JP5609573B2 - Driver program and printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driver program and a printing system.

In recent years, techniques for reducing toner consumption in printing apparatuses have been developed. For example, there is a technique for reducing the density of an image to be printed according to a specified toner consumption amount. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 discloses a technique for suppressing toner consumption by replacing a photographic image to be printed with a designated character string.

JP 2007-200065

However, when the density of an image to be printed is reduced, the print result is uniformly faded, and thus the user may lose even the minimum information necessary for viewing the print result. Also, if a photographic image to be printed is replaced with a designated character string, the image itself cannot be understood.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing toner consumption without reducing the quality of a printing result as much as possible.

The present invention for solving the above problems is a driver program for causing a computer to function as a device for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: an analysis step of dividing an image to be printed into a plurality of regions and analyzing each region; A reduction method selection step for selecting a method for reducing toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to an analysis result in the analysis step, and a method selected in the reduction method selection step A reduction execution step for executing processing for reducing toner consumption for the image, and print data based on the image subjected to the processing for reducing toner consumption in the reduction execution step is output to the printing apparatus. And causing the computer to execute an output step.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system 10 according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of toner save processing according to the first embodiment; (A) It is a figure which shows an example of the image (original image) of printing object. (B) It is a figure which shows the example which divided | segmented the image (original image) of printing object into several area | region. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of an attention area. (B) It is a figure which shows the example which divided | segmented the attention area | region (hatched part) into N small area | region Si further. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of an attention area and a peripheral area. (B) It is an enlarged view of an attention area and a peripheral area (center). 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of toner save processing according to the second embodiment; FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a print range when a toner consumption reduction target is large (for example, 100%). FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the print range when the toner consumption reduction target is medium (for example, 90%). FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the print range when the reduction target of toner consumption is small (for example, 80%). 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of toner save processing according to a third embodiment; (A) It is a figure which shows an example of the image containing the face image. (B) It is an enlarged view of the attention area (lower left) in which the face image is included.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system 10 to which the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied. As illustrated, the printing system 10 includes an information processing apparatus (host PC).
) 100 and the printer 200. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a printer 200
Functions as a host computer. The information processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, L
The printer 200 is connected to be communicable via a computer network such as AN or a USB cable.

The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM (R
andom Access Memory (ROM), ROM (Read Only Memory), hard disk, output device composed of display, input device composed of keyboard, mouse, etc., printer 2
00 and a communication interface that transmits and receives data.

In the information processing apparatus 100, an image storage unit 101, an input reception unit 102, a toner save method selection unit 103, a toner save processing unit 104, and a print processing unit 105 are constructed as illustrated. The The image storage unit 101 is constructed by a storage device such as a ROM or a hard disk. Each of the units 102 to 105 other than the image storage unit 101 is constructed by the CPU executing a computer program loaded into the RAM from a ROM or the like provided in the information processing apparatus 100.

The image storage unit 101 stores an image to be printed. The images to be printed include, for example, images such as photographs and illustrations. In addition, the image is not limited to the image created by the information processing apparatus 100,
It includes images input via a computer network or USB cable, images input from a portable memory such as a USB memory or a memory built in a mobile phone, and the like.

The input receiving unit 102 receives an instruction from the user via the above-described input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.).

The toner save method selection unit 103 analyzes an image to be printed, and selects (determines) a method for reducing toner consumption when the image to be printed is printed by the printer 200 according to the analysis result.

The toner save processing unit 104 executes processing (toner save processing) for reducing toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printer 200. Specifically, the toner save processing unit 104 uses the method selected (determined) by the toner save method selection unit 103, and
A process for reducing the toner consumption is applied to the image to be printed. In this way, the toner save processing unit 104 generates an image (hereinafter referred to as “corrected image”) that has been subjected to processing for reducing the toner consumption.

The print processing unit 105 generates print data in a format that can be printed by the printer 200 and transmits the print data to the printer 200. For example, the print processing unit 105 generates print data from the original image to be printed stored in the image storage unit 101, the corrected image generated by the toner save processing unit 104, and the like. The print processing unit 105 outputs print data to the printer 200 via the communication interface. Here, the print data is described in a page description language, for example, and includes a command group for controlling the printer 200. of course,
The print processing unit 105 may output the print data and the command group to the printer 200 separately.

The printer 200 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a communication interface, a print engine, an input device, and an output device (not shown). Upon receiving the print data and command group output from the information processing apparatus 100, the printer 200 prints the print data according to the received command group. Note that the configuration of the printer 200 is not limited to this. For example, the printer 200 may further include a USB interface. The printer 200 may be, for example, a scanner device, a multifunction device, a FAX device, or the like as long as it has a printing function.

The printing system 10 to which this embodiment is applied has the above-described configuration. However, the configuration of the printing system 10 is not limited to this.

In addition, each of the above-described components is classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the printing system 10. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the printing system 10 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, a characteristic operation of the printing system 10 having the above configuration will be described.

<Toner Save Processing of First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the toner save process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

The information processing apparatus 100 starts this flow at a predetermined timing. For example, timing when a portable memory (such as a USB memory) for storing image data is connected, timing when image data is received via communication (wireless or wired), timing when receiving an instruction from a user, camera, mobile phone, etc. This flow is started at the timing when the electronic apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus 100.

