JP2001239705A - Apparatus and method for forming boundary of figure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and a method for forming the boundary of a plurality of figures contained in print data in which visibility is enhanced by clarifying the border line between figures or between a figure and a character. SOLUTION: Print data formed in an application 3 is taken into an image generating/writing control section 6 through an operating system 5 and the boundary is detected at a part where the images (figures) are overlapped, for example. Colors (brightness) of both images are detected at the boundary part and a color is set at the boundary part depending on the difference of colors. For example, white color is set for dark color while black color is set for light color in order to set a boundary part definitely thus enhancing visibility of an image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, and more particularly to an apparatus and a method for creating a boundary portion between a plurality of figures included in print data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming apparatus, a printer device is connected to a host device such as a personal computer via a Centronics interface or the like, and performs a printing process using print data supplied from the host device.

In such a printing system, the print data may include a plurality of images. For example, a case where a plurality of figures overlap. In such a case, the image is drawn so as to cover another graphic on a certain graphic. In addition, a graphic and a character sometimes overlap with the print data. In such a case, for example, the character is drawn on the graphic.

[0004]

However, in the case described above, if the colors of the overlapping figures are similar, the boundary between the two figures becomes unclear. The same applies to the case where a character overlaps a graphic, and when the color of the graphic and the character are similar, the boundary becomes unclear.

In the case where the brightness of the color of the two figures is significantly different, it is necessary to adjust the color of the boundary, for example, to enhance the visibility including the halftone color. Lines need to be clear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide a figure boundary creation apparatus and a method for creating a figure boundary in which the boundaries between figures or between figures and characters are clarified and visibility is improved.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, an identification means for identifying an overlap of images, and a color of a boundary portion of the overlap of the images identified by the identification means is changed. Color changing means, detecting means for detecting a difference in brightness between the overlapping images, and causing the color changing means to determine a predetermined color based on the difference in brightness between the images detected by the detecting means. This can be achieved by providing a graphic boundary creating device having color determining means.

Here, the overlap of the images is, for example, the overlap between the figures, the overlap between the figures and the characters, and also includes the overlap between a plurality of figures and the overlap between the figures and the characters. The detection of the boundary portion is set according to, for example, coordinate data and address data.

The color determining means causes the color changing means to determine a predetermined color based on a difference in brightness between images detected by the detecting means. With such a configuration, the color determining means can set a boundary color based on, for example, a difference in color between adjacent graphics, and can clearly set a boundary between graphics and a boundary between graphics and characters, thereby improving visibility. A boundary creation device can be provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the difference in brightness between the images is set on the basis of the color density in human perception. With this configuration, it is possible to make a determination in accordance with the color density felt by the actual human eyes, and it is possible to provide a more accurate figure boundary creation device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the color determining means sets a boundary line to a predetermined color when the difference in brightness between images is small. That is, in this case, the boundary between both images (both figures) becomes difficult to understand, and therefore, the boundary between both images (both figures) is clarified by setting a boundary line.

According to a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the predetermined color is white when the color of the image is dark, and black when the color of the image is light. With this configuration, for example, when the color of an adjacent figure is dark, the boundary between the two figures is clarified by setting a white boundary line, while, for example, when the color of the adjacent figure is light, a black boundary is set. By setting the line, the boundary between the two figures is clarified.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the color deciding means determines that a certain area near the boundary line has a color difference between both sides of the boundary when the brightness difference between the images is large. Is set so that the color is gradually filled.

With this configuration, it is possible to set a halftone between the colors of the two figures at the boundary portion, and to provide a figure boundary creating apparatus with better visibility. According to a sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the color of the image is set for R (red), G (green), and B (blue) colors.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the color of the image is set for yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) colors. . In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, an identification process for identifying overlapping of images, a color changing process for changing a color of an overlapping boundary portion of the images identified by the identifying process, and By providing a graphic boundary creation method for performing a detection process of detecting a brightness difference between the images and a color determination process of determining a predetermined color based on the brightness difference between images detected by the detection process. Can be achieved.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system to which a graphic boundary creating apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, the system comprises a computer 1 such as a personal computer and a printer 2, and the computer 1 creates print data in accordance with an installed program. For example, document data and graphic data are created using word processing software or drawing creation software. FIG. 2 is a system diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the computer 1. The application software (APL) 3, printer driver (DRV) 4, operating system (OS) 5, image generation / drawing control unit 6, image memory for printing. 7.

