Image processing device, image processing method, and image processing program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: a method which causes a computer to select a conversion table is not shown when a user inputs a plurality of setting values.SOLUTION: An image processing device connected to a printer that performs printing on a medium by discharging ink in plural colors and converting image data into ink amount data comprises: an input unit which inputs a retrieval condition; an acquisition unit which acquires a plurality of retrieval values based on the retrieval condition input by the input unit; a table storage unit which stores a plurality of image conversion tables that convert the image data into the ink amount data; and a retrieval unit which retrieves an object image conversion table from the plurality of image conversion tables on the basis of the plurality of retrieval values acquired by the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, and an image processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing systems that use a conversion table to convert input image data into print data are known. The printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a printer, a computer, and a display device. The computer disclosed in Patent Document 1 stores a conversion table corresponding to each type of paper. The computer also stores a correspondence table that shows the correspondence between ejection limit values ​​and paper types. The computer selects the type of paper to be printed on by the printer based on the ejection limit values ​​entered into a settings screen displayed on the display device and the correspondence table. The computer converts the input image data into print data using the conversion table corresponding to the selected paper type. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-220356 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is not shown how the computer selects a conversion table when multiple settings are entered by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image processing device disclosed herein is an image processing device that is connected to a printing device that ejects multiple colors of ink to print on a medium and converts image data into ink volume data, and is equipped with an input unit that inputs search conditions, an acquisition unit that acquires multiple search values ​​based on the search conditions input by the input unit, a table memory unit that stores multiple image conversion tables that convert the image data into the ink volume data, and a search unit that searches for a target image conversion table from among the multiple image conversion tables based on the multiple search values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0006] The image processing method disclosed herein is an image processing method for an image processing device connected to a printing device that prints by ejecting multiple colors of ink onto a medium, and involves inputting search conditions, obtaining multiple search values ​​based on the input search conditions, and searching for a target image conversion table from multiple image conversion tables based on the obtained multiple search values.

[0007] The image processing program disclosed herein is an image processing program executed by a processor of an image processing device connected to a printing device that prints by ejecting multiple colors of ink onto a medium, and causes the program to input search conditions, obtain multiple search values ​​based on the input search conditions, and search for a target image conversion table from multiple image conversion tables based on the obtained multiple search values. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a printing system including a printer and a control device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conversion table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an input screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for searching a target conversion table. [Figure 6] A diagram showing, in tabular form, multiple search parameters included in a search parameter group. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table stored in a storage unit. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table stored in a storage unit. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table stored in a storage unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for searching a target conversion table. [Figure 9] A diagram showing, in tabular form, multiple search parameters included in a search parameter group. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a search result screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for searching a target conversion table. [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 13C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a selection screen. [Figure 15] A diagram showing, in tabular form, multiple search parameters included in a search parameter group. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a graph showing cumulative color difference relative to the amount of ejected ink. [Figure 16B] 10 is a diagram showing a linearized relationship between the amount of ink ejected and the cumulative color difference. [Figure 16C] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the relationship between ink ejection amounts before and after linearization. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 17C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of search tags added to a conversion table. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a search color change table. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating the degree of proximity of a color change table. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a selection screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a printing system 1 including a printer 100 and a control device 110. Within the printing system 1, the printer 100 and the control device 110 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The printer 100 and the control device 110 shown in FIG. 1 are placed on an installation surface F. The printing system 1 may also include a server 200 shown in FIG. 2. The server 200 will be described later. The printing system 1 corresponds to an example of an image processing system. The printer 100 corresponds to an example of a printing device. The control device 110 corresponds to an example of an image processing device. The server 200 corresponds to an example of an external device.

[0010] The printing system 1 includes a printer 100 and a control device 110. The printer 100 prints an image on a print medium M based on print data received from the control device 110. The print medium M corresponds to an example of a medium. The printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 prints an image on the print medium M wound around a medium roll R1. The printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an inkjet printer that prints a desired image by ejecting ink of multiple colors onto the print medium M.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an XYZ coordinate system. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. The X axis is parallel to the installation surface F of the printer 100. The X axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the medium roll R1 placed in the printer 100. The rotation axis of the medium roll R1 is the virtual center axis of rotation when the medium roll R1 rotates. The direction from the front to the back of FIG. 1 is the +X direction. The direction from the back to the front of FIG. 1 is the -X direction. The Y axis is parallel to the installation surface F of the printer 100. The Y axis is parallel to an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the medium roll R1. The direction from right to left of the printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is the +Y direction. The direction from left to right of the printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is the -Y direction. The Z axis is perpendicular to the installation surface F of the printer 100. The direction pointing upward from the installation surface F is the +Z direction. The direction from above toward the installation surface F is the -Z direction.

[0012] The control device 110 is a computer that includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 121, a reception unit 131, and a display unit 141. The control device 110 generates print data that causes the printer 100 to execute printing.

[0013] The control device 110 operates by executing a program. The program executed by the control device 110 is an image processing application, a printer driver, or the like. The image processing application generates image data to be printed. The printer driver generates print data based on the image data, causing the printer 100 to execute printing. The image data is digital image information expressed in an input image color space, including text data, full-color image data, and the like. The printer driver corresponds to an example of an image processing program.

[0014] The control unit 111 is a controller that executes programs such as image processing applications and printer drivers. The control unit 111 functions as a functional unit by executing the programs. The control unit 111 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The control unit 111 may have a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a work area.

[0015] The storage unit 121 stores various programs executed by the control unit 111 and various data. The various data includes information about the printer 100 connected to the control device 110 and a conversion table 125. The storage unit 121 stores various tables, which will be described later. The storage unit 121 is composed of RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 121 may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 121 corresponds to an example of a table storage unit.

[0016] The reception unit 131 receives data input by a user operation. The reception unit 131 includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The reception unit 131 may be a touch panel that receives touch operations by the user. The reception unit 131 may be connected to an external input device. The data received by the reception unit 131 is sent to an input interface 133, which will be described later.

[0017] Display unit 141 displays various types of information. Display unit 141 includes a display. The display is configured as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) panel. When reception unit 131 is configured as a touch panel, display unit 141 may be configured as a display integrated with the touch panel.

[0018] The printer 100 includes a support shaft 50, a feed roller 51, a first pair of transport rollers 53, a colorimetric unit 15, a first roller 54, a head unit 10, an ink supply unit 12, a guide shaft 42, a platen 55, a print control unit 30, a second roller 56, a second pair of transport rollers 57, a winding roller 59, and a take-up shaft 60.

[0019] The support shaft 50 rotatably supports the medium roll R1. As the support shaft 50 rotates, it unwinds the printing medium M wound around the medium roll R1 toward the head unit 10. The support shaft 50 may be connected to a rotation drive mechanism (not shown). The support shaft 50 may be rotated by the rotation drive force of the rotation drive mechanism.

[0020] The delivery roller 51 wraps around the printing medium M delivered from the medium roll R1. The delivery roller 51 guides the printing medium M to the first transport roller pair 53. The delivery roller 51 may apply tension to the printing medium M. By applying tension to the printing medium M, the delivery roller 51 stabilizes the transport of the printing medium M.

[0021] The first transport roller pair 53 transports the printing medium M toward the head unit 10. The first transport roller pair 53 is composed of two transport rollers. At least one of the two transport rollers is rotated by a transport roller drive mechanism (not shown). The first transport roller pair 53 shown in FIG. 1 transports the printing medium M in the +Y direction toward the head unit 10 and in the -Y direction, which is the opposite direction to the direction toward the head unit 10.

[0022] The colorimetric unit 15 measures the color of an image printed on the print medium M. The colorimetric unit 15 is composed of an image sensor such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The colorimetric unit 15 shown in FIG. 1 reads the entire width of the print medium M parallel to the X-axis. In the printer 100 shown in FIG. 1, the colorimetric unit 15 measures the color of the surface of the print medium M located between the first transport roller pair 53 and the head unit 10. The printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 transports the print medium M in the -Y direction. The colorimetric unit 15 shown in FIG. 1 measures the color of the surface of the print medium M transported in the -Y direction. The position of the colorimetric unit 15 is not limited to a position between the first transport roller pair 53 and the head unit 10. The colorimetric unit 15 may also be disposed in a position between the head unit 10 and the second transport roller pair 57 on the transport path of the print medium M.

[0023] The first roller 54 comes into contact with the surface of the printing medium M. The first roller 54 comes into contact with the platen 55 via the printing medium M. The first roller 54 and the platen 55 hold the printing medium M between them at a position in the -Y direction of the head unit 10. The first roller 54 shown in FIG. 1 comes into contact with the surface of the printing medium M on the +Z direction side.

[0024] The head unit 10 prints an image on a print medium M. The head unit 10 includes a carriage 11 and a head 13. The head unit 10 is supported by a guide shaft 42. The head unit 10 prints an image on the print medium M based on the control of a print control unit 30. The head unit 10 corresponds to an example of a printing unit.

[0025] The carriage 11 supports the head 13. The carriage 11 moves along a guide shaft 42 by a carriage drive mechanism (not shown). The carriage 11 shown in FIG. 1 moves in a direction parallel to the X-axis. The carriage 11 moves to cause the head 13 to scan over the recording medium M.

[0026] The head 13 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown). The plurality of nozzles eject ink. When the head 13 is scanned by the carriage 11, the plurality of nozzles eject ink. The head 13 prints an image on the print medium M by ejecting ink from the plurality of nozzles. Each of the plurality of nozzles ejects one of eight colors of ink: cyan ink, light cyan ink, magenta ink, light magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, orange ink, and violet ink.

