JP2013073546A - Print control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A print image is output when a print job of a processed print image obtained by performing a predetermined processing process on data in a predetermined area in the print image is output to a printing apparatus and the processed print image is printed on recording paper. It is possible to accurately check whether or not the predetermined area above is appropriate.
Coordinate values of an area of a barcode on each sheet of a form are stored as coordinate data in an external storage device of a client terminal. When a print job in the confirmation print mode is generated by an operation on the print setting screen displayed on the display of the client terminal, the barcode 42 on the sheet 41 of the form is printed by the print job in the inkjet recording apparatus. A confirmation image 44 in which the portion set as the region is superimposed as the region image 43 is printed on the recording paper.
[Selection] Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus that outputs a print job of a print image to a printing apparatus.

  When a print job for a print image is generated by a print control apparatus such as a client terminal and output to the printing apparatus, there is a case where processing is performed on data in a specific area in the print image. As an example thereof, there is a case where an image such as shading is superimposed and printed on a specific area in the print image (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Further, at that time, it has been proposed that a specific region on which an image such as shading is superimposed is displayed on a monitor of a printing control apparatus before printing (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-4-178711 JP 2010-130404 A

  However, even if a specific area where data is processed can be confirmed on the monitor screen of the print control device before printing by using the above-described technique for displaying a superimposed image such as shading on the monitor before printing. The positional relationship of the specific area with respect to the print image on the screen is not always maintained as it is on the recording paper after printing. In other words, the positional relationship of the specific area on the print image on the monitor screen matches the positional relationship of the specific area on the print image on the printed paper due to the difference between the resolution of the monitor screen and the print resolution of the printing apparatus. It may be possible to lose it.

  Therefore, in order to confirm the positional relationship with respect to the print image of the specific area where the image such as shading is superimposed with high accuracy, it is actually confirmed by printing the print image with shading superimposed on it rather than on the monitor display. It is desirable to do. This is common even when processing is performed on data in a specific area in a printed image, and whether or not the processing has been performed on an appropriate area is visually confirmed on the recording paper after printing. It is. However, unlike the case of superimposing an image such as shading, the processing applied to the data in the specific area does not always appear on the printed image so that it can be easily discriminated visually. Confirmation of suitability of the processing area is not always easy.

  For example, in order to improve the print quality of a specific area, when processing that produces only a slight change on the data is performed on the data in that area, the processing is performed on an appropriate area on the recording paper after printing. In some cases, it is difficult to confirm whether or not there is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to output, to a printing apparatus, a print job of a processed print image obtained by performing predetermined processing on data in a predetermined area in a print image. Print control that enables accurate confirmation even when it is difficult to confirm on the final printed material whether or not the processing in the specified area on the print image is appropriate when printing the processed print image on recording paper To provide an apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
In a print control apparatus (for example, the client terminal 14 in FIG. 1) that outputs a print job of a print image to a printing apparatus (for example, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 1),
A predetermined area (for example, in FIG. 9) on the recording paper on which the printing apparatus prints the print image, a predetermined processing process (for example, a process for reducing the density of the barcode 42 in FIG. 9) is performed on the print image data. Coordinate data setting means (for example, the external storage device 21 in FIG. 1) in which coordinate data (for example, CSV data in FIG. 4) of the region) is set;
A normal print mode in which the printing apparatus prints the processed print image obtained by performing the predetermined processing on the data in the predetermined area, and a confirmation image for confirming the predetermined area in the print image (for example, FIG. 9). Mode setting means (for example, the CPU 16, the ROM 17, the RAM 18, the input unit 19, the output unit 20, and FIG. 11) set to any one of the confirmation printing modes for causing the printing apparatus to print the confirmation image 44). Step S13)
When the normal print mode is set by the mode setting means, a print job of the processed print image is output to the printing apparatus, and when the confirmation print mode is set by the mode setting means A job output unit for each mode (for example, step of FIG. 11) that outputs a print job of the confirmation image in which the region image indicating the predetermined region (for example, the region image 43 in FIG. 9) is superimposed on the print image to the printing apparatus. S15 and step S17),
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the above invention, whether or not the predetermined area in the print image that is subjected to the predetermined processing when the printing apparatus performs printing by the print job in the normal print mode is set to an appropriate area on the print image. In particular, when the processing process causes only a slight change on the image, it is difficult to visually confirm the printed result on the recording paper. However, in the above-described invention, it is possible to accurately confirm on the recording paper by the region image in the confirmation image to be printed on the printing apparatus by the print job in the confirmation print mode prior to printing by the print job in the normal print mode.