The document data and graphic data created by the application 3 are sent to a printer driver 4 and further sent to an operating system 5. The image generation / drawing control unit 6 extracts the data of the boundary portion of the image included in the data, and clarifies the boundary.
For example, drawing control of image data such as white printing or black line printing on a boundary portion is performed. The print image memory 7 has a drawing control area, and stores data created by the image generation / drawing control unit 6. The data is converted into an intermediate code by the printer driver 4 and sent to the printer device 2.

On the other hand, the printer is an electrophotographic or ink-jet printer, and the computer 1
Print processing is performed based on the print data supplied from.
For example, the print data is converted into bitmap data and printed on paper.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described with reference to a flowchart, focusing on the processing operation of the image generation / drawing control unit 6 of the computer 1. <First Embodiment> FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the present embodiment, and illustrates the control performed by the image generation / drawing control unit 6.

The image generation / drawing control unit 6 processes the print data supplied from the application 3 via the operating system 5 in order, and draws the print data in the print image memory 7 sequentially. At this time, it is determined whether or not the image already drawn on the print image memory 7 and the image to be drawn overlap, and if so, the following processing is executed. The overlap of the print data is determined from the drawing address, the coordinate address, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the processing when data such as graphics included in the print data overlap. First, an outline address of an overlapping image is obtained (step (hereinafter, referred to as S) 1). For example, in a case where a rectangular image 2 having a smaller size is printed over a rectangular image 1 as shown in FIG. 4, the address of the boundary 3 between the rectangular images 1 and 2 is acquired.

Next, for each pixel of the acquired outline, the image is separated into three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and the brightness of each is 256 gradations from 0 to 255. (S2). That is, in the example of FIG. 4 described above, the brightness of the outline (outermost dot) of the square image 2 is converted into a numerical value of 256 tones from 0 to 255. At the same time, the color of the figure on the superimposed side adjacent to the outside of the figure to be superimposed is similarly converted into a value of 256 gradations for each of RGB (S3). That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the brightness of the outline (inner dots) of the square image 1 is converted into a value of 256 gradations.

The 256 gradations for each of the three primary colors are, for example, units of internal information relating to colors, and are 256 × 256 × 256.
= 16,777,216 colors (True Color) are represented. In such a system, the internal color information itself is 25 for every three primary colors.
Since it is represented by six gradations, it is not usually necessary to perform the above processing. Here, for the sake of convenience, the 256 gradations will be described as an example.
It becomes the same by multiplying the ratio with the gradation.

Next, a formula representing the brightness of a color reflecting a luminosity curve representing a difference in perception of a color to human eyes is R
Since it is × 0.30 + G × 0.59 + B × 0.11, the density of each color can be calculated by the following formula (S4).

The color depth of the outline of the superimposed figure, for example, the color depth of the outermost dot of the square image 2 is Ci
= 255 (Ri × 0.3 + Gi × 0.59 + Bi × 0.11), and the color density of the outer side to be overlapped, for example, the color density of the inner periphery of the square image 1, Co = 255− (Ro × 0.3 + Go × 0.59 + Bo
× 0.11). Here, Ri, Gi, and Bi indicate the brightness of each of the three primary colors of the outline of the superimposed graphic, and Ro, Go, and Bo indicate the brightness of each of the three adjacent primary colors on the outer side.

Next, the value C calculated by the above equation is calculated.
The difference between i and Co is compared (S5). If this difference is less than 25% (| Ci-Co | <63) (YES in S5), the boundary between both images (boundary 3 shown in FIG. 4 above) is determined. Therefore, the color density of the outer side to be overlapped is adjusted by the following two cases (S6).

