JP2006163761A - Information processing device, information processing method, printing device, and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute calibration processing at optionally adequate timing a user wants after printing instructions are made. <P>SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a host 300 and a printer 310. The host 300 generates a printing job and transmits the printing job to the printer 310 via a bidirectional interface 320. The printer 310 processes the printing job received from the host to output the result of the printing. The host 300 comprises a print instructing part 301, a calibration setting part 302, a calibration execution confirming part 303, a calibration controlling part 304, a printer information acquiring part 305, a color correction data storage part 306, a print data generating part 307 and a host transmission-and-reception part 308. The printer 310 comprises a calibration execution part 311, a color correction data generating part 312, a calibration determining part 313, a printer controlling part 314, a data printing part 315 and a printer transmission-and-reception part 316. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus (host computer), an information processing method, a printing apparatus (printer), and a printing method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a print control system that uses a printing apparatus in an information processing apparatus. The present invention relates to a printing technique for performing correction processing of a print image by performing processing, and a printing technique for transmitting and receiving data and status bidirectionally with a host computer.

  Conventionally, it has been known that in a printing apparatus such as a printer, output characteristics change depending on usage conditions such as room temperature and elapsed time, and as a result, the density and color of a printed image change. For example, in an electrophotographic printer, when a printing operation is performed continuously for a relatively long time, the charging characteristic of the photosensitive drum constituting the printing apparatus changes, or the toner amount to be fixed according to the decrease in the toner amount. Depending on these conditions, the density and color of the printed image may differ from the initial printing start and after a certain time has elapsed from the start of printing.

  In addition, in an inkjet printer, the temperature of the head rises due to ink ejection by continuous printing operation, and the amount of ink ejection may increase. In this case, the density of the printed image increases.

  Conventionally, it is known to perform a calibration process on a printing apparatus against such a change in output characteristics. As a method of calibration processing in a general print control system configured by connecting a host computer and a printer, color correction information obtained by printing a specific patch or the like on the printer and measuring the patch is displayed on the host computer. It is known that a host computer updates a table relating to image processing such as gamma correction based on this, or selects an appropriate color correction table to perform processing.

  Then, such calibration processing is executed, and the print data is generated by correcting the image with the correction data such as the obtained color correction table. As a result, printing performed based on the print data corresponds to the output characteristics when the calibration information is acquired, and an image having a predetermined optimum density or color can be output.

Normally, this calibration process is performed immediately after the power is turned on, the input from various sensors and timers, the print execution instruction, the value of the printed sheet counter, etc., and the fixed time has passed. What is done after, etc. is known and executed by the printing device.
JP 07-261479 A

  However, in the above conventional example, the calibration process performed on the printing apparatus takes a very long time. Therefore, when printing is instructed to be actually output to the printing apparatus, the calibration process may be started from that point. In this case, until the printing (output) result is obtained after the printing is instructed. There was a problem that it took a very long time.

  In addition, there is a problem that although the printing apparatus is trying to output to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus is in the calibration process, and even if the execution of printing is instructed, the printing (output) result cannot be obtained immediately.

  Therefore, even if it is determined that calibration processing is necessary due to changes in output characteristics, etc., so that only the minimum necessary calibration processing is required for a printing apparatus equipped with a calibration function. For example, when printing is performed so that the image quality of the print result is not so particular, such as when printing a text-only document or printing a black and white document, or when it is desired to shorten the time until the print (output) result is obtained. Can be selected and instructed not to execute the calibration process, and for example, if you want to print with optimal image quality, such as finding the optimal image quality such as a color photographic image, If you want to get an appropriate print (output) result, you can instruct to execute the calibration process before executing the print process. In Rukoto, development users any suitable timing calibration processing an information processing apparatus and printing apparatus wished had been requested.

