Print data generation device, printing method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate work of print setting by a user when images of a plurality of layers are superposed and printed.SOLUTION: A printing data generation device for generating printing data that images of a plurality of layers are superposed and printed includes: a setting window display part for displaying a setting window for performing print setting for each of the plurality of layers on a screen; a storage part for storing the print setting for each of the layers set by the setting window; an image data reception part for receiving image data for each of the superposed and printed layers; and a printing data generation part for generating the printing data, on the basis of the image data for each of the layers received by the image data reception part, and the print setting for each of the layers stored in the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing data generation device, a printing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional image forming method in which a first printed image is formed on a thermal expansion layer on one side of a sheet, and a second printed image that generates thermal energy by irradiation with light and expands the thermal expansion layer is formed on the other side of the sheet. Thus, a printing method is performed in which printed images are formed on both sides of a sheet, or a plurality of printed images are formed by overlapping them on one side of the sheet, and a plurality of layers of images are printed by overlapping them.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses setting the density of the first printed image in consideration of the density change of the first printed image due to the expansion of the thermal expansion layer. However, in order to print the first printed image, in addition to the above, printing settings for a plurality of items such as quality, strength of each color, light and darkness of the image, etc. must be performed. Furthermore, when printing by overlapping a plurality of layers of images, printing settings for a plurality of items must be performed for each layer, and the work of the user is complicated.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to facilitate the printing setting work by the user when printing by overlapping a plurality of layers of images.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above objective is a print data generation device that generates print data for printing multiple layers of images on top of each other, comprising: a setting window display unit that displays a setting window on a screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple layers; a storage unit that stores the print settings for each layer set in the setting window; an image data receiving unit that receives image data for each of the layers to be printed on top of each other; and a print data generation unit that generates print data based on the image data for each layer received by the image data receiving unit and the print settings for each layer stored in the storage unit.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will be revealed in the specification and drawings described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the user's work in setting print settings when printing multiple layers of images. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of printing system 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of the printing device 2, and Figure 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating the printing method using the printing device 2. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram for multilayer printing. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the method for generating print data for multi-layer printing. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the preset settings window 40. [Figure 6] Figures 6A and 6B show examples of print settings windows 50 and 51. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a job list window 60 that displays the job list of the printing device 2. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of preset settings stored in the memory unit 17. [Figure 9]Figure 9 shows an example of the change list window 70, which is used to select preset settings to change. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the settings list window 80, which displays a list of applicable preset settings. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a warning window 90 that displays a warning. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. ===Configuration of Printing System 1=== Figure 1 is a block diagram of printing system 1. The printing system 1 comprises a printing device 2 and a computer 10, and the printing device 2 and the computer 10 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The printing device 2 is a device that prints images on a recording medium M using ink. Examples of recording medium M include sheets made of various materials such as polyvinyl chloride, cloth, paper, transparent resin sheets, and metal sheets. Examples of computer 10 include personal computers, tablet terminals, and smartphones.

[0011] The computer 10 includes an application 11, an input device 12 such as a keyboard or mouse, a receiving unit 13 that receives data from the input device 12, a display device 14 having a screen, a display unit 15 that processes the display on the screen, a print data generation unit 16 that generates print data, a storage unit 17, and a communication unit 18. The input device 12 may be a touch panel of the display device 14.

[0012] Application 11 is software that creates image data for images to be printed by the printing device 2. Examples of applications 11 include document creation applications, spreadsheet applications, and image editing applications.

[0013] The print data generation unit 16 generates print data that can be printed (decoded) by the printing apparatus 2 based on the image data created by the application 11. The generated print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 by the communication unit 18. The printing apparatus 2 prints an image on the recording medium M based on the received print data.

[0014] ===Regarding the Printing Apparatus 2 and Multi-Layer Printing=== FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the printing apparatus 2, and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram for explaining the printing method by the printing apparatus 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of multi-layer printing. As the printing apparatus 2, a flat head type printing apparatus is exemplified. The printing apparatus 2 includes a housing 21, a stage 22, a head 23 that discharges ink, and a light irradiation unit 24. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the front cover 25 of the housing 21 is opened, and the stage 22, the head 23, etc. are housed inside the housing 21.

