JP2002358516A - Image processor, image processing method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily generate an output image with high definition where a void is not produced in a boundary with a specified object even in the case of image information where objects with different attributes co-exist when image data is generated from inputted PDL data. SOLUTION: An image processor is characterized by providing a configuration such that an attribute change deciding means 202 decides the change of attribute information based on PDL data to be inputted and an image processing setting change means 203 changes the setting of a filter in a filter processing means 204 in response to the decision result.

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, an image processing method, and a storage medium capable of performing predetermined image processing on image data conforming to a predetermined page description language and outputting the processed image data to an image output apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of image processing apparatus,
PDL data written in a page description language, for example, PS (Postscript) language, is edge-enhanced by filtering to sharpen the entire image when the sharpness of the image output device is low in accordance with the characteristics of the image output device. Had been hung.

In a page description language, an image area drawn by bitmap, a graphic area drawn by vector data,
Utilizing the fact that the text area of the character and the image data can be divided into their respective attributes, the edge emphasis processing is switched according to each attribute.

[0004]

FIGS. 20 to 22 are views for explaining the image processing state in a conventional image processing apparatus.

[0005] When edge enhancement is applied to the entire image as described above, for example, a halftone is written in graphic and then a character "1" is written. In the original image of FIG. 2, the processed image is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, there is a problem in that the area around the characters in the background becomes white due to edge emphasis, and the sharpness of the character is enhanced by the originally targeted edge emphasis. .

In addition, even when the image processing is switched in accordance with the attribute of the page description language, the above-described white spot problem occurs between the attributes that perform the same processing.

[0007] For example, characters have improved sharpness and graphic
In the case where the sharpness is improved by considering the thin line also in the part, the image area flag in the original image of FIG.
If the raphic area is “1” and the text area is “2”, the result is as shown in FIG. 23 described later. In this case, when the image to be edge-enhanced is represented by "1" and the non-emphasized portion is represented by "0", the strong edge signal is applied to the entire image as shown in FIG. 22, and the final image is as shown in FIG. I will.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a tag bit generated by this type of image processing apparatus.

As another method, conventionally, the gradation (gamma) of a text area may be increased in order to emphasize characters.

However, in the case of a thick character having a high number of points, the entire image becomes darker, the character quality deteriorates, and the consumption of toner and ink becomes faster, so that the user's economic burden is increased and the convenience is impaired. And so on.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to analyze image information to which predetermined attribute information is added, and to be suitable for output characteristics of an image output device. In an image processing apparatus including an image processing unit that generates image data, a change in predetermined attribute information is determined, and the setting of the image processing unit is changed according to the determination result. Image processing that can easily generate a high-quality output image in which no white spots occur at the boundary with a specific object, even if the image information includes objects having different attributes when generating data. An apparatus, an image processing method, and a storage medium are provided.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing means for analyzing image information to which predetermined attribute information is added and generating image data suitable for output characteristics of an image output device. An attribute change determining means (corresponding to the attribute change determining means 202 shown in FIG. 3) for determining a change in the predetermined attribute information; and It has an image processing setting changing means (corresponding to the image processing setting changing means 203 shown in FIG. 3) for changing the setting of the image processing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the attribute change determining means determines an inflection point of the attribute information (FIGS. 4 and 5).
).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing setting changing means (image processing setting changing means 203 shown in FIG. 3).
Corresponds to changing the setting of the filtering process in accordance with the result of the judgment made by the attribute change judging means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image processing setting change means changes the setting of the gradation conversion processing according to the judgment result of the attribute change judgment means (gamma correction means 303 shown in FIG. 12). ).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the attribute information is divided into an image area drawn by bitmap, a graphic area drawn by vector data, and a text area of characters (FIG. 2).
(Corresponding to the image developing unit 101 shown in FIG. 1).