When this flow is started, the toner save method selection unit 103 of the information processing apparatus 100 divides an image to be printed (original image) (step S101). Specifically, the toner save method selection unit 103 reads an image to be printed (original image) from the image storage unit 101 and divides it into a plurality of areas.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image (original image) to be printed. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example in which an image to be printed (original image) is divided into a plurality of regions. Note that an area surrounded by a dotted line is defined as one area, and in the illustrated example, the original image is divided into nine areas. Of course, the number and shape of the divided areas are not limited to this.

Then, the toner save method selection unit 103 divides the image to be printed (original image) into a plurality of regions, and analyzes at least one of “contrast” and “color deviation” for each region (step S102). ). Further, the “similarity with the surrounding area” may be analyzed.

(Contrast analysis)
For example, the toner save method selection unit 103 analyzes the “contrast” of each region shown in FIG.

First, the toner save method selection unit 103 selects one region to be analyzed as a region of interest from the plurality of regions divided in step S101.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a region of interest. In the example shown in the drawing, the lower center area (shaded area) is selected as the attention area.

Next, the toner saving method selection unit 103 further selects the selected attention area into a plurality of small areas Si.
Divide into

FIG. 4B shows an additional N attention areas (shaded portions) shown in FIG. 4A (N = 1 in the example).
It is a figure which shows the example divided | segmented into the small area | region Si of 6).

As shown in the figure, when the region of interest is divided into small regions Si, the toner save method selection unit 10
3 obtains the contrast Gi for each small region Si. The contrast Gi is “Gi”.
= (Lmax−Lmin) / (Lmax + Lmin) ”. However, Lmax is the maximum brightness in the small region Si, and Lmin is the minimum brightness in the small region Si.

Then, the toner save method selection unit 103 calculates the contrast G calculated for each small area Si.
An average value of i (hereinafter referred to as “average contrast F”) is obtained and set as “contrast” in the entire region of interest. Here, the average contrast F is obtained by a calculation formula of “F = (ΣGi) / M”. Note that M is the number of upper α% small regions Si having a high contrast Gi among N small regions Si (that is, “M = (α / 100) × N”). Also, ΣGi is the contrast G for the upper α% small region Si having a high contrast Gi.
Represents the sum of i.

Thus, the toner saving method selection unit 103 can calculate the “contrast” (that is, the average contrast F) of the attention area. Then, the toner save method selection unit 10
3 calculates “contrast” (average contrast F) in the same manner for each region divided from the original image.

(Analysis of “color bias”)
Further, when performing analysis on “color deviation”, the toner save method selection unit 103
For example, the color value (position (coordinate) in the color space) for each pixel included in the attention area is obtained, and the variance value (of course, standard deviation or the like) V is obtained. Thus, the toner save processing unit 104
Can determine the magnitude of “color deviation” in accordance with the obtained dispersion value V.

(Analysis of “similarity with surrounding areas”)
Further, the toner save method selection unit 103 analyzes the “similarity with the surrounding area” of each area shown in FIG. 3B in the following procedure, for example.

First, the toner saving method selection unit 103 selects a region of interest as in the case of performing the “contrast” analysis, and sets a region arranged around the region of interest (for example, an adjacent position) as a peripheral region. select.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a region of interest and a peripheral region. In the example shown in the drawing, the lower center region (shaded portion) is selected as the attention region, and the lower left, center, and lower right regions (vertical stripe portions) are selected as the peripheral regions.

Next, the toner saving method selection unit 103 determines the degree of similarity (high or low) between the selected attention area and the peripheral area.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the region of interest and the peripheral region (center) shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the toner saving method selection unit 103 is a partial area on the peripheral area side in the attention area (hereinafter referred to as “adjacent area” or “adjacent area on the attention area side”: the shaded lower part in the figure). A
And the partial area on the attention area side in the peripheral area (hereinafter referred to as “adjacent area” or “adjacent area on the peripheral area side”: the shaded upper portion in the figure) B is compared with the attention area The degree of similarity for the surrounding area is determined.

Specifically, the toner save method selection unit 103 analyzes the color value (position (coordinate) in the color space) for each of the adjacent area A on the attention area side and the adjacent area B on the peripheral area side. To do.

For example, the toner save method selection unit 103 includes an average color value Ca of pixels included in the adjacent area A on the attention area side, an average value Cb of pixel color values included in the adjacent area B on the peripheral area side, and And the absolute value of the difference (| Ca-Cb |) is obtained. The value thus obtained (| Ca-Cb |
), The toner save method selection unit 103 can determine the level of similarity between the attention area and the peripheral area.

In the illustrated example, only the attention area and one peripheral area (center) are shown. However, the toner save method selection unit 103 according to the present embodiment is similar in similarity to all selected peripheral areas. To analyze.

Returning to FIG. 2, the toner save method selection unit 103 selects (determines) the toner save method for each region of interest (divided region) according to the analysis result in step S102 (step S103).

Specifically, the toner save method selection unit 103 determines “contrast” in step S102.
For the region analyzed with respect to the calculated “contrast” (average contrast F
) To select (determine) the toner saving method.