[0015] The stage 22 is a member that supports the recording medium M, and the stage 22 is movable in the X direction. The stage 22 has a flat surface facing the head 23, and the recording medium M is set on the flat surface. Also, the stage 22 may be movable in the Z direction, whereby the distance between the head 23 and the recording medium M can be adjusted.

[0016] The head 23 discharges ink toward the recording medium M while moving along a rail 26 extending in the Y direction. In the printing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, a photocurable ink that cures when irradiated with light (for example, a UV ink that cures when irradiated with ultraviolet light) is discharged from the head 23. Therefore, a light irradiation unit 24 is provided alongside the head 23 in the Y direction. The light irradiation unit 24 irradiates the ink landed on the recording medium M with light while moving in the Y direction together with the head 23 to cure the ink. In FIG. 2B, light irradiation units 24 are provided on both sides of the head 23 in the Y direction, but the light irradiation unit 24 may be provided only on one side of the head 23.

[0017] In other words, in the printing device 2, an image is printed on the recording medium M by the ink ejection operation of the head 23 as it moves in the Y direction and the transport operation of the recording medium M in the X direction by the stage 22.

[0018] Furthermore, the printing device 2 performs a printing method that prints multiple layers of images on top of each other, known as "multilayer printing." For example, there is a two-layer printing method in which a primer ink underlay layer is placed beneath the image layer so that the image layer, such as text, a photograph, or a picture, adheres closely to the recording medium M. Other examples include two-layer printing in which a white ink underlay layer is placed to enhance the color development of the image layer, and two-layer printing in which a transparent gloss ink coating layer is placed on top of the image layer to give the image layer a glossy appearance.

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a four-layer printing method in which a star image layer 31 is placed on a transparent recording medium M, a white ink underlay layer 32 is placed on top of that, a flower image layer 33 is placed on top of that, and a coating layer 34 is placed on top of that. In this printed material, the star image layer 31 is visible through the recording medium M. The white underlay layer 32 makes it difficult to see through to the image layers 31 and 33 on the opposite side. Although not shown, by placing two white underlay layers 32 with a black underlay layer in between, the transparency of the image on the opposite side can be further suppressed.

[0020] One method of multilayer printing involves, after the lower layer image has been printed on the recording medium M, returning the position of the stage 22 relative to the head 23 to the origin, and then printing the upper layer image on top of the lower layer image. This printing method can be performed not only by flathead type printers, but also by any printer capable of returning the recording medium M to the starting position of the lower layer image. For example, even a roll-to-roll type printer can perform this printing method as long as it can transport the recording medium M not only in the feeding direction but also in the reverse direction.

[0021] Another printing method, besides those described above, involves dividing the head 23 for printing. Although not shown in the diagram, the underside of the head 23 has a nozzle row formed in the X direction, with multiple nozzles for ejecting ink. The nozzle row can be divided according to the number of layers to be stacked, and the lower layer image can be printed first with the nozzle section facing the recording medium M, and then the upper layer image can be printed with the section facing the recording medium M. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, if the stage 22 moves from the back to the front in the X direction relative to the head 23, and three layers of images are to be stacked, the lower layer image can be printed with the 1 / 3 nozzles at the back in the X direction, the middle layer image with the 1 / 3 nozzles in the middle, and the upper layer image with the 1 / 3 nozzles at the front.

[0022] The above describes printing device 2 and multilayer printing, but printing device 2 is just an example and is not limited to it. For example, printing device 2 may be a laser printer or the like, instead of an inkjet printer as described above. Also, while images printed with photocurable ink are less prone to bleeding and are suitable for multilayer printing, the ink used by printing device 2 may be solvent ink or the like. Furthermore, multilayer printing is not limited to layering multiple images on one side of the recording medium M, but may also be performed by printing images on both sides of the recording medium M to layer multiple images.

[0023] ===How to generate print data for multi-layer printing=== Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the method for generating print data for multilayer printing. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the preset settings window 40. Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of the print settings windows 50 and 51. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the job list window 60 that displays the job list of the printing device 2. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the preset settings stored in the storage unit 17. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the change list window 70 for selecting the preset settings to change.

