CN1146401A - Ink-jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a kind of ink-jet printer with new color resolution technique to integrate (combine) the shade tone control with hue adjustment, which is difficult to do for the existent technology of the color duplicated picture manufacturing. The shade tone converter of ink-jet printer possesses the following functions: function for utilizing the characteristic curve of the recording medium for recording color script picture, and according density value (D) to determine the bright value (X), function for finding out highlight-to-lowlight ratio value (Yn) by utilizing the shade tone conversion formula Yn=Yh [a (1-0-KX)(Ys-YH)/(a-b)], and function for hue adjustment used when conducting shade tone conversion.

Description

Ink-jet printer

The present invention relates to the colored original image of continuous accent is carried out optoelectronic scanning, and the image information that is obtained is carried out deep or light modulation change, make the ink-jet printer of the color dub image of halftoning (below be also referred to as semi-tone or site tone).

The invention particularly relates to the ink-jet printer that the deep or light modulation parallel operation as the core texture key element of ink-jet printer has new function.

In more detail, the close deep or light modulation parallel operation that the invention is characterized in ink-jet printer is not to utilize the image information of existing concentration information value as the colored original image, and be to use light value, so that the influence of the characteristic curve (characteristic curve that depends on the close concentration value that incides the light value on the recording medium and on recording medium, form) of the recording medium of eliminating recording colour original image, using specific deep or light accent transform simultaneously, the above-mentioned light value of colored original image is carried out deep or light modulation change, and in this process, carry out the function that tone is adjusted simultaneously.

Ink-jet printer of the present invention can quantitatively and reasonably be controlled tone (Colour tone) according to deep or light accent (also being concentration scale or dense what is said or talked about degree), utilizes the present invention that a kind of ink-jet printer with high additive value that the adjustment of deep or light mediation tone is united can be provided.

As mentioned above, the new deep or light modulation that the present invention relates to increase the deep or light mediation tone of unified control changes the ink-jet printer of technology.

Yet, always thinking in existing technology wants to check colors under the vicissitudinous condition of deep or light accent transfer in the row reasonable and quantitative adjustment be the thing of part difficulty, following explanation of the present invention is to lay stress on the new management that the deep or light modulation parallel operation of ink-jet printer of the present invention had to adjust function aspects.

As everyone knows, utilize various color dub technology, can make the printing image, duplicating image (copy image), printer output image, also have various color dub images such as TV (video) image according to the colored original image that writes down on the various recording mediums.

When making these color dub images, epochmaking problem is: first, on the color dub image, reproduce dense what is said or talked about accent (gradation) and the tone (Colour tone) that the colored original image is had with Hi-Fi colour (High-Fidelity, high color); The second, be adjusted to the have desirable tune image of (containing deep or light mediation tone).

But the present situation of prior art can not reasonably, be finished above-mentioned problem with having operating rule.

This is because be reproduced in truly in the technology on the color dub image at the tune (deep or light mediation tone) with above-mentioned colored original image, and the tune adjustment of colored original image (revising or change) is being become in the technology of desirable tune, be used for image information as basic colored original image, particularly the image information in the concentration category is transformed in the half deep or light nonlinear transformation treatment technology that calls (changing technology or the deep or light accent converter technique of image to call the deep or light modulation of image in the following text), do not have rational rationale, but carry out not science with individual's experience and intuition to a great extent, due to the deep or light modulation of irrational image changes.

The following describes the present invention relates to the problems referred to above, require the manufacturing technology of high-quality color printing image all the time.

Quote color printing image manufacturing technology the reasons are as follows listed:

(1) produce during the key of the present invention problem that is the present inventor in attempting to solve the manufacturing technology of existing color printing image,

(2) well-known, half deep or light accent manifestation of the duplicating image of ink-jet printer (the deep or light method of expression pixel) has:

(i) utilize the mode that changes the site size to change the method (size modified tone method) of the lining rate of pixel

The mode of arrangement number that (ii) utilize to change a certain size (regulation) site changes the method (density modified tone method) of the lining rate of pixel

The former has the technology similarity identical with the manifestation of the printing image that carries out with the site.

(3) the color dub image of printing with ink-jet printer is used as the color proof (Colour proof proofreaies and correct and uses image) that color printing image is used, and this practice is very in vogue.

In existing technology, during according to the color printing image in color transparency original copy (about 90% is transmission-type in the color transparency original copy) the making duplicating image, do not lay stress on reasonable assurance color transparency original copy from highlights branch (H portion) on the gradation characteristic of dark-part (S portion), in addition, " colored decomposition curve (be also referred to as colour and separate operating characteristic curve; the deep or light accent characteristic curve in site etc.) " set when the dependency relation of color transparency original image that determines continuously accent and the color printing image that duplicating image is the deep or light accent in site then we can say it is experience and the intuition that depends on the people fully.

Usually, the preparation method of color printing image is to utilize color scanner (Colourscanner) that color transparency original image (following claims the colored original image) is carried out colour to decompose, and carry out polychrome plate-making (C version, M version, Y version, BL version these 4 editions are 1 group usually), be used for duplicating the color printing image of site layer.

As everyone knows, C version (dark green), M version (peony) and Y version (yellow) are the versions of the complementary color relation in formation and additive process R (redness), G (green) and the corresponding subtractive process of B (blueness), and the BL version is also referred to as black version or China ink version.

Above-mentioned color scanner is the high device of the price of electromechanical integration, but an existing big problem is that running rate is extremely low in the industry, on average is about 30%.The low main cause of above-mentioned running rate of high price color scanner etc. be color scanner running time (Scanner Setup time) Products Quality instability long, that obtain by the look apportioned effort and also insufficient, under many circumstances also need rescanning (Rescan, remake) or the like.

If this situation is analyzed a little from technological standpoint, then as mentioned above, the instrument that in colored apportioned effort, uses, what at first sight use is senior and the color scanner of the electromechanical integration of high price etc., but the several basic fundamentals in colored apportioned effort, for example color rendering, colour correction, colour-compensating (color Reproduction, Color Correction) technology and deep or light accent (Gradation) converter technique but are not technology adaptive mutually, that form system, and this can be described as the low main cause of actual job rate of color scanner.

As everyone knows, in two above-mentioned basic fundamentals, about technology such as color renderings, because the application of sheltering equation (Masking equation) and Niu Gaibaer equation (Neugebauerequation) etc. can be carried out scientific exploration.

; the converter technique of back a kind of image deep or light accent (this is summed up as the problem that should set great site in whole pixels in the colored original image) does not but have rational rationale can follow and do not add and bother about, and this part is in the experience that relies on the people to a great extent and the state of intuition.

Under this state, in order to develop the colored various machines that decompose usefulness, carry out this viewpoint of colour decomposition from unified the adjustment according to the deep or light accent of color harmony, except the basic designing technique prematurity still of machine itself, in actual job, use the advanced electronic color decomposer (color scanner) of high price on one side, and operating personnel infer operation on one side, the experience and intuition (the Without operator evalution that can not get rid of operating personnel, without operator ' s guess work), can not often produce stable high-quality color printing image.

Particularly not at suitable photography and conditions of exposure and be not under the situation of the standard original copy of making under the suitable video picture condition at the colored original image, for example under the situation of the original copy of over-exposed too bright original copy, under-exposed too dark original copy, light tone or low key tone and the original copy of chromatic colour photographic fog (Color cast) or the original copy that fades non-standard original copys such as (faded original), just can not carry out colored apportioned effort reasonably, effectively.Promptly can not be reasonably carry out colour and decompose, exist the real-world operation rate of above-mentioned color scanner low, that Products Quality is not moved is fixed, problem such as scan rate increase again these off-gauge colored original images.

The present inventor has had following basic understanding, promptly, certain picture element (quality that both estimate by deep or light mediation tone) in order to reproduce the colored original image truly, and further for according to above-mentioned various colored original images, reasonably produce the have desirable tune color dub image of halftoning of (deep or light mediation tone), before improving color rendering, colour-compensating (correction) technology, must make the converter technique of deep or light accent of each pixel of colored original image reasonable.

According to the invention described above person's basic understanding, the present inventor at first according to new deep or light accent transform proposed reasonably, to the deep or light method of transferring in line translation of colored original image, (for example received certain effect, be willing to clear 63-114599 number referring to the spy, USP4,924,323; Special hope flat 1-135825 number, USP5,313,310; Special hope flat 1-212118 number, USP5,057,931; Special hope flat 3-78668 number, USP5,134,494 etc.).

The original new deep or light accent converter technique that proposes of present inventor be applicable to that the deep or light accent converter technique of ink-jet printer of the present invention has deep relation, therefore now above-mentioned deep or light accent converter technique is briefly explained.The deep or light accent converter technique of using among the present invention is based on above-mentioned deep or light accent converter technique, is improved and form again, and this improved content is to constitute necessary technology of the present invention.

In existing technology, the look decomposition of coloured image is performed such, promptly (body is taken according to the original image of recording and narrating with literal, real image, actual landscape, the body that for example is taken supposition is an apple, just be meant apple itself), the regulation conditions of exposure under (as everyone knows, when incident intensity is I, time of incidence is when being t, light exposure E=It), the body that is taken of incident is recorded in " recording medium " that is called sensitive photographic material (photosensitive latex) to be gone up and obtains photochrome, concentration information based on this photochrome, carry out colour and decompose (so-called colored apportioned effort, as mentioned above, comprise that deep or light accent reproduces and two aspects of tone rendering).

