CN101544127A - Image-processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an image-processing system for printing an image based on original image data. The storing unit stores at least one look-up table in association with at least one printing condition. The at least one look-up table is used to convert a color value in original image data into a limited color value that limits a total quantity of ink to be used in printing. The detecting unit detects, as a printing condition, at least one of a type of color material and a type of recording medium which are used for printing operation. The converting unit converts the color value data into the limited color value by using a look-up table that is assigned with a printing condition corresponding to the detected printing condition.

Description

Image processing system

The cross reference of related application

[0001] the application requires the priority of Japanese patent application 2008-076066 that submitted on March 24th, 2008 and the Japanese patent application 2008-076067 that submitted on March 24th, 2008.Described full content in first to file is here incorporated into by reference.

Technical field

[0002] the present invention relates to a kind of image processing system that is used for being limited in the amount of the color material that printing uses.

Background technology

[0003] the color material print colors image such as ink or ink powder of one type known PRN device use such as the multiple color of cyan, carmetta, yellow or black in technical field.

[0004] view data of the such PRN device image that will indicate to print (for example, view data in the RGB color space) the corresponding cie system of color representation cie of color of the color material of using in converting to and printing (for example, and print image the CMYK color space), based on the view data of conversion.Because by making that each color material is overlapping and show the color in (render) image, so when the total amount of the color material that is used for apparent color is too much, can not obtain the print result of being satisfied with for some color.

[0005] therefore, proposed to be used for by conversion image data so that be limited in the technology that the total amount of the color material that printing uses is come print image.For example, the multifunctional equipment of describing in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2003-125225 is based on the view data print image, by at first view data is converted to color material in the corresponding CMYK color space of color in view data print image based on the view data from the RGB color space of input block input.Subsequently, the further conversion image data of multifunctional equipment makes the total amount of color material be less than predetermined restriction.

Summary of the invention

[0006] still, because according to print conditions such as the type of the type of color material and print media, obtain the restriction difference of the desired color material of gratifying print result, the amount that is suitable for the color material printed under some print conditions may be too much under different print conditions, therefore, can always not realize needed print result.

[0007] in view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide image processing system, image processing program and image processing method, this image processing method is carried out and is handled to be limited in the amount of the color material of using in the printing based on print conditions.

[0008] in addition, further preferably, for example, the step during the restriction of modification color material amount is handled when making PRN device is to adapt to the print conditions of not expecting.

[0009] still, carry out color material amount restriction processing based on the program that is installed on the PRN device usually.In addition, as mentioned above, after the data that view data are transformed into the corresponding cie system of color representation cie of color of color material, carry out known color material amount restriction and handle.Therefore, after conversion, be not easy to revise the step that the restriction of color material amount is handled.

[0010] in view of this, purpose of the present invention also provides the image processing system that can easily revise the step in the color material amount restriction processing.

[0011] in order to reach above-mentioned and other purpose, the invention provides a kind of image processing system, this image processing system is used to print the image based on the raw image data with colour.Image processing system comprises memory cell, detecting unit and converting unit.At least one look-up table that cell stores is associated with at least one print conditions.Described at least one look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing.Detecting unit detects at least one of type of the type of the color material be used for printing and recording medium as print conditions.Converting unit converts the colour in the raw image data to limited colour by using following look-up table, and described look-up table has been assigned with and the corresponding print conditions of detected print conditions.

[0012] basis on the other hand, the invention provides a kind of computer-readable recording medium, this computer-readable recording medium is stored one group of executable on computers programmed instruction, and described computer comprises the memory cell of at least one look-up table that storage is associated with at least one print conditions.Described at least one look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing.Programmed instruction comprises that at least one of type of the type that detects the color material be used for printing and recording medium is as print conditions, and by using following look-up table to convert the colour in the raw image data to limited colour, described look-up table has been assigned with and the corresponding print conditions of detected print conditions.

[0013] according to another aspect, the invention provides a kind of image processing method that is used to control following image processing system, described image processing system comprises memory cell, at least one look-up table that this cell stores is associated with at least one print conditions.Described at least one look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing.Image processing method comprises that at least one of type of the type that detects the color material be used for printing and recording medium is as print conditions, and by using following look-up table to convert the colour in the raw image data to limited colour, described look-up table has been assigned with and the corresponding print conditions of detected print conditions.

[0014], the invention provides the image processing system that is used to print based on the image of raw image data with colour according to another aspect.Image processing system comprises creating unit, converting unit and print data converting unit.Creating unit is created look-up table, and this look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing.Converting unit converts the colour in the raw image data to limited colour by using look-up table.The print data converting unit converts limited colour to the printing colour, and described printing colour specifies in the amount of the color material that will use in the printing.

[0015] according on the other hand, the invention provides a kind of computer-readable recording medium, this computer-readable recording medium is stored one group of executable on computers programmed instruction.Described programmed instruction comprises the establishment look-up table, this look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing, by using look-up table to convert the colour in the raw image data to limited colour, and convert limited colour to the printing colour, described printing colour specifies in the amount of the color material that will use in the printing.

[0016], the invention provides a kind of image processing method according to another aspect.This image processing method comprises the establishment look-up table, this look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing, by using look-up table to convert the colour in the raw image data to limited colour, and convert limited colour to the printing colour, described printing colour specifies in the amount of the color material that will use in the printing.

Description of drawings

[0017] will describe in detail with reference to following accompanying drawing according to embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0018] Fig. 1 is the integrally-built block diagram that illustrates according to the communication system of first embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 2 is the viewgraph of cross-section that the primary structure of print unit is shown;

[0020] Fig. 3 is the key diagram that print cartridge is shown;

[0021] Fig. 4 is the key diagram that the structure of paper detecting unit is shown;

[0022] Fig. 5 is the block diagram that illustrates by the processing of carrying out according to the communication system of first embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 6 illustrates the block diagram that total ink restriction LUT is provided with the structure of unit;

[0024] Fig. 7 is the flow chart that the step in the image print processing of carrying out by the control module of multifunctional equipment is shown;

[0025] Fig. 8 is the key diagram that the method for identification sheet type is shown;

[0026] Fig. 9 is the key diagram that the method for the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of identification and ink and paper is shown;

[0027] Figure 10 illustrates the flow chart of creating the step in handling by the LUT that carries out according to the multifunctional equipment of first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 11 illustrates the key diagram that quantity of ink is confirmed chart;

[0029] Figure 12 is the integrally-built block diagram that illustrates according to the communication system of second embodiment;

[0030] Figure 13 is the block diagram that illustrates by the processing of carrying out according to the communication system of second embodiment;

[0031] Figure 14 is the flow chart that illustrates by the step in the printing request processing of carrying out according to the personal computer of second embodiment;

[0032] Figure 15 illustrates the flow chart of creating the step in handling by the LUT that carries out according to the personal computer of second embodiment;

[0033] Figure 16 is the flow chart that illustrates by the step in the image print processing of carrying out according to the multifunctional equipment of second embodiment;

[0034] Figure 17 is the flow chart that illustrates by the step in the colour code list creating processing of carrying out according to the multifunctional equipment of second embodiment;

[0035] Figure 18 is the block diagram that comparative example is shown, and in this comparative example, carries out total quantity of ink restriction and handle after the RGB data transaction is become cmyk data;

[0036] Figure 19 is the integrally-built block diagram that illustrates according to the communication system of the 3rd embodiment;

[0037] Figure 20 is the block diagram that illustrates by the processing of carrying out according to the communication system of the 3rd embodiment;

[0038] Figure 21 illustrates the flow chart of creating the step in handling by the LUT that carries out according to the personal computer of the 3rd embodiment;

[0039] Figure 22 (a) illustrates the key diagram that is used for master drawing is presented at the processing on the display unit;

[0040] Figure 22 (b) illustrates the key diagram that is used for master drawing is presented at the comparison process on the display unit; And

[0041] Figure 23 is the flow chart that illustrates by the step in the image print processing of carrying out according to the multifunctional equipment of the 3rd embodiment.