[0024] Generally, in multilayer printing, images are printed in layers ranging from two to seven, using combinations of base layers, image layers, and coating layers. When generating print data for multilayer printing using computer 10, the user needs to configure multiple print settings for each layer, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. For example, when performing two-layer printing, which involves printing the first and second images on top of each other, multiple print settings must be configured for both the first and second images.

[0025] On the other hand, it is sometimes necessary to repeatedly perform multi-layer printing with the same specifications. Multi-layer printing with the same specifications means that the number of images to be layered is the same, the combination of image types (for example, an image layer + a white background layer) is the same, and the print settings applied to each layer are the same.

[0026] Therefore, in the computer 10 of this embodiment, the storage unit 17 stores the print settings for each layer in multilayer printing as "preset settings" for that multilayer printing. Then, the print data generation unit 16 generates print data based on the preset settings stored in the storage unit 17.

[0027] <<Preset settings for multi-layer printing>> First, we will explain how to create a preset setting for multi-layer printing. As shown in Figure 7, the user selects the printer for which to set the preset (for example, printer b) from the icons 61 of the printers connected to the computer 10, and opens the menu 62 related to multi-layer printing. When the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that the user has selected "New Preset Setting" in the menu 62, the setting window display unit 151 in the display unit 15 displays the preset setting window 40 (Figure 5) on the screen for setting the preset (S01).

[0028] The preset setting window 40 illustrated in Figure 5 includes a name input box 41 for entering the name of the preset setting, a list box 42 for showing a list of images to be stacked, and a print layer image diagram 43.

[0029] The user enters the name of the preset setting to be configured, i.e., the name of the multi-layer printing (for example, "6-layer printing for Company M"), into the name input box 41. The user also sets the number of images to be layered in the list box 42. For example, when configuring a 6-layer printing preset, the user uses the add button 44 and delete button 45 to display the print layers from the 1st to the 6th layer in the list box 42. For example, names are assigned to the images from top to bottom on the recording medium M, starting with the 1st layer, the 2nd layer, and so on.

[0030] The user then selects a layer from the list box 42 and opens the menu 46 to configure specific print settings for the selected layer. For example, when the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that the user has selected "Color Adjustment (Level Correction)" from the menu 46, the settings window display unit 151 displays a print settings window 50 (Figure 6A) related to color on the screen. In this print settings window 50, the user can adjust the color (which ink color to emphasize), brightness, contrast ratio, etc., of the image they want to print on the selected layer.

[0031] Furthermore, when the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that the user has selected "Quality Settings" from menu 46, the settings window display unit 151 displays a print settings window 51 (Figure 6B) related to quality on the screen. In this print settings window 51, the user can adjust the quality (high quality, standard, or high speed), resolution, ink colors to be used, and printing method (number of passes, bidirectional or unidirectional printing) for the selected layer.

[0032] Once the user has finished configuring the print settings for the selected layer, they return to the preset settings window 40, select another layer from the list box 42, and configure the print settings for that layer in the same way. Note that while color adjustment settings (Figure 6A) and quality settings (Figure 6B) are shown as examples of print settings, the print settings are not limited to these.

[0033] Furthermore, the preset settings window 40 displays the print layer image diagram 43. The print layer image diagram 43 is a diagram in which the image diagrams 431 to 436 for each layer are stacked. The settings window display unit 151 displays the same number of image diagrams (in this case, 6 image diagrams 431 to 436) as the number of layers set in the list box 42. When the number of layers set in the list box 42 is changed, the settings window display unit 151 also changes and displays the number of image diagrams 431 to 436 in conjunction with that change.

[0034] Furthermore, image diagrams 431-436 are diagrams that allow the user to visually visualize the print settings (image type) for the corresponding layer. When the print settings (image type) for a certain layer are changed, the setting window display unit 151 also changes and displays the corresponding image diagrams 431-436 in conjunction with that change.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, when a print setting corresponding to a transparent coating layer is applied to the first layer (for example, when gloss ink is used), a solid gray image can be exemplified as the image image of the first layer, Figure 431. Furthermore, if print settings corresponding to general image layers (images such as photographs, pictures, or text) are applied to the second and sixth layers (for example, if the use of multiple ink colors is set, or if photo mode or document mode is set), gradient images can be used as examples of image images for the second and sixth layers, as shown in Figures 432 and 436. In addition, images of pictures of flowers or people, or photographs, which are examples of image layers, may also be used as examples of image layers, as shown in Figures 432 and 436. Furthermore, if the printing settings for the third and fifth layers correspond to a white underlay layer (for example, if only white ink is used), then images of a single color (white) can be exemplified as image diagrams 433 and 435 for the third and fifth layers. Furthermore, if the fourth layer is printed using a black background (for example, if only black ink is used), a solid black image can be shown as an example of the fourth layer's image (Figure 434).

