JP2000030039A - Picture processor and picture processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make easily executable a picture processing such as desired color processing. SOLUTION: This processor generates plural thumbnail pictures obtained by giving different color processing to an original picture 96 by eight neighboring color processing parameters with the color processing parameter of a current picture 92. The thumbnail pictures are displayed in an area 91 and when a user selects one of the thumbnail pictures, nine thumbnail pictures are generated again by setting the selected thumbnail picture as the current picture 92.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus and method for performing color processing on an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus typified by a printer which forms an image based on input color image data inputs an RGB value which is a color signal from a monitor or the like, and performs color processing on the signal. Is the color signal of the printer
Generally, a process of converting into a CMYK signal is performed. In a color printer, a color is reproduced by subtractive color mixture using ink corresponding to a CMYK signal obtained by the above-described signal conversion.

Here, image processing for converting RGB multivalued image data into CMYK binary image data will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the flow of image processing in the image processing unit 13.

[0004] The input data is analyzed by an analysis unit 11,
The image data included in the input data is sent to the color processing unit 131 of the image processing unit 13. In the color processing unit 131, first, color processing is performed by the adjustment color conversion unit 191. This processing will be described later.

Next, an RGB → CMYK conversion unit 192
The conversion from the multi-level signal to the CMYK multi-level signal is performed. This conversion processing includes known processing such as color matching, luminance / density conversion, under color removal (UCR), and masking. That is, the process of the RGB → CMYK conversion unit 192 converts a luminance signal such as RGB into a density signal such as CMYK for a printer.

[0006] Next, the CMYK multi-level signal is half-toned.
In the (Half Toning) unit 193, after being converted into a convenient halftone signal when the printer performs printing, the halftone signal is sent to the printing unit and printing is performed. In the following, a description will be given by taking a binary signal as an example of an image signal for printing.
A signal of another gradation number such as octal value or 256 value may be used.

Here, the color of the printed image may be different from the desired color. Although various factors are involved in this, for example, after the color processing parameters in the RGB → CMYK conversion unit 192 are set, if the state (characteristics) of the printing unit changes due to aging or environmental change, The above phenomenon is likely to occur. As another example, even if the original color reproduction is obtained, the color may be different from the color preferred by the user. Assuming such a case, the means for providing color adjustment is the adjustment color conversion unit 191.

The adjustment values set by the user using the setting unit 15 are stored in the color adjustment parameter storage unit 194. The adjustment color conversion unit 191 performs color conversion from RGB multi-values to RGB multi-values based on the color adjustment parameters stored in the color adjustment parameter storage unit 194.

FIG. 2 shows a setting screen 181 displayed on a monitor or the like.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the color adjustment for adjusting the color based on the RGB signal level. Reference numeral 182 denotes a slider for adjusting the level of the red (RED) component. The level of the red component is adjusted by the user moving the button 183 left and right on the slide bar using a pointing device such as a mouse. 18
Reference numeral 4 denotes a position where the button 183 is arranged in an initial state, that is, a position of the button 183 in an unadjusted state. The slider in Figure 2
In the case of 182, the red component can be adjusted to be weaker by moving the button 183 to the left, and to be stronger by moving the button 183 to the right.

Similarly, 185 and 186 are sliders and buttons for adjusting the level of the green component (GREEN), and 187 and 188 are sliders and buttons for adjusting the level of blue (BLUE).

The adjustment value indicating the level of each RGB level of the input RGB multi-value signal set by the setting unit 15 including the setting screen 181 in FIG. 2 is stored in the color adjustment parameter storage unit 194. The adjustment color conversion unit 191 reads an adjustment value from the color adjustment parameter storage unit 194 and performs color conversion. The adjustment color conversion unit 191 creates a conversion table that weakens the red component according to the setting, for example, when a setting is made to weaken the level of the red component, and performs color adjustment using the conversion table. Do.

[0012]

However, the above technique has the following problems.

Using the setting screen 181 shown in FIG. 2 to individually operate the RGB levels of the input signal to obtain a desired color requires not only general users who have no knowledge about colors but also knowledge about colors. This is a very difficult task even for a user who possesses it, and trial and error is required to obtain a desired color. That is, it is necessary to repeat the process of adjusting the RGB level with reference to the print result, performing printing again, adjusting the RGB level, and then performing printing. In addition, since the color is adjusted according to the RGB intensity balance, the color and the lightness are adjusted at the same time, and even if an adjustment value close to perfection is obtained, the color can be adjusted by slightly adjusting any of the RGB levels. There are adverse effects such as loss of taste and brightness.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and a method for easily setting desired image processing.

