JP3206513B2 - Color printer driver device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applied to an ink jet printer, a color copying machine, an electrophotographic printer and the like, and is used to form an UC which forms the optimum color reproducibility for various kinds of printing paper.
The present invention relates to a color printer driver device that performs a UCR test and a selective storage for obtaining an R processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the formation of a four-color color image,
In addition to cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), black ink is used in place of black formed by combining these colors. So-called under color removal (UCR: Und) to improve color reproducibility to obtain natural colors
ercolor Removal) processing. A printer that performs such UCR processing in color image formation is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-63-274548. In such a printer, the UCR rate is arbitrarily set by an external switch circuit in order to obtain optimum color reproducibility.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional ink jet printer driver which arbitrarily sets a UCR rate by an external switch circuit. This example uses C
The image data receiving unit 3 in the printer driver 2 receives the RGB data (R0, G0, B0) in the form of an integer value of 0 to 255 for printing in accordance with the print command from the PU 1 and sends the data to the color conversion processing unit 4. Send out. The color conversion processing unit 4 converts the RGB data into a data format C of an integer value of 0 to 255.
The MY data (R0, G0, B0 → C0, M0, Y0) is subjected to color conversion processing and sent to the binarization processing unit 5. The binarization processing unit 5 converts the CMY data (C0, M0, Y0) into CMY data (C1, M1, M1,
Y1) is binarized.

The binary CMY data (C1, M1, Y
1) is input to the UCR processing unit 6, where the CMY data (C1, M1, Y1) is converted into a 0 or 256 data format CM.
YK data (C1, M1, Y1 → C2, M2, Y2, K
The data is converted to 2) and sent to the image data transmitting unit 7. At this time, the external switch circuit SW of the UCR processing unit 6
Set the CR rate arbitrarily. C from the image data transmission unit 7
The MYK data (C2, M2, Y2, K2) is sent as a print data signal to the inkjet printer 8, where it is printed and output.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a conventional UCR processing method. The UCR processing when the CMY signals are C, M, and Y shown in FIG. 11A is expressed by the following equation (1). Therefore, C, M, and Y are represented by Ca, Ma, and Ya as shown in FIG.

K = min [C, M, Y] Ca = C−βK Ma = M−βK Ya = Y−βK (1) β: UCR rate βK: UCR amount

As shown in equation (1), the UCR rate β is arbitrarily set by setting an external switch circuit. That is, the UCR rate β is set between the undercolor printing (UCA) processing without performing the UCR processing and the complete UCR processing. As described above, the UCA is provided by the conventional external switch circuit.
There is a versatility that can be set arbitrarily from processing to complete UCR processing, and it is possible to cope with the operation characteristics of each printer.

As described above, in the conventional printer, the UCR rate β
Can be arbitrarily set, but it is difficult to set the UCR ratio β to obtain the optimum color reproducibility (quality). This is because, depending on the setting of the UCR rate β, a change in color reproduction when actually printing is not easily known before printing. For example,
When using printing paper in which the optimum UCR rate β for each ink jet printer is known in advance, optimal color reproducibility (quality) can be obtained, but various types of printing paper including recycled paper are used. Therefore, UCR that can obtain the optimum color reproducibility (quality) for each printing paper used
It is difficult to set the rate β.

Further, even if the UCR processing is adjusted, that is, various UCR processing methods are employed, it is difficult to obtain the optimum color reproducibility (quality) on various types of printing paper. Although it has the versatility of being able to set arbitrarily from UCA processing to complete UCR processing, the formula for calculating the UCR rate β does not correspond to the change in color reproduction due to printing on an actual printer That's why. For example, in an ink-jet printer, dot variations occur due to subtle variations in the position of printing paper in a transport mechanism, a feed mechanism, and the like, and the suppression of large consumption of color (C, M, Y) ink due to the use of black ink. Is not taken into account.