(First toner saving method)
For example, the toner saving method selection unit 103 sets the value of “contrast” (average contrast F) calculated in step S102 to the first threshold “0.2” (Lmax = 100, Lm).
If it is less than (in = 70), it is determined that the “contrast” is low, and a toner saving method for reducing the print density of the region of interest by a predetermined ratio (for example, 80%) is selected.

(Second toner saving method)
Further, the toner save method selection unit 103 sets the value of “contrast” (average contrast F) calculated in step S102 to the first threshold “0.2” (Lmax = 100, Lmi).
n = 70) or more and less than the second threshold “0.4” (Lmax = 100, Lmin = 40), it is determined that the “contrast” is medium, and the “contrast” is set for the print density of the attention area. The toner saving method is selected to reduce the ratio by a lower percentage (for example, 50%) than when it is determined that the toner is low.

(Third toner saving method)
Further, when the value of “contrast” (average contrast F) calculated in step S102 is equal to or greater than the second threshold “0.4” (Lmax = 100, Lmin = 40), “contrast” is high. Then, a toner saving method is selected that lowers the print density of the region of interest by a lower ratio (for example, 20%) than when the “contrast” is determined to be medium.

In this way, the toner save method selection unit 103 can select a toner save method that increases or decreases the print density (decreases the print density as “contrast” is lower) in accordance with the level of “contrast”. This is because the amount of information in a region with low “contrast” is small, so even if the print density is greatly reduced, there is no problem. However, the region with high “contrast” has a large amount of information, so the print density cannot be reduced so much Because.

Further, the toner save method selection unit 103 uses a variance value (of course, a standard deviation) of the calculated color value (position (coordinate) in the color space) for the area analyzed for “color deviation” in step S102. (Good) Select (determine) the toner save method according to V.

(Fourth toner save method)
For example, the toner save method selection unit 103 determines that the calculated dispersion value V of the color value is the first threshold value K.
If it is less than 1, it is determined that the “color deviation” is extremely large, and a toner saving method for printing two colors for the region of interest (for example, printing with two colors of single color and white) is selected.

(Fifth toner saving method)
Further, the toner save method selection unit 103 determines that the calculated variance value V of the color value is the first threshold value K1.
As described above, if it is less than the second threshold K2, it is determined that the “color deviation” is large, and printing is performed using the number of primary colors of one color for the region of interest (for example, three primary colors of the four primary colors of CMYK) (Print without using) Select the toner save method.

(Sixth toner saving method)
Further, the toner save method selection unit 103 determines that the calculated variance value V of the color value is the second threshold value K2.
As described above, when it is less than the third threshold value K3, it is determined that the “color deviation” is medium, and the region of interest is printed using the number of primary colors of two colors (for example, 2 of the 4 primary colors of CMYK). Select the toner save method (printing without using the primary color).

(Seventh toner saving method)
Further, the toner saving method selection unit 103 determines that the calculated variance value V of the color value is the third threshold value K3.
As described above, if it is less than the fourth threshold value K4, it is determined that the “color deviation” is small, and the region of interest is printed using the number of primary colors of three colors (for example, one of the four primary colors of CMYK) (Print without using) Select the toner save method.

(Eighth toner saving method)
Further, the toner save method selection unit 103 determines that the calculated variance value V of the color value is the fourth threshold value K4.
In the above case, it is determined that “color deviation” is extremely small, and a toner saving method for printing in full color is selected. However, it is assumed that “K1 <K2 <K3 <K4” holds.

Thus, the toner saving method selection unit 103 can select a toner saving method that increases or decreases the number of primary colors used for printing according to the magnitude of “color deviation” (decreases the number of primary colors as “color deviation” increases). . This is because an area having a large “color deviation” has a high probability of being a non-characteristic area (for example, a background), so there is no problem even if the number of primary colors is significantly reduced, but “color deviation” is small. This is because the number of primary colors cannot be reduced so much because there is a high probability that the region includes a feature portion important to the user.

(Change toner save method)
Even in the area where the first to eighth toner saving methods are selected, if the “similarity with the surrounding area” is analyzed in step S102, the toner saving method selection unit 103 is used. Determines whether to change the toner saving method according to the value (| Ca-Cb |) calculated to determine the similarity.

For example, the toner save method selection unit 103 sets the value “| Ca calculated in step S102.
If “−Cb |” is less than the predetermined threshold L, it is determined that “similarity to the surrounding area” is high, and the toner saving method for the attention area is selected (determined) in the surrounding area. Change to the same toner saving method as the saving method (any of the first to eighth toner saving methods). On the other hand, if the value “| Ca−Cb |” calculated in step S102 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold L, it is determined that “similarity with surrounding area” is low, and the toner saving method for the attention area has already been performed. The selected toner save method is not changed. Note that when there are a plurality of peripheral areas determined to have a high “similarity with the peripheral area” around the attention area, the already selected (determined) toner saving method is not changed.

As described above, when the toner saving method is selected for each area divided in step S101, the toner saving method selection unit 103 shifts the processing to step S104.

Then, the toner save processing unit 104 executes a process for reducing the toner consumption for the image to be printed by the toner saving method selected (including the case of “change”) in step S103 (step S104).

