JP2012227810A - Operation device, and image processor including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation device capable of facilitating minute color adjustment with a manual operation.SOLUTION: A display panel 80 displays a screen in an operation part 54. A CPU 70 determines a conversion object color in image data input by an image reading part 55. A display screen generation part 60 allows the display panel 80 to display a color stereoscopic image. The display panel 80 receives an input operation with respect to the color stereoscopic image so as to receive the designation of a hue of a conversion color. The display screen generation part 60 allows the display panel 80 to display a constant hue plane image corresponding to the hue received by the display panel 80. The display panel 80 receives an input operation with respect to the constant hue plane image so as to receive the designation of brightness and saturation of the conversion color.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device and an image processing apparatus including the same, and more particularly to a technique for designating a color when performing color conversion of image data.

  In recent years, digital color copiers equipped with various functions have been widely used. In such a digital color copying machine, since the color copy function can be easily used, various documents and books are used as document images. Recently, in particular, the use of color copies in which original data is photographed data or photographs taken with a digital camera is increasing.

  Various techniques have been proposed in response to an increase in the types of document images. For example, there is a digital color copying machine having a configuration for selecting the type of document image. In such a copying machine, when “photograph” is selected as the type of original image by the user before scanning the original image, the reading conditions of the original image and the image processing conditions for the image data are optimal for the photographic image. Thus, image formation is performed.

  As the types of document images increase, more delicate image representation is required. In order to realize further higher image quality, a technique for performing more detailed color adjustment has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a color display control device that can automatically set an optimal display color according to a background color. This color display control device recognizes the point A where the background color of the area where the image is displayed exists on the Munsell color solid, and the color point found by an empirical rule regarding the color that is easy to see with respect to the point A B is calculated, and a color within a predetermined range centered on the point B is set as the display color of the image.

JP 2001-142447 A

  Since the operation screen mounted on the digital color copying machine is small, it is inferior in operability and visibility as compared with the case of using a large operation screen. For this reason, when performing detailed color adjustment manually, it is necessary to set hue, brightness, again, color balance, etc., which is troublesome and the image after color adjustment is difficult to understand. is there. Since the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 automatically performs color adjustment, the above-described problem cannot be solved.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operation device capable of easily performing detailed color adjustment manually, and an image processing apparatus including the same.

  An operating device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an input unit that inputs image data, and a color that performs color conversion on the image data so that the first color in the image data input by the input unit becomes the second color. And an image processing apparatus including a conversion unit. The operating device includes a display unit that displays a screen, a determination unit that determines a first color in the image data input by the input unit, and a first display control unit that causes the display unit to display a color stereoscopic image. And accepting an input operation for the color stereoscopic image, the first accepting unit accepting the designation of the upper attribute of the second color, and the display unit corresponding to the upper attribute accepted by the first accepting unit Second display control means for displaying a cross-sectional image of the color stereoscopic image to be displayed, and second reception means for receiving designation of a lower-order attribute of the second color by receiving an input operation on the cross-sectional image.

  As described above, the upper attribute of the second color is specified by an input operation on the color stereoscopic image, and the lower attribute of the second color is specified by the cross section of the color stereoscopic image corresponding to the specified higher attribute. Since it is performed by an input operation on an image, the user can perform many settings with a small number of input operations. Furthermore, since the balance in lightness and saturation can be visually grasped when the attribute of the second color is designated, it is easy to visually grasp the image after color adjustment. As a result, the user can easily perform detailed color adjustment manually.

  Preferably, the operation device further includes a third display control unit that causes the display unit to display a preview image based on the image data input by the input unit, and the second reception unit includes a lower attribute of the second color. In response to accepting the designation, the display means changes the display of the preview image so that the portion displayed in the first color in the preview image is displayed in the second color. Display changing means. This makes it easier for the user to visually grasp the image after color adjustment. As a result, the visibility of the operating device is further improved.

  More preferably, the color stereoscopic image is displayed so that the hue of the first color is closest to the screen. Thus, the user can easily confirm the hue of the first color by viewing the color stereoscopic image. As a result, the visibility of the operating device is further improved.

  More preferably, the operation device further includes a touch panel that is arranged on the display unit and receives a user operation on the screen, and the first display control unit is configured such that the touch panel is a predetermined on the screen on which the color stereoscopic image is displayed. In response to detecting the direction flick operation, the image display device includes a rotation display means for rotating the color stereoscopic image according to the direction of the flick operation, and the second display control means is a screen on which the touch panel is displayed on the color stereoscopic image. In response to the detection of the pinch-out operation for, a cross-sectional image is displayed on the display means. As a result, the user can intuitively specify detailed colors. As a result, the operability of the operating device is further improved.