[0036] Then, the preset settings are completed when the user completes the print settings for each layer displayed in the list box 42 and selects the OK button 47. When the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that the user has selected the OK button 47, the storage unit 17 stores the name of the preset setting (for example, 6-layer printing for Company M), the printing device 2 to which the preset setting is applied (for example, machine b), and the print settings for each layer (for example, print settings for each layer from the 1st to the 6th layer) as shown in Figure 8 (S02).

[0037] Each time a user sets a new preset setting, the storage unit 17 adds and stores the preset setting. In other words, the storage unit 17 can store multiple types of preset settings. In the storage unit 17 illustrated in Figure 8, the preset settings are categorized and stored according to the model of the printing device 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the computer 10 can accept changes (edits) to the configured preset settings. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the user selects the icon 61 for the printer 2 and opens the menu 62. When the change reception unit 132 in the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that "Change Preset Settings" has been selected in the menu 62, the display unit 15 selects a preset setting to be applied to the selected printer 2 from the preset settings (Figure 8) stored in the storage unit 17. The display unit 15 then displays a list of the selected preset settings in the change list window 70 shown in Figure 9.

[0039] In the Change List window 90, when the user selects a preset setting they want to change (for example, 6-layer printing for Company M), the display unit 15 displays the same preset setting window 40 (Figure 5) on the screen as when the selected preset setting was initially set. The user changes the print settings in the same way as when the preset setting was first made. That is, the user can change the print settings by selecting a layer in the list box 42 and displaying the print settings window (Figures 6A and 6B) from the menu 46.

[0040] When the change reception unit 132 receives confirmation that the OK button 47 in the preset settings window 40 has been selected by the user, the storage unit 17 resets the stored preset settings to the changed preset settings and stores them again.

[0041] <<Generating print data and printing methods for multi-layer printing>> Figure 10 shows an example of a settings list window 80 that displays a list of applicable preset settings. Figure 11 shows an example of a warning window 90 that displays warnings.

[0042] Next, a method for generating print data for multi-layer printing based on preset settings stored in the memory unit 17 will be described. First, the user creates the image data to be printed in application 11 and inputs an instruction such as "Create print data". When the image data receiving unit 131 in the receiving unit 13 receives the instruction to create print data and the image data to be printed (S03), the print data generation unit 16 registers the target image data in the job list, as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the user may register the image data created in application 11 in the job list so that the image data receiving unit 131 can receive the image data to be printed.

[0043] The print data generation unit 16 generates temporary print data before or after the image data is registered in the job list. The print data generation unit 16 generates temporary print data from the image data based on the print settings set by the user when inputting instructions for creating print data, or based on the default print settings. The temporary print data may be print data generated using the same process as when generating print data to be sent to the printing device 2, or it may be simplified print data generated by simplifying or skipping some processes.

[0044] When performing multilayer printing, the user prepares the same number of image data files as the number of images to be layered, using application 11 or similar, and registers them in the job list. For example, when printing six layers, six image data files (A to F) are registered in the job list, as shown in Figure 7. As a result, multiple (in this case, six) image data files (A to F) to be layered and multiple (six) corresponding temporary print data files are stored in the storage unit 17. Note that, in addition to this, temporary print data does not necessarily have to be generated.

[0045] Next, the user selects all the image data (A to F) to be printed in multilayer mode from the image data registered in the job list, then opens menu 63 and selects "Apply Preset Settings". When the reception unit 13 receives this, the printing device selection display unit 152 identifies the printing device 2 (in this case, machine b) that will execute printing the target image data (A to F). The printing device selection display unit 152 then selects a preset setting that can be executed on that printing device 2 (machine b) from among the multiple types of preset settings stored in the storage unit 17. For example, from the storage unit 17 shown in Figure 8, it selects the preset settings associated with machine b: 6-layer printing for Company L, 3-layer printing for Company M, 6-layer printing for Company M, 3-layer printing for Company N, and 5-layer printing for Company N (S04).