The specific embodiment

[0042]＜first embodiment 〉

[0043] next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] [overall structure of communication system 100]

[0045] Fig. 1 is the integrally-built block diagram that illustrates according to the communication system 100 of first embodiment.As shown in fig. 1, communication system 100 comprises personal computer (PC) 1 and multifunctional equipment 2.PC 1 can be by the swap data of communicating by letter on the network with multifunctional equipment 2.In an embodiment, network is a Local Area Network.

[0046] PC 1 is general data processor, and it comprises control module 11, memory cell 12, communication unit 13, operating unit 14 and display unit 15.

[0047] control module 11 comprises CPU 11, ROM 12 and RAM 113.Control module 11 is controlled each unit among the PC 1 comprehensively.

[0048] memory cell 12 store various kinds of data.In an embodiment, hard disk drive is used as memory cell 12.Various programs are installed on the memory cell 12, and described program comprises operating system (OS) 121, such as the application program 122 of picture browsing program and the printer driver 123 that is used for the printing on multifunctional equipment 2.

[0049] communication unit 13 is to make it possible to the interface of communicating by letter with multifunctional equipment 3 on network.Operating unit 14 has been configured keyboard and positioning equipment, such as mouse, makes that the user can be by the peripheral operation input command.

[0050] display unit 15 shows the image that various data can be understood as the user.In an embodiment, LCD is used as display unit 15.

[0051] multifunctional equipment 2 is the equipment with multiple function, such as scanner functions and printer function.Multifunctional equipment 2 comprises control module 21, memory cell 22, communication unit 23, operating unit 24, display unit 25, scanning element 26 and print unit 30.

[0052] control module 21 comprises CPU 211, ROM 212 and RAM 213.Control module 21 is controlled each unit in the multifunctional equipment 2 comprehensively.

[0053] memory cell 22 store various kinds of data.In an embodiment, flash memory is used as memory cell 22.Memory cell 22 storage form databases 221.221 registrations of list data storehouse and various ink types that in printing, use and the corresponding a plurality of total ink restriction look-up tables of sheet type (hereinafter, total ink restriction look-up table is abbreviated as " total ink restriction LUT ").In other words, the address that a plurality of total inks limit look-up tables and store a plurality of total ink restriction LUT that is associated with sheet type that uses and ink type in printing is stored in list data storehouse 221.Address stored is specified the address of a plurality of total ink restriction look-up tables in list data storehouse 221.

[0054] total ink restriction LUT view data of being used for the image that will be used for printing converts the view data of the total amount that is limited in the ink that printing will use to.In the RGB color space, carry out this conversion.

[0055] memory cell 22 is also stored the program that indication CPU 211 carries out after a while the processing of describing with reference to figure 7 to Figure 10.

[0056] communication unit 23 is the interfaces of communicating by letter that are used on network implementing with PC 1.Operating unit 24 comprises makes that the user can be by the various action buttons of peripheral operation input command.

[0057] display unit 25 is used for text and the image that display message data or the like can be understood as the user.Small-sized in the present embodiment LCD is as display unit 25.Scanning element 26 is from reading the original copy reading images that the position is provided with at predetermined original copy, and generates the view data (view data in the RGB color space of embodiment) that is used for showing this image.

[0058] print unit 30 is ink-jet systems, and it is coming the print colors image by the ink droplet jet with cyan (C), carmetta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) on paper or on the other print media.Print unit 30 also comprises the ink detection unit 43 of the type that is used for detecting the ink that uses in printing and is used for the paper detecting unit 45 of the type of the paper that optical detection uses in printing.

[0059] next, the structure of print unit 30 will be described.Fig. 2 is the viewgraph of cross-section that the primary structure of print unit 30 is shown.Print unit 30 is disposed in the bottom of multifunctional equipment 2, and scanning element 26 is disposed in the top.

[0060] as shown in Figure 2, print unit 30 comprises the input tray 31 that holds paper P.From input tray 31 paper P is supplied with print unit 30, paper P has been printed needed image, and is discharged to subsequently on the discharge pallet 32.

[0061] more specifically, intake roller 34 be disposed in input tray 31 above, be used for each ground the paper P that input tray 31 holds supplied to paper transfer path 33.In the far-end of paper feed arm 35, support intake roller 34.The far-end of paper feed arm 35 pivots up and down around standard shaft 351.

[0062] advance (urge) paper feed arm 35 to be rotated down by its oneself strength or propelling of spring or the like towards input tray 31, thus on the far-end of paper feed arm 35 with being rotated the intake roller 34 of support be crushed on the upper surface of the paper P that piles up in the input tray 31.By rotation intake roller 34 under this kind state, produce frictional force between one in the top of the surface of intake roller 34 and paper P, and the quilt in the top of paper P transmits towards inclination separating plate 36.Thereby the forward position contact separation plate of paper 36 also is directed to upwards, enters paper transfer path 33.

[0063] image recording unit 37 is disposed on the paper transfer path 33.Image recording unit 37 comprises can be in main scanning direction reciprocal box 39, and in box 39 supported ink jet print head 38.Print cartridge 40 (seeing also Fig. 3) is independent of ink jet print head 38 ground and is arranged on and is used in the print unit 30 via ink barrel the providing ink of cyan, carmetta, yellow and black to ink jet print head 38.Ink jet print head 38 sprays the ink of these colors as droplet.Paper transfer path 33 below reciprocating box 39 is placed cylinder 41.When the quilt of paper P transmitted on cylinder 41, box 39 moved back and forth and ink jet print head 38 sprays ink droplet to form image on paper P.

[0064] as shown in Figure 3, print cartridge 40 is detachably mounted in the print cartridge installation unit 42 that provides in the main body of multifunctional equipment 2.Each print cartridge 40 has the side that is arranged on print cartridge 40 lip-deep IC chip 401 is installed.401 storages of IC chip specify in the ID numbering of the type of the ink that uses in the print cartridge.When print cartridge 40 was installed in the print cartridge installation unit 42, the ink detection unit 43 (IC reader) that provides on the print cartridge installation unit 42 was provided IC chip 401.

[0065] as shown in Figure 2, transfer roller 44 upstream that is disposed in the cylinder 41 in the paper direction of transfer is used for transmitting paper P along the basal surface of ink jet print head 38.Paper detecting unit 45 is disposed in the downstream (upstream side of ink jet print head 38) of transfer roller 44.More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, paper detecting unit 45 has been configured transmissivity sensor 451, this transmissivity sensor 451 is used to measure the optical transmission rate that is irradiated onto on the paper, promptly, be used to measure the thickness and the reflectivity sensor 452 of paper, this reflectivity sensor 452 is used to measure the reflection of light rate that is irradiated onto on the paper.

[0066] [general introduction of the processing of on communication system 100, carrying out]

[0067] next, general introduction according to the processing of carrying out on the communication system 100 of first embodiment will be described.

[0068] as shown in Figure 5, the image data transmission of the image printed in the RGB color space by indicating of PC 1 is sent print command to multifunctional equipment 2.On multifunctional equipment 2 bases of reception from the print command of PC 1, multifunctional equipment 2 is handled to be limited in the total amount of the ink that uses in the printing.In this total quantity of ink restriction is handled, multifunctional equipment 2 will convert the view data (R ' G ' B ' data of representing) of the total amount of the ink that restriction (restrict) will use from the view data (RGB data) that PC 1 receives to printing in the RGB color space.Next, (resulting) view data of the generation that will represent in the RGB color space of multifunctional equipment 2 (R ' G ' B ' data) converts the corresponding view data of representing to and prints image based on the CMYK view data in the CMYK color space.

[0069] here, total quantity of ink restriction is handled and is used for conversion image data, so that by adopting the total amount that is limited in the ink that uses in the printing with ink type that uses and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of paper type.