  Even if it is determined that calibration processing is necessary due to changes in output characteristics, etc., so that only the minimum necessary calibration processing is required for a printing apparatus equipped with a calibration function. For example, when printing is performed so that the image quality of the print result is not so particular, such as when printing a text-only document or printing a black and white document, or when it is desired to shorten the time until the print (output) result is obtained. Can be selected and instructed not to execute the calibration process, and the current print (output) result may not have the optimum image quality, but the subsequent print will produce the print (output) result with the optimum image quality. If it is desired to obtain a calibration process after executing the printing process, any appropriate Development of the calibration process is an information processing apparatus and printing apparatus has been requested by the timing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to issue an instruction to execute printing when it is determined that calibration is necessary due to a change in output characteristics of the printing apparatus or the like. By checking / selecting whether or not to perform the calibration process, you can postpone without performing the calibration process, control to perform the calibration process before printing, or execute the calibration process after printing is completed. Information processing that allows you to control and select whether or not to execute calibration processing according to the contents of the printed document, etc., and to perform calibration processing at any appropriate timing desired by the user An apparatus, an information processing method, a printing apparatus, and a printing method are provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that performs a correction process of a print image by performing a calibration process on a printing apparatus. A print instruction unit for instructing execution, a calibration setting unit for setting whether to perform calibration processing automatically or manually for the printing apparatus, and when the print instruction unit instructs printing, the calibration is performed. Calibration execution confirmation means for confirming whether or not to execute calibration according to the contents set by the calibration setting means, and information on whether or not calibration processing is necessary is acquired from the printing apparatus, or the calibration is performed. Calibration according to the setting contents of the calibration setting means and the selection result of the calibration execution confirmation means Calibration control means for instructing the printing apparatus to execute calibration when it is determined to perform processing, and color correction data obtained from the printing apparatus is acquired by executing the calibration process Printer information acquisition means, color correction data storage means for storing / holding color correction data acquired from the printing apparatus by the printer information acquisition means, and color correction data acquired when printing is instructed by the print instruction means The print data generation means for generating print data so as to obtain an optimum print result based on the above, and the host transmission / reception means for exchanging data and commands between the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus that executes a correction process of a print image by performing a calibration process on the printing apparatus, a printing instruction step that instructs execution of printing, and a printing apparatus On the other hand, a calibration setting step for setting whether to perform calibration processing automatically or manually, and when printing is instructed by the print instruction step, according to the contents set in the calibration setting step Calibration execution confirmation step for confirming whether or not to execute calibration, and information on whether or not calibration processing is necessary is acquired from the printing apparatus, the setting contents of the calibration setting step and the calibration execution confirmation Depending on the step selection result, the calibration process is performed. A calibration control step for instructing the printing apparatus to execute calibration if it is determined, and printer information acquisition for acquiring color correction data obtained from the printing apparatus by executing the calibration process A color correction data storing step for storing / holding color correction data acquired from the printing apparatus by the printer information acquisition step, and when printing is instructed by the print instruction step, based on the acquired color correction data A print data generation step for generating print data so as to obtain an optimum print result, and a host transmission / reception step for exchanging data and commands between the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus are provided.

  The invention described in claim 3 is a program for causing a computer to execute each step described in claim 2.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing each step according to the second aspect is recorded.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a calibration execution means for executing a calibration process in a printing apparatus that executes a correction process for a print image by performing a calibration process based on an instruction from the information processing apparatus. Color correction data generating means for generating color correction data when calibration is executed, and calibration determination for determining that calibration processing is necessary when a specific condition corresponding to a change in output characteristics is satisfied Means, printer control means for controlling the printing apparatus, data printing means for outputting print data received from the information processing apparatus, and printer transmission / reception means for executing exchange of data and commands between the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus, It is characterized by having.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a calibration execution step for executing a calibration process in a printing apparatus that executes a correction process for a print image by performing a calibration process based on an instruction from the information processing apparatus; A color correction data generation step for generating color correction data when calibration is executed, and a calibration determination for determining that calibration processing is necessary when a specific condition corresponding to a change in output characteristics is satisfied A printer control step for controlling the printing apparatus; a data printing step for outputting print data received from the information processing apparatus; and a printer transmission / reception step for exchanging data and commands between the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus; It is characterized by having.

  The invention described in claim 7 is a program for causing a computer to execute the steps recited in claim 6.