[0046] Furthermore, the layer number selection display unit 153 determines the number of layers of the image data received by the reception unit 13, that is, the number of images to be stacked in multilayer printing (in this case, 6 layers). The layer number selection display unit 153 then selects a preset setting for the same number of layers as the determined layer number from among the multiple types of preset settings stored in the storage unit 17. Preferably, to save time, the layer number selection display unit 153 selects a preset setting for the same number of layers as the determined layer number from among the preset settings selected by the printing device selection display unit 152, for example, a 6-layer printing for Company L and a 6-layer printing for Company M (S05).

[0047] The printer selection display unit 152 and the layer number selection display unit 153 display a list of preset settings selected by both the printer selection display unit 152 and the layer number selection display unit 153 in the setting list window 80 shown in Figure 10 (S06). The user selects the preset setting to apply from one or more types of preset settings displayed on the screen.

[0048] When the reception unit 13 receives confirmation that the preset settings to be applied have been selected by the user, the print data generation unit 16 generates print data based on the image data (A to F) to be used for multilayer printing and the selected preset settings (6-layer printing for Company M).

[0049] First, the print data generation unit 16 selects one image data to be processed from among multiple image data (A to F) to be printed in multiple layers, and then selects the print settings for the layer corresponding to that image data from the preset settings. In other words, the print data generation unit 16 associates one of the layer-specific print settings in the preset settings (for example, the print settings for the first layer) with the image data to be processed (for example, the image data for the first layer, A). Specifically, it associates the print settings for each layer sequentially based on the order of the image data registered in the job list.

[0050] Next, the print data generation unit 16 performs resolution conversion, color conversion, halftone processing, rasterization, etc., on the image data to be processed based on the associated print settings. Resolution conversion is the process of converting the image data to the resolution at which it will be printed. Color conversion is the process of converting the image data represented by RGB into color data of the inks ejected by the printing device 2. Halftone processing is the process of converting the data into data indicating whether or not a dot is formed for each pixel. Rasterization is the process of rearranging the data in the order in which it will be sent to the printing device 2. In this way, on / off data for the dots assigned to each nozzle of the head 23 is generated.

[0051] Furthermore, the print data generation unit 16 adds header information, which is related to printing, to the dot on / off data to generate print data to be sent to the printing device 2. Examples of header information include the name of the image data, position control information of the stage 22 (e.g., the printing start position and the amount of movement in the X direction), and the intensity of the light irradiation unit 24. The generated print data is stored in the storage unit 17. The print data generation unit 16 may also generate print data to be sent to the printing device 2 using temporary print data generated before a preset setting is selected.

[0052] Furthermore, when the print data generation unit 16 associates a print setting from the preset settings with the image data to be processed, it determines whether or not printing is possible (whether or not print data can be generated) based on the print setting associated with the image data to be processed (S07).

[0053] For example, suppose that in the selected preset settings (6-layer printing for Company M in Figure 5), the printing setting for the third layer corresponds to a printing setting for a white ink underlayer. On the other hand, suppose that the image data corresponding to the printing setting for the third layer (the third image data C registered in the job list) does not contain any data related to white, or contains data such as text or photographs. In this case, printing cannot be performed based on the printing setting for the third layer and the corresponding image data (C). Therefore, the print data generation unit 16 determines that printing is not possible. When the print data generation unit 16 determines that printing is not possible, the warning display unit 154 displays a warning window 90 on the screen, as illustrated in Figure 11 (S11).

[0054] The print data generation unit 16 may select the image data to be processed, determine whether printing is possible based on the associated print settings, and then generate print data, repeating this process for each image data. Alternatively, the print data generation unit 16 may determine whether printing is possible based on the associated print settings for all image data (A to F) before generating print data for each layer. Then, it may generate print data only if all image data (A to F) is printable. In this case, it is possible to prevent the unnecessary generation of print data.

