JP2000066650A - Color specifying device, color specifying method, and computer-readable record medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency in specifying a color to be used in image processing. SOLUTION: When a color to be used in the image processing by a computer is specified, a color sample window 151 is displayed, and colors C1, C2,... which are candidates to be specified are array-displayed on the color sample window 151 using a pallet 152a. The candidate colors are displayed in the order of the newer date specified in the past. The candidate colors are displayed in the order of roughly higher probability to be specified next, and the efficiency in specifying the color can be improved. The display of the pallets 152a of appropriate size is ensured by limiting the number of the pallets 152a. The color can be smoothly specified in a limited display space.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color designating device for designating colors used in image processing, a color designating method, and a computer-readable recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a prerequisite for executing an image processing by executing an image editing application on a computer, a color to be used for the image processing (color of a pen or a brush used for the application) is designated.

Conventionally, as a color specification method, a table of available colors is displayed on a display and a desired color is specified using a mouse or the like, or a color is created by specifying the strength of an RGB signal. A technique is used. When a desired color is present in an image displayed on a display, a method of extracting color information from pixels in the image is also performed.

In particular, when re-designating a color that has already been used, extraction of color information from the image is used as a general and simplest method since pixels of the color to be designated exist in the image.

[0005]

In order to extract color information from an image, it is necessary to specify a pixel by moving a mouse cursor or the like to a desired pixel. Is a tedious task.

Also, when a desired color is created by designating the strength of an RGB signal, it is necessary to create a color from an enormous combination of RGB values and to manage the color by numerical values. However, the created color cannot be easily grasped, and the management work becomes complicated.

Further, even when preparing a table for displaying a palette of colors usable in 10 × 10 pixels, it is difficult to display the table on a display when many colors are available. Would. In particular, when performing image processing on a high-definition image for printing, it is necessary to correct delicate colors, and displaying a table that displays full-color colors as usable colors on the display is an image processing task. Would be more complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a color specifying device, a color specifying method, and the like that can easily specify a color used for image processing.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color designating apparatus for accepting designation of a color to be used for image processing, comprising a color creating means for accepting the creation of a candidate color, and information on the created candidate color. Storage means for storing information including a candidate color designation history as color information, display means for displaying a display indicating candidate colors in an array display in an order according to the designation history, and one candidate color based on the arrangement display And an updating means for updating the specification history of the color information relating to the specified one candidate color.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color designating apparatus for accepting designation of a color to be used for image processing, wherein color creating means for accepting creation of a candidate color and information on the created candidate color are stored as color information. Storage means, and display means for displaying a display indicating a predetermined number of candidate colors from the top candidate color in an array display according to an order determined by a predetermined rule,
Color designation means for accepting designation of one candidate color based on the array display.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the color specifying device according to the first or second aspect, the display means has means for arranging and displaying a palette of the candidate colors.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color designating method for designating a color to be used for image processing, wherein information on a previously created candidate color and information including a designation history of the candidate color is stored as color information. Performing the display, displaying the indications of the candidate colors in an array display in the order according to the specification history, specifying one candidate color based on the array display, and Updating the designated history of color information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color designating method for designating a color to be used for image processing, comprising the steps of storing information on candidate colors created in advance as color information, and an order determined by a predetermined rule. Displaying a display showing a predetermined number of candidate colors from the top candidate color in an array display in accordance with
Specifying one candidate color based on the arrangement display.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to accept designation of a color used for image processing, wherein the program stores the program in a computer. Storing information relating to the candidate color as a color information, and displaying information indicating the candidate colors in an array display in an order corresponding to the specification history. At least a step of receiving a designation of one candidate color based on the first candidate color and a step of updating a designation history of color information relating to the designated one candidate color are executed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to receive designation of a color to be used for image processing, wherein the program stores the program in a computer. Storing information relating to a predetermined number of candidate colors from an uppermost candidate color in an array display according to an order determined by a predetermined rule. And accepting the designation of the candidate color.

