JP2003320708A - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus which enables a user to easily designate desired printing. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus 120(x) with a function 124(x) for converting multi-color image information and outputting monochromatically presents the fact by a presenting means 122(x) when object image information has a predetermined color space not corresponding to the monochromatic outputting. For example, when object image data is data including a luminance signal (RGB data), the apparatus carries out printing by a monochromatic color function. When the object image data is data including a density signal (CMYK data), the apparatus notifies that printing by the monochromatic color function is invalid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

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 system, and an image processing for use in an apparatus or system for printing and outputting an input image signal in which a luminance signal and a density signal coexist, for example. The present invention relates to a method, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the method, and the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the increase in capacity of memories and hard disks, it has become possible to easily store color image data.

For example, an image processing apparatus having a function of storing and printing image data takes in image data (RGB image data including a luminance signal) obtained by a CCD of a scanner and temporarily stores it in a memory. Then, the raster image processor performs color separation processing on the image data, the image data after the processing is stored again in the memory as image data including the CMYK density signals, and the image data is image-processed and printed out. To do.

The image processing apparatus as described above has a function of accumulating input image data as color image data and printing it out, and also accumulating the input image data as monochrome or other color monochromatic image data and drafting it. Some have a "single color function" for printing.

[0005]

However, in the conventional image processing apparatus as described above, when the input image data is printed out by the monochromatic color function, the input image data is color-separated and the processed image data is processed. , That is, CMYK
The image data including the density signal (CMYK image data) is converted into RGB image data (RGB image data) to generate single-color image data, and printing with the single-color function cannot be performed. The circuit configuration for executing this conversion process is large in scale, which causes a cost increase. In addition, CMYK image data is a device.
Since this is color image data that depends on
Accurate conversion to image data is not easy.

Therefore, in the conventional image processing apparatus, the user is aware of whether or not the apparatus has a conversion function from CMYK image data to RGB image data, and if the apparatus does not have the conversion function, the inside of the apparatus is changed. It was necessary to give an instruction for printing with the single color function in consideration of the color space (CMYK / RGB) of the image data stored in the memory.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and an image processing method that allow a user to easily give a desired print instruction. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for storing the program, and the program.

Specifically, for example, even when the device or system does not have a conversion function of image data from CMYK to RGB, the user can change the color of the target image data stored in the memory in the device or system. Space (CMYK
/ RGB), if the target image data is data including a luminance signal (RGB image data), a print process with a single color function is executed, and the target image data includes a density signal (CMYK). In the case of (image data), a configuration for notifying the user that the print processing by the single color function is invalid is realized.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Under such a purpose,
The present invention is an image processing apparatus having a function of converting multicolor image information and outputting it in a single color, and when the image information has a predetermined color space that does not correspond to the single color output, presents that fact. It is characterized by comprising a presentation means.

Further, according to the present invention, image input means for inputting image information consisting of a luminance signal or density signal, image storage means for storing the image information input by the image input means, and storage in the image storage means. Image output means for outputting the generated image information, attribute storage means for storing attribute information relating to the image information stored in the image storage means, and arbitrary multicolor image information stored in the image storage means By converting a plurality of independent luminance signals all into the same signal, a conversion unit that generates monochromatic image information,
Instructing means for selecting any image information stored in the image storing means, instructing that the selected image information is converted into monochromatic image information by the converting means and output by the image output means, An image processing apparatus comprising: a presentation unit that presents a warning based on the attribute information corresponding to the selected image information stored in the attribute storage unit when a monochrome output of the selected image information is instructed by the instruction unit. It is characterized by being.

Further, the present invention is an image processing method for converting multicolor image information and outputting it in a single color, when the image information has a predetermined color space which does not correspond to the single color output. It is characterized by including a processing step of presenting a message.

Further, the present invention is an image processing method for printing out image document information of a luminance signal or a density signal, comprising an image input step of inputting the image document information into a memory, and an image in the memory. An output step of printing out document information, an attribute storing step of storing document attribute information including at least one of input source information and color space information of the image document information in the memory, and image document information to be processed A single color conversion step of converting all independent luminance signals into the same signal, and the user
An arbitrary image document information is selected from the memory, and an instruction step of instructing to print out the selected image document information in a single color in the single color conversion step and the output step is selected by the user in the instruction step. When it is instructed to print out the image document information in a single color, the input source or color space of the selected image document information is determined by the attribute information corresponding to the selected image document information stored in the attribute storage step. A warning display step of displaying a warning when the value is a predetermined value is included.

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a predetermined means, wherein the predetermined means converts the multicolor image information into a single color and outputs the image information as a single color. When a predetermined color space that does not correspond to the above is included, a presentation means for presenting that effect is provided.

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined step, wherein the predetermined step includes a processing step for printing out image document information of a luminance signal or a density signal, The processing step includes an image input step of inputting the image document information into the memory, an output step of printing out the image document information in the memory, and an input source information and color space information of the image document information in the memory. An attribute storing step of storing document attribute information including at least any one of them, a single color conversion step of converting all of a plurality of independent luminance signals constituting the image document information to be processed into the same signal, Select any image document information from the
An instruction step for instructing to print out the selected image document information in a monochrome color in the monochrome color conversion step and the output step, and an instruction to print out the selected image document information in a monochrome color from the user in the instruction step. If the input source or color space of the selected image document information has a predetermined value, the warning display step displays a warning according to the attribute information corresponding to the selected image document information stored in the attribute storage step. It is characterized by including.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the program according to claim 13 or 14 is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present invention is applied to, for example, an image processing system 100 as shown in FIG. In the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 120 (x) performs print processing, the image forming apparatus 120 (x) is CMYK.
Even if the user does not have the function of converting image data from RGB to RGB, the user does not need to be aware of the color space (CMYK / RGB) of the target image data stored in the image forming apparatus 120 (x). If the image data is data including a luminance signal (RGB image data), print output is performed with a single color function, and if the target image data is data including a density signal (CMYK image data), a single color is used. It is configured to notify the user that the print output for the function is invalid. The configuration and operation of the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described below.