[0027] The ink supply unit 12 holds inks of multiple colors. The ink supply unit 12 supplies the inks of multiple colors that it holds to the head 13. The ink supply unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 holds an ink set of eight colors: cyan, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, yellow, black, orange, and violet. The ink supply unit 12 may hold an ink set that includes fluorescent ink. The ink supply unit 12 holds inks in ink tanks or ink cartridges. The ink supply unit 12 supplies ink to the head 13 via ink supply paths (not shown). The ink tanks or ink cartridges, the ink supply paths, and the ink supply paths to the nozzles that eject the ink are provided independently for each ink.

[0028] The printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a carriage 11, but is not limited to this configuration. The printer 100 may use a line head as the head 13. When the head 13 is a line head, the line head is fixed during printing. The printer 100 moves the printing medium M relative to the line head by moving the printing medium M.

[0029] The guide shaft 42 guides the movement of the carriage 11. The guide shaft 42 shown in Fig. 1 is arranged parallel or approximately parallel to the X-axis. When the carriage 11 moves along the guide shaft 42, the head 13 is scanned in the direction along the X-axis.

[0030] The platen 55 supports the print medium M. The platen 55 is disposed in a position facing the head unit 10. The platen 55 supports the print medium M that is printed by the head unit 10. The platen 55 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed in a position in the -Z direction of the head unit 10. The platen 55 may have suction holes (not shown).

[0031] The second roller 56 comes into contact with the surface of the printing medium M. The second roller 56 comes into contact with the platen 55 via the printing medium M. The second roller 56 and the platen 55 hold the printing medium M between them at a position in the +Y direction of the head unit 10. The second roller 56 shown in FIG. 1 comes into contact with the surface of the printing medium M on the +Z direction side. By coming into contact with the printing medium M, the first roller 54 and the second roller 56 prevent the printing medium M from lifting up.

[0032] The second transport roller pair 57 transports the print medium M printed by the head unit 10 toward the take-up roll R2. The second transport roller pair 57 is made up of two transport rollers. At least one of the two transport rollers may be rotated by a transport roller drive mechanism (not shown).

[0033] The winding roller 59 winds the printing medium M. The winding roller 59 applies tension to the printing medium M between the second transport roller pair 57 and the take-up roll R2. The winding roller 59 may be connected to a tension adjustment mechanism (not shown).

[0034] The winding shaft 60 rotatably supports the winding roll R2. The winding shaft 60 detachably supports the winding roll R2. The winding shaft 60 may be rotationally driven by a winding shaft drive mechanism (not shown). The winding shaft 60 may support the winding roll R2 via a roll core.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows the block configuration of the printing system 1. The printing system 1 shown in Fig. 2 includes a printer 100, a control device 110, and a server 200. Fig. 2 shows the block configuration of the printer 100, the block configuration of the control device 110, and the block configuration of the server 200. Fig. 2 simply shows the flow of each piece of data.

[0036] The printer 100 includes a head unit 10, a color measurement unit 15, a print control unit 30, a printer storage unit 70, and a printer communication interface 80. In Fig. 2, the interface is represented as I / F.

[0037] The printer storage unit 70 stores programs executed by the print control unit 30 and various data. The printer storage unit 70 is composed of RAM, ROM, etc. The printer storage unit 70 stores multiple test chart data 71. The multiple test chart data 71 include test chart data for ink amount adjustment, test chart data for profile adjustment, etc. The test chart data for ink amount adjustment is print data used when the printer 100 prints the test chart for ink amount adjustment on the print medium M. The test chart data for profile adjustment is print data used when the printer 100 prints the test chart for profile adjustment on the print medium M.

[0038] The print control unit 30 reads out test chart data 71 stored in the printer storage unit 70. The print control unit 30 reads out the ink amount adjustment test chart data, and causes the head unit 10 to print the ink amount adjustment test chart on the printing medium M. The print control unit 30 reads out the profile adjustment test chart data, and causes the head unit 10 to print the profile adjustment test chart on the printing medium M. Alternatively, the print control unit 30 controls the head unit 10 to print print data received via the printer communication interface 80.

[0039] The head unit 10 prints an ink amount adjustment test chart on the printing medium M based on the ink amount adjustment test chart data. The head unit 10 prints a profile adjustment test chart on the printing medium M based on the profile adjustment test chart data. Alternatively, the head unit 10 prints an image on the printing medium M based on the print data.

[0040] The printer communication interface 80 communicates with the control device 110. The printer communication interface 80 connects to and communicates with the control device 110 via a wired or wireless communication path. The printer communication interface 80 transmits colorimetric data output from the colorimetric unit 15 or ink amount adjustment data to the control device 110. The printer communication interface 80 receives various data, such as print data, transmitted from the control device 110.

[0041] The control device 110 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 121, a reception unit 131, an input interface 133, a display unit 141, and a communication interface 151. The control device 110 is connected to the printer 100 via the communication interface 151. The control device 110 is connected to the server 200 via the communication interface 151.

[0042] The input interface 133 inputs data accepted by the accepting unit 131. The input interface 133 inputs input data such as data entered into an input screen 160 (described later) from the accepting unit 131. The input interface 133 transmits the input data to the control unit 111. The input interface 133 corresponds to an example of an input unit.

[0043] The control unit 111 causes a data acquisition unit 113, a table search unit 114, a display data generation unit 115, and a data processing unit 116 to function. The data acquisition unit 113, the table search unit 114, the display data generation unit 115, and the data processing unit 116 are functional units. The control unit 111 causes the functional units to function by executing a printer driver.

[0044] The data acquisition unit 113 acquires input data from the input interface 133. The input data includes multiple setting values ​​input to an input screen 160 (described later). The multiple setting values ​​correspond to an example of search conditions. The data acquisition unit 113 acquires the multiple input setting values ​​as multiple search parameters. The data acquisition unit 113 may generate search parameters from the input setting values. The data acquisition unit 113 acquires multiple search parameters based on the multiple input setting values. The data acquisition unit 113 may generate search parameters from information about the printer 100 stored in the storage unit 121. The data acquisition unit 113 may have information indicating the priority of the multiple search parameters. The information indicating the priority is used to weight the search parameters when the data acquisition unit 113 extracts a desired conversion table 125 from the multiple search parameters. The information indicating the priority may be used when selecting a conversion table 125 from the storage unit 121 or a server storage unit 210 (described later). The information indicating the priority corresponds to an example of priority information. The data acquisition unit 113 corresponds to an example of an acquisition unit. The search parameters correspond to examples of search values.

[0045] The data acquisition unit 113 acquires the conversion table 125 from the server 200 via the communication interface 151. The data acquisition unit 113 also acquires colorimetric data measured by the colorimetric unit 15 from the printer 100 via the communication interface 151. The colorimetric data is the colorimetric result of a profile adjustment test chart printed by the head unit 10.

[0046] Table search unit 114 uses a plurality of search parameters to search conversion table 125. Table search unit 114 receives a plurality of search parameters from data acquisition unit 113. Table search unit 114 uses a plurality of search parameters to search conversion table 125 stored in storage unit 121.

[0047] The table search unit 114 selects a desired conversion table 125 from among a plurality of conversion tables 125 using a plurality of search parameters. The table search unit 114 identifies the selected desired conversion table 125 as a target conversion table. Alternatively, the table search unit 114 identifies the target conversion table based on data from a user received by the reception unit 131. The table search unit 114 corresponds to an example of a search unit. The target conversion table corresponds to an example of a target image conversion table.

[0048] The table search unit 114 may select a desired conversion table 125 from among the multiple conversion tables 125 based on information indicating priority. As an example, the table search unit 114 sets a search parameter with a high priority as a necessary condition when selecting a conversion table 125. The table search unit 114 does not set a search parameter with a low priority as a necessary condition when selecting a conversion table 125. The table search unit 114 may weight the search parameters to search for the desired conversion table 125. The table search unit 114 selects the desired conversion table 125 using the multiple weighted search parameters. The table search unit 114 identifies the selected desired conversion table 125 as the target conversion table.

[0049] The plurality of search parameters has information indicating the priority of the plurality of search parameters, and the table search unit 114 searches the target conversion table using the information indicating the priority. The control device 110 can search for a target conversion table based on information indicating the priority of multiple search parameters, and can select a target conversion table based on a user's request.

[0050] The table search unit 114 may search for a parameter that matches the search parameter from the data included in the conversion table 125. The table search unit 114 may identify the conversion table 125 that has a parameter that matches the search parameter as the target conversion table.

[0051] The table search unit 114 may search for parameters that match the search parameters from among multiple parameters included in a search tag added to the conversion table 125. A search tag including multiple parameters is added to the conversion table 125 in advance. The parameters are values ​​corresponding to the types of search parameters. The table search unit 114 may select a desired conversion table 125 by searching for parameters included in the search tag. The table search unit 114 identifies the selected desired conversion table 125 as the target conversion table. The search tag corresponds to an example of a tag. The parameters included in the search tag correspond to an example of additional data.

[0052] The conversion table 125 has a search tag including a plurality of parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of search parameters. The table search unit 114 compares the plurality of search parameters with the plurality of parameters included in the search tag to search the target conversion table. The control device 110 can easily select the desired translation table 125 and specify it as the target translation table.

[0053] The table search unit 114 transmits a plurality of search parameters to the server 200 via the communication interface 151. By transmitting the plurality of search parameters to the server 200, the table search unit 114 receives one or a plurality of conversion tables 125. The table search unit 114 causes the server 200 to search for a desired conversion table 125 from the server storage unit 210.