[0055] Thus, the print data generation unit 16 repeats the above process until it generates print data (A to F) for all image data (A to F) to be printed in multilayer mode. Once print data (A to F) for all layers to be printed in multilayer mode has been generated, these print data (A to F) are transmitted to the printing device 2 by the communication unit 18 (S09). Based on the received print data (A to F), the printing device 2 prints the multilayer image onto the recording medium M.

[0056] In the above scenario, after the user selects a preset setting, print data is generated continuously and sent to the printer 2, but this is not the only way to proceed. For example, after the preset settings to be applied (Figure 10) are selected, the display unit 15 may enable the selection of multiple target image data (A to F) in the job list, or it may display an indication that the image data (A to F) are image data for multi-layer printing. Then, when the user inputs a print execution command ("Print" in menu 63 in Figure 7), the print data generation unit 16 may generate print data to be sent to the printing device 2. In this case, before the display unit 15 changes the display of the job list, the print data generation unit 16 may determine whether or not printing is possible for all image data (A to F) based on the associated print settings.

[0057] <<Summary>> Embodiment 1 is a computer 10 (print data generation device) that generates print data for printing multiple layers of images on top of each other, and comprises: a setting window display unit 151 that displays setting windows (preset setting window 40, print setting windows 50, 51) on the screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple layers; a storage unit 17 that stores "preset settings", which are the print settings for each layer set in the setting windows (40, 50, 51); an image data receiving unit 131 that receives image data for each layer to be printed on top of each other; and a print data generation unit 16 that generates print data based on the image data for each layer received by the image data receiving unit 131 and the preset settings stored in the storage unit 17.

[0058] When performing multilayer printing, users typically need to configure print settings for each layer (from two to about seven layers), requiring them to make numerous print settings. In this embodiment, these layer-specific print settings are stored in the storage unit 17 as preset settings, and print data is generated using these preset settings. Therefore, users no longer need to repeat the same numerous print settings each time they perform multilayer printing with the same specifications, simplifying the user's print setting process.

[0059] The computer 10 then transmits the generated print data for multilayer printing to the printing device 2, and the printing device 2 prints multiple layers of images onto the recording medium M based on the received print data. As a result, the user can produce a printed document with the desired multiple layers of images, even with simple print settings.

[0060] Furthermore, when performing multiple print settings for each layer, such as in multilayer printing, errors in print settings are likely to occur. Therefore, if print settings are changed each time multilayer printing is performed, it becomes easy for unnecessary printing to occur due to print setting errors. In particular, with multilayer printing, the amount of ink consumed and the printing time are increased due to print setting errors. Also, if print settings are changed each time multiple prints are performed, if the print settings for one layer are incorrect, the print settings for the layers that are correctly set also need to be changed, which takes time to readjust the print settings. In contrast, in this embodiment, print data is generated based on preset settings that have been correctly set in advance, so when performing multiple layers of printing with the same specifications repeatedly, print setting errors do not occur, and unnecessary printing can be prevented. Thus, the desired printed materials can be produced quickly, and the consumption of unnecessary ink can be suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, the functions of each part of the computer 10 (reception unit 13, display unit 15, print data generation unit 16, etc.) are realized by the processing unit (CPU) of the computer 10 according to the program (printer driver) stored in the storage unit 17. With such a program (printer driver), the printing system 1 (computer 10 and printing device 2) can generate print data while making it easy for the user to perform print settings, and based on that print data, it can generate a printed document with multiple images superimposed as desired by the user.

[0062] In the printing system 1 illustrated in Figure 1, a portion of the computer 10 functions as a print data generation device, but this is not limited to that. For example, the functions that the computer 10 performs as a print data generation device may be implemented by the printing device 2, and the printing system may consist solely of the printing device 2. Alternatively, the computer 10 may be a dedicated computer for the printing device 2, and image data created by an application on an external device may be transmitted to the computer 10 (print data generation device).

[0063] Furthermore, the program (printer driver) that causes the printing system to perform the above processing may be stored on a recording medium readable by the computer 10, such as a CD-ROM, or it may be available for download to the computer 10 via various communication means such as the internet.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the storage unit 17 is capable of storing multiple types of preset settings. Embodiment 2 is the computer 10 (print data generation device) described in Embodiment 1, wherein the print data generation unit 16 generates print data based on the preset setting selected by the user from among the multiple types of preset settings (print settings for each layer) stored in the storage unit 17.