<Overall Configuration of Image Processing System 100> As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 100 includes a host computer 110 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 120.
(1) to 120 (3) are connected via a LAN 130 so that they can communicate with each other.

In FIG. 1, one host computer 110 and three image forming apparatuses 120 (1) -12 (12) are used.
Although 0 (3) is connected to the LAN 130, the number of connections is not limited to these. Also,
Since the image forming apparatuses 120 (1) to 120 (3) have the same configuration, the image forming apparatuses 120 (1) to 120 (120) will be described below for the sake of simplicity.
Focus on any image forming apparatus 120 (x) in (3). Further, although the LAN 130 is configured to be used as a means for connecting the host computer 110 and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 120 (1) to 120 (3), the present invention is not limited to this, and any network can be used. Etc. are applicable.

The image forming apparatus 120 (x) includes a scanner 123 (x) which is an image input device, a printer 124 (x) which is an image output device, and an image forming apparatus 120.
(X) Controller that controls overall operation
Unit) 121 (x) and an operation unit 122 (x) that is a user interface (UI).

Scanner 123 (x), printer 124
(X) and the operation unit 122 (x) are connected to the controller 121 (x), respectively.
1 (x) is connected to the LAN 130 and the public line 140. From the public line 140 to the image forming apparatus 120
For (x), G3 including transmission of color image data
It is configured to be able to send by G4 fax or.

The host computer 110 has a function of a personal computer (PC), and is an FT.
Sending and receiving files using P and SMB protocols,
It is configured to be able to send and receive e-mail.

<Structure of Controller 121 (x) of Image Forming Apparatus 120 (x)> FIG.
3 shows a configuration of a controller 121 (x) of (x). The controller 121 (x) is connected to the scanner (color scanner) 123 (x) which is an image input device and the printer (color printer) 124 (x) which is an image output device by the configuration shown in FIG. On the other hand, LAN 130 or public line (WAN) 140
By connecting with, the image data, device information and the like are input and output.

The controller 121 (x) shown in FIG.
First, the CPU 301 causes the image forming apparatus 120 to
(X) A controller that controls the overall operation. RAM
302 functions as a system work memory necessary for operation control in the CPU 301, and also functions as an image memory for temporarily storing image data and the like. ROM30
A boot ROM 3 stores a boot program of the image forming apparatus 120 (x) and the like. A HDD (hard disk drive) 304 stores system software, image data, and the like.

The operation unit I / F 306 is an operation unit (UI) 122.
It is an interface with (x). For example, the operation unit
The I / F 306 outputs the image data displayed on the operation unit 122 (x) to the operation unit 122 (x). Further, the operation unit I / F 306 uses the information input by the user to the image forming apparatus 120 (x) by the operation unit 122 (x) to the CPU 3
Serve to 01.

Network processing unit (Network) 310
Connects to the LAN 130 and inputs / outputs various data.
The modem 350 connects to the public line 140,
Input and output image data.

The image companding unit 340 uses the JPEG method when the target image data is multi-valued image data, and JBIG, MMR, M when the target image data is binary image data.
The compression or decompression process of the target image data is executed by the R or MH method.

The devices 301 to 304 and 3 described above
06, 310, 340, and 350 are each connected to the system bus 307.

Image bus interface (Image Bu
The s I / F) 305 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 307 and the image bus 308 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. Specifically, Image
The Bus I / F 305 performs data conversion for exchanging data between the system bus 307 to which the compressed image data is transmitted and the image bus 308 to which the non-compressed image data is transmitted.

The image bus 308 is a PCI bus or IEEE139.
4 or composed of a dedicated bus, etc., this image bus 308
Include devices 360, 320, 38 described below.
0, 390, and 330 to 333 are connected.

Raster Image Processor (RIP) 360
Develops the PDL code from the host computer 110 into a bitmap image. Device I / F section 3200
Is a scanner 123 (x) which is an image input / output device
Or the printer 124 (x) and the controller 121
(X) is connected to synchronize the image data between them.
/ Perform asynchronous conversion.

The scanner image processing unit 380 performs processing such as correction, processing, or editing on the input image data. Further, the scanner image processing unit 380 determines whether the input image data is color original data or monochrome original data from the saturation signal included in the input image data. Has the function of holding.

The printer image processing section 390 performs processing such as correction, processing, or editing on the output image data. The image rotation processing unit 330 is a scanner image processing unit 38.
In cooperation with 0, at the same time as reading the image data from the scanner 123 (x), the image is rotated and stored in the memory, the image on the memory is rotated and stored in the memory, or The image is output to the printer image processing unit 39
It is configured so that it can print and output while rotating in cooperation with 0.

The resolution conversion unit 331 performs resolution conversion processing on the image data on the memory and stores the processed image data in the memory. The color space conversion unit 332 converts the YUV image data on the memory into Lab image data by matrix calculation, and stores the Lab image data in the memory, for example. The gradation conversion unit 333 converts, for example, 8-bit, 256-gradation image data on the memory into 1-bit, 2-gradation image data by a method such as error diffusion processing, and stores it in the memory.

The image rotation unit 330, the resolution conversion unit 331,
The color space conversion unit 332 and the gradation conversion unit 333 can operate in a linked manner. For example, when performing image rotation and resolution conversion of an image on a memory, both processes should be performed without going through the memory. It is configured to be able to.

FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the scanner image processing section 380 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner image processing unit 380 includes a masking processing unit 381, a scaling processing unit 382, a filter 383, a gamma processing unit 384, a color space conversion unit 385, and a comparator 38.
6, a counter 387, and a character / photograph determination unit 388.

For the scanner image processing unit 380, image data (raster image data 371) obtained by the scanner 123 (x) and composed of luminance signals of 8 bits for each RGB.
Is entered.