As everyone knows,, on still life of having taken or personage's the sensitive photographic material of being taken the photograph body by uncle, form sensitization concentration (photographic density), Here it is media image by developing.Be to represent that the above-mentioned sensitization concentration (melanism degree) and the curve of the dependency relation of the light exposure E of photographic photosensitive material are sensitization concentration characteristic curve (photographic density charac-teristic curve).It is to be that sensitization concentration (D) (D=log Io/I), transverse axis are the curve of logarithm value (log E) expression of light exposure E with the longitudinal axis.Certainly, color for egative film or dry plate (transparent copy), and for photographic paper (reflextion copy) with the ratio of transmitted light intensity I with incident intensity Io, then adopt the ratio of reflective light intensity I and total reflection light intensity Io.

Above-mentioned density of blackening characteristic curve (hereinafter to be referred as density characteristic curve) is most typical to be a kind of end section, middle complex curve (referring to Fig. 1) that omits straightway linearly and be the shoulder section of convex-shaped of convex down of being.

And in existing technology, colored apportioned effort is that the concentration information value with each pixel of colored original image is that carry out on the basis.

In other words, in the prior art, colored decomposition technique is a kind of technology of setting out and setting up with the angle field of the characteristic longitudinal axis of above-mentioned concentration (concentration value).And, in existing technology, as disproportional relation between the image information of the image information value (concentration information value) of the colored original image (media image) on the basis of colored apportioned effort and original image (real image, the body that is taken, outdoor scene), and be that the photobehavior (density characteristic curve) of photographic photosensitive material (photosensitive latex) has a significant impact to recording medium.That is, media image is the egative film concentration of colored original image and be that light exposure (logarithm value) is not linear correlation (45 ° of linear relationships of 1: 1) from the image information value of the body that is taken (real image, outdoor scene).

In addition, the vision of known person is logarithmic relationship to the resolution characteristic of light and shade, and the people is according to above-mentioned resolution characteristic, the light quantity that incides vision system from the body that is taken is carried out light and shade estimates.In this case, the slope of feeling change in concentration naturally is linear.

From the above, when making color printing image, if be recorded in concentration value (the D=log I of the media image on the sensitive photographic material with searching _o/ colored the apportioned effort that I) carries out for purpose, the concentration information that will use the photobehavior that is subjected to sensitive photographic material to influence, rather than be used to the image information value (light value) of the body that is taken (real image, outdoor scene) of the real object of self-replication.

The present inventor is according to above-mentioned situation, following method has been carried out conscientiously research, image information during promptly as the making color printing image, be not to use method because of the image information value of the non-linear media image of the influence modification of the photobehavior (concentration characteristic curve) that is subjected to recording medium (sensitive photographic material), it is the approximation method of concentration value, and be to use the relevant image information values of light quantity such as (original, initial) light exposure to be the basis from the 1st hand of the body that is taken (real image, real shadow), make the method for printing image.

Result of study finds, in colored apportioned effort, carrying out most important deep or light modulation when changing operation, adopts following method to produce to have the color printing image of excellence of the picture characteristics of the faithful to body that is taken (real image, outdoor scene).Promptly

(1) according to the longitudinal axis (the D=log I of the concentration characteristic curve (sensitization concentration characteristic curve) of taking the sensitive photographic material that the colored original image write down _o/ i) concentration value is obtained the value (to call the longitudinal axis in the following text is the D axle, and transverse axis is an X-axis) of transverse axis (logE), in other words, according to the concentration value on the D axle of colored original image (media image), obtains the light value on the X-axis.

(2) more particularly, by above-mentioned concentration characteristic curve, with the concentration information value (D on the D axle of the pixel arbitrarily on the original image (n point) _n) project on the X-axis, ask with image information value (X with the light exposure of corresponding relevant pixel _n), then

(3) the Xn value (light value) as above to obtain, (it and the described deep or light accent transform that adopts in the present invention in back are identical according to the original deep or light accent transform that proposes of present inventor again.But utilizing aspect scope, the range of application of above-mentioned deep or light accent transform, the present invention then is diverse.) the deep or light modulation that carries out image changes.

From the above, the original deep or light modulation technology of changing that proposes of present inventor is that used most important deep or light modulation changes technology when making the color printing image of the deep or light accent in site (halftoning).

That is, the deep or light modulation that proposes of the invention described above person change technology from primary meaning says be the informativeness that reached 1: 1 of deep or light accent that making has various original images that comprise the colored original image, be the technology that deep or light natural color dub image is used from people's vision.

The above-mentioned deep or light modulation technology of changing can not only be used for the colored original image of standard, and can be used for off-gauge original copy and (expose to the sun excessively or under-exposed, light tone or low key tone, even chromatic colour photographic fog or original copy of fading etc.), make its reproduction can think to be taken deep or light accent that body (real image) had.

Change in the technology at above-mentioned deep or light modulation, owing to can reproduce deep or light accent truly, so can reproduce the tone abundant content really.

, as mentioned above, can estimate the original hierarchical transformation technology that proposes of present inventor as follows, i.e. this technology

With regard to primary meaning, in colored apportioned effort, pay attention to the conversion of deep or light accent, promptly

Pay attention to realizing the Hi-Fi conversion (between the duplicating image of original image of transferring continuously and site accent, also carrying out the high-fidelity conversion of deep or light accent at 1: 1) of deep or light accent,

Utilize above-mentioned deep or light modulation to change technology, can be with high validity ground and reasonably carry out deep or light modulation and change, and follow above-mentioned deep or light modulation to change, the also tone rendering that can enrich really.

, market is not the duplicating on this demand of color printing image that rests on the tune (deep or light mediation tone) that has as the colored original image to the demand of the quality of coloured image, but more and more requires senior, complicated, diversified.

The hope that for example has emphasizes to reproduce the color of specific part (personage, ware class, clothes class, furniture, wooden category, drawing etc.) in the colored original image or privileged site (zone) etc., perhaps wishes integral color is altered to various demands such as desirable tone such as blue cast, dark green tone, light green tone, pink tone, sepia accent.

At these demands, if adopt existing colour-compensating (Colour correction) technology, promptly enable to reproduce tone requirement, but the whole tune of image distorted to specific part, thereby make the picture quality severe exacerbation, be faced with and solve the problem that satisfies above-mentioned requirements.

Self-evident, in order to adapt to above-mentioned requirements, main problem is to set up a kind of like this converter technique of deep or light mediation tone, and promptly this technology can make people's vision that nature is all felt in two aspects of tune of the color harmony integral image of specific part or privileged site (zone).

For the High Level that adapts to the above-mentioned market demand and complicated, mean that in colored decomposition technique the deep or light modulation of requirement changes unitized (syncretization) of technology and tone adjustment technology.

In this case, the problem that must be noted that is: (for example) under the situation of color printing image, the site that forms color printing image will all be direct relation with deep or light accent (gradation) and tone (colour tone) or dense degree and colored both sides usually.Yes for this because the factor of decision picture quality is the coloring printing ink (decision tone) that is coated with on the size (determining deep or light accent) of site and the above-mentioned site.

And, change in the technology at the original deep or light modulation that proposes of present inventor, established the method for reasonably adjusting the size (site % value) of management site.Therefore, from present inventor's eye, the unitized of above-mentioned deep or light key adjusting technique and tone adjustment technology should be the extension that the original deep or light modulation that proposes of present inventor changes technology, adds and studies assiduously.

Its result, the present inventor obtains such opinion, promptly adopt as original deep or light modulation that proposes and change the deep or light accent transform of the core of technology, the idea of tone adjustment is blended in wherein, just can be in colored apportioned effort aspect two of deep or light accent of color harmony, reasonably adjust management.

The present invention is based on above-mentioned opinion, and the technology similarity fusion of being seen between color scanner of using at the making color printing image and the ink-jet printer is finished in notion.The purpose of this invention is to provide the ink-jet printer that has comprised a kind of like this tone management adjustment technology, promptly this technology be according to the present invention to the deep or light accent of color harmony both reasonably adjust management colored decomposition technique, particularly in existing technology, consider dangerous, in abundant deep or light accent reproduction process, tone can be adjusted into the tone management adjustment technology of desirable tone.

As mentioned above, the feature of the maximum of ink-jet printer of the present invention is to comprise both color separation technology of unitizing of deep or light mediation tone.

; relevant of the present invention below the explanation in; in view of the present situation that existing technology can not be managed tone reasonably, quantitatively, focus on the core texture key element of ink-jet printer especially, the tone management of promptly deep or light modulation parallel operation is adjusted the explanation of carrying out on the function.

With the present invention to sum up, the present invention is that the deep or light modulation parallel operation with ink-jet printer carries out deep or light modulation to the image information of the colored original image of continuous accent and changes, make the ink-jet printer of the color dub image of halftoning (semi-tone), the feature of this ink-jet printer is that above-mentioned deep or light modulation parallel operation has following tone adjustment function:

(1) utilizes the characteristic curve (just inciding light value (X value) on the recording medium and the characteristic curve of the relation between the concentration value that forms on the recording medium (D value)) of the recording medium of recording colour original image, obtain the function of light value (X value) according to concentration value (D value) with rectangular coordinate system regulation.