  In the above invention, the print image includes one or two or more types of sheet images each having a different layout of the predetermined area (for example, the forms shown in the upper and lower stages of FIG. 2). For example, the coordinate data setting unit sets the coordinate data of the predetermined area for each type of sheet image, and the mode-specific job output unit sets the confirmation print mode by the mode setting unit. Print job of the confirmation image corresponding to one sheet image of each type (for example, in the case of the form shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, one sheet of each of the layout patterns A to C). Is output to the printing apparatus.

  According to the above invention, since the same coordinate data is set in the predetermined area of the same type of sheet image, if the confirmation image is printed on the printing apparatus one sheet for each type, the predetermined area can be obtained even with the minimum number of printed sheets. It can be accurately confirmed on the recording paper by the region image in the confirmation image that it is set at an appropriate position on the print image. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the number of recording sheets consumed other than printing by a print job in the normal printing mode performed to obtain the final printed matter as much as possible.

  Further, in the above invention, preview display means (for example, the CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, input unit 19 and output unit in FIG. 1) for displaying the print image preview screen (for example, the barcode area designation editing screen 40 in FIG. 3). 20), an area designating unit (for example, the CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, input unit 19, and output unit 20 in FIG. 1) for designating the predetermined area on the preview screen, and the coordinates based on the contents designated by the area designating unit. Coordinate acquisition means (for example, step S1 and step S3 in FIG. 10) for acquiring data is further provided, and the coordinate data acquired by the coordinate acquisition means is set in the coordinate data setting means, To do.

  According to the above invention, by designating a predetermined area as if it were an image on the print image preview screen, the coordinate data of the predetermined area can be obtained and set easily and accurately without directly specifying coordinate values. .

  In the above invention, the predetermined area is an area in which a barcode (for example, the barcode 42 in FIG. 9) in the print image is arranged, and the predetermined processing processing is performed by adjusting the print density of the barcode. This is a process for reducing the density of a portion other than the barcode in the printed image.

  According to the above-described invention, the processing for reducing the density for preventing the barcode reading accuracy from being lowered due to ink bleeding is unnecessarily performed on the data of the printed image other than the barcode. Even when it is difficult to confirm on the final printed matter obtained by the print job in the normal printing mode, it is possible to surely grasp and prevent this.

  According to the present invention, when a print job of a processed print image obtained by performing a predetermined processing on data in a predetermined area in a print image is output to a printing apparatus and the processed print image is printed on a recording sheet. Whether or not the predetermined area on the printed image is appropriate can be confirmed with high accuracy even when it is difficult to confirm on the final printed matter.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the form which can be produced by execution of an application program in the client terminal of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the edit screen of barcode area designation | designated by the barcode area designation | designated application program displayed on the display of the output part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the CSV data of the coordinate value of the barcode area | region of the form designated on the edit screen of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a property screen displayed on a display of an output unit by executing a printer driver program in the client terminal of FIG. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which each shows the barcode area designation | designated file registration screen and name change screen which are displayed on the display of the output part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the print setting screen displayed on the display of the output part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the preview screen displayed on the display of the output part of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a confirmation image printed on a recording sheet in the inkjet recording apparatus when a print job in a confirmation print mode is input from the client terminal of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the barcode area | region designation | designated process which CPU of the client terminal of FIG. 1 performs. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print job output processing performed by a CPU of the client terminal in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the object selection screen displayed on the display of the output part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the object determination confirmation screen displayed on the display of the output part of FIG.

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

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printer network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer network system of this embodiment includes an inkjet recording apparatus 1 (corresponding to a printing apparatus in claims) and a client terminal 14 (corresponding to a printing control apparatus in claims). Yes.

  The inkjet recording apparatus 1 reads a print image on a document and outputs an image signal, and prints the print image on recording paper (one side or both sides) based on the image signal output from the scanner unit 101 ( A printer unit 102 for recording) and a control unit 10 for overall control. A recording sheet used for printing a print image in the printer unit 102 is conveyed from a paper supply unit (not shown) to a paper discharge unit (not shown) via the printer unit 102.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an external interface unit 11 of the control unit 10 is connected to an external interface unit 15 of a plurality of client terminals 14 to be described later (in FIG. 1, one client is representative). Are connected to each other. From each client terminal 14, the control unit 10 receives a print job of a print image. The control unit 10 generates raster data of the print image by the received print job. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 causes the printer unit 102 to print a print image on a recording sheet under the conditions specified in the print job.