In the scanner image processing section 380, the masking processing section 381 controls the input image data (luminance signal).
Is converted into standard RGB color signal image data that does not depend on the CCD filter color. The scaling processing unit 382 performs scaling processing on the image data of the color signal obtained by the masking processing unit 381 as necessary. The filter 383 is
The image data that has passed through the scaling processing unit 382 is subjected to processing for blurring the image or adding sharpness. The gamma processing unit 384 performs processing on the image data processed by the filter 383 to increase or decrease the density of the entire image.

The color space conversion unit 385 determines whether the input image data is color original data or black and white original data, so that the image data before scaling in the scaling processing unit 382 is performed. Is converted into known Lab image data. The comparator 386 is obtained by the color space conversion unit 385.
If the color signal component (a, b) contained in the Lab image data is above a predetermined level, and as a result of this determination, the color signal component (a, b) is above a predetermined level Outputs a 1-bit determination signal indicating a chromatic color, and otherwise outputs a 1-bit determination signal indicating an achromatic color. Counter 387
Measures the output from the comparator 386.

The character / photograph determination unit 388 separates the image into characters and photographs by extracting character edges from the input image data, and outputs a character / photograph determination signal as a result of the separation. The character / photograph determination signal is stored in the memory or the HDD 304 together with the processed image data and is used during the printing process.

<Arrangement of Image Input / Output Device of Image Forming Apparatus 120 (x)> FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of image input / output devices (scanner 123 (x) and printer 124 (x)) of the image forming apparatus 120 (x). Is shown.

First, the scanner 123 (x), which is an image input / output device, illuminates the paper (original paper) which is the read original and scans the paper with a CCD line sensor (not shown), thereby Image of raster image data 37
1 (see FIG. 2) and output.

The document sheet is set on the tray 423 of the document feeder 421 as shown in FIG. When the user gives an original reading start instruction from the operation unit 122 (x) described later in detail, the controller 121 shown in FIG.
The CPU 301 of (x) gives an original reading instruction (371) to the scanner 123 (x). As a result, the scanner 123 (x) feeds the original sheets set in the tray 423 one by one by the original feeder 421, and performs the above-described image reading operation on the original sheets.

On the other hand, the printer 1 which is an image output device
24 (x) is the controller 121 shown in FIG.
Raster image data 396 supplied from (x)
Is drawn on the printing paper. Examples of the print output method (print method) include an electrophotographic method using a photoconductor drum and a photoconductor belt, and an ink jet method in which ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array to directly print an image on paper. , Any method is applicable.

The print operation of the printer 124 (x) is started by the controller 121 (x) shown in FIG.
It is started by an instruction (396) from the CPU 301.

The printer 124 (x) has a plurality of paper feed stages capable of selecting different paper sizes or different paper orientations,
As shown in FIG. 4, sheet cassettes 401 to 403 corresponding to these are provided. Output tray 411
Is for receiving the printed paper.

<Operation Unit 12 of Image Forming Apparatus 120 (x)
2 (x) Configuration> FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the operation unit 122 (x) of the image forming apparatus 120 (x).

In the operation section 122 (x) of FIG. 5,
First, a touch panel sheet 519 is attached on the LCD of the LCD display unit 513. In addition, the LCD display unit 513 is
Various operation screens, soft keys, and the like are displayed, and when the display key is operated, the operation information is transmitted to the CPU 301 of the controller 121 (x) shown in FIG.

The start key 514 is used when starting a document reading operation. A green LED and a red LED 518 are provided at the center of the start key 514, and blinking of these colors indicates whether or not the start key 514 is operable.

The stop key 515 functions to stop the operation during operation. ID key 516 is the user ID of the user
Used when entering. The reset key 517 is used when initializing various settings by the operation unit 122 (x).

FIG. 6 shows the operation unit 122 shown in FIG.
(X) and the controller 121 (x) shown in FIG.
It shows a connection configuration with.

In the controller 121 (x), CP
The U 301 generally controls access to various devices on the system bus 307 as shown in FIG. 2 by reading and executing a control program or the like stored in the program area of the ROM 303. For example, CP
U301 is the scanner 1 via the device I / F 320.
The image data (371) obtained in 23 (x) is fetched and supplied as print output data (396) to the printer 124 (x) via the device I / F 320. At this time, the RAM 302 functions as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 301.

The CPU 301 also operates the operation unit 122.
(X) touch panel 519 and hard keys 514-
The operation state (operation content) of 517 is displayed on the operation unit I / F 306.
Via the input port 306a of CPU301
Generates display screen data based on the operation content and the control program described above, and outputs the display screen data to the output port of the operation unit I / F 306 (output device controller that controls the output screen output device) 306b.
Output to the LCD display unit 513 of the operation unit 122 (x).

In the present embodiment, the LCD display unit 513 is used as the screen output device.
The present invention is not limited to this, and a screen output device such as a CRT can be applied.

FIG. 7 shows the LCD display section 5 as described above.
13 shows an example of a screen 700 displayed in 13. The screen 700 is an initial screen in the image forming apparatus 120 (x), and a standard screen that returns after each image forming function setting.

On the screen 700, a screen switching button 701 is used to make copy settings. 702
Is a screen switching button for making settings for transmitting image data and the like obtained by scanning with the scanner 123 (x) by fax or e-mail. Reference numeral 703 denotes a screen switching button for making settings for printing or transmitting image data (scanned image data or the like) stored in the built-in HD (HDD 304).

Reference numeral 705 denotes a read setting button for setting the resolution, density, etc. when reading an image. Reference numeral 704 denotes a window for displaying the settings at the time of image reading set by operating the reading setting button 705. Reference numeral 706 denotes a transmission setting button for performing timer setting at the time of timer transmission, transmission of image data to the HDD 304, settings relating to transmission of image data to the printer 124 (x), and the like.

Reference numeral 707 denotes a window for displaying a transmission destination designated by operating a destination table button 708 described later. A destination list button 708 is used for designating a transmission destination. A detailed information button 709 is used to display detailed information of one destination displayed in the window 707. A delete button 710 is for deleting one destination displayed in the window 707.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a pop-up window 800 displayed when the read setting button 705 shown in FIG. 7 is operated.

