JP2001313838A - Image-processing unit, its method and computer-readable recording medium with image processing program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily obtain a desired image, without being affected by color of paper. SOLUTION: A paper sensor section 101 detects a color of print paper. A storage color discrimination section 105 discriminates a storage color which is a correction object among image data received from an image input section 103. In this case, the result inputted by a user using a panel section 109 is reflected on the storage color to be discriminated. A storage color conversion section 115 makes references to a correction coefficient table 113, on the basis of the relation between the print paper color and the storage color being the correction object to decide a proper correction coefficient. The storage color is corrected by using the decided correction coefficient. A non-storage color conversion section 117 applies usual conversion processing to image data in a color other than the stored color. A desired image can be obtained easily by properly correcting only the stored color depending on the paper color in this way.

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 a computer-readable recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded, and more particularly, to correcting a specific color in consideration of the color of paper. And a computer-readable recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a color printer or a color copying machine, printing may be performed on color paper other than white. In this case, depending on the color of the paper, the impression received from the reproduced image may be different from the impression of the original image. Possible causes include the fact that the paper color can be seen through the back of the toner or ink, or that the color of the image looks psychologically different due to surrounding halation.

For this reason, conventionally, there has been a method in which the color of the paper is determined so that a desired image is reproduced even when printing is performed on color paper, and image data is corrected in accordance with the determination result. Proposed.

[0004]

However, in the conventional correction method, the entire image data is corrected in order to perform faithful color reproduction. For this reason, for example, when the image data is corrected by changing the masking coefficient and performing the masking process, the calculation of the masking coefficient becomes extremely large. This is because it is necessary to calculate an optimal masking coefficient for a large number of colors, for example, 96 colors. If this is to be performed for each color of paper, more processing time is required. In addition, the circuit scale is inevitably increased.

The conventional method of correcting the entire image data is not limited to the correction method of changing the masking coefficient, and requires a complicated circuit configuration.

In general, specific colors such as human skin color, sky blue, and greenery of plants and so on, which are called memory colors, have a large effect on the entire image among many colors. These colors are easy to remember in people's memories and have the impression that people should be like this. Therefore, when performing the correction, it may be possible to perform the correction more efficiently and accurately by reproducing this specific color as an image rather than all the colors.

The present invention has been devised in view of these circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus and method and an image processing program which can easily obtain a desired image which is not affected by the color of paper. Is to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus includes a sheet color recognizing means for recognizing a color of a sheet and a specific color in image data. A specific color recognition unit; and a correction unit that corrects the specific color based on the recognized paper color and the specific color.

According to the present invention, the specific color in the image data is corrected in consideration of the relationship with the color of the paper to be printed. Since only the specific color is corrected, a desired image can be obtained efficiently and accurately. Also, the circuit configuration is relatively simple.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus which can easily obtain a desired image which is not affected by the color of the paper.

Preferably, the correction means includes a setting means for setting a correction coefficient based on the recognized color of the paper and the specific color, and uses the set correction coefficient to convert the data of the specific color in the image data. It is characterized by correction.

According to this, the data of the specific color in the image data is corrected using the correction coefficient set based on the relationship with the color of the paper. Since the correction coefficient is used, it is possible to easily and directly correct a specific color.

Preferably, the correcting means includes changing means for changing a masking coefficient on the basis of the recognized color of the paper and the specific color, and displays the data in the first color space using the changed masking coefficient. Conversion means for converting the given data of the specific color into data represented in a second color space.

According to this, the masking coefficient is changed based on the color of the paper to be printed and the specific color in the image data. Therefore, the specific color data is appropriately corrected by the masking process.

Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a data table in which a color and a specific color of the paper and a masking coefficient are recorded in association with each other, and the changing means refers to the data table to change the masking coefficient. It is characterized by changing.

According to this, the change of the masking coefficient is
A masking coefficient previously recorded in the data table is referred to. Therefore, it is possible to change the masking coefficient appropriately and easily.

[0017] More preferably, the correction means changes the data recorded in the look-up table based on the recognized paper color and the specific color, and the first look-up table uses the changed look-up table. Conversion means for converting the data of the specific color expressed in the second color space into data expressed in the second color space.

According to this, the data of the specific color is corrected using the look-up table changed based on the color of the paper and the specific color. Since the correction is performed using the look-up table, it is possible to more directly and accurately correct the specific color.