If the larger value of Ci and Co is 128 or more (S6: YES), the color of the superimposed side adjacent to the outside is set to white (Ro = 0, Go = 0, Bo).
= 0) (S7).

On the other hand, the larger value of Ci and C ₀ is 128
If (S6 is NO), the color of the side to be overlaid adjacent to the outside to black than _{(R 0 = 255, G 0} = 255, B 0
= 255) (S8).

It should be noted that the value C calculated by the above-mentioned formula is used.
As a result of comparing the difference between i and Co (S5), the difference was 25%
Less than (| Ci-Co | <63) (S5 is N
O) Since it is considered that it is not difficult to determine the boundary between the two images (boundary 3 shown in FIG. 4), the same processing is repeated for all the outlines (NO in S9, S2 to S2).
S8). Thereafter, when the processing for all the outlines is completed (S9: YES), the processing of this example ends.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show the results of the above processing. FIG. 5 shows the results according to the flow of the judgment (NO in S6) and the processing (S8), and shows the brightness of the square images 1 and 2. Are approximate and the color brightness is 128 gradations or less, so that the boundary 3 between both images is painted and formed with a black line.

FIG. 6 shows the results in accordance with the flow of the judgment (YES in S6) and the processing (S7). The brightness of the square images 1 and 2 is similar, and the brightness of the color is 128 gradations or more. Therefore, the boundary 3 between both images is outlined.

FIG. 7 shows the results of the determination (NO in S5) and the flow of the determination (YES in S9). For example, since the brightnesses of the two images are different, it is not necessary to particularly indicate the boundary 3, and the boundary 3 is not changed. It has been subjected to printing processing. <Second Embodiment> FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the present embodiment, and mainly describes the processing performed by the image generation / drawing control unit 6.

Also in this example, the image generation / drawing control unit 6
Sequentially processes print data supplied from the application 3 via the operating system 5 and sequentially draws the print data in the print image memory 7. In this example, at this time, it is determined whether or not the image already drawn on the print image memory 7 and the image to be drawn overlap, and if so, the following processing is executed.

First, the outline addresses of the overlapping images are obtained (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1), and the three primary colors R (red) are obtained for each pixel of the obtained outline.
G (green) and B (blue), and each brightness is converted into a numerical value of 256 gradations from 0 to 255 (ST
2).

Next, the color of the figure on the superimposed side adjacent to the outside is similarly converted into a numerical value of 256 gradations for each of RGB (ST3). Next, a formula representing the brightness of a color reflecting a visibility curve representing a difference in perception of the color of a human eye is R
× 0.30 + G × 0.59 + B × 0.11. Therefore, the color depth of each color can be calculated by the following equation (S
4). That is, the color density of the outline of the superimposed figure, for example, the color density of the outermost dot of the square image 2 is Ci = 255 (Ri × 0.3 + Gi × 0.59 + Bi × 0.11) and is adjacent to the outside. The color density on the superimposed side, for example, the color density on the inner periphery of the square image 1 is Co = 255− (Ro × 0.3 + Go × 0.59 + Bo × 0.11). Here, Ri, Gi, and Bi indicate the brightness of each of the three primary colors of the outline of the superimposed figure, and Ro, Go, and Bo indicate the brightness of each of the three adjacent primary colors on the outer side.

Next, the difference between the Ci and Co least _{50% (| Ci-C 0} |> 128) a determines whether it (S
T5). Here, when the difference is less than 50% (ST
5 is NO), and the process proceeds to direct determination (ST6). On the other hand, if the difference is 50% or more (YES in ST5), since the difference in brightness between the two images (both figures) is large, the color on the outer side adjacent to the overlapped side is adjusted as follows. That is, the color (brightness) of the boundary is determined using the following formula (ST7).