  A display 110 is connected to the control unit 10. The display 110 is disposed on the upper part of the ink jet recording apparatus 1. The display 110 can be used as an input operation unit for a user to input copy conditions such as the number of copies and a copy magnification when a print image set on the scanner unit 101 is copied and printed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 that causes the printer unit 102 to perform a printing operation includes a CPU 90. The CPU 90 controls the operation of the scanner unit 101 and the printer unit 102 according to the contents input and set from the display 110 based on the program and setting information stored in the ROM 91.

  The control unit 10 is provided with a RAM 92. In the RAM 92, a print job input from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10, the number of printed copies input from the display 110, various setting contents, and the like. Is stored from time to time.

  The RAM 92 is provided with a frame memory area. In this frame memory area, raster data of a print image generated by the CPU 90 by a print job input from the client terminal 14 to the control unit 10 is temporarily stored until it is output to the printer unit 102.

  Further, the control unit 10 is provided with an external storage device 93, and this external storage device 93 is connected to the CPU 90. The external storage device 93 is provided with a plurality of areas for storing print jobs transferred from the RAM 92 described above. The external storage device 93 stores various tables, counters, and the like. An example of a table stored in the external storage device 93 is a history data table.

  The history data table is a table in which a print setting change history is recorded for each print job stored in the RAM 92 or the external storage device 93. The print setting elements for managing the history in the history data table include a printable area (image position adjustment) of the recording paper, a paper tray of the recording paper used for printing, a print density, and the like. The contents of the history data table are periodically updated under the control of the CPU 90.

  On the other hand, each client terminal 14 is configured by a PC (personal computer) or the like. The client terminal 14 includes a CPU 16 that executes various processes based on a control program stored in the ROM 17, a RAM 18 that functions as a working area of the CPU 16, an input unit 19 that includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, a liquid crystal display Etc., and an output unit 20 composed of the like.

  In addition to the external interface unit 15 described above, an external storage device 21 and a disk drive 22 are connected to the CPU 16. The external storage device 21 uses an application program storage area for generating print image data, a printer driver program storage area of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, other application program storage areas, and application programs. A database area or the like for storing the data file of the generated print image is secured.

  The CPU 16 activates the application program in the external storage device 21 in accordance with the activation request input from the input unit 19, and the print image data having the contents designated by the parameter input from the input unit 19 is activated. Generate on application program. The generated print image data is displayed and output by the output unit 20, and when a save request is input from the input unit 19, the print image data is stored in the print image data database area of the external storage device 21.

  The print image data stored in the database area of the external storage device 21 is read from the external storage device 21 when a read request is input from the input unit 19 during activation of the application program. The read print image data can be displayed and output on the output unit 20, or can be processed on the application program and regenerated as new print image data.

  When the print request for the print image generated by the application program is input from the input unit 19, the CPU 16 generates a print job for the print image to be printed, and sends the generated print job from the external interface unit 15. Output to the external interface unit 11 of the control unit 10. This print job can be output to the control unit 10 by the CPU 16 executing a printer driver program stored in the external storage device 21.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, an application program for creating a form is stored in the external storage device 21. When the CPU 16 reads and executes this application program, a form as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 2 can be created. The form to be created has, for example, an invoice to be issued and shipped to each destination, an article purchase application form, etc., and a barcode.

  There are two types of forms that can be created by application programs. One of them is a type that issues the same number of sheets and the same combination of sheets to each address. In the form example shown in the lower part of FIG. 2 (repetition = present), three types of layouts (layout patterns A to C) having different layouts are issued to each address as a set of three sheets one by one. The other is a type in which sheets with different numbers and combinations are issued for each address. In the example of the form shown in the upper part of FIG. 2 (repetition = none), three types (A to C) of sheets are issued for the first address one by one, but 1 or 2 for the second and subsequent addresses. In some cases, only sheets of types (A, B, C, A + B, A + C, B + C) are issued.

  One or more barcodes may be arranged on each sheet of the form. The barcode layout on each sheet is individually determined. Therefore, the barcode layout may be different for each sheet.