  More preferably, in response to the touch panel detecting a flick operation in a predetermined direction on the screen on which the cross-sectional image is displayed, the second display control unit causes the display unit to perform the flick operation direction and the color solid. A cross-sectional image different from the displayed cross-sectional image is displayed according to the arrangement order of the color attributes in the image. As a result, the user can perform detailed color designation more easily. As a result, the operability of the operating device is further improved.

  More preferably, the upper attribute is hue, and the lower attribute is lightness and saturation. Thus, the user can specify the hue, brightness, and saturation of the second color with a small number of input operations. As a result, the operability of the operating device is further improved.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is specified by an input means for inputting image data, the above-described operating device, the first color determined by the above-described operating device, and the above-described operating device. And color conversion means for performing color conversion on the image data so that the first color in the image data input by the input means becomes the second color based on the second color. As described above, since the image processing apparatus includes the above-described operation device, color conversion desired by the user can be easily performed.

  According to the present invention, designation of a higher-order attribute of the second color is performed by an input operation on the color stereoscopic image, and designation of a lower-order attribute of the second color is performed corresponding to the designated higher-order attribute. Therefore, the user can perform many settings with few input operations. Furthermore, since the balance in lightness and saturation can be visually grasped when the attribute of the second color is designated, it is easy to visually grasp the image after color adjustment. As a result, the user can easily perform detailed color adjustment manually.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an operation unit and an initial screen of a copy mode. FIG. It is a figure which shows a Munsell color stereo image. It is a figure which shows a yellow equi-hue surface. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program for implement | achieving a color conversion process. It is a figure which shows a mode when a preview image is displayed on the initial screen of copy mode. It is a figure which shows the mode of operation when designating the color for conversion. It is a figure which shows an example of a color conversion setting screen. It is a figure which shows the mode of operation when designating a conversion color. It is a figure which shows the mode of operation when designating a conversion color. It is a figure which shows the mode of the display switching of an equi-hue surface. It is a figure which shows a mode when a conversion color is designated. It is a figure which shows the initial screen of the copy mode after color conversion execution.

  In the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals and names are assigned to the same components. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Image forming apparatus 10]
An image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an MFP (Multifunction Printer) having a scanner function, a copy function, a printer function, and the like.

<Hardware configuration>
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 50, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 52, an operation unit 54, an image reading unit 55, an image processing unit 56, an image memory 57 constituting a printer unit, and image formation. Unit 58, display screen generation unit 60, communication unit 61, and power supply control unit 62.

  The control unit 50 is substantially a computer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 70, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 74. A bus line 76 is connected to the CPU 70, and a ROM 72 and a RAM 74 are electrically connected to the bus line 76. The CPU 70 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 54 and the like, thereby executing desired processing such as operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 and communication with an external device. The various computer programs described above are stored in advance in the ROM 72 or the HDD 52, and are read from the ROM 72 or the HDD 52 and transferred to the RAM 74 when a desired process is executed. The CPU 70 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 74 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 70. CPU 70 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The result of the execution is also stored at an address specified by the instruction, such as a register in the RAM 74, HDD 52, and CPU 70.

  Further, the HDD 52, the operation unit 54, the image reading unit 55, the image processing unit 56, the image memory 57, the image forming unit 58, the communication unit 61, and the power supply control unit 62 are electrically connected to the bus line 76.

  The HDD 52 includes a magnetic storage medium, and stores various data such as image data and a computer program for realizing a general operation of the image forming apparatus 10 as well as a computer program for realizing a color conversion process described later.

The HDD 52 further stores an LUT (Look Up Table) used when the image processing unit 56 performs color space conversion of the image data (RGB data). This LUT is a table showing the correspondence between RGB data and L ^* a ^* b ^* color system data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “Lab data”), and is based on a predetermined conversion formula in advance. Created. Here, the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system is the CIE (International Commission on Illumination) 1976 color system. In the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system, L ^* indicates lightness, a ^* and b ^* indicate chromaticity, and √ {(a ^* ) ² + (b ^* ) ² } indicates saturation.