R ₀ = | Ri−R ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (Ri, R ₀ ) G ₀ = | Gi−G ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (Gi, G ₀ ) B ₀ = | Bi−B ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (Bi , B ₀ ) The above processing is for calculating the intermediate value of the difference for each color for the boundary dot and adding the minimum value for each color.
The above processing is performed for all points of the outline of the figure to be overlapped (ST6 is NO, ST2 to ST7), and the drawing is realized by smoothly blending and eliminating uncomfortable feeling while ensuring visibility. <Third Embodiment> FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the image generation / drawing control unit 6 sequentially processes the print data supplied via the operating system 5 and draws the print data in the print image memory 7 sequentially. At this time, it is determined whether or not the image already drawn on the print image memory 7 and the image to be drawn overlap, and if so, the following processing is executed.

Next, in the same manner as described above, the outline address of the overlapping image is obtained (step (hereinafter referred to as STP)).
1) For each pixel of the acquired outline, 3
The primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are separated, and the brightness of each is converted to a numerical value of 256 tones from 0 to 255 (STP2). Similarly, the color of the graphic on the side to be superimposed adjacent to the outside of the graphic to be superimposed is converted into a numerical value of 256 gradations for each of RGB (STP3).

Next, a formula representing the brightness of a color reflecting a visibility curve representing a difference in perception of a color to human eyes is expressed by R
Since it is × 0.30 + G × 0.59 + B × 0.11, the color depth of each color is calculated by the following formula (STP4). This calculation formula is the same as the above calculation formula.

Next, the value C calculated by the above equation is calculated.
The difference between i and Co is compared (STP5), and when this difference is less than 25% (| Ci-Co | <63) (STP5 is YE
S) As in the first embodiment, since the boundary between the two images becomes difficult to determine, the color density of the outer side and the overlapped side is adjusted by the following two cases (STP).
6).

Here, when the larger value of Ci and Co is 128 or more (YES in STP6), the color of the superimposed side adjacent to the outside is set to white (Ro = 0, Go = 0,
Bo is changed to 0) (STP7). Also, Ci and C ₀
Is larger than 128 (STP6 is N
O), the color of the superimposed side adjacent to the outside is set to black (R
₀ = 255, G ₀ = 255, B ₀ = 255)
(STP8).

Next, color data in a certain range ahead on the outside is obtained (R _{0 + n} , G _{0 + n} , B _{0 + n} ), and the color is gradually changed in the interval as follows. Set. First, the colors of the intermediate points in a certain range (R _{0 + m} , G _{0 + m} , B _{0 + m} )
Is calculated and set (STP9).

R _{0 + m} = | R _{0 + n} -R ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (R _{0 + n} , R ₀ ) G _{0 + m} = | G _{0 + n} -G ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (G _{0 + n} , G ₀ ) B _{0 + m} = | B _{0 + n} −B ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (B _{0 + n} , B ₀ ) Then, similarly, the calculation is set until the entire range is filled (STP10, STP11).

Next, the colors are gradually changed between the colors (R _{i + n} , G _{i + n} , B _{i + n} ) within a certain range at the boundary on the overlapping side as follows. Set. That is, the colors (R _{i + m} , G _{i + m} , B _{i + m} ) of a certain range of intermediate points
Is calculated and set (STP12).

R _{i + m} = | R _{i + n} −R ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (R _{i + n} , R ₀ ) G _{i + m} = | G _{i + n} −G ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (G _{i + n} , G ₀ ) B _{i + m} = | B _{i + n} −B ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (B _{i + n} , B ₀ ) Then, similarly, the calculation is set until the entire range is filled (STP13, STP14).

The above processing is performed for all the outline areas of the superimposed figures (NO in STP15, STP2
~ STP14), as a result, white is drawn on the boundary between dark colors, black is drawn on the boundary between light colors, and the color difference is gradually reduced on both sides to surround them. Filling colors are arranged to make it easier to determine.

In the above judgment (STP5), the difference between the calculated values Ci and Co is less than 25% (| Ci-Co
If | <63) or more (NO in STP5), it is considered that it is not difficult to determine the boundary between the two images, so the process directly shifts to processing (STP15). <Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, also in this example, the image generation / drawing control unit 6 sequentially processes the print data supplied via the operating system 5 and draws the print data in the print image memory 7 sequentially. At this time, it is determined whether or not the image already drawn on the print image memory 7 and the image to be drawn overlap, and if so, the following processing is executed.