[0015]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a setting means for setting image processing parameters in response to a user's instruction, and a plurality of different image processing parameters based on the set image processing parameters and a relation condition between the image processing parameters. Generating means for generating parameters, processing means for processing image information with a plurality of generated different image parameters and outputting in parallel, and changing means for changing a relation condition between the image processing parameters based on a user's instruction. It is characterized by having.

[0017] Also, a generating means for generating a plurality of images by performing different image processing on an original image by a plurality of different image processing parameters, a display means for displaying the plurality of generated images on one screen, Selecting means for selecting any of the plurality of images, and processing means for performing color processing on the original image using image processing parameters corresponding to the selected image, wherein the generating means A plurality of images are generated again based on the image processing parameters corresponding to the obtained image.

In the image processing method according to the present invention, image processing parameters are set in accordance with a user's instruction, and a plurality of different image processing parameters are generated based on the set image processing parameters and a relation condition between the image processing parameters. The image information is processed by a plurality of different image parameters generated and output in parallel, and a relation condition between the image processing parameters is changed based on a user's instruction.

Also, a plurality of images are generated by performing different color processing on the original image according to a plurality of different image processing parameters, and the generated plurality of images are displayed on one screen, and any one of the displayed plurality of images is displayed. And, based on the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected image, generating a plurality of images again, and performing color processing on the original image using the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected image. Features.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In each of the embodiments described below, a color printer is used as an example, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to a monochrome printer. Further, in each embodiment, binarization is used as an example, but a multi-level printer using another quantization value such as quaternary or octal can be similarly implemented.

[0022]

First Embodiment An image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment analyzes input data such as command control data and image data sent from an application and develops the input data into output data according to the analysis result. At this time, image processing is performed on the image data included in the input data. This image processing includes at least color processing for performing color processing on image data, switching processing for switching color processing parameters used for color processing according to user settings, image processing for performing image processing such as enlarging and reducing and copying an image, In addition, the processing comprises color processing parameter creation processing for creating color processing parameters to be used for color processing in accordance with user settings. Further, the value set by the user is stored in a memory for storing the set value. Further, the image represented by the expanded image data is displayed on an external display device and formed on recording paper by an external printing device.

When the input data is expanded into display data based on the analysis result, the image data is reduced and the reduced image is duplicated, but the color processing parameters are switched to the color processing parameters created for the duplicated image. Color processing and development, and display on a display device.

The user selects one image on the display screen when performing color adjustment while viewing the image displayed on the display device. Color processing parameters are created in accordance with this operation, the color processing parameters are switched, color processing and development are performed, and displayed on the display device.

When printing the plurality of displayed images, the image processing means processes the image into print image data, and then uses the color processing parameters created by the color processing parameter creation means to generate the image data. The data is expanded and the expanded data is output to an external printing device by the printing means.

When final printing is obtained, the original image data is developed by the developing means using the final color processing parameters set by the setting means, and output to an external printing apparatus by the printing means. .

As described above, in the present embodiment, a method for setting the configuration parameters constituting the color processing parameters, a method for creating the color processing parameters based on the configuration parameters, and a method for duplicating an image obtained by reducing the original image A method of selectively performing color adjustment using an input device using color processing performed on each of the display screens by performing color processing using different parameters, and different colors displayed on the display screen. A method of printing a plurality of reduced images that have been subjected to processing, and performing color adjustment processing on an original image by selecting one of the plurality of color adjustment parameters based on the image on the display screen and the print result Having a method. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand and easily select color adjustment for obtaining a desired color, and can set efficient image processing according to the purpose of use.

[Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, 1 is an image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, 2 is an application for a user to draw and edit an image, 3 is a printing apparatus for printing an image based on data output from the image processing apparatus 1, Reference numeral 4 denotes a display device that displays an image based on data output from the image processing device 1, and 5 denotes an input device for performing various settings for the image processing device 1 from outside.

In the image processing apparatus 1, an analysis unit 1 analyzes image data transferred from the application 2.
For example, the method includes a process of converting data described in an image description format specific to an application into image data to be processed in the image processing device 2 in the step 1.