(2) utilize given below＜deep or light transposing formula 〉, above-mentioned light value (X value) is carried out deep or light modulation change, the function of the poor coefficient value of negating (Yn value), and

(3) use tone to adjust function in above-mentioned deep or light modulation changes, this tone is adjusted function and is comprised with the lower part:

(3)-1. the tone management point (M of the tone that is used for managing the color dub image is set at the regulation position between the H of colored original image portion (highlights)～S portion (the darkest portion) ₁)

(3)-2. at above-mentioned tone management point (M ₁), according to the contrast factor value of desirable look version (C version, M version, Y version, and BL version), the regularization condition of specified hue

(3)-3. with above-mentioned tone management point (M ₁) the above-mentioned tone regularization condition of the light value located and reflection the look version the contrast factor value and below the desirable contrast factor value substitution that H portion and S portion set＜deep or light accent transform, obtain the γ value, preparation with the light value of the pixel of the H portion～S portion of above-mentioned look version be transformed into contrast factor value (Yn value) usefulness＜deep or light accent transform, and

(3)-4. the version usefulness of all kinds of above-mentioned γ value＜deep or light accent transform is determined in utilization 〉, the light value of each pixel of version usefulness of all kinds is carried out deep or light modulation change, check colors simultaneously and transfer in the adjustment of line pipe reason.

＜deep or light accent transform 〉

Y _n＝Y _H＋〔α(1－10 ^-kx(Y _S－Y _H)/(α－β)〕

Should＜deep or light accent transform in the meaning of each symbol following listed:

X: expression (X _n-X _h).Represent that promptly obtaining the corresponding light value of concentration information value (Dn) (Xn) with any pixel (n point) of colored original image from the characteristic curve that utilizes above-mentioned recording medium deducts concentration information value (D by the H portion of the colored original image of obtaining with quadrat method _H) corresponding light value (X _H) after the basic light value that obtains.

Yn: to the colored original image on the corresponding color dub image of pixel arbitrarily (n point) on the contrast factor value set of pixel.

Y _H: in advance to the colored original image on the corresponding color dub image of H portion on the contrast factor value set of H portion.

Y _S: in advance to the colored original image on the corresponding color dub image of S portion on the contrast factor value set of S portion.

α: the surface reflectivity of the image appearance medium that the recording colour duplicating image is used.

β: by β=10 ^-γThe numerical value of decision.

K: by K=γ/(X _S-X _H) decision numerical value.

X in the formula _SConcentration information value (the D of the S portion of the colored original image that expression and the characteristic curve that utilizes above-mentioned recording medium are tried to achieve _S) corresponding light value (X _S).

γ: any coefficient.

Describe the technical pattern of ink-jet printer of the present invention below in detail.

For convenience of explanation, image information value and original image at first are described.

In ink-jet printer of the present invention, most important characteristic is: the image information of using as according to color dub image making color printing image the time, not as existing technology, to use and concentration dependent image information value, and be to use the image information relevant with light quantity.

In the present invention, the colored original image is called as the image that writes down or be accumulated on the given recording medium, also is called media image.Different therewith, record or be accumulated on the above-mentioned recording medium before image, promptly the image as the real object that duplicates is called real image (body that is taken, material object, outdoor scene).

Manufacturing technology with the color dub image is an example below, quotes the strong color printing image of technology similarity, goes on to say the tone management method that is applied to ink-jet printer of the present invention.

At first, in order to understand the present invention, just utilize earlier above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform now〉the deep or light modulation technology of changing carry out simple declaration, the whole method of the key of checking colors again later on is elaborated.

As mentioned above, now in the copy job of color printing image, use this colored decomposer of color scanner extremely at large, colored apportioned effort in this device is to carry out for the basis with the concentration information value that obtains from colored original image (be media image, comprise transmission-type original copy and reflection-type original copy).More particularly, method commonly used in the making of color printing image, normally,, make C version (dark green), M version (peony), Y version (yellow), BL version (black) from the concentration information value that colored original image (media image) obtains according to by each egative film of R.G.B.

; for example as the colored original image; when use was called color transparency (transmission-type) original image (media image) that is write down on the recording medium of photographic photosensitive material, utilization had above-described restriction (shortcoming) from the method for the concentration information value that this original image is asked for.

Otherwise, as mentioned above, the present invention but is to be starting point with so a kind of idea: the real object that promptly duplicates is not the image (media image) that is recorded on the recording medium, and be with the basic colored original image with textual representation as media image all the time, just be taken of body (real image) itself can should be to incide the relevant image information value of light quantity on the recording medium from the body that is taken with the image information value that uses when duplicating.

Above-mentioned problem is the basic difference that deep or light modulation of the present invention changes technology and existing technology.

From the another one angle this problem is described below.

In colored decomposition technique, the colored original image that must will transfer continuously (for example color transparency original copy of transmission-type) is transformed into the colored original image that transfer the site.But as previously mentioned, regulation continuous toned image and site change the line map picture dependency relation be colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve).And, existing colored decomposition curve is with in recording medium, promptly goes up the concentration information value that forms at the D axle (concentration axle) of the characteristic curve on the sensitive photographic material (the sensitization concentration characteristic curve of stipulating) in D axle-X-axis rectangular coordinate system and sets for the basis.

Different therewith, colored decomposition curve of the present invention as previously mentioned, but is serve as basic setting with the image information value relevant with the light quantity of the body that is taken (real image) on the characteristic X-axis of sensitization concentration.That is, in existing colored decomposition technique, use be the colored decomposition curve of D axle, and different therewith, the present invention but can be to use the colored decomposition curve of X-axis, this is both basic differences.

Secondly of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform is being used in explanation〉the deep or light accent converter technique of image in, ask for the method for image information value of each pixel of colored original image, promptly ask the method for light value.

The characteristic curve of the photographic photosensitive material of the recording medium of using in the time of at first will preparing as shooting color transparency original image (media image) specifically, will prepare to represent sensitization concentration value (D=log I exactly _o/ I) and from the body that is taken (real image, outdoor scene) incide above-mentioned recording medium, promptly the image information value that the light quantity on the photographic photosensitive material is relevant, be the concentration characteristic curve of the relation between the logarithm value of light exposure (E=It).Secondly, for by above-mentioned concentration characteristic curve, according to the concentration value (D of any pixel in the colored original image (n point) _n), obtain light value (X _n), and with above-mentioned concentration characteristic curve function to indicate.What at this moment, will (for example) be provided as technical data by sensitive photographic material factory carries out function to indicate with the corresponding concentration characteristic curve of above-mentioned recording medium and handles and get final product.If can reasonably carry out function to indicate, then can be at an easy rate with the D on the D axle _nValue transform becomes the X on the X-axis _nValue.

Fig. 1 represents concentration characteristic curve (F corporate system, Fuji's colour film).

In addition, table 1 has provided the result with the concentration characteristic curve formulism among Fig. 1.As shown in table 1,, formulistic zoning is divided into 8 districts carries out concentration characteristic curve formulism for as far as possible correctly, in each district, tentative formulism.Certainly formulism is distinguished many more, can be obtained correct functional expression more.

The characteristic functional expression list of table 1 concentration F company's colour film (FUJICHROME) concentration characteristic curve (Fig. 1)

In the characteristic formulism of above-mentioned concentration, make the scale on the X-axis of the image information value of being correlated with that scale and log E with the body that is taken (real image) on the D axle of concentration value of expression colored original image (media image) represent identical, obtain the function of regulation D and X dependency relation with light quantity.

This is a kind of analog computation of carrying out according to following viewpoint, and the present inventor thinks reasonably.This means and be to use this term of the analogue value on the X-axis in Fig. 1.

Promptly, originally in photograph concentration characteristic curve, that scale is logarithm value (the log E=log I * t) of light exposure E on the X-axis, this is corresponding to such fact, promptly with the corresponding explanation characteristic of the light and shade of vision and the same to the understanding (vision) of the concentration on the D axle, be logarithm, can think that therefore the simulation of relevant above-mentioned scale is rational.

In the present invention, above-mentioned scale is a kind of short-cut method, not limit by this.

As mentioned above, the present invention is recorded in the concentration value (D that recording medium (photographic photosensitive material) goes up the colored original image (media image) that forms so that the body (real image) that is taken is taken _nValue) be the basis, but to incide the image information value (X relevant with light quantity that represent with X-axis on the recording medium from the body that is taken (real image) _nValue) is the basis.

As mentioned above, the concentration characteristic curve is as shown in table 1, by this functional expression of X=f (D) as can be known, and D _nValue and X _nValue is relevant, therefore can be according to D _nValue is obtained X easily _nValue.

Secondly, the deep or light modulation technology of changing of the present invention is to use the light value (X that obtains as mentioned above _nValue) and above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform, the colored decomposition curve of obtaining (deep or light modulation changes curve) promptly as long as the colored decomposition curve of existing D axle changed slightly obtain X-axis colour decomposition curve, just can carry out the deep or light modulation of image and change.