  The invention described in claim 8 is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing each step described in claim 6 is recorded.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is a print control system using the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect and the printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect.

  The invention described in claim 10 is a printing control method using the information processing method described in claim 2 and the printing method described in claim 6.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that calibration processing is necessary due to a change in output characteristics or the like so that only the minimum necessary calibration processing is required for a printing apparatus equipped with a calibration function. Even so, for example, when printing is performed so that the image quality of the print result is not so particular, such as printing a text-only document or printing a black and white document, or the time until obtaining the print (output) result If you want to shorten the printing time, you can select and instruct not to execute the calibration process.For example, if you want to print with an optimal image quality such as obtaining an optimal image quality such as a color photographic image, If you want to get an appropriate print (output) result even if it takes, instruct to execute the calibration process before executing the print process By enabling an effect that the user is capable of the calibration process at any appropriate timing wished.

  Further, according to the present invention, it has been determined that calibration processing is necessary for a printing apparatus equipped with a calibration function by changing output characteristics or the like so that only the minimum necessary calibration processing is executed. Even in cases such as when printing a text-only document or printing a black-and-white document, such as when printing is not very particular about the image quality of the print result, or until the print (output) result is obtained. If you want to shorten the time, you can select and instruct not to execute the calibration process, and the current print (output) result may not be the optimal image quality, but the subsequent print will be the optimal image quality (Output) If the user wants to obtain a result, it is possible to instruct the user to execute the calibration process after executing the print process. At any appropriate timing is an effect that it is possible calibration process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, before describing the configuration of a print control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of a laser beam printer as a printer applicable to the print control system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the apparatus used as a printer in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a color laser beam printer applicable to the print control system of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 100 in the figure denotes a color laser beam printer main body (hereinafter referred to as CLBP) that forms an image on recording paper or the like as a recording medium by printing data developed and supplied by a connected host computer. Reference numeral 104 denotes a controller unit of the entire CLBP 100. The controller unit 104 converts the print data received from the host computer into a video signal and outputs it to the laser driver 110.

  Upon receiving the video signal output from the controller unit 104, the laser driver 110 switches on / off the laser beam 113 emitted from the semiconductor laser 111. The laser beam 113 is applied to the left and right according to the rotation of the rotating polyhedral mirror 112 to form an electrostatic latent image of a print pattern on the electrostatic drum 121. The electrostatic drum 121 is uniformly charged in advance by a charging portion of the charging roller 122, and is partially neutralized by laser beam scanning to form an electrostatic latent image.

  The electrostatic latent image itself rotates in the direction of the arrow while maintaining a predetermined constant orientation, and is rotated in order of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Development is performed by the developing units 124C, 124M, 124Y, and 124K. The developed four color images are multiple transferred to the intermediate transfer member 145.

  Cut sheet recording paper 135 is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper 135 is loaded into the paper feeding device 147 of the CLBP 100, taken into the device by the paper feeding roller 148 and the conveying roller 149, and transferred from the intermediate transfer member 145 to form a full color image. Then, fixing is performed by the fixing roller 140 and the pressure roller 141, and the image formation is completed. The intermediate transfer member 145 is controlled by an intermediate transfer member control device 158 that is operated by a control signal 159 from the controller unit 104.

  Next, processing of image data in the controller unit 104 will be described.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image data is all processed as image data on the host computer, which is the host device, and then transferred to the CLBP 100 using a predetermined interface. The image data at this time is image data of two or more values for each color of CMYK, and is compressed as necessary. The controller unit 104 decompresses the received image data and outputs it to the laser driver 110 as a pulse width modulation signal.

  FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of a CLBP applicable to the print control system of the present invention and a host computer that is a host device connected thereto.

  In the host computer 3000, a program stored in the external storage device 42 is loaded into the RAM 2 and executed by the CPU 1. Such programs include a device driver that performs a printing process and an application program that displays the status of the printing apparatus. Other examples include an application program that executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on an operating system, a document processing program, and the like.