[0010]

As described above, in the above-described conventional example, it is difficult to set the UCR ratio β for obtaining the optimum color reproducibility (quality), and by adjusting the UCR process, it is possible to use various types of printing paper. There is a disadvantage that it is difficult to obtain the optimum color reproducibility (quality) for each.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and obtains optimum color reproducibility (quality) for various types of printing papers and printers to be used.
Provided is a color printer driver device that can easily and reliably obtain a CR processing method, enables natural high-quality printing for each printing paper and each printer used, and can prevent uneven consumption of ink. Aim.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to the first aspect is directed to a color image forming apparatus, comprising:
In a color printer driver device that performs CR processing,
A test print is performed to check the print quality based on the UCR processing method for each type of print paper, and based on the check result, an UC that provides optimal color reproducibility for each print paper
To select and save the R processing method, when performing the actual printing, for printing by reading the most suitable U C R processing method in the paper to be printed from among a plurality of U C R processing method the storage Of UCR test / processing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention , in the color printer driver device, the U selected based on the confirmation result of the test printing.
In the CR processing method, select the type of printing paper on which test printing was performed.
Add a symbol containing the number to be specified, save and print
Enter the above symbol when performing
It is configured to read out the UCR processing method and perform printing .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the color printer driver device, as the UCR test / processing means, an image data receiving unit for receiving RGB data, and color conversion of RGB data from the image data receiving unit into CMY data for output. A color conversion processing unit, a binarization processing unit for binarizing the CMY data from the color conversion processing unit, and a test print for confirming the print quality based on the UCR processing method for each type of printing paper. performed, and stored by selecting the UCR processing method optimal color reproduction can be obtained for each printing sheet based on the confirmation result, when performing the actual printing, among the plurality of U C R processing method the storage It reads the most suitable U C R processing method in the paper to be printed from the relative CMY data from the binarizing processing unit, the printing paper and a printer compatible UCR processing using UCR test / processing unit for processing and sending, and CMY for printing from the UCR test / processing unit
And an interface processing unit that interfaces the K data and outputs the processed data to a printer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention , in the color printer driver device, the UCR test / processing unit responds to an operation instruction.
A screen input control unit for transmitting corresponding command signals, and a UCR
Dialog box data for test and select save operations
Image data memory that stores the data
Dialog box stored in the
A display that displays on the screen under the control of
Dialog box displayed on the display
To instruct the UCR test and save selection
Operation unit and image data for UCR test and selective storage
And an UCR processing control unit for transmitting
Stores data of multiple UCR processing methods for reading
UCR processing storage unit to perform, and the UCR processing storage unit
Data of multiple UCR processing methods
From the UCR processing control unit to be issued and the image data forming unit
UCR test image data from the UCR process control unit
Print image based on the data of multiple UCR processing methods
An image conversion control unit for converting data into data, and the image conversion control
CMYK data of the print image from the
Interface that performs interface processing and sends
A processing unit and the image conversion control unit perform a UCR test and selection
Stores image data for UCR test read at the time of saving
Test print data storage unit
You.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the color printer driver device, the dialog box includes a plurality of UCR processes.
U to save the UCR processing method selected from the
Test printing by CR setting unit and multiple UCR processing methods
Test print section for instructing
The specific number of the printing paper and the printing paper with this specific number
To give instructions to save the UCR processing method for
And the previous U corresponding to the printing paper of the specific number to be used.
Finger that calls the UCR processing method stored in the CR test
And a caller for making the
That gives instructions to save the UCR processing method based on
To terminate processing without saving the part and UCR processing method
And a cancel unit for performing
You.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the color printer driver device is configured to select a UCR processing method based on the confirmation result of the test printing based on a generation amount of a blank portion and a UCR replacement rate.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the color printer driver device, the selection of the UCR processing method based on the confirmation result of the test printing is performed by the C-printing of the ink-jet printer.
The amount of white spots generated in pure black using only process black and black ink formed by MY and
The configuration is based on the UCR replacement rate .

An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a color printer driver device having the configuration according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.
Ink jet printer, color copier, electrophotographic printer
It is configured to be applied to a computer.

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

The color printer driver device having such a configuration performs test printing for confirming print quality based on a plurality of types of UCR processing methods, and based on the printing result, is optimal for the type of printing paper on which test printing has been performed. A UCR processing method that can obtain excellent color reproducibility is determined and stored. Soshi
When performing actual printing, save the printing paper
From UCR processing method to paper used for actual printing
Read out the most suitable UCR processing method and print the
Is printing on a printer.