[0070] as previously mentioned, the list data storehouse 221 that a plurality of total inks limit LUT is wherein write down in memory cell 22 storages of multifunctional equipment 2.The rgb image data that described a plurality of total ink restriction LUT is used for being used for wanting printed image converts the rgb image data of the total amount of the ink that restriction will use in printing to.That is, total ink restriction LUT has with many groups and is used to export the many groups of rgb values (hereinafter, being called as the input rgb value) that are used to import data that the rgb value (hereinafter, being called as the output rgb value) of data is associated.The control module 21 of multifunctional equipment 2 is provided with unit 27 as total ink restriction LUT, is used for the 221 total ink restriction LUT that select corresponding to the type of passing through ink detection unit 43 and paper detecting unit 45 detected inks and paper respectively from the list data storehouse.Then, in handling, total quantity of ink restriction uses selected total ink restriction LUT.

[0071] as shown in Figure 6, total ink restriction LUT is provided with unit 27 and comprises LUT detecting unit 271, LUT creating unit 272 and LUT selected cell 273.

[0072] LUT detecting unit 271 determines whether to have write down the total ink restriction LUT corresponding to the type of passing through ink detection unit 43 and paper detecting unit 45 detected inks and paper in the list data storehouse 221 of memory cell 22.

[0073] if LUT detecting unit 271 is determined total ink restriction LUT that 221 storages of list data storehouse are associated with detected ink and sheet type, then LUT selected cell 273 is selected this total ink restriction LUT.

[0074] still, if LUT detecting unit 271 can not find the total ink into the class record of detected ink and paper to limit LUT, then the corresponding new total ink of the type of 272 establishments of LUT creating unit and detected ink and paper limits LUT and this newly always is recorded in the list data storehouse 221 of memory cell 22 to the type association of ink restriction LUT and detected ink and paper.Subsequently, LUT selected cell 273 is selected total ink restriction LUT of this up-to-date establishment.

[0075] [processing of on multifunctional equipment 2, carrying out]

[0076] next, will be described in detail in the processing of implementing on the multifunctional equipment 2.Fig. 7 is the flow chart that the step in the following image print processing is shown, and from the basis of PC 1 receiving printing orders, carries out described image print processing by the control module 21 (CPU 221 more specifically says so) of multifunctional equipment 2 at multifunctional equipment 2.

[0077] in S101 during the beginning of image print processing, control module 21 detects the type of the ink that is used to print.Particularly, ink detection unit 43 reads the ID numbering in the IC chip 401 that is stored in print cartridge 40, and control module 21 is from the type of this ID numbering identification ink.

[0078] type of the paper that control module 21 detections are used in printing in S102.More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, X-axis represents that the 2 dimensional region of the figure of the reflectivity of paper and the thickness that Y-axis is represented paper is divided into a plurality of subregions.Each subregion is allocated in advance numbering.Then, control module 21 from the numbering that is assigned to following subregion (for example, (1,1)) type of identification paper, paper thickness that described numbering is measured corresponding to the transmissivity sensor 451 (light transmittance) by paper detecting unit 45 and the paper reflectivity of measuring by reflectivity sensor 452.

[0079] control module 21 (LUT detecting unit 271) determines whether to have write down the total ink restriction LUT that is associated with the type of detected ink and paper in S101 and S102 in list data storehouse 221 in S103.More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, control module 21 determines whether the memory address of total ink restriction LUT is stored with detected sheet type (subarea number) and ink type (the ID numbering of print cartridge 40) relatedly.In order to reach this purpose, control module 21 search form databases 221 are searched the total ink restriction LUT that is associated with the type (the ID numbering of print cartridge 40) and the paper (subarea number) of detected ink in S101 and S102 in S103.

[0080] if control module 21 determines also not write down corresponding total ink restriction LUT in S103, then control module 21 (LUT creating unit 272) is carried out LUT establishment processing and is limited LUT to create with the corresponding new ink always of the type of detected ink and paper in S104, and enters S105 subsequently.Will describe LUT in detail with reference to Figure 10 after a while and create processing.

[0081] still, if control module 21 is determined to have write down and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of detected ink and paper in S103, then control module is skipped S104 and is directly entered S105.

[0082] control module 21 (LUT selected cell 273) is selected and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of detected ink and paper in S105.Create to handle if carried out LUT in S104, then control module 21 is chosen in total ink restriction LUT of up-to-date establishment among the S104 in S105.

[0083] control module 21 uses the total ink restriction LUT that selects in S105 that the rgb image data that receives from PC 1 is carried out total ink restriction processing in S106.That is, control module 21 is searched from total ink restriction LUT and the corresponding input rgb value of rgb value that is used for the rgb image data of each pixel (below, be called the target rgb value).If found and the corresponding input rgb value of target rgb value from total ink restriction LUT, then the following output rgb value of control module 21 usefulness is replaced the target rgb value, and described output rgb value is assigned with the input rgb value that finds in total ink restriction LUT.If do not find and the corresponding input rgb value of target rgb value from total ink restriction LUT, then the input rgb value of the nearest value that is the target rgb value is searched and obtained to control module 21 from total ink restriction LUT.Subsequently, the following output rgb value of control module 21 usefulness is replaced the target rgb value, and described output rgb value is assigned with the input rgb value that obtains in total ink restriction LUT.Perhaps, if from total ink restriction LUT, do not find and the corresponding input rgb value of target rgb value, then control module 21 from total ink restriction LUT, search and acquisition is adjacent with the target rgb value many groups import rgb values.Control module 21 calculates the rgb value of interpolation, wherein by the rgb value of use with the described interpolation of the approximate acquisition of interpolation of the many groups of corresponding output rgb values of input rgb value that obtain.Subsequently, control module is replaced the target rgb value with the rgb value of interpolation.

[0084] rgb image data that generates of the processing that control module 21 will be in S106 in S107 is converted to cmyk data.Control module 21 is handled to print the image based on the cmyk data that generates in the processing of S107 in S108.Subsequently, the image print processing finishes.

[0085] next, will be described in detail in the LUT that implements among the S104 of above-mentioned image print processing with reference to the flow chart among Figure 10 and create processing.

During beginning that [0086] LUT create to handle in S201, control module 21 is handled to confirm that in the stamping ink water yield on the paper chart (chart) is used to confirm the amount of the ink printed on paper.Particularly, as shown in Figure 11, on paper, print 729 colour codes, be used for of the combination of each value with the rgb value from (0,0,0) to (255,255,255) of nine grades (step) variation.That is, confirm chart based on the bar chart image data stamping ink water yield with many group rgb values (for example, (0,0,0)).Print the colour code (patch) at the interval that has therebetween, so that detect the degree of expansion (spread) and infiltration (bleed-through), wherein said expansion is in the outward extending phenomenon of printing of surperficial ink, and described infiltration is that ink sees through paper and appears at the phenomenon of the downside surface of paper.

[0087] scanning element 26 scans the two sides (surface of printing and the back side) of quantity of ink having been confirmed chart printing paper thereon in S201 in S202.Handle in order to finish this, the message that control module 21 will point out the user to carry out scan operation is presented on the display unit 25.

[0088] control module 21 is determined the degree of the expansion of each colour code based on the image of the scanning on the surface of printing in S203, and is identified for the degree of the infiltration of each colour code based on the image of the scanning at the back side.

[0089] control module 21 is created in S204: good colour code tabulation, and this good colour code tabulation is included in the colour code of the degree with gratifying expansion and infiltration that finds among the S203; With bad colour code tabulation, this bad colour code tabulation is included in the remaining colour code with degree unsatisfactory that finds among the S203.Good colour code tabulation comprise specify good colour code (for example, colour code numbering) and with the identifying information of the corresponding rgb value that in S201, uses of good colour code.Similarly, the tabulation of bad colour code comprise specify bad colour code and with the identifying information of the corresponding rgb value that in S201, uses of bad colour code.At this moment, control module 21 calculates the colour (the YCrCb value of embodiment) represented with the lightness, saturation degree and the tone that come from the rgb value that is used for each colour code that uses in S201 and these values and rgb value is connected.