For example, the toner save processing unit 104 reduces the print density by a predetermined ratio (for example, 80%) for the attention area for which the first toner save method is selected. Second
For the attention area in which the toner saving method is selected, the print density is reduced by a lower rate (for example, 50%) than in the first toner saving method. For the region of interest for which the third toner saving method is selected, the print density is lowered by a lower percentage (for example, 20%) than in the second toner saving method.

In addition, the toner save processing unit 104 reduces the number of primary colors used for printing and prints two colors (printing in a single color and white) for the attention area for which the fourth toner saving method is selected. Convert to image. In addition, for the attention area for which the fifth toner saving method is selected, the number of primary colors used for printing is reduced and printing is performed using the number of primary colors (for example, CMY).
The image is printed for printing without using three of the four primary colors of K). In addition, the sixth
For the attention area for which the toner saving method is selected, the number of primary colors used for printing is reduced and printing is performed using the number of primary colors of two colors (for example, two primary colors of the four primary colors of CMYK are used. Do not print). In addition, for the attention area for which the seventh toner saving method is selected, the number of primary colors used for printing is reduced and printing is performed using the number of primary colors of three colors (for example, among the four primary colors of CMYK). 1) to print without using one primary color. The attention area for which the eighth toner saving method is selected is not converted in order to print in full color.

In this way, the toner save processing unit 104 generates a “corrected image” for each region that has undergone the process of reducing the toner consumption. Thereafter, the toner save processing unit 104
The process proceeds to step S105.

When the process proceeds to step S105, the print processing unit 105 generates print data based on the corrected image generated in step S104 and outputs the print data to the printer 200 (step S105). Specifically, the print processing unit 105 generates a command (group) for causing the printer 200 to print the corrected image generated in step S104, and prints including the generated command (group) and the corrected image. Data is generated and output to the printer 200. Note that the command (group) and the corrected image may be output to the printer 200 separately.

After outputting the print data, the print processing unit 105 ends this flow. Upon receiving print data from the print processing unit 105, the printer 200 extracts a command (group) and a corrected image,
The corrected image is printed according to the extracted command (group).

As described above, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the amount of toner consumption as compared with the case of printing the original image before processing. In addition, since the toner consumption can be reduced by executing different toner save processing for each divided area, the range is limited to a non-characteristic area (for example, background) or the like, and the density is reduced or used for printing. The number of primary colors can be reduced. Then, by reducing the toner consumption by limiting the range, other than that range (
That is, since the image quality can be maintained in the region including the characteristic portion important for the user, it is possible to obtain a good-looking print result while reducing the toner consumption.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that when a reduction target for toner consumption is specified, the print range is changed so as to achieve the specified reduction target. Detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

The input receiving unit 102 according to the present embodiment receives various inputs such as an instruction for designating a reduction target of toner consumption in the printer 200.

In addition, the toner save processing unit 104 according to the present embodiment divides an image to be printed (original image) into a plurality of areas as in the first embodiment, and gives a print range within each divided area to the user. Change according to the specified reduction target of toner consumption. Note that portions outside the print range in each divided area are white (colorless).

  Hereinafter, a characteristic operation of the printing system 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

<Toner Save Processing of Second Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the toner saving process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

The information processing apparatus 100 starts this flow at the same timing as in the first embodiment.

When this flow is started, the information processing apparatus 100 designates a toner consumption reduction target (
Step S201). Specifically, first, the input receiving unit 102 receives an input device (keyboard,
An instruction for specifying a reduction target of toner consumption in the printer 200 is received via a mouse or the like. Then, the input receiving unit 102 receives the instruction content received via the input device,
The toner save processing unit 104 is notified. The toner save processing unit 104 includes an input receiving unit 102.
The instruction content notified from is set as a toner consumption reduction target (stored in a RAM or the like).

As a method for specifying a target for reducing the toner consumption, for example, a ratio of the target toner consumption Y to the toner consumption X when the original image is printed (for example, “(Y / X) × 1
00% ") may be specified. Of course, other designation methods may be used. For example, a target reduction amount of toner consumption may be designated.

Subsequently, the toner save method selection unit 103 performs the same step S1 as in the first embodiment.
Processing from 01 to S103 is performed. As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can select (determine) a different toner saving method for each divided area in accordance with the analysis result in step S102, as in the first embodiment. .

Then, the toner save processing unit 104 executes a process of reducing the toner consumption for the image to be printed by the toner saving method selected (including the case of “change”) in step S103 (step S205).

Specifically, first, the toner save processing unit 104 changes the print range in each area divided in step S101 in accordance with the reduction target of the toner consumption specified in step S201. For example, the toner save processing unit 104 determines that the area of the print range is step S201.
The shape of the print range is changed so that the value is proportional to the reduction target specified in (for example, “area of print range” = “constant α” × “reduction target”). For example, step S2
If the reduction target specified in 01 is “75%” and the constant α is “1”, step S
The area of the print range for the area divided by 101 is “75%”.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the print range when the reduction target of toner consumption is large (for example, 100%). FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of changing the print range when the toner consumption reduction target is medium (for example, 90%). FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the print range when the reduction target of toner consumption is small (for example, 80%).