That is, when making color printing image, according to given concentration characteristic curve, the concentration value (D that locates by the pixel arbitrarily on the original image (n point) _n), obtain the relevant image information value (X of light quantity of corresponding pixel with it _n), by should (X _n) value substitution above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform, calculate contrast factor value (Y _n), i.e. dot area % value.Then, with above-mentioned contrast factor value (Y _n) input part (halftone generator) of (site (area) % value) input color scanner, can make color printing image.

Now to of the present invention above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform derivation carry out simple declaration.

When making color printing image, calculate the site % value (Y that transfer above-mentioned site _n) time use＜deep or light accent transform be to derive from the concentration formula (sensitization concentration, optical concentration) of generally acknowledging, promptly from

D＝log?I _o/I＝log?1/T

I _o=incident light quantity

I=reflection light quantity or transmission light quantity

T=I/I _o=reflectivity or transmissivity

If the general formula of above-mentioned relevant concentration D is applied to plate-making, when printing, then becomes following formula:

Concentration during Plate making printing (D ')=log (I _o/ I)=surface reflectivity of reflectivity/(reflectivity of (unit are-dot area) * paper)+dot area * printing ink of log unit are * paper)=log α A/ (α { A-(d1+d2+ ... + dn) }+β (d1+d2+ ...) dn))

A in the formula: unit are

Dn: the area of the various sites in the unit are

α: the reflectivity of printing

β: the surface reflectivity of printing-ink

The present invention is the concentration formula (D ') based on relevant this plate-making, printing, makes it the % value (Y of the site of the specimens point on the color printing image of basic concentration value (X) that the specimens point arbitrarily (pixel) (n point) on the colored original image with accent continuously locates and site corresponding with it accent _n) theoretical value that is associated is consistent with actual measured value, derives above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform.

Use of the present invention above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform the time, the % value of site is the following numerical value of use usually, promptly during the C version, Y _HBe 5%, Y _SBe 95%, when M version and Y version, Y _HBe 3%, Y _SBe 90%.In addition, using above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform〉time, if concentration value working concentration instrumentation definite value, Y _HAnd Y _SWhen using percentage numerical value as described above (% value), also to calculate Y by percentage numerical value (% value) _nValue.

Use of the present invention above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform the time, certainly by using after the following distortion, also can be through processing arbitrarily, be out of shape, using after the derivation etc.

Y _n＝Y _H＋E(1－10 ^-kx·(Y _S－Y _H)

E=1/ in the formula (1-β)=1/ (1-10 ^-γ)

Above-mentioned variation is got α=1 and o'clock is derived.

This is to be 100% o'clock relational expression for the surface reflectivity that shows the employed printing of color printing image (ground).In fact the desirable arbitrary value of α is got 1.0 and is also had no relations.

If variation in the employing (α=1.0), then can be as predetermined Y on the highlights (H portion) on the setting color printing image _H, the Y in the darkest portion (S portion) _S

This is of the present invention one big key character.The problems referred to above can illustrate according to the following fact, i.e. H portion on color printing image, and according to definition, X=O is in addition at S portion, X=X _S-X _H, promptly

-k·x＝γ·(X _S－X _H)/(X _S－X _H)＝-γ

Like this, owing to utilize of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform〉(variation of α=1), can set predetermined usually Y to H portion on the color printing image and S portion _HValue and Y _SValue.This problem is an extremely important problem when at the user operation result's evaluation being investigated.That is the Y in the setting color printing image, ^HAnd Y _SBe desirable value, change γ value (but α=1.0) again, just can obtain the colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) of various X-axis.The mass content of the color printing image of making according to the colored decomposition curves of these X-axis and the relation between the γ value just can be estimated at an easy rate.

Utilize of the present invention above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform when setting the colored decomposition curve of X-axis (deep or light modulation changes curve) of version of all kinds of polychrome plate-making (using C version/M version/Y version/four kinds of versions of BL version usually) usefulness, can followingly carry out.

Method commonly used in the industry is the colored decomposition curve of at first setting as the C version usefulness of benchmark (deep or light modulation changes curve), sets other look version then, so that keep gray balance or colour balance.

Above-mentioned so-called gray balance is a condition of reproducing neutral concentration (gray scale) with three look versions (C/M/Y version), also is essential condition.In the industry, in order to keep gray balance, the standard value shown in the table 2 below adopting usually.

In the table 2, M ₁It is the gray balance management point (hereinafter referred to as intermediate point) that the mid point of the dynamic range (concentration range) of H portion～S portion is set.In the industry, above-mentioned M ₁Point is as shown in table 2, and usual way is that the site % value with the C version is set at 50%.To M ₁With the mesh point sets of C version is that the main reason of 50% value is to generally believe that the zone of this site % value is that dense what is said or talked about is transferred abundant reproduction district.

In the industry, can see by table 2, at M ₁Point (middle tone), the site % value of C version is 50%, with the site % value of other look version (M/Y version) set 40%, to keep gray balance.

Table 2 is kept the standard value (unit: %) that suitable gray balance is used

	??H	???M1	???S
				The C version	??5	???50	??95
The M version	??3	???40	??90
				The Y version	??3	???40	??90

As mentioned above, deep or light modulation of the present invention changes technology when making color printing image, is not to use the concentration information value (D that obtains from colored original image (media image) ⁿ), and be to use and incide the relevant image information value (X of light quantity that forms on the recording medium that media image uses from the body that is taken (real image) _n), and be using above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform〉as prerequisite, can have operating rule, generality, flexibly make the color printing image of the deep or light accent characteristic of the faithful to body that is taken (real image), can also further deep or light accent characteristic be transformed into the color printing image of desirable half tone characteristic.

Next illustrates core technology structure of the present invention, promptly changes at above-mentioned deep or light modulation to increase the tone adjustment technology in the technology, in other words, illustrates that exactly deep or light modulation changes the unitized of technology and tone management adjustment technology.

The unitized key of above-mentioned deep or light mediation tone be following some.

(1) as mentioned above, originally proposed by the present inventor, and be the above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform that also uses in the present invention 〉, be be used for adjusting the whole pixels site (point) in the H portion～S portion of color printing image the % value (in other words, be exactly the size of site) important tool, the deep or light accent characteristic that is had so as to the colored original image of the faithful reappearance primary, and it is adjusted to the visual sense feeling that the makes the people deep or light accent characteristic to nature.

(2) the site % value that each pixel is set often has and two all directly related influence powers in aspect of deep or light mediation tone (or concentration and color).

(3), not only will make 1: 1 ground of colored original image reproduce (Hi-Fi reproductions), and the requirement of being strengthened, change, proofreading and correct for the tone of the privileged site of the dynamic range of the specific part of image, H portion～S portion is also in increase according to the market demand.

In above-mentioned requirements, client or designer utilize site % value prompting, specify the content that requires by the colour atla (Colorchart, the back will be described in detail it) that they held.

(4) by existing colored decomposition technique, when the demand is dealt with in particularly existing colour correction, the tone of specific part is approximate to meet the requirements of content even for example make, but the tune of integral image (deep or light mediation tone) not just, has lost the value of goods under many circumstances.

Above-mentioned colour atla (color chart) is to use printing with technology 4 former color inks or the basic colour code (reference table) used with the existing color rendering of the deep or light mileometer adjustment of site.For example arranged " DIC GRAF-C color table " (in March, 1991) of Dainippon Ink. ﹠ Chemicals Inc's distribution etc.

In above-mentioned color table, be the combination of the various look versions used of color rendering, compound mode has following several.

1. basic combination

With the combination of C (dark green) and M (peony) as basic color table.

Being that the longitudinal axis, (M) are transverse axis with (C) for example, is that 0～100% 12 kinds deep or light row of transferring in are printed as basic tinctorial pattern with site % value respectively, will have the overlapping sketch that forms on this basic tinctorial pattern that is printed on of Y (yellow), BL (black) of certain site % value again.Above-mentioned Y with certain site % value or BL are in respect of Y=10%, BL=10%; Y=10%, BL=30%; Y=50%, the BL=10% equivalence.

2. other combination

(1) being the longitudinal axis with (Y), (M) is the combination of transverse axis

(2) being the longitudinal axis with (C), (Y) is the combination of transverse axis

(3) being the longitudinal axis with (BL), (Y) is the combination of transverse axis

(4) being the longitudinal axis with (BL), (M) is the combination of transverse axis

(5) being the longitudinal axis with (C), (BL) is the combination of transverse axis

As mentioned above, the tone in the colour atla is with the site % value appointment of various look versions (C/M/Y/BL).

Therefore, according to above-mentioned colour atla, corresponding to client or the printed design person modulation requirement more of checking colors, as the color separation technology.Certainly must guarantee quantitatively and reasonably to manage, adjust whole sites % value of each pixel.

According to above-mentioned background, the present inventor thinks above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform〉having fully can be quantitatively and ability that reasonably the site % value of whole pixels that H point～S order is adjusted in management, so also be strong instrument for the adjustment of tone.This is to adopt above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform〉as main tool, develop the key point of the unified colored decomposition technique of deep or light mediation tone.

Ink-jet printer of the present invention has such feature, that is, as mentioned above, partly be to have added colored decomposition technique deep or light key is whole and that the tone adjustment is unitized in the deep or light modulation parallel operation at its core texture.Particularly in the present invention, increased colored decomposition technique that tone management adjusts compared with prior art, be very different, just this problem has been described below.

1. at first, desirable position between the H of colored original portion～S portion, the tone management point (M that the tone of setting management color printing image is used ₁).