[0054] The table search unit 114 receives, for example, from the server 200, a conversion table 125 having a search tag including parameters that match the search parameters. The table search unit 114 identifies the received conversion table 125 as a target conversion table. Alternatively, the table search unit 114 receives, from the server 200, a conversion table 125 having a search tag including parameters that are similar to the search parameters. The table search unit 114 identifies the received conversion table 125 as a candidate conversion table. The candidate conversion table corresponds to an example of a candidate image conversion table.

[0055] The display data generation unit 115 generates display screen data to be displayed on the display unit 141. The display screen data includes input screen display data for displaying an input screen 160 (described later) on the display unit 141. The display screen data includes result screen display data for displaying a search result screen 170 (described later) on the display unit 141. The display screen data includes selection screen display data for displaying a selection screen 180 (described later) on the display unit 141. The display data generation unit 115 transmits the generated display screen data to the display unit 141. The display data generation unit 115 causes the transmitted display screen data to be displayed on the display unit 141. The display data generation unit 115 corresponds to an example of a display control unit.

[0056] The data processing unit 116 converts the image data into print data using the conversion table 125. The print data includes ink ejection amount data. The ink ejection amount data corresponds to an example of ink amount data. The control device 110 converts the image data into ink ejection amount data using the data processing unit 116. The data processing unit 116 converts the image data into print data including the ink ejection amount data using the target conversion table identified by the table search unit 114. The data processing unit 116 transmits the print data to the printer 100 via the communication interface 151.

[0057] The storage unit 121 stores various data including information about the printer 100 and multiple conversion tables 125. The storage unit 121 may store image data generated by an image processing application in advance. The storage unit 121 may also store image data received via the communication interface 151.

[0058] The information about the printer 100 is acquired from the printer 100 when the control device 110 connects to the printer 100. The information about the printer 100 may also be acquired when a printer driver compatible with the printer 100 is installed in the control device 110. The information about the printer 100 includes the ink composition of the ink used in the printer 100, the resolution of the printer 100, etc. The information about the printer 100 may also include information about the print medium M installed in the printer 100.

[0059] The conversion table 125 is a lookup table that converts image data into ink ejection amount data. Fig. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the conversion table 125. Fig. 3 shows the conversion table 125, which includes an input channel value 127, an ink amount 128, and a maximum ink amount 129. Each row of the conversion table 125 indicates the ink amount 128 and the maximum ink amount 129 for the input channel value 127. The conversion table 125 corresponds to an example of an image conversion table.

[0060] The input channel values ​​127 represent image data in the input color system. The input channel values ​​127 represent image data in the CMYK color space. C represents cyan. M represents magenta. Y represents yellow. K represents black. Each CMYK color represents a gradation using a number ranging from 0 to 100. The control device 110 converts the input image data into the input channel values ​​127.

[0061] The ink amount 128 is a value that converts the input channel value 127. The input channel value 127 of each row is converted to the ink amount 128 of the corresponding row. C, Lc, M, Lm, Y, K, Or, and Vi indicate ink colors. C, Lc, M, Lm, Y, K, Or, and Vi indicate cyan, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, yellow, black, orange, and violet, respectively. The column corresponding to each ink color indicates the ink amount 128 of the corresponding ink color. The ink amount 128 shown in Figure 3 is represented as a gradation value with the maximum ink ejection amount being 100%. 100% ink amount indicates the ink amount when ejecting a predetermined number of ink dots of a predetermined size in an area where a predetermined number of ink dots can be ejected.

[0062] The maximum ink amount 129 indicates the maximum ink amount 128 when each image data represented by the input channel value 127 is converted to the ink amount 128. The maximum ink amount 129 includes the maximum primary color amount, the maximum secondary color amount, and the total maximum ink amount. The maximum primary color amount indicates the maximum ink amount of one of cyan ink, light cyan ink, magenta ink, light magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, orange ink, and violet ink. For example, the sixth row from the top in Figure 3 indicates a cyan ink amount of 20.0%, a light cyan ink amount of 20.0%, a yellow ink amount of 100.0%, and a violet ink amount of 20.0%. In this case, the maximum primary color amount is 100.0% yellow ink.

[0063] The maximum secondary color amount indicates the maximum ink amount of any two colors combined from cyan ink, light cyan ink, magenta ink, light magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, orange ink, and violet ink. In the sixth row from the top of Figure 3, the maximum secondary color amount is 120.0%, which is obtained by adding 20.0% of the cyan ink amount to 100.0% of the yellow ink amount. In the sixth row from the top of Figure 3, the cyan ink amount, light cyan ink amount, and violet ink amount are the same. The maximum secondary color amount may also be 120.0%, which is obtained by adding 20.0% of the light cyan ink amount to 100.0% of the yellow ink amount. The maximum secondary color amount may also be 120.0%, which is obtained by adding 20.0% of the violet ink amount to 100.0% of the yellow ink amount.

[0064] The maximum total ink amount is the total ink amount of cyan ink, light cyan ink, magenta ink, light magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, orange ink, and violet ink. In the case of the sixth row from the top in Figure 3, the maximum total ink amount is 160.0%.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a simplified lookup table for nine input channel values ​​127. The conversion table 125 indicates conversion values ​​for each color tone included in the input channel values ​​127. The largest value among the maximum primary color amounts is the upper limit of primary color ink usage. The largest value among the maximum secondary color amounts is the upper limit of secondary color ink usage. The largest value among the maximum total ink amounts is the upper limit of total ink usage. The maximum ink amount 129 does not have to be included in the conversion table 125. The maximum primary color amount, maximum secondary color amount, and maximum total ink amount can be calculated from the data included in the ink amount 128. The upper limit of primary color ink usage, upper limit of secondary color ink usage, and upper limit of total ink usage are parameters. It is preferable that a search tag be added to the conversion table 125. The upper limit of primary color ink usage, upper limit of secondary color ink usage, and upper limit of total ink usage are included in the search tag as parameters.

[0066] The conversion table 125 is generated in advance by the manufacturer of the printer 100 or the like as a lookup table corresponding to various conditions, such as the upper limit of primary ink usage and the type of printing medium M. The color reproducibility of an image printed on the printing medium M varies depending on the maximum ink usage and the type of printing medium M. A user of the printer 100 prints print data converted using the conversion table 125 corresponding to various conditions, such as the maximum ink usage and the type of printing medium M. By using the conversion table 125 corresponding to various conditions, the user can improve the reproducibility of the image printed on the printing medium M. The conversion table 125 corresponding to various conditions is the target conversion table. The pre-generated conversion table 125 is stored in a predetermined server 200 or in the memory unit 121 of the control device 110 in which a printer driver corresponding to the printer 100 is installed. The predetermined server 200 is, for example, provided by the manufacturer of the printer 100 or the like.

[0067] The communication interface 151 shown in FIG. 2 communicates with the printer 100 and the server 200. The communication interface 151 connects to and communicates with the printer 100 and the server 200 via a wired or wireless communication path. The communication interface 151 receives colorimetry data and information about the printer 100 sent from the printer 100. The communication interface 151 sends various data such as print data to the printer 100. The communication interface 151 sends search parameters to the server 200. The communication interface 151 receives the conversion table 125 corresponding to the search parameters. The communication interface 151 corresponds to an example of a communication unit.

[0068] The control device 110 is connected to a printer 100 that ejects ink of multiple colors to print on a print medium M, and converts image data into ink ejection amount data. The control device 110 includes an input interface 133 for inputting multiple setting values, a data acquisition unit 113 that acquires multiple search parameters based on the multiple setting values ​​input to the input interface 133, a memory unit 121 that stores multiple conversion tables 125 that convert image data into ink ejection amount data, and a table search unit 114 that searches for a target conversion table from the multiple conversion tables 125 based on the multiple search parameters acquired by the data acquisition unit 113. The control device 110 can acquire a plurality of search parameters and search the target conversion table based on the acquired plurality of search parameters.

[0069] Fig. 4 shows an outline of input screen 160 displayed on display unit 141. Input screen 160 shown in Fig. 4 is an example. Input screen 160 shown in Fig. 4 displays a setting item display field 161 and a setting value input field 162. Setting values ​​are input to input screen 160 by an input device of reception unit 131. When display unit 141 is a touch panel, when the touch panel receives a touch operation from the user, setting values ​​are input to input screen 160.

[0070] The setting item display field 161 displays various setting items. The setting item display field 161 shown in FIG. 4 displays the following setting items: media name, resolution, ink configuration, primary color ink usage upper limit, secondary color ink usage upper limit, total ink usage upper limit, ink usage upper limit priority 1, ink usage upper limit priority 2, and ink usage upper limit priority 3. The setting items displayed in the setting item display field 161 are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 4. The number of displayed setting items may be more or less than the number of setting items shown in FIG. 4, and the setting items may be different from the setting items shown in FIG. 4. The setting item display field 161 shown in FIG. 4 displays multiple fixed setting items, but this is not limiting. The user of the printer 100 may select and display setting items. For example, the user of the printer 100 may display multiple ink usage upper limit priority 2 as setting items.