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, in the present embodiment, the toner save processing unit 104 performs step S201 as the toner consumption reduction target designated in step S201 becomes smaller.
The shape of the print range in each area divided by 101 is made closer to a circle from a rectangle.

Next, the toner save processing unit 104 is within the print range whose shape has been changed (within the dotted line in the figure).
On the other hand, processing for reducing the toner consumption is executed by the toner saving method selected (including the case of “change”) in step S103.

For example, the toner save processing unit 104 reduces the print density by a predetermined ratio (for example, 80%) with respect to the print range of the region of interest for which the first toner save method is selected. Further, the print density is reduced by a lower ratio (for example, 50%) than the case of the first toner saving method in the printing range of the attention area for which the second toner saving method is selected. In addition, within the print range of the attention area for which the third toner saving method is selected,
The print density is reduced by a lower ratio (for example, 20%) than in the second toner saving method.

Further, the toner save processing unit 104 reduces the number of primary colors used for printing within the printing range of the attention area for which the fourth toner saving method is selected, and performs two-color printing (printing in single color and white). ) To convert to an image. Also, within the printing range of the attention area for which the fifth toner saving method is selected, the number of primary colors used for printing is reduced and printing is performed using the number of primary colors of one color (for example, CMYK 4). The image is printed for printing without using three of the primary colors. Further, within the printing range of the attention area for which the sixth toner saving method is selected, the number of primary colors used for printing is reduced and printing is performed using the number of primary colors of two colors (for example,
The image is printed without using two of the four primary colors of CMYK. Further, within the printing range of the attention area for which the seventh toner saving method is selected, the number of primary colors used for printing is reduced and printing is performed using the number of primary colors (for example, CMYK 4). For printing without using one of the primary colors). Further, the printing range of the attention area for which the eighth toner saving method is selected is not converted in order to print in full color.

On the other hand, the toner save processing unit 104 is outside the print range whose shape has been changed (outside the dotted line in the figure).
Is white (colorless).

In this way, the toner save processing unit 104 generates a “corrected image” for each region that has undergone the process of reducing the toner consumption. Thereafter, the toner save processing unit 104
The process proceeds to step S105.

Then, as in the first embodiment, the print processing unit 105 generates print data based on the corrected image generated in step S205 and outputs the print data to the printer 200 (step S105). finish.

On the other hand, when receiving print data from the print processing unit 105, the printer 200 extracts a command (group) and a corrected image, and prints the corrected image according to the extracted command (group).

As described above, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the amount of toner consumption as compared with the case of printing the original image before processing. In addition, the image quality can be maintained within the print range by the amount of white (colorless) outside the print range in each divided area.
While reducing the toner consumption, it is possible to obtain a good-looking print result.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that it has a function of detecting a face in an image to be printed, and for the area around the detected face, This is in that no processing for reducing toner consumption is performed. Detailed descriptions of the same configurations as those of the first and second embodiments are omitted.

The toner save processing unit 104 according to the present embodiment divides an image to be printed (original image) into a plurality of areas as in the first embodiment, and detects a face existing in each divided area. When a face is detected, the toner save processing unit 104 detects an area within the detected face outline (hereinafter referred to as “main area”) and an area around the detected face (outside the outline) ( (Hereinafter referred to as “sub-region”) is selected (“change”) by the toner save method selection unit 103.
The toner saving process is not performed by the toner saving method.

In this embodiment, the toner save processing unit 104 performs no correction on the main area and the sub area described above. However, the toner save processing unit 104 may perform special correction (for example, higher density) so that the outline and facial expression of the face are conspicuous in the main area and the sub area. In addition, different corrections may be separately applied to the main area and the sub area.

  Hereinafter, a characteristic operation of the printing system 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

<Toner Save Processing of Third Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the toner saving process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

The information processing apparatus 100 starts this flow at the same timing as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

When this flow is started, the information processing apparatus 100 performs the process of step S101 as in the first embodiment. Although not shown, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment starts steps S201 and S10 after starting this flow, as in the modification of the second embodiment.
Processing up to 1 may be performed.

Then, after the process of step S101 is completed, in the present embodiment, the toner save method selection unit 103 performs the same analysis as the process of step S102 similar to the first embodiment and is divided in step S101. Faces existing in each region are detected (step S30).
2). Specifically, first, the toner save method selection unit 103 selects one region to be analyzed as a region of interest from the plurality of regions divided in step S101. then,
The toner save method selection unit 103 performs analysis of “contrast”, “color deviation”, “similarity with surrounding area”, and the like, as in the first embodiment. Also, the toner save method selection unit 10
3 detects a face in the attention area as compared with dictionary data (face data) registered in advance. Here, the toner save method selection unit 103 specifies the area within the outline of the face as the “main area” for the attention area where the face is detected, and indicates the position (for example, coordinate data).
Are stored in a predetermined storage device (RAM or the like). At the same time, the toner save method selection unit 103 sets an area outside the face contour around the face as a “sub area”, and stores information (for example, coordinate data) indicating the position in a predetermined storage unit (RAM or the like). Keep it.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image including a face image. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a region of interest (lower left) including a face image.

In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when the toner save method selection unit 103 detects a face in the attention area (lower left), the area within the detected face outline is identified as a “main area”. Then, the area outside the face outline around the detected face is specified as a “sub-area (shaded area)”.