Therefore, a plurality of types of printing paper and use
Natural high-quality printing on each of the printers
You. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of white spots as in the prior art.
It is not necessary to reduce the UCR amount for
Is not consumed in large quantities, and the ink consumption is uneven.
I will be.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a color printer driver according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in FIG. 10 of the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color printer driver device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This example is a driver of an ink jet printer, which includes a CPU 1 for sending a print command signal, and 0 to 255 for printing.
RGB data (R0, G0, B
0) with the CMYK data (C2, M2,
Y2, K2) and output them.
Test printing that performs printing based on the R processing method, and based on the test printing result, the optimum UCR for this printing paper
A printer driver 2A for selecting and storing a processing method (hereinafter referred to as UCR test and selective storage), and printing based on CMYK data (C2, M2, Y2, K2) of a print data signal from the printer driver 2A. And an inkjet printer 8 for performing the above.

The printer driver 2A includes an image data receiving unit 3 for receiving RGB data (R0, G0, B0) in a 0-255 (integer value) data format for printing in accordance with a print command from the CPU 1, and an image data receiving unit 3 for receiving the image data. R from 3
CMY of GB data in 0-255 (integer value) data format
It has a color conversion processing unit 4 that performs a color conversion process on the data (R0, G0, B0 → C0, M0, Y0) and outputs the result.

The CMY data (C0, M0, Y0) from the color conversion processing section 4 is provided to the printer driver 2A.
To CMY data (C1, M
1, Y1), and CMY data (C1, M1, Y1) from the binarization processing unit 5
Alternatively, CMYK data (C1, M1,
Y1 → C2, M2, Y2, K2), and outputs the converted data. In particular, it has a UCR test / processing unit 6A for performing a UCR test and selective storage, and also has a CM of the print data signal.
An image data transmitting unit 7 that outputs YK data (C2, M2, Y2, K2) to the inkjet printer 8 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the UCR test / processing section 6A. The UCR test / processing unit 6A includes a screen input control unit 11 for transmitting each command signal corresponding to an operation instruction, and an image data memory 12 for storing data of a dialog box for a UCR test and a selection / save operation shown in FIG. And a display 13 for displaying processing data of the screen input control unit 11, in particular, a dialog box on the screen, and an operation unit 14 including a mouse and a keyboard.

Further, the UCR test / processing unit 6A
An image data forming unit 15 for transmitting UCR test image data, and a UCR processing control unit 16 for reading and transmitting five types of UCR processing methods stored in the UCR processing storage unit 17 and described in detail hereinafter. And FIGS. 5 and 7
And a UCR processing storage unit 17 for storing five types of UCR processing methods corresponding to the test printing units A to E shown in FIG.

The UCR test / processing unit 6A
An image conversion control unit 18 that converts the image data for the UCR test and selective storage from the image data forming unit 15 into print image data according to five types of UCR processing methods from the UCR processing control unit 16 and transmits the print image data; CM of print image
An interface (I / F) processing unit 19 that performs an interface process on the YK data with respect to the ink jet printer 8 and sends it to the image data transmitting unit 7 shown in FIG. 1;
A test print data storage unit 20 that reads out image data for the R test at the time of UCR test and selective storage and sends it to the image conversion control unit 18.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of a dialog box for a UCR test and a selective save operation. The data of this dialog box is stored in the image data memory 12 and is displayed on the screen of the display 13 so as to be operated by the mouse of the operation unit 14 shown in FIG.

In this dialog box, five different UCR processing methods are selected and set.
CR setting units 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E
And a test printing unit 23 for instructing test printing by five types of UCR processing methods, and further includes, along with a specific number of the printing paper on which the test printing has been performed, a UCR processing method ( And a storage unit 24 for giving an instruction to store one of the five different UCR processing methods.

When the storage unit 24 stores the UCR processing method for the printing paper of a specific number, the UCR setting unit 22
By operating any one of A to 22E, the UCR processing method is selected and saved, and the specific number of the inkjet printer 8 used for the test printing is also saved. The storage of the UCR processing method in the inkjet printer 8 is instructed from, for example, a keyboard (not shown) of the operation unit 14. The printing paper and the specific number of the inkjet printer 8 are input from a keyboard (not shown) of the operation unit 14.

The dialog box further includes a call unit 25 for giving an instruction to call the UCR processing method set in the previous UCR test and selective storage corresponding to the printing paper of the specific number to be used, and a UCR test. And an OK unit 26 for storing a UCR processing method set based on the result of the selection and storage in a dialog box (stored in the image data memory 12 in FIG. 2) and instructing to close the UCR processing method.
Further, the image processing apparatus includes a cancel unit 27 for giving an instruction to close the set UCR processing method without storing it in the dialog box (the image data memory 12 in FIG. 2).