The developing unit 12 performs various processes on the input data according to the result of the analysis by the analyzing unit 11, and converts the input data into output data used when the output unit described later outputs the data. The image processing unit 13 is located in the developing unit 12,
In particular, processing for image data is performed. Color processing unit 131
Is in the image processing unit 13 and performs the above-described color processing. The color processing parameter switching unit 132
In order to switch processing parameters when the color processing unit 131 performs color processing. Image processing unit 133
Is for performing processing such as reduction, enlargement, and duplication on image data sent from the analysis unit 11 in the image processing unit 13. The color processing parameter creation section 134 is provided in the image processing section 13 and creates processing parameters when the color processing section 131 performs color processing.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a display unit for displaying the processed image data and various setting screens on the display device 4. Reference numeral 15 denotes a setting unit for the user of the image processing apparatus 1 to make settings using the input device 5 such as a mouse or a keyboard according to the purpose. In the present embodiment, an adjustment screen and an output mode setting screen are graphically displayed on the screen of the display device 4 by the display unit 14 and the setting unit 15 so that the user can make necessary settings. The details of the setting will be described later.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a set value storage unit having a memory for storing the set values set by the setting unit 15. 17
Reference numeral denotes a printing unit for outputting the output image data expanded by the expansion unit 12 to the printing device 3.

The operation of each unit described above is controlled by a CPU 20 connected via a bus based on a program stored in a ROM 18. The RAM 19 is a work memory of the CPU 20.

The printing device 3 is a color laser beam printer, and the image data output from the printing unit 17 is a CM.
One page of bitmap data for each of the four colors YK. The printing unit 17 sends the image data to the printing device 3, and the printing device 3 forms a visible image on recording paper using each of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) inks. I do.

[Color Adjustment] The information stored in the setting value storage section 16 indicates information set by the user using a graphical adjustment screen as shown in FIG. The adjustment screen and the like shown in FIG. 5 are displayed on the display device 14 via the display unit 14.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 911 denotes an area for setting the type of the image to be adjusted, but it is not used in this embodiment. 91
Is an area in which nine thumbnail images are displayed side by side (hereinafter referred to as “thumbnail area”), and the thumbnail image 92 located at the center of the area is referred to as “current image”. The current image 92 indicates the latest adjustment result and is located at the center of the nine thumbnail images. The eight images located around the current image 92 are
For "red", "yellow", "yellow green", "green", "light blue", "blue"
The image with "purple" and "pink" emphasized, and the image itself is a button for setting. The present embodiment will be described using the eight colors, but chromatic colors other than these are also applicable.

The thumbnail image 93 is an image in which the current image 92 is greener. For example, when the user desires an image in which green is enhanced, a thumbnail image is displayed with a mouse or the like.
Click 93 to display the current image 92 in the thumbnail screen
The image is updated to the image displayed in 93. Current image 92
Are updated, eight images are displayed again around the current image 92 with the eight colors emphasized based on the current image 92. By repeating this operation, an image having a desired color can be displayed as the current image 92.

Reference numeral 94 denotes an indicator (hereinafter referred to as an “overall map”) indicating an area that can be adjusted by the thumbnail area 91. Nine pointers 95 in the whole map 94 indicate the positions of the thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail area 91 in the whole map 94. Each time the above-described adjustment is performed in the thumbnail area 91, the pointer 95 moves on the entire map 94. If the pointer 95 reaches the end of the entire map 94, the pointer 95 cannot be adjusted in that direction.

Reference numeral 99 denotes a current image 92 in the entire map 94.
Numerical values displayed in the address display section indicating the position of x, y take, for example, values of -10 to 0 to +10, and x, y = 0, 0 corresponds to an unadjusted state. Reference numeral 98 denotes an adjustment width setting unit for setting an adjustment width (step), that is, for setting an interval between the pointer corresponding to the current image 92 and another pointer. If “5” is set in the adjustment width setting unit 103, the distance between the pointer corresponding to the current image 92 and the other pointers becomes “5” on the entire map 94. For example, the adjustment width is "3"
When the adjustment is performed in the thumbnail area 91 by increasing from “5” to “5”, the degree of adjustment corresponding to one action increases. Conversely, if the adjustment width is reduced, the degree of adjustment corresponding to one action becomes smaller, and fine adjustment becomes easier.

As described above, the entire map 94 and the pointer 95
Thereby, the user can be explicitly notified of the current adjustment state. In the color adjustment using the thumbnail image, color conversion is performed using color adjustment parameters corresponding to each position of the entire map 64 on a one-to-one basis.

Reference numeral 96 shown in FIG. 5 is an area showing an original image before adjustment, and 97 is an area showing an image processed using the same color adjustment parameters as the current image 92. 912
A button for shifting to a customization screen for setting configuration parameters constituting image processing parameters used when displaying a thumbnail image based on a user's instruction. The customization is to set a color adjustment parameter corresponding to an arbitrary position on the entire map 94 according to the user's preference. The details of the customization will be described later.