  The operation unit 54 includes an operation panel 78. Referring to FIG. 2, operation panel 78 includes indicator lamp 82 and various hardware keys such as power key 84, energy saving key (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving key”) 86, and home key 88. The indicator lamp 82 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and lights up when the image forming apparatus 10 is powered on. The power key 84 is a key for instructing power on / off. The energy saving key 86 is a key for issuing a transition instruction from the normal mode to the energy saving mode or a transition instruction from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Here, the normal mode is a state where the power is on and all the operation modes can be executed. The energy saving mode is a state where the power is on and only a part of the operation modes can be executed. The home key 88 is a key for instructing display of a home screen (not shown) for selecting and setting the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The operation unit 54 further includes a display panel 80 configured by overlapping a three-dimensional (3D) liquid crystal display (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)) and a touch panel. The display panel 80 provides an interactive operation interface to the user. Further, the display panel 80 can switch display between a two-dimensional (2D) image and a three-dimensional (3D) image. The operation unit 54 receives user instructions based on input operations on various hard keys of the operation panel 78 or the touch panel of the display panel 80, displays the contents of the instructions on the LCD of the display panel 80, and responds to the instructions. The control signal is output to the control unit 50 or the MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown) of the image processing unit 56 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, when the user presses the home key 88 on the operation panel 78, the above-described home screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 80. When the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is set to the copy mode by a user input operation on the home screen, the copy mode initial screen 100 (see FIG. 2) is displayed on the display panel 80. Referring to FIG. 2, a copy mode initial screen 100 includes a color key 102 for switching between the color mode and the monochrome mode, a paper key 104 for changing the recording paper (paper feed tray) to be used, and a copy magnification. A magnification key 106 for changing the color, a color conversion key 108 for starting the color conversion mode, a cancel key 110 for canceling the setting contents and returning to the initial state, and a copy for requesting the start of the copy process A key 112 is displayed. The color key 102, the paper key 104, and the magnification key 106 are displayed in the left area of the initial screen 100. The color conversion key 108, the cancel key 110, and the copy key 112 are displayed in the right area of the initial screen 100.

  The color conversion mode started by pressing the color conversion key 108 is a mode for performing color conversion for a specific color in the image data. In the present embodiment, color conversion of image data is performed according to the Munsell color system using a Munsell color stereoscopic image and an equi-hue surface which will be described later. The Munsell color system is a color system standardized by the Japanese Industrial Standard JISZ8721 and represents an object color by hue, brightness, and saturation.

  Hue can be expressed by Munsell's hue circle. Munsell's hue circle includes five basic colors of red (R), yellow (Y), green (G), blue (B), and purple (P), and yellow red (YR), which is an intermediate hue between them. ), Yellow-green (GY), blue-green (BG), blue-violet (PB), and red-purple (PR). They are arranged in a circle in order so as to be equally spaced. As numerical values expressing the hue, 5 is assigned to the five basic colors, and 10 is assigned to the five intermediate hues. Numerical values 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 are assigned to those obtained by further dividing each of 10 hues into 10 parts. The hue is expressed by adding the above numerical value to the color name. For example, 5G is expressed as green, 5B is expressed as blue, and 10GB is expressed as blue-green.

  The brightness is an index indicating the brightness of the color. A numerical value expressing brightness is assigned based on an achromatic color having no color. That is, an ideal black (achromatic color) is set to 0, an ideal white (achromatic color) is set to 10, and an intermediate brightness (that is, gray) is perceptual according to the degree of the brightness. Each numerical value of 1 to 9 is assigned so as to be equally spaced. Originally, white is physically defined as one that totally reflects light, and black is one that totally absorbs light.However, in reality, it is impossible to express them. The color chart is 9.5 and black 0.

  Saturation is an index indicating the vividness of a color. The numerical value expressing the saturation is assigned a numerical value of up to about 14 so that the achromatic color is 0, and the chromatic color is perceptually equidistant according to the degree of vividness of the color. The maximum saturation value varies with each hue.

  Each color can be expressed using the three attributes of the color described above. That is, the chromatic color is represented by “hue lightness / saturation”. For example, if the hue is 1YR, the lightness is 6, and the saturation is 4, it is expressed as “1YR 6/4”. The achromatic color is represented by “N + lightness (for example, N3 etc.)”.

  Referring to FIG. 3, Munsell color stereoscopic image 202 is formed into a graphic so that the above-described three attribute color differences can be seen at equal intervals. In the color stereoscopic image 202, the central vertical axis is an achromatic color axis 203 representing lightness. The uppermost part in the vertical direction of the shaft 203 shows white, the lowermost part shows black, and the middle part shows gray. The axis 203 is represented by a hue circle centered on the axis 203, and the hue is represented by a direction around 360 degrees around the axis 203. The saturation is indicated by the distance from the achromatic color axis 203, and the value of the saturation increases as it goes outward with respect to the achromatic color axis 203. In FIG. 3, the color stereoscopic image 202 is represented by an achromatic color, but actually, it is represented by a chromatic color such as red, blue, and yellow instead of an achromatic color.