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, the overall operation of the configuration in FIG. 1 will be described. C
The image data receiving unit 3 in the printer driver 2A receives the RGB data (R0, G0, B0) in the form of an integer value of 0 to 255 for printing in accordance with the print command from the PU1, and sends it to the color conversion processing unit 4. I do. The color conversion processing unit 4 converts the RGB data into a C-format data of 0 to 255 (integer value).
The color conversion is performed to MY data (R0, G0, B0 → C0, M0, Y0), and the converted data is transmitted to the binarization processing unit 5. Binarization processing unit 5
Then, the CMY data (C0, M0, Y0) is set to 0 or 25.
CMY data of 6 data formats (C1, M1, Y1)
Value.

The binary CMY data (C1, M1, Y
1) is input to the UCR test / processing unit 6A, where C
MY data (C1, M1, Y1) is converted to CMYK data (C1, M1, Y1 → C2, M
2, Y2, K2) and sends it to the image data transmitting unit 7. The UCR test / processing section 6A executes a UCR test and selective storage. The CMYK data (C2, M2, Y2, K2) from the image data transmitting unit 7 is sent to the inkjet printer 8 as print data, where printing is performed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the UCR test and the selective storage. 1 to 4, a UCR test and a selective storage for obtaining a UCR processing method for forming a print image with optimum color reproducibility (quality) for each print sheet are executed. First, the user operates the mouse of the operation unit 14 shown in FIG. 2 in the UCR test / processing unit 6A in the printer driver 2A to read the image data memory 12 from FIG.
Is displayed on the display 13 (step S30).

Here, the printing is performed on the printing paper by using the UCR processing method (one of five different UCR processing methods) in the previous UCR test and selective storage stored in the ink jet printer 8 through the printer driver 2A. It is determined whether or not test printing for obtaining a new UCR processing method is performed (step S31). If the determination is a test print (Yes), the test print unit 23 in the dialog box shown in FIG. 3 is instructed by a mouse, and the test print is performed by the inkjet printer 8 through the UCR test / processing unit 6A and the image data transmission unit 7. (Step S32).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of test printing.
In this test printing, the test print data storage unit 2 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5A read from 0, test printing sections A, B, C, D, and E having different UCR processing methods were mounted on the inkjet printer 8 through the UCR test / processing section 6A and the image data transmission section 7. Print on test print paper. As shown in FIG. 5B, the test printing units A to E respectively have printing colors (Blue, Cyan, Bl).
ack, Red, MagentapGeen, Yel
low) are provided with three (1), (2), and (3) printing sections.

Based on the results of the test printing shown in FIG. 5, the printing result is confirmed in order to determine the optimum UCR processing method for the printing paper on which the test printing has been performed or the ink jet printer 8 used (step S33). The determination of the optimum UCR processing method will be described later in detail. Next, the UCR setting unit 2 in the dialog box shown in FIG. 3 corresponding to the UCR processing method most suitable for printing paper.
Select one of 2A to 22E (step S3
4). Next, the storage of the UCR processing method is determined (step S35), and the UCR test / processing unit 6A stores the optimum UCR processing method together with the number of the printing paper by the selection of the UCR setting units 22A to 22E (step S3).
6). The optimum UCR processing method for the ink jet printer 8 is input from the operation unit 14.

Next, if the storage is not performed in step S35 (No), it is determined whether or not this UCR processing method will be used thereafter (step S37). The user operates the OK section 26 in the dialog box shown in FIG. 3 to set (select and save) (step S38). If the setting content is not used in step S37 (No), the user operates the cancel unit 27 in the dialog box shown in FIG. 3 to cancel the setting content (step S39). Thereafter, the user operates the OK unit 26 in the dialog box shown in FIG. 3 to close the dialog box (step S40). In addition,
The printing paper and the specific number of the inkjet printer 8 are input from a keyboard (not shown) of the operation unit 14.

In step S31, this UCR test is performed by using the UCR processing method in the previous UCR test and the selective storage.
When printing on printing paper corresponding to the R processing method (N
o), calling unit 2 in the dialog box shown in FIG.
5 and the operation unit 14 shown in FIG. 2, the UCR processing method corresponding to the specific number of the printing paper to be used is called by operating the calling unit 25 in the dialog box shown in FIG. 3, and based on this UCR processing method. The printing is performed by the ink jet printer 8 shown in FIG.
42).