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the attribute information is distinguished into a text area and a non-text area.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing setting changing means (image processing setting changing means 203 shown in FIG. 3).
If the attribute information is an area other than text, the filter processing setting is set to a filter that is set to “through” or weaker than the default. If the attribute information is a text area, the filter processing setting is emphasized for the text area. It is set to something.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to the image processing setting changing means (image processing setting changing means 203 shown in FIG. 3).
), The attribute information is
Change the image or graphic area where the image or graphic area changes to the text area through or weaker than the default filter setting.
an image that changes to an image or graphic area
Sets the region or graphic region to a filter that is through or weaker than the default.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing setting changing means (image processing setting changing means 203 shown in FIG. 3).
), The attribute information is
Set the filter settings for areas other than text that change from non-text areas to text areas to through or weaker than the default, and filter for areas other than text that change from text areas to areas other than text through or weaker than the default. Is set to

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing setting changing means (image processing setting changing means 2 shown in FIG. 12).
03) is set to emphasize the text area where the attribute information changes from the image area or the graphic area to the text area.
It is set to emphasize the text area that changes from the area to the image area or graphic area.

An eleventh invention according to the present invention is directed to the image processing setting changing means (the image processing setting changing means 20 shown in FIG. 3).
3) (corresponding to the gamma correction means 303 shown in FIG. 12) is set to emphasize the text region where the attribute information changes from a region other than text to a text region. Also, the text area where the text area changes to an area other than the text area is set to be emphasized.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising image processing means for analyzing image information to which predetermined attribute information is added and generating image data suitable for output characteristics of the image output apparatus. An image processing method, comprising: an attribute change determination step (steps (16) to (19) shown in FIG. 18) for determining a change in the predetermined attribute information; and the image processing method according to the determination result of the attribute change determination step. Image processing setting change step for changing the setting of the processing means (FIG. 1)
8 (steps (20) and (21)).

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the attribute change judging step, an inflection point of the attribute information is judged (corresponding to judgment by the filter examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the image processing setting change step (step (20) shown in FIG. 18)
(21)) changes the setting of the filtering process in accordance with the result of the attribute change determination step (steps (16) to (19) shown in FIG. 18).

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing setting change step, the setting of the gradation conversion processing is changed according to the result of the judgment in the attribute change judgment step.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the attribute information is divided into an image area drawn by bitmap, a graphic area drawn by vector data, and a text area of characters.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the attribute information is distinguished into a text area and a non-text area.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing setting change step, when the attribute information is an area other than text, the filter processing setting is set to a filter which is weaker than a default or a filter which is weaker than a default. Is a text area, the filter processing is set to emphasize the text area.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the filter processing setting in the image processing setting changing step, the image information or the graphic area where the attribute information changes from the image area or the graphic area to the text area is set. Or use a weaker filter setting than the default
The image area or graphic area, which changes from the area to the image area or graphic area, is set to a through or weaker filter setting than the default.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the filter processing setting in the image processing setting changing step, the attribute information changes from a non-text area to a text area through a non-text area or a default. A weaker filter setting is set, and a non-text area where the text area changes to a non-text area is set as a through or weaker filter than the default.

In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the setting of the gradation conversion processing in the image processing setting change step emphasizes a text area where the attribute information changes from an image area or a graphic area to a text area. The text area that changes from the text area to the image area or graphic area is set to emphasize the text area.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the setting of the gradation conversion process in the image processing setting change step emphasizes a text region where the attribute information changes from a region other than text to a text region. Is set to emphasize the text area where the text area changes to an area other than text.

A twenty-third invention according to the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus comprising image processing means for analyzing image information to which predetermined attribute information has been added and generating image data suitable for output characteristics of the image output apparatus. An attribute change determining step of determining a change in the predetermined attribute information (step (1) shown in FIG. 18)
6) to (19)) and an image processing setting change step (step (20) shown in FIG. 18) in which the setting of the image processing means is changed according to the determination result of the attribute change determination step.
(21)) is recorded on a recording medium in a computer-readable manner.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the attribute change judging step, an inflection point of the attribute information is judged (corresponding to the judgment using the filter examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the image processing setting changing step (step (20) shown in FIG.
(21)) changes the setting of the filtering process in accordance with the result of the attribute change determination step (steps (16) to (19) shown in FIG. 18).

