JP3840141B2 - Image processing apparatus, information input apparatus, and methods thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an information input apparatus, and methods thereof, and for example, relates to a color conversion process in consideration of regional characteristics.
[0002]
[Prior art]
It has been said before that the colors preferred by the region differ. For example, when comparing skin color between Japan and North America, it is reported that Japan prefers a skin color with a strong magenta color. It is said that differences in people and solar radiation are the main causes of the regional colors that are favored, but differences in cultural background are also having a considerable influence. This is reflected in the color reproduction of the film of silver salt sensitive material manufacturers. For example, Fuji Photo Film's positive film expresses a slightly magenta skin color compared to Kodak.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Color output (especially skin color) of inkjet printers intended for photographic image output is preferred in the Japanese market, but not necessarily preferred in other countries' markets. The printer is also required to have a function that reflects the regional characteristics of the preferred color.
[0004]
It is an object of the present invention to facilitate the setting of color conversion according to regional characteristics and user preferences.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.
[0006]
An information input device according to the present invention includes an input unit for a user to input the region information in a color conversion device that performs color conversion of an image based on the region information. represented as a vertex, the degree of information indicating those areas impact on the color conversion includes a user interface to represent the distance from the plurality of vertices, as the area information, the information indicative of the plurality of regions The degree of influence can be input on the basis of this .
[0007]
An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes input means for a user to input area information, and conversion means for color-converting an image based on the area information. represented as a vertex, the degree of information indicating those areas impact on the color conversion includes a user interface to represent the distance from the plurality of vertices, as the area information, the information indicative of the plurality of regions The degree of influence can be input on the basis of this .
[0008]
An information input method according to the present invention is an information input method in which a user inputs the area information to a color conversion device that performs color conversion of an image based on area information, and represents a plurality of areas as vertices of a figure, The influence based on the information indicating the plurality of areas as the area information in accordance with the operation of the user interface expressing the degree of influence of the information indicating the area on the color conversion as the distance from the plurality of vertices. It is characterized by inputting the degree of.
[0009]
An image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for color-converting an image based on area information input by a user, wherein a plurality of areas are expressed as vertices of a figure, and information indicating these areas is used for the color conversion. The degree of influence is input based on information indicating the plurality of areas as the area information in accordance with an operation of a user interface that expresses the degree of influence as a distance from the plurality of vertices. To do.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer device (hereinafter referred to as “host computer”) according to the embodiment.
[0013]
CPU 101 is based on data stored in ROM 102 or hard disk (HD) 109, control program, operating system (OS), application program (AP), color matching processing module (CMM), device driver, etc., RAM 103, operation The unit 104, the image processing unit 105, the monitor 106, the input device 107, and the output device 108 are controlled to perform various controls and processes.
[0014]
A RAM 103 is a work area for executing various control programs, and a temporary storage area for data input from the operation unit 104.
[0015]
The input device 107 is an image input device such as an image scanner including a CCD or CMOS sensor, a digital camera, or a still video camera, and inputs acquired image data to a host computer.
[0016]
The output device 108 is an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, a wire dot printer, or the like, and forms and outputs a color image on recording paper.
[0017]
The operation unit 104 is used by a user to input operation data of the input device 107 and the output device 108, setting data of various conditions of image processing, and the like with a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.
[0018]
The image processing unit 105 is a function expansion card configured by hardware such as ASIC and DSP, for example, and performs various image processing including image processing to be described later under the control of the CPU 101. If the performance of CPU 101 is high and the access speed of RAM 103 and HD 109 is sufficiently high, CPU 101, RAM 103 and HD 109 can be used without preparing a special function expansion card as image processing unit 105. The same result can be obtained by executing a program corresponding to image processing described later.
[0019]
The monitor 106 is a CRT, LCD, or the like, and displays an image processing result, a user interface screen at the time of operation by the operation unit 104, and the like.
[0020]
Although not shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 104, the monitor 106, the input device 107, the output device 108, and the HD 109 are each connected to the system bus of the host computer via a predetermined interface.
[0021]
[Image processing unit]
Next, a detailed configuration and operation of the image processing unit 105 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing of the image processing unit 105 executed based on the color matching processing module.
[0022]
A color matching processing unit 201 that performs color matching processing converts image data that depends on the input device 107 that is input via the OS into image data that depends on the output device 108.