The determination of the selection of the optimum UCR processing method for the printing paper on which the test printing has been performed will be described in detail.
Although a plurality of types of methods are known for judging the result of the test printing shown in FIG.
Is used, when CMY dots overlap, a method of replacing the dots with black is used. That is, C
MY is not printed. In this case, the five types of UC shown in FIG.
Investigate the print quality due to the difference in the R processing method.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the printing paper used and the state of process black and pure black by the ink jet printer 8. Normally, the process black shown in FIG.
In the case of pure black using only the black ink shown in FIG. 6B, the dot diameter of the process black shown in FIG. Depending on the printing paper used, the dot diameter of pure black using only the black ink shown in FIG. 6B is smaller than the ideal diameter calculated from the resolution of the inkjet printer 8. In process black shown in FIG. 6 (a), no white spots occur, but in pure black using only black ink shown in FIG. 6 (b), white spots occur.

When the printing accuracy of the ink jet printer 8 is poor and the accuracy of the dot position in process black shown in FIG. 6C is deteriorated, as shown in FIG. White spots occur.

If the UCR amount is reduced in order to avoid the occurrence of these white spots, the consumption of only the color ink becomes large, and printing bleeding occurs in the solid black printing portion. Therefore, a higher UCR replacement rate is required at a level at which no blank portion occurs.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the number of gradations and the UCR replacement rate. This is the number of gradations (the minimum value of CMY)
And the UCR replacement rate, and the display characteristic A is CM
This indicates that when the Y dots overlap, all of them are replaced with black. The display characteristics B, C, D, and E represent functions (characteristics) that change the UCR replacement rate according to the number of gradations. In this embodiment, the UCR process is performed using five typical functions as shown in the graph of FIG.

In the test print result shown in FIG. 6, one of the test print sections A to E shown in FIG. 5 having a small white spot portion and a large UCR replacement ratio is selected. That is,
A state close to the display characteristic A shown in FIG. 7 is selected. As a result, it is possible to obtain a UCR processing method capable of obtaining optimum color reproducibility of a natural print color in each of the printing paper on which the test printing has been performed and the printer used (the inkjet printer 8).

The detailed operation of the UCR test / processing section 6A will be described. In FIG. 2, the screen input control unit 11 reads the dialog box shown in FIG. 3 from the image data memory 12 by an instruction operation of a mouse or the like of the operation unit 14 and displays the dialog box on the display 13. Further, the screen input control unit 11 fetches and discriminates operation instructions of the operation unit 14, and sends each command signal corresponding to each instruction to the image data forming unit 15 and the UCR processing control unit 16. UC
The R processing storage unit 17 stores five types of UCR processing methods corresponding to the test printing units A to E shown in FIG. Specifically, characteristic information on the number of gradations (levels) and the UCR rate is stored.

At the time of the UCR test and selective storage, the UCR
The processing control unit 16 reads out the five types of UCR processing methods stored in the UCR processing storage unit 17 and
8 The image conversion control unit 18 receives the UCR test and five types of image data for selective storage sent from the image data forming unit 15 and executes the UCR processing method from the UCR processing control unit 16. Further, the image data of the UCR test and the selection and storage stored in the test print data storage unit 20 are read out at the time of the UCR test and the selection and storage and transmitted to the image conversion control unit 18.

The UCR executed by the image conversion control unit 18
CMYK data of processing method is interface (I / F)
It is input to the processing unit 19. An interface (I / F) processing unit 19 interfaces the CMYK data and transmits the processed data to the image data transmitting unit 7 shown in FIG. 1, and the test printers A to E shown in FIG.
Print on the test paper.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the operation of the screen input control section 11. 2, 3, and 8, the screen input control unit 11 determines an instruction of the operation unit 14 (step S <b> 50), and reads the designated position (cursor) of the XY coordinates in the dialog box illustrated in FIG. 3 (step S <b> 50). S51). Next, the UCR setting units 22A-2
The setting instruction in 2E is determined (step S52). If the determination here is a setting instruction (Yes), the designated U
The UCR processing determination command that determines the UCR processing method in the CR test is sent to the UCR processing control unit 16 (steps S53 and S54).