The toner save method selection unit 103 performs the same analysis (face detection) on all the areas included in the image to be printed (original image), and performs all the analysis on the image to be printed (original image). A face is detected, and a “main area” and a “sub area” are specified for each face. Further, even when there are a plurality of faces in the same region, or when there is one face over a plurality of regions, the “main region” and the “subregion” are specified for each face.

Returning to FIG. 8, the toner save method selection unit 103 shifts the processing to step S303.
Then, the toner save method selection unit 103 selects (determines) the toner save method for each attention area (divided area) according to the analysis result in step S302 (step S).
303).

Specifically, the toner save method selection unit 103 performs the same step S as in the first and second embodiments for the areas other than the “main area” and the “sub area” specified in step S302.
Process 103 is performed. In other words, the toner save method selection unit 103 selects (determines) a different toner save method for each divided area in accordance with the analysis result in step S302 for areas other than the “main area” and the “sub area”. To do.

On the other hand, the toner save method selection unit 103 does not perform the process of reducing the toner consumption amount on the “main area” and the “sub area” identified in step S302. That is, the toner saving method selection unit 103 does not select (determine) any toner saving method for the “main area” and the “sub area” specified in step S302.

However, the toner save method selection unit 103 may select (determine) the toner save method for the “main area” and the “sub area”. In this case, the toner save method selection unit 103
A toner saving method is selected (determined) that has a smaller reduction in toner consumption than the toner saving method selected for the areas other than the “main area” and the “sub area”. For example, the toner save method selection unit 103 may select a toner save method for reducing the print density in at least one of the “main area” and the “sub area”. For example, the toner save method selection unit 103 reduces the print density by 0.9 times that of normal printing for the “main area” and print density for the “sub area”. The toner save method is selected to reduce the toner by 0.6 times the normal printing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the toner save method selection unit 103 selects (determines) a correction method for improving (higher density) the print density for the “main area” and the “sub area”. You may make it do. Further, the toner save method selection unit 103 selects (determines) a correction method for improving the print density by a first predetermined times (for example, twice the normal printing) for the “main area”, ”May be selected (determined) as a correction method for improving the print density by a second predetermined multiple (for example, 1.5 times normal printing) different from the first predetermined multiple.

As described above, when the toner save method (or correction method) is selected, the toner save method selection unit 103 shifts the processing to step S304.

Then, the toner save processing unit 104 executes a process for reducing the toner consumption amount for the image to be printed by the toner save method (or correction method) selected (including the case of “change”) in step S303. (Step S304).

Specifically, the toner save processing unit 104 determines the “main area” identified in step S302.
For areas other than “sub-area”, step S104 similar to that in the first embodiment,
The process of step S205 similar to the second embodiment is performed. In other words, the toner save method selection unit 103 performs processing by the toner save method selected (including the case of “change”) in step S303 for areas other than the “main area” and the “sub area”.

On the other hand, the toner save processing unit 104 processes the “main area” and “sub area” specified in step S302 by the toner save method selected (including the case of “change”) in step S303. Not applied (or the correction method selected in step S303 is applied).

In this way, the toner save processing unit 104 generates a “corrected image” for each region that has undergone the process of reducing the toner consumption. Thereafter, the toner save processing unit 104
The process proceeds to step S105.

Then, the print processing unit 105 performs step S304 as in the first and second embodiments.
Print data based on the corrected image generated in step S1 is generated and output to the printer 200 (step S105), and this flow ends.

On the other hand, when receiving print data from the print processing unit 105, the printer 200 extracts a command (group) and a corrected image, and prints the corrected image according to the extracted command (group).

As described above, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the amount of toner consumption as compared with the case of printing the original image before processing. In addition, toner save processing can be avoided for areas containing features that are important to the user, such as faces.
While reducing the toner consumption, it is possible to obtain a good-looking print result.

In addition, in order to make the printing system 10 easy to understand, each processing unit of each flow in each of the above embodiments is divided according to main processing contents. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of classification of the processing steps and the names thereof. The processing performed by the printing system 10 is as follows:
Further, it can be divided into many processing steps. One processing step may execute more processes. Further, the order of the processing steps is not limited to this.

Moreover, each said embodiment intends to illustrate the summary of this invention, and does not limit this invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, in the third embodiment, toner save processing is not performed on the area around the face. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the toner save process may not be performed on an area other than the face as long as the area includes a characteristic part important for the user.

In a general printing system, a so-called screening process is performed on an image to be printed. As a modification of the above embodiments, the print processing unit 105 performs step S1.
Depending on the toner saving method selected in 03 or S303, the screening method applied to the image to be printed (or the image after the toner saving process) may be changed.

In each of the above embodiments, each toner save process (each flow) is executed on the information processing apparatus 100 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some processing steps included in each toner saving process may be executed on the printer 200 side.

For example, the processing from step S101 to step S104 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment may be executed on the printer 200 side. In this case, the print processing unit 105 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates a command (group) for causing the printer 200 to execute the processing from steps S101 to S104. Then, the print processing unit 105 generates the generated command (
Group) and the original image are output to the printer 200. On the other hand, when the printer 200 receives the command (group) and the original image output from the information processing apparatus 100, the printer 200 executes the processing of steps S101 to S104 based on the received command (group), and displays the generated corrected image. Print.