  The CPU 1 executes these programs and performs overall control of each device connected to the system bus 4. Further, the CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 41 and executes various data processing.

  The RAM 2 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 40 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), which controls display on the CRT 41. A disk controller (DKC) 7 is a hard disk (HDD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, etc., and an external device such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) or CD-ROM. Controls access to the storage device 42. A parallel input / output controller (PIOC) 9 executes a bidirectional communication control process with the CLBP 100 via the bidirectional parallel interface 31.

  When printing is performed, print data is created by the host computer 3000 and stored in the external storage device 42 as spool data. This spool data is sent to the CLBP 100 via the parallel interface 31.

  Here, the transfer interface is a bi-directional parallel interface, but of course, this may be a USB interface or an IEEE 1394 interface.

  The print data received by the CLBP 100 is sequentially sent to the RAM 24 according to the control processing of the CPU 21 and the control unit 22. The CPU 21 controls each device and printing apparatus connected to the system bus 28 by a control program stored in the ROM 23.

  The RAM 24 is used as a work area of the CPU 21 and mainly as a data reception buffer, that is, a FIFO (First-In First-Out system).

  Reference numeral 22 denotes a control unit that performs control such as memory control and bus arbitration. Reference numeral 25 denotes a printing unit input / output controller (printing unit IOC) which performs decompression of compressed data stored in the RAM 24, image processing, and the like by the control unit 22 and sequentially outputs them to the printing unit 50 via the printing unit interface.

(Overall configuration of printing system)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the host computer and the printer used in the print control system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Each block shown in FIG. 3 includes programs stored in the program ROM 3 and / or external memory 42 of the host computer 300 shown in FIG. 2 and programs stored in the program ROM 23 and / or external memory of the printer 100 as needed. This is realized by the CPUs 1 and 21 reading them into the RAMs 2 and 24 and executing them.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this print control system, the host computer (host) 300 creates a print job, transmits the print job to the printer 310 via the bidirectional interface 320, and the printer 310 receives the print job from the host. Process the print job and output the print result.

  The bidirectional interface 320 only needs to be able to exchange data between the host 300 and the printer 310. Even if the host 300 and the printer 310 are directly connected by a cable or the like, they can be connected via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that it may be done.

  Specifically, the host 300 as shown in FIG. 3 includes a print instruction unit 301, a calibration setting unit 302, a calibration execution confirmation unit 303, a calibration control unit 304, a printer information acquisition unit 305, It comprises a color correction data storage unit 306, a print data generation unit 307, and a host transmission / reception unit 308.

  That is, according to the present invention, in the host 300 that executes the correction process of the print image by performing the calibration process on the printer 310, the print instruction unit 301 that instructs the execution of printing and the printer 310 are calibrated. A calibration setting unit 302 that sets whether processing is performed automatically or manually, and when printing is instructed by the print instruction unit 301, calibration is performed according to the content set in the calibration setting unit 302. A calibration execution confirmation unit 303 for confirming whether or not to execute calibration, and information on whether or not calibration processing is necessary is acquired from the printer 310, the setting contents of the calibration setting unit 302 and the calibration execution confirmation According to the selection result of the unit 303. If it is determined that the calibration is to be performed, the calibration control unit 304 that instructs the printer 310 to perform calibration, and the color correction data obtained from the printer 310 are acquired by executing the calibration process. The printer information acquisition unit 305, the color correction data storage unit 306 that stores and holds the color correction data acquired from the printer 310 by the printer information acquisition unit 305, and the print instruction unit 301, when printing is instructed. A print data generation unit 307 that generates print data so as to obtain an optimal print result based on the color correction data, and a host transmission / reception unit 308 that exchanges data and commands between the host 300 and the printer 310. Yes.

  3 includes a calibration execution unit 311, a color correction data generation unit 312, a calibration determination unit 313, a printer control unit 314, a data printing unit 315, and a printer transmission / reception unit 316. It consists of.