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus 1. The image processing device 1 is a device that performs image processing such as image correction and color change, and uses the color designation method according to the present invention as designation of colors used in image processing. That is, the image processing device 1 also has a function as a color designation device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 has a configuration utilizing a normal computer system (hereinafter, referred to as "computer"). The image processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11 for executing various arithmetic instructions, a memory 12 for storing programs and the like, a dedicated image memory 13 for storing an image to be subjected to image processing, a fixed disk 14 serving as a nonvolatile storage area, a display, and the like. A display unit 15, an input unit 16 for receiving input from an operator such as a mouse and a keyboard, and a reading unit 17 for reading programs and various information from the recording medium 9 are connected to a bus line 18 via an interface as appropriate. Have.

The memory 12 serves as a work area for the CPU 11 and an area for storing a program 21 which is an operation content of the image processing apparatus 1 and a color information list 22 which will be described later. The image processing device 1 performs image processing by performing various calculations according to the following.

The program 21 includes a color designation program 21a for realizing the color designation method according to the present invention. When the color designation program 21a is executed by the CPU 11 or the like, the image processing apparatus 1 becomes a color designation device. Function.

The program 21 reads from the recording medium 9 to the reading unit 1.
7 and stored in the fixed disk 14 and the program 2
1 is read into the memory 12 as appropriate. The recording medium 9 may be of various types such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the like. Note that the fixed disk 14 also plays a role as a recording medium.

An image to be subjected to image processing is also stored in the fixed disk 14, and the image is transferred from the fixed disk 14 to the image memory 13 when an operation is performed.

The display unit 15 displays an image to be processed, a window for specifying a color, and the like. The operator uses the input unit 16 such as a mouse or a keyboard while recognizing the display on the display unit 15 to perform work. By doing so, image processing and color designation are performed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration for specifying colors in the image processing apparatus 1 in terms of functions. That is, when the CPU 11 operates according to the color designation program 21a, the image processing apparatus 1 plays a role of each component shown in FIG.

In the color designation in the image processing apparatus 1, a color sample table for easily designating colors is displayed on the display unit 15.
Is displayed by the operator and specified by the operator via the input unit 16. At this time, the color sample table management unit 31 shown in FIG. 2 plays a central role in the processing. The color sample table management unit 31 writes information in the color information list 22 while communicating with the other components in FIG.
Or read information from the device.

The color information list 22 managed by the color sample table management unit 31 is used when displaying the color sample table on the display unit 15, and color information created by an operator is used as color information 221. Store. Note that the color corresponding to the color information 221 is a candidate for designation when displayed in the color sample table, and in the following description, the color corresponding to the color information 221 will be referred to as a “candidate color” as necessary. .

The color information 221 has a structure illustrated in FIG. 3, and includes an RGB value indicating a color by a numerical value, a designated date and time which is the latest date and time designated in the past as a color used for image processing, and a designated date and time. Frequency and the like are stored. Note that the number of times specified for a specific image or the number of times specified within a certain period is used as the specified frequency.

The color creation section 32 is a section for creating a color not registered in the color information list 22. When an operator performs a color creation operation via the input section 16, the color creation section 32 creates a new color. Is transmitted to the color sample table management unit 31, and the color sample table management unit 31 additionally registers new color information 221 in the color information list 22.

The color designation section 33 is a section for designating a color to be used for image processing from the color information 221 registered in the color information list 22. The color is designated by the operator via the input section 16 while referring to the color sample table. By performing the designation operation, the color designation unit 33 transmits the designated color information 221 to the color sample table management unit 31, and the color sample table management unit 31 converts the color information 221 designated from the color information list 22 into the designated color information. To the image processing apparatus 1. As a result, the color specified in the image processing apparatus 1 becomes available.

The configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 having a function as a color specifying device according to the present invention and the configuration in terms of the function of realizing color specification have been described above.
The operation of the operator and the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 when specifying the color will be described.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 and the work flow of the operator when specifying a color. When specifying a color, first, the color sample table management unit 31 displays a color sample window on the display unit 15, and a color already registered in a rectangular palette of about 10 × 10 pixels in the color sample window. Is displayed as a candidate color. The display of the candidate colors is performed by sorting the specified date and time in chronological order, and is arranged and displayed on the palette by a predetermined number from the highest one (FIG. 4: step S11).