Preferably, the specific color is a memory color. Since a memory color that easily remains in the memory of a person is to be corrected, it is possible to more appropriately and reliably obtain an image desired by the user.

More preferably, the specific color is specified by a user. Since the specific color specified by the user is to be corrected, a desired image that reflects the user's intention can be obtained.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image processing method includes the steps of: recognizing a paper color;
A specific color recognition step of recognizing a specific color in the image data; and a correction step of correcting the specific color based on the recognized paper color and the specific color.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing method capable of easily obtaining a desired image which is not affected by the color of paper.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records an image processing program for causing a computer to execute an image processing method. The image processing method includes a paper color recognition step for recognizing a paper color, a specific color recognition step for recognizing a specific color in image data, and correction of a specific color based on the recognized paper color and the specific color. And a correction step.

According to the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing an image processing program for causing a computer to execute an image processing method capable of easily obtaining a desired image which is not affected by the color of a sheet. It becomes possible.

[0025]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image processing apparatus 1 includes a paper sensor unit 101 that detects a color of a paper to be printed,
An image input unit 103 for inputting image data, a storage color determination unit 105 for determining storage colors in the image data, a ROM 107 storing data on storage colors, a panel unit 109 serving as a user interface, A memory color selection unit 111 for selecting a memory color based on an input from the panel unit 109.

The paper sensor unit 101 detects the color of paper for printing. Light is emitted from a light source to a sheet to be measured, and the color is recognized based on the spectral distribution of the reflected light. Here, a white light source is used as the sensor light source, and a color sensor is used as the sensor. It should be noted that three color LEDs of red / green / blue may be used as the sensor light source and a monochrome sensor (photodiode) may be used as the sensor.

The location of the paper sensor unit 101 is as follows.
It may be a paper feed cassette or a transport path before reaching the transfer section.

The memory color discriminating unit 105 includes an image input unit 103
The memory color is determined from among the image data input from.
At this time, an input result by the user from the panel unit 109 is reflected.

That is, the user selects a memory color to be corrected from the panel unit 109. The memory color to be determined is determined by the memory color selection unit 111 from the selection result.
The storage color determination unit 105 refers to storage color data stored in the ROM 107 in advance based on the determined storage color. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a memory color within the range of the memory color data in the image data.

The image processing apparatus 1 further includes a correction coefficient table 113 storing correction coefficient data, a storage color conversion unit 115 for correcting and converting storage colors, and a non-storage color for correcting and converting non-storage colors. A conversion unit 117, an image processing unit 119 that performs image processing of memory colors and non-memory colors, and an output unit 121 that outputs image data subjected to image processing.
And.

The storage color conversion unit 115 first detects the paper color detection result of the paper sensor unit 101 and the storage color determination unit 10.
5, a correction coefficient (r, g, b) at the time of memory color correction is determined. The correction coefficient (r,
To determine g and b), the correction coefficient table 113 recorded in advance as table data is referred to.

When the correction coefficients (r, g, b) are determined,
The RGB data of the memory color in the image data is converted into R′G′B ′ data by the following equation.

[0033]

(Equation 1)

Here, the correction coefficient (r, g, b) is (r, g, b) = (1, 1, 1) when the memory color correction is not performed.
Becomes Also, for example, when correcting the memory color red to vivid red, (r, g, b) = (1.2, 0.9,
0.9) is used.

Then, R'G 'converted by the above equation
The B ′ data is converted to CMY data by a normal masking process.

The non-storage color conversion section 117 performs a normal color conversion process on the image data which is determined to be not a storage color by the storage color determination section 105 among the image data. That is, RGB data of a non-memory color is converted into CMY data by a normal masking process.

Next, the flow of image data will be described. Of the RGB data input from the image input unit 103, the storage colors are input to the storage color conversion unit 115, and the non-storage colors are input to the non-storage color conversion unit 117. Then, after appropriate color conversion, correction, and the like are performed, they are input to the image processing unit 119 as CMY data. CM input
The Y data is subjected to other image processing such as edge enhancement and smoothing processing.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining an example of storage colors stored in the ROM 107 of FIG. here,
The range of memory colors is described based on JIS standard Z8721 “Color display method—display based on three principles”. For example, the memory color “red” is a color in the range of hue “1 to 4R”, lightness “3 to 8”, and saturation “6 to 16”. Similarly, for “green”, “blue”, and “yellow”, the colors in the ranges shown in FIG. 2 correspond to the storage colors to be corrected.