Here, the correspondence between the overall map 94 and the color adjustment parameters will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a color space in color adjustment. That is, in the color adjustment, first, the color A (R, G, B) in the RGB space is converted into the color a (r, g, b) in the rg space. This conversion is represented by the following equation. r = R / (R + G + B) g = G / (R + G + B) b = 1-r-g

Then, color adjustment is performed on the rg space, and a '(r',
g ', b'). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining color adjustment in the rg space. 131 is white indicating unadjusted. In the present embodiment, as described above, the adjustment eight colors are “red”.
"Yellow""yellowgreen""green""lightblue""blue""purple""pink"
These are the eight vertices “red”, “yellow”, “yellow green”, “green”, “cya” of the polygon 132 shown in FIG.
Corresponds to "n", "blue", "purple", "magenta". The reason that the eight adjustment colors can be implemented with colors other than the above-mentioned colors is nothing but using colors other than the above as the vertices of the polygon 132. However, these colors need to be chromatically continuous in a ring.

A plurality of basic adjustment points are first arranged on a line connecting the eight vertices of the outermost polygon in FIG. 7 and white 131, and then a sub-adjustment is made on a line connecting the basic adjustment points of the same level. Place a point. As a result, a plurality of adjustment points are arranged in the rg space, and the adjustment points are arranged at equal intervals or at weighted intervals. When using a weighted interval, it is one setting item in customization. The sub-adjustment points are, for example, on a line segment connecting yellow [3] and red [3] that emphasizes yellow and red by three levels, and at equal intervals, 2/3 × yellow [3] +1 / 3 × red [3]. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the above-mentioned adjustment points are associated with the whole map 94, and each of the above-described adjustment points is simply made to correspond to a square map.
The white 131 corresponds to the sub-adjustment point 132 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the above adjustment in the rg space is performed using the color adjustment parameters calculated in advance corresponding to the entire map 94, and the color a '(r', g ', b') Is obtained. Next, using the following equation, the color a ′ (r ′, g ′, b ′) is converted to the color A ′ in the RGB space.
(R ', G', B '). R '= r' ・ Y / y 'G' = g '・ Y / y' B '= b' ・ Y / y '

By setting the parameters in the above equation as follows, it is possible to prevent the brightness from largely changing before and after the conversion. Y = 0.30R + 0.59G + 0.11B y '= 0.30r' + 0.59g '+ 0.11b'

In the above equation, a floating-point operation is used, but the following simplification is used to increase the processing speed. Y = R + G + B y '= r' + g '+ b'

In the adjustment using the thumbnail image, color conversion is performed by using color adjustment parameters corresponding one-to-one to an arbitrary position on the entire map 49. Here, it is one-to-one, but the display is not necessarily one-to-one. For example, the display may have an interval of “1” or an internal interval of “2” or more.

Next, a customizing screen in this embodiment will be described.

When a customization button 912 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, a customization screen 101 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Figure
FIG. 9 shows an example of customization using three types of configuration parameters of “degree of adjustment”, “effect on primary colors”, and “relationship between adjustment width and degree of adjustment”.

In the above description, it has been described that the degree of adjustment performed by one action increases or decreases according to the increase or decrease of the adjustment width. The configuration parameter “degree of adjustment” refers to the size of the step (step) of the adjustment width. Is to decide. That is, when the same adjustment width is set in FIG. 5 and the degree of adjustment is set to be large, the amount of color change in one action is large, and when the degree of adjustment is set to be small, the amount of color change in one action is small. Become smaller. The setting of the degree of adjustment is performed by moving the slider 103 of the slide bar 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the right end has the highest adjustment degree, and the left end has the lowest adjustment degree. Slider 1 at default position 104 for default setting
Set 03.

The following configuration parameter, "effect on primary colors", will be described.

In this embodiment, Y = R + G +
Use B. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, an adjustment amount corresponding to the brightness is provided, and for example, RGB = (25
5, 255, 255) or RGB = (0, 0, 0), which is black, is not changed by the adjustment.
As shown in A, the adjustment amount is 0 at 765 indicating white or 0 indicating black, and the adjustment amount is the largest at 382, which is between white and black.

Usually, R (255,0,0) and G (0,25) which are called primary colors
5,0), B (0,0,255), C (0,255,255), M (255,0,255), Y (25
The constituent parameter that determines the degree of adjustment for (5,255,0) is “effect on primary colors”. That is, RGB corresponds to point b in FIG. 10A, CMY corresponds to point a, and the adjustment amount is c. As shown in FIG. 10A, usually, the degree of adjustment for the primary color is an intermediate adjustment amount between the adjustment amount for white and black and the adjustment amount for intermediate brightness. "Influence on primary colors"
If is increased, the characteristics shown in FIG. 10B are obtained, for example, and the adjustment amount for the primary colors increases. Further, when the “effect on primary colors” is weakened, for example, the characteristics shown in FIG. 10C are obtained, and the adjustment amount for the primary colors is reduced.