In the present invention, as tone management point (M ₁) symbol, use with table 2 in keep the semi-tone point (M that gray balance is used ₁) identical symbol.This is the main points that make the deep or light accent reproduction in semi-tone zone in the colored decomposition technique, therefore also reflects its importance in tone rendering one process.Tone management point (M ₁) be not limited to the above-mentioned middle tone point that gray balance is used of keeping, can certainly between H portion～S portion, get desirable point.

Tone management point (M ₁) as the embodiment of back and shown in Figure 3, in the longitudinal axis (Y-axis: expression site % value) and in the rectangular coordinate system of transverse axis (X-axis: represent light value) formation, represent tone management point (M with the light value on the transverse axis ₁).Last art light value is relevant with the concentration value of colored original image, so the usable concentration value representation.

2. secondly, at the tone management point (M of as above appointment ₁), with the regularization condition of the site % value decision tone of desirable look version (C version, M version, Y version and BL version).

The particular content of the adjustment of above-mentioned tone (change) condition had been done explanation when the explanation colour atla.

Next step be utilize above-mentioned condition and given condition, prepare used colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) for using various look versions (C version, M version, Y version, BL version) to print look domain picture, more particularly, exactly in order to set the colored decomposition curve preparation＜deep or light accent transform of version usefulness of all kinds 〉.

Set by said procedure (1～2)

Tone management point (M ₁) light value, M for example ₁=0.400

The regularization condition of tone, for example C version site % value (50%), M version site % value (20%), Y version site % value (10%), BL version site % value (10%).

At the H portion of version of all kinds and the site % value (Y of S portion setting _HY _S) be to set according to condition institute's specified value given in advance or desirable value.Y according to the specified criteria setting _HValue, Y _SThe value, as the explanation of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform application the time as described in, the value of C version is respectively 5% and 95%, the value of M version and Y version is respectively 3% and 90% (referring to table 2).

In order to determine the colored decomposition curve of version usefulness of all kinds, determine employed＜deep or light accent transform according to above-mentioned condition〉in the γ value.

For example, in order to determine the colored decomposition curve of C version usefulness, will the determining＜deep or light accent transform of usefulness by the following stated〉in the γ value.

With X _H=0.00, X _S=1.00, X _n=M ₁=0.40, α=1.00, Y _H=0 (%), Y _S=95 (%), Y _n=50 (%) substitution (deep or light accent transform〉after find the solution, γ=0.45.So, all set set C version usefulness colored decomposition curve＜deep or light accent transform.Other look version is identical therewith.

4. next step program is to utilize γ value (0.45)＜deep or light accent transform is arranged 〉, to the light value (X of whole pixels (n point) of H portion～S portion _n) carry out deep or light modulation and change, obtain the colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) of C version usefulness.In other words, exactly in order to make the look domain picture of C version, use the C version＜deep or light accent transform carry out colored apportioned effort.Other look version is identical therewith.

More than the color scanner used with the strong color printing image of manufacturing technology correlation be example, ink-jet printer of the present invention has been described, the organ (main structural components) that it particularly has been described is the feature and the speciality of deep or light modulation parallel operation.

As mentioned above, utilize between making printed pictures method that color scanner carries out and the color dub image making method of the utilizing ink-jet printer to carry out and do not have substantial difference.Be that example illustrates ink-jet printer of the present invention why with the color scanner, be because structure, the mechanism of the color scanner that the making color printing image is used and the colored decomposition technique that is adopted are well known facts, after all, only for the ease of understanding the present invention.

The maximum feature of ink-jet printer of the present invention is to have increased deep or light modulation to change so colored decomposition technique of adjusting function with tone in deep or light modulation parallel operation, puts off until some time later bright further feature below.

Ink-jet printer of the present invention can use various colored original images, promptly utilize information such as light, electromagnetic wave transmit mediums will be taken body (real image) write down, photograph on the desirable recording medium or through the various colored original images (media image) after the shooting conversion.

As colored original record images medium, the components of photo-electric conversion, CD or the disks etc. such as color film (photosensitive latex), two-dimensional CCD or photodiode of transmission-type are arranged.

As the colored original image, certainly use reflextion copies such as drawing or photochrome.

In above-mentioned various recording mediums, in order to obtain light value,, can utilize sensitization concentration characteristic curve or light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve etc. according to the difference of the kind of recording medium according to its concentration information value.

In drawing or reflextion copy such as photochrome, its characteristic curve certainly working concentration value of information and light value is 1: 1 ground linear corresponding (with 45 ° of linear relation correspondences) characteristic curve.

In ink-jet printer of the present invention, as recording mediums such as photoelectric diode that constitutes the recording medium system or CCD, if can stipulate the intrinsic concentration characteristic curve (light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve) that these recording medium has, the performance of existing recorded medium just is enough to enough, uses these recording mediums can produce than the better colored complex radical modulation image of existing keynote (deep or light accent or tone).Promptly in order to make high-quality color dub image, way in vogue is to make great efforts to improve the characteristic (photobehavior or light-to-signal transfer characteristic) (for example guaranteeing HDRization or characteristic linearity etc.) of various recording mediums, but when making the color dub image according to the present invention, not necessarily require advanced, the high-performance of various recording mediums, and existing performance (characteristic) just is enough to enough.This is that the deep or light modulation of fusion in ink-jet printer of the present invention changes the result who is produced after the technology, and this is another feature of the present invention.

Next illustrates that the main composition key element (mechanism) of ink-jet printer of the present invention is the structure that the colored deep or light modulation parallel operation that decomposes is carried out in above-mentioned adjustment unification with deep or light mediation tone.

1. in the present invention, above-mentioned deep or light modulation parallel operation for example has following structure.

(1) the regulation concentration information value of getting from the colored original image Fu that is recorded on the given recording medium (sensor) and incide the characteristic curve of the dependency relation between the image information value relevant on the above-mentioned recording medium (sensor) from the body that is taken (real image) with light quantity, and based on this characteristic curve, ask the mechanism's (corresponding to software) with the corresponding image information value relevant of the concentration dependent image information value of colored original image (comprising hard original copy and soft original copy) and/or the value of electrical signals of image information (analog signal values or digital signal value all can) with light quantity, and

(2) use above-mentioned＜deep or light accent transform〉mechanism's (corresponding to software)

2. efferent has following structure and gets final product, promptly utilize (deep or light accent transform〉obtain respective calculated, be Y _nValue (contrast factor value), the current value or the magnitude of voltage of control Machine Records portion (record head), or conduction time etc., change the size of site or the arranging density of site (adopting size modified tone method or concentration modified tone method), output is adjusted to the color dub image of the halftoning (the deep or light accent in site) of desirable deep or light mediation tone.

Above-mentioned Y of the present invention _nBe worth relevantly, be also referred to as site % value, but as mentioned above, be commonly referred to the contrast factor value with the reproduction technology of color printing image.Y of the present invention _nValue is not deferred to its nomenclature, can carry out the explanation of broad sense.

For example can utilize well-known existing systems, with very little focus irradiation to color transparency original image (media image of transmission-type), utilize photoelectric transformer (photomultiplier or CCD) to receive transmitted light (image information signal), the power of light is transformed into the power of voltage, and with resulting signal digitalized, utilize computer to put processing on request in order, promptly use＜deep or light accent transform carry out deep or light modulation and change, according to contrast factor value (Y from computer output _nValue), makes the efferent running of ink-jet printer, printing ink is ejected on the record-paper synchronously, make the color dub image with input system.

At this moment, to transform at the computation processor that is used for the image information signal of telecommunication of colored original image (media image) is put in order, processed the computer of usefulness, a kind of like this software as long as pack into, promptly according to the concentration information value that is recorded in the colored original image (media image) on the color transparency (recording medium), utilize the concentration characteristic curve of above-mentioned color transparency (recording medium), obtain the image information value relevant, simultaneously utilization＜deep or light accent transform with light quantity〉output site % value (Y _nValue) software.

By above explanation as can be known, utilize the image information testing agency (detector) of ink-jet printer, specifically, utilize photoelectric transformer (photomultiplier or CCD) to handle colored original image (at the media image of the recording medium photographs record that is called sensitive photographic material), detect and concentration dependent image information value.And, strictly speaking, because above-mentioned photoelectric transformer has self characteristics curve (light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve), therefore in photoelectric transformer, the information of colored original image be subjected to photoelectric conversion department the light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve influence and produce rotten or deterioration.Therefore, though preferably get rid of the influence of the light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve of above-mentioned photoelectric transformer, also can ignore its influence.

In other words, the image information of above-mentioned colored original image can be subjected to the influence (rotten, deterioration) of the light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve of above-mentioned photoelectric transformer.Therefore, preferably get rid of the influence of above-mentioned light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve, but consider characteristic of above-mentioned photoelectric transformer etc., so also can ignore its influence.

Being applicable to the software of above-mentioned deep or light modulation parallel operation, can be the software of various forms, for example according to given concentration characteristic curve, will with the concentration dependent concentration information value (D of colored original image _n) be transformed into the image information value (X relevant with its corresponding light value _n), general＜deep or light accent transform simultaneously〉algorithm have as software, and the all-purpose computer of the I/F (interface) of A/D (Analog-digital conversion), D/A is arranged; Algorithm design is become logic circuit, and form physical circuit by general purpose I C; The ROM circuit that contains the operation result that keeps algorithm; The PAL that algorithm has been specialized as internal logic; Gate array; Application-specific integrated circuit or the like.