[0071] The setting value input field 162 is configured to allow input of setting values ​​corresponding to each setting item displayed in the setting item display field 161. The setting value input field 162 is input by the user of the printer 100. The name of the print medium M to be printed on by the printer 100 is input into the media name input field 162A. The print resolution of the printer 100 is input into the resolution input field 162B. The ink composition input field 162C is input of the ink composition used by the printer 100. The primary color upper limit input field 162D is input of the maximum setting value for the amount of ink used for a single color. The setting value input into the primary color upper limit input field 162D corresponds to an example of a primary color ink usage limit value. The secondary color upper limit input field 162E is input of the maximum setting values ​​for the amount of ink used for two colors when generating a mixed color image. The setting value input into the secondary color upper limit input field 162E corresponds to an example of a secondary color ink usage limit value. The total ink upper limit input field 162F is input with the maximum setting value for the total amount of ink used for multiple colors when generating a mixed-color image. The setting value input into the total ink upper limit input field 162F corresponds to an example of a total ink usage limit value. The first priority setting item is input into the first priority input field 162G. The setting value input into the first priority input field 162G corresponds to an example of information indicating the priority. The second priority setting item is input into the second priority input field 162H. The setting value input into the second priority input field 162H corresponds to an example of information indicating the priority. The third priority setting item is input into the third priority input field 162I. The setting value input into the third priority input field 162I corresponds to an example of information indicating the priority.

[0072] 4, "medium V" is entered as a setting value in the medium name input field 162A. "medium V" indicates the name of the print medium M. The user of the printer 100 enters the name of the print medium M to be used for printing with the printer 100.

[0073] 4, "600 x 1200" is entered as the setting value in the resolution input field 162B. "600 x 1200" indicates the resolution of the printer 100. The user of the printer 100 enters the resolution as a specification value of the printer 100 or a settable resolution.

[0074] In the ink configuration input field 162C shown in Figure 4, "CLcMLmYKOrVi" has been entered as the setting value. "CLcMLmYKOrVi" indicates the ink configuration of the printer 100. "CLcMLmYKOrVi" indicates an eight-color ink configuration of cyan, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, yellow, black, orange, and violet. The user of the printer 100 inputs the ink configuration as part of the printer 100 specifications, or an ink configuration that can be set.

[0075] In the primary color upper limit value input field 162D shown in Fig. 4, "100%" is input as the setting value. "100%" indicates that the maximum setting value for the amount of ink used for a single color is 100%. The user of the printer 100 inputs a desired setting value for the maximum setting value for the amount of ink used for a single color.

[0076] 4, "120%" has been entered as the setting value in the secondary color upper limit value input field 162E. "120%" indicates that the maximum setting value for the amount of ink used for two colors when generating a mixed-color image using two ink colors is 120%. The user of the printer 100 enters desired setting values ​​for the maximum setting values ​​for the amount of ink used for two ink colors.

[0077] 4, "200%" is entered as the setting value in the total ink upper limit input field 162F. "200%" indicates that the maximum setting value for the total amount of ink used for multiple colors when generating a mixed-color image using multiple ink colors is 200%. The user of the printer 100 enters a desired setting value for the maximum setting value for the amount of ink used for multiple ink colors.

[0078] In the first priority input field 162G shown in Fig. 4, "total ink usage upper limit" is entered as a setting value. "Total ink usage upper limit" indicates that the setting item with first priority is the total ink usage upper limit. The user of the printer 100 inputs the setting item with first priority as appropriate.

[0079] In the second priority input field 162H shown in Fig. 4, "Upper limit of primary color ink usage" is input as a setting value. "Upper limit of primary color ink usage" indicates that the second priority setting item is the upper limit of primary color ink usage. The user of the printer 100 inputs the second priority setting item as appropriate.

[0080] In the third priority input field 162I shown in Fig. 4, "secondary color ink usage upper limit" is input as a setting value. "secondary color ink usage upper limit" indicates that the third priority setting item is the secondary color ink usage upper limit. The user of the printer 100 inputs the third priority setting item as appropriate.

[0081] 4 are configured to allow selection from the total ink usage upper limit, the primary color ink usage upper limit, and the secondary color ink usage upper limit, but are not limited to this. Other setting values ​​may also be input as the first priority, second priority, and third priority setting items.

[0082] The data acquisition unit 113 generates a plurality of search parameters based on a plurality of setting values ​​input to the input screen 160. As an example, the data acquisition unit 113 sets the setting value input to the primary color upper limit value input field 162D as the search parameter. The data acquisition unit 113 sets the setting value input to the secondary color upper limit value input field 162E as the search parameter. The data acquisition unit 113 generates information indicating the priority order based on the setting values ​​input to the first priority order input field 162G, the second priority order input field 162H, and the third priority order input field 162I.

[0083] The search parameters include a secondary color ink usage upper limit value, which is the maximum setting value for the usage amount of two colors of ink among the multiple colors of ink. The control device 110 can select a target conversion table that allows image processing with good color reproducibility while limiting the amounts of ink of two colors that are superimposed.

[0084] First embodiment FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for searching for a target conversion table. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the first embodiment. The control device 110 performs the operations of each step shown in FIG. 5 by executing a printer driver with the control unit 111. FIG. 5 shows a case in which the control device 110 identifies a target conversion table from multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the memory unit 121. FIG. 6 shows a search parameter group including multiple search parameters used when searching for a target conversion table in the flowchart of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows the multiple search parameters included in the search parameter group in table format. FIG. 6 shows the priority of the multiple search parameters. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show the contents of search tags added to multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the memory unit 121. A search tag is added to each of the multiple conversion tables 125. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show, in table format, parameters corresponding to search items from the multiple parameters included in the search tag.

[0085] In step S101 of FIG. 5, the control device 110 acquires a group of search parameters. The control device 110 displays an input screen 160 on the display unit 141. The user inputs setting values ​​for each of a plurality of setting items and the priority of the plurality of setting items into the input screen 160. The data acquisition unit 113 acquires a group of search parameters shown in FIG. 6 based on the plurality of setting values ​​and the priority of the plurality of setting items input by the user. FIG. 6 shows that the search items are media name and resolution. The search parameters show that the media name is "Media C" and the resolution is "1200 x 1200". FIG. 6 also shows that the priority of the search items is media name, followed by resolution.

[0086] After acquiring the search parameter group, the control device 110 searches for a target conversion table in step S103. In the first embodiment, a conversion table 125 having a search tag including multiple parameters that match the multiple search parameters is identified as the target conversion table. The table search unit 114 searches for the target conversion table from the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the memory unit 121 based on the search parameter group acquired by the data acquisition unit 113. The memory unit 121 stores multiple conversion tables 125 including, for example, a first conversion table, a second conversion table, and a third conversion table.

[0087] The first conversion table has the search tag shown in Fig. 7A. The search tag shown in Fig. 7A indicates "Media A" as a parameter related to the media name. The search tag shown in Fig. 7A indicates "1200 x 1200" as a parameter related to the resolution. Compared to the search parameter group shown in Fig. 6, the resolution in the search tag matches the search parameter, but the media name in the search tag does not match the media name in the search parameter.

[0088] The second conversion table has the search tag shown in Figure 7B. The search tag shown in Figure 7B indicates "Media B" as a parameter related to the media name. The search tag shown in Figure 7B indicates "1200 x 1200" as a parameter related to the resolution. When compared with the search parameter group shown in Figure 6, the resolution in the search tag matches, but the media name in the search parameter does not match.

[0089] The third conversion table has the search tag shown in Figure 7C. The search tag shown in Figure 7C indicates "Media C" as a parameter related to the media name. The search tag shown in Figure 7C indicates "1200 x 1200" as a parameter related to the resolution. Compared with the search parameters shown in Figure 6, the media name and resolution in the search tag match the media name and resolution in the search parameters.

[0090] The table search unit 114 compares the multiple search parameters with the multiple parameters included in the search tag and identifies the target conversion table in step S105. The table search unit 114 identifies the conversion table 125 having a search tag including multiple parameters that match the multiple search parameters as the target conversion table. Hereinafter, the conversion table 125 having a search tag including parameters will be simply referred to as the conversion table 125 having parameters. The table search unit 114 compares the search parameter group shown in FIG. 6 with the search tags shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. The table search unit 114 determines that the search parameter group shown in FIG. 6 matches the multiple parameters included in the search tag shown in FIG. 7C. The table search unit 114 identifies the third conversion table having the search tag shown in FIG. 7C as the target conversion table. When the table search unit 114 identifies the target conversion table, the control device 110 ends the search of the target conversion table.

[0091] The image processing method performed by the control device 110 connected to the printer 100, which prints by ejecting ink of multiple colors onto a printing medium M, involves inputting multiple setting values, obtaining multiple search parameters based on the multiple setting values, and searching for a target conversion table from multiple conversion tables 125 based on the obtained multiple search parameters. The control device 110 can acquire a plurality of search parameters and search the target conversion table based on the acquired plurality of search parameters.

[0092] In addition, a printer driver executed by a control unit 111 of a control device 110 connected to a printer 100 that prints by ejecting multiple colors of ink onto a printing medium M causes multiple setting values ​​to be input, causes multiple search parameters to be acquired based on the multiple input setting values, and causes a search for a target conversion table from multiple conversion tables 125 based on the multiple acquired search parameters. The printer driver can acquire a plurality of search parameters and search the target conversion table based on the acquired plurality of search parameters.

[0093] Second embodiment FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for searching for a target conversion table. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a second embodiment. The control device 110 performs the steps shown in FIG. 8 by executing a printer driver with the control unit 111. FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the control device 110 searches multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the memory unit 121 and a conversion table 125 stored in the server storage unit 210 of the server 200. FIG. 9 shows, in table format, a search parameter group including multiple search parameters used when searching for a target conversion table in the flowchart of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 also shows the priority of multiple search parameters. FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show the contents of search tags added to multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the storage unit 121 or the server storage unit 210. A search tag is added to each of the multiple conversion tables 125. FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show, in table format, parameters corresponding to search items from the parameters included in the search tags.

