program

Abstract

To provide a program which is a program used in printing of a test pattern for correcting image data and which suppresses a consumption amount of sheets when printing the test pattern.SOLUTION: In a printing system, a sheet setting tool incorporated in a PC acquires sheet information including a size of a sheet, and test pattern information on a plurality of test patterns, including a size of each test pattern. Then, the sheet setting tool causes the plurality of test patterns to be printed on one sheet when the plurality of test patterns fit in a printing area based on the size of the sheet to be printed by a label printer, or otherwise, causes the plurality of test patterns to be printed on a plurality of sheet when the plurality of test patterns do not fit in the printing area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a program used to print a test pattern for correcting image data. [Background technology]

[0002] A known technique involves printing a test pattern in advance, storing correction values ​​based on the printout of the test pattern, correcting the image data according to the correction values ​​when passing the image data to a printer, and 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 readout results. [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 perform multiple corrections to accommodate various types of paper with different characteristics, such as paper quality, and may print multiple test patterns to store the correction values ​​required for each correction. Printing these multiple test patterns tends to consume a large amount of paper. Test patterns require a certain size to set appropriate correction values, so it is not desirable to print them at a reduced size. Therefore, there is room for improvement when printing multiple test patterns. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The program aimed at solving the above problems is The computer of the information processing device a paper size acquisition process for acquiring paper size information indicating the size of paper to be printed by the printer; a pattern size acquisition process for acquiring pattern size information indicating the size of each of a plurality of test patterns to be printed by the printer; a determination process for determining whether the plurality of test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper to be printed by the printer, based on the paper size information obtained in the paper size obtaining process and the pattern size information obtained in the pattern size obtaining process; a test printing process for causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns; Execute In the test printing process, If the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns can fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on one sheet of paper, and if the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns cannot fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on multiple sheets of paper. It is configured as follows.

[0006] Printers can handle multiple types of paper, and depending on the paper size, it may be possible to fit multiple test patterns on a single sheet. The program disclosed in this specification acquires the paper size and the size of each test pattern, determines whether the multiple test patterns will fit within the print area of ​​the paper, and if it determines that they will, prints the multiple test patterns on a single sheet of paper using the printer. This reduces the amount of paper used when printing test patterns compared to printing one test pattern on a single sheet of paper, even without reducing the size of the test patterns.

[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 is a program used to print a test pattern for correcting image data, and realizes a technology that reduces paper consumption when printing the test pattern. [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] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating screen transitions when a new paper preset is registered using a paper setting tool. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating screen transitions when a new correction preset is registered using the paper setting tool. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of how a barcode image changes due to ink bleed correction. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for test printing in the printing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print image when a plurality of pattern images are printed together on one label. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print image when each pattern image is printed on a different label. 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 program. 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 images to be printed and receives instructions to print the images. The editing application 22 may also receive instructions to save images, for example. The editing application 22 may be, for example, Microsoft® 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 images to be printed on labels.

[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. Multiple paper preset data can be registered in the paper information table 25. As shown in FIG. 2, the paper preset data in this embodiment is associated with a paper name for identifying each paper preset data, multiple parameters, and a correction name that indicates one of the correction value preset data. The multiple 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.

[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.

[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] [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. 4(A).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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. 4B 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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. 5A. 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 5(A) includes a test print button 261 that receives 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.

[0040] 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 transport error correction, and each test pattern is printed once by the label printer 3 based on a single operation of the test print button 261. The procedure for printing test patterns based on the operation of the test print button 261 will be described later. Note that the types of test patterns printed are not limited to two, and three or more types of test patterns may be printed. The test pattern for ink bleed correction and the test pattern for transport error correction are examples of first-type test patterns.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Regarding ink bleed correction, the lines constituting a barcode are illustrated. FIG. 6(A) shows a portion of a barcode image 30 before correction. FIG. 6(B) shows a portion of the barcode image 30 after correction. FIG. 6(C) shows a portion of a barcode image 30 printed based on the corrected barcode image 30. FIG. 6(D) shows a portion of a barcode image 30 printed based on the uncorrected barcode image 30. As shown in FIG. 6, 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. 6). 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 (see (A) → (B) in FIG. 6). Then, when the corrected barcode image 30 is printed, the thin black bars 31 become thicker due to ink bleeding (see (B) → (C) in FIG. 6). 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.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in the test pattern image area 262A of FIG. 5A, 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 for 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.