Particularly recently modularization has had suitable development, can be with of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform〉serve as that the arithmetical organ that the deep or light modulation of image changes is carried out on the basis, the module that can be used as special-purpose IC, LSI, microprocessor, microcomputer etc. is easy to making.

Secondly, specifically describe the relevant issues of the function of the tone adjustment of in the deep or light modulation parallel operation of ink-jet printer of the present invention, developing.

When utilizing ink-jet printer to make color printing image, not to adopt to make version of all kinds (C/M/Y/BL) respectively.With the approximation method of its overlapping printing, but adopt the approximation method that under the versicolor condition of sequential control, overlaps continuously., for convenience of explanation, in the following description, use some terms like this, promptly be referred to as the look domain picture of static each color image of seizure, relative C domain picture (look domain picture), C version decomposition curve (deep or light transposing varied curve) etc. in addition.

(1) tone management point (M ₁) determine

Tone management point (M ₁) can be the arbitrfary point between H portion～S portion.But for abundant deep or light accent is reproduced, color widely management point with semi-tone, more particularly, the site % value that adopts C domain picture (look domain picture) exactly is that 50% point is as management point.

Therefore, in ink-jet printer of the present invention, preferably also go up and select contrast factor value (Y at the colored decomposition curve of C version (hierarchical transformation curve) _nValue)=50% position is as tone management point (M ₁).

Above-mentioned tone management point (M ₁) be when making color printing image, to keep standard conditions (referring to table 2) and symbol that gray balance is used.In the present invention, as mentioned above, tone management point (M ₁) be not limited to contrast factor value (Y certainly _nValue)=50% position.

(2) tone management point (M ₁) light value (X value)

Tone management point (M ₁) light value (X value) can followingly determine.

In the version of all kinds of ink-jet printer, preferably determine colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) earlier as benchmark, and then according to setting other look version with the relation of this song, so that keep gray balance or colour balance.This thinking methods is identical when making coloured image.

For this reason,, with C version look version as benchmark, according to following condition, utilization＜deep or light accent transform the same with the colored printing technology 〉, set the C version with colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve).

(1) desirable γ value, the γ that adopts when for example making color printing image=0.45

(2) desirable Y _HY _SThe α value, the Y that adopts when for example making the printing image _H=0%, Y _S=95% α=1.00

Secondly, in the colored decomposition curve (hierarchical transformation curve) by the definite C version of above mode, obtain Y _n=50% light value (X value) gets final product.

That is, with above-mentioned condition substitution＜deep or light accent transform 〉, separate following formula and get final product.At this moment obtain the light value of X=0.40.

50＝0＋〔(1－10 ^-0.45X)(95－0)/(1－10 ^-0.45)〕

(notes) utilization＜deep or light accent transform〉time, X got _S-X _H=1.00

Usually, the dynamic range (X of the light value of trying to achieve according to colored original image (media image) _S-X _H) not 1.00, but will get 1.00 as standard value this moment with above-mentioned dynamic range.Certain general dynamic range everywhere all standard turns to 1.00, and the picture quality content changes relatively, so what problem does not have yet in image is handled.

(3) determine the method for the γ value that version of all kinds (C/M/Y/BL) is used with colored decomposition curve

As mentioned above, the used γ value of colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) of setting C version usefulness is defined as γ=0.45.

For other look version, must obtain the γ value that the setting color decomposition curve is used according to the content of tone regularization condition.

For example, during the M version, with tone management point (M ₁) the contrast factor value (Y of (its X value is X=0.40) M version of locating _nValue) 20% and the Y under primary condition _HThe contrast factor value (0%) of portion, Y _SContrast factor value (68%) substitution＜deep or light accent transform of portion 〉, ask the γ value of M version usefulness.Get γ=0.20 by following formula.20＝0＋〔(1－10 ^-γ(0.45)(68－0)/(1－10 ^-γ)〕

In ink-jet printer of the present invention, calculate tone management point (M automatically ₁) light value and the γ value of version of all kinds usefulness, and the software that will prepare desirable colored decomposition curve installs in the deep or light modulation parallel operation and gets final product.

Fig. 1 is the concentration performance diagram (F corporate system) of color film.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the ink-jet printer in the 1st embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the summary of infrastest of the present invention and the key diagram of employed colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve).

Fig. 4 is the block diagram of the ink-jet printer in the 2nd embodiment of the present invention.

Among the figure, 1: detector

2: colored decomposer

3: deep or light accent adjuster

11: deep or light modulation parallel operation

4: follower

4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K: ink gun

5: the colored original image

Now, illustrate in greater detail ink-jet printer of the present invention according to accompanying drawing.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the ink-jet printer in the 1st embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 2, ink-jet printer of the present invention is made of following four parts: the transmitted light or the reverberation of colored original image are divided into the detector 1 that reads behind R (redness), G (green), B (blueness) light; The output signal of detector 1 is transformed into the colored decomposer 2 of the colored decomposed signal of C (dark green), M (peony), Y (yellow), K (black) (below, replace BL) with label K; In order to make the suitable image of deep or light blending, utilize of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform〉handle the deep or light accent adjuster 3 of colored decomposed signal; And, make the follower 4 of versicolor droplet of ink from the ink-jet printer ejection according to the output signal of this deep or light accent adjuster 3.

In the present invention, detector 1, colored decomposer 2 and the follower 4 in above-mentioned four parts still utilizes the mechanism of existing ink-jet printer to constitute.In other words, deep or light accent adjuster 3 is improvement objects of the present invention.

Strictly speaking, the adjustment of deep or light accent of the present invention (gradation) and tone (color tone) is unitized, based on carry out that look decomposes＜deep or light accent transform deep or light modulation parallel operation also relevant with the raising of the function of colored decomposer 2.

Therefore, ink-jet printer of the present invention can utilize the colored decomposer 2 of existing ink-jet printer, and the structure modify of existing deep or light modulation parallel operation is become deep or light modulation parallel operation of the present invention.

Below specify the structure of ink-jet printer of the present invention.

Test section 1 utilizes the transmitted light or the reverberation of the each several part in the sense colors original images 5 such as photomultiplier, and it is transformed into current value as each signal of RGBUSM, in A/V converter 4 this signal is transformed to voltage signal.

Colored decomposer 2 is in logafier 7, respectively each voltage signal of RGBUSM that comes self-detector 1 is carried out logarithm operation, and it is transformed into concentration, in sheltering device (BM) 8 substantially, each colour content of C/M/Y (Essential colour composition) is decomposed, simultaneously black (K) composition is decomposed.

Promptly in ink-jet printer of the present invention, at first utilize usual way, in detector 1, the image information reading mechanism detection duplicate object thing (photochrome or colored printing thing etc.) that is used to from photomultiplier or solid-state imager formations such as (CCD) is the image information of (RGB) of all kinds of original image 5, in colored decomposer 2, carry out colour and decompose, obtain to make and adopt the concentration information value (D that the look duplicating image is used _n).As mentioned above, obtain every kind of color (CMY) composition (Essential colour composition).

With above-mentioned concentration information value (D _n) utilize the characteristic curve of recording medium system, for example utilize the light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve of recording medium CCD, be transformed into the image information value (X relevant with light quantity _n), being transformed into basic light value (X) again, this is a nature.

Ask and count in when stating the image information relevant, get final product by not shown software or hardware with light quantity.

In the present invention, according to concentration information value (D _n), ask and calculate the image information value (X relevant with light quantity _n) and the function of basic light value (X) the deep or light accent adjuster 3 that will illustrate below being added in get final product.Deep or light accent adjuster 3 is utilization＜deep or light accent transforms〉the algorithm part because the image information relevant with light value also can obtain by given algorithm, so consider computing function is concentrated in together.Certainly the invention is not restricted to this kind mode.

In Fig. 2, colour corrector 9 has been shown in the structure of colored decomposer 2.In addition, RGB and each original copy colour of CMY are carried out C composition, M composition, Y Composition Control, and then among UCR in UCR/UCA device 10 (under color re-moval) or the UCA (uncer color addition), determine the performance ratio of three kinds of printing ink of CMY, and the performance ratio of K (black ink) composition.

Like this, be transformed into the CMYK composition of the image information value relevant with light quantity, in the deep or light modulation parallel operation 11 in deep or light accent adjuster 3, be transformed into pixel intensity value (contrast factor value) the block of pixels of each colour content from CMYK, promptly represent ce ', me ', ye ', the ke ' of the effective area rate of each colour content.

The characteristic curve of the recording medium of utilizing the recording colour original image is arranged and according to concentration value (D in the deep or light modulation parallel operation 11 _n) ask light value (X _n) algorithm and calculating＜deep or light accent transform algorithm and CMYK used respectively＜deep or light accent transform ask ce ', me ', ye ', ke '.

Deep or light modulation parallel operation 11 can adopt various forms, for example has (algorithm software of deep or light accent transform) and the all-purpose computer of the I/F (interface) of A/D, D/A is arranged; The circuit that algorithm design is become logic circuit and realized by general purpose I C; The circuit that contains the ROM of storage algorithm operation result; The PAL that algorithm is realized as internal logic, gate array, application-specific integrated circuit or the like.