In the pop-up window 800,
Reference numeral 801 denotes a read size selection unit for selecting and inputting a document size (read size) to be read from a pop-up not shown. A window 802 displays the read size selected and input by the read size selection unit 801.

Reference numeral 803 is a reading mode selection unit for selecting the reading mode of the document to be read. When the reading mode selection unit 803 is operated, for example, color, black,
A pop-up that allows selection of any of the three reading modes of automatic (ACS) is displayed.

If the measurement result of the counter 2507 is smaller than a predetermined value, it is judged as a black-and-white document, and if it is large, it is judged as a color document. In the case of color, a color image is displayed; And the result of distinguishing whether the original is color or black and white is accumulated.

Reference numeral 804 is a resolution selection unit for designating a resolution at the time of reading an image. When the resolution selection unit 804 is operated, a popup that allows selection of any one of a plurality of resolutions is displayed. Reference numeral 805 denotes a slider for adjusting the density at the time of reading the original, which is configured so that it can be adjusted in 9 steps. Reference numeral 806 denotes an automatic button for automatically determining the density when reading an image with a ground background such as a newspaper.

<Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 120 (x)> FIG. 9 shows the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 120 (x). The software configuration shown in FIG. 9 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 120 shown in FIG.
In the controller of (x), it is implemented by the CPU 301.

The software configuration shown in FIG. 9 has a UI control section 910 for controlling the operation section 122 (x), a copy application section 920 for executing a transmission job based on an instruction from the UI control section 910, and a transmission application section. 921, BOX application unit 922 for temporarily storing images, network application 90
A PDL application unit 923 that receives data from the device 2 and submits a PDL print job, and a common interface unit 93 that absorbs a device-dependent part of a device control part
0, and a job manager 940 for organizing the job information received from the common interface 930 and transmitting it to the document processing unit in the lower layer.

The document processing unit has a configuration including a scan manager 950 and a print manager 990 in the case of local copy, and has a configuration including a scan manager 950 and a file store manager 900 in the case of a remote copy transmission job. A reception job has a configuration including a file read manager 960 and a print manager 990, and a PDL print such as LIPS or PostScript has a configuration including a PDL manager 970 and a print manager 990.

The sync manager 980 is for synchronizing the respective document managers and requesting image processing. Image manager 9
01 performs image processing at the time of scanning and printing, stores image data in an image file, and the like.

<Operation by Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 120 (x)> Here, the following processing executed by the software configuration shown in FIG. 9 will be described. Local copy Scan job and send job for remote copy Print job for remote copy PDL data expansion storage job PDL expansion and storage image printing

Local Copy First, in response to a user's copy instruction (instruction or the like by operating the operation unit 122 (x)), the UI control unit 910 transmits the copy instruction and the setting relating to copy to the copy application unit 920. . The copy application unit 920 transmits the information from the UI control unit 910 to the job manager 940 that controls the device via the common interface 930. Job manager 940
Scans information from the copy application unit 920 with the scan manager 950 and print manager 990.
To each of the.

The scan manager 950 uses the device I / O based on the transmission information from the job manager 940.
A scan request is issued to the scanner 123 (x) via F320 (see FIG. 2 above). At the same time, the scan manager 950 issues an image processing request to the image manager 901 via the sync manager 980.

The image manager 901 sets the scanner image processing unit 380 (see FIG. 2) according to the image processing request from the scan manager 950. After this setting is completed, the image manager 901 sends the scan manager 9 via the sync manager 980.
Notify the scan preparation completion to 50.

Upon receiving the scan preparation completion from the image manager 901, the scan manager 950 instructs the scanner 123 (x) to perform the scan operation.
As a result, the scanning operation is started by the scanner 123 (x), and after the completion of the scanning operation, the image data is transferred to the image manager 901 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown).

When the sync manager 980 receives the notification of the scan operation completion and the image data reception completion (scan completion notification) from the image manager 901, the sync manager 980 transfers the notification information to the scan manager 950 and the print manager 990, respectively. At the same time, the sync manager 980 sends the instruction to the image manager 90 in order to transfer the compressed image data accumulated in the RAM 302 to the HDD 304 as a file (see FIG. 2).
Issue for 1.

The image manager 901 stores the compressed image data (JPEG image data including a character / photograph determination signal) on the RAM 301 in the HDD 304 according to an instruction from the sync manager 980. At this time, the image manager 901 stores color determination / monochrome determination result information, scan image data as an image input source, and color space RG in the RAM (not shown) as accompanying information of the target image data.
The B information is retained.

The image manager 901 is used for the HDD 30.
4 has finished storing the image data, and the scanner 12
When the scan completion notification is issued in 3 (x), the scan manager 950 is notified of the completion of filing by the sync manager 980.

When the scan manager 950 receives the filing completion from the image manager 901, it notifies the job manager 940 of the filing completion. The job manager 940 notifies the common interface 9 of the completion of filing from the scan manager 950.
The copy application unit 920 is notified via 30.

When the copy application unit 920 receives the notification of completion of filing, that is, the image data is stored in the HDD.
Print manager 990 when transferred to 304
The printer 124 via the device I / F 320.
A print request is issued to (x). In addition, the print manager 990 instructs the sync manager 980 to
Issue a print image processing request.

When the sync manager 980 receives a print image processing request from the print manager 990,
It requests the image manager 901 for image processing settings. The image manager 901 sets the printer image processing unit 390 (see FIG. 2 above) according to the accompanying information of the target image saved as described above, and sets the print preparation to the print manager 990 via the sync manager 980. Notify completion.

Upon receiving the print preparation completion notification from the image manager 901, the print manager 990 issues a print instruction to the printer 124 (x). Completion of the print image transfer here is transmitted to the image manager 901 by, for example, an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown).

Upon receiving the print completion from the image manager 901, the sync manager 980 notifies the print manager 990 of the print completion. When the print manager 990 receives the paper discharge completion from the printer 124 (x), it notifies the job manager 940 of the print end.