[0044] In this embodiment, numbers printed in the test pattern are displayed in advance as options in the bleeding correction value selection list 262, and the user selects from that list. The set amount of dot removal 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in the test pattern image area 263A in FIG. 5A, 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 printed 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.

[0047] 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 transport adjustment amount that is set may be the number of dots to be adjusted, 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 multiplied by a predetermined number of dots).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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. 5B. 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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. 5(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 repeats test printing to determine the optimal combination of guaranteed print speed and print density. The test pattern for fixing confirmation is an example of a second type of test pattern, and the guaranteed print speed and print density are examples of printing conditions for printing the second type of test pattern.

[0052] When the OK button 278 is operated on the fixing confirmation setting screen 270, if the correction value setting screen 260 was displayed in response to the operation of the New button 255B, 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. This registration of correction values ​​based on the operation of the OK button 278 is an example of a registration process. If the correction value setting screen 260 was displayed in response to the operation of the Edit button 255C, the selected correction value preset data among the correction value preset data registered in the correction value information table 26 is updated to the set contents, and the fixing confirmation setting screen 270 is closed. 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] [Test printing procedure] Next, the procedure for test printing in the printing system 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7. The test printing process shown in FIG. 7 is a process of the paper setting tool 24, and is executed in response to operation of the test printing button 261 on the correction value setting screen 260. Note that each processing step of the paper setting tool 24 described below basically represents processing by the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in each program. In other words, processes such as "determine," "extract," "select," "calculate," "decide," "identify," "acquire," "receive," 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.

[0055] In the test printing process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 11 first acquires paper information including the paper size (processing step 1; hereinafter, "processing step" will be referred to as "S"). The paper information includes not only the paper size but also, for example, margin information. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 acquires the label width and height entered in the size setting area 253 of the paper setting screen 250, and the margins entered in the margin setting area 254. If the label printer 3 has a function for detecting the size of the loaded paper or a function for receiving and registering the input of the paper size, the paper size may be acquired by querying the label printer 3 about the paper size in S1 and receiving the paper size detected or registered by the label printer 3 from the label printer 3. S1 is an example of paper size acquisition processing. The paper size may also be determined by acquiring the model number of the loaded paper and identifying the paper size from that model number.

[0056] After S1, the CPU 11 acquires test pattern information including the size of the test pattern (S2). In this embodiment, the CPU 11 prints an ink bleed correction pattern image 262B, which is a test pattern for ink bleed correction, and a transport error correction pattern image 263B, which is a test pattern for transport error correction, as test printing based on the operation of the test print button 261. Therefore, the CPU 11 acquires the size of the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the size of the transport error correction pattern image 263B as test pattern information. S2 is an example of pattern size acquisition processing. Note that the fixation confirmation pattern image 273B, which is a test pattern for fixation confirmation, is not an image printed based on the operation of the test print button 261, and is therefore excluded from S2. The size of each pattern image is a size that fits on the smallest label that the label printer 3 can handle.

[0057] The test pattern information may be stored in a device that stores each pattern image that will become a test pattern. For example, if the label printer 3 stores each pattern image, that is, if the paper setting tool 24 sends a command specifying the test pattern to be printed and the label printer 3 reads and prints the test pattern specified by the command, in S2 the CPU 11 requests the label printer 3 to send test pattern information and receives the test pattern information from the label printer 3, thereby acquiring the test pattern information.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, when the paper setting tool 24 stores each pattern image, that is, when the paper setting tool 24 generates print data for printing each pattern image and the label printer 3 prints the pattern image based on that print data, in S2 the CPU 11 acquires test pattern information incorporated into the paper setting tool 24. Alternatively, the paper setting tool 24 may instruct the printer driver 23 to print a test pattern, and the printer driver 23 may generate print data for printing each pattern image. In this case, in S2 the CPU 11 may acquire the test pattern information from the printer driver 23. Note that even when the label printer 3 stores each pattern image, the paper setting tool 24 or the printer driver 23 may have the test pattern information.