[0094] In step S201 of Fig. 8, the control device 110 acquires a group of search parameters. The control device 110 displays an input screen 160 on the display unit 141. The user inputs setting values ​​for each of a plurality of setting items and the priorities of the plurality of setting items into the input screen 160. The data acquisition unit 113 acquires a group of search parameters shown in Fig. 9 based on the plurality of setting values ​​and the priorities of the plurality of setting items input by the user.

[0095] FIG. 9 shows that the search items are ink composition, total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit. FIG. 9 shows that the search parameter for ink composition is "CLcMLmYKOrVi." FIG. 9 shows that the search parameter for total ink usage upper limit is "200%." ​​FIG. 9 shows that the search parameter for primary color ink usage upper limit is "100%." ​​FIG. 9 shows that the search parameter for secondary color ink usage upper limit is "120%." FIG. 9 also shows that the priority of search items is ink composition, total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit, in that order.

[0096] After acquiring the search parameter group, the control device 110 searches for a target conversion table in step S203. In step S203, the control device 110 searches for the target conversion table from among the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the storage unit 121. In the second embodiment, the conversion table 125 having multiple parameters that match the multiple search parameters is identified as the target conversion table. The table search unit 114 searches for the target conversion table from among the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the storage unit 121 based on the search parameters acquired by the data acquisition unit 113.

[0097] In the second embodiment, the storage unit 121 or the server storage unit 210 stores a plurality of conversion tables 125 including a fourth conversion table, a fifth conversion table, and a sixth conversion table.

[0098] The fourth conversion table has the search tags shown in FIG. 10A. The search tag shown in FIG. 10A indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 10A indicates "200%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 10A indicates "100%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 10A indicates "120%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. When compared with the search parameters shown in FIG. 9, the ink configuration, total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit in the search tags match the search parameter group.

[0099] The fifth conversion table has the search tags shown in FIG. 10B. The search tag shown in FIG. 10B indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 10B indicates "200%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 10B indicates "90%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 10B indicates "120%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. Compared to the search parameters shown in FIG. 9, the ink configuration, total ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit in the search tag match the search parameters included in the search parameter group. The primary color ink usage upper limit in the search tag does not match the search parameter.

[0100] The sixth conversion table has the search tags shown in FIG. 10C. The search tag shown in FIG. 10C indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 10C indicates "150%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 10C indicates "90%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 10C indicates "120%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. When compared with the search parameters shown in FIG. 9, the ink configuration and secondary color ink usage upper limit included in the search tag match the search parameters. The total ink usage upper limit and primary color ink usage upper limit included in the search tag do not match the search parameters.

[0101] In step S203, the table search unit 114 searches the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the memory unit 121 using the search parameter group shown in Fig. 9. The table search unit 114 searches for conversion tables 125 having multiple parameters that match the multiple search parameters. The table search unit 114 searches whether or not a fourth conversion table is stored in the memory unit 121. When the table search unit 114 determines that the fourth conversion table is stored in the memory unit 121, the control device 110 proceeds to step S209. When the table search unit 114 determines that the fourth conversion table is not stored in the memory unit 121, the control device 110 proceeds to step S205.

[0102] When table search unit 114 determines that the fourth conversion table is not stored in memory unit 121, control device 110 transmits the search parameter group shown in Fig. 9 to server 200 in step S205. Table search unit 114 transmits the search parameter group to server 200 via communication interface 151.

[0103] When the server 200 receives the set of search parameters via the server communication interface 220, it searches for a target conversion table. The server 200 uses the set of search parameters to search the conversion tables 125 stored in the server storage unit 210. The server 200 extracts a fourth conversion table from the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the server storage unit 210. The server 200 transmits the extracted fourth conversion table to the control device 110 via the server communication interface 220. In step S207, the data acquisition unit 113 acquires the fourth conversion table from the server 200 via the communication interface 151. The data acquisition unit 113 transmits the acquired fourth conversion table to the table search unit 114.

[0104] The control device 110 receives the fourth conversion table from the server 200. The fourth conversion table is conversion table 125 having a plurality of parameters that match the plurality of search parameters. In step S209, the control device 110 identifies the received fourth conversion table as the target conversion table. The table search unit 114 transmits the plurality of search parameters to the server 200, causing the server 200 to search for the target conversion table.

[0105] Furthermore, when the table search unit 114 determines in step S203 that the fourth conversion table is stored in the storage unit 121, the table search unit 114 identifies the fourth conversion table as the target conversion table in step S209. The control device 110 identifies the target conversion table and ends the process.

[0106] When the target conversion table is identified in step S209, the control device 110 may display a search result screen 170 shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 shows an outline of the search result screen 170. The search result screen 170 is displayed by the display data generation unit 115 generating result screen data and transmitting it to the display unit 141. The display unit 141 displays the search result screen 170 based on the result screen data.

[0107] 11 displays a search result display field 171. The search result display field 171 displays the contents of the search tag to be added to the target conversion table identified by the table search unit 114. The search result display field 171 displays a conversion table name display field 172, a priority display field 173, a search item display field 174, a search value display field 175, a determination result display field 176, and a selection icon 177.

[0108] The conversion table name display field 172 displays the name of the identified conversion table 125. In the second embodiment, the name of the fourth conversion table is displayed. As shown in Fig. 11, the name of the fourth conversion table is "Table B."

[0109] The priority display field 173 displays the priority of the search items. The priority display field 173 is displayed in accordance with the priority of the search parameters shown in Fig. 9. The priority display field 173 shown in Fig. 11 displays the same priority as the search parameters shown in Fig. 9.

[0110] The search item display field 174 displays search items corresponding to multiple search parameters. The search item display field 174 is displayed in accordance with the search parameter types in the search parameter group shown in Fig. 9. The search item display field 174 in Fig. 11 displays the search parameter types shown in Fig. 9.

[0111] The search value display field 175 displays the parameters included in the search tag added to the identified target conversion table in association with the search item. The search value display field 175 displays the parameters compared with multiple search parameters. The search value display field 175 in FIG. 11 displays the parameters shown in FIG. 10A.

[0112] The determination result display field 176 displays the comparison results between the multiple search parameters and the multiple parameters included in the search tag. The determination result display field 176 in Fig. 11 shows the comparison results between the multiple parameters shown in Fig. 9 and the parameters of the fourth conversion table shown in Fig. 10A. The determination result display field 176 shown in Fig. 11 indicates that all parameters match the search parameter group.

[0113] The selection icon 177 accepts operation by the user. When the selection icon 177 is operated by the user, the control device 110 transmits the search results shown in FIG. 11 to the data processing unit 116. The control device 110 transmits the fourth conversion table, which is the identified target conversion table, to the data processing unit 116. When the selection icon 177 is operated by the user, the control device 110 confirms the identified target conversion table. The data processing unit 116 converts the image data into print data including ink ejection volume data using the received target conversion table.

[0114] In the second embodiment, the control device 110 searches the storage unit 121 for a conversion table 125 corresponding to multiple search parameters. The control device 110 identifies a conversion table 125 in the storage unit 121 that has parameters that match the multiple search parameters as a target conversion table. When the control device 110 does not store a conversion table 125 in the storage unit 121 that has parameters that match the multiple search parameters, the control device 110 transmits the multiple search parameters to the server 200. The server 200 extracts a conversion table 125 to which a search tag containing parameters that match the multiple parameters has been added. The server 200 transmits the extracted conversion table 125 to the control device 110. The control device 110 identifies the received conversion table 125 as a target conversion table. The control device 110 can identify a target conversion table from the storage unit 121 and the server storage unit 210.

[0115] The system has a communication interface 151 that connects to the server 200, and when the table search unit 114 determines that the target conversion table is not present in the memory unit 121, it transmits multiple search parameters to the server 200 via the communication interface 151 and obtains the target conversion table from the server 200 via the communication interface 151. The control device 110 can acquire a target conversion table from the server 200 when the target conversion table is not stored in the storage unit 121.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the table search unit 114 identifies the conversion table 125 having parameters that match all of the search parameters as the target conversion table, but this is not limited to this. The table search unit 114 may also identify the target conversion table based on priority. For example, the conversion table 125 having a parameter in which the upper limit value of the ink usage amount of the secondary ink color, which is the fourth-priority search item, is included in the search tag may be identified as the target conversion table. The table search unit 114 may also weight the search parameters based on information indicating the priority to identify the target conversion table.

[0117] Third embodiment FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for searching for a target conversion table. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for the third embodiment. The control device 110 performs the steps shown in FIG. 12 by executing a printer driver with the control unit 111. FIG. 12 illustrates a case in which the control device 110 searches multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the memory unit 121 and multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the server storage unit 210 of the server 200. FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show the contents of search tags added to multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the memory unit 121 or the server storage unit 210. A search tag is added to each of the multiple conversion tables 125. FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show, in table format, parameters included in the search tags that correspond to search items. In the third embodiment, the search parameters used for the search are the same as those shown in FIG. 9 for the second embodiment. The third embodiment shows a case where the server storage unit 210 does not have a conversion table 125 having parameters that match the search parameter group.

[0118] In step S301 of Fig. 12, the control device 110 acquires a group of search parameters. The control device 110 displays the input screen 160 on the display unit 141. The user inputs setting values ​​for each of a plurality of setting items and the priorities of the plurality of setting items into the input screen 160. The data acquisition unit 113 acquires the group of search parameters shown in Fig. 9 based on the plurality of setting values ​​and the priorities of the plurality of setting items input by the user.