  When the color stereoscopic image 202 is cut by a plane that passes through the axis 203 and is parallel to the axis 203, equal hue planes having a complementary color appear side by side. FIG. 4 shows an equi-hue surface 300 corresponding to yellow. Referring to FIG. 4, an equi-hue surface 300 is formed by arranging each color of the same hue, and the horizontal axis represents each level of saturation and the vertical axis represents each level of lightness.

  In the present embodiment, the user can designate a desired hue by touching a portion indicated by the desired hue in the color stereoscopic image 202 displayed on the display panel 80. The user can also specify a desired color by touching a portion indicated by desired lightness and saturation on the equi-hue surface displayed on the display panel 80. Details of the color designation method using the color stereoscopic image 202 and the equal hue plane will be described later.

  The image reading unit 55 includes a document scanning unit including a light source, a reflection mirror, an optical lens, and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (all of which are not shown). The document scanning unit irradiates light from a light source onto an image surface of a document placed on a document placement table (not shown) manually by a user or by an automatic document feeder (not shown). Thus, a reflected light image is obtained. The reflection mirror and the optical lens form the resulting reflected light image on the CCD line sensor. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image to generate image data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “scan data”).

  The image processing unit 56 includes an MPU (not shown). The image processing unit 56 performs predetermined image processing such as color space conversion processing and rasterization processing on the scan data (RGB data) output from the image reading unit 55 to generate image data of a predetermined gradation. And output to the image memory 57. The color space conversion process described above is performed based on an LUT stored in advance in the HDD 52.

  The image memory 57 includes a RAM and temporarily stores image data in units of pages. The image memory 57 receives image data input from the image processing unit 56 or image data transmitted from an external device for transmission to the image forming unit 58 according to an instruction from the control unit 50 or the like. Are temporarily stored, and the stored image data is output to the image forming unit 58 in synchronization with image formation by the image forming unit 58.

  The image forming unit 58 is detachably attached to the photosensitive drum, the charger, the LSU (Laser Scanning Unit), the developing device, the transfer device, the cleaning device, the fixing device (none of which is shown), and the image forming device 10. Including a toner cartridge to be mounted on. Further, the image forming unit 58 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 10, and includes a manual paper feed tray, a first paper feed tray, a second paper feed tray, and a third paper feed tray (all of which are not shown). including. These paper feed trays are installed so as to be lined up and down in this order, hold the recording paper, and feed the recording paper to a paper transport unit (not shown). The manual paper feed tray is a tray for a user to manually place desired recording paper, and the first paper feed tray to the third paper feed tray are trays for holding recording papers of different sizes. . In these paper feed trays, for example, B5 size, A4 size, B4 size, and A3 size recording sheets are respectively installed. The image forming unit 58 is based on image data transmitted from the image memory 57 onto a recording sheet conveyed from any of the above-described paper feed trays via the sheet conveying unit in response to an instruction from the control unit 50 or the like. Print the image.

  The display screen generation unit 60 generates display image data to be displayed on the display panel 80 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 50 or the like. Based on the generated image data, the display screen generation unit 60 displays various screens such as an initial screen 100 in copy mode (see FIG. 2) and a color conversion setting screen 200 (see FIG. 8), for example. Is displayed.

  The communication unit 61 is a LAN interface (LAN I / F) that interfaces with the network 20 including a LAN (Local Area Network) line or the like. The image forming apparatus 10 performs data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with an external device on the network 20 via the communication unit 61.

  The power supply control unit 62 is electrically connected to the external power supply 63. The power control unit 62 acquires power necessary for the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 from the external power source 63 and supplies the acquired power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The image forming apparatus 10 operates the above-described units to copy a document image on a recording sheet in accordance with an instruction from a user based on an input operation on the operation unit 54 or an instruction from an external device. One of various modes, such as a printer mode for receiving image data transmitted from the printer and printing it on recording paper, and a scanner mode for reading a document image and transmitting it to an external apparatus, is executed.

<Software configuration>
The computer program for realizing the color conversion process is activated when the copy mode is set as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 and the copy mode initial screen 100 (see FIG. 2) is displayed on the display panel 80. Is done.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the computer program for realizing the color conversion process determines in step S101 whether or not image data has been input and in step S101 that no image data has been input. In this case (NO), the display screen generating unit 60 includes a step S102 for causing the display panel 80 to display a message requesting input of image data. After the process of step S102, control returns to step S101.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S101 that image data has been input (in the case of YES), and the display screen generation unit 60 performs a preview based on the input image data on the display panel 80. Step S103 for displaying an image and Step S104 for determining whether or not the start of the color conversion mode is requested are included. If it is determined in step S104 that the start of the color conversion mode is not requested (in the case of NO), this control ends.