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing setting change step, the setting of the gradation conversion processing is changed in accordance with the result of the judgment in the attribute change judgment step.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the attribute information is divided into an image area drawn by bitmap, a graphic area drawn by vector data, and a text area of characters.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the attribute information is distinguished into a text region and a region other than the text region.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing setting change step, when the attribute information is an area other than text, the setting of the filter processing is set to a through or a filter weaker than a default. Is a text area, the filter processing is set to emphasize the text area.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the filter processing setting in the image processing setting changing step, the image information or the graphic area where the attribute information changes from the image area or the graphic area to the text area is set. Or use a weaker filter setting than the default
The image area or graphic area, which changes from the area to the image area or graphic area, is set to a through or weaker filter setting than the default.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the filter processing setting in the image processing setting change step, the attribute information changes from a non-text area to a text area through a non-text area or a default. A weaker filter setting is set, and a non-text area where the text area changes to a non-text area is set as a through or weaker filter than the default.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the gradation conversion setting in the image processing setting change step, a text area where the attribute information changes from an image area or a graphic area to a text area is emphasized. The text area that changes from the text area to the image area or graphic area is set to emphasize the text area.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, the setting of the gradation conversion processing in the image processing setting change step emphasizes a text area where the attribute information changes from a non-text area to a text area. Is set to emphasize the text area where the text area changes to an area other than text.

[0045]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the arrangement of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, a user selects a printer 1403 or a printer 1405 from which a file created by a personal computer (PC) 1404 connected to a network 1401 is to be output from the PC, and a controller (RIP) 1402 connected to the printer. The file is transmitted to the printer 1405. The transmitted file is stored in the controller 1402 or the printer 140.
5, the file is expanded and output as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is provided in, for example, a printer 1405.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes an image development unit to which a page description language (hereinafter, referred to as PDL) generated by, for example, a PC 1404 or the like, for example, PDL data described in PS is input. The PDL data is interpreted by the image expansion unit 101, and an object list representing image information forming a partial image and attribute information described below is generated.

Reference numeral 102 denotes an image data conversion unit which generates image data constituting a screen and tag bits indicating its attributes from an object list. An image processing unit 103 processes an image signal according to a tag bit, sends a signal to a printer unit (printer engine unit) 104, and forms an image.

Next, the image data converter 10 shown in FIG.
The generation of the 2 tag bits will be specifically described.

FIG. 3 shows the image data converter 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit and an image processing unit. In the PDL data, i drawn by bitmap is used.
image area, graphi drawn with vector data
There are three pieces of attribute information of the c area and the text area of the character.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 201 denotes tag bit generation means for assigning a number to each of the attribute information. For example, image is "0", graphic is "1", te
xt generates "2" and a tag bit. For example, in the example of the image (original image) shown in FIG. 15 in which the halftone is written in graphic and the character “1” is written, tag bits are added as shown in FIG. Here, the attributes are divided using 2 bits, but the text may be set to “1” for 1 bit and “0” for other bits.

Image processing unit 103 using the above tag bits
Then, the optimum processing for the printer is performed and sent to the printing unit 104. The inside of the image processing unit 103 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

Since the tag bits are assigned to the respective pixels by the tag bit generating means 201 shown in FIG. 23 as shown in FIG. 23, the attribute change judging means 202
In order to capture the change of the tag bit, the filter shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 captures the change of the tag bit, that is, the change of the attribute.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show examples of attribute change judgment filters used by the attribute change judgment means 202 shown in FIG. 4 and 5 for the sake of simplicity, the filter is not limited to these filters as long as a change can be detected. In addition, here, the filter is used when the attribute is divided into 2 bits. However, it is needless to say that when the attribute is set to 1 bit, it is possible to determine a change in the attribute.