[0119] After acquiring the search parameter group, the control device 110 searches for a target conversion table in step S303. In step S303, the control device 110 searches for the target conversion table from among the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the storage unit 121. The table search unit 114 searches for the target conversion table from among the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the storage unit 121 based on the search parameter group acquired by the data acquisition unit 113.

[0120] In step S303, the table search unit 114 searches the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the storage unit 121 using the search parameter group shown in FIG. 9. The table search unit 114 searches for a conversion table 125 having multiple parameters that match the multiple search parameters. The table search unit 114 searches whether the fourth conversion table shown in the second embodiment is stored in the storage unit 121. When the table search unit 114 determines that the fourth conversion table is stored in the storage unit 121, the control device 110 proceeds to step S311. When the table search unit 114 determines that the fourth conversion table is not stored in the storage unit 121, the control device 110 proceeds to step S305.

[0121] When table search unit 114 determines that the fourth conversion table is not stored in memory unit 121, control device 110 transmits the search parameters to server 200 in step S305. Table search unit 114 transmits the search parameters to server 200 via communication interface 151.

[0122] The server 200 searches the target translation table when it receives the search parameters via the server communication interface 220. The server 200 searches the translation table 125 stored in the server storage unit 210 using the search parameters.

[0123] In the third embodiment, the server storage unit 210 stores a plurality of conversion tables 125 including a seventh conversion table, an eighth conversion table, and a ninth conversion table. The server storage unit 210 does not store the fourth conversion table shown in the second embodiment.

[0124] The seventh conversion table has the search tags shown in FIG. 13A. The search tag shown in FIG. 13A indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 13A indicates "190%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 13A indicates "100%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 13A indicates "110%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. Compared to the search parameter group shown in FIG. 9, the ink configuration and primary color ink usage upper limit in the search tag match the ink configuration and primary color ink usage upper limit in the search parameters. The total ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit in the search tag do not match the total ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit in the search parameters.

[0125] The eighth conversion table has the search tags shown in FIG. 13B. The search tag shown in FIG. 13B indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 13B indicates "200%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 13B indicates "90%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 13B indicates "110%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. Compared to the search parameters shown in FIG. 9, the ink configuration and total ink usage upper limit in the search tag match the ink configuration and total ink usage upper limit in the search parameters. The primary color ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit in the search tag do not match the primary color ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit in the search parameters.

[0126] The ninth conversion table has the search tags shown in FIG. 13C. The search tag shown in FIG. 13C indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 13C indicates "150%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 13C indicates "90%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 13C indicates "100%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. Compared to the search parameters shown in FIG. 9, the ink configuration in the search tag matches the ink configuration of the search parameters. The total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit values ​​in the search tag do not match the total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit values ​​of the search parameters.

[0127] The seventh conversion table, the eighth conversion table, and the ninth conversion table have search tags that include the same parameter as the first-priority search parameter among the multiple search parameters shown in Fig. 9. The seventh conversion table, the eighth conversion table, and the ninth conversion table have search tags that include parameters that are similar to the multiple search parameters shown in Fig. 9.

[0128] The server 200 selects a seventh conversion table and an eighth conversion table from among the multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the server storage unit 210. The server 200 selects the seventh conversion table and the eighth conversion table based on multiple search parameters, including priority. The selected seventh conversion table and the eighth conversion table correspond to examples of candidate image conversion tables. The second-priority parameter and the third-priority parameter of the ninth conversion table are less similar to the search parameters than the parameters of the seventh conversion table and the eighth conversion table. The server 200 does not select the ninth conversion table. The server 200 transmits the selected seventh conversion table and the eighth conversion table to the control device 110 via the server communication interface 220. The data acquisition unit 113 acquires the seventh conversion table and the eighth conversion table via the communication interface 151. The data acquisition unit 113 transmits the acquired seventh conversion table and the eighth conversion table to the table search unit 114.

[0129] The control device 110 receives the selected seventh and eighth conversion tables from the server 200. In step S307, the data acquisition unit 113 acquires the seventh and eighth conversion tables from the server 200 via the communication interface 151. The data acquisition unit 113 transmits the acquired seventh and eighth conversion tables to the display data generation unit 115. The display data generation unit 115 generates selection screen data based on the received seventh and eighth conversion tables.

[0130] The seventh and eighth conversion tables may be selected by the table search unit 114, rather than by the server 200. The server 200 extracts the seventh, eighth, and ninth conversion tables and transmits them to the control device 110. The data acquisition unit 113 of the control device 110 acquires the transmitted seventh, eighth, and ninth conversion tables and transmits them to the table search unit 114. The table search unit 114 selects the seventh and eighth conversion tables from the transmitted seventh, eighth, and ninth conversion tables. The table search unit 114 compares the search parameter group with parameters included in the search tag of each conversion table 125, and selects a conversion table 125 that is closest to the target conversion table.

[0131] In step S309, the control device 110 displays the selection screen 180 based on the selection screen data. Fig. 14 shows an outline of the selection screen 180. The display data generation unit 115 transmits the selection screen data to the display unit 141, thereby causing the display unit 141 to display the selection screen 180.

[0132] The selection screen 180 shown in FIG. 14 displays a first display field 181A and a second display field 181B. The first display field 181A displays the contents of the search tag to be added to one conversion table 125 selected by the server 200. The first display field 181A shown in FIG. 14 displays the contents of the search tag to be added to the eighth conversion table. The second display field 181B displays the contents of the search tag to be added to one conversion table 125 selected by the server 200. The second display field 181B shown in FIG. 14 displays the contents of the search tag to be added to the seventh conversion table. Although FIG. 14 displays two display fields, the first display field 181A and the second display field 181B, this is not limiting. The selection screen 180 may display one display field, or may display three or more display fields. The contents displayed in the first display field 181A and the second display field 181B are the same.

[0133] First display field 181A displays first conversion table name display field 182A, first priority order display field 183A, first search item display field 184A, first search value display field 185A, first judgment result display field 186A, and first selection icon 187A. Second display field 181B displays second conversion table name display field 182B, second priority order display field 183B, second search item display field 184B, second search value display field 185B, second judgment result display field 186B, and second selection icon 187B.

[0134] The first conversion table name display field 182A and the second conversion table name display field 182B display the name of the selected conversion table 125. In Fig. 14, the first conversion table name display field 182A displays "Table C", which is the name of the eighth conversion table. The second conversion table name display field 182B displays "Table A", which is the name of the seventh conversion table.

[0135] The first priority order display field 183A and the second priority order display field 183B display the priority order of the search items. The first priority order display field 183A and the second priority order display field 183B are displayed in accordance with the priority order of the search parameters shown in Fig. 9. The first priority order display field 183A and the second priority order display field 183B shown in Fig. 14 display the same priorities as the search parameters shown in Fig. 9.

[0136] The first search item display field 184A and the second search item display field 184B display search items corresponding to a plurality of search parameters. The first search item display field 184A and the second search item display field 184B are displayed corresponding to the search parameter types of the search parameter group shown in Fig. 9. The first search item display field 184A and the second search item display field 184B shown in Fig. 14 display the search parameter types shown in Fig. 9.

[0137] The first search value display field 185A and the second search value display field 185B display parameters included in the search tag added to the selected conversion table 125 in association with the search item. The first search value display field 185A and the second search value display field 185B display parameters compared with multiple search parameters. The first search value display field 185A shown in FIG. 14 displays the parameters shown in FIG. 13B. The second search value display field 185B shown in FIG. 14 displays the parameters shown in FIG. 13A.

[0138] The first determination result display field 186A and the second determination result display field 186B display the comparison results between the search parameters and the parameters included in the search tag. The first determination result display field 186A shown in FIG. 14 shows the comparison results between the parameter group shown in FIG. 9 and the parameters of the eighth conversion table shown in FIG. 13B. The second determination result display field 186B shown in FIG. 14 shows the comparison results between the parameter group shown in FIG. 9 and the parameters of the seventh conversion table shown in FIG. 13A. If the comparison results match, "match" is displayed. If the comparison results differ, the difference is displayed as a numerical value.

[0139] The first selection icon 187A and the second selection icon 187B accept operations by the user. When the first selection icon 187A is operated by the user, the control device 110 transmits the conversion table 125 corresponding to the content displayed in the first display field 181A to the data processing unit 116. The control device 110 transmits the seventh conversion table to the data processing unit 116 as the identified target conversion table. When the second selection icon 187B is operated by the user, the control device 110 transmits the conversion table 125 corresponding to the content displayed in the second display field 181B to the data processing unit 116. The control device 110 transmits the eighth conversion table to the data processing unit 116 as the identified target conversion table. When the first selection icon 187A or the second selection icon 187B is operated by the user, the control device 110 identifies the target conversion table in step S311. The data processing unit 116 converts the image data into ink ejection volume data using the received target conversion table.

[0140] In the third embodiment, the control device 110 searches the storage unit 121 for a conversion table 125 having parameters corresponding to multiple search parameters. The control device 110 identifies a conversion table 125 having parameters matching the multiple search parameters in the storage unit 121 as a target conversion table. When the control device 110 does not store a conversion table 125 having parameters matching the multiple search parameters in the storage unit 121, the control device 110 transmits the search parameters to the server 200. The server 200 selects a conversion table 125 having parameters similar to the multiple parameters. The server 200 transmits the selected conversion table 125 to the control device 110. The control device 110 displays parameters indicating the selected conversion table 125 and the comparison results between the search parameters and the parameters on the display unit 141. The user identifies the target conversion table by performing a predetermined operation on the displayed selection screen 180. The user can identify the target conversion table even if a conversion table 125 having parameters matching the search parameters is not stored.