  The program is further executed in step S104 when it is determined that the start of the color conversion mode is requested (in the case of YES), and the color to be converted in the image data in the preview image (hereinafter referred to as “conversion target”). Step S105 for determining whether or not a portion for confirming “color” is touched is included.

  This program is further executed in step S105 when it is determined that the part for determining the color to be converted has been touched (in the case of YES), and based on the display color of the touched part, Step S106 for determining the conversion target color and Step S107 for causing the display screen generating unit 60 to display a color conversion setting screen to be described later on the display panel 80 are included.

  This program further waits until a color after color conversion (hereinafter referred to as “converted color”) is specified, and when it is determined in step S108 that the converted color is specified (in the case of YES) ) And the display screen generation unit 60 displays a preview image on the display panel 80 so that the portion displayed in the determined conversion target color is displayed in the designated conversion color. Step S109 to be changed. After the process of step S109, control returns to step S105.

  This program is further executed in step S105 when it is determined that the part for determining the color to be converted is not touched (in the case of NO), and the cancel key displayed on the color conversion setting screen is pressed. Step S110 for determining whether or not it has been performed, and Step S111 that is executed when it is determined in Step S110 that the cancel key has been pressed (in the case of YES) and cancels the color conversion mode.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S110 that the cancel key has not been pressed (in the case of NO), and it is determined whether or not the OK key displayed on the color conversion setting screen has been pressed. When it is determined in step S112 and step S112 that the OK key is pressed (in the case of YES), the conversion target color determined in the input image data becomes the designated conversion color. Step S113 for performing color conversion on the image data. If it is determined in step S112 that the OK key has not been pressed (NO), the control returns to step S105. After the process of step S111 or after the process of step S113, this control ends.

<Operation>
1 to 13, image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. Except for the following operations, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is the same as that of the conventional image forming apparatus. In the following operation, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 is powered on.

  The user presses the home key 88 on the operation panel 78. When the home key 88 is pressed, a home screen (not shown) is displayed on the display panel 80. The user sets the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the copy mode by an input operation on the home screen. When the copy mode is set, an initial screen 100 for copy mode (see FIG. 2) is displayed on the display panel 80.

  When initial screen 100 is displayed, CPU 70 determines that image data has not been input (NO in step S101). When the determination is made by the CPU 70, the display screen generation unit 60 displays a message requesting input of image data such as “Please scan the document” on the display panel 80 (step S102). This message is displayed, for example, on the front or center of the initial screen 100.

  The user confirms the displayed message, and places a desired document (not shown) partially including an image colored in green on a document placement table (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10. At the same time, an instruction to request the start of the scanning process is issued by an input operation on the operation unit 54. When the start of the scanning process is requested, the image reading unit 55 reads an image of the document placed on the document placing table and generates scan data based on the read image information.

  When the scan data is generated, the CPU 70 determines that the image data is input (YES in step S101), and the display screen generation unit 60 applies the input image data (in this case, the scan data) to the display panel 80. A preview image based on (data) is displayed (step S103). At this time, the display of the message requesting input of image data is terminated in synchronization with the display of the preview image. Referring to FIG. 6, preview image 114 is displayed at the center of initial screen 100 on display panel 80. In the preview image 114, an area 116 corresponding to an image colored in green included in the document is displayed in green.

  The user desires color conversion of the area 116 and presses the color conversion key 108. When color conversion key 108 is pressed, CPU 70 determines that the start of the color conversion mode has been requested (YES in step S104), and starts the color conversion mode. Referring to FIG. 7, the user touches area 116 after pressing color conversion key 108. When the area 116 is touched, the CPU 70 determines that the part for determining the conversion target color in the preview image 114 is touched (YES in step S105), and the image is based on the display color of the touched part. The conversion target color in the data is determined (step S106). In this case, since the touched area 116 is displayed in green, green is determined as the conversion target color. When the conversion target color is determined, the display screen generation unit 60 displays the color conversion setting screen 200 on the display panel 80 (step S107).