When the job manager 940 receives the print end from the print manager 990, the job manager 940 sends the copy application section 9 via the common interface 930.
The print end is notified to 20. Upon receiving the print end from the job manager 940, the copy application unit 920 recognizes that the scan and print operations have ended, and notifies the UI control unit 910 of the job end.

Scan Job and Send Job for Remote Copy First, the file store manager 900, in place of the print manager 990, receives a request from the job manager 940. That is, the file store manager 900 receives a storage completion notification from the sync manager 980 at the time when the storage of the scanned image data in the HDD 304 is completed, and sends this notification via the common interface 930.
If it is a remote copy, the copy application unit 920 is notified, and if it is a transmission job, the transmission application unit 921 is notified.

After receiving the notification from the file store manager 900, the copy application unit 920 and the transmission application 921 request the network application 902 to transmit the file of the image data stored in the HDD 304. The network application 902 is a copy application unit 92.
0 and a file transmission request from the transmission application 921, the file in the HDD 304 is transmitted.

The network application 902 is
When the job starts, the copy application unit 92
When the setting information regarding copying is received from 0, the setting information is also notified to the remote side.

In the case of remote copy, the network application 902 transmits data according to the device-specific communication protocol. In the case of a transmission job, the network application 902 transmits data according to a standard file transfer protocol such as FTP or SMB.

In the case of fax transmission, after storing the file,
The transmission application 921 uses the common interface 9
The FAX manager 941 is instructed to transmit data via the job manager 30 and the job manager 940.

When the data transmission destination is the printer 124 (x), the transmission application 921 instructs the printer 124 (x) to print as a print job via the common interface 930. The operation at this time is the same as the operation in the "remote copy print job" described below.

When the data transmission destination is the box destination in the device, the data is stored in the file system in the device.

Print Job for Remote Copy First, the network application 902 saves the image data from the transmission side in the HDD 304 and issues a job to the copy application section 920.

Upon receiving the job from the network application 902, the copy application section 920 submits the job (print job) to the job manager 940 via the common interface 930.

The operation here is different from the case of the local copy described in "local copy", and the file read manager 900 instead of the scan manager 950 receives a request from the job manager 940. The file read manager 900 requests the image manager 901 via the sync manager 980 to load the received image data from the HDD 304 into the memory.

Upon receiving the request from the file read manager 900, the image manager 901 loads the received image data from the HDD 304 into the memory. Further, the image manager 901 notifies the file read manager 960 and the print manager 990 of the completion of the development when the image development is completed, via the sync manager 980.

The print manager 990 receives the notification from the image manager 901, and when the image data is expanded in the memory, the print manager 990 sends the job manager 940 to the printer 124 (x) via the device I / F 320.
A paper feed tray instructed from or a paper feed tray having a corresponding paper size is selected, and a print request indicating this is issued. At this time, in the case of automatic paper, the print manager 9
Reference numeral 90 determines a corresponding sheet feed tray based on the image size, and issues a print request indicating this.

Further, the print manager 990 issues a print image processing request to the sync manager 980.

When the sync manager 980 receives a request from the print manager 990, it requests the image manager 901 for image processing settings. At this time, for example, when the optimum size paper is exhausted and rotation is necessary, the sync manager 980 also requests the image manager 901 for a separate rotation instruction.

The image manager 901 sets the printer image processing unit 390 according to the request from the sync manager 980, and notifies the print manager 990 of the completion of print preparation via the sync manager 980. At this time, when there is a rotation instruction from the sync manager 980, the image manager 901 causes the image rotation processing unit 330 to perform image rotation processing.

Upon receiving the notification from the image manager 901, the print manager 990 receives the notification from the printer 124.
A print instruction is issued to (x). Printer 124
Completion of transfer of image data to be printed to (x)
The image manager 901 is notified by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown).

Upon receiving the print completion from the image manager 901, the sync manager 980 notifies the file read manager 960 and the print manager 990 of the print completion.

Upon receiving the print completion from the sync manager 980, the file read manager 960 notifies the job manager 940 of the print completion. Upon receiving the print completion from the sync manager 980 and the paper discharge completion from the printer 124 (x), the print manager 990 notifies the job manager 940 of the print completion.

When the job manager 940 receives the print end notification from the file read manager 960 and print manager 990, the common interface 9
The print end is notified to the copy application unit 920 via 30. Copy application unit 920
When the job manager 940 notifies the end of the scan and print operations, the job end
The UI control unit 910 is notified.

PDL data expansion storage job First, the host computer 1 into which the PDL print is input
Request from the network application 90
2 is transmitted to the PDL application 923.

Upon receiving the request from the host computer 110, the PDL application 923 instructs the job manager 940 via the common interface 930 to execute a PDL data expansion / storing job.

The job manager 940 issues to the PDL manager 970 and the file store manager 900 a request according to the instruction of the PDL data expansion / storing job from the PDL application 923. As a result, the image development is completed, and the image input processing is the same as the scan job in the "remote copy scan job and transmission job" described above.

The job manager 940 uses the HDD 304 to store the JPEG image data (also referred to as image data including a character / photograph determination signal) on the memory obtained by the above processing.
To store. The job manager 940 also stores color / monochrome information, PDL image data as an image input source, and information about the color space CMYK as incidental information of the image data in an SRAM (not shown).

Upon completion of storing the image data in the HDD 304, the job manager 940 receives a storage completion notification from the sync manager 980, and sends this to the PDL application 923 via the common interface 930.
To notify.

When the PDL application 923 receives the storage completion notification from the job manager 940, the PDL application 923 sends the HDD 30 to the network application 902.
4 is notified of the completion of the storage of the image data, and the host PC 110 that has input the PDL print is notified of the information regarding the storage of the image data.

Printing of PDL-Expanded and Stored Image First, the stored document (image data stored in the HDD 304) instructed to print by the UI control unit 910 is issued as a job by the BOX application unit 922.
That is, the BOX application unit 922 submits a print job to the job manager 940 via the common interface 930.

Upon receiving the print job from the BOX application section 922, the job manager 940 requests the file read manager 960. That is,
Unlike the local copy described above, the file read manager 960 replaces the scan manager 950.
Receives a request from the job manager 940.