In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the pixel of the shade corresponds to the target pixel. As described in the problem, if the entire character image is edge-emphasized with a filter in order to enhance sharpness, the periphery of the character is whitened out. Therefore, in this case, in order to prevent white spots around this character, the change in the attribute around the character that enhances the sharpness is determined, and the part that uses the data as it is without filtering the non-character attribute around the character is determined I do. For example, from the image area to the text area (0 to 2), from the graphic area to the text area (1 to 2), and from the text area to the image area (2
4 to 5) to detect the part from the test area to the graphic area (2 to 1), and detect the parts with different attributes around the characters in the upper, lower, left, and right directions as shown in FIGS. Then, the filter switching signal is set to "0" so that the image processing setting change means 203 shown in FIG. 3 passes the filter, that is, outputs the image signal as it is without performing the filter processing.

Then, the part which does not match is set to "1", and the filter switching signal generated by the image processing setting change means 203 shown in FIG. 3 is sent to the filter processing section (filter processing means 204 in FIG. 3) to control the filter. I do. For example, the filter switching signal corresponding to the original image shown in FIG. 20 is as shown in FIG.

For example, a filter shown in FIG. 7 is used to increase the sharpness of the filter switching signal "1" in the printer at 400 dpi, and a filter shown in FIG. 8 is used as a filter for filtering through the filter switching signal "0". Note that these filters have a size of 5 × 5 pixels here, but it is needless to say that the size and the coefficients are not limited to these.

As shown in FIG. 9, the character image in the background where the original image is thin as shown in FIG. There is no whitening due to the edge enhancement, and the characters can be clearly formed by the edge enhancement, and the surrounding area can be left as it is to form an image without deteriorating the final image quality.

The present invention is characterized in that an inflection point is obtained by extracting a portion where the attribute changes from a non-character to a character or from a character to a non-character, thereby preventing a bad image around the character.

The above-described problem can be solved by preventing the original image described in the above-mentioned problem from being a character image in a light background and preventing the surroundings of the characters in the background from being whitened due to edge enhancement.

In the above, the filter is made through according to the judgment result. However, when the sharpness of the printer is low, it may be more effective to apply a slightly weaker filter, for example, FIG. It is needless to say that the filter switching signal "0" is not limited to the filter switching signal "0" and is effective if the filter is weaker than the filter switching signal "1".

FIGS. 7, 8 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of filters used in the filter means 204 shown in FIG. 3. The frequency characteristics of the filters shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10 are as follows.
For example, when the size of one pixel is 400 dpi, the result is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, is a filter in the case where the edge enhancement is performed, is a filter in a case where the edge enhancement is performed, and is a filter in a case where the edge enhancement is weakened.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
As an example of changing the setting of the image processing according to the result of the attribute change determination unit 202, the case of switching the filter of the image processing has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the gradation conversion unit (gamma correction unit) of the image processing unit An example of changing the setting will be described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement of an image data processing section of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same elements as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. .

In the case of an apparatus which cannot perform the filtering process as shown in FIG. 12, if the gamma is increased using only the input / output characteristics as shown in FIG. 13 for the edge portion of the character, the character can be clearly seen. Therefore, when the attribute change determination unit 202 matches with FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 described later, the gamma signal is set to “1” and the gamma is increased to emphasize only the edge portion of the character. The gamma signal is set to "0" and the gamma is reproduced as usual using the input / output characteristics as shown in FIG. That is, the image processing setting change unit 203 generates a gamma signal using the determination result of the attribute change determination unit 202 shown in FIG. 12, and switches the gamma conversion unit of the gamma correction unit 303 shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 13 and FIG. 16 have been described as examples of gamma, but the present invention is not limited to this.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams showing an example of an attribute change judgment filter used by the attribute change judgment means 202 shown in FIG. Note that in FIGS. 14 and 15, ghosts correspond to target pixels.