  With reference to FIG. 8, a color stereoscopic image 202 for designating the hue of the converted color is displayed three-dimensionally (3D) in the center of the color conversion setting screen 200. In the color conversion setting screen 200, a cancel key 206 for canceling the color conversion mode and an OK key 208 for executing color conversion on the image data are displayed on the right side of the color stereoscopic image 202. The In the area on the left side of the color stereoscopic image 202, the preview image 114 is reduced and displayed. At this time, the color stereoscopic image 202 is displayed so that the determined hue of the color to be converted (in this case, green) comes closest to the screen. The color stereoscopic image 202 is displayed so as to be rotatable about the axis 203 by a flick operation in the horizontal direction of the screen on the color stereoscopic image 202. The flick operation indicates an operation in which the display portion is lightly touched with a finger in a predetermined direction.

  The user rotates the color stereoscopic image 202 so that a desired hue (blue in this case) is displayed on the screen by flicking the color stereoscopic image 202 in the horizontal direction of the screen. When the desired hue is displayed on the screen, the user touches a portion indicated by the desired hue (blue) in the color stereoscopic image 202. By this operation, the user can specify the hue of the converted color.

  Referring to FIG. 9, after specifying the hue of the converted color, the user pinches out the vicinity of the color stereoscopic image 202. Pinch out is an operation of separating two fingers (thumb and index finger) so as to widen a target portion on the screen. Referring to FIG. 10, when a pinch-out is performed, a color stereo image 202 is displayed in the center portion of the color conversion setting screen 200 in a left-right direction of the screen at a portion indicated by a specified hue. The cross-sectional image is displayed two-dimensionally (2D). That is, in the central portion of the color conversion setting screen 200, a hue (for example, a hue arranged adjacent to the left side of the hue specified in the color stereoscopic image 202 and the equal hue plane 301 corresponding to the specified hue (blue) (for example, , Bluish purple) and the same hue plane 302 are displayed side by side. Note that the user can close the displayed cross-sectional image and display the color stereoscopic image 202 again by pinching in the vicinity of the equi-hue surfaces 301 and 302. Pinch-in is an operation in which two fingers (thumb and index finger) are brought close to each other so as to narrow a target portion on the screen.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the user can change the combination of displayed equal hue planes by flicking the vicinity of equal hue planes 301 and 302. That is, when the user flicks the vicinity of the equal hue planes 301 and 302 in the left direction of the screen, the hue (for example, the hue arranged adjacent to the right side of the hue (blue) of the equal hue plane 501 in the color stereoscopic image 202 (for example, , Blue-green) equal hue plane 303 and a hue (for example, green) equal hue plane 304 arranged adjacent to the right side of the hue are displayed in place of the equal hue planes 301 and 302. . When the user flicks the vicinity of the equal hue planes 301 and 302 in the right direction of the screen, the hue (for example, the hue arranged adjacent to the left side of the hue (blue-purple) of the equal hue plane 502 in the color stereoscopic image 202 (for example, A combination of a (e.g. purple) equal hue plane 305 and a hue (e.g. reddish purple) equal hue plane 306 arranged adjacent to the left side of the hue is displayed instead of the equal hue planes 301 and 302. In this way, the combination of the displayed uniform hue planes is changed according to the direction of the flick operation and the order of the hues in the color stereoscopic image 202.

  Referring to FIG. 10 again, the user touches the portion indicated by the desired lightness and saturation on the blue equi-hue surface 301. By this operation, the user can specify the conversion color. When the above-described portion on the equi-hue surface 301 is touched, the CPU 70 determines that a conversion color has been designated (YES in step S108). Referring to FIG. 12, when the above determination is made by CPU 70, display screen generating unit 60 designates a portion displayed on the display panel 80 in the determined conversion target color (in this case, green). The display of the preview image 114 is changed so that it is displayed in the converted color (blue in this case) (step S109). As a result, the color of the area 116 is changed from green to blue and displayed.

  The user confirms the preview image 114 whose display has been changed, and presses the OK key 208 if there is no problem. When the OK key 208 is pressed (YES in step S112), the CPU 70 causes the determined conversion target color in the input image data (scan data in this case) to be the designated conversion color. Color conversion is performed on the image data (step S113). When the color conversion is performed on the image data, the display screen generation unit 60 causes the display panel 80 to display the copy mode initial screen 100 again. Referring to FIG. 13, at the center of initial screen 100, preview image 114 that has been reduced and displayed on color conversion setting screen 200 is displayed enlarged to the original size. In the preview image 114, the region 116 is displayed in blue.