  When such a form is printed by the ink jet recording apparatus 1, the width of the space bar (white portion) changes due to bleeding of the colored bar (black solid portion) of the barcode, and the barcode reading accuracy decreases. It is important to avoid doing so. For this purpose, it is effective to print the colored bar portion at a density lower than that of the portion other than the barcode, and to achieve high reading accuracy by suppressing ink bleeding. However, it is assumed that printing is performed at a density higher than the minimum density at which a barcode can be read.

  Therefore, the printer driver program of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 stored in the external storage device 21 performs processing for reducing the barcode density when generating a print job of a form image (corresponding to a print image in the claims). Apply to form image data. In order to apply this processing to the form image data, it is necessary to specify the barcode area (coordinates on the sheet) of each sheet. For example, in the form shown in FIG. 2, the barcode area may be specified for each sheet of the three types of layout patterns A to C.

  For this purpose, the printer driver program of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a barcode area designation application program for designating an area (corresponding to a predetermined area in claims) in which the barcode in the form data is laid out. .

  When the bar code area designating application program is read from the external storage device 21 and started up, and the “Open file” menu is selected, the CPU 16 selects a list file (not shown) for selecting a form file for designating the bar code area. Is displayed on a display (not shown) of the output unit 20. When a data file of a form for which a barcode area is designated is designated on this list screen, a barcode area designation editing screen (hereinafter abbreviated as “editing screen”) 40 shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. Is displayed. On the editing screen 40 (corresponding to a preview screen in the claims), a sheet 41 (layout patterns A to C) in which a barcode 42 is laid out is displayed using data of a designated form file. Sheets that are not displayed on the editing screen 40 can be displayed on the editing screen 40 by operating a scroll bar.

  On the editing screen 40, the area of the barcode 42 on the sheet 41 can be specified by clicking and dragging the mouse. The designated area is displayed as an area image 43 on the editing screen 40. The area image 43 may be a frame shape indicating the outline of the area or a shaded pattern. By this designation operation, the coordinate value on the sheet 41 of the area of the designated barcode 42 can be acquired.

  When a save operation (such as a “Save to File” menu selection operation or a file name input operation) is performed with the mouse on the editing screen 40, the coordinate data of the barcode area is input with the input file name (eg, form pattern A). Stored and saved in the external storage device 21.

  In this embodiment, the coordinate data of the barcode area stored and saved in the external storage device 21 in this manner is CSV data as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. This CSV data includes the size of the recording paper (PageSize) used for printing a sheet with a specified barcode area, the coordinate value of the upper left corner of each barcode area, and the bar in the right direction in the figure from this coordinate position. Defines the code width and height in the downward direction (BarcodeArea, upper left x coordinate, upper left y coordinate, width W, height H) for each page (Page) in which the barcode area is set. is there.

  In the CSV data in the example of FIG. 4, the coordinate values of the barcode area are set on the first page (layout pattern A) and the third page (layout pattern C) of 210 mm long × 297 mm wide, and the second page (layout) In the pattern B), no barcode area is designated. In addition, the coordinate values of three barcode areas are defined on the first page, and the coordinate values of two barcode areas are defined on the third page. In the present embodiment, the coordinate value is defined by the size (unit: mm) from the upper left of the recording paper according to the size of the recording paper, but may be a numerical value indicating the pixel position.

  To make the coordinate data of the barcode area stored and saved in the external storage device 21 as CSV data in the above-described procedure available for printing for confirming the positional relationship of the barcode area with the print image on the recording paper. Coordinate data must be registered as a barcode area specification file. In the registration procedure, first, the printer driver program is read from the external storage device 21 and is executed by the CPU 16 to display the property screen 30 of FIG. 5 on the display (not shown) of the output unit 20. Then, the “barcode area designation file registration” button 31 on the “environment” tab of the property screen 30 is clicked by operating the mouse (not shown) of the input unit 19. As a result, the barcode area designation application program is executed, and the barcode area designation file registration screen (hereinafter abbreviated as “registration screen”) 32 in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display.