A description will be given of the next configuration parameter "relationship between adjustment width and degree of adjustment". FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the adjustment width and the adjustment amount. The relationship between the adjustment width and the adjustment amount is generally a relationship indicated by a line segment a, and the adjustment width and the adjustment amount have a linear relationship. By selecting a gamma value using the pop-up menu 105 in FIG. 9, the relation curve of the curves b and c shown in FIG. 11 is selected. Since the increase in the adjustment amount is small while the adjustment width is small, the curve c is suitable for fine adjustment. The curve b is used when it is desired to increase the change of the adjustment amount even with a small adjustment width.

When the above settings are completed, the customization screen 101 is closed, the screen returns to the adjustment screen using thumbnails shown in FIG. 5, and adjustment using thumbnails is performed.

As in the present embodiment, by allowing the configuration parameters indicating the relationship between the color adjustment parameters for generating each thumbnail image to be customized, the user can
A desired image can be efficiently obtained in a short time.

[Output Setting] Next, an output setting screen in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the output setting screen 171, which is displayed on the display device 4 via the display unit 14. Using the check box 172 on the output setting screen 171,
Whether the printing is performed in the normal mode or the catalog printing is switched. When the check box 172 is checked, the catalog printing is executed.

FIG. 13A shows an image 1 to be printed in the normal mode.
51 examples are shown. The user adjusts the color using the above-described thumbnail image so that the print image 151 has a desired color. However, the color of the thumbnail image on the screen may be slightly different from the color of the image 151 to be printed. is there. Thus, by printing nine thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail area 91 of FIG. 5 as a catalog print, the user can obtain a thumbnail image having a color closer to the print image.

A plurality of thumbnail images obtained by reducing and copying the original image by the image processing unit 133 are arranged in the thumbnail area 91 and the catalog print. In particular, the thumbnail image used for catalog printing is processed so that the original image is reduced to 1/9 or less and can be printed on recording paper used for normal mode printing. An image 158 is processed using the current parameters, and is printed using the parameters in the normal mode. FIG.
Is a diagram showing an example of a catalog print, and a thumbnail image
Reference numeral 159 denotes an image processed by using color adjustment parameters corresponding to the thumbnail image 93 of the thumbnail area 91, and thumbnail image 158 denotes an image processed by using color adjustment parameters corresponding to the current image 92 of the thumbnail area 91.

[Image Processing Unit] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the processing of the image processing unit 13. The image processing unit 13
When an image color signal is input from the analysis unit 11, a color signal to be output to the display unit 14 or the printing unit 15 is formed.
The information stored in the setting value storage unit 16 is referred to. The information stored in the setting value storage unit 16 is the address information of the current image 92 and the information of the adjustment width 98 shown in FIG.
Information on whether or not to print the catalog shown in
These are three configuration parameters set by the customization screen shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, a color adjustment parameter switching section 132
Creates a thumbnail image for display and a catalog print image for catalog print, respectively.
The address information of the current image 92 and the eight peripheral images is switched based on the address information of the current image 92 and the information of the adjustment width 98.

As described above, the image processing section 133 performs processing for arranging a plurality of thumbnail images obtained by reducing and copying the original image. In particular, in catalog printing, the original image is reduced to one-ninth or less, and Process so that it can be printed on the recording paper used in the mode. Note that such image processing is not performed in printing in the normal mode, but information on whether the print mode is the catalog print mode or the normal mode is obtained from the set value storage unit 16.

The color adjustment parameter creation unit 134 creates a color adjustment parameter, that is, a parameter table corresponding to the entire map 94 shown in FIG. 5, using the three configuration parameters set on the customization screen 101 shown in FIG. I do.

The color processing section 131 performs color processing according to the given address information, and converts the RGB multi-level signal into a CMYK binary signal. The conversion processing in the color processing unit 131 performs image processing for one page in the normal mode, but is called a plurality of times because image processing for nine pages is performed when a thumbnail image is displayed or a catalog is printed.