[0059] Steps S1 and S2 may be executed in reverse order, or simultaneously. After steps S1 and S2, the CPU 11 determines whether or not both the paper information and the test pattern information have been acquired (S3). If at least one of the pieces of information has not been acquired (S3: NO), the CPU 11 issues an error indicating that test printing cannot be executed (S4), and ends the test printing process.

[0060] If both pieces of information have been acquired (S3: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the pattern images to be printed, the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B, will fit on one page of paper, i.e., within the printing area of ​​one label, based on the paper information acquired in S1 and the test pattern information acquired in S2 (S11). The determination in S11 requires that both pattern images be printed on one label, and they may be arranged side by side either in the width direction or the height direction of the label. S11 is an example of the determination process.

[0061] If both pattern images fit within the printing area of ​​one page of paper (S11: YES), the CPU 11 causes the label printer 3 to print the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B on one label (S12). In S12, the label printer 3 prints an image on one label 40 in which the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B are aligned in the width direction of the label, as shown in FIG. 8A, for example. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, an image on one label 41 in which the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B are aligned in the height direction of the label (the paper transport direction). In S12, the two pattern images are printed together on one label, so only one label is used. Furthermore, in S12, each pattern image is printed without being reduced, allowing the user to set appropriate correction values ​​from each pattern image. After S12, the test printing process ends. S12 is an example of the test printing process.

[0062] As described above, the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B may be stored in the label printer 3 or in the PC 1. If the label printer 3 stores each pattern image, in S12 the paper setting tool 24 sends the label printer 3 a first print command for printing the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B on one label. The first print command may include information indicating the layout of each pattern image. Upon receiving the first print command, the label printer 3 generates an image for printing in which the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B are arranged side by side, and prints the generated image. By storing the pattern images in the label printer 3, there is no need to send print data to the label printer 3, reducing the communication load. The first print command is an example of a first command.

[0063] On the other hand, if the paper setting tool 24 has each pattern image, in S12 the paper setting tool 24 generates print data for an image in which the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B are arranged side by side, and sends the generated print data to the label printer 3. The label printer 3 receives the print data and prints an image based on the print data. Note that the printer driver 23 may also have each pattern image. In this case, in S12, a first print instruction is input to the printer driver 23 to print the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B on one label, and the printer driver 23 to which the first print instruction is input generates print data for an image in which both pattern images are arranged side by side, and sends the generated print data to the label printer 3. If the paper setting tool 24 or the printer driver 23 has pattern images, there is no need for the label printer 3 to store the pattern images, which saves memory in the label printer 3.

[0064] If both pattern images do not fit within the printing area of ​​one page of paper (S11: NO), the CPU 11 causes the label printer 3 to print the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B on separate labels (S13). That is, in S13, the label printer 3 prints the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B on label 401, and prints the transport error correction pattern image 263B on label 402, as shown in FIG. 9. In S13, two pattern images are printed on one label for each pattern image, so two labels are used. Also, in S13, each pattern image is printed without being reduced. After S13, the test printing process ends. S13 is an example of test printing processing.

[0065] Specifically, if the label printer 3 has each pattern image, in S13 the paper setting tool 24 sends to the label printer 3 a second print command for printing the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B on one label, and a third print command for printing the transport error correction pattern image 263B on one label. When the label printer 3 receives the second print command, it reads and prints the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B, and when it receives the third print command, it reads and prints the transport error correction pattern image 263B. The second print command is an example of a second command, and the third print command is an example of a third command.

[0066] On the other hand, if the paper setting tool 24 has each pattern image, in S13 the paper setting tool 24 generates print data for the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and print data for the transport error correction pattern image 263B, and sends each generated print data to the label printer 3. The label printer 3 receives this print data and prints an image based on the print data. Also, if the printer driver 23 has each pattern image, in S13 a second print instruction for printing the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B on one label and a third print instruction for printing the transport error correction pattern image 263B on one label are input to the printer driver 23, and the printer driver 23 generates print data based on the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B when the second print instruction is input, and generates print data based on the transport error correction pattern image 263B when the third print instruction is input.