[0090] control module 21 is selected in the colour code to be processed and is searched for good colour code tabulation to search the YCrCb value colour code that its YCrCb value approaches bad colour code most from bad colour code tabulation in S205.That is, control module 21 calculates bad colour code (Y based on following equation (1) _bCr _bCb _b) the colour code (Y that becomes reconciled of YCrCb value _gCr _gCb _g) the YCrCb value between aberration Δ E.For example, in equation 1, a, b and c be weight coefficient and can being adjusted to be partial to lightness (increasing a value) search or be partial to searching of saturation degree (minimizing a value).

[0091] equation (1)

$\mathrm{\ΔE}=\sqrt{a{(Y_g-Y_b)}^2+b{({\mathrm{Cr}}_g-{\mathrm{Cr}}_b)}^2+c{({\mathrm{Cb}}_g-{\mathrm{Cb}}_b)}^2}$

[0092] more specifically, control module 21 is all Y with respect to the bad colour code of selecting _bCr _bCb _bThe Y of good colour code _gCr _gCb _gValue is calculated aberration Δ E.Control module 21 finds the minimum aberration Δ E that has minimum value among the aberration Δ E that calculates.Control module 21 also finds its Y _gCr _gCb _gValue is used to obtain the good colour code of minimum aberration Δ E, approaches the colour code of the YCrCb value of bad colour code most as its YCrCb value.The processing of repeatedly carrying out S205-S207 when selection does not also have the colour code of processing in S205 is up to having finished processing for all colour codes in the bad colour code tabulation.

[0093] rgb value that finds in the colour code tabulation that control module 21 is used in S206 is replaced the rgb value in the bad colour code.

[0094] control module 21 determines whether to have replaced rgb value (whether being the replacement processing of all colour codes above having carried out) for all colour codes in the bad colour code tabulation in S207.In S207, determine the untreated colour code of residue the time, control module 21 turns back to S205.

[0095] when control module in S207 21 is determined to have replaced rgb value for all colour codes in the bad colour code tabulation, control module 21 in S208 (LUT creating unit 273) is created the list data storehouse 221 that is used for converting the input rgb value color conversion form of output rgb value to and this color conversion form is recorded in memory cell 22 and is limited LUT as total ink.More specifically, control module 21 confirms that by being used for quantity of ink among the S201 rgb value of every colour code of chart is set to import rgb value in rgb value and good colour code tabulation or the bad colour code tabulation and is set to export rgb value and creates color-conversion table.Therefore, color-conversion table does not change the input rgb value in the colour code that has been stored in, and be based on the replacement in S206, carried out handle the rgb value that only will be stored in the colour code in the colour code tabulation that the input rgb value in the bad colour code tabulation converts to (rgb value of good colour code aspect the YCrCb value with the rgb value of bad colour code have minimum poor).Subsequently, control module 21 finishes LUT establishment processing.

[0096] [effect]

[0097] in the communication system 100 according to above-mentioned first embodiment, a plurality of total ink restriction LUT of dissimilar ink that uses in being adapted at printing and paper is stored in the multifunctional equipment 2 in advance (sees also Fig. 1).The ink that multifunctional equipment 2 detections will be used to print and the type of paper are as print conditions (S101, S102) and carry out to handle with by use with the corresponding total ink restriction LUT conversion image data of print conditions be limited in the ink that uses in the printing amount (S105, S106).

[0098] above-mentioned multifunctional equipment 2 can be based on the type of the type of ink and the paper amount of limit ink aptly, thereby reaches gratifying print result.This kind method is also avoided following problems: multifunctional equipment 2 ejects the amount of the ink that has exceeded the absorbefacient upper limit of paper ink inside, and therefore unabsorbed ink can be deposited on the inside of multifunctional equipment 2 and the life-span of shortening multifunctional equipment 2.

[0099] (total ink restriction LUT) limits total quantity of ink because multifunctional equipment 2 can use look-up table, so can easily finish the restriction based on the complexity of the combination of ink, reduces the computational load on the multifunctional equipment 2.

[0100] in addition, (S103: in the time of not), multifunctional equipment 2 is created and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT (S104) of print conditions when not storing this total ink restriction LUT.Therefore, when using unexpected ink and paper in printing, multifunctional equipment 2 can carry out suitable processing to limit total quantity of ink.For example, having made PRN device (multifunctional equipment 2 among the embodiment) afterwards, unexpected ink or paper may have been developed recently.Except professional printing paper and professional marking ink, also there is the various general paper of circulation and recharges ink and increasing user is using these products.Therefore, it is very useful can creating the new total ink restriction LUT that is fit to new print conditions.

[0101] in addition, multifunctional equipment 2 is created total ink restriction LUT by the value of replacing in the bad colour code tabulation with the value that comes from good colour code tabulation based on the result who prints colour code.Therefore, when preventing because when using the decline of the print quality that excessive ink causes, multifunctional equipment 2 can easily be created total ink restriction LUT that can reach gratifying print result.

[0102] multifunctional equipment 2 is also being carried out total quantity of ink restriction processing with three-dimensional RGB data transaction one-tenth and before the corresponding four-dimensional cmyk data of color of the ink that uses in printing to three-dimensional RGB data.Therefore, compare when the restriction of total quantity of ink is handled with carrying out after data transaction is become cmyk data, multifunctional equipment 2 can use less total ink restriction LUT, as shown in Figure 18, thereby reduces the amount of the internal memory that requires and improves processing speed.

[0103]＜second embodiment 〉

[0104] next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0105] [overall structure of communication system 200]

[0106] Figure 12 is the integrally-built block diagram that illustrates according to the communication system 200 of second embodiment.

The following description of [0107] second embodiment will be concentrated in the difference with first embodiment, wherein, specify same parts and assembly to avoid the description of repetition with identical reference number.As shown in Figure 12, be according to the communication system 200 of second embodiment and difference that the CPU 211 of multifunctional equipment 2 does not comprise that total ink restriction LUT is provided with unit 27 and CPU 111 comprises that total ink restriction LUT is provided with unit 17 according to the communication system 100 of first embodiment.In addition, the difference of communication system 200 and communication system 100 is that total ink restriction LUT is stored among the PC 1 rather than is stored in the multifunctional equipment 2.Particularly, list data storehouse 124 is stored in the memory cell 12 of PC 1, has write down in this list data storehouse 124 and various types of inks that are used to print and the corresponding a plurality of total ink restriction LUT of paper.Memory cell 12 is also stored and is used to indicate CPU 11 to implement after a while the program of the processing described with reference to Figure 14 and Figure 15.

[0108] in addition, in communication system 200, on PC 1, carry out the part of the processing of implementing by the multifunctional equipment among first embodiment 2 according to second embodiment.

[0109] [general introduction of the processing of implementing by communication system]

[0110] at first, general introduction by the processing of implementing according to the communication system 200 of second embodiment will be described.As shown in Figure 13, PC 1 carries out the restriction of total quantity of ink and handles with the view data (RGB data) in the RGB color space of the image that will indicate to print and convert the view data (R ' G ' B ' data in the RGB color space) that is limited in the ink total amount that will use in the printing to.Next, the view data of PC 1 by will changing in the RGB color space (R ' G ' B ' data) is transferred to multifunctional equipment 2 and sends print command.When from PC 1 receiving printing orders, multifunctional equipment 2 with rgb image data convert to printing in view data in the corresponding CMYK color space of color of the ink that uses, and print image based on the CMYK view data.

[0111] as in first embodiment, total quantity of ink limits to handle and is used for conversion image data, so that limit the total amount that LUT is limited in the ink that uses in the printing by adopting with the type of the ink that uses and the corresponding total ink of type of paper.