The adjustment color conversion unit 21 in the color processing unit 131 converts an input RGB multi-valued signal into an rg space signal, performs adjustment color conversion in the rg space, and converts it into an RGB multi-valued signal. It is. The color adjustment parameter storage unit 24 stores the color adjustment parameters calculated by the color adjustment parameter creation unit 134 corresponding to the entire map 94 and used for adjustment in the rg space. The color adjustment parameter corresponding to the address information provided from the unit 132 is supplied to the adjustment color conversion unit 21.

The RGB → CMYK conversion section 22 converts the RGB multilevel signal into CMYK
This is for converting into a multi-level signal, and performs processing using a known masking operation or a look-up table (LUT: Look Up Table). The RGB → CMYK conversion process is performed using parameters calculated in advance, and includes a matching process, a luminance density conversion process, and the like, but details thereof will not be described here. The half toning part 23, CM
This is for converting a YK multi-level signal into a CMYK binary signal, and performs a binarization process by a known dither method or an error diffusion method. RGB → CMYK conversion unit 22 and halftoning unit 2
The processing unit 3 is a processing unit necessary for printing, and is an unnecessary processing unit when displaying a thumbnail image on the display device 4.
However, in order to match the colors of the print image and the display image,
In some cases, after converting an image signal from RGB to CMYK, a signal obtained by inversely converting CMYK to RGB is used as an image signal for display.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the configuration parameters constituting the image processing parameters are set based on the user's instructions, and the nine thumbnail images obtained by reducing and copying the original image are added to the above configuration parameters. In addition to performing color processing based on the adjustment parameters created based on the display and displaying an array, and displaying an entire map showing the absolute positions of the nine adjustment parameters, the user can selectively perform color adjustment with reference to these displays. It can be performed.
Also, the selected thumbnail image is moved to the center of the nine thumbnail images, so that the user can intuitively and efficiently perform color adjustment. Furthermore, since the nine thumbnail images displayed can be printed as catalog prints, the user can adjust the color by taking into account the subtle differences between the display colors and print colors by referring to the catalog prints. it can.

According to the present embodiment, the user can visually understand the result of the image processing using the plurality of image processing parameters and the relationship between the plurality of image processing parameters. Can be set. Further, since the user can customize the configuration parameters constituting the image processing parameters according to his / her preference, it is possible to set the desired image processing in more detail.

[0071]

Second Embodiment Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in the present embodiment,
Components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the entire image to be printed is subjected to color adjustment. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, color adjustment is easy for the user, and highly efficient print processing is possible. However, since adjustment is performed on the entire image to be printed, for example, in an original image in which characters and photos are mixed, if color adjustment is performed in consideration of a photographic image, unnecessary and inappropriate color adjustment is performed on the character image as well. I will. In particular, it is desired that a character image be output in black with high resolution. However, if color adjustment is performed, an undesired image processing result such as mixing of other colors with black may occur.

In the first embodiment, the configuration parameters are also applied to the entire image. Therefore,
For example, if the influence on the primary colors is increased in consideration of the graphics processing, the influence on the photographic image tends to be increased more than necessary, which may be contrary to the user's intention.

That is, it is preferable that the configuration is such that the setting and processing of the color adjustment including the configuration parameters can be performed for each of the objects constituting the image, that is, the photograph, graphics, and character images. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a photograph, graphics,
Color adjustment is performed for each object such as characters.
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, more detailed and accurate color adjustment can be performed. Further, in the second embodiment, the configuration parameters on which the color processing parameters are created can be set for each object.

In the second embodiment, the user adjusts colors such as photographs, graphics, and character images by using the setting unit 15 in order to perform setting and processing of color adjustment including configuration parameters for each type of object. Provides a function to select the type of target object. Also, a method for setting configuration parameters in customization for each type of object, a method for storing adjustment values and configuration parameters for each object type in the set value storage unit 16, and a color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 for storing color adjustment parameters for each object type How to switch, and
A method for creating a color adjustment parameter for each type of object in the color adjustment parameter creation unit 134 is provided.

Therefore, the basic configuration of the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.
The image processing apparatus is different from the image processing apparatus in that the image processing apparatus includes a color adjustment unit that enables color adjustment for each type of object, and a control method therefor. Hereinafter, portions different from the first embodiment will be described.

In the adjustment screen shown in FIG. 5, in the second embodiment, a field 911 for setting a color adjustment target functions,
Three types of objects, “photograph”, “graphics”, and “text” can be selected by radio buttons. By this selection, any one type of object is selected, and the color adjustment using the thumbnail area is effective only for the type of the selected object.