[0067] After S12 or S13, the test printing process ends. As described above, the paper setting tool causes the label printer 3 to print the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B, as well as the fixation check pattern image 273B. However, when checking fixation, the fixation check pattern image 273B is repeatedly printed to find the appropriate printing conditions (guaranteed print speed and print density in this embodiment), making it difficult to combine it with other pattern images. Furthermore, since the fixation condition is checked by folding the label on which the fixation check pattern image 273B is printed, mixing other pattern images on a single label could confuse the user. Therefore, the fixation check pattern image 273B is printed on a label separate from the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B to avoid user confusion.

[0068] [Printing procedure for the printing system] Next, we will explain the printing procedure in the printing system 100. In the printing system 100 of this embodiment, when printing with the label printer 3, the paper setting tool 24 is used to register paper preset data and correction value preset data in advance.

[0069] In the printing system 100 of this embodiment, the editing application 22 is first launched by the user. When launched, the editing application 22 requests information indicating the capabilities of the label printer 3 from the printer driver 23. In response to the capability request from the editing application 22, the printer driver 23 references the paper information table 25, acquires the paper names of each paper preset data registered in the paper information table 25, and creates a list of the acquired paper names. The created list is then sent back to the editing application 22.

[0070] After receiving a response from the printer driver 23, the editing application 22 accepts label editing and print settings, and also accepts print instructions input by user operation. The print settings include a paper name item, and the editing application 22 accepts the selection of one paper name from the list passed from the printer driver 23. Then, when the editing application 22 accepts a print instruction from the user, the editing application 22 passes the accepted print settings and image data indicating the image to be printed to the printer driver 23.

[0071] When the print settings and image data are passed from the editing application 22 to the printer driver 23, the printer driver 23 acquires correction values ​​based on the print settings. Specifically, the printer driver 23 reads paper preset data corresponding to the paper name included in the print settings passed from the editing application 22 from the paper information table 25. Furthermore, the printer driver 23 reads correction value preset data corresponding to the correction name included in the read paper preset data from the correction value information table 26. In this way, the printer driver 23 acquires various correction values ​​included in the correction value preset data.

[0072] The printer driver 23 then generates print data corrected based on the image data passed from the editing application 22 and the correction values ​​related to image processing among the various correction values ​​acquired. For example, the printer driver 23 generates print data that has undergone ink bleeding correction using the dot removal amount. The printer driver 23 may correct either the image data or the print data. In other words, the correction may be performed first, or the print data may be generated first, or the correction and print data may be generated simultaneously.

[0073] The printer driver 23 then sends a print instruction to the label printer 3, which associates the print data with the correction values ​​related to printer control from the various correction values ​​acquired. The label printer 3, which has received the print instruction, prints an image based on the received print data in accordance with the received correction values. For example, it adjusts the print position in accordance with the transport adjustment amount. It also transports the paper in accordance with the guaranteed print speed. It also adjusts the amount of ink ejected in accordance with the print density. As a result, the label printer 3 prints an image that reflects the various correction values.

[0074] As described above in detail, the printing system 100 of this embodiment acquires the size of the paper and the sizes of the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B, determines whether both pattern images will fit within the printing area of ​​the paper, and if it is determined that they will fit, prints both pattern images on a single sheet of paper using the label printer 3. On the other hand, if it is determined that they will not fit, prints each pattern image on a separate sheet of paper using the label printer 3. In other words, if both pattern images can fit on a single sheet of paper, only one label is consumed, and if they do not fit, two labels are consumed. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of paper consumed when multiple test patterns fit on a single sheet of paper, and even without reducing the test patterns, the amount of paper consumed when printing the test patterns can be reduced compared to printing one test pattern on a single sheet of paper.

[0075] 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 the label printer 3 as described herein is preferable.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Furthermore, in the embodiment, after the paper setting tool 24 is launched, paper information is acquired in response to the operation of the test print button 261 (S1 in FIG. 7). However, if the paper information is acquired from the label printer 3, the timing for acquiring the paper information may be, for example, when the paper setting tool 24 is launched.