[0112] as mentioned above, the list data database 124 of a plurality of total ink restriction LUT has wherein been write down in 12 storages of the memory cell among the PC 1.The rgb image data that described a plurality of total ink restriction LUT is used for the image of will indicate to print converts the rgb image data of the total amount of the ink that restriction will use in printing to.The ink that ink detection unit 43 in the multifunctional equipment 2 and 45 detections of paper detecting unit will be used to print and the type of paper and multifunctional equipment 2 notice PC 1 testing result.

[0113] control module 11 of PC 1 is provided with unit 17 as total ink restriction LUT, be used for the total ink restriction of the 124 selections LUT from the list data storehouse, described list data storehouse 124 is corresponding to the type by ink detection unit 43 and paper detecting unit 45 detected inks and paper.Then, in handling, total quantity of ink restriction uses the total ink restriction LUT that selects.

[0114] [processing of on personal computer and multifunctional equipment, carrying out]

[0115] next will be described in detail in the processing of carrying out on PC 1 and the multifunctional equipment 2.

[0116] Figure 14 is the flow chart that the step in the printing request processing of being carried out by the control module 11 (CPU 111 more specifically says so) of PC 1 is shown.When satisfying when being used for that print command is issued to the condition of multifunctional equipment 2, for example, when the user had carried out printing, control module 11 was carried out these processing.

When [0117] printing the beginning of request processing in S301, control module 11 is handled print command is transferred to multifunctional equipment 2.After having received print command, multifunctional equipment 2 detects the ink that uses and the type of paper in printing, and these testing results are transferred to PC 1 (S501-S503 of Miao Shuing after a while).

[0118] testing result that control module 11 receives for ink and paper from multifunctional equipment 2 in S302.Whether control module 11 is determined to write down in the list data storehouse 124 of memory cell 12 and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of these inks and paper in S303.

[0119] if control module 11 is determined not cross total ink restriction LUT for the class record of ink in the testing result and paper in S303, then the LUT among the control module 11 execution S304 creates and handles to create before entering S305 and the corresponding newly total ink restriction LUT of the type of detected ink and paper.Will describe LUT in further detail with reference to Figure 15 after a while and create processing.

[0120] still, control module 11 directly enters S305 when determining to have write down with the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of detected ink and paper in S303.Total ink that control module 11 in S305 (total ink restriction LUT is provided with unit 17) is selected to be associated with the type of detected ink and paper limits LUT.Create processing if carried out LUT in S304, then control module 11 (total ink restriction LUT is provided with unit 17) is chosen in total ink restriction LUT of up-to-date establishment in this processing.

[0121] control module 11 uses total ink restriction LUT of selecting in S305 that the rgb image data of the image of indicating to print is carried out total quantity of ink restriction to handle in S306.The image data transmission that control module 11 will generate in S306 in S307 to multifunctional equipment 2 and the end request of printing subsequently handled.

[0122] next, will be described in detail in the LUT that carries out among the S304 of above-mentioned printing request processing with reference to the flow chart among Figure 15 and create processing.When LUT creates the beginning of handling in S401, control module 11 will be used for quantity of ink and confirm that the image data transmission of chart (seeing also Figure 11) is to multifunctional equipment 2.When having received this view data, multifunctional equipment 2 confirms that with quantity of ink chart is printed on the paper.Next, the two sides of the paper of multifunctional equipment 2 scanning and printings, the colour code that creates tabulation and bad colour code tabulation, and the transfer of data that will be used to tabulate is to PC 1 (S601-S605 of Miao Shuing after a while).

[0123] control module 11 receives good colour code tabulation and bad colour code tabulation from multifunctional equipment 2 in S402.Control module 11 selects the good colour code tabulation of a colour code to be processed and search to search the colour code of the YCrCb value with the YCrCb value that approaches most selected bad colour code from the bad colour code tabulation that receives among S402 in S403.The method of the described colour code that is used for choosing is identical with the method that S205 describes.When selecting untreated colour code in S403 in each repeats, control module 11 is repeatedly carried out processing among the S403-S405 up to treated all colour codes in the bad colour code tabulation.

[0124] rgb value that control module 11 is used in the good colour code that finds among the S403 in S404 is replaced the rgb value of the colour code of the selection in bad colour code tabulation.Control module 11 has determined whether to carry out to replace and has handled the rgb value (whether treated all bad colour codes) that is used for all colour codes of bad colour code tabulation with replacement in S405.

[0125] when determining also not replace processing (remaining untreated colour code) for all bad colour codes in S405, control module 11 turns back to S403.But, if control module 11 is definite for all bad colour codes have carried out replacing processing in S405, then control module 11 establishments are used for converting the color conversion form of output rgb value to and this form stores being limited LUT in the list data storehouse 124 of memory cell 12 as total ink importing rgb value in S406.Subsequently, control module 11 finishes LUT establishment processing.

[0126] next, will be described in the processing of carrying out on the multifunctional equipment 2.Figure 16 is the flow chart that the step in the image print processing of being carried out by the control module 21 (CPU 211 more specifically) of multifunctional equipment 2 is shown.When control module when PC 1 receives print command 21 is carried out these processing.

[0127] in S501 during the beginning of image print processing, control module 21 detects the type (ID numbering) of the ink that uses in printing.Control module 21 detects the type (subarea number) of the paper that will use in printing in S502.

[0128] in S503 control module 21 will be in S501 and S502 the testing result of type of detected ink and paper transfer to PC 1.Therefore, PC 1 selects and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of detected ink and paper, total ink restriction LUT by using this selection carries out total quantity of ink restriction to the rgb image data of the image of indicating to print to be handled, and with the processed images transfer of data to multifunctional equipment 2 (above-mentioned S302-S307).

[0129] control module 21 is received in the view data that generates in total quantity of ink restriction processing from PC 1 in S504.The view data that control module 21 will receive in S504 in S505 becomes cmyk data from the RGB data transaction.

[0130] control module 21 is handled to print the image based on the cmyk data that generates in S505 in S506.Subsequently, control module 21 finishes the image print processing.

[0131] Figure 17 is the flow chart that the step in the colour code list creating processing of being carried out by the control module 21 (CPU 211 more specifically says so) of multifunctional equipment 2 is shown.Control module 21 is being carried out processing after PC 1 receives the view data that is used for quantity of ink affirmation chart.

During beginning that [0132] the colour code list creating is handled in S601, control module 21 is handled quantity of ink is confirmed chart (seeing also Figure 11) is printed on the paper.The two sides (surface of printing and the back side) of scanning element 26 scanning paper has been printed quantity of ink and has been confirmed chart on this paper in S601 in S602.Handle in order to finish this, the message that control module 21 will point out the user to carry out scan operation is presented on the display unit 25.

[0133] control module 21 is determined the degree of the expansion of each colour code based on the image of the scanning on the surface of printing in S603, and determines the degree of the infiltration of each colour code based on the image of the scanning at the back side.

[0134] colour code tabulation that control module 21 creates in S604 and bad colour code tabulation, colour code tabulation that should be good is included in the colour code that discovery has the degree of gratifying expansion and infiltration among the S603, and this bad colour code tabulation is included in and finds not satisfied remaining colour code among the S603.At this moment, control module 21 calculates the colour (the YCrCb value of embodiment) represented by lightness, saturation degree and tone and these colours and rgb value is connected from the rgb value that is used for each colour code.

[0135] good colour code tabulation that control module 21 will be created in S604 in S605 and bad colour code tabulation transfer to PC 1 and finish the colour code list creating subsequently and handle.As a result, PC 1 creates rgb value that the color conversion form is used for coming from good colour code tabulation and replaces the rgb value in the bad colour code tabulation and this charting limited LUT (S402-S406) as total ink in the list data storehouse 124 of memory cell 12.

[0136] [effect]

[0137] communication system according to above-mentioned second embodiment obtains and identical effect described in first embodiment.