As described above, by switching the gamma at the position of the inflection point, it is possible to finally supply a desirable final image to the user.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the entire image processing procedure. In addition,
(1) to (5) show each step. The procedure shown in each step is stored in a ROM or the like in the controller 1402, and the procedure read out from the ROM is not shown in C.
It is assumed to be realized by executing a PU or the like.

First, it is determined whether or not PDL data is received from the PC 1404 or the like as shown in FIG. 1 (1).
It waits for DL data reception, and if it is determined that it has been received, analyzes the PDL data (2).

Then, in step (3), a CPU (not shown) generates an object list representing image information and attribute information based on the analysis result. Then, from the generated object list, image data constituting a screen and tag bits indicating its attributes are generated (4), and the image signal is processed in accordance with the generated tag bits, and the printer unit 104 is processed.
(5), and the process ends.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to the detailed procedure of the processing in steps (4) and (5) shown in FIG. . (11) to (2)
3) shows each step. The procedure shown in each step is stored in a ROM or the like in the controller 1402, and the procedure read from the ROM is executed by a CPU (not shown) or the like.

First, in step (11), the CPU in the controller 1402 analyzes attribute information based on PDL data, and determines the type of the attribute in step (12).

By the determination of the attribute type, the text (te
If it is determined to be xt), “2” is added as a tag bit (13), and the process proceeds to step (16) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, when the attribute type is determined to be graphic by the determination of the attribute type in step (12), “1” is added as a tag bit (14), and the process proceeds to step (16) and subsequent steps. move on.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the image is an image by the attribute type determination in step (12), “0” is added as a tag bit (15),
Proceed to step (16) and subsequent steps.

Then, by comparing the tag bit of the neighboring pixel with the target pixel, the change of the tag bit is changed from “1” to “2”.
Is determined (16), and if YES, the process proceeds to step (21), where the filter signal is set to "0" in order to skip the filtering process, and the process proceeds to step (22).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (16) that the change of the tag bit has not changed from “1” to “2”, the tag bit of the neighboring pixel with respect to the pixel of interest is compared, and the tag bit is compared. It is determined whether or not the bit change has changed from "0" to "2" (17). If YES, the process proceeds to step (21), and the filter signal is set to "0" in order to pass the filtering process. After setting, go to step (22).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (17) that the change of the tag bit has not changed from “0” to “2”, the tag bit of the neighboring pixel with respect to the pixel of interest is compared, and the tag bit is compared. It is determined whether or not the bit change has changed from "2" to "0" (18). If YES, the process proceeds to step (21), where the filter signal is set to "0" in order to pass the filtering process. After setting, go to step (22).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (18) that the change of the tag bit has not changed from “2” to “1”, the tag bit of the neighboring pixel with respect to the target pixel is compared and the tag bit is compared. It is determined whether or not the bit change has changed from "2" to "1" (19). If YES, the process proceeds to step (21), and the filter signal is set to "0" in order to pass the filtering process. After setting, go to step (22).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (19) that the change of the tag bit has not changed from “2” to “0”, the filter signal is set to “1” in order to validate the filter processing. And proceeds to step (22).