Upon receiving the request from the job manager 940, the file read manager 960 sends a request for expanding the image data, which is instructed to be printed by the request, from the HDD 304 to the memory via the sync manager 980. To publish. Subsequent operations are the same as the operations in the above-mentioned "remote copy print job", and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<Printer Image Processing Unit 390 of Image Forming Apparatus 120 (x)> Here, in the printer image processing unit 390 of the image forming apparatus 120 (x) shown in FIG. A method of masking a function (monochromatic color function) that cannot be realized by the following hardware will be described.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the printer image processing section 390 of the image forming apparatus 120 (x) shown in FIG. The printer image processing unit 390 is the same as that shown in FIG.
0, the logarithmic converter 1001, RGB / CMY
K conversion unit 1002, selector 1003, density conversion unit 10
04, correction table (1) 1005, error diffusion processing unit 1
006, correction table (2) 1007, screen 10
08, selector 1009, and smoothing 1010.

In the printer image processing unit 390 as described above, the input image data is RGB image data (scanner 12
Image data acquired from 3 (x)) or CMY
The processing differs depending on the K image data (image data expanded by the RIP 360).

For example, when the input image data is RGB image data, the logarithmic conversion unit 1001 performs a logarithmic conversion process using a look-up table on the RGB image data.

The RGB / CMYK conversion unit 1002 uses the three-dimensional lookup table and uses the logarithmic conversion unit 100.
The RGB image data after the conversion process of 1 is converted into CMYK image data. As the look-up table here, there are two kinds of look-up tables for characters and pictures, and the RGB / CMYK conversion unit 1002 uses these 22 according to a character / picture discrimination signal separately input.
The type of lookup table is selectively switched and used for conversion.

The selector 1003 receives the CMYK image data (image data obtained from the RGB image data when the input image data is the RGB image data) obtained by the RGB / CMYK conversion unit 1002 and the input image data. Any one of the CMYK image data is selected and output.

The density conversion unit 1004 has a selector 1003.
The CMYK image data output from the operation unit 1
22 (x) is used to obtain a density adjustment value specified by linear operation or conversion using a lookup table. Further, the density conversion unit 1004 has a selector function, and the selector function causes the correction table (1) to correct the character part data included in the CMYK image data having the density adjustment value according to the character / photo discrimination signal described above. 1
For 005, the data of the photograph portion included in the CMYK image data is selectively output to the correction table (2).

The correction table (1) 1005 is a table for performing correction processing for the character portion data from the density conversion unit 1004 to prevent the density characteristic from being changed by the processing of the error diffusion processing unit 1006. Is. One of the correction tables (2) 1007 is stored in the density conversion unit 1004.
It is a table for performing a correction process for preventing the density characteristic from being changed by the process of the screen 1008 (dither processing unit) on the photograph part data from.

The error diffusion processing unit 1006 performs error diffusion processing on the character portion data corrected by the correction table (1) 1005, and outputs the processed data to the selector 1009. The screen 1008 applies dither processing to the photograph portion data corrected by the correction table (2) 1007, and outputs the processed data to the selector 1009.

The selector 1009 selectively synthesizes the character portion data from the error diffusion processing unit 1006 and the photograph portion data from the screen 1008 according to the above-mentioned character / photograph discrimination signal, and outputs it. Smoothing 1010
Performs interpolating processing on the combined data (CMYK image data) from the selector 1009 to prevent conspicuous jaggies in the image due to the connection of dots in diagonal lines, and outputs the CMYK image data after the processing.

FIG. 11 specifically shows the internal structure of the logarithmic conversion unit 1001. The logarithmic conversion unit 1001
With the configuration including the monochromatic color processing unit 1101 and the logarithmic conversion units 1102 to 1104 as shown in FIG. 11, in the user interface (operation unit 122 (x)), “monochromatic color function (RGB image data Red,
Green, Blue, Cyan, Magenta, Y
When the function to convert image data of one color of yellow or Black) "is selected, the RG input
The B image data is converted into a single color.

That is, the logarithmic conversion unit 1001 causes the monochromatic color processing unit 1101 to input image data (R, G,
The image data after converting B) into a single color is converted into R ′, G
Image data satisfying the formula R '= G' = B '= (R + 2 * G + B) / 4 is generated as' and B'.

When not performing monochromatic color, R '= R G '= G B '= B It is expressed by

After that, the logarithmic conversion unit 1001 performs logarithmic conversion on the image data (R ', G', B ') after being converted into a single color by the look-up tables of the logarithmic conversion units 1102 to 1104, and outputs it.

In other words, this hardware can realize a monochromatic color function for RGB image data, but C
A single color function cannot be realized for MYK image data.

<HDD 30 of image forming apparatus 120 (x)
Image stored in FIG. 4 and its operation> FIG.
3 shows an example of the structure of image data stored in the HDD 304 of the image forming apparatus 120 (x) shown in FIG.

In FIG. 12, the "box" stores image data (scan document data) obtained by scanning a plurality of originals with the scanner 123 (x) and PDL image data (PDL document data) collectively. Indicates the possible logical breaks.

The "document" indicates document data, and the document data here includes two types of document data, that is, scan document data and PDL document data. The document data is composed of a plurality of pages (image files) and further has a document attribute added. This document attribute includes information such as the document name, input source, and color space.

“Page” indicates page data which constitutes document data. A page attribute is added to each page data, and this page attribute is a color attribute,
It includes information such as page number, resolution, image size, document size, paper size, compression method, and file format.

FIG. 13 shows an image (scan or PDL) stored in the HDD 304 as shown in FIG.
An operation screen 1300 displayed on the operation unit 122 (x) for operating the document data accumulated by the expansion)
It shows an example of.

On the operation screen 1300, 1301 is
The "box number" corresponding to the "box" shown in FIG. 12 is shown. Reference numeral 1302 indicates a “box name” that the user can arbitrarily set for the box number 1301. Reference numeral 1303 indicates the “usage amount” of the box indicated by the box number 1301.