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the color sample window 151, and reference numeral 152 indicates a color sample table which is an array of 24 palettes 152a on which candidate colors are displayed. A rectangular area denoted by reference numeral 153 indicates a set color display area for displaying a color currently set in the image processing apparatus 1. Color sample window 15 shown in FIG.
In the example of 1, the candidate colors are displayed from the upper left palette 152a to the lower right palette 152a in descending order of the designated date and time. When the color information 221 exceeding 24 is registered in the color information list 22, only 24 candidate colors from the newest candidate color at the designated date and time are displayed.

When using the displayed candidate colors (step S12), the operator uses the mouse or the like to designate a palette 152a for displaying a desired color from the palette 152a in the color sample table 152. This allows
The color designation unit 33 receives designation of one candidate color from the operator (step S13). The color information 221 relating to the designated candidate color is set in the image processing apparatus 1 as designated color information via the color sample table management unit 31, and the color designated in the subsequent image processing becomes usable ( Step S14).

Further, the color sample table management section 31 updates the designated date and time of the color information 221 corresponding to the designated candidate color to the current date and time (step S15). As a result, at the time of the next color designation operation, the designated candidate color is displayed on the leading palette 152a (step S11).

If the color desired to be used for image processing is not displayed in the color sample table 152, the process shifts to a process of creating a new color. Then, in the same manner as a general color creation operation, the operator sets RGB values, extracts a color already existing in the image, displays a screen dedicated to color creation, etc. (Step S21 in FIG. 5).

The created colors are stored in the color sample table management section 31.
It is confirmed whether or not it has already been registered in the color information list 22 (step S22). Here, if the color information 221 of the same color as the created color is already registered in the color information list 22, the color sample table management unit 31 uses the color information 221 of the same color as the created color as designated color information. The subsequent image processing is performed based on the color information set to the image processing apparatus 1 and the same color as the created color (step S23).

Further, the color sample table management unit 31 updates the designated date and time of the color information 221 of the same color as the created color to the current date and time (step S24). Thus, at the time of the next color designation operation, the same candidate color as the created color is displayed on the leading palette 152a (step S11).

If the color created by the operator is not registered in the color information list 22 as the color information 221, the color sample table management unit 31 generates new color information 221 in the color information list 22 and specifies the date and time. Is set to the current date and time (step S31). At this time, the generated color information 221 is set as designated color information in the image processing apparatus 1 (step S32), and the color created in the subsequent image processing becomes usable.

When the new color information 221 is generated, the number of the already registered color information 221 is further reduced to a predetermined limit number (a number equal to or more than the number of pallets 152a and a predetermined number). ) Is checked by the color sample table management unit 31 (step S3).
3).

When the number of the registered color information 221 does not exceed the limit number, the color designation operation is completed while the new color information 221 is additionally registered, but when the number exceeds the limit number. The color information 221 with the oldest designated date is deleted (step S34). Thereby, the color information list 2
2 is arranged into a predetermined number of color information 221 recently used in image processing.

Note that colors registered in the color information list 22 but not displayed in the color sample table 152 can be displayed in separate windows as needed. The color information 221 registered in the color information list 22
Is limited to the same number as the number of palettes 152a, all the candidate colors registered in the color information list 22 are displayed in the color sample window 151.

Next, the flow of the operation shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be specifically described with reference to the color sample window 151 shown in FIGS. 8 to 12. In the following description, the color information list 22 contains the color information 22 for simplicity.
Description will be made assuming that the same number (1) of the pallets 152a are registered as 24 (24).

The symbols C1, C2,..., C7 shown on the palette 152a and the like in FIGS. 8 to 12 indicate different candidate colors. When the operator sequentially registers candidate colors C1, C2, C3, and C4 as new colors from a state in which the color information 221 is not registered in the color information list 22, these candidate colors are sequentially added to the top of the palette 152a, The state shown in FIG. 8 is obtained (steps S11, S12,
S21, S22, S31, S32). Note that, in the initial state of the color sample table 152, candidate colors that are frequently used may be registered in advance.