Further, the processing in step S201 of the second embodiment may be executed on the information processing apparatus 100 side, and the processing in steps S101 to S103 and S205 shown in FIG. 6 may be executed on the printer 200 side. In this case, the print processing unit 105 of the information processing apparatus 100 generates a command (group) for causing the printer 200 to execute the processes of steps S101 to S103 and S205. Then, the print processing unit 105 outputs the generated command (group) and the original image to the printer 200. On the other hand, the printer 200 includes the information processing apparatus 100.
When the command (group) and the original image output from are received, the processes of steps S101 to S103 and S205 are executed based on the received command (group), and the generated corrected image is printed.

Further, the processing from steps S101 to S304 (FIG. 8) of the third embodiment may be executed on the printer 200 side. In this case, the print processing unit 105 of the information processing apparatus 200 generates a command (group) for causing the printer 200 to execute the processes from steps S101 to S304. Then, the print processing unit 105 outputs the generated command (group) and the original image to the printer 200. On the other hand, when the printer 200 receives the command (group) and the original image output from the information processing apparatus 100, the printer 200 receives the received command (
The processing of steps S101 to S304 is executed based on (group), and the generated corrected image is printed.

In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the print processing unit 105 is connected to the printer 200.
A part of the command (group) to be output with respect to may be replaced with various attribute information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Information processing apparatus, 101 ... Image storage part, 102 ... Input reception part, 103
... Toner save method selection unit, 104 ... Toner save processing unit, 105 ... Print processing unit, 200 ... Printer.

Claims (12)