FIG. 14 shows the operation screen 1 shown in FIG.
A screen 140 displayed on the operation unit 122 (x) when the box number = 01 is pressed by the user on the screen 300.
0 is an example.

In the screen 1400 of box number = 01, reference numeral 1401 denotes a scan document called document 1 (paper size A4, 3 pages) and document 2 (paper size A3, corresponding to the "document" shown in FIG. Page 15) PDL document. Here, in order to allow the user to easily determine whether the document is a scanned document or a PDL document, as shown in the left part of 1401, the document name (“material 1”, “material 2”) The left side of the icon indicates the scanned document by “S” and the PDL document by “P”.

Reference numeral 1402 denotes an edit instruction button for editing the document selected at 1401, and 1403 denotes 14
A print instruction button for printing the document selected by 01 is shown, and 1404 is a send button for sending the document selected by 1401.

For example, the user selects a desired document from 1410 on the screen 1400 and presses the print instruction button 1403. Thereby, the operation unit 122
In (x), for example, a screen 1500 as shown in FIG.
Is displayed. The user makes detailed settings for printing on the screen 1500.

On the screen 1500, 1501 is a paper selection button. When changing the paper size, the user uses the paper selection button 1501 to specify the paper feed tray corresponding to the desired paper size. 1502 is a sorter setting button. The sorter setting button 1502 is for sorting,
The group and staple sort can be selected.

Reference numeral 1503 is a double-sided output setting button. 1
504 is an application mode button. Advanced mode button 1
By 504, it is possible to set other images at the time of print output. Reference numeral 1505 is a print start button. Start button 1
When the user presses 505, the job is started. 1506 is a cancel button. When the cancel button 1506 is pressed, the screen returns to the screen 1400 shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows the operation unit 1 when the application mode button 1504 on the screen 1500 of FIG. 15 is pressed.
22 (x) shows an example of a screen 1600 displayed on 22 (x). On the screen 1600, reference numeral 1601 denotes a bookbinding button for binding and outputting an image. Reference numeral 1502 is a button for setting a single color. 1603 is a button for returning to the screen 1500 shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows the operation unit 122 when the single color button on the screen 1600 of FIG. 16 is pressed.
It is an example of a screen 1700 displayed in (x). On the screen 1700, 1701 indicates a button of a color to be selected as the setting of a single color. This button 1
The button selected in 701 is highlighted. This makes it possible to know which color is selected. 1702
Is a button for returning to the screen 1600 shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows the screen 140 shown in FIG.
If the PDL document is included in the documents selected on page 0 and a print job is started by pressing the print instruction button 1403 for the selected document, the operation unit 12
2 shows an example of a warning message screen 1600 displayed in 2 (x).

FIG. 19 shows the screens 1300 to 1300 as described above.
10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a UI control unit 910 (see FIG. 9) that displays a screen 1800 on the operation unit 122 (x) and performs processing in accordance with a user's instruction from the display screen. .

Steps S1901 and 1902:
For example, when printing a document in single color (step S1)
901) and the UI control unit 910 makes a document list request to the box application 922 (step S1902).

The box application 922 acquires all the attribute data of the document data stored in the HDD 304 as list data via the common interface 930, and notifies the UI control unit 910 of this.

Step S1903: UI control section 910
On the operation unit 12 based on the list data from the box application 922.
Display at 2 (x).

On the screen 1300, the user operates the box number corresponding to the document desired to be printed. As a result, the screen 1400 of FIG. 14 is displayed on the operation unit 122 (x).
Is displayed. The user selects a document to be printed on the screen 1400, and a screen 1600 displayed after the screen 1400 for single-color printing of the selected document.
Then, the corresponding operation is performed on the screen 1700.

When the UI control section 910 recognizes the above user operation, the selected document (input source) contains a PDL document or the document whose color space is CMYK (CMYK) from the document attributes of the selected document. Document is included (whether it is a document having a density in which monochromatic color is impossible or a document selected from the host computer 110 as a document input source). As a result of this determination, if the selected document contains a PDL document, the process proceeds to step S1906, and if not, step S1.
Proceed to 904.

Step S1904: Step S1903
When the selected document does not include the PDL document or the CMYK document as a result of the determination of No. 1, the UI control unit 910 inputs the print job to the box application 922. Step S1905: the UI control unit 910 waits for a job end notification, and when the job end notification is received, this processing ends.

Step S1906: Step S1903
If the selected document includes a PDL document or a CMYK document as a result of the above determination, the UI control unit 910 causes the UI control unit 910 to execute the process shown in FIG.
The warning message screen 1800 as shown in FIG.
22 (x), and when the user presses the button 1801 on the warning message screen 1800, this process ends without submitting a print job.

The object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the host and terminal of the present embodiment to a system or apparatus, and to supply a computer (or computer) of the system or apparatus. C
It is needless to say that this can be achieved also by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the PU or MPU. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the present embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code and the program code constitute the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, etc. can be used. Further, not only the functions of the present embodiment are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS or the like running on the computer actually performs the processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where a part or all of the above is performed and the processing realizes the functions of the present embodiment is also included. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the extended function board inserted in the computer or the extended function unit connected to the computer, the extended function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the CPU provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of this embodiment are realized by the processing.

[0149]

As described above, in the present invention, when image information is output in a single color, if the image information has a predetermined color space that does not correspond to a single color output, that fact is presented. Specifically, for example, the target image information is image information composed of density signals that cannot be printed out in a single color (image information of CMYK document, etc.).
If it is, or if it is image information developed by an external host computer or the like (image information of PDL document, etc.), the user is notified by a message display or the like that print output in a single color cannot be performed. To do.