  Therefore, the “add” button 33 on the registration screen 32 is clicked by operating the mouse, and a file selection screen (not shown) is displayed on the display. On this file selection screen, a list of file names of the coordinate data of the barcode area stored and saved in the external storage device 21 is displayed. Therefore, a file name (for example, form pattern A) of coordinate data to be registered as a barcode area designation file is selected. Thereby, the coordinate data of the selected file name is registered as a barcode area designation file, and the display on the display returns to the registration screen 32 of FIG. The file name of the registered coordinate data is additionally displayed in the file list display area 34 of the registration screen 32. When the “Save to file” button 35 is clicked with the mouse while the file name in the file list display area 34 is clicked and highlighted, the barcode area designation file is transferred to another printer driver program. Are stored and saved in the external storage device 21 as CSV data that can be imported and used.

  When the “rename” button 36 on the registration screen 32 is clicked with the mouse while the file name in the file list display area 34 is clicked and highlighted, the display on the display is the name shown in FIG. The change screen 37 is displayed. When a file name is input to the input box 38 of the name change screen 37 by operating a keyboard (not shown) of the input unit 19 and the “OK” button 39 is clicked by operating the mouse, the display on the display is as shown in FIG. Returning to the registration screen 32 of (a), the file name highlighted in the file list display area 34 of the registration screen 32 is changed to the file name after change input on the name change screen 37.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the CPU 16 activates the printer driver program of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to generate a print job of a form image due to the generation of a form print request in the form creation application program, the form is displayed on the display. 7 is displayed. The print setting screen 60 shown in FIG.

  When the “barcode area designation” check box 61 is checked by operating the mouse on the print setting screen 60, the “area confirmation print” check box 62, a pull-down menu 63 thereon, and a “preview” button 64 can be operated. It becomes. In the pull-down menu 63, a coordinate data file of the barcode area can be selected. The coordinate data file that can be individually selected is a barcode area coordinate data file that is saved in the external storage device 21 by clicking the “save to file” button 35 on the registration screen 32 in FIG.

  When the “Preview” button 64 is clicked, a preview screen 70 of FIG. 8 is popped up on the display. On the preview screen 70, a thumbnail image 71 showing the barcode area 72 on the sheet of the form is displayed. The sheet displaying the thumbnail image 71 can be switched by clicking the increase / decrease button 73 with a mouse. The barcode area 72 displayed in the thumbnail image 71 conforms to the contents defined in the coordinate data file (CSV data) displayed in the pull-down menu 63 of the print setting screen 60.

  When the “OK” button 65 is clicked with the “Region Confirmation Print” check box 62 checked on the print setting screen 60 in FIG. 7, a print job in the confirmation print mode is generated by the CPU 16 and is stored in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Is output. A print job in the confirmation print mode is a sheet (layout patterns A to C) from the first page to the third page (P1 to P3) when the document to be printed is, for example, a “repetition = present” form shown in the lower part of FIG. ) Is a print job for printing a confirmation image obtained by superimposing a specified barcode area image (area image) on each sheet. The confirmation image will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the “OK” button 65 is clicked on the print setting screen 60 without checking the “Region Confirmation Print” check box 62, a print job in the normal print mode is generated by the CPU 16, and the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Is output. The print job in the normal print mode is a print job for printing all pages (for all addresses) of the form image to be printed. At this time, for the data in the barcode area corresponding to the coordinates defined in the coordinate data file (CSV data) displayed in the pull-down menu 63, the CPU 16 causes the density of the colored bar portion to be lower than the portion other than the barcode. The processing for printing (predetermined processing) is performed.

  This processing can be realized by reducing the dot amount of the dot data assigned to the pixels corresponding to the colored bar of the barcode. For example, if the solid black portion of a form image is printed by composite black printing using not only K (black) ink but also C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) inks, Only in the colored bar portion of the code, pure black printing may be performed using only K (black) ink without using C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) inks.

  A printer driver program for causing the CPU 16 to execute the processing described above is read from the disk-shaped recording medium 50 such as an optical disk by the disk drive 22 of the client terminal 14 and installed (stored) in the external storage device 21. Can do.

  The CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in which a print job in the above-described confirmation print mode or normal print mode is input from the client terminal 14 shown in FIG. 1 prints a confirmation image or a form image corresponding to the print job. In part 102, printing is performed.

  When a print job in the confirmation print mode is input, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 designates the area of the barcode 42 on the sheet 41 of the form as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. A confirmation image 44 in which a portion is superimposed as a region image 43 is printed on a recording sheet by the printer unit 102. Also in this case, the area image 43 may be a frame shape indicating the outline of the area or a shaded pattern.