If the determination in step S52 is not a setting instruction (No), an instruction from the test printing unit 23 is determined (step S55). If the determination here is a test printing instruction (Yes), image data formation is performed. A test print command is sent to the unit 15 (step S56). If it is not a test print instruction in step S55 (No), the instruction of the storage unit 24 is determined (step S57). If the determination here is a save instruction (Yes), a save instruction is transmitted to the UCR processing control unit 16 ( Step S58).

If the determination in step S57 is not a save instruction (No), an operation instruction of the calling unit 25 is determined (step S59), and if this determination is a call instruction (Ye).
s), a call instruction is sent to the UCR processing control unit 16; If the determination in step S59 is not a call instruction (No), an operation instruction of the OK unit 26 is determined (step S61). If the determination here is an operation instruction of the OK unit 26 (Yes), the final instruction is sent to the UCR. The processing control unit 16 sends the data (step S62).

If the determination in step S61 is not an operation instruction of the OK section 26 (No), an operation instruction of the cancel section 27 is determined (step S63). If the determination is an operation instruction of the cancellation section 27 (Yes), The UCR process control unit 16 sends out a UCR process invalidation command (step S6).
4). These steps S54, S56, S58, S6
After 0, S62, and S64, and when the determination in step S61 is not an operation instruction of the OK unit 26 (No), the UCR
The processing method is executed (Step S65).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the operation of the UCR processing control section 16. This processing procedure is the UCR processing (subroutine) in step S65 in FIG. 8, and the UCR processing control unit 16 executes the commands (the UCR processing confirmation command, the test print command, the save command, the call command, the confirmation command) from the screen input control unit 11. Command or a UCR process invalidation command), and first, a UCR process determination command is determined (step S71). If the determination here is a UCR process determination command (Yes), then the UCR process storage unit 17 is determined.
Then, the UCR processing method corresponding to the setting is read from (step S72). Next, it is determined whether or not the finalizing command has been input (step S
73) If the determination here is a decision command (Yes), the last set UCR processing method is sent to the image conversion control unit 18 (step S74).

If the determination in step S70 is not a UCR processing finalization instruction (No), it is determined whether a storage instruction is taken in (step S75). If the determination is a storage instruction (Yes), the latest UCR processing performed by the image conversion controller 18 is performed. UC way
It is stored in the R processing storage unit 17 (step S76). Next, if the determination in step S75 is not a save command (N
o), a call instruction is determined (step S77). If the determination here is a call instruction (Yes), the previous UC
The UCR processing method stored in the R test and the selective storage is read (step S78). Next, it is determined whether to accept the finalization command (step S79). If this determination is a finalization command (Yes), the last set UCR processing method is transmitted to the image conversion controller 18 (step S80).

These steps S74, S76, S77
After (No), S79 (No), and S80, the CMYK data of the UCR process executed by the image conversion control unit 18 is input to the interface (I / F) processing unit 19. The interface (I / F) processing unit 19 interfaces the CMYK data and transmits the CMYK data to the image data transmission unit 7 shown in FIG. 1, and the test printing units A to E shown in FIG. Printing is performed on printing paper (step S81).

[0061]

[0062]

Although this embodiment has been described using the ink jet printer 8, the present invention can be applied to other printing apparatuses that perform UCR processing. For example, the present invention can be applied to an electrophotographic printer and a color copier as it is.

[0064]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the color printer driver of the present invention, a plurality of UCRs are provided.
Test prints with different processing methods are performed, and UCR processing methods that provide optimum color reproducibility for each type of printing paper are determined and stored based on the print results.

In this case, each UCR processing method for obtaining natural and optimum color reproducibility according to the type of printing paper can be easily performed.
And it can be obtained reliably. And this UCR processing
Save the method so that when you actually print,
To read and print the UCR processing method corresponding to
Thus, natural high-quality printing can be performed. Further, it is not necessary to reduce the UCR amount for avoiding the occurrence of a blank portion, so that only the color ink is not consumed in a large amount and the consumption amount of the ink can be prevented from being biased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a color printer driver device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a UCR test / processing unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of a dialog box in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a UCR test in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state of test printing in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a printing paper used in the embodiment and a state of process black and pure black by an inkjet printer.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the number of gradations and the UCR replacement ratio in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the operation of the screen input control unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in an operation of a UCR processing control unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional inkjet printer driver that arbitrarily sets a UCR rate.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a conventional UCR process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2A Printer driver 3 Image data receiving part 4 Color conversion processing part 5 Binarization processing part 6A UCR test / processing part 7 Image data transmitting part 8 Inkjet printer 11 Screen input control part 12 Image data memory 13 Display display 14 Operation part 15 Image data forming unit 17 UCR processing storage unit 16 UCR processing control unit 18 Image conversion control unit 19 Interface (I / F) processing unit 20 Test print data storage unit