When a customization button 912 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, a customization screen 171 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.
Configuration parameters can be set for each type of object. That is, the customization screen 171 includes a photo setting field 172, a graphics setting field 173, and a character setting field 174. "Adjustment level""Influence on primary colors" for each field
It is possible to customize three types of configuration parameters of “the relationship between the adjustment width and the degree of adjustment”.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are flowcharts showing an example of processing relating to printing in the second embodiment. First, in step S61, the data is analyzed by the analysis unit 11, and processing such as data classification is performed to perform color processing for each type of object forming the image. Next, in step S62, whether or not to perform catalog printing is determined based on the information stored in the setting value storage unit 16.

In the case of catalog printing, image processing is performed by the image processing unit 133 in step S63. Next, in step S63, the current image for each type of object stored in the set value storage unit 16 by the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132
Color parameters are selected based on the address information 92 and the adjustment width information. That is, the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 generates a thumbnail image for display and a catalog print image for catalog print,
The address information of the current image and the address information of the eight surrounding images are switched based on the address information of the current image and the information of the adjustment width for each type of object.

Subsequently, in step S64, it is determined whether or not the processing of the image data for one page has been completed. If not completed, in step S65, it is determined whether or not the image data is a photographic object. Step S66 for a photo object
Then, the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 derives address information on the entire map for the photo based on the address information of the current image for the photo object and the information of the adjustment width.

If the image data is not a photographic object, it is determined in step S67 whether or not the image data is a graphics object. In the case of a graphics object, in step S68, address information on the entire map for graphics is derived. If it is not a graphics object, that is, if it is a character object, in step S69, address information on the entire map for text is derived.

Next, in step S70, the adjustment color conversion is performed by the adjustment color conversion unit 21. This conversion process is called for each type of object constituting the image, and is performed by reading out the color adjustment parameters of the object stored in the color adjustment parameter storage unit 24 based on the address information of the current image. Then, steps S71 and S71
After the RGB → CMYK conversion and the halftoning process are performed in 72 as in the first embodiment, the process returns to step 63.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the processing of one image data has been completed,
In S73, it is determined whether the catalog print has been completed,
In the case of termination, the processing is terminated. If not, the process returns to step S63. When performing catalog printing, nine image data are processed, so that the processing from step 63 to S72 is repeated nine times.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S62 that the print is not a catalog print, the process proceeds to step S74 shown in FIG. 15B. FIG. 15B shows a process related to printing in the normal mode, and is a step S6 related to catalog printing.
Since the same processing (S74 to S82) as the processing shown from 4 to S72 is performed once, the description is omitted here.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user can select the type of object whose color is to be adjusted, such as photographs, graphics, and characters,
By providing a function for storing adjustment values for each type of object, a function for switching color adjustment parameters for each type of object, and a function for creating color adjustment parameters for each type of object, color adjustment can be performed for each type of object. That is, appropriate color adjustment can be performed for each type of object, and a more preferable output result can be obtained.

[0087]

Third Embodiment Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in the present embodiment,
Components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the above-described second embodiment, a user can use a photograph,
Although a function of setting color adjustment for each type of graphics and character objects is provided, the third embodiment allows the user to select which object type to apply one adjustment to. That is, in the second embodiment, detailed settings can be made because a setting for adjusting the color for each type of object is made, but it is necessary to switch the type of the object to be adjusted as needed.
Some operations are complicated. In the third embodiment, an attempt is made to enable color adjustment in consideration of the type of an object and to provide an easy-to-understand setting method. Hereinafter, portions of the third embodiment that are different from the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the adjustment screen in the third embodiment. In the field 111 for setting the type of object to be adjusted, there are three check boxes of “adjust photo”, “adjust graphics”, and “adjust text”. By selecting these check boxes, a plurality of object types can be selected. Is possible.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of processing relating to printing in the third embodiment. First, in step S81, it is determined whether or not a photographic object is to be adjusted based on the information stored in the setting value storage unit 16. If the photographic object is to be adjusted, the adjustment color conversion of the photographic object is performed in step S82. Will be Next, in steps S83 to S86, it is determined whether or not the graphics object and the character object are to be adjusted, and if so, an adjustment color conversion process is performed.

The color adjustment parameters in the adjustment color conversion processing in steps S82, S84 and S86 are set in the color adjustment parameter switching section 132, but in this embodiment, there is only one type of color adjustment parameter. Therefore, the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 performs only setting switching of nine parameters for thumbnail and catalog printing. Also, the customization screen when the customization button 113 shown in FIG. 16 is pressed is the customization screen 101 shown in FIG. 9, as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, a function is provided in which a plurality of types of objects to which one color adjustment is applied can be selected from photographs, graphics, and characters. In addition to making adjustments conscious of the type of object, an easy-to-understand setting method can be provided, and an appropriate output result can be efficiently obtained.