  On the other hand, when a print job in the normal print mode is input, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 sets the density of the portion designated as the barcode area to a lower density than the other portions. Are printed on recording paper in the printer unit 102 for all pages (for all addresses).

  Next, a procedure of processing related to the barcode area designation in each sheet of the form performed by the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 according to the program of the ROM 17 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the CPU 16 checks whether or not a barcode area designation on the form sheet has been performed (step S1). When the barcode area designation is performed, the barcode area designation application program is activated, the area of the barcode 42 on the sheet 41 is designated by the operation of the mouse on the editing screen 40 in FIG. It can be recognized by confirming that the “Save to file” menu is selected.

  If the barcode area is not designated (NO in step S1), the series of processes is terminated. If the barcode area is designated (YES in step S1), the coordinates of the designated barcode area After the data (CSV data) is stored and saved in the external storage device 21 (step S3), the series of processing is terminated.

  Next, a process procedure related to print job output performed by the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 in accordance with the program in the ROM 17 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the CPU 16 confirms whether or not there is a print job output request (step S11). The print job output request can be recognized by confirming that the “OK” button 65 on the print setting screen 60 in FIG. 7 has been clicked.

  If there is no print job output request (NO in step S11), the series of processing ends, and if there is a print job output request (YES in step S11), the print mode to be executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is normal. It is confirmed whether the print mode is the confirmation print mode (step S13). The fact that the print mode is the normal print mode can be recognized by confirming that the “area confirmation print” check box 62 of the print setting screen 60 in FIG. 7 is not checked. Further, the fact that the print mode is the confirmation print mode can be recognized by confirming that the “area confirmation print” check box 62 is checked.

  If the print mode is the normal print mode (“normal” in step S13), a print job in the normal print mode is generated and output to the ink jet recording apparatus 1 (step S15), and the series of processing ends. If the print mode is the confirmation print mode (“confirmation” in step S13), a print job in the confirmation print mode is generated and output to the ink jet recording apparatus 1 (step S17), and the series of processing ends.

  As apparent from the above description, in the present embodiment, the coordinate data setting means in the claims is determined by the area of the external storage device 21 in which the coordinate data of the barcode area is stored and saved in the CSV data of the example of FIG. Is configured.

  In this embodiment, the configuration (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, and output unit 20) for displaying the print setting screen 60 of FIG. 7 on the display of the client terminal 14 and the “area check print” of the print setting screen 60 The mode setting means in the claims is configured by a configuration (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, input unit 19) for performing a mouse operation for checking and unchecking the check box 62. Note that step S13 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is processing corresponding to the mode setting means in the claims.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, step S15 and step S17 of FIG. 11 are processing corresponding to the mode-specific job output means in the claims.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, output unit 20) for displaying the editing screen 40 of FIG. 3 on the display of the client terminal 14 and the barcode 42 on the sheet 41 of the editing screen 40 are displayed. An editing screen 40 includes a configuration (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, input unit 19, output unit 20) for performing a mouse operation for designating a region (region displayed as a region image 43), and a “save to file” menu. The configuration for selecting above (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, input unit 19, output unit 20) constitutes a preview display unit and an area designation unit in the claims.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, input unit 19, output unit 20) for executing the procedure described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10 and a registration screen 32 of FIG. With the configuration (CPU16, ROM17, RAM18, input unit 19, output unit 20) for registering CSV data (barcode region coordinate data) of the external storage device 21 as a barcode region designation file, Coordinate acquisition means is configured.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the coordinate value of the area of the barcode 42 on each sheet 41 of the form is acquired as coordinate data, registered as a barcode area designation file, and stored in the external storage device 21. It was. When a print job in the confirmation print mode is generated by an operation on the print setting screen 60 displayed on the display, the area of the barcode 42 on the form sheet 41 in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 by the print job. The confirmation image 44 obtained by superimposing the portion set as the region image 43 is printed on the recording paper.

  For this reason, when the form sheet 41 is printed on the inkjet recording apparatus 1 by a print job in the normal print mode, a portion on which data is processed so that the density is lower than the portion other than the barcode 42 is recorded on the recording paper. Whether or not the appropriate position is set can be confirmed by the relative position of the area image 43 with respect to the barcode 42.