  That is, according to the present invention, in the printer 310 that performs the correction process of the print image by performing the calibration process based on the instruction from the host 300, the calibration execution unit 311 that executes the calibration process and the calibration are executed. A color correction data generation unit 312 that generates color correction data when it is performed, a calibration determination unit 313 that determines that a calibration process is necessary when a specific condition according to a change in output characteristics is satisfied, A printer control unit 314 that controls the printer 310, a data printing unit 315 that outputs print data received from the host 300, and a printer transmission / reception unit 316 that exchanges data and commands between the host 300 and the printer 310 are provided. ing.

  First, the print instruction unit 301 issues an instruction to start generating print data for print execution.

  The calibration setting unit 302 sets whether to perform calibration processing automatically or manually for the printer 310.

  The calibration execution confirmation unit 303 confirms whether to execute calibration according to the contents set by the calibration setting unit 302 when printing is instructed by the print instruction unit 301.

  The calibration control unit 304 acquires information indicating whether calibration processing is necessary from the printer 310, or performs calibration processing according to the setting contents of the calibration setting unit 302 and the selection result of the calibration execution confirmation unit 303. If it is determined that the calibration is to be performed, the printer 310 is instructed to execute calibration.

  The printer information acquisition unit 305 acquires color correction data obtained from the printer 310 by executing calibration processing. The color correction data storage unit 306 stores and holds the color correction data acquired from the printer 310 by the printer information acquisition unit 305.

  When printing is instructed by the print instruction unit 301, the print data generation unit 307 generates print data so that an optimum print result is obtained based on the acquired color correction data.

  The host transmission / reception unit 308 is an I / F for exchanging data and commands between the host 300 and the printer 310.

  The calibration execution unit 311 executes calibration processing.

  The color correction data generation unit 312 generates color correction data when calibration is executed.

  The calibration determination unit 313 determines that the calibration process is necessary when a specific condition corresponding to the output characteristic change is satisfied.

  The printer control unit 314 controls the printer 310.

  The data printing unit 315 outputs print data received from the host 300.

  The printer transmission / reception unit 316 is an I / F for exchanging data and commands between the host 300 and the printer 310.

  The processing content in each processing unit has been described above, but a specific implementation method in the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

(First embodiment)
First, a setting method in the calibration setting unit 302 of the host 300 according to the present embodiment for setting whether the calibration process is automatically or manually performed on the printer 310 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for setting how to perform calibration processing for setting in the calibration setting unit 302 of the host.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the calibration setting unit 302 can select either “automatic calibration execution” 501 or “calibration manual execution” 502.

  When “Calibration automatic execution” 501 is selected, any timing at which calibration is determined to be necessary (for example, immediately after turning on the power, input from various sensors or timers, or print execution instruction Before or after printing, when the value of the printed sheet counter reaches a certain value or more, a certain time elapses from the previous calibration execution), the calibration process is automatically executed.

  When “Calibration Manual Execution” 502 is selected, any timing at which calibration is determined to be necessary (for example, immediately after power-on, input from various sensors or timers, or a print execution instruction Before or after printing, if the value of the print counter reaches a certain level or more, or if a certain amount of time has passed since the previous calibration), calibration is automatically performed. Absent. In this case, the calibration process is not automatically executed, but the information that calibration is necessary is stored and stored, and when the printing is instructed, the printing device determines that calibration is necessary Displays a confirmation message as to whether or not to execute calibration processing, and performs processing to determine whether or not to execute calibration.

  A setting button 503 is pressed when setting is changed when the setting is changed.

  A cancel button 504 is pressed to cancel the set contents.

  Note that the setting content shown in FIG. 5 is an example in the present embodiment, and it is needless to say that the setting items may be other than the setting items as long as the setting can be made regarding the execution timing of the calibration process.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen displayed by the calibration execution confirmation unit 303 when “calibration manual execution” 502 is set in the setting of the calibration setting unit 302 illustrated in FIG. is there.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a confirmation message display when confirming whether to execute calibration processing before printing when a print execution instruction is issued. If “Yes” 601 is selected at this time, the calibration process is immediately executed before the print process is executed, and then the print data is generated using the latest color correction data obtained by the calibration process. .