  The user presses the copy key 112 after making various desired settings through input operations on the color key 102, the paper key 104, and the magnification key 106. When the copy key 112 is pressed, the image processing unit 56 performs various types of image processing on the scan data after color conversion. At this time, the color-converted scan data (RGB data) is subjected to color space conversion processing based on the LUT stored in advance in the HDD 52 and converted into Lab data. The scan data after color conversion is input to the image memory 57 after being subjected to various types of image processing, and is temporarily stored. The image memory 57 outputs the stored image data to the image forming unit 58 in synchronization with image formation by the image forming unit 58. The image forming unit 58 prints an image based on the image data output from the image memory 57 on a recording sheet conveyed from one of the paper feed trays via the sheet conveying unit. In the output image, the image corresponding to the region 116 is printed in blue.

  In the color conversion mode, the user can cancel the color conversion mode by pressing the cancel key 206 displayed on the color conversion setting screen 200 (YES in step S110) (step S111). When the color conversion mode is canceled, the copy mode initial screen 100 is displayed on the display panel 80 in a state before the color conversion mode is started.

  In the above embodiment, the CPU 70 determines that image data has been input in response to the generation of scan data (YES in step S101), but the present embodiment is limited to such a configuration. Not. The CPU 70 may make the above determination in response to the communication unit 61 receiving image data transmitted from an external device. In this case, a preview image based on the image data received by the communication unit 61 is displayed on the display panel 80 (step S103).

<Action and effect>
According to the above embodiment, the operation unit 54 includes the image reading unit 55 or the communication unit 61 that inputs image data, and the conversion target color in the image data input by the image reading unit 55 or the communication unit 61 is a conversion color. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 70 that performs color conversion on the image data. In the operation unit 54, the display panel 80 displays a screen, the CPU 70 determines a conversion target color in the image data input by the image reading unit 55 or the communication unit 61, and the display screen generation unit 60 displays the display panel. The color stereoscopic image 202 is displayed on 80, and the display panel 80 accepts an input operation for the color stereoscopic image 202, thereby accepting the designation of the higher-order attribute (hue) of the converted color. The panel 80 displays the cross-sectional image (equal hue surface 301) of the color stereoscopic image 202 corresponding to the upper attribute (hue) received by the display panel 80, and the display panel 80 displays the cross-sectional image (equal hue surface 301). By accepting an input operation for, designation of lower-order attributes (brightness and saturation) of the converted color is accepted.

  As described above, the higher-order attribute of the conversion color is designated by the input operation on the color stereoscopic image 202, and the lower-order attribute of the conversion color is designated for the cross-sectional image of the color stereoscopic image 202 corresponding to the designated higher-order attribute. Since the input operation is performed, the user can perform many settings with a small number of input operations. Furthermore, since the balance in lightness, saturation, etc. can be visually grasped when the conversion color attribute is designated, it is easy to visually grasp the image after color adjustment. As a result, the user can easily perform detailed color adjustment manually.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the display screen generation unit 60 causes the display panel 80 to display the preview image 114 based on the image data input by the image reading unit 55 or the communication unit 61, and the display panel 80 In response to accepting designation of lower-order attributes (brightness and saturation) of the conversion color, a portion displayed in the conversion target color in the preview image 114 is displayed in the conversion color on the display panel 80. In this way, the display of the preview image 114 is changed. This makes it easier for the user to visually grasp the image after color adjustment. As a result, the visibility of the operation unit 54 is further improved.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the color stereoscopic image 202 is displayed so that the hue of the color to be converted comes to the forefront on the screen. Thereby, the user can easily confirm the hue of the color to be converted by looking at the color stereoscopic image 202. As a result, the visibility of the operation unit 54 is further improved.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the display panel 80 is arranged so as to overlap the LCD and includes a touch panel that accepts a user operation on the screen. The display screen generation unit 60 displays the color stereoscopic image 202 on the touch panel. In response to the detection of the flick operation in the left-right direction of the screen on the current screen, the color stereoscopic image 202 is rotated according to the direction of the flick operation, and the touch panel performs a pinch-out operation on the screen on which the color stereoscopic image 202 is displayed. In response to the detection, the display panel 80 displays a cross-sectional image (equal hue surface 301) of the color stereoscopic image 202. As a result, the user can intuitively specify detailed colors. As a result, the operability of the operation unit 54 is further improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the display screen generation unit 60 displays in response to the touch panel detecting a flick operation in the horizontal direction of the screen on the screen on which the cross-sectional image (equal hue surface 301) is displayed. A cross-sectional image (equal hue planes 303 to 306) different from the displayed cross-sectional image (equal hue plane 301) according to the direction of the flick operation and the arrangement order of the color attributes (hue) in the color stereoscopic image 202 with respect to the panel 80. ) Is displayed. As a result, the user can perform detailed color designation more easily. As a result, the operability of the operation unit 54 is further improved.