Next, as described above, the outline address of the overlapping image is obtained (step (hereinafter, indicated by W) 1), and
For each pixel of the acquired outline, the three primary colors
It is separated into R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and each brightness is converted into a numerical value of 256 gradations from 0 to 255 (W2). Similarly, the color of the graphic on the side to be superimposed adjacent to the outside of the graphic to be superimposed is converted into a numerical value of 256 gradations for each of RGB (W3).

Next, a formula representing the brightness of a color reflecting a luminosity curve representing a difference in perception of color to human eyes is expressed by R
Since it is × 0.30 + G × 0.59 + B × 0.11, the color density of each color is calculated by the following formula (W4). This calculation formula is the same as the above calculation formula.

Next, the value Ci calculated by the above equation is calculated.
Difference C ₀ 50% or more and _{(| Ci-C 0 |>} 128) a determines whether it (W5). Here, the difference is 50%
If it is below (W5 is NO), the process proceeds to direct determination (W6). On the other hand, if the difference is equal to or greater than 50% (W5 is YES), the difference in brightness between the two images (both figures) is large. That is, the color (brightness) of the boundary is determined as in the second embodiment (W7).

R ₀ = | Ri−R ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (Ri, R ₀ ) G ₀ = | Gi−G ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (Gi, G ₀ ) B ₀ = | Bi−B ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (Bi , B ₀ ) Next, in the case of this example, the color (R _{0 + n} ,
G _{0 + n} , B _{0 + n} ), so that the color is gradually changed as follows. That is, the colors ( _{R0 + m} , G0 _{+ m} , _{B0 + m} ) of the intermediate points in a certain range are calculated and set (W8, W9).

R _{0 + m} = | R _{0 + n} -R ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (R _{0 + n} , R ₀ ) G _{0 + m} = | G _{0 + n} -G ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (G _{0 + n} , G ₀ ) B _{0 + m} = | B _{0 + n} -B ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (B _{0 + n} , B ₀ ) Then, similarly, the calculation is set until the entire range is filled (W10 is NO, W9).

Further, the colors are changed as follows so that the colors gradually change between the colors (R _{i + n} , G _{i + n} , and G _{i + n} ) inside the fixed range at the boundary on the overlapping side. Set. That is,
A certain range of intermediate point colors (R _{i + m} , G _{i + m} ,
B _{i + m} ) is calculated (W10 is YES, W11,
W12).

R _{i + m} = | R _{i + n} −R ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (R _{i + n} , R ₀ ) G _{i + m} = | G _{i + n} −G ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (G _{i + n} , G ₀ ) B _{i + m} = | B _{i + n} −B ₀ | ÷ 2 + min (B _{i + n} , B ₀ ) Similarly, calculation is set until the entire range is filled (W13 is NO, W12).

The above processing is performed for all the outline regions of the superimposed figures, and as a result, the drawing is smoothly blended and the uncomfortable feeling is eliminated while ensuring the visibility. <Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, also in this example, the image generation / drawing control unit 6 sequentially processes the print data supplied via the operating system 5 and draws sequentially in the print image memory 7. At this time, it is determined whether or not the image already drawn on the print image memory 7 and the image to be drawn overlap, and if so, the following processing is executed.

Next, in the same manner as described above, the outline address of the overlapping image is obtained (step (hereinafter, referred to as U) 1).
For each pixel of the acquired outline, the three primary colors
It is separated into R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and the brightness of each is converted to a numerical value of 256 tones from 0 to 255 (U2). Similarly, the color of the graphic on the side to be superimposed adjacent to the outside of the graphic to be superimposed is converted into a value of 256 gradations for each of RGB (U3).

Next, a formula representing the brightness of a color reflecting a luminosity curve representing a difference in perception of color with respect to the human eye is expressed by R
Since it is × 0.30 + G × 0.59 + B × 0.11, each color density is calculated by the following formula (U4). This calculation formula is the same as the above calculation formula.