[0023]
The input profile reading unit 202 responds to input information “input device type” indicating which device of the multiple types of input devices 107 connected to the host computer is inputting image data. The input profile data describing the input characteristics of the device to be read is read from the input profile storage unit 204.
[0024]
The input profile storage unit 204 stores in advance a plurality of input profiles that describe input characteristics of various input devices 107 that are assigned to the HD 109 and connected to the host computer, for example.
[0025]
The output profile reading unit 205 reads a specific output profile from the output profile storage unit 207. Specifically, the information “output device type” indicating which device outputs an image from a plurality of types of output devices 108 connected to the host computer, the information set in the device “type of recording medium” ”,“ Binarization method ”,“ resolution ”, and the device profile corresponding to the information“ ink type ”indicating the type of recording material used for image output are selected and further specified by the preference selection unit 206 one from the "regional name", each output profile output profile that has been prepared for each area (FIG. 2 shows an example in which the United States for the profile 208, Europe for profile 209 your good beauty Asia for the profile 210 has been prepared) Or read multiple output profiles.
[0026]
It should be noted that the taste of color in a representative region is investigated in advance, and an output profile that realizes such color is prepared and stored in, for example, the output profile storage unit 207 assigned to the HD 109. Of course, the output profile storage unit 207 stores in advance a plurality of output profiles describing output characteristics according to various settings and regional characteristics of various output devices 108 connected to the host computer.
[0027]
The output profile synthesis unit 203 synthesizes one or a plurality of output profiles read by the output profile reading unit 205. Profile synthesis is performed based on the synthesis ratio input from the preference selection unit 206, and the synthesized output profile is input to the color matching processing unit 201.
[0028]
The preference selection unit 206 is realized by the processing of the CPU 101, and displays the user interface shown in FIG. Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which there are three areas, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0029]
The triangle 301 of the user interface shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a region A (for example, Asia), the vertex 302 corresponds to a region B (for example, the United States), and the vertex 303 corresponds to a region C (for example, Europe). A cursor 307 for the user to set preferences moves in a triangle in conjunction with the movement of a pointing device such as a mouse of the operation unit 104. When the cursor 307 is moved to the vertex 301 and the mouse button is pressed, for example, the area A is designated. Similarly, the region B is designated by moving to the vertex 302 and pressing the mouse button, and the region C is designated by moving to the vertex 303 and pressing the mouse button. In the three cases of designating vertices, the area name corresponding to the designated vertex is sent to the output profile reading unit 205. Therefore, in these cases, no profile synthesis is performed, and an output profile corresponding to the designated area name is input to the color matching processing unit 201.
[0030]
On the other hand, when the cursor 307 is moved to a position other than the vertex and the mouse button is pressed, the following occurs.
[0031]
When a line segment between two vertices is designated, two area names are input to the output profile reading unit 205, and a combination ratio of the two profiles is input to the output profile combining unit 206. For example, when the point 304 shown in FIG. 3 is designated, the combined ratios rA and rB of the output profiles PA and PB corresponding to the regions A and B are expressed by the following equations.
rA = 1-Dist / Len
rB = Dist / Len… (1)
[0032]
That is, when the point 304 is designated, the user designates an output profile between the region A and the region B and from the region B.
[0033]
When the inside of the triangle other than the side is designated, the three area names are input to the output profile reading unit 205, and the combination ratio of the three profiles is input to the output profile combining unit 203 . For example, when the point 305 shown in FIG. 3 is designated, the combined ratios rA, rB, and rC of the output profiles PA, PB, and PC corresponding to the regions A, B, and C are expressed by the following equations.
rA = 1-2a / (a + b + c)
rB = 1-2b / (a + b + c)… (2)
rC = 1-2c / (a + b + c)
[0034]
The output profile synthesis unit 203 synthesizes the output profile according to the following formula based on the input output profile and the synthesis ratio.
Composite profile = ΣPi × ri
Here, the range of Σ operation is i = 1 to 2, or i = 1 to 3
[0035]
When the chromaticity point is expressed in the CIE L * a * b * color space, for example, the chromaticity point L * a * b * of the output profile PA of the region A is (50, 10, 30) and the output of the region B When the chromaticity point L * a * b * of profile PB is (52, 12, 32) and the composition ratio is rA = 2/5 and rB = 3/5, the chromaticity point of the composition profile is as follows: .