  According to the above embodiment, the upper attribute is hue, and the lower attribute is lightness and saturation. Therefore, the user can specify the hue, lightness, and saturation of the converted color with a small number of input operations. Can be done. As a result, the operability of the operation unit 54 is further improved.

  Note that, according to the above embodiment, the cross-sectional image of the color stereoscopic image 202 is an image representing a state in which the color stereoscopic image 202 is opened in the horizontal direction of the screen at a portion indicated by the specified hue. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, an image obtained by cutting the color stereoscopic image 202 on a plane that passes through a portion touched by the user (that is, a portion indicated by a specified brightness) and is perpendicular to the axis 203. Also good. At this time, a plurality of hue rings (not shown) having different saturations are displayed on the display panel 80 in a concentric manner. The user can specify a conversion color by touching a portion indicated by a desired hue and saturation in the hue circle. Further, when detecting a flick operation in the vertical direction of the screen on the screen on which the plurality of hue rings are displayed, the display panel 80 follows the direction of the flick operation and the arrangement order of the color attributes (lightness) in the color stereoscopic image 202. A cross-sectional image different from the displayed cross-sectional image (a plurality of hue rings) is displayed.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the image reading unit 55 or the communication unit 61 for inputting image data, the operation unit 54 described above, and the conversion target color and operation determined by the operation unit 54. CPU 70 that performs color conversion on the image data so that the conversion target color in the image data input by the image reading unit 55 or the communication unit 61 becomes the conversion color based on the conversion color specified by the unit 54. Including. As described above, since the image forming apparatus 10 includes the operation unit 54 described above, the color conversion desired by the user can be easily performed.

In the above embodiment, the image processing unit 56 performs the color space conversion process using the LUT. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and performs an operation based on a predetermined conversion formula. It may be done by doing. The color space conversion process is not limited to the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system, and may be performed using another color system.

  In the above embodiment, the copy process is performed on the color-converted image data, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a process of sending image data after color conversion attached to an e-mail or a process of storing the image data after color conversion in a predetermined storage device (for example, HDD 52) may be performed. In this case, the initial screen for the operation mode corresponding to each process is displayed in a manner similar to the initial screen 100 for the copy mode, and an e-mail transmission process is executed instead of the copy key 112. A transmission key or a storage key (none of which is shown) for executing image data storage processing is displayed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the scope of claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 54 Operation part 55 Image reading part 60 Display screen production | generation part 61 Communication part 70 CPU
80 Display panel 114 Preview image 202 Three-dimensional color image 300-306 Equicolor hue plane

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus comprising: input means for inputting image data; and color conversion means for performing color conversion on the image data so that a first color in the image data input by the input means becomes a second color An operating device provided in the
Display means for displaying a screen;
Confirming means for confirming a first color in the image data input by the input means;
First display control means for displaying a color stereoscopic image on the display means;
First accepting means for accepting designation of an upper attribute of the second color by accepting an input operation on the color stereoscopic image;
Second display control means for causing the display means to display a cross-sectional image of the color stereoscopic image corresponding to the higher order attribute received by the first receiving means;
And a second accepting unit that accepts designation of a lower attribute of the second color by accepting an input operation on the cross-sectional image. The operating device further includes
Third display control means for causing the display means to display a preview image based on the image data input by the input means;
In response to the second accepting means accepting designation of a lower attribute of the second color, a portion displayed in the first color in the preview image is displayed on the display means. The operation device according to claim 1, further comprising display change means for changing the display of the preview image so as to be displayed in the second color.   The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the color stereoscopic image is displayed such that a hue of the first color is closest to the screen. The operation device further includes a touch panel that is arranged over the display means and receives a user operation on the screen,
The first display control means rotates the color stereoscopic image according to the direction of the flick operation in response to the touch panel detecting a flick operation in a predetermined direction on the screen on which the color stereoscopic image is displayed. Including rotation display means
The second display control means causes the display means to display the cross-sectional image in response to the touch panel detecting a pinch-out operation on the screen on which the color stereoscopic image is displayed. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   In response to detecting that the touch panel detects a flick operation in a predetermined direction on the screen on which the cross-sectional image is displayed, the second display control unit performs the flick operation direction and the display unit on the display unit. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein a cross-sectional image different from the displayed cross-sectional image is displayed in accordance with an arrangement order of color attributes in the color stereoscopic image.   The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the upper attribute is hue, and the lower attribute is lightness and saturation. Input means for inputting image data;
The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Based on the first color determined by the operation device and the second color specified by the operation device, the first color in the image data input by the input means is the second color. An image processing apparatus comprising: color conversion means for performing color conversion on the image data.

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