  The configuration for acquiring the coordinate data of the area of the barcode 42 on the sheet 41 of the form is, for example, a configuration in which the user manually inputs the contents of the CSV data shown in FIG. You may change it. However, as in this embodiment, the coordinate value is specified by specifying the area of the barcode 42 on each sheet 41 of the form by an operation on the editing screen 40 displayed on the display of the output unit 20 of the client terminal 14. Can be obtained as coordinate data, and the coordinate value of the barcode area can be set and obtained easily and accurately on the editing screen 40 as an image without being aware of the detailed dimensions and coordinate values. This is advantageous.

  In addition, a print job for causing a print job in the confirmation print mode to be printed as a confirmation image 44 in which the form image to be printed is superimposed on all pages (for all addresses) and the region image 43 is the same as the print job in the normal print mode. It is good. However, as in the present embodiment, in the case of a print job in the confirmation print mode, sheets from the first page to the third page (P1 to P3) of the form to be printed (one for each of the layout patterns A to C). If the print job is to print the confirmation image 44, it is possible to confirm on the various types of sheets 41 of the form that the barcode area is designated at an appropriate position with the minimum number of printed sheets. This is advantageous.

  In the above-described embodiment, whether or not the bar code area is appropriately set is printed on the recording paper when printing the colored bar portion of the bar code 42 at a lower density than the portion other than the bar code 42. The case where it can be confirmed has been described as an example. However, for example, when the printer driver program is executed, the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 automatically determines the object (photograph, illustration, character) included in the print image from the print image data, and the CPU 16 determines the print data of each determined object. The present invention can also be applied to a case where color conversion processing is performed with a color profile suitable for an object (corresponding to predetermined processing in the claims).

  Hereinafter, the specific content in the case described above will be described below as another embodiment of the present invention. Also in this embodiment, the “confirmation print” button 66 is clicked on the print setting screen 60 in FIG. 7 to pop up the object selection screen 80 in FIG. 12 on the display. Then, the user clicks the radio button 81 corresponding to the type of object for which the object automatic determination result is to be confirmed, and clicks the “OK” button 82. As a result, the display on the display returns to the print setting screen 60 of FIG.

  When the “OK” button 65 is clicked in the print setting screen 60 of FIG. 7 with the “area confirmation print” check box 62 checked, a print job in the confirmation print mode is generated by the CPU 16, and the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is output. On the other hand, when the “OK” button 65 is clicked on the print setting screen 60 without checking the “Region Confirmation Print” check box 62, a print job in the normal print mode is generated by the CPU 16, and the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Is output.

  The print job in the normal print mode is a print job for causing the CPU 16 to automatically determine the type of each object in the print image and printing the print image that has been color-converted using a color profile suitable for the determined object. On the other hand, the print job in the confirmation print mode is a print for printing a confirmation image that allows the CPU 16 to confirm on the print image an object that is automatically determined to be a specific type (one of a photo, an illustration, and a character). It is a job.

  Therefore, when a print job in the normal print mode is input, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 performs color conversion using the color profile corresponding to each object type automatically determined by the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14. The printer unit 102 causes the printer unit 102 to print the print image by the above.

  On the other hand, when a print job in the confirmation print mode is input, the CPU 90 of the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 applies the region image 87 to the type of object selected as the confirmation target as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. The superimposed confirmation image 83 is printed on the recording paper by the printer unit 102. In this case, the area image 87 may be a frame shape indicating the outline of the area or a shaded pattern.

  Here, it is assumed that “photograph” is selected as the object to be confirmed on the object selection screen 80 of FIG. Then, by the print job in the confirmation print mode, the confirmation image 83 in FIG. 13 in which the region image 87 is superimposed on the object automatically determined by the CPU 16 to be the “photo” object is printed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1. In this confirmation image 83, the area image 87 is superimposed on the object of the photograph 85 that is automatically determined by the CPU 16 as being a “photo” object, and the characters 84 and the like that the CPU 16 has not determined to be an object of “photo”. The area image 87 is not superimposed on the illustration 86.

  Note that the coordinate data of the region image 87 on the confirmation image 83 can be acquired from the coordinate data of the region determined by the CPU 16 as an object. Then, the CPU 16 stores the coordinate data of the area image 87 acquired in this way in the external storage device 21.

  As is clear from the above description, in this alternative embodiment, the coordinate data setting means in the claims is configured by the area of the external storage device 21 in which the coordinate data of each object is stored and stored.