  If “No” 602 is selected, calibration is not executed and print data is generated using previously acquired color correction data.

  Note that the setting content shown in FIG. 6 is an example in the present embodiment, and any setting items other than these setting items may be used as long as the execution timing of arbitrary calibration processing can be selected when printing execution is instructed. Needless to say.

  Next, a method for generating print data according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in order to print a document, a print execution instruction is issued by the print instruction unit 301 (step S401).

  Next, the calibration control unit 304 determines whether calibration is necessary based on the result determined by the calibration determination unit 313 of the printer 310 (step S402).

  In step S402, the conditions for determining that the calibration process is necessary in the calibration determination unit 313 of the printer 310 are, for example, when the printer is turned on, input from various sensors and timers, and the number of printed sheets counter. Various conditions can be considered, such as when a calibration request is issued according to the value of, etc., or after a certain amount of time has elapsed, and calibration processing is necessary if any of these conditions is met It is judged that. In this embodiment, the calibration flag is set to ON in that case.

  Needless to say, if it is determined that calibration processing is necessary in order to obtain an optimum printing (output) result, the determination condition may be other than these.

  If it is determined in step S402 that the calibration process is not yet necessary (when the calibration flag is OFF), the control for the calibration process is not newly performed, and printing using the previously acquired color correction data is performed. In order to perform data generation processing, the process proceeds to step S410 described later.

  Next, in step S402, when calibration is necessary (when the calibration flag is ON), the calibration setting unit 302 performs “automatic calibration execution” or “calibration manual execution”. It is confirmed which is set (step S403).

  Note that if “automatic calibration execution” is set in step S403, it is determined that calibration is necessary in step S402. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S406 described below to execute calibration. Transition.

  Next, when “calibration manual execution” is set in step S403, the calibration execution confirmation unit 303 performs calibration processing before executing the printing processing, and uses the latest color correction data. A confirmation message as to whether to generate print data is displayed (step S404).

  Next, in step S404, it is determined whether “execute calibration process” is selected or “do not execute calibration process” is selected (step S405).

  If “Do not execute calibration process” is selected in step S405, control relating to the calibration process is not newly performed, and print data generation processing is performed using previously acquired color correction data. The process proceeds to step S410.

  Next, if “execute calibration process” is selected in step S405, the calibration control unit 304 instructs the printer to execute calibration (step S406).

  Next, when calibration execution is instructed in step S406, the calibration execution unit 311 of the printer 310 starts calibration processing (step S407).

  Next, in step S407, when calibration processing is executed, the color correction data generation unit 312 generates optimal color correction data that matches the current environmental conditions, and the color correction data storage unit 306 of the host 300 stores the color. Correction data is stored and held (step S408).

  Next, when the latest color correction data is generated in step S408, the calibration determination unit 313 makes a transition to a state where calibration processing is not necessary (sets the calibration flag to OFF) (step S409).

  Next, the color correction data is acquired from the color correction data storage unit 306 that stores and holds the latest color correction data (step S410).

  Next, a print data generation instruction is issued by the print instruction unit 301 (step S411).

  Next, when a print data generation instruction is given in step S411, the print data generation unit 307 generates print data based on the color correction data acquired in step S410 (step S412).

  Next, when the print data generation is completed in step S412, the print data is transmitted to the printer 310 via the host transmission / reception unit 308, and the printing process is executed (step S413).