Therefore, when determining the storage color in the storage color determination unit 105, it is determined whether or not image data in this range exists in the image data.
Then, the image data within this range is set as the memory color to be corrected.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a data table recorded in the correction coefficient table of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage color to be reproduced is determined by the relationship between the paper color and the storage color in the image data.

For example, when the storage color to be corrected in the image data is red / white / blue for pink paper, the colors reproduced are vivid red / bluish white / green, respectively. It becomes a dull blue. The correction coefficients (r ′, g ′, b ′) that are reproduced in this way are recorded in the correction coefficient table 113 as table number 1.

When the memory color to be corrected is green / blue for light blue paper, the memory colors to be reproduced are vivid red / purple blue, respectively. And
The correction coefficients (r ″, g ″,
b ″) is the correction coefficient table 11 as the table number 2.
3 recorded.

Thus, an appropriate set of correction coefficients corresponding to the relationship between the paper color and the memory color is stored in the correction coefficient table 1.
13 are recorded. The storage color conversion unit 115 selects a correction coefficient (r, g, b) of the corresponding table number from the correction coefficient table 113 based on the paper color and the storage color to be corrected in the image data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the panel section 109 of FIG. The panel unit 109 employs a touch panel system, and an input instruction is appropriately given by touching an operation key. Referring to FIG. 4, a memory color selection screen 401 is displayed on panel section 109, and the user is prompted to select a memory color to be corrected. On the memory color selection screen 401, a “color designation” key and an “auto-selection” key are displayed.

When the "color designation" key is touched by the user, a mode designation screen 403 is displayed, and "automatic selection" is performed.
When the key is touched, a message screen 405 is displayed. On the mode designation screen 403, various seasonal mode keys of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and user designation keys of user designations 1 and 2 are displayed.

When one of the seasonal modes is selected by the user, a memory color set in advance corresponding to the mode is designated as a memory color to be changed. For example, when "summer mode" is selected, green, blue, and skin colors are designated as storage colors to be corrected. The green of the vegetation is reproduced in such a way that it feels darker, the blue of the sea and the sky has a blue color, and the skin color has a reddish color. If “Winter Mode” is selected, white,
Blue and flesh color are designated as memory colors to be corrected. The reason is that the white of snow is whiter, and the blue and flesh of the sea and the sky are reproduced as white.

When one of the user-specified keys is selected, the user specifies a memory color to be corrected on the next screen (not shown) regardless of the season mode.

The memory color specified from the panel unit 109 may be a single color such as red, flesh color, blue, or green, or may be a plurality of colors.

On the message screen 405, a message indicating that the color is changed in the automatic mode is displayed, and the color specified by the user in advance is set as the recording color to be corrected.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the overall processing of the image processing apparatus 1 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, in step S505, image data is captured by image input unit 103, and step S507 is performed.
, A color detection process of the captured image data is performed.

In parallel with these processes, step S50
At 9, it is determined whether a memory color to be corrected has been selected. That is, the panel unit 109 is operated by the user.
It is determined whether the memory color has been designated or whether the automatic mode has been designated.

If a memory color to be corrected is designated ("Yes" in step S509), in step S513, a memory color to be corrected is set based on the content input from the panel unit 109. If no memory color is specified (“No” in step S509), step S5
At 11, memory color data set in advance is extracted.

Next, in step S515, a process of extracting a memory color from the image data is performed. That is, the color of the image data detected in step S507 is compared with the set storage color. Then, data included in the range of the set memory color data is extracted from the image data.

On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 1 proceeds to step S50.
In step 1, paper to be printed is fed in parallel with the above processing. Then, in step S503, the paper sensor unit 101 measures the color of the paper.

Measurement of Paper Color to be Printed (S50)
After the process 3) and the process of extracting the memory color to be corrected in the image data (S515) are completed, in step S517, a table of memory colors is selected. That is,
The memory color conversion unit 115 refers to the correction coefficient table 113 to select which correction coefficient (r, g, b) to use.