Be transfused to color channel selector (CHS) 12 with the corresponding effective area rate of pixel intensity value of each colour content that is obtained by the general parallel operation 11 of deep or light accent, ce ', me ', ye ', ke ' are selected and exported to color channel selector (CHS) 12 successively.Carry out the A/D conversion by 13 pairs of these outputs of A/D converter, be input to then site controller (D/C) 14 of all kinds.Then according to this input information, will be with cover each block of pixels with the site required amount corresponding driving voltage just is applied on the ink gun (4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K) with the corresponding driving voltage of colour saturation.Control each color ink in order on one side then,, form the different color dub image of deep or light secondary colo(u)r tuning Yi Bian be ejected in order on the record-paper 15.

＜infrastest 〉

Secondly confirm in the ink-jet printer of the 1st by way of example of the invention described above whether have as the deep or light modulation parallel operation 11 of its core the deep or light secondary colo(u)r of color dub image is transferred in the unified ability of adjusting of row.Particularly can carry out infrastest by following main points while keeping level, reasonably carrying out the adjustment of tone in order to be confirmed to be not.

Because be infrastest, thus only test look version (C/M/Y version), and do not use BL (K) version.

(1) colored original image

The brown pottery kettle (transmission-type original copy) that utilizes standard quality is as the colored original image.

(2) version design data of all kinds

Show the design data of having given as the version of all kinds of the management adjustment usefulness of the tone of infrastest in the table 3.

(annotating 1) experiment A is the contrast factor value (Y that specifies S portion earlier _S), use following formula (1) to ask M then ₁The deep or light accent intensity level of point (tone management point).The standard value of following formula (1) is shown in table 2.

M ₁The site % value=(M of point ₁The standard value of point) * (to the contrast factor value of S portion appointment)/(standard value of S portion) ... (1)

(annotating 2) experiment B adopts the value of experiment A as M ₁The contrast factor value, adopt the contrast factor value of standard value (table 2) as S portion.

(annotating 3) is owing to the selected H portion that utilizes the bright spot part of photography light as colored original image (kettle), so the site % value of the H portion of whole look domain pictures is " O ".

Table 3 (infrastest with) tone adjustment is with of all kinds edition design data

テ ス ト No. look version		Shi test A			Shi test B
								?H	????????????M1	???S	????H	??M1	???S
		No.1	????C	?0	?50	??95	????0							??50	??95
????M	?0							?31(40×70/90＝31.1)	??70	????0	??31	??90
			????Y	?0	?36(40×80/90＝35.5)	??80	????0						??36	??90
No.2	????C							?0	?50	??95	????0	??50			??95
		????M	?0	?27(40×60/90＝26.6)	??60	????0	??27						??90
	????Y							?0	?31(40×70/90＝31.1)	??70	????0	??31		??90

4 experimental results of above-mentioned experiment rule of thumb, all with the anticipation the same.This show utilize of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform the tone management method have reasonability.

Theing contents are as follows of 4 color dub images that obtain from infrastest.

(1) 4 has been reproduced deep or light accent (concentration accent) all in whole dynamic ranges of H portion～S portion well, and the amount sense of semi-tone also is fit to people's vision.

(2) (belong to blue series among the No.1～No.2), (among the No.1～No.2), be blueness brown series serial, genus original image in S portion in semi-tone zone at experiment B to the tone of kettle at experiment A.These tones and reality meet fully.

Therefore, set experiment A (γ value and M that the version of all kinds among the No.1～No.2) is used with colored decomposition curve ₁Site % value (calculated value) of point is as follows:

(1) experiment A (No.1) C version γ=0.45, M ₁Site % value=50. of point

0000％

M version γ=-0.20, M ₁Site % value=30. of point

9878％

Y version γ=-0.18, M ₁Site % value=35. of point

8678％

(2) experiment B (No.2) C version γ=0.45, M ₁Site % value=50. of point

0000％

M version γ=-0.18, M ₁Site % value=26. of point

9006％

Y version γ=-0.20, M ₁Site % value=30. of point

9878％

In addition, the γ value of BL version is γ=-0.25.

The colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) of the version usefulness of using among the summary of above-mentioned infrastest and experiment A (No.1) and the experiment B (No.1) of all kinds is shown in Fig. 3.

(α) is in order to keep gray balance, the combination of the colored decomposition curve that adopts as standard in the industry among Fig. 3.Its design data is shown in table 2.

The combination of the colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) of the version of all kinds of (A) expression experiment A (No.1) among Fig. 3, the combination of the colored decomposition curve (deep or light modulation changes curve) of the version of all kinds among the figure among (B) the expression experiment B (No.1).

＜application experiment 〉

The purpose of this experiment is that the method that more is similar to daily colored apportioned effort is carried out colour and decomposed experiment, confirms to utilize of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform〉the tone management method whether have the function of the tone of reasonable adjustment management color printing image.

The contrast factor value of getting C domain picture in this experiment is that 50% site is as tone management point (M ₁).

As specifying above-mentioned tone management point (M with the C/M/Y of domain picture of all kinds site % value of all kinds ₁) tone located adjusts the cardinal scales of content (waiting the correction of the tone that requires, the particular content of change by user), adopted " DICGRAF-G color table " (in March, 1991, the 2nd edition) of big Japanese ink chemical industry society system.In addition, in this experiment the site % value of above-mentioned color table is changed into contrast factor value (%).

6 kinds of colors from above-mentioned color table, have been selected in this experiment.

Table 4 shows from above-mentioned " the appointment contrast factor value of 6 kinds of color and tint adjustment usefulness selecting the DIC GRAF-G color table.

In above-mentioned color table, with the contrast factor value of 12 grades between 0～100, represent above-mentioned 6 kinds of colors, wherein Y/BL (certain contrast factor value as C/M, as shown in table 4, for example have the color of 10% or 50% contrast factor value) color of the overlapping printing of expression.

Therefore, the appointment contrast factor value of tone adjustment usefulness is specified in this color table easily, and table 4 has provided this appointment contrast factor value.Though be self-evident, the purpose of this experiment is to check color with above-mentioned contrast factor value appointment whether can not cause deep or light accent deterioration and can verily reproduce on look domain picture.

The appointment contrast factor value (%) of 6 kinds of color and tint adjustment usefulness that table 4 is selected from color table

テ ス ト No. look		?????????DIC?????????GRAF-G ????????????カラ-チャ-ト					The whole め of Se Tone Tone is Zhied and is Dinged Bands Tone Strong degree value
											Page	????C	????M	???Y	??BL	???C	??M	???Y	??BL
		??a-1 ??a-2	Blue and green	??17 ??29	??0～100 ??0～100	??0～100 ??0～100	??10 ??10	??10 ??30	??50 ??50	??20 ??20										??10 ??10	??10 ??30
??b-1 ??b-2	Pale yellow										??19 ??31	??0～100 ??0～100	??0～100 ??0～100	??50 ??50	??10 ??30	??50 ??50	??20 ??20	??50 ??50	??10 ??30
		??c-1 ??c-2	Blue or green pale yellow	??24 ??25	??0～100 ??0～100	??0～100 ??0～100	??30 ??50	??20 ??20	??50 ??50	??20 ??10										??30 ??50	??20 ??20

The version design data of all kinds of this experiment usefulness that makes according to the data in the table 4 is shown in following table 5.

(annotate 1) in this experiment, M ₁The worthwhile right appointment contrast factor value that has adopted the tone adjustment usefulness in the table 4 of contrast factor of point.

In this experiment A, the contrast factor value of the M/C version usefulness of S portion is tried to achieve by following formula (2) (annotating 2).

The C version adopts the value (95%) in the table 2 (keeping gray balance standard grayscale equilibrium valve).The standard value of following formula (2) is shown in table 2.When the result of calculation that is obtained by following formula (2) is above standard site % value, then adopt standard site % value.

The site % value of S portion=(standard value of S portion) * (to M ₁The contrasty value of appointment)/(M ₁Standard value) ... (2)

(annotating 3) is because selection decides to utilize the H portion of the bright spot of photography light as colored original image (kettle), so all the site % value of the H portion of look domain picture is " 0 " (zero).

(annotate 4) BL version (black print) adopts the accent mode of demarcating, promptly black starting point (start-ing point is SP) as M ₁Point, (end point is EP) as S portion with terminal point.

In addition, the maximum site % value of the BL version that S portion adopts is 80% among the experiment A, is 70% among the experiment B.