  Here, a series of steps from step S401 to step S413 will be described. When a print execution instruction is given, it is determined whether the printing apparatus is in a state where calibration is necessary. The calibration process can be performed at any appropriate timing desired by the user according to the setting contents and the selection contents on whether to execute calibration.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the calibration process is performed by changing the output characteristics or the like so that only the minimum necessary calibration process is performed on the printing apparatus equipped with the calibration function. Even when it is determined that printing is necessary, for example, when printing is performed so that the image quality of the printed result is not so particular, such as printing a text-only document or printing a black and white document, or printing (output ) If you want to shorten the time until the result is obtained, you can select and instruct not to execute the calibration process. For example, you want to print with the optimum image quality, such as obtaining the optimum image quality such as a color photo image. If you want to get an appropriate print (output) result even if it takes some printing time, perform calibration before executing the print process. By enabling instruction to execute the process, an effect that the user is capable of the calibration process at any appropriate timing wished.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, it has been described that the calibration execution confirmation unit 303 uses the flowchart of FIG. 4 to select whether or not to execute the calibration process before the execution of printing. The present invention can be applied even if the confirmation unit 303 is configured to execute calibration processing after printing.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen displayed by the calibration execution confirmation unit 303 when “calibration manual execution” 502 is set in the setting of the calibration setting unit 302 illustrated in FIG. is there.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a confirmation message display when confirming whether to execute calibration processing after printing when a print execution instruction is issued. If “Yes” 701 is selected at this time, the print data is generated using the previously acquired color correction data, the calibration process is executed after the print process is executed, and the color correction data is updated.

  If “No” 702 is selected, the calibration process is not executed even when the printing process is completed, and the color correction data is not updated.

  Note that the setting content shown in FIG. 7 is an example in this embodiment, and may be other than these setting items as long as the execution timing of arbitrary calibration processing can be selected when printing execution is instructed. Needless to say.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the calibration process is performed by changing the output characteristics or the like so that only the minimum necessary calibration process is required for the printing apparatus equipped with the calibration function. Even when it is determined that printing is necessary, for example, when printing is performed so that the image quality of the printed result is not so particular, such as printing a text-only document or printing a black and white document, or printing (output ) If you want to shorten the time to obtain the result, you can select / instruct not to execute the calibration process, and the current print (output) result may not be the optimal image quality, but the subsequent print Now, when you want to obtain the print (output) result with the optimum image quality, you can instruct to execute the calibration process after executing the print process. And in an effect that the user is capable of the calibration process at any appropriate timing wished.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments described above, it has been described that the calibration setting unit 302 sets the calibration automatic setting or the calibration manual setting. However, the calibration setting unit 302 is configured to always operate as the calibration manual setting. However, the present invention is applicable.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, the color correction data obtained by the calibration process is stored / stored on the host computer, and print data is generated based on the color correction data. However, the present invention can also be applied to a PDL printing apparatus that mainly generates commands on the printing apparatus and that mainly generates commands.

  In this case, according to the setting contents by the calibration setting unit 302 and the selection contents by the calibration execution confirmation unit 303, a calibration execution command and a print control command are transmitted to the printing apparatus at an appropriate timing, and calibration processing and printing are performed. Data generation processing can be executed. Thereby, there exists an effect similar to 1st, 2nd and 3rd embodiment.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments described above, the setting content by the calibration setting unit 302 and the selection content by the calibration execution confirmation unit 303 have been described as being performed on the information processing apparatus. Even if these settings are performed on the printing apparatus, the present invention can be applied.

  In this case, setting items can be mounted on an operation panel or the like on the printing apparatus side, and calibration processing and print data generation processing can be executed according to the set contents. Thereby, there exists an effect similar to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th embodiment.

(Other embodiments)
An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  When the present invention is applied to the above-described storage medium, program codes corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are stored in the storage medium.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a laser printer as a printer applicable to a print control system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a host computer and a printer that can configure the print control system of the present invention. 2 is a functional block diagram of a host computer and a printer according to the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the calibration setting content in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the calibration execution confirmation content in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the calibration execution confirmation content in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 RAM
3 ROM
4 system bus 5 keyboard controller 6 CRT controller 7 disk controller 8 control unit 9 parallel input / output controller 21 CPU
22 Printer control unit 23 ROM
24 RAM
25 Print Unit Input / Output Controller 26 Parallel Input / Output Controller 28 System Bus 31 Bidirectional Parallel Interface 40 Keyboard 41 CRT
42 External Storage Device 50 Printing Unit 100 CLBP Main Body 104 Controller Unit 110 Laser Driver 111 Semiconductor Laser 112 Rotating Polyhedral Mirror 113 Laser Light 121 Electrostatic Drum 122 Charging Rollers 124C, 124M, 124Y, 124K 145 Intermediate transfer body 147 Paper feed device 148 Paper feed roller 149 Transport roller 158 Intermediate transfer body control device 159 Control signal 300, 3000 Host computer 301 Print instruction section 302 Calibration setting section 303 Calibration execution confirmation section 304 Calibration control section 305 Printer information acquisition unit 306 Color correction data storage unit 307 Print data generation unit 308 Host transmission / reception unit 310 Printer 311 Calibration execution unit 312 Color correction Data generation unit 313 Calibration determination unit 314 Printer control unit 315 Data printing unit 316 Printer transmission / reception unit 320 Bidirectional interface