[0138] in addition, communication system according to second embodiment is stored in list data storehouse 124 in the memory cell 12 (hard disk drive) of PC 1, and the memory cell 12 of this PC 1 has the capacity (see also Figure 12) bigger than the memory cell 22 (flash memory) of multifunctional equipment 2.Therefore, the memory capacity that can be used in list data storehouse 124 is greater than according to the memory capacity in the communication system of first embodiment.In addition, can easily revise the details (for example, increasing total ink restriction LUT) (and itself not adding any device) that total quantity of ink restriction is handled in the outside of multifunctional equipment 2 to multifunctional equipment 2.

[0139]＜the 3rd embodiment 〉

The describing below of [0140] the 3rd embodiment will be concentrated on the difference with first embodiment, wherein, specify same parts and assembly to avoid the description of repetition with identical reference number.Figure 19 is the integrally-built block diagram that illustrates according to the communication system 1100 of the 3rd embodiment.As shown in Figure 19, be that according to the communication system 1100 of the 3rd embodiment and difference CPU 211 does not comprise that total ink restriction LUT is provided with unit 27 according to the communication system 100 of first embodiment; The memory cell 22 of multifunctional equipment 2 does not comprise list data storehouse 221; And print unit 30 does not comprise ink detection unit 43 and paper detecting unit 45.Communication system 1100 is also that with the difference of communication system 100 memory cell 12 of PC 1 comprises total ink restriction LUT 128.Memory cell 12 is also stored the program that indication CPU 111 carries out after a while the processing of describing with reference to Figure 21.In first embodiment, multifunctional equipment carries out LUT and creates processing.In the 3rd embodiment, PC 1 carries out LUT and creates processing.

[0141] Figure 20 is the block diagram that illustrates by the processing of carrying out according to the communication system of the 3rd embodiment.PC 1 transfers to multifunctional equipment 2 by the view data (RGB data) that will show the image that will print in the RGB color space and sends print command.When multifunctional equipment 2 during from PC 1 receiving printing orders, multifunctional equipment 2 is handled to be limited in the total amount of the ink that uses in the printing.In this total quantity of ink restriction is handled, multifunctional equipment 2 will convert the view data (R ' G ' B ' data of representing) of the total amount of the ink that restriction will use from the view data (RGB data) that PC1 receives to printing in the RGB color space.Next, multifunctional equipment 2 converts (resulting) view data of the generation in the RGB color space (R ' G ' B ' data) in the CMYK color space corresponding view data and prints image based on the CMYK view data.

[0142] [processing of on personal computer and multifunctional equipment, carrying out]

[0143] next, will be described in detail in the processing of carrying out on PC 1 and the multifunctional equipment 2.

[0144] Figure 21 illustrates the flow chart that the LUT that is carried out by the control module 11 (CPU111 more specifically says so) of PC 1 creates the step in handling.When the user carried out expression and need to create the operation of new total ink restriction LUT 128 on PC 1, control module 11 begins this LUT to be created and handles.

[0145] create the place that begins that handles at S1101 LUT, control module 11 will be used for quantity of ink and confirm that the image data transmission of chart (seeing also Figure 11) is to multifunctional equipment 2.By form this processing in S1101, control module 11 indication multifunctional equipments 2 confirm that with quantity of ink chart is printed on the paper.

[0146] in S1102 control module prompting user visual examination thereon multifunctional equipment 2 printed the two sides (surface of printing and the back side) that quantity of ink is confirmed the paper of chart, and when checking printing surperficial, determine the degree of expansion and definite degree of permeating when check the back side of each colour code.More specifically, control module 11 is confirmed the colour code (that is, the display reminding user selects the message of colour code) that the image of chart is presented on the display unit 15 and prompting user option table reveals expansion and permeates with the quantity of ink of printing.

[0147] colour code tabulation that control module 11 creates in S1103 and bad colour code tabulation, described good colour code tabulation is included among the S1102 the nonoptional colour code of user because have the degree of gratifying expansion and infiltration, and described bad colour code tabulation is included in the colour code that the user has selected because having the degree of expansion unsatisfactory and infiltration among the S1102.At this moment, control module 11 calculates the colour (YCrCb value) represented by lightness, saturation degree and tone and these values and rgb value is connected from the rgb value that is used for each colour code.

[0148] carry out the step S1104-S1106 except control module 11 replaces control module 21, step S1104-S1107 is identical with step S205-S208.Therefore, control module 11 is created new total ink restriction LUT 128 in S1107.

[0149] when control module in S1106 11 is determined to have replaced rgb value for all colour codes in the bad colour code tabulation, control module 11 is created and is used for the input rgb value is converted to the color conversion form of output rgb value and this color conversion form is stored in memory cell 12 as total ink restriction LUT 128 in S1107.More specifically, control module 11 confirms that by being used for quantity of ink the rgb value of each colour code of chart creates the color conversion form as the rgb value in input rgb value and good colour code tabulation or the bad colour code tabulation as the output rgb value.Therefore, the color conversion form does not change the input rgb value in the colour code that has been stored in, and handles the rgb value that only will be stored in the colour code in the colour code tabulation that the input rgb value in the bad colour code tabulation converts to (rgb value of good colour code has poor with the rgb value minimum of bad colour code aspect the YCrCb value) based on the replacement carried out in S1105.

[0150] control module 11 uses total ink restriction LUT 128 of up-to-date establishment in S1107 handles the rgb image data of storage in advance of representing master drawing with conversion in S1108.As explaining among Fig. 2, because control module 21 conversion rgb image datas, therefore in S1108, the conversion of control module 11 these rgb image datas of simulation is given the user so that a result of conversion shows on display unit 15.That is, control module 21 carries out and identical total ink conversion process of carrying out in multifunctional equipment 2.

[0151] in S1109 control module 11 will be presented on the display unit 15 by the master drawing that the rgb image data changed in S1108 forms and also the display reminding subscriber's meter whether be shown in the result displayed of conversion process not in-problem message.In other words, as shown in Figure 22 (a), control module 11 obtains the rgb image data of the conversion identical with the rgb image data of the conversion that is obtained by control module 21 in print processing in S1108.Therefore, control module 11 shows the master drawing of the image of indicating to print.

[0152] control module 11 determines whether users have made response to master drawing and be presented at message on the display unit 15 in S1109 whether there is not any problem in ecbatic in S1110.

[0153] if control module 11 determines also not receive the no problem response of expression transformation result in S1110,11 couples of total ink restriction LUT 128 that create in S1107 and that be recorded in the memory cell 12 of control module carry out smoothing processing smoothly to fall irregular (irregularity) in the output rgb value in S1111 so.Subsequently, control module 11 turns back to S1108 and uses new total ink restriction LUT 128 to repeat above-mentioned processing.

[0154] still, if control module 11 determines to have received the no problem response of expression transformation result in S1110, control module 11 finishes LUT establishment processing so.

[0155] next, the processing of being carried out by multifunctional equipment 2 will be described.Figure 23 is the flow chart that the step in the image print processing is shown, when multifunctional equipment 2 from PC 1 during receiving printing orders the control module (CPU 211 more specifically says so) of multifunctional equipment 2 carry out described image print processing.

[0156] when the beginning of S1201 image print processing, control module 21 uses the 128 pairs of rgb image datas that receive from PC 1 of total ink restriction LUT that are stored on the PC 1 to carry out total quantity of ink restriction and handles.Multifunctional equipment 2 can obtain total ink restriction LUT 128 from PC 1 by transmitting request to transfer to PC 1, and perhaps PC 1 can transmit total ink restriction LUT 128 and print command simply together.

[0157] rgb image data that generates of the processing that control module 21 will be from S1201 in S1202 converts cmyk data to.Control module 21 is handled to print the image based on the cmyk data that generates in the processing of S1202 in S1203.Subsequently, the image print processing finishes.

[0158] [effect]

[0159] in the communication system according to the foregoing description, multifunctional equipment 2 carried out total quantity of ink restriction processing (S1201) to three-dimensional RGB data before with data transaction one-tenth and the corresponding four-dimensional cmyk data of ink color.Therefore, multifunctional equipment 2 is more easily revised the step (for example, increase total ink restriction LUT 128) of total quantity of ink restriction in handling with the RGB data transaction being become carry out after the cmyk data to compare when total quantity of ink restriction is handled, as shown in Figure 18.In addition, this handles the size that reduces total ink restriction LUT 128, thereby reduces desired amount of ram and improve processing speed.