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] In a color printer driver device for performing UCR processing in color image formation, test printing for confirming print quality based on a UCR processing method is performed for each type of printing paper, and printing is performed based on the confirmation result. UC that provides optimal color reproducibility for each paper
To select and save the R processing method, when performing the actual printing, for printing by reading the most suitable U C R processing method in the paper to be printed from among a plurality of U C R processing method the storage A color printer driver device comprising: a UCR test / processing means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the UCR processing method selected based on the result of the test printing is added with a symbol including a number for specifying the type of printing paper on which the test printing has been performed, and saved. the enter a symbol, claim 1 color printer driver apparatus, wherein the printing is performed reads optimal UCR processing method in the paper to be printed on. 3. An image data receiving unit that receives RGB data, a color conversion processing unit that converts the RGB data from the image data receiving unit into CMY data and outputs the color data, A binarization processing unit for binarizing the CMY data from the conversion processing unit, and a test print for checking the print quality based on the UCR processing method for each type of printing paper, and printing based on the check result UC that provides optimal color reproducibility for each paper
To select and save the R processing method, when performing actual printing, by reading the most suitable U C R processing method in the paper to be printed from among a plurality of U C R processing method the storage, the binary A UCR test / processing unit that applies UCR processing suitable for the printing paper and printer to be used to the CMY data from the conversion processing unit and sends out the CMY data, and performs interface processing on the CMYK data for printing from the UCR test / processing unit. 2. The color printer driver device according to claim 1, further comprising: an interface processing unit for outputting to a printer. 4. A screen input control unit for transmitting each command signal corresponding to an operation instruction as the UCR test / processing unit; an image data memory storing data of a dialog box for a UCR test and a selection / save operation; A display for displaying a dialog box stored in the image data memory on the screen under the control of the screen input control unit; and performing an operation of instructing a UCR test and selective saving on the dialog box displayed on the display on the screen. An operation unit for transmitting an image data for UCR test and selective storage; a UCR processing storage unit for storing data of a plurality of UCR processing methods to be read out by the UCR processing control unit; Reads and sends data of a plurality of UCR processing methods stored in the UCR processing storage unit A UCR processing control unit; an image conversion control unit configured to convert image data for a UCR test from the image data forming unit into print image data based on data of a plurality of UCR processing methods from the UCR processing control unit; An interface processing unit for performing CMYK data of the print image from the image conversion control unit by performing an interface process suitable for the printer and transmitting the image data; and storing image data for the UCR test read out by the image conversion control unit at the time of UCR test and selective storage. The color printer driver device according to claim 3, further comprising: a test print data storage unit. 5. A UCR setting unit for storing a UCR processing method selected from a plurality of UCR processing methods, a test printing unit for instructing test printing by a plurality of UCR processing methods as the dialog box, A storage unit for instructing to store the specific number of the printing paper on which printing has been performed and the UCR processing method for the printing paper with this specific number, and storing the data in the previous UCR test corresponding to the printing paper with the specific number to be used A calling unit for giving an instruction to call the UCR processing method being performed, an OK unit for giving an instruction to save the UCR processing method based on the confirmation result of the UCR test, and terminating the process without saving the UCR processing method 5. The color printer driver device according to claim 4, further comprising a cancel unit for giving an instruction. 6. U based on the confirmation result of the test printing
2. The color printer driver according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the CR processing method is performed based on the amount of white spots generated and the UCR replacement rate. 7. U based on a confirmation result of the test printing
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the CR processing method is performed based on the amount of white spots generated in the process black formed by CMY of the printing by the ink jet printer and the pure black using only the black ink and the UCR replacement rate. Color printer driver device. 8. A color printer driver device, wherein the configuration according to claim 1 is applied to an ink jet printer, a color copying machine, and an electrophotographic printer.