[0065] According to embodiment 2, even when multilayer printing of various specifications is repeatedly performed, print data is generated based on preset settings corresponding to the specifications of each multilayer printing. Therefore, the user can easily perform the print setting work while generating the print materials they desire. However, the invention is not limited to the above, and the storage unit 17 may store only one type of preset setting.

[0066] Embodiment 3 is a computer 10 (print data generation device) according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, which has a layer number selection display unit 153 that selects preset settings (print settings for each layer) for the same number of layers as the number of layers of the image data received by the image data receiving unit 131, and displays the selected preset settings on the screen as shown in Figure 10.

[0067] According to embodiment 3, preset settings for a number of layers different from the number of layers to be performed in multilayer printing are not displayed on the screen. Therefore, the user can easily select the desired preset setting without making a mistake.

[0068] Embodiment 4 is a computer 10 (print data generation device) according to any of Embodiments 1 to 3, which has a printing device selection display unit 152 that selects preset settings (print settings for each layer) that can be executed on the printing device 2 which is the destination of the print data, and displays the selected preset settings on the screen as shown in Figure 10.

[0069] According to Embodiment 4, preset settings that cannot be executed by the printing device 2 that transmits the print data are not displayed on the screen. Therefore, the user can easily select the desired preset setting without making a mistake. Examples of preset settings that cannot be executed by the printing device 2 include preset settings that use special inks (white ink, primer ink, metallic ink, gloss ink, etc.) for a printing device 2 that does not have such special inks, and preset settings that are set to resolutions or print speeds that cannot be executed by the printing device 2.

[0070] However, the above is not limited to the above. For example, the computer 10 may have only one of the layer number selection display unit 153 and the printer device selection display unit 152, or it may not have both. If the computer 10 does not have the layer number selection display unit 153, the display unit 15 may display a warning on the screen when a preset setting for a different number of layers than the number of layers of the image data is selected. Similarly, if the computer 10 does not have the printer device selection display unit 152, the display unit 15 may display a warning on the screen when a preset setting that cannot be executed by the printer device 2 is selected.

[0071] Embodiment 5 is a computer 10 (print data generation device) according to any of Embodiments 1 to 4, which has a warning display unit 154 that displays a warning window (warning window 90 in Figure 11) on the screen when the image data for each layer to be printed in multilayers contains image data that does not correspond to the applied preset settings (print settings for each layer).

[0072] According to aspect 5, a user who sees the warning window 90 can change the image data, change the selected preset settings, or change (edit) part of the preset settings. This prevents unnecessary printing based on incorrect preset settings (print settings).

[0073] An example of a warning window is one that indicates that the image data registered in the job list does not correspond to the selected preset settings. More preferably, as shown in Figure 11, the display should indicate which of the image data layers is incompatible (in this case, image data C of the third layer) and which of the layers in the preset settings is incompatible (in this case, the third layer). This allows the user to quickly find the error, even if there are multiple image data or print settings for each layer.

[0074] Embodiment 6 is a computer 10 (print data generation device) according to any of Embodiments 1 to 5, which has a change reception unit 132 that accepts changes to preset settings (print settings for each layer) stored in the storage unit 17, and the storage unit 17 re-stores the preset settings accepted by the change reception unit 132.

[0075] As shown in Embodiment 6, by enabling the modification (editing) of preset settings, users can obtain the desired printed materials based on appropriate print settings. Furthermore, if there is an error in the print settings of some of the layers, or if the user wants to change only the print settings of some layers, it becomes unnecessary to reset the print settings of the other layers while leaving them unchanged. Therefore, it is possible to modify preset settings more easily compared to generating new preset settings without being able to modify existing ones.

[0076] Embodiment 7 is a computer 10 (print data generation device) according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the setting window display unit 151 displays a print layer image diagram 43 (image diagram of each layer) corresponding to the preset settings (print settings for each layer) in the setting window (preset setting window 40 in Figure 5).