Next, the difference between the calculated values Ci and C ₀ is 25
Less _{than% (| Ci-C 0 |} <63) when the (U5 is YE
S) Since the boundary is difficult to determine, the boundary line is printed as a white or black line according to the first embodiment. In the case where the boundary line is subjected to whitening processing, the determination U5 is YES, and the determination U6.
Is YES, the process U7 is executed. When the boundary line is a black line, the judgment U5 is YES, the judgment U6 is NO, and the processing U
8 is executed.

On the other hand, the difference between the calculated values Ci and C ₀ is 50
% (| Ci-C ₀ |> 128) (U5 is N
O and U9 are YES), processing is performed according to the processing described in the second embodiment (U10), and color adjustment (brightness adjustment) is performed.

The difference between the calculated values Ci and C ₀ is 50
% Less _{(| Ci-C 0 | <} 128) when the (U9 is N
O), the processing described in the third and fourth embodiments is performed (U11 and thereafter). Note that these processes are the same as those described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

By performing the above-described processing, a boundary between a plurality of images (a plurality of figures) is clarified and adjusted, and a figure boundary creating apparatus for providing a printed image which is easy to see is provided. <Sixth Embodiment> Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, an environment is considered in which each drawing command is drawn in the printing image memory in the printer device 2 which draws and forms a print image on a page basis and performs printing. The printer device 2 sequentially processes the image drawing commands from the computer 1 and draws the image drawing commands in the print image memory. At this time, it is determined whether or not the image already drawn on the image memory and the image to be drawn overlap, and if so, the following processing is performed to perform drawing.

Normally, in the printer device 2, the color components are separated into C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) and drawn in the respective image memories. Therefore, the color correction is actually performed on the CMY color components. Here, for the sake of convenience, the color correction is performed using RGB.
The GB and CMY conversion is performed by the following formula.

C (cyan) = 255-R (red), M (magenta) = 255-G (green), Y (yellow) = 255
-B (blue) By using the above conversion formula, even in the case of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) colors, the aforementioned R
It can be executed in the same way as in the case of GB. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

According to the present embodiment, when shading is specified, the shading is ignored, and the conversion to fill is performed, and the color used for fill is changed from the specified color. By outputting, the problem caused by the interference of the dither pattern is avoided, and the brightness and hue of the shaded portion are maintained.

When the modification of the shading is designated, the process of converting the shading into a fill, ignoring the designation of the shading, and changing the color used for the fill from the designated color and outputting the same. Thus, a system that avoids the problem due to interference of dither patterns and maintains the brightness and hue of the shaded portion is provided.

The above processing is executed by the image generation / drawing control section 6 in the computer 1 described above. Reference numeral 12 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the present embodiment. First, it is determined whether or not the shading modification is performed on the drawing data (T1).
If the shading modification is not performed, the drawing data is immediately converted to the print data (T1 is NO, T2). On the other hand, when the shading modification is performed, the shade ratio of the brightness corresponding to the selected shading is extracted from the table (T1 is YE
S, T3).

This table is provided in an area (not shown).
A shading rate corresponding to the shading, for example, “0.5” for 50% shading, “0.25” for 25% shading, and the like are stored. In addition, as a hatching pattern, there is also a hatching pattern using a figure such as a diagonal line or a positive mesh. In these cases, the process of converting to a solid fill may be excluded, and the pattern for the area may be excluded. May be stored in a table.

Next, the color designated in the shaded portion of the document is changed based on the taken out ratio (T4). To change the color, for example, if the value is an RGB value, the following calculation formula can be used.

Calculation formula: (R ′, G ′, B ′) = 255−lightness multiplying factor × (255− (R, G, B)) Next, the shading modification is temporarily filled in for printing. Convert (T5) Through this processing, the shaded area with a color specified in the document is converted into a solid color while maintaining the same lightness.