[0160] especially, the three-dimensional data that is converted (RGB data) is useful for display image on display unit, and reason is as follows: Figure 22 (b) illustrates the key diagram that is used for master drawing is presented at the comparison process on the display unit 15.In this comparative example, after the RGB data are converted to cmyk data, carry out total quantity of ink restriction and handle.For the result that will change is presented on the display unit 15, multifunctional equipment 2 needs further cmyk data to be converted to the RGB data.On the other hand, in the present embodiment, handle the directly three-dimensional RGB data of acquisition from total quantity of ink restriction.That is, three-dimensional RGB data are directly used in image are presented on the display unit 15.In addition, three-dimensional RGB data be particularly useful be these data can by more accurately with the three-dimensional monitor Signal Matching, and do not have as the comparative example as shown in Figure 22 (b), to have to reduce dimension in the post processing view data.As a result, compare with cmyk data, the RGB data can more accurately be simulated on monitor.

[0161] because multifunctional equipment 2 can use look-up table (total ink restriction LUT 128) to limit total quantity of ink, therefore can easily finish restriction based on the complexity of the combination of ink, reduce the computational load on the multifunctional equipment 2.

[0162] in this communication system 1100, total ink restriction LUT 128 is stored in the memory cell 12 (hard disk drive) of PC1, and this memory cell 12 has the big capacity of memory cell 22 (flash memory) than multifunctional equipment 2.Therefore, compare and to provide bigger memory capacity for total ink restriction LUT128 when total ink restriction LUT128 is stored in multifunctional equipment 2.In addition, can easily externally revise the step (that is, not to multifunctional equipment 2 adding sets own) of total quantity of ink restriction in handling.

[0163] on the other hand, because the PC 1 in this communication system 1100 handles to create total ink restriction LUT 128 (S1101-S1111) recently, therefore can carry out suitable total quantity of ink restriction based on print conditions and handle, thereby reach gratifying print result such as the type of ink and paper.Communication system 1100 has also reduced the possibility of following problems: the amount that multifunctional equipment 2 sprays the ink that surpasses the absorbefacient upper limit of paper ink inside, thus unabsorbed ink can be deposited over the inside of multifunctional equipment 2 and the life-span of shortening multifunctional equipment 2.For example, having made PRN device (multifunctional equipment 2 among the embodiment) afterwards, unexpected ink or paper may have been developed recently.Except professional printing paper and professional marking ink, also the various general paper of existence circulation and refilling ink cartridge and increasing user are using these products.Therefore, it is very useful can creating the new total ink restriction LUT 128 that is fit to new print conditions.

[00164] in addition, because PC 1 creates total ink restriction LUT 128 by the value that the value in the colour code tabulation that is used for regarding for oneself based on the result who prints colour code is replaced in the bad colour code tabulation, therefore when the decline of the print quality that prevents to be caused by the ink that used volume, PC 1 can easily create total ink that can reach gratifying print result and limit LUT 128.

[00165]＜revise

[00166] though described the present invention in detail, to one skilled in the art clearly, under the situation that does not depart from spirit of the present invention, can carry out variations and modifications with reference to the foregoing description.

[00167] [modification that sheet type detects]

[00168] in the above-described embodiments, paper detecting unit 45 detects the type of the paper that will use all the time in printing.But for example, when specifying the type of paper by PC 1, multifunctional equipment 2 does not need to carry out the detection of paper detecting unit 45.

[00169] under these circumstances, printer driver 123 is generally used for pointing out the user to be arranged on the type of the paper that will use during the printing of carrying out on the PC 1 in printing.Therefore, when the type of the paper of user's appointment drops in the type of the paper of not expecting (for example, the professional paper that uses) on multifunctional equipment 2, the type that paper detecting unit 45 needn't test paper.Paper detecting unit 45 only need be when the type of appointment in advance be set the type of test paper.This method can reduce the possibility in the incorrect detection of the type of paper under the following environment: can not accidental paper of specifying except the type that can use in printing.

[00170] in addition, if the prompting user points out the type of the paper that will use in the middle of the sheet type that only allows printing, then multifunctional equipment 2 needn't be provided with paper detecting unit 45.

[00171] [modification that total quantity of ink restriction is handled]

[00172] in above-mentioned second embodiment, for example, PC 1 carries out total quantity of ink restriction and handles, and still, for example, can carry out this processing on multifunctional equipment 2.Under latter event, for example, multifunctional equipment 2 can be transferred to PC 1 obtain total ink restriction LUT that will use in total quantity of ink restriction is handled by transmitting request.Perhaps, PC 1 can transmit total ink restriction LUT and print command together.

[00173] in the above-described embodiments, view data was being carried out total quantity of ink restriction processing before the RGB color space conversion becomes the CMYK color space, handling but also can after converting view data to the CMYK color space, carry out this total quantity of ink restriction.

[00174] [LUT creates the modification of handling]

[00175] in above-mentioned first and second embodiment, the two sides of the paper of quantity of ink affirmation chart has been printed in control module 21 gated sweep unit, 26 scannings thereon, and the image based on scanning is identified for the degree of expansion of each colour code and the degree of infiltration, but the invention is not restricted to the method.For example, can point out the degree of the expansion and the infiltration of user's Visual Confirmation printed contents and definite image.

[00176] in above-mentioned the 3rd embodiment, control module 21 prompting user Visual Confirmations have been printed quantity of ink in the above and have been confirmed paper and the expansion of definite image and the degree of infiltration of chart, but the invention is not restricted to the method.For example, control module 21 scanning element that can instead control multifunctional equipment 2 is with the two sides of the thing of scanning and printing and automatically be identified for the degree of expansion of each colour code and the degree of infiltration based on the image of scanning.

[00177] in the above-described embodiments, find aberration Δ E according to equation (1).But, can carry out the tone weight and search (searching) by at first calculating zenith angle φ in equation (2) and (3) and azimuth angle theta with bigger e value.Here, zenith angle φ and azimuth angle theta are the coordinate figures in the YCrCb space of representing in the spherical polar coordinates system.Subsequently, use zenith angle φ and azimuth angle theta, find aberration Δ E from equation (4).Subscript g represents the value that finds from the YCrCb value of good colour code, and subscript b represents the value that finds from the YCrCb value of bad colour code, and d and e represent weight coefficient.These aberration calculate and are not limited to the YCrCb color space equally, but can carry out in other color space, such as Lab and CIECAM02.

[00178] equation (2)

$\mathrm{\&phi;}={\tan }^{-1}\left(\frac{Y-\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="128\; Cr"\; filenames="A200910128698E00381.png,A200910128698E00411.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">128</figure-callout>}}{\sqrt{{\mathrm{Cr}}^{}}}\right)$

[00179] equation (3)

$\mathrm{\&theta;}=\tan \left(\frac{\mathrm{Cb}}{\mathrm{Cr}}\right)$

[00180] equation (4)

$\mathrm{\&Delta;E}=\sqrt{d{({\mathrm{\&phi;}}_g-{\mathrm{\&phi;}}_b)}^2+e{({\mathrm{\&theta;}}_g-{\mathrm{\&theta;}}_b)}^2}$

[00181] in addition, in the above-described embodiments, when carrying out print processing at every turn, PC 1 or multifunctional equipment 2 indication detecting units 43 and 45 type of the paper that provides in multifunctional equipment 2 and ink are provided and create total ink restriction LUT in needs, but the invention is not restricted to this sequential.Detect the type of ink and paper when for example, PC 1 or multifunctional equipment 2 can be controlled detecting unit 43 and 45 with each loading paper or change print cartridge and create total ink restriction LUT based on testing result.Particularly, when ink detection unit 43 or paper detecting unit 45 detected new print cartridge or new paper, PC 1 or multifunctional equipment 2 determined whether to exist suitable total ink restriction LUT.At this moment, the type of the ink in the print cartridge of detecting unit 43 or 45 detections installation recently or the type of the paper of loading recently.If do not write down and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of detected ink and paper, then PC 1 or multifunctional equipment 2 are created new total ink restriction LUT based on the type of detected ink and paper.Use this kind method, the suitable total ink restriction LUT of record before carrying out print processing.Therefore, control module 11 or 21 can from the total ink restriction LUT of storage, read with printing in the ink that will use and the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of type of paper, and can use this total ink restriction LUT to carry out total quantity of ink restriction and handle and print processing.