With the above-described configuration, the user can give an output instruction without having to worry about the color space of the image information to be output, so that the image output work can be performed efficiently and easily.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus of the image processing system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner image processing unit of a controller of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an external view of a scanner and a printer (input / output device) of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of the operation unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (transmission screen) of the operation unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting screen displayed according to an operation on the transmission screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer image processing unit of the controller of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a logarithmic conversion unit of the printer image processing unit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of data stored in a HDD of a controller of the image forming apparatus (document data stored in a box, page configuration and attributes).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (operation screen) displayed on the operation unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a screen for operating a document selected on the operation screen.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed when a print instruction is given on the selected document operation screen.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a screen displayed when an application mode button is operated on the display screen when the print instruction is given.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a screen displayed when a monochrome color button is operated on the display screen when the application mode button is operated.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a screen (warning message screen) displayed when the selected document includes a PDL document.

FIG. 19 shows U in the software configuration of the image forming apparatus.
6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the I control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 image processing system 110 host computer (PC) 120 (x) image forming apparatus 121 (x) controller 122 (x) operation unit 123 (x) scanner 124 (x) printer 130 network (LAN) 140 public line 301 CPU 302 RAM 303 ROM 304 HDD 305 Image bus interface (Image Bus I /
F) 306 Operation unit I / F 307 System bus 308 Image bus 310 Network processing unit 320 Device I / F 330 Image rotation processing unit 331 Resolution conversion unit 332 Color space conversion unit 333 Gradation conversion unit 340 Image companding unit 350 Modem 360 RIP 380 Scanner image processing unit 390 Printer image processing unit 900 File store manager 901 Image manager 902 Network application unit 910 UI control unit 920 Copy application unit 921 Transmission application unit 923 PDL application unit 922 BOX application unit 930 Common interface 940 Job manager 941 FAX Manager 950 Scan Manager 960 File Read Manager 970 PDL Manager 980 Sync Money JA990 Print Manager

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/46 H04N 1/40 D 5C077 1/60 1/46 C 5C079 F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AR01 BB10 CQ04 CQ24 CQ36 CQ41 HJ06 HL01 HN04 HN17 HN18 HN19 HV32 2C187 AD03 AE01 AE07 AF03 BG03 BG05 BG06 CC04 CC08 CD12 CD15 CD16 DB28 DB36 DB37 CA03 CA03 GA05 GA03 GA05 GA07 GA03 GA05 GA07 GA03 EA04 EA06 EA10 EA12 EA17 GA59 5B021 AA01 AA19 LG07 5B057 AA20 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CE18 5C077 MP08 PP32 PP33 PQ12 PQ22 SS06 TT02 5C079 HA13 HB01 HB03 MA12 NA12

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a function of converting multicolor image information and outputting it in a single color, and when the image information has a predetermined color space that does not correspond to the single color output, presents a message to that effect. An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. An image input unit for inputting image information consisting of a luminance signal or a density signal, an image storage unit for storing the image information input by the image input unit, and image information stored in the image storage unit. An image output means for outputting the attribute information, an attribute storage means for storing attribute information relating to the image information stored in the image storage means, and a plurality of independent plural parts constituting the arbitrary multicolor image information stored in the image storage means. By converting all the luminance signals of the same into the same signal, the conversion means for generating monochromatic image information and the arbitrary image information stored in the image storage means are selected, and the selected image information is converted by the conversion means. Instructing means for instructing to convert the image information into monochromatic image information and outputting by the image output means, and in the case where monochromatic output of the selected image information is instructed by the instructing means, the above-mentioned attribute An image processing apparatus comprising: a presentation unit that presents a warning based on attribute information corresponding to the selected image information stored in the sex storage unit. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of input source information of target image information and color space information. 4. The warning presenting means presents the warning when the input source of the selected image information or the color space information has a predetermined value based on the attribute information. Image processing device. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image input means inputs image information obtained by a scanner. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image input means inputs image information obtained by means for scanning an original and reading an image on the original. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image input means inputs image information obtained by an external device. 8. An image processing system comprising a plurality of devices communicably connected to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is an image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An image processing system having the function of. 9. An image processing method for converting multi-color image information and outputting it in a single color, and when the image information has a predetermined color space that does not correspond to the single-color output, presenting that fact. An image processing method comprising a processing step. 10. An image processing method for printing out image document information of a luminance signal or a density signal, comprising an image input step of inputting the image document information into a memory, and printing the image document information in the memory. An output step of outputting, an attribute storage step of storing document attribute information including at least one of input source information and color space information of the image document information in the memory, and an independent plurality of components forming the image document information to be processed Color conversion step for converting all the luminance signals into the same signal, and the user selects arbitrary image document information from the memory and outputs the selected image document information as a single color by the single color conversion step and the output step. Instructing step to instruct to print out in color, and in the above instructing step, the user selects the image document information in a single color When it is instructed to print out in color, and the input source or color space of the selected image document information has a predetermined value due to the attribute information corresponding to the selected image document information stored in the attribute storage step. And a warning displaying step of displaying a warning. 11. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the image input step includes a step of inputting image document information obtained by a scanner. 12. The image processing method according to claim 10, wherein the image input step includes a step of inputting image document information expanded by an external host computer. 13. A program for causing a computer to function as a predetermined means, wherein the predetermined means converts the multi-color image information and outputs a single color, the predetermined image information does not correspond to a single color output. A program having a color space of, and a presenting means for presenting that fact. 14. A program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined step, wherein the predetermined step includes a processing step for printing out image document information of a luminance signal or a density signal, and the processing step comprises: An image input step of inputting the image document information into the memory, an output step of printing out the image document information in the memory, and at least one of input source information and color space information of the image document information in the memory. An attribute storage step of storing the document attribute information including, a single color conversion step of converting a plurality of independent luminance signals constituting the image document information to be processed into the same signal, and a user The image document information is selected, and the selected image document information is processed by the monochrome color conversion step and the output step. In the instruction step for instructing to print out in color color, and in the case where the user instructed to print out the selected image document information in single color in the instructing step, the selected image stored in the attribute storing step A program for displaying a warning according to attribute information corresponding to document information, when the input source or color space of the selected image document information has a predetermined value, a warning display step. 15. A computer-readable storage medium on which the program according to claim 13 or 14 is recorded.