By not using shading as described above, interference between dithering and shading is eliminated, visibility can be improved while maintaining the distinctiveness of shading, and color brightness can be improved. Do not break the balance of documents to make them equal.

After the above processing, conversion processing to print data is performed according to the drawing data. On the other hand, FIG.
Is a flowchart for explaining another example of the present embodiment. First, it is determined whether or not the paint pattern is shaded (V1). Here, if the fill pattern is not shaded, the process proceeds to a process of converting drawing data into print data (V2). On the other hand, if the fill pattern is shaded (V1 is YES), then dithering is determined (V1).
3). Here, since the print driver performs color matching when drawing a designated color, it can determine whether or not dithering is necessary to express the color. Here, for a color that does not require dithering, no interference occurs between dithering and shading, so that the process of converting shading into solid color is not performed (V3 is NO, V2).

On the other hand, when dithering occurs, the same processing as described above is performed (YES in V3, V4 to V6).
In the calculation of the color change in the process (V5), if the brightness is to be strictly matched between the time of shading and the time of filling, the calculation is performed after converting into the color designation (CMYK) of the printing apparatus. Do. At this time, the calculation formula is: (C ′, M ′, Y ′, K ′) = lightness multiplication factor ×
(C, M, Y, K) Next, after processing as described above, conversion processing to print data is performed according to the drawing data (V2).

By performing the processing as described above, it is possible to perform processing in consideration of the characteristics of each printing apparatus, and it is possible to maintain hue and brightness without a sense of incongruity even when shading is changed to solid.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention, the boundaries of the images become clear, the visibility is improved, and an extremely easy-to-view image can be generated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system to which a graphic boundary creating device according to an embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a computer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a print example in which a boundary of a graphic is printed in white.

FIG. 6 is a print example in which the boundary of a graphic is printed in black.

FIG. 7 is a print example in which a boundary of a graphic is left as it is.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 computer 2 printer device 3 application software (APL) 4 printer driver (DRV) 5 operating system (OS) 6 image generation / drawing control unit 7 image memory for printing

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/60 H04N 1/40 D 5C082 / 1/46 1/46 Z (72) Inventor Hiroshi Saito Tokyo Univ. Of Tokyo 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Wa-shi Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Tokyo Office F-term (reference) 2C262 AA24 AA27 AB13 BA11 BC11 CA07 DA18 EA04 EA08 5B021 AA01 BB09 LG07 LG08 5B057 AA11 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 MP07 CE06 MP07 CE NN08 PP19 PP32 PP33 PP37 PP47 PQ20 5C079 HB01 HB02 LA06 LB11 MA11 MA19 NA06 NA29 PA03 5C082 AA01 AA18 AA22 AA32 BA12 BA34 BB42 CA21 CA82 CB01 DA42 DA87 MM10

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An identification unit for identifying overlapping of images, a color changing unit for changing a color of an overlapping boundary portion of the images identified by the identifying unit, and detecting a difference in brightness between the overlapping images. A graphic boundary creating apparatus, comprising: a detecting unit; and a color determining unit that causes the color changing unit to determine a predetermined color based on a difference in brightness between images detected by the detecting unit. 2. The graphic boundary creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the difference in brightness between the images is set based on a color density in human perception. 3. The graphic boundary creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said color determining means sets a boundary line to a predetermined color when a difference in brightness between images is small. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined color is white when the color of the image is dark, and black when the color of the image is light. 5. The color determining means sets a color in a certain area near the boundary line so that the color difference gradually fills both sides of the boundary when the brightness difference between the images is large. The apparatus according to claim 1. 6. The color setting of the image includes R (red), G
2. The graphic boundary creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing is performed for the colors (green) and B (blue). 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting of the color of the image is performed for yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). 8. An identification process for identifying overlapping of images, a color changing process for changing a color of an overlapping boundary portion of the images identified by the identifying process, and detecting a difference in brightness between the overlapping images. A graphic boundary creation method, comprising: performing a detection process; and a color determination process for determining a predetermined color based on a difference in brightness between images detected by the detection process.