  In this alternative embodiment, the configuration (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, and output unit 20) for displaying the print setting screen 60 of FIG. 7 on the display of the client terminal 14 or “area check print” on the print setting screen 60 is displayed. The mode setting means in the claims is constituted by a configuration (CPU 16, ROM 17, RAM 18, input unit 19) for performing a mouse operation for checking and unchecking the check box 62. Note that step S13 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is processing corresponding to the mode setting means in the claims.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, step S15 and step S17 of FIG. 11 are processing corresponding to the mode-specific job output means in the claims.

  According to this alternative embodiment, for example, whether the photograph 85 of the print image is correctly determined as an object of the photograph, and the area for color conversion with the color profile suitable for the photograph is set at the position of the photograph 85 in the print image. It is possible to accurately check whether.

  In the above-described embodiment, the coordinate data of the area images 43 and 87 is stored in the external storage device 21 of the client terminal 14. However, the coordinate data of the area images 43 and 87 may be stored in the hard disk of the server 120 on the local area network LAN shown in FIG. 1 together with the printer driver program (including the barcode area designation application program). With such a configuration, each client terminal 14 on the local area network LAN shares, for example, the coordinate data of the barcode area, or uses newly stored and saved coordinate data on other client terminals 14. This is advantageous.

  Note that when the CPU 16 of the client terminal 14 executes a printer driver program (including a barcode area specifying application program) and executes various processes of this embodiment, the area images 43 and 87 from the hard disk of the server 120 or the like. Are read out and once stored in the external storage device 21 or the RAM 18. Therefore, in that case, the coordinate data setting means in the claims constitutes the external storage device 21 and the RAM 18.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is used as a printing apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet method, and can be widely applied to a case where a printer using a method other than the ink jet method such as an electrophotographic method or a stencil printing method is used as a printing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 10 Control unit 11 External interface part 14 Client terminal 15 External interface part 16 CPU
17 ROM
18 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 Input part 20 Output part 21 External storage device 22 Disk drive 30 Property screen 31 "Barcode area designation file registration" button 32 Registration screen 33 "Add" button 34 File list display area 35 "Save to file" button 36 "Name "Change" button 37 Name change screen 38 Input box 39 "OK" button 40 Barcode area specification edit screen 41 Sheet 42 Barcode 43, 87 Area image 44, 83 Confirmation image 50 Disc-shaped recording medium 60 Print setting screen 61, 62 Check Box 63 Pull-down menu 64 “Preview” button 65 “OK” button 66 “Confirmation print” button 70 Preview screen 71 Thumbnail image 72 Barcode area 73 Increase / decrease button 80 Object selection screen 81 Radio Tan 82 "OK" button 84 character 85 photos 86 illustrations 90 CPU
91 ROM
92 RAM
93 External storage device 101 Scanner unit 102 Printer unit 110 Display 120 Server LAN Local area network

Claims (4)

In a print control device that outputs a print job of a print image to a printing device,
Coordinate data setting means for setting coordinate data of a predetermined area on the recording paper on which the printing apparatus prints the print image, and for performing predetermined processing on the data of the print image;
A normal print mode for causing the printing apparatus to print the processed print image obtained by performing the predetermined processing on the data in the predetermined area, and a confirmation image for confirming the predetermined area in the print image to the printing apparatus. Mode setting means for setting to one of the confirmation print modes to be printed,
When the normal print mode is set by the mode setting means, a print job of the processed print image is output to the printing apparatus, and when the confirmation print mode is set by the mode setting means A mode-specific job output means for outputting a print job of the confirmation image obtained by superimposing an area image indicating the predetermined area on the print image to the printing apparatus;
A printing control apparatus comprising:   The print image includes one or two or more types of sheet images each having a different layout of the predetermined area, and the coordinate data setting unit includes the coordinate data of the predetermined area. The mode-specific job output unit is set for each of the sheet images, and when the mode setting unit is set to the confirmation print mode, each type of the confirmation corresponding to one sheet image is set. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image print job is output to the printing apparatus.   A preview display means for displaying a preview screen of the print image; an area designating means for designating the predetermined area on the preview screen; and a coordinate obtaining means for obtaining the coordinate data from the contents designated by the area designating means. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate data acquired by the coordinate acquisition unit is set in the coordinate data setting unit.   The predetermined area is an area where a barcode in the print image is arranged, and the predetermined processing reduces the print density of the barcode less than the density of a portion other than the barcode in the print image. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control apparatus is a process for causing the print to be performed.

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