Table 5 (application experiment with) tone adjustment is with of all kinds edition design data

テ ス ト No. look version		Shi test A			Shi test B
								?H	??M1	?????????????S	?H	??M1	???S
		A-1 (green grass or young crops)	????C	?0	??50	?95	?0							??50	??95
????M	?0							??20	?45(90×20/40＝45.0)	?0	??20	??90
			????Y	?0	??10	?23(90×10/40＝22.5)	?0						??10	??90
????BL	?-							??10	?80	?-	??10	??70
			A-2 (green grass or young crops)	????C	?0	??50	?95						?0	??50	??95
????M	?0	??20						?45(90×20/40＝45.0)	?0	??20	??90
				????Y	?0	??10	?23(90×10/40＝22.5)					?0	??10	??90
????BL	?-	??10						?80	?-	??30	??70
				B-1 (pale yellow)	????C	?0	??50					?95	?0	??50	??95
????M	?0	??20	?45(90×20/40＝45.0)					?0	??20	??90
					????Y	?0	??50				?23(90×10/40＝22.5)	?0	??50	??90
????BL	?-	??10	?80					?-	??10	??70
					B-2 (pale yellow)	????C	?0				??50	?95	?0	??50	??95
????M	?0	??20	?45(90×20/40＝45.0)	?0				??20	??90
						????Y	?0			??50	?90(90×50/40＝112.5)	?0	??50	??90
????BL	?-	??30	?80	?-				??30	??70
						C-1 (green grass or young crops)	????C			?0	??50	?95	?0	??50	??95
????M	?0	??20	?45(90×20/40＝45.0)	?0	??20			??90
							????Y		?0	??30	?68(90×30/40＝67.5)	?0	??30	??90
????BL	?-	??20	?80	?-	??20			??70
							C-2 (pale yellow)		????C	?0	??50	?95	?0	??50	??95
????M	?0	??10	?23(90×10/40＝22.5)	?0	??10	??90
								????Y	?0	??50	?90(90×50/40＝112.5)	?0	??50	??90
????BL	?-	??20	?80	?-	??20	??70

The result of above-mentioned application experiment is the same with above-mentioned infrastest, fully with envision identical.

Tone management point (the M that obtains with the color dub image ₁) tone located is with in full accord as the tone on the color table of cardinal scales, and in whole dynamic ranges of H portion～S portion, deep or light accent also has tone all to make people's vision feel nature certainly.

Promptly, according to the result of above-mentioned application experiment, can confirm with of the present invention＜deep or light accent transform be the colored decomposition technique of instrument, aspect the management adjustment of carrying out tone, and have reasonability aspect the unified adjustment of deep or light mediation tone.

Fig. 4 is the block diagram of the ink-jet printer of the 2nd example of the present invention.

The ink-jet printer of the 2nd example uses the information signal of TV signal as the colored original image.Above-mentioned TV signal is relevant with the image information value of duplicate object thing, certainly, the same with above-mentioned the 1st example, utilize the light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve of the imaging apparatus such as CCD that the body that is taken is made a video recording, the TV signal is transformed into the image information value relevant with light quantity (X value).

As shown in the figure, becoming sub-signal to import its inside the C.M.Y.K of above-mentioned TV signal is equipped with＜deep or light accent transform〉the adjuster of algorithm carry out deep or light modulation and change, and, be transformed into data signal in A/D portion by color channel selector (CHS), export to charging signals driver 13 again.According to this output signal, ink droplet 6 is recharged device 7 chargings.The pixel intensity value that the site of using in the size of carried charge and the block of pixels covers is that the colour saturation value is corresponding.Be loaded with and arrive on the record-paper 10 after ink droplet with the corresponding electric weight of colour saturation is diverted device deflection.

When making the color dub image with ink-jet printer of the present invention, for the coverage rate (pixel concentration) that changes pixel, can change (the site size modifies tone) by the size of such site, the site in the modulation printing technology, perhaps adopt the method for the arrangement of the regulation site (a certain size point) that is regarded as dither matrix method and so on to carry out (dot density modified tone).

Ink-jet printer of the present invention utilizes specific＜deep or light accent transform as the deep or light modulation parallel operation of its core texture key element 〉, both carry out unified colour and decompose to make deep or light mediation tone.Quantitatively this and technology that reasonably deep or light mediation tone is united is difficult to realize that this is a significant achievement of the present invention in existing technology.

The present situation of prior art is: at the high demand (high request) of market to the adjustment (correction of tone, change) of privileged site, specific part and integral image tone, not only can not quantitatively carry out the adjustment of tone, and can not make the tone balance at other position of color harmony at this position, the tune of integral image (deep or light mediation tone) not just can not made high-quality color dub image.

In contrast, the present invention decompose in (deep or light modulation changes) technology at the colour that the cardiac component of ink-jet printer increases adopted specific＜deep or light accent transform, utilization is somebody's turn to do＜deep or light accent transform〉can carry out the whole and tone adjustment of deep or light key fully quantitatively, can conform with the destination colored original image is carried out the colour decomposition, the repeatability that can make deep or light accent expeditiously is good, the high-quality color dub image of tone through adjusting.

That is, ink-jet printer of the present invention has following advantage:

(1) can reasonably adapt to height, complexity, the diversified demand of market to the color dub image quality.

(2) because the making of color dub image, particularly colored apportioned effort can quantitatively and reasonably carry out, so have boosting productivity, shorten the activity duration, effectively uses significant effect such as equipment, economical with materials, reduction consumption.

(3) in the making of color dub image, can open up the approach that utilizes perception and artistry rationally and effectively.Thereby can realize the high added value of ink-jet printer.

Claims (9)

1. one kind is utilized deep or light modulation parallel operation that the image information of the colored original image of continuous accent is carried out deep or light modulation to change, make the ink-jet printer of the color dub image of half accent (semi-tone), the feature of this ink-jet printer is that above-mentioned deep or light modulation parallel operation has following tone adjustment function:

(1) utilizes the characteristic curve [inciding the characteristic curve of the relation of the concentration value (D value) that forms on light value (X value) on the recording medium and the recording medium with rectangular coordinate system regulation] of the recording medium of recording colour original image, ask the function of light value (X value) according to concentration value (D value);

(2) utilize given below＜deep or light accent transform 〉, above-mentioned light value (X value) is carried out deep or light modulation change, obtain the function of contrast factor value (Yn value); And

(3) carry out above-mentioned deep or light modulation when changing used tone adjust function; This tone is adjusted function and is made of following function;

(3)-1. the tone management point (M1) that the tone of management color dub image is used is set at the given position between the H of colored original image portion (highlights)～S portion (the darkest portion)

(3)-2. at above-mentioned tone management point (M1), with the regularization condition of the contrast factor value specified hue of desirable look version (C version, M version, Y version and BL version)

(3)-3. the contrast factor value of the look version of light value that above-mentioned tone management point (M1) is located and the above-mentioned tone regularization condition of reflection and below the desirable contrast factor value substitution that H portion and S portion set＜deep or light accent transform, determine the γ value, preparation with the light value of the pixel of the H portion～S portion of above-mentioned look version be transformed into contrast factor value (Yn value) usefulness＜deep or light accent transform, and

(3)-4. the version usefulness of all kinds of above-mentioned γ value＜gradation transform is determined in utilization 〉, the light value of each pixel of version usefulness of all kinds is carried out deep or light modulation change, check colors simultaneously and transfer in the adjustment of line pipe reason.

＜deep or light accent transform 〉

Yn＝Yh＋[α(1－10 ^-KX)(Ys－Yh)/(α－β)]

Should＜deep or light accent transform in the meaning of each symbol as follows:

X: expression (Xn-Xh), promptly represent from the characteristic curve that utilizes above-mentioned recording medium is obtained the corresponding light value of concentration information value (Dn) (Xn) with any pixel of colored original image (what time), to deduct concentration information value (D by the H portion of the colored original image of obtaining with quadrat method _H) corresponding light value (X _H) after the basic light value that obtains;

Y _n: to the colored original image on the corresponding color dub image of pixel arbitrarily (what time) on the contrast factor value set of pixel;

Y _H: in advance to the colored original image on the corresponding color dub image of H portion on the contrast factor value set of H portion;

Y _S: in advance to the colored original image on the corresponding color dub image of S portion on the contrast factor value set of S portion;

α: the surface reflectivity of the image appearance medium that the recording colour duplicating image is used;

β: by β=10 ^-γThe numerical value of decision;

K: by K=γ/(X _S-X _H) decision numerical value;

X in the formula _SConcentration information value (the D of the S portion of the colored original image that expression and the characteristic curve that utilizes above-mentioned recording medium are tried to achieve _S) corresponding light value (X _S);

γ: any coefficient

2. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 1, it is characterized by: the colored original image is recorded on the components of photo-electric conversion as recording medium.

3. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 2, it is characterized by: the characteristic curve of recording medium is that regulation incides the light value (X value) on the recording medium (components of photo-electric conversion) and the light-to-signal transfer characteristic curve of the relation between the formed concentration value (D value).

4. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 1, it is characterized by: the colored original image is recorded on the sensitive photographic material as recording medium.

5. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 4, it is characterized by: the characteristic curve of recording medium is that regulation incides the light value (X value) on the recording medium (sensitive photographic material) and the photographic density characteristic curve of the relation between the formed concentration value (D value).

6. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 1, it is characterized by: the colored original image is colored printing (reflection-type) original image.

7. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 6, it is characterized by: the characteristic curve of colored printing (reflection-type) original image is by the curve that concerns the relation of regulation light value (X value) and concentration value (D value) at 1: 1.

8. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 1, it is characterized by: contrast factor value (Yn value) is by the liquid measure of control from the ink gun ejection, changes the diameter of recording netty, and forming site size modified tone image is the value of color dub image.

9. by the described ink-jet printer of claim 1, it is characterized by: contrast factor value (Yn value) is the dot density that is formed by the dither matrix by control, changes dot density, and forming dot density modified tone image is the value of color dub image.

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