Claims (10)

In an information processing apparatus that executes a correction process for a print image by performing a calibration process on a printing apparatus,
A print instruction means for instructing execution of printing;
Calibration setting means for setting whether to perform calibration processing automatically or manually for the printing apparatus;
When printing is instructed by the print instruction means, a calibration execution confirmation means for confirming whether to execute calibration according to the content set by the calibration setting means,
When it is determined that the calibration process is to be performed according to the information on whether the calibration process is necessary from the printing apparatus or according to the setting contents of the calibration setting unit and the selection result of the calibration execution confirmation unit Calibration control means for instructing the printing apparatus to perform calibration;
Printer information acquisition means for acquiring color correction data obtained from the printing apparatus by executing calibration processing;
Color correction data storage means for storing and holding color correction data acquired from the printing apparatus by the printer information acquisition means;
When printing is instructed by the print instructing means, print data generating means for generating print data so as to obtain an optimum printing result based on the acquired color correction data;
An information processing apparatus comprising host transmission / reception means for exchanging data and commands between the information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus. In an information processing method for executing correction processing of a print image by performing calibration processing on a printing apparatus,
A print instruction step for instructing execution of printing;
A calibration setting step for setting whether to perform calibration processing automatically or manually for the printing apparatus;
When printing is instructed in the print instruction step, a calibration execution confirmation step for confirming whether to execute calibration according to the contents set in the calibration setting step;
When it is determined that the calibration process is to be performed according to the information on whether the calibration process is necessary from the printing apparatus or according to the setting contents of the calibration setting step or the selection result of the calibration execution confirmation step A calibration control step for instructing the printing apparatus to perform calibration;
A printer information acquisition step of acquiring color correction data obtained from the printing apparatus by executing calibration processing;
A color correction data storage step for storing and holding the color correction data acquired from the printing apparatus by the printer information acquisition step;
When printing is instructed by the print instruction step, a print data generation step for generating print data so as to obtain an optimal print result based on the acquired color correction data;
An information processing method comprising: a host transmission / reception step for exchanging data and commands between the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus.   A program capable of executing the steps according to claim 2 using a computer.   A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing each step according to claim 2 is recorded. In a printing apparatus that executes a correction process of a print image by performing a calibration process based on an instruction from the information processing apparatus,
Calibration execution means for executing a calibration process;
Color correction data generating means for generating color correction data when calibration is executed;
Calibration determination means for determining that calibration processing is necessary when a specific condition corresponding to the output characteristic change is satisfied;
Printer control means for controlling the printing apparatus;
Data printing means for outputting print data received from the information processing apparatus;
A printing apparatus comprising: a printer transmission / reception unit that exchanges data and commands between an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus. In a printing method for executing correction processing of a print image by performing calibration processing based on an instruction from an information processing device,
A calibration execution step for executing a calibration process;
A color correction data generation step for generating color correction data when calibration is performed;
A calibration determination step for determining that a calibration process is necessary when a specific condition corresponding to the output characteristic change is satisfied;
A printer control step for controlling the printing apparatus;
A data printing step for outputting print data received from the information processing apparatus;
A printing method comprising: a printer transmission / reception step for exchanging data and commands between an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus.   A program capable of executing the steps according to claim 6 using a computer.   A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing each step according to claim 6 is recorded.   A printing control system using the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 and the printing apparatus according to claim 5.   A printing control method using the information processing method according to claim 2 and the printing method according to claim 6.

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