A driver program that causes a computer to function as a device for controlling a printing device,
A command generating step for generating a command for controlling the printing apparatus;
An output step of outputting an image to be printed and the command to the printing device;
Reduce target for toner consumption when the image to be printed is printed by the printing device.
Causing the computer to execute a reduction target designation step to be designated,
In the command generation step,
An analysis step of dividing the image to be printed into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
A reduction method selection step of selecting a method of reducing the amount of toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to the analysis result in the analysis step;
A shape setting step for setting the shape of the print range in each region based on the reduction target specified in the reduction target specification step;
For the shape printing range set in the shape setting step, a process for reducing toner consumption is executed by the method selected in the reduction method selection step, and the shape printing set in the shape setting step is executed. For out-of-range, generating a command to cause the printing apparatus to execute a reduction execution step of whitening,
A driver program characterized by that.   A driver program that causes a computer to function as a device for controlling a printing device,
  A command generating step for generating a command for controlling the printing apparatus;
  Causing the computer to execute an output step of outputting an image to be printed and the command to the printing device;
  In the command generation step,
  An analysis step of dividing the image to be printed into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection step of selecting a method of reducing the amount of toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to the analysis result in the analysis step;
  Generating a command for causing the printing apparatus to execute a reduction execution step of executing a process of reducing a toner consumption amount for the image by the method selected in the reduction method selection step;
  In the analysis step,
  Analyze at least one of contrast and color bias for each divided area,
  In the reduction method selection step,
  Select a method for increasing or decreasing the print density of the region of interest according to the level of the contrast,
  Selecting a method of increasing or decreasing the number of primary colors used for printing of the region of interest according to the magnitude of the color deviation;
A driver program characterized by that. The driver program according to claim 2 ,
In the analysis step,
For each divided area, further analyze the similarity with the surrounding area,
In the reduction method selection step,
Determining whether to change the method that has already been selected according to the level of similarity with the surrounding area;
A driver program characterized by that.   A driver program that causes a computer to function as a device for controlling a printing device,
  A command generating step for generating a command for controlling the printing apparatus;
  Causing the computer to execute an output step of outputting an image to be printed and the command to the printing device;
  In the command generation step,
  An analysis step of dividing the image to be printed into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection step of selecting a method of reducing the amount of toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to the analysis result in the analysis step;
  Generating a command for causing the printing apparatus to execute a reduction execution step of executing a process of reducing a toner consumption amount for the image by the method selected in the reduction method selection step;
  In the analysis step,
  For each divided area, the face included in the area is detected,
  In the reduction execution step,
  For the area around the face detected in the analysis step, the process for reducing the toner consumption by the method selected in the reduction method selection step is not executed, and for the area around the face, the reduction method selection is performed. Execute processing to reduce toner consumption by the method selected in step,
A driver program characterized by that.   A driver program that causes a computer to function as a device for controlling a printing device,
  An analysis step of dividing the image to be printed into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection step of selecting a method of reducing the amount of toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to the analysis result in the analysis step;
  A reduction execution step of executing processing for reducing toner consumption for the image by the method selected in the reduction method selection step;
  An output step of outputting print data based on the image subjected to the processing to reduce toner consumption to the printing device;
  A reduction target designating step for designating a reduction target with respect to a toner consumption amount when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus;
  Based on the reduction target specified in the reduction target specification step, the shape setting step for setting the shape of the print range in each region is executed by the computer,
  In the reduction execution step,
  For the shape printing range set in the shape setting step, a process for reducing toner consumption is executed by the method selected in the reduction method selection step, and the shape printing set in the shape setting step is executed. If it is out of range, make it white.
A driver program characterized by that.   The driver program according to claim 5,
  A driver program that causes a computer to function as a device for controlling a printing device,
  An analysis step of dividing the image to be printed into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection step of selecting a method of reducing the amount of toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to the analysis result in the analysis step;
  A reduction execution step of executing processing for reducing toner consumption for the image by the method selected in the reduction method selection step;
  Outputting the print data based on the image subjected to the processing for reducing toner consumption to the printing apparatus, and causing the computer to execute the analysis step.
  Analyze at least one of contrast and color bias for each divided area,
  In the reduction method selection step,
  Select a method for increasing or decreasing the print density of the region of interest according to the level of the contrast,
  Selecting a method of increasing or decreasing the number of primary colors used for printing of the region of interest according to the magnitude of the color deviation;
A driver program characterized by that. The driver program according to claim 6 ,
In the analysis step,
For each divided area, further analyze the similarity with the surrounding area,
In the reduction method selection step,
Determining whether to change the method that has already been selected according to the level of similarity with the surrounding area;
A driver program characterized by that.   A driver program that causes a computer to function as a device for controlling a printing device,
  An analysis step of dividing the image to be printed into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection step of selecting a method of reducing the amount of toner consumption when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to the analysis result in the analysis step;
  A reduction execution step of executing processing for reducing toner consumption for the image by the method selected in the reduction method selection step;
  Causing the computer to execute an output step of outputting print data based on the image subjected to the processing for reducing toner consumption to the printing device;
  In the analysis step,
  For each divided area, the face included in the area is detected,
  In the reduction execution step,
  For the area around the face detected in the analysis step, the process for reducing the toner consumption by the method selected in the reduction method selection step is not executed, and for the area around the face, the reduction method selection is performed. Execute processing to reduce toner consumption by the method selected in step,
A driver program characterized by that.   A printing system comprising: a printing apparatus; and a printing control apparatus that controls the printing apparatus,
  The print control device includes:
  Output means for outputting an image to be printed to the printing apparatus,
  The printing apparatus includes:
  Receiving means for receiving the image;
  Printing means for printing the image received by the receiving means,
  The printing means includes
  Analyzing means for dividing the image to be printed received by the receiving means into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection unit that selects a method of reducing a toner consumption amount when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to an analysis result of the analysis unit;
  Reduction execution means for executing processing for reducing toner consumption for the image by the method selected by the reduction method selection means,
  The print control device includes:
  A reduction target designating unit for designating a reduction target for a toner consumption amount when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus;
  The printing means includes
  A shape setting means for setting the shape of the print range in each area based on the reduction target specified by the reduction target specifying means,
  The reduction execution means is
  For the shape printing range set by the shape setting means, processing for reducing toner consumption is executed by the method selected by the reduction method selection means, and the shape printing set by the shape setting means is executed. If it is out of range, make it white.
A printing system characterized by that. A printing system comprising: a printing apparatus; and a printing control apparatus that controls the printing apparatus,
  The print control device includes:
  Output means for outputting an image to be printed to the printing apparatus,
  The printing apparatus includes:
  Receiving means for receiving the image;
  Printing means for printing the image received by the receiving means,
  The printing means includes
  Analyzing means for dividing the image to be printed received by the receiving means into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection unit that selects a method of reducing a toner consumption amount when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to an analysis result of the analysis unit;
  Reduction execution means for executing processing for reducing toner consumption for the image by the method selected by the reduction method selection means,
  The analysis means includes
  Analyze at least one of contrast and color bias for each divided area,
  The reduction method selection means includes
  Select a method for increasing or decreasing the print density of the region of interest according to the level of the contrast,
  Selecting a method of increasing or decreasing the number of primary colors used for printing of the region of interest according to the magnitude of the color deviation;
A printing system characterized by that. The printing system according to claim 10 , wherein
The analysis means includes
For each divided area, further analyze the similarity with the surrounding area,
The reduction method selection means includes
Determining whether to change the method that has already been selected according to the level of similarity with the surrounding area;
A printing system characterized by that.   A printing system comprising: a printing apparatus; and a printing control apparatus that controls the printing apparatus,
  The print control device includes:
  Output means for outputting an image to be printed to the printing apparatus,
  The printing apparatus includes:
  Receiving means for receiving the image;
  Printing means for printing the image received by the receiving means,
  The printing means includes
  Analyzing means for dividing the image to be printed received by the receiving means into a plurality of areas and analyzing each area;
  A reduction method selection unit that selects a method of reducing a toner consumption amount when an image to be printed is printed by the printing apparatus according to an analysis result of the analysis unit;
  Reduction execution means for executing processing for reducing toner consumption for the image by the method selected by the reduction method selection means,
  The analysis means includes
  For each divided area, the face included in the area is detected,
  The reduction execution means is
  For the area around the face detected by the analysis means, the processing for reducing the toner consumption by the method selected by the reduction method selection means is not executed, and for the area around the face, the reduction method selection is performed. Executing a process for reducing toner consumption by the method selected by the means;
A printing system characterized by that.

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