L * = 50 × 2/5 + 52 × 3/5 = 51.2
a * = 10 × 2/5 + 12 × 3/5 = 11.2
b * = 30 × 2/5 + 32 × 3/5 = 31.2
[0036]
This conversion example shows only one point of the output profile. However, in practice, synthesis is performed for all the grid points of the output profile (usually the number of grid points is about 9 x 9 x 9 = 729 points). Create
[0037]
[Example of output profile]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an output profile.
[0038]
The profile includes a header 401 in which basic information about various profiles is described, and a table 402 in which information used for color matching processing is described. The header 401 includes, for example, ID information, version information, device class information indicating a basic type of device, and the like.
[0039]
Further, the table 402 shows BtoA information, which is a color processing parameter related to processing for converting image data B in a device-independent PCS (Profile Connection Space) into image data A in a color space depending on a certain device. It includes AtoB information, which is a color processing parameter relating to processing for converting image data A in the dependent color space into image data B in the PCS. These BtoA information and AtoB information correspond to the color matching method supported by the color matching processing module, color priority color matching (Perceptual), colorimetric color matching (Colorimetric), and color priority color matching (Saturation). And stored. Here, Perceptual is color matching suitable for a photographic image and the like with emphasis on color gradation. Colorimetric is color matching suitable for logotypes and other images for the purpose of reproducing colors that match calorimetrically. Saturation is color matching suitable for images such as graphs and computer graphics (CG) that emphasizes the vividness of colors.
[0040]
In order to distinguish which color matching method the color processing parameter shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to, the number “01” for Perceptual, the number “02” for Colorimetric, and the number “03” for Saturation Is attached.
[0041]
Note that, as described above, the output profile used in the present embodiment is one that takes into account regional characteristics, or is a composite of output profiles corresponding to a plurality of regions at a combination ratio designated by the user.
[0042]
[Color matching processing]
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for explaining color matching processing related to image forming processing and preview processing using an output profile.
[0043]
An input image created by, for example, a DTP application running on the OS is represented by RGB data (hereinafter referred to as “monitor RGB”) that depends on the characteristics of the monitor. The color matching processing module CMM1 converts the image represented by the monitor RGB into an image represented by CMYK data (hereinafter referred to as “printer CMKY”) that depends on the characteristics of the output device (for example, a printer) via the PCS. (S10-S20).
[0044]
In this case, first, the monitor profile 42 is read by the input profile reading unit 202, and the AtoB information 43 is set in the CMM1. Further, the printer profile 47 is read by the output profile reading unit 205, and the BtoA information 46 corresponding to the designated color matching method is set in the CMM1.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 7, the AtoB information 43 includes three one-dimensional LUT groups 32 that perform inverse gamma processing according to the gamma characteristics of the monitor that is the input device, and RGB data defined in the standard space as XYZ data. The 3 × 3 matrix 33 to be converted into is stored. In this case, the processing using the N-dimensional LUT 31 and the M one-dimensional LUT group 30 is not performed and is skipped.
[0046]
On the other hand, the BtoA information 46 is designated by a 3 × 3 matrix 20 and a one-dimensional LUT group 21, which convert image data defined in XYZ space into image data in L * a * b * space, as shown in FIG. In addition, a three-dimensional LUT 22 for converting the image data into the color reproduction range of the printer by performing color matching, and a one-dimensional LUT group 23 for performing gamma correction according to the gradation characteristics of the printer are stored.
[0047]
In step S10, the monitor RGB is converted into XYZ data (PCS data) based on the AtoB information 43, and in step S20, the XYZ data is converted into the printer CMKY based on the BtoA information 46.
[0048]
In the case of forming an image, the printer CMKY is output to the output device 108 in step S25, and the color matching process and the image forming process are completed. On the other hand, in the case of the preview process, steps S30 to S40 are continuously executed, and the resulting image data is output to the monitor 106 in step S45.
[0049]
The CMM2 converts the CMYK data (printer CMKY) that depends on the characteristics of the output device 108 generated by the CMM1 into RGB data that depends on the characteristics of the monitor 106 that displays the preview image (S30-S40).
[0050]
In this case, first, the printer profile 47 is read by the input profile reading unit 202, and the AtoB information 45 corresponding to the designated color matching method is set in the CMM2. Further, the monitor profile 42 is read by the output profile reading unit 205, and the BtoA information 44 is set in the CMM2.