[0079] In addition, in the embodiment, two types of test patterns, the ink bleed correction pattern image 262B and the transport error correction pattern image 263B, are printed on one sheet of paper. However, if there are three types of test patterns, for example, it is possible to determine whether the three test patterns can fit on one sheet of paper, and if so, print all three test patterns on one sheet of paper. In this case, if the three test patterns cannot fit on one sheet of paper, it is next determined whether two of the test patterns can fit on one sheet of paper. If so, those two test patterns are printed on one sheet of paper, and the remaining one is printed on a different sheet of paper. In other words, if there are multiple types of test patterns, as many test patterns as will fit on one sheet of paper are printed. Then, as many of the remaining test patterns as will fit on one sheet of paper are printed. By repeating this process until all test patterns have been printed, the amount of paper consumed when printing the test patterns can be reduced. In other words, the paper setting tool 24 is capable of printing multiple test patterns, and determines whether the multiple test patterns will fit within the printing area based on the paper size.If they do fit, the multiple test patterns are printed on a single sheet of paper, and if they do not fit, the multiple test patterns are printed across multiple sheets of paper.

[0080] Furthermore, when there are multiple test patterns, it may be possible to select the test pattern to be printed when issuing a test print command. This will reduce the number of test patterns to be printed, which is expected to further reduce the amount of paper used for the test patterns.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiment, test printing is performed by the paper setting tool 24, but test printing may also be performed from the printer driver 23. For example, if the printer driver 23 receives settings for multiple correction values, the printer driver 23 may also receive an instruction to perform test printing.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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]

[0084] 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

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device a paper size acquisition process for acquiring paper size information indicating the size of paper to be printed by the printer; a pattern size acquisition process for acquiring pattern size information indicating the size of each of a plurality of test patterns to be printed by the printer; a determination process for determining whether the plurality of test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper to be printed by the printer, based on the paper size information obtained in the paper size obtaining process and the pattern size information obtained in the pattern size obtaining process; a test printing process for causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns; Execute In the test printing process, If the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns can fit within the printing area, a first command for printing the plurality of test patterns on one sheet of paper is sent to the printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, thereby causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns on one sheet of paper; if the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns cannot fit within the printing area, a second command for printing some of the plurality of test patterns on the paper and a third command for printing the remainder of the plurality of test patterns on the paper are sent to the printer via the communication interface, thereby causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns divided among the plurality of sheets of paper; the printer stores image data of the plurality of test patterns, and, in accordance with a command received from the information processing device, reads out the image data corresponding to the test pattern specified in the command and prints the read out test pattern on paper. A program that is structured as follows.

2. The computer of the information processing device a paper size acquisition process for acquiring paper size information indicating the size of paper to be printed by the printer; a pattern size acquisition process for acquiring pattern size information indicating the size of each of a plurality of test patterns to be printed by the printer; a determination process for determining whether the plurality of test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper to be printed by the printer, based on the paper size information obtained in the paper size obtaining process and the pattern size information obtained in the pattern size obtaining process; a test printing process for causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns; Execute In the test printing process, If the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns can fit in the printing area, generate print data in which the plurality of test patterns are arranged to fit on one sheet of paper, and send the generated print data to the printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, thereby causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns on one sheet of paper; if the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns cannot fit in the printing area, generate print data in which some of the plurality of test patterns are arranged to fit on one sheet of paper, and print data in which the remainder of the plurality of test patterns are arranged to fit on one sheet of paper, and send each of the generated print data to the printer via the communication interface, thereby causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns separately on multiple sheets of paper; and the printer prints the test pattern indicated in the received print data on the paper for each piece of print data received from the information processing device. A program that is structured as follows.

3. The computer of the information processing device a paper size acquisition process for acquiring paper size information indicating the size of paper to be printed by the printer; a pattern size acquisition process for acquiring pattern size information indicating the size of each of a plurality of test patterns to be printed by the printer; a determination process for determining whether the plurality of test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper to be printed by the printer, based on the paper size information obtained in the paper size obtaining process and the pattern size information obtained in the pattern size obtaining process; a test printing process for causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns; Execute In the test printing process, If the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns can fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on one sheet of paper, and if the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns cannot fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on multiple sheets of paper in a divided manner; The computer, Execute the pattern size acquisition process in response to an instruction to print the plurality of test patterns; In the pattern size acquisition process, the pattern size information is acquired from the printer via a communication interface of the information processing device, and the printer has the pattern size information for each of the plurality of test patterns; A program that is structured as follows.