Then, in step S519, the image data is corrected and converted. That is, the memory color data is subjected to correction and conversion using the correction coefficient by the memory color conversion unit 115. For data other than the memory color, normal color conversion processing is performed by the non-memory color conversion unit 117.

When the conversion processing of each image data is completed, image processing is performed in step S521. That is, other processing such as edge enhancement and smoothing processing is performed. Then, it is printed out in step S523.

According to the above processing, only the specific storage color is corrected for the paper color, not the entire image data. For this reason, the impression of the entire reproduced image can be corrected most efficiently to the one desired by the user. Moreover, the circuit configuration (software configuration) for performing the correction
Is simple.

Since the memory color to be corrected is set based on an instruction from the panel unit 109, the user's desire can be reflected.

In FIG. 5, the paper color is measured by the paper sensor unit 101 for each printing operation. However, the measurement may be performed in advance and used. That is, the color of the paper for each paper feed cassette may be detected in advance, a table in which the cassette numbers and the paper colors are recorded in association with each other may be provided, and this table may be referred to for each print operation. This eliminates the need to measure the paper color each time a printing operation is performed.

In the embodiment shown this time,
The memory color converter 115 and the non-memory color converter 117 of FIG.
Although the masking process is used for the color conversion process performed in step (1), a process using a direct mapping method or the like may be used. [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image processing device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, image processing apparatus 2 has substantially the same configuration as image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

That is, the image processing apparatus 2 includes a paper sensor unit 101, an image input unit 103, a storage color determination unit 105,
It includes an OM 107, a panel unit 109, a memory color selection unit 111, a memory color conversion unit 615, a non-memory color conversion unit 117, an image processing unit 119, and an output unit 121. Note that a masking coefficient table 613 is provided here instead of the correction coefficient table 113 in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the memory color correction method is different from the first embodiment. Specifically, the processing content of the storage color conversion unit 615 is different from the processing content of the storage color conversion unit 115 in the first embodiment.

That is, the storage color conversion unit 115 in the image processing apparatus 1 performs correction using the correction coefficient on the image data (RGB data) before performing the color conversion processing. On the other hand, storage color conversion section 615 of image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment does not perform correction on image data before performing color conversion processing, but performs correction upon performing color conversion processing. .

That is, the memory color conversion unit 615 performs a masking process for the color conversion. The memory color correction is performed by changing a masking coefficient used for the masking processing.

The RGB data is converted to CM by the masking process.
When converting to Y data, for example, the operation shown in the following equation is performed.

[0067]

(Equation 2)

Here, M is a masking coefficient, and an optimum value is determined for each machine in advance by combining the original and the reproduced image. In the above equation, since the secondary masking is considered, the masking coefficient M is 3 ×
Ten matrices are used. The size of the matrix depends on the order to be considered.

The masking coefficient is appropriately changed according to the relationship between the paper color and the memory color to be corrected. As described in FIG. 3, the color to be reproduced is determined by the relationship between the paper color and the memory color in the image. And
A masking coefficient for reproducing the color is also calculated in advance, and is stored in the masking coefficient table 613 as table data.

FIG. 7 shows the masking coefficient table 6 of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a storage example of No. 13. Referring to FIG.
The masking coefficients (3 rows and 10 columns) corresponding to the table numbers indicated by are stored.

The processing flow of the image processing apparatus 2 is the same as the processing flow of the image processing apparatus 1. Therefore, only the processes having different contents (steps S517 and S519) will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S517, referring to the masking coefficient table 613, a masking coefficient to be used is selected. Then, in step S519, a masking operation is performed using the selected masking coefficient. That is, memory color correction and conversion processing are performed.

For example, it is assumed that the storage color to be corrected is red / white / blue for pink paper. In this case, referring to FIG. 3, the colors to be reproduced are vivid red / bluish white / greenish blue, respectively. The masking coefficient M ′ reproduced in this manner is stored in the masking coefficient table 613 as table number 1.

Therefore, this masking coefficient M ′ is
Used when performing a masking process. That is, the calculation shown in the following equation is performed as the masking processing.

[0075]

(Equation 3)

By this operation, the stored color data of red / white / blue (RGB data) is reproduced as desired vivid red / bluish white / greenish blue (CMY data). Thus, by appropriately changing the masking coefficient, the memory color correction is appropriately performed in the color conversion processing. Note that a normal masking coefficient M is used for the non-memory color conversion processing.