[0051]
The AtoB information 45 includes data for performing conversion processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7, and is the reverse of the conversion processing using the one-dimensional LUT group 23 (see FIG. 8) that performs gamma correction according to the gradation characteristics of the printer. One-dimensional LUT group 30 for processing, N-dimensional LUT 31 for converting CMYK data processed by one-dimensional LUT group 30 based on the color reproduction characteristics of the printer into data defined in L * a * b space A one-dimensional LUT group 32 for converting data defined in the * a * b * color space into data (PCS data) in the XYZ color space, and a 3 × 3 matrix 33 are included.
[0052]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the BtoA information 44 includes a 3 × 3 matrix 20 that performs a reverse process of the conversion process of the 3 × 3 matrix 33 (FIG. 7), and a one-dimensional LUT group 30 (FIG. 7). A one-dimensional LUT group 23 for performing monitor gamma correction corresponding to the inverse process of the conversion process used is included.
[0053]
In step S30, the printer CMYK is converted into XYZ data (PCS data) based on the AtoB information 45. In step S40, the PCS data is converted into monitor RGB based on the BtoA information 44. In step S45, the monitor RGB image data is converted. Is output to the monitor 106 , and the preview process ends.
[0054]
Note that, as described above, in the present embodiment, an output profile in which regional characteristics are taken into consideration or an output profile corresponding to a plurality of regions is combined at a combination ratio designated by the user is used. The result is a combination of regional characteristics or multiple regional characteristics based on the composition ratio, and colors according to the user's preference and the observation environment (region, indoors / outdoors, home or office, illumination light, etc.) A taste image can be obtained.
[0055]
[Modification]
In the above embodiment, an output profile optimized for each different output medium having a different color reproduction range is prepared, and information on the output medium is obtained by a predetermined method (such as specifying by a user), and regional information is obtained. The output profile may be selected from information on the output medium. Then, an appropriate color matching process reflecting regional information is realized for output media having different color reproduction ranges.
[0056]
Alternatively, color matching processing may be performed by selecting an output profile that matches the color of the output image with respect to the difference in color reproduction range in different output media, selecting the output profile from the region information. . By doing so, color matching processing is realized in which the regional information is reflected and the color tone in the output image is the same for the output media having different color reproduction ranges.
[0057]
[Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.
[0058]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0059]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0060]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily set the color conversion in accordance with preferences of local characteristics and the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a host computer according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing of an image processing unit executed based on a color matching processing module;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a user interface of a preference selection unit;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an output profile;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining color matching processing related to image formation processing and preview processing using an output profile;
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining color matching processing related to image formation processing and preview processing using an output profile;
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of AtoB information;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of BtoA information.

Claims (8)

In a color conversion device for color-converting an image based on regional information, the user has an input means for inputting the regional information,
The input means has a user interface that expresses a plurality of regions as vertices of a figure, and expresses the degree of influence of information indicating the regions on the color conversion as a distance from the vertices, An information input device characterized in that the degree of influence can be input based on information indicating the plurality of areas as information. An input means for a user to input regional information;
Conversion means for color-converting the image based on the regional information,
The input means has a user interface that expresses a plurality of regions as vertices of a figure, and expresses the degree of influence of information indicating the regions on the color conversion as a distance from the vertices, An image processing apparatus, wherein the degree of influence can be input based on information indicating the plurality of areas as information. And obtaining means for obtaining a profile corresponding to the input regional information;
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a combining unit configured to combine a plurality of profiles acquired by the acquiring unit based on the degree of influence when information indicating the plurality of regions is input. Image processing device. An information input method in which a user inputs the regional information to a color conversion device that performs color conversion of an image based on regional information,
According to the operation of the user interface that expresses a plurality of areas as vertices of a figure and expresses the degree of influence of information indicating those areas on the color conversion as a distance from the plurality of vertices, as the area information, An information input method comprising inputting the degree of influence based on information indicating the plurality of areas. An image processing method for color-converting an image based on area information input by a user,
According to the operation of the user interface that expresses a plurality of areas as vertices of a figure and expresses the degree of influence of information indicating those areas on the color conversion as a distance from the plurality of vertices, as the area information, An image processing method comprising inputting the degree of influence based on information indicating the plurality of areas. Furthermore, a profile corresponding to the input regional information is acquired,
6. The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein when information indicating the plurality of areas is input, the plurality of profiles acquired are combined based on the degree of influence.   7. A computer program that controls an information processing apparatus to execute the processing according to claim 4.   8. A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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