4. The computer of the information processing device a paper size acquisition process for acquiring paper size information indicating the size of paper to be printed by the printer; a pattern size acquisition process for acquiring pattern size information indicating the size of each of a plurality of test patterns to be printed by the printer; a determination process for determining whether the plurality of test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper to be printed by the printer, based on the paper size information obtained in the paper size obtaining process and the pattern size information obtained in the pattern size obtaining process; a test printing process for causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns; Execute In the test printing process, If the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns can fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on one sheet of paper, and if the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns cannot fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on multiple sheets of paper in a divided manner; The computer, a registration process is executed to acquire correction values ​​based on the print results of the plurality of test patterns, and to register each of the acquired correction values ​​in the information processing device; and after the registration process is executed, when a print instruction is received, the information processing device executes a process to correct image data to be printed in the print instruction based on each of the registered correction values, and causes the printer to print based on the corrected image data. A program that is structured as follows.

5. The computer of the information processing device a paper size acquisition process for acquiring paper size information indicating the size of paper to be printed by the printer; a pattern size acquisition process for acquiring pattern size information indicating the size of each of a plurality of test patterns to be printed by the printer; a determination process for determining whether the plurality of test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper to be printed by the printer, based on the paper size information obtained in the paper size obtaining process and the pattern size information obtained in the pattern size obtaining process; a test printing process for causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns; Execute In the test printing process, If the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns can fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on one sheet of paper, and if the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns cannot fit in the printing area, the printer prints the plurality of test patterns on multiple sheets of paper in a divided manner; The test patterns that can be printed by the printer include a first type of test pattern and a second type of test pattern, In the pattern size acquisition process, acquiring the pattern size information for the plurality of first type test patterns to be printed by the printer; In the determination process, determining whether the plurality of first type test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper on which the printer is to print; The computer, receiving a first execution instruction, which is an execution instruction for the first type of test pattern, and a second execution instruction, which is an execution instruction for the second type of test pattern, via a user interface of the information processing device; When the first execution instruction is received, the test printing process is executed; When the second execution instruction is received, the test printing process is not executed, and the printer is caused to print one of the second test patterns on one sheet of paper. A program that is structured as follows.

6. A program as described in claim 5, The computer, accepting, via the user interface, input of printing conditions for printing the second type of test pattern; When the second execution instruction is received, the test printing process is not executed, and the printer is caused to print one of the second test patterns on one sheet of paper based on the input printing conditions; Furthermore, the computer executes a condition registration process for registering the printing conditions under which the second type of test pattern is printed by the printer in the information processing device, and when a print instruction is given after the condition registration process is executed, the information processing device causes the printer to print based on the image data to be printed in the print instruction in accordance with the registered printing conditions. A program that is structured as follows.

7. The computer of the information processing device a paper size acquisition process for acquiring paper size information indicating the size of paper to be printed by the printer; a pattern size acquisition process for acquiring pattern size information indicating the size of each of a plurality of test patterns to be printed by the printer; a determination process for determining whether the plurality of test patterns can fit within a print area based on the size of the paper to be printed by the printer, based on the paper size information obtained in the paper size obtaining process and the pattern size information obtained in the pattern size obtaining process; a test printing process for causing the printer to print the plurality of test patterns; Execute the printer is a label printer, the paper on which the printer prints is a label, In the paper size acquisition process, acquiring the paper size information indicating the size of the label to be printed by the label printer; In the determination process, determining whether the plurality of test patterns will fit within a print area based on the size of the label to be printed by the label printer, based on the paper size information acquired in the paper size acquisition process and the pattern size information acquired in the pattern size acquisition process; In the test printing process, If the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns can fit in the printing area, the label printer prints the plurality of test patterns on one label, and if the determination process determines that the plurality of test patterns cannot fit in the printing area, the label printer prints the plurality of test patterns separately on a plurality of labels. A program that is structured as follows.

Images