[0077] According to embodiment 7, the print layer image diagram 43 allows the user to visually confirm the configuration of multilayer printing, making it easier to confirm the print settings compared to, for example, confirming print settings displayed in text. In particular, in multilayer printing, errors are likely to occur because numerous print settings are made for each layer, but the print layer image diagram 43 can suppress errors in print settings. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary printing. However, the setting window display unit 151 does not have to display the print layer image diagram 43, and is not limited to the above.

[0078] The embodiments described above are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be combined as appropriate, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. Printing system, 2. Printing device, 10 Computer, 11 Application, 12 Input device, 13 Reception Department, 131 Image data reception unit, 132 Change reception unit, 14 display device, 15 display unit, 151 Setting window display unit, 152 Printer selection display unit, 153 Layer number selection display unit, 154 Warning display unit, 16 Printing data generation unit, 17 Memory Unit, 18 Communications Unit, 21 cabinet, 22 stages, 23 heads, 24 Light-emitting section, 25 Front cover, 26 Rail, 31,33 Image layer, 32 Underlayer, 34 Coating layer, 40 Preset settings window, 41 Name input box, 42 List box, 43. Printed layer image diagram. 50, 51 Print settings window, 60 Job list window, 70 Change list window, 80 Settings list window, 90 Warning window,

Claims

1. A print data generation device that generates print data for printing by overlapping multiple layers of images, A settings window display unit that displays a settings window on the screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple layers, A storage unit that stores the print settings for each layer set in the aforementioned settings window, An image data receiving unit that receives image data for each layer to be printed in layers, A print data generation unit generates print data based on the image data for each layer received by the image data receiving unit and the print settings for each layer stored in the storage unit. A layer number selection display unit selects print settings for each layer for the same number of layers as the image data received by the image data receiving unit, and displays the selected print settings for each layer on the screen. A print data generation device characterized by having the following features.

2. A print data generation device that generates print data for printing multiple layers of images, A settings window display unit that displays a settings window on the screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple layers, A storage unit that stores the print settings for each layer set in the aforementioned settings window, An image data receiving unit that receives image data for each layer to be printed in layers, A print data generation unit generates print data based on the image data for each layer received by the image data receiving unit and the print settings for each layer stored in the storage unit. A printing device selection display unit identifies the printing device to which the print data will be sent, selects the print settings for each layer that can be executed by the identified printing device, and displays the selected print settings for each layer on the screen. A print data generation device characterized by having the following features.

3. A print data generation apparatus according to Claim 2, The printing device selection display unit is characterized in that, if the identified printing device is a printing device that does not have special ink, it selects the printing settings that use the special ink as printing settings that cannot be executed by the printing device, and does not display the printing settings that use the special ink on the screen.

4. A print data generation device that generates print data for printing multiple layers of images, A settings window display unit that displays a settings window on the screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple layers, A storage unit that stores the print settings for each layer set in the aforementioned settings window, An image data receiving unit that receives image data for each layer to be printed in layers, A print data generation unit generates print data based on the image data for each layer received by the image data receiving unit and the print settings for each layer stored in the storage unit. A warning display unit that displays a window on the screen to warn that if the image data for each layer contains image data that does not correspond to the print settings for each layer, A print data generation device characterized by having the following features.

5. A print data generation device that generates print data for printing multiple layers of images, A settings window display unit that displays a settings window on the screen for setting print settings for each of the multiple layers, A storage unit that stores the print settings for each layer set in the aforementioned settings window, An image data receiving unit that receives image data for each layer to be printed in layers, A print data generation unit generates print data based on the image data for each layer received by the image data receiving unit and the print settings for each layer stored in the storage unit. It has, The setting window display unit is characterized in that, in the setting window, it displays a print layer image diagram in which an image diagram of each layer corresponding to the print settings for each layer is stacked the same number of times as the number of layers.

6. A print data generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The print data generation device is characterized in that the print data generation unit generates print data based on the print settings for each layer selected by the user from among a plurality of types of print settings for each layer stored in the storage unit.

7. A print data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The storage unit has a change reception unit that accepts changes to the print settings for each layer stored in the storage unit, The print data generation device is characterized in that the storage unit re-stores the print settings for each layer that have been received by the change reception unit.

8. A printing method characterized in that a printing device prints multiple layers of images onto a recording medium based on the print data generated by the print data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A program for performing the functions of the print data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images