[0141] In the third embodiment, the target conversion table is identified by the user performing a predetermined operation on the displayed selection screen 180, but this is not limiting. The control device 110 may identify the target conversion table based on the degree of similarity between the search parameters and the parameters included in the conversion table 125 and the priority of the search items. The control device 110 may display information indicating the identified target conversion table on the search result screen 170 shown in FIG. 11.

[0142] The system has a communication interface 151 that connects to a server 200, and when the table search unit 114 determines that the target conversion table is not present in the memory unit 121, it transmits a plurality of search parameters to the server 200 via the communication interface 151 and obtains the selected conversion table 125 from the server 200 via the communication interface 151. When the target conversion table is not stored in the storage unit 121, the control device 110 can acquire from the server 200 a conversion table 125 that is a candidate for the target conversion table.

[0143] Fourth embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the control device 110 identifies a target conversion table using a group of search parameters shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 shows the group of search parameters in a table format. FIG. 15 shows the priority of multiple search parameters. FIG. 15 includes color change table proximity as a search parameter type. In the fourth embodiment, like the third embodiment, the target conversion table is identified using the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. The fourth embodiment illustrates a case where the memory unit 121 and the server memory unit 210 do not have a conversion table 125 that matches multiple search parameters.

[0144] Figure 15 shows multiple search parameters. In Figure 15, the ink configuration is given first priority, and the total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, secondary color ink usage upper limit, and color change table proximity are given second priority. The color change table proximity indicates a search color change table as a search parameter.

[0145] Figures 16A, 16B, and 16C show a method for calculating the color change table. Figure 16A shows the relationship between the amount of ink ejected and the cumulative color difference. A user of the printer 100 uses the printer 100 to print an ink amount adjustment test chart on the desired printing medium M. The ink amount adjustment test chart is formed from multiple patch images printed by changing the amount of ink ejected from 0% to 100% at predetermined intervals. The user measures the color values ​​of the multiple patch images. The user calculates the cumulative color difference for the amount of ink ejected from the measured color value data. The cumulative color difference shown in Figure 16A is calculated assuming that the cumulative color difference when the amount of ink ejected is 100%.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 16A, the cumulative color difference versus the amount of ink ejected is plotted as a nonlinear graph. FIG. 16B shows a graph in which the cumulative color difference varies linearly with the amount of ink ejected. In FIG. 16B, when the amount of ink ejected varies from 0 to 100%, the cumulative color difference varies in a substantially straight line. FIG. 16C shows the calculated amount of ink ejected at which the cumulative color difference varies linearly. FIG. 16C shows the relationship between the ink amount after linearization and the ink amount before linearization. The ink amount before linearization indicates the change in the ink amount ejected with respect to the cumulative color difference shown in FIG. 16A. The ink amount after linearization indicates the amount of ink ejected at which the cumulative color difference varies linearly. The graph shown in FIG. 16C shows a search color change table included in the search parameter group shown in FIG. 15. The search parameters for the color change table shown in FIG. 15 include the graph data shown in FIG. 16C as a search color change table.

[0147] 17A, 17B, and 17C show the contents of search tags added to multiple conversion tables 125 stored in the server storage unit 210. A search tag is added to each of the multiple conversion tables 125. FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C show, in table format, parameters corresponding to search items among the parameters included in the search tags. FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C include a color change table as a parameter type. The color change tables included in each of FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C are provided in advance by the manufacturer or administrator of the printer 100. The color change table included in the parameters is calculated based on ink adjustment test data printed on the printing medium M, using other parameters as setting conditions. The color change table included in the parameters is graph data similar to that shown in FIG. 16C.

[0148] In the fourth embodiment, the server storage unit 210 stores a plurality of conversion tables 125 including a tenth conversion table, an eleventh conversion table, and a twelfth conversion table.

[0149] The tenth conversion table has the search tag shown in FIG. 17A. The search tag shown in FIG. 17A indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 17A indicates "190%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17A indicates "100%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17A indicates "110%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17A indicates "Color Change Table A" as a parameter related to the color change table. Compared to the search parameters shown in FIG. 15, the ink configuration and primary color ink usage upper limit of the search tag match the ink configuration and primary color ink usage upper limit of the search parameters. The total ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit of the search tag do not match the total ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit of the search parameters.

[0150] The eleventh conversion table has the search tag shown in FIG. 17B. The search tag shown in FIG. 17B indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 17B indicates "200%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17B indicates "90%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17B indicates "110%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17B indicates "Color Change Table B" as a parameter related to the color change table. Compared to the search parameters shown in FIG. 15, the ink configuration and total ink usage upper limit of the search tag match the ink configuration and total ink usage upper limit of the search parameters. The primary color ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit of the search tag do not match the primary color ink usage upper limit and secondary color ink usage upper limit of the search parameters.

[0151] The twelfth conversion table has the search tag shown in FIG. 17C. The search tag shown in FIG. 17C indicates "CLcMLmYKOrVi" as a parameter related to the ink configuration. The search tag shown in FIG. 17C indicates "150%" as a parameter related to the total ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17C indicates "90%" as a parameter related to the primary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17C indicates "100%" as a parameter related to the secondary color ink usage upper limit. The search tag shown in FIG. 17C indicates "Color Change Table C" as a parameter related to the color change table. Compared to the search parameters shown in FIG. 15, the ink configuration of the search tag matches the ink configuration of the search parameters. The total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit of the search tag do not match the total ink usage upper limit, primary color ink usage upper limit, and secondary color ink usage upper limit of the search parameters.

[0152] The tenth conversion table, the eleventh conversion table, and the twelfth conversion table have search tags that include the same parameters as the first-priority search parameters from the search parameter group shown in Fig. 15. The tenth conversion table, the eleventh conversion table, and the twelfth conversion table have search tags that include parameters that are similar to the search parameter group shown in Fig. 15.

[0153] In the fourth embodiment, the control device 110 identifies a target conversion table according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. Since the storage unit 121 does not store a conversion table 125 having a search tag including parameters that match the search parameter group shown in FIG. 15, the table search unit 114 transmits the search parameters shown in FIG. 15 to the server 200 in step S305. The server 200 receives the search parameters. In step S307, the server 200 searches for conversion tables 125 stored in the server storage unit 210. The server 200 selects a conversion table 125 having parameters that are similar to the search parameters from among the conversion tables 125 stored in the server storage unit 210. The server 200 transmits the selected conversion table 125 to the control device 110. The table search unit 114 transmits the search parameter group to the server 200, causing the server 200 to search for a conversion table 125 that is similar to the search parameter group. In the fourth embodiment, the server 200 transmits the tenth conversion table, the eleventh conversion table, and the twelfth conversion table to the control device 110.

[0154] The control device 110 receives the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth conversion tables as the selected conversion tables 125 from the server 200. In step S307, the data acquisition unit 113 acquires the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth conversion tables from the server 200 via the communication interface 151. The data acquisition unit 113 transmits the received tenth, eleventh, and twelfth conversion tables to the table search unit 114. The table search unit 114 calculates the degree of proximity of the color change table. The table search unit 114 calculates the degree of proximity of the color change table based on the search color change table included in the search parameters and the color change table that is a parameter included in the search tag.

[0155] Fig. 18 shows a search color change table included in the search parameters. Fig. 18 is a graph showing the relationship between ink amount after linearization and ink amount before linearization. The graph shown in Fig. 18 is obtained by the steps shown in Figs. 16A to 16C. Search parameters related to the color change table include a color change table that results in the graph shown in Fig. 18.

[0156] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating proximity. Fig. 19 shows a first line L1 indicating the search color change table shown in Fig. 18 and a second line L2 indicating the color change table included in the search tag. The second line L2 indicating the color change table included in the search tag shown in Fig. 19 indicates, as an example, color change table B included in the search tag shown in Fig. 17B. The arrows shown in Fig. 19 indicate the differences between the search color change table and color change table B.

[0157] The table search unit 114 divides the linearized ink amount shown in FIG. 19 into 32 grids. The table search unit 114 calculates the absolute value of the difference between the search color change table and color change table B for each grid. The table search unit 114 adds up the calculated absolute values ​​of the differences for each grid. In the case of FIG. 19, the total difference is, for example, 300.88. The table search unit 114 divides the calculated total difference by the grid value 32. The value obtained by dividing the total difference by the grid value is 9.4. 9.4 indicates the degree of proximity between the search color change table and color change table B. The closer the degree of proximity is to 0, the closer the search color change table and the compared color change table are.

[0158] The table search unit 114 calculates the degree of proximity between color change table A and the search color change table, and the degree of proximity between color change table C and the search color change table, as well as the degree of proximity between color change table B and the search color change table. The degree of proximity between color change table A and the search color change table is 11.3. The degree of proximity between color change table C and the search color change table is 14.8.

[0159] When the selected conversion table 125 is acquired, the table search unit 114 calculates the degree of proximity between the search color change table and the color change table included in the search tag, among the plurality of search parameters. The control device 110 can grasp the degree of similarity between the search parameters and the selected conversion table 125 in numerical form.

[0160] After calculating each degree of proximity, the control device 110 displays the content of the search tag added to the selected conversion table 125 in step S309. Fig. 20 shows a selection screen 180 displayed in the fourth embodiment. The selection screen 180 shown in Fig. 20 has the same configuration as the selection screen 180 shown in Fig. 14. The display content displayed in each display field of the selection screen 180 shown in Fig. 20 is different from the display content displayed in each display field of the selection screen 180 shown in Fig. 14.