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention, by appropriately changing the masking coefficient, only the storage colors in the image data are changed to the desired colors. You. Since the masking coefficient is changed only for the memory color, the amount of data to be stored in the data table is small. Further, the labor required for obtaining the masking coefficient is greatly reduced.

In the present embodiment, the masking coefficient used by the memory color conversion unit 615 is obtained from the masking coefficient table 613, but may be obtained by calculation. [Third Embodiment] Finally, an image processing apparatus 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing device 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this figure, the image processing device 3 has substantially the same configuration as the image processing device 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

That is, the image processing apparatus 3 includes a paper sensor unit 101, an image input unit 103, a storage color determination unit 105,
It includes an OM 107, a panel unit 109, a memory color selection unit 111, a memory color conversion unit 815, a non-memory color conversion unit 117, an image processing unit 119, and an output unit 121. Note that instead of the correction coefficient table 113 in FIG.
A T (lookup table) 813 is provided.

In the present embodiment, the memory color correction method is different from the first and second embodiments. That is,
The processing contents in the memory color conversion unit 815 are different. Storage color conversion unit 815 of image processing device 3 in the present embodiment
Also, similarly to the storage color conversion unit 615 in the second embodiment, correction is not performed on image data before color conversion processing is performed, but correction is performed when color conversion processing is performed.

However, the method of color conversion processing is different from that of the second embodiment. That is, the masking method is used in the second embodiment, but the direct mapping method is used in the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing the memory color conversion unit 815 of FIG. 8 in detail. Referring to the figure, memory color conversion section 815 includes Lab conversion section 901 and direct mapping section 903.

The Lab conversion unit 901 converts RGB data of a memory color into data in Lab space (Lab data). The conversion process at this time is performed by matrix operation.

The direct mapping unit 903 includes an LUT
A unit 905 and an eight-point interpolation unit 907 are included. LUT unit 905
Includes a three-dimensional LUT in which data in the Lab space is associated with data in the CMY space. Then, eight grid points in the LUT are extracted based on the input Lab data, and CMY data (grid point data) corresponding to the grid points is output. The eight-point interpolation unit 907 calculates desired interpolation data between grid points using the grid point data. Then, it is output from the memory color conversion unit 815 as CMY data.

Here, the LUT unit 905 changes the reference LUT when outputting the grid point data according to the relationship between the paper color and the storage color to be corrected. That is, the memory color correction LUT 813 is referred to, and an appropriate LUT is used.

As described above, by appropriately changing the LUT according to the relationship between the paper color and the storage color to be corrected, the storage color in the image data is corrected. As described in FIG. 3, the color to be reproduced is determined by the relationship between the paper color and the memory color in the image. An LUT that reproduces the color is stored in the memory color correction LUT 813.

FIG. 10 shows the memory color correction LUT 813 of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of storing the information. Referring to FIG. 10, the memory color correction LUT 813 stores LUTs corresponding to the table numbers shown in FIG.

The processing flow in the image processing apparatus 3 is the same as the processing flow in the image processing apparatus 1. Therefore,
Only the processes having different contents (step S517 and step S519) will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S517, the memory color correction LUT
Reference is made to 813 to select which LUT to use. Then, in step S519, the selected L
Using the UT, a memory color conversion process is performed by the direct mapping method.

For example, suppose that the storage color to be corrected is red / white / blue for pink paper. In this case, referring to FIG. 3, the colors to be reproduced are vivid red / bluish white / greenish blue, respectively. LUT1 that is reproduced in this way is represented by table number 1,
It is stored in the memory color correction LUT 813.

Therefore, using this LUT1,
Direct mapping processing is performed. This allows
Appropriate grid point data is extracted, and output data is calculated based on the grid point data. Therefore, the red / white / blue memory color data (RGB data) is reproduced as desired vivid red / bluish white / greenish blue (CMY data).

As described above, by appropriately changing the LUT, the memory color correction is appropriately performed in the color conversion processing. Note that a normal LUT is used for the conversion process of non-memory colors.
Is used.

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 3 of the third embodiment of the present invention, by appropriately changing the LUT, only the storage color in the image data is changed to a desired color. . Since the LUT is converted only for the memory color, the number of LUTs to be stored is smaller than that for all image data, and the processing is facilitated.