Here, when the operator designates or creates the candidate color C2, the designated date and time of the color information 221 relating to the candidate color C2 is updated, and in the next color designation operation, the palette 152a indicating the candidate color C2 as shown in FIG. Moves to the top (steps S11 to S15, or step S11,
S12, S21 to S24).

When the operator sequentially creates new colors that are not registered in the color information list 22 (not displayed in the color sample window 151 in this example), candidates are sequentially placed at the top of the color sample table 152. As colors are added, candidate colors are displayed on all the palettes 152a as shown in FIG.

Further, when the operator creates a candidate color C7 as a new color, the candidate color C7 is displayed on the first palette 152a and the candidate color C1 of the last palette 152a is displayed as shown in FIG. Disappears.
In the case of this example, the number of color information 221 is
2a, the color information 221 relating to the candidate color C1 is deleted from the color information list 22 (steps S11, S12, S21, S22, S31 to S34).

On the other hand, when the candidate color C4 is designated or created from the state of FIG. 11 in which the color samples are displayed on all the palettes 152a, the candidate color C4 moves to the head of the color sample table 152.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus 1 having a function as a color designating apparatus, the color information 22
1 includes the designated date and time as the date and time of recent use, and the candidate colors are displayed in the color sample table 152 in the order of newest designated date and time. Here, since there are many cases where a recently used color is reused in image processing, candidate colors are displayed in the order of the probability of next designation being approximately high. Therefore, the operator can easily specify a required color by sequentially searching for a desired color from the top palette 152a of the color sample table 152. As a result, the color can be specified efficiently.

As a method of arranging colors assumed to be designated by the operator as candidate colors in order from the top of the color sample table 152, it is also possible to use colors designated by frequencies other than designated dates. This is because there is a high probability that the operator reuses the frequently specified color.

In this case, as shown in FIG.
When the color sample table 152 is displayed by displaying the color sample table 152 (step S11), the candidate colors are displayed on the palette 152a in descending order of the frequency of designation. Step S
At 15, S24, and S31, the use frequency of the color information 221 relating to the designated or created candidate color is updated or set.

Generally, the color specified by the operator is often related to the past specification history. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 1 realizes an efficient color designation operation by storing the color designation history (designation date / time and designation frequency) in the color information 221. As the designated history, only one of the designated date and time or the designated frequency may be stored in the color information 221. The designated date and time and the designated frequency are subjected to a predetermined calculation to determine the display order in the color sample table 152. You may.

On the other hand, in the image processing apparatus 1, the number of candidate colors displayed on the color sample table 152 is limited. Therefore, even if the number of newly created colors becomes large, the palette 152a can be displayed in an appropriate size, and the color designation work by the operator does not become difficult.

The color designating method described above is particularly suitable for processing a high-definition image for printing. When processing a high-definition image, it is necessary to repeatedly specify a large number of slightly different colors. In such a case, if the candidate colors are displayed in the order of the designated date and time or in the designated frequency, a subtle difference in the candidate colors can be easily determined in the arrangement order on the color sample table 152, and the working efficiency is greatly enhanced.

In the case of processing a high-definition image, the number of colors to be created is enormous. However, the number of color samples displayed in the color sample table 152 is a necessary minimum number suitable for display. , A smooth color designation operation can be realized in a limited display space.

In the image processing apparatus 1, the pallet 152
Although a is displayed in an array, when a high-definition image is handled, a delicate difference between candidate colors can be easily recognized by using such a display method.

Although the embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, the designated date and time are included in the color information 221 as information on the display order.
The storage order of 21 may indicate the order of the designated date and time. In this case, the color sample table management unit 31 sequentially reads out the color information 221 from the top by the number of pallets 152a and displays the color sample table 152. When new color information 221 is created in a state where the number of color information 221 stored in the color information list 22 has reached the limit number, the lowest color information 221 is deleted. That is, the designation history does not necessarily need to be included in each color information 221, but may be included in the entire set of color information 221.

