, transmitting the print command to the label printer via the communication interface of the information processing device, the print command causing printing to be performed based on the image data corrected by the correction process; A set of programs configured to:

8. The computer of the information processing device a list creation process is executed to create a list showing paper preset data registered in a paper information table stored in the information processing device, the paper preset data being associated with a first correction value which is a correction value used to correct image data and a second correction value which is a correction value different from the first correction value, and paper information which shows characteristics of paper, and a plurality of the paper preset data can be registered in the paper information table; Furthermore, the computer a response process is executed in response to a request from an application program installed on the information processing device, the response process being to pass the list created by the list creation process to the application program, and the application program is capable of setting one of the paper preset data included in the list as a paper parameter related to paper among parameters included in print settings; Furthermore, the computer an acquisition process for acquiring, when image data and the print settings in which one of the paper preset data included in the list is set as the paper parameter, from the paper information table, the first correction value and the second correction value corresponding to the paper preset data set in the transferred print settings; a correction process of correcting the image data passed from the application program using the first correction value and the second correction value acquired in the acquisition process; a transmission process of transmitting a print command to a printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, the print command causing printing to be performed based on the image data corrected by the correction process; Execute A program that is structured as follows.

9. The computer of the information processing device a list creation process is executed to create a list showing paper preset data registered in a paper information table stored in the information processing device, the paper preset data being associated with a first correction value which is a correction value used to correct image data and a second correction value which is a correction value different from the first correction value, and paper information which shows characteristics of paper, and a plurality of the paper preset data can be registered in the paper information table; Furthermore, the computer a response process is executed in response to a request from an application program installed on the information processing device, the response process being to pass the list created by the list creation process to the application program, and the application program is capable of setting one of the paper preset data included in the list as a paper parameter related to paper among parameters included in print settings; Furthermore, the computer an acquisition process for acquiring, when image data and the print settings in which one of the paper preset data included in the list is set as the paper parameter, from the paper information table, the first correction value and the second correction value corresponding to the paper preset data set in the transferred print settings; a correction process for correcting the image data passed from the application program using the first correction value acquired in the acquisition process; a transmission process of transmitting, to a printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, a print command for causing printing based on the image data corrected in the correction process to be performed using the second correction value acquired in the acquisition process; Execute A program that is structured as follows.

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