Then, it is determined whether or not all pixel detection processing for filter setting has been completed (22).
If S, the process ends; if NO, step (23)
Moves the target pixel in the designated direction, and proceeds to step (1).
Returning to 6), the same processing is repeated.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are realized when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0094]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the thirty-third invention, in the image processing apparatus including the image processing means for analyzing the image information to which the predetermined attribute information is added and generating image data suitable for the output characteristics of the image output apparatus, Since a change in information is determined and the setting of the image processing means is changed in accordance with the determination result, when generating image data from input PDL data, image information in which objects having different attributes are mixed is generated. Even if there is, it is possible to easily generate a high-quality output image in which white spots do not occur at the boundary with a specific object.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide a user with a final image which is finally preferable from the input PDL data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image data conversion unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute change determination filter used by an attribute change determination unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute change determination filter used by an attribute change determination unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an image processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an edge emphasis filter used in the filter processing means shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of filter through used by the filter processing means shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an image processing state in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an edge emphasis weak filter used by the filter processing unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing frequency characteristics of the filters shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image data processing unit of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a diagram illustrating an example of gamma used in the gamma correction unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute change determination filter used by the attribute change determination unit illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute change determination filter used by the attribute change determination unit illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of gamma used in the gamma correction unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an image processing state in a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an image processing state in a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an image processing state in a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tag bit generated by this type of image processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Image expansion unit 102 Image data conversion unit 103 Image processing unit 104 Printer unit 201 Tag bit generation unit 202 Attribute change determination unit 203 Image processing setting change unit 204 Filter processing unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page F term (reference) 2C262 AA24 AB13 AC07 BB01 DA03 EA04 EA06 EA08 5B021 AA01 LL01 5B057 AA11 CA08 CA12 CA16 CA17 CA19 CB12 CB16 CB17 CC02 CE06 CE11 CH01 5C077 LL08 LL09 MP12 PQ02 PP03 SS03