In the above embodiment, the updated designated date and time and designated frequency are described to be reflected in the color sample table 152 displayed in the next color designation operation. It is always displayed, and the color sample table 15 is displayed as soon as a candidate color is specified or created.
The display of No. 2 may be updated.

In the above embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1
Although the operation at the time of color designation has been described as one of the functions, another device connected to the image processing apparatus 1 may be a color designation device that realizes the color designation method.

[0059]

According to the first, fourth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the indications of the candidate colors are displayed in an array display in the order according to the designation history, so that the colors used in the image processing can be designated efficiently. Can be.

According to the second, fifth and seventh aspects of the present invention,
Since a display indicating a predetermined number of candidate colors from the highest candidate color in the order determined by the predetermined rule is displayed in an array display, a smooth color designation operation can be realized in a limited display space.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since a palette of candidate colors is arranged and displayed, it is possible to easily recognize subtle differences in candidate colors.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus that implements a color designation method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration for performing color designation in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in terms of functions.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of color information.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image processing apparatus and a work flow of an operator when a color is designated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image processing apparatus and a work flow of an operator when a color is designated.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image processing apparatus and a flow of an operator's work at the time of specifying a color.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color sample window.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a color sample window.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a color sample window.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a color sample window.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a color sample window.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a color sample window.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 image processing device 9 recording medium 11 CPU 12 memory 14 fixed disk 15 display unit 16 input unit 21a color specification program 31 color sample table management unit 32 color creation unit 33 color specification unit 152 color sample table 152a palette 221 color information C1,. .., C7 candidate color S31, S11, S13, S15 Step

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09G 5/00 510 G06F 15/62 310A 5/06 15/66 310 15/72 310 F term (Reference) 5B050 BA05 CA07 FA02 FA05 FA09 FA13 5B057 BA25 5B080 FA02 5C082 AA14 BA34 BB51 CA12 CA62 CB06 DA71 DA87 MM02 MM09

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A color specifying device for receiving designation of a color used for image processing, a color creating means for accepting the creation of a candidate color, and information on the created candidate color, the information including a candidate color designation history Storage means for storing the candidate colors as color information, display means for displaying the indications of the candidate colors in an array display according to the designation history, and color designation means for receiving the designation of one candidate color based on the arrangement display. Updating means for updating the designation history of color information relating to one candidate color. 2. A color designation device for accepting designation of a color used for image processing, a color creating means for accepting creation of a candidate color, a storage means for storing information on the created candidate color as color information, Display means for displaying a display indicating a predetermined number of candidate colors from the top candidate color in an array display in accordance with the order determined by the rule, and color specification means for receiving designation of one candidate color based on the array display. A color specification device, comprising: 3. The color specification device according to claim 1, wherein said display means includes means for arranging and displaying a palette of said candidate colors. 4. A color designation method for designating a color to be used for image processing, the method comprising: storing information on a previously created candidate color including a designation history of the candidate color as color information; Displaying a display showing candidate colors in an array display in an order according to the specification history; specifying one candidate color based on the array display; specifying history of color information relating to the specified one candidate color And a step of updating the color. 5. A color designation method for designating a color to be used for image processing, comprising: storing information on a previously created candidate color as color information; and a top candidate in accordance with an order determined by a predetermined rule. A color designation method, comprising: displaying a display indicating a predetermined number of candidate colors from colors in an array display; and designating one candidate color based on the arrangement display. 6. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to receive designation of a color used for image processing is recorded, wherein the program is information on candidate colors created in advance by the computer. A step of storing information including the designation history of the candidate color as color information; a step of displaying a display indicating the candidate color in an array display in an order according to the designation history; and a process of displaying one candidate color based on the array display. A computer-readable recording medium, characterized by causing at least a step of receiving a designation and a step of updating a designation history of color information relating to the designated one candidate color. 7. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to receive designation of a color used for image processing is recorded, the program causing the computer to transmit information on candidate colors created in advance to color information. And displaying a display indicating a predetermined number of candidate colors from the highest candidate color in an array display according to an order determined by a predetermined rule, and specifying one candidate color based on the array display. And a step of receiving at least a computer-readable recording medium.