The first to third embodiments show the case where the memory color correction is always performed. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (1), in the panel section 109, either color designation or automatic selection is selected. In addition to such a case, as shown in FIG. 11, an option of not performing the memory color correction or changing (designating) the paper color may be provided.

Therefore, the memory color selection screen 411 displays
A "specify paper" key and a "do not" key are displayed in addition to a "color specification" key and an "ose" key. "do not do"
When the key is touched, that is, when the user does not desire the memory color correction, the memory color correction is not performed regardless of the paper color.

When the "specify paper" key is touched,
That is, when the user desires to change the paper, the paper (paper color) to be printed is changed instead of performing the memory color correction.

In this case, the paper change screen 413 is displayed, and the user is prompted to select either the designation of the cassette number or the automatic paper change.

As described above, instead of performing the memory color correction,
By changing the paper to white, for example, a desired image can be easily obtained. Further, in some cases, the user may think that the output is performed as it is earlier than it looks, and it is possible to select not to perform the correction. This allows the user's wishes to be considered more appropriately.

The processing contents shown this time are realized by an image processing program. At that time, the program may be recorded on a recording medium in the image processing apparatus,
It may be realized by recording on a removable recording medium and inserting it into an external recording device of the image processing apparatus.
That is, by inserting a removable recording medium on which the program is recorded into the external storage device, the program is read and loaded by the computer.

Here, a removable recording medium is a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, or a disk system such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.) or an optical disk (CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD, etc.). , Card systems such as IC cards (including memory cards) and optical cards, or mask ROMs and EPROs
A medium that fixedly holds a program, such as a semiconductor memory such as an M, an EEPROM, or a flash ROM, may be used.

Further, the medium may be a medium that carries the program fluidly so that the program can be downloaded from the network. When the program is downloaded from the network, the download program is stored in the main body of the image processing apparatus in advance, or is installed in the image processing apparatus in advance from another recording medium.

The contents stored on the recording medium are not limited to programs, but may be data.

The embodiment disclosed this time is an example in all respects, and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of storage colors stored in a ROM 107 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a data table recorded in a correction coefficient table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the panel unit 109 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of an entire process of the image processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a storage example of a masking coefficient table 613 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing device 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining in detail a memory color conversion unit 815 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a storage example of a memory color correction LUT 813 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a panel unit 109 provided with an option not to perform memory color correction.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 3 image processing device, 101 paper sensor unit, 1
03 Image input unit, 105 Memory color determination unit, 107 R
OM, 109 panel unit, 111 memory color selection unit, 11
3 correction coefficient table, 115, 615, 815 storage color conversion unit, 117 non-storage color conversion unit, 119 image processing unit, 121 output unit, 613 masking coefficient table, 813 storage color correction LUT, 903 direct mapping unit.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Ishikawa 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Inside the Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Daisetsu Toyama 2-chome Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi No.13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd.F-term (reference)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A paper color recognizing means for recognizing a color of a paper, a specific color recognizing means for recognizing a specific color in image data, and a correction of the specific color based on the recognized paper color and the specific color. An image processing apparatus comprising: a correction unit that performs the following. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit includes a setting unit configured to set a correction coefficient based on the recognized color of the sheet and a specific color. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data is corrected.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. A correction means for changing a masking coefficient based on the recognized color of the paper and a specific color, and a correction means for changing the masking coefficient in a first color space using the changed masking coefficient. Converting means for converting the data of the specified color into data represented in a second color space.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 4. A data table in which a color and a specific color of a sheet and a masking coefficient are recorded in association with each other, and said changing means changes said masking coefficient by referring to said data table by said selecting means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 5. A correction means for changing data recorded in a look-up table based on the recognized color of the paper and a specific color; and 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a conversion unit configured to convert the data of the specific color represented by one color space into data represented by a second color space. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific color is a memory color. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific color is specified by a user. 8. A paper color recognizing step of recognizing a color of a paper, a specific color recognizing step of recognizing a specific color in image data, and correcting the specific color based on the recognized paper color and the specific color. And a correction step of performing the following. 9. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon an image processing program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method, the image processing method comprising: a paper color recognition step of recognizing a paper color; A computer-readable recording medium, comprising: a specific color recognition step of recognizing a specific color in data; and a correction step of correcting the specific color based on the recognized paper color and the specific color.