[0161] The display data generation unit 115 generates selection screen data for displaying the selection screen 180 shown in Fig. 20 on the display unit 141. The selection screen data generated by the display data generation unit 115 includes the content of the search tag added to the selected conversion table 125 and the calculated degree of proximity. The display data generation unit 115 transmits the generated selection screen data to the display unit 141. The display unit 141 displays the selection screen 180 shown in Fig. 20 based on the received selection screen data.

[0162] The control device 110 includes a display data generation unit 115 that generates selection screen data that displays the contents of a search tag indicating the selected conversion table 125 and the degree of proximity between the search color change table and the color change table included in the search tag. The control device 110 can display the calculated degree of proximity. By checking the degree of proximity, the user can easily identify the target conversion table.

[0163] The first display field 181A shown in FIG. 20 displays the contents of the search tag to be added to the tenth conversion table. The second display field 181B shown in FIG. 20 displays the contents of the search tag to be added to the eleventh conversion table. FIG. 20 does not display the contents of the search tag to be added to the twelfth conversion table. The parameters included in the search tag to be added to the twelfth conversion table shown in FIG. 17C are not as similar to the search parameters as the parameters shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. Furthermore, the degree of proximity between color change table C and the search color change table is greater than the other degrees of proximity. For these reasons, the table search unit 114 does not select the twelfth conversion table. The table search unit 114 does not transmit the contents of the search tag to be added to the twelfth conversion table to the display data generation unit 115. The display data generation unit 115 does not display the contents of the search tag to be added to the twelfth conversion table on the selection screen 180 shown in FIG. 20.

[0164] The first conversion table name display field 182A shown in Fig. 20 displays the name of the tenth conversion table, "Table D." The second conversion table name display field 182B shown in Fig. 20 displays the name of the eleventh conversion table, "Table E."

[0165] The first priority order display field 183A and the second priority order display field 183B shown in Fig. 20 are displayed in accordance with the priorities of the search parameters shown in Fig. 15. The first priority order display field 183A and the second priority order display field 183B shown in Fig. 20 display the same priorities as the search parameter group shown in Fig. 15.

[0166] The first search item display field 184A and the second search item display field 184B shown in FIG. 20 are displayed corresponding to the search parameter types of the search parameter group shown in FIG. 15. The first search item display field 184A and the second search item display field 184B shown in FIG. 20 display the color change table proximity degree as the parameter type. If a color change table is included in the search parameter group shown in FIG. 15, the color change table proximity degree is displayed. The first search item display field 184A and the second search item display field 184B shown in FIG. 20 display the search parameter types shown in FIG. 15.

[0167] The first search value display field 185A and the second search value display field 185B shown in FIG. 20 display the parameters compared with the search parameter group. The first search value display field 185A shown in FIG. 20 displays the parameters shown in FIG. 17A. The second search value display field 185B shown in FIG. 20 displays the parameters shown in FIG. 17B. The display field corresponding to the color change table proximity degree displays the calculated proximity degree. The first search value display field 185A shown in FIG. 20 displays the proximity degree between the search color change table and color change table A. The second search value display field 185B shown in FIG. 20 displays the proximity degree between the search color change table and color change table B.

[0168] A first determination result display field 186A shown in Fig. 20 shows the comparison result between the search parameter group shown in Fig. 15 and the parameters of the tenth conversion table shown in Fig. 17A. A second determination result display field 186B shown in Fig. 20 shows the comparison result between the search parameter group shown in Fig. 15 and the parameters of the eleventh conversion table shown in Fig. 17B.

[0169] When the first selection icon 187A is operated by the user, the control device 110 transmits the conversion table 125 corresponding to the content displayed in the first display field 181A to the data processing unit 116. The control device 110 transmits the tenth conversion table to the data processing unit 116 as the identified target conversion table. When the second selection icon 187B is operated by the user, the control device 110 transmits the conversion table 125 corresponding to the content displayed in the second display field 181B to the data processing unit 116. The control device 110 transmits the eleventh conversion table to the data processing unit 116 as the identified target conversion table. When the first selection icon 187A or the second selection icon 187B is operated by the user, the control device 110 identifies the target conversion table in step S311. The data processing unit 116 converts the image data into ink ejection volume data using the received target conversion table.

[0170] In the fourth embodiment, the target conversion table is identified by the user performing a predetermined operation on the displayed selection screen 180, but this is not limiting. The control device 110 may identify the target conversion table based on the degree of similarity between the search parameters and the parameters included in the conversion table 125 and the priority of the search items. The control device 110 may display information indicating the identified target conversion table on the search result screen 170 shown in FIG. 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 1...printing system, 10...head unit, 11...carriage, 12...ink supply unit, 13...head, 15...colorimetry unit, 30...printing control unit, 42...guide shaft, 50...support shaft, 51...feed-out roller, 53...first conveying roller pair, 54...first roller, 55...platen, 56...second roller, 57...second conveying roller pair, 59...winding roller, 60...winding shaft, 70...printer memory unit, 71...test chart data, 80...printer communication interface, 100...printer, 110...control device, 111... Control unit, 113...data acquisition unit, 114...table search unit, 115...display data generation unit, 116...data processing unit, 121...storage unit, 125...conversion table, 127...input channel value, 128...ink amount, 129...maximum ink amount, 131...reception unit, 133...input interface, 141...display unit, 151...communication interface, 160...input screen, 161...setting item display field, 162...setting value input field, 162A...media name input field, 162B...resolution input field, 162C...ink configuration input field, 162D...primary color upper limit value input field power field, 162E...secondary color upper limit value input field, 162F...total ink upper limit value input field, 162G...first priority input field, 162H...second priority input field, 162I...third priority input field, 170...search result screen, 171...search result display field, 172...conversion table name display field, 173...priority display field, 174...search item display field, 175...search value display field, 176...determination result display field, 177...selection icon, 180...selection screen, 181A...first display field, 181B...second display field, 182A...first conversion table name display field, 182B...second conversion Table name display column, 183A...first priority display column, 183B...second priority display column, 184A...first search item display column, 184B...second search item display column, 185A...first search value display column, 185B...second search value display column, 186A...first judgment result display column, 186B...second judgment result display column, 187A...first selection icon, 187B...second selection icon, 200...server, 210...server memory unit, 220...server communication interface, L1...first line, L2...second line, M...printing media, R1...media roll, R2...winding roll.

Claims

1. It is connected to a printing device that ejects ink of multiple colors onto a medium, and the image data is converted into an ink amount data. an image processing device for converting image data into an input section for inputting search conditions; an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of search values ​​based on the search conditions inputted by the input unit; A table storing a plurality of image conversion tables for converting the image data into the ink amount data. a table storage unit; Based on the plurality of search values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit, the plurality of image conversion tables are a search unit that searches for a target image conversion table from the Equipped with the plurality of search values ​​have priority information indicating the priority of the plurality of search values; The search unit searches the target image conversion table using the priority information. Processing equipment.

2. It is connected to a printing device that ejects ink of multiple colors onto a medium, and the image data is converted into an ink amount data. an image processing device for converting image data into an input section for inputting search conditions; an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of search values ​​based on the search conditions inputted by the input unit; A table storing a plurality of image conversion tables for converting the image data into the ink amount data. a table storage unit; Based on the plurality of search values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit, the plurality of image conversion tables are a search unit that searches for a target image conversion table from the Equipped with The search values ​​include the maximum settings of the ink usage amounts of two colors among the inks of the plurality of colors. The image processing device includes a secondary color ink usage limit value.

3. A communication unit that connects to an external device, The search unit When it is determined that the target image conversion table does not exist in the table storage unit, the communication unit transmitting a plurality of said search values ​​to said external device via The target image conversion table or the candidate image is transmitted from the external device via the communication unit. Get the translation table, 3. The image processing device according to claim 1.

4. The image conversion table includes a plurality of additional data items corresponding to the plurality of search values. has a tag containing The search unit A plurality of search values ​​are compared with a plurality of additional data to generate the target image conversion table. search for, The image processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The image conversion table includes a plurality of additional data items corresponding to the plurality of search values. has a tag containing The search unit When the candidate image conversion table is obtained, calculating a degree of proximity between one of the search values ​​and the additional data; The image processing device according to claim 3 .

6. Generate display data for displaying information indicating the candidate image conversion table and the degree of proximity. a display control unit for The image processing device according to claim 5 .

7. Image processing of an image processing device connected to a printing device that prints by ejecting ink of multiple colors onto a medium 1. A method comprising: Enter your search criteria, Obtaining a plurality of search values ​​based on the input search criteria; Based on the acquired search values, a target image conversion is selected from a plurality of image conversion tables. Search the table and the plurality of search values ​​have priority information indicating the priority of the plurality of search values; Based on the acquired search values, the target image is selected from the image conversion tables. When searching the image conversion table, the priority information is used to select the target image conversion table. An image processing method for searching for patterns.

8. A processor of an image processing device connected to a printing device that prints by ejecting ink of multiple colors onto a medium. An image processing program executed by a server, Enter the search criteria, Acquire a plurality of search values ​​based on the input search conditions; Based on the acquired search values, a target image conversion is selected from a plurality of image conversion tables. Search the table, Based on the acquired search values, the target image is selected from the image conversion tables. When searching the image conversion table, the priority of the plurality of search values ​​is determined. An image processing program that searches the target image conversion table using priority information indicating the order. Grams.

Images