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit configured to analyze image information to which predetermined attribute information is added and generate image data suitable for an output characteristic of an image output device; An image processing apparatus comprising: an attribute change determining unit configured to determine a change in the image processing unit; and an image processing setting change unit configured to change a setting of the image processing unit in accordance with a determination result of the attribute change determining unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute change determining unit determines an inflection point of the attribute information. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing setting change unit changes the setting of the filter processing according to a result of the determination by the attribute change determining unit. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing setting change unit changes the setting of the gradation conversion process according to a result of the determination by the attribute change determining unit. 5. The attribute information is an imag drawn by a bitmap.
e area, graphic area drawn with vector data, character
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is divided into a text area. 6. The attribute information includes a character text area and a text
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is classified into an area other than the area. 7. The image processing setting change means sets the filter processing to a through or weaker filter than the default when the attribute information is an area other than text, and performs the filter processing when the attribute information is a text area. Text setting
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area is set to emphasize the area. 8. The filter processing setting by the image processing setting change means is such that the attribute information is an image area or a graph.
Set the image or graphic area where the hic area changes to the text area through or weaker than the default filter setting, and change the text area to the image area or graphi
4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an image area or a graphic area which changes to the c area is set to a filter which is through or weaker than a default. 9. The filter processing setting by the image processing setting changing means is performed by setting the attribute information from a region other than text to te.
Set the non-text area that changes to the xt area to a through or weaker filter setting than the default, and set the non-text area that changes from the text area to a non-text area to the through or weaker filter than the default. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 10. The setting of gradation conversion processing by the image processing setting change means is such that the attribute information is an image area or a gra
Set to emphasize the text area that changes from the phic area to the text area, and set the text area to the image area or g
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the text region that changes to the raphic region is set to emphasize the text region. 11. The setting of the gradation conversion processing by the image processing setting change means is performed by setting the attribute information from a region other than text to te.
5. The image according to claim 4, wherein the text region that changes to the xt region is set to emphasize the text region, and the text region that changes from the text region to a region other than text is set to emphasize the text region. Processing equipment. 12. An image processing method in an image processing apparatus, comprising: an image processing unit that analyzes image information to which predetermined attribute information is added and generates image data suitable for output characteristics of the image output apparatus. An image, comprising: an attribute change determining step of determining a change in predetermined attribute information; and an image processing setting changing step of changing settings of the image processing means according to a result of the determination of the attribute change determining step. Processing method. 13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the attribute change determining step determines an inflection point of the attribute information. 14. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein in the image processing setting change step, the setting of the filter processing is changed according to a result of the determination in the attribute change determining step. 15. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein in the image processing setting change step, the setting of the gradation conversion processing is changed according to a result of the determination in the attribute change determining step. 16. The attribute information may be an im drawn by a bitmap.
13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the image processing method is divided into an age area, a graphic area drawn with vector data, and a text area of characters. 17. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the attribute information is classified into a text area and a non-text area.
The image processing method described in the above. 18. The image processing setting changing step sets a filter processing setting to a through or weaker filter than a default when the attribute information is an area other than text, and performs a filter processing when the attribute information is a text area. 13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the setting is set to emphasize the text area. 19. The setting of the filter processing in the image processing setting change step includes the step of changing the attribute information from an image area or a graphic area to a text area.
Make the area or graphic area through or weaker than the default filter settings, and change the image area or graphic area from the text area to the image or graphic area
15. The image processing method according to claim 14, wherein the graphic area is set to a through setting or a filter setting weaker than the default. 20. The setting of the filter processing in the image processing setting change step is such that the area other than the text where the attribute information changes from the area other than the text to the text area is set to a through or weaker filter setting than the default.
15. The image processing method according to claim 14, wherein an area other than the text, which changes from the xt area to an area other than the text, is set as a through filter or a filter weaker than the default. 21. The setting of the gradation conversion processing in the image processing setting change step is set to emphasize a text area where the attribute information changes from an image area or a graphic area to a text area. 16. The image processing method according to claim 15, wherein the text area which changes from the image area to the graphic area is emphasized. 22. The setting of the gradation conversion processing in the image processing setting change step is set to emphasize the text area where the attribute information changes from the area other than text to the text area, 16. The image processing method according to claim 15, wherein the text region that changes to a region other than the text is set to emphasize the text region. 23. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit configured to analyze image information to which predetermined attribute information is added and generate image data suitable for output characteristics of the image output device; A computer-readable storage storing a program for executing an attribute change determining step of determining the image processing unit and an image processing setting changing step of changing a setting of the image processing unit according to the determination result of the attribute change determining step. Medium. 24. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein said attribute change determining step determines an inflection point of attribute information. 25. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein in the image processing setting change step, the setting of the filter processing is changed according to a result of the determination in the attribute change determination step. 26. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein in the image processing setting change step, the setting of the gradation conversion processing is changed according to the result of the determination in the attribute change determination step. 27. The attribute information is an im drawn by a bitmap.
24. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the storage medium is divided into an age area, a graphic area drawn by vector data, and a text area of characters. 28. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the attribute information is distinguished into a text area and a non-text area.
The storage medium according to the above. 29. The image processing setting changing step sets the filter processing to a through or weaker filter than the default when the attribute information is an area other than text, and performs the filter processing when the attribute information is a text area. 26. The storage medium according to claim 25, wherein the setting is set to emphasize the text area. 30. The filter processing setting in the image processing setting change step includes the step of changing the attribute information from an image area or a graphic area to a text area.
Make the area or graphic area through or weaker than the default filter settings, and the image area or gra where the text area changes to the image or graphic area
26. The storage medium according to claim 25, wherein the phic area is set to a through or weaker filter setting than the default. 31. The setting of the filter processing in the image processing setting change step is such that the area other than the text where the attribute information changes from the area other than the text to the text area is set to a through or weaker filter setting than the default.
26. The recording medium according to claim 25, wherein an area other than the text, which changes from the xt area to an area other than the text, is set as a through filter or a filter weaker than the default. 32. The setting of the gradation conversion processing in the image processing setting change step is set to emphasize the text area where the attribute information changes from the image area or the graphic area to the text area. 27. The storage medium according to claim 26, wherein the text area which changes from the image area to the graphic area is emphasized. 33. The setting of the gradation conversion processing in the image processing setting change step is set to emphasize a text area where the attribute information changes from a non-text area to a text area. 27. The storage medium according to claim 26, wherein a text area that changes to an area other than text is set to be emphasized.