[0093]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU or M
Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the PU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that an (operating system) performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and a method thereof in which desired image processing can be easily set.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the flow of image processing in an image processing unit;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a setting screen displayed on a monitor or the like;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining processing of an image processing unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment screen used for color adjustment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a color space in color adjustment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining color adjustment in an rg space;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which adjustment points are associated with an entire map 94;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color adjustment customization screen.

FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining a parameter “influence on primary colors” for configuring a color processing parameter;

FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining a parameter “influence on primary colors” for configuring a color processing parameter;

FIG. 10C is a diagram for explaining a parameter “influence on primary colors” for configuring a color processing parameter;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a parameter “relationship between adjustment width and adjustment degree” for configuring color processing parameters;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an output setting screen.

FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of an image printed in a normal mode.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a catalog print.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a color adjustment customization screen according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15A is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to printing according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to printing according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustment screen according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to printing in the third embodiment.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B050 AA04 AA09 AA10 CA04 DA04 EA09 FA05 FA17 5B057 AA01 AA11 CA01 CA02 CA08 CA12 CB01 CB02 CB07 CB08 CB12 CC01 CE17 CE18 5C077 MP01 MP06 MP08 NN01 PP32 PP33 PP35 PP37

Claims (16)

[Claims] A setting unit configured to set image processing parameters in accordance with a user's instruction; a generating unit configured to generate a plurality of different image processing parameters based on the set image processing parameters and a relation condition between the image processing parameters. An image processing apparatus that processes image information using a plurality of different generated image parameters and outputs the processed image information in parallel, and a changing unit that changes a relation condition between the image processing parameters based on a user's instruction. Processing equipment. 2. An image according to claim 1, further comprising a display mode for displaying an image based on image information processed by said processing means on a display unit and a formation mode for forming an image on a recording medium. Processing equipment. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a relationship between the plurality of different image processing parameters is displayed. 4. An input means for inputting a user instruction for selecting a desired image from images based on the image information output in parallel, and using an image processing parameter corresponding to the selected image. And an image forming means for performing image processing on a document image to form an image.
An image processing device according to any one of the above. 5. An image processing parameter is set in accordance with a user's instruction, and a plurality of different image processing parameters are generated based on the set image processing parameters and a relation condition between the image processing parameters. An image processing method, wherein image information is processed by different image parameters and output in parallel, and a relation condition between the image processing parameters is changed based on a user's instruction. 6. A recording medium on which a program code for image processing is recorded, wherein a code of a step of setting an image processing parameter in accordance with a user's instruction, and a relation between the set image processing parameter and the image processing parameter A code for generating a plurality of different image processing parameters based on a condition, a code for processing image information based on the generated plurality of different image parameters, and outputting the image information in parallel; A code for a step of changing a relation condition between the two. 7. A generating means for performing different image processing on an original image by a plurality of different image processing parameters to generate a plurality of images, a display means for displaying the plurality of generated images on one screen, Selecting means for selecting any one of the plurality of images, and processing means for performing color processing on the original image by using image processing parameters corresponding to the selected image; An image processing apparatus for generating a plurality of images again based on image processing parameters corresponding to the generated image. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said generating means generates a plurality of images again using an image processing parameter corresponding to the selected image and image processing parameters in the vicinity thereof. Image processing device. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: setting means for setting parameters relating to the image processing; and generating means for generating the plurality of different image processing parameters based on the set parameters. 9. The image processing device according to claim 7 or claim 8. 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising forming means for forming an image corresponding to the displayed plurality of images on a recording medium. Image processing device. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of different image processing parameters are prepared according to types of objects forming an image. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the selection unit can select any one of the plurality of images for each type of the object. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the setting unit can set parameters relating to the color processing for each type of the object. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the type of the object to which the color processing is applied can be set by the selection unit. 15. A plurality of images are generated by performing different color processing on an original image according to a plurality of different image processing parameters, and the generated plurality of images are displayed on one screen. And generating again a plurality of images based on the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected image, and performing color processing on the original image using the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected image. Characteristic image processing method. 16. A recording medium on which a program code for image processing is recorded, wherein a code for a step of performing different color processing on an original image according to a plurality of different image processing parameters to generate a plurality of images is provided. Based on the code of the step of displaying a plurality of images on one screen, the code of the step of selecting any of the displayed images, and the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected image, the plurality of images are again displayed. A recording medium comprising: a code for generating; and a code for performing color processing on the original image using image processing parameters corresponding to a selected image.