[00182] or, when ink detection unit 43 detects when having changed print cartridge 40, control module 11 or 21 can determine whether that the ID that write down with new print cartridge 40 numbers corresponding total ink restriction LUT.If control module determines to have write down corresponding total ink restriction LUT, then control module can be deleted the total ink restriction LUT into this ID number record.Number corresponding total ink restriction LUT by deleting in this way with ID, control module is guaranteed will create new total ink and is limited LUT when carrying out the image print processing.Therefore, but even when replacing the identical ink that wherein holds of print cartridge not simultaneously with the print cartridge that is replaced, such as under the situation of refilling ink cartridge, control module can be based on the total amount of limit ink reliably with the corresponding total ink restriction LUT of the type of the ink that is using.

[00183] [modification of color material]

[00184] in the example of embodiment, PC 1 adopts inkjet printing unit 30 to be used to use ink (cyan, carmetta, yellow and the black) print image of four kinds of colors.For example, print unit can adopt the ink of more colors.In addition, color material is not limited to ink.For example, print unit can adopt transmission laser system to be used to use the ink powder of multiple color to form image.Under these circumstances, determine bad colour code based on the degree of the fixing deterioration of ink powder.

[00185] [modification of view data]

[00186] in the above-described embodiments, the view data that inputs to multifunctional equipment 2 is the RGB data, but the invention is not restricted to the data of this type and can be applied to use the equipment of the data of other form.

Claims (17)

1. image processing system, described image processing system is used for based on the raw image data print image with colour, and described image processing system comprises:

Memory cell, at least one look-up table that described cell stores is associated with at least one print conditions, described at least one look-up table is used for the colour of described raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing;

Detecting unit, described detecting unit detect at least one of type of the type of the color material that is used for printing and recording medium as print conditions; And

Converting unit, described converting unit converts the described colour in the described raw image data to described limited colour by using look-up table, and described look-up table has been assigned with and the corresponding print conditions of detected print conditions.

2. image processing system according to claim 1 further comprises:

PRN device, described PRN device comprise described memory cell, described detecting unit, described converting unit and print unit, and described print unit is constructed to print described image; And

Data processing equipment, described data processing equipment are constructed to described raw image data is sent to described PRN device.

3. image processing system according to claim 1 further comprises:

Determining unit, described determining unit determine that whether described detected print conditions is corresponding to one in described at least one print conditions that is assigned with described at least one look-up table; With

Creating unit, when described determining unit determined that described detected print conditions does not correspond in described at least one print conditions that is assigned with described at least one look-up table that is stored in the described memory cell any one, described creating unit was created and the corresponding new look-up table of described detected print conditions.

4. image processing system according to claim 3, wherein, described creating unit comprises:

Color table print unit, described color table print unit are printed the color table image based on the bar chart image data with many group colour code data under described detected print conditions, every group of colour code data have colour;

Taxon, described taxon is categorized in first tabulation and second any one in tabulating based in the described colours of the color table image of printing in will described many group colour code data each;

Look-up table creating unit, described look-up table creating unit are created corresponding to the described new look-up table of described detected print conditions and the colour that is constructed to belong to described second tabulation converts the colour that belongs to described first tabulation to.

5. image processing system according to claim 1 further comprises the print data converting unit, and described print data converting unit converts described limited colour to the printing colour, and described printing colour has been specified the amount of the color material that will use in printing.

6. image processing system according to claim 5 wherein, is represented described colour and represent described printing colour in M dimension color space that N is greater than M in N dimension color space.

7. image processing system according to claim 5 further comprises:

PRN device, described PRN device comprise described detecting unit, described print data converting unit and print unit, and described print unit is constructed to print described image; And

Data processing equipment, described data processing equipment comprises described converting unit and described memory cell, and described data processing equipment is constructed to receive described detected print conditions and described limited colour is sent to described PRN device from described PRN device.

8. image processing system according to claim 1, wherein, described memory cell with a plurality of print conditions one to one mode store a plurality of look-up tables,

Wherein, described converting unit is selected among described a plurality of look-up tables with the corresponding look-up table of described detected print conditions and by using the look-up table of selecting to convert the described colour in the described raw image data to described limited colour.

9. computer-readable recording medium, the executable on computers batch processing instruction of its storage, described computer-readable recording medium comprises memory cell, at least one look-up table that described cell stores is associated with at least one print conditions, described at least one look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing, and described programmed instruction comprises:

Detection is used at least one of type of the type of color material of printing and recording medium as print conditions; And

By using look-up table to convert the described colour in the described raw image data to described limited colour, described look-up table is assigned and the corresponding print conditions of detected print conditions.

10. image processing method that is used to control image processing system, described image processing system comprises memory cell, at least one look-up table that described cell stores is associated with at least one print conditions, described at least one look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing, and described image processing method comprises:

Detection is used at least one of type of the type of color material of printing and recording medium as print conditions; And

By using look-up table to convert the described colour in the described raw image data to described limited colour, described look-up table has been assigned with and the corresponding print conditions of detected print conditions.

11. an image processing system is used for based on the raw image data print image with colour, described image processing system comprises:

Creating unit, described creating unit is created look-up table, and described look-up table is used for the colour of described raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing;

Converting unit, described converting unit converts the described colour in the described raw image data to described limited colour by using described look-up table; And

The print data converting unit, described print data converting unit converts described limited colour to the printing colour, and described printing colour specifies in the amount of the color material that will use in the printing.

12. image processing system according to claim 11, wherein, described creating unit comprises:

The color table print unit, described color table print unit is printed color table based on the bar chart image data with many group colour code data, and every group of colour code data have colour;

Taxon, described taxon is categorized among first tabulation and second in tabulating based on the color table image of printing each colour in will described many group colour code data;

The look-up table creating unit, described look-up table creating unit is created described look-up table, and the colour that described look-up table is constructed to belong to described second tabulation converts the colour that belongs to described first tabulation to.

13. image processing system according to claim 11 wherein, is represented described colour and represent described printing colour in M dimension color space that N is greater than M in N dimension color space.

14. image processing system according to claim 11, wherein, described converting unit converts the described colour of representing in the three-dimensional color space to the described limited colour of representing in the three-dimensional color space.

15. image processing system according to claim 12 further comprises detecting unit, described detecting unit detects in the type of the type of color material and recording medium at least one as print conditions,

Wherein, described color table print unit is printed described color table image under described detected print conditions, described taxon is categorized among in described first tabulation and described second tabulation one based on the color table image of printing each colour in will described many group colour code data, and establishment of described look-up table creating unit and the corresponding described look-up table of described detected print conditions.

16. a computer-readable recording medium, the executable on computers batch processing instruction of its storage, described programmed instruction comprises:

Create look-up table, described look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing;

By using described look-up table to convert the described colour in the described raw image data to described limited colour; And

Described limited colour is converted to the printing colour of the amount that specifies in the described color material that to use in the printing.

17. an image processing method comprises:

Create look-up table, described look-up table is used for the colour of raw image data is converted to the limited colour of the total amount that is limited in the ink that will use in the printing;

By using described look-up table to convert the described colour in the described raw image data to described limited colour; And

Described limited colour is converted to the printing colour of the amount that specifies in the described color material that to use in the printing.

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