JP2004297741A - Image information processing method, image information processing apparatus, image forming method, image output system, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To aim at forming a collor proof of good contrast, corresponding to the material of a printed matter,especially, difference in tingeing nature due to the kind of printing sheet. <P>SOLUTION: A correction value corresponding to quality of pater specified with a GUI means 2000 is read from a paper quality correction table 16 and corrects a color property acquired with an aquisition means 3 with the read correction value. A proof is output to a proof image output apparatus 1 based on a collor correction table of a storage means 13 created by a corrected color property. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image information processing method, an image output device control device, an image output system, and a computer program for generating a proof in which a user operates a computer to check the finish of a printed matter in advance. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for generating a proof having a high contrast by adopting a process and means for reflecting a characteristic of paper quality, for example, a material of a printed material to be printed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the field of printing, silver halide photographic materials are widely used today because of their high sensitivity, excellent color reproducibility, and suitability for continuous processing. Due to these characteristics, silver halide light-sensitive materials have been widely used not only in the field of photography but also in the field of printing, in the field of so-called proofing for checking the state of the finished printed matter in the middle of printing. ing.
[0003]
In the field of proofing, an image edited on a computer is output to a printing film, and the developed film is appropriately exposed and separated and exposed to light to produce yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). By forming an image and forming an image of the final printed matter on color photographic paper, it has been performed to determine the suitability of the layout and color of the final printed matter.
[0004]
Recently, a method of directly outputting an image edited on a computer to a printing plate has gradually become widespread. In such a case, it is desired to obtain a color image directly from the data on the computer without using a film. Had been rare.
[0005]
For this purpose, various methods such as a sublimation type / melt heat transfer method, an electrophotographic method, and an ink jet method have been tried, but a method that can obtain a high-quality image is expensive and has low productivity. However, there is a disadvantage that the image quality is inferior in the system which is low in cost and excellent in productivity. A system using a silver halide photosensitive material enables high-quality image formation, such as formation of an accurate halftone image, due to excellent sharpness and the like, while continuous processing is possible as described above. In addition, since images can be simultaneously written in a plurality of color image forming units, high productivity can be realized.
[0006]
In recent years, in the field of printing, so-called digitization has progressed, and there has been an increasing demand for obtaining images directly from data in a computer. For the reasons described above, silver halide photosensitive materials have begun to be advantageously used in this field.
[0007]
In such a method, it is possible to divide a halftone dot into smaller units (here, this is expressed as a pixel) and reproduce the halftone dot as an aggregate by exposing this pixel with an appropriate exposure amount. It is possible. As a simple example, if one halftone dot is composed of 100 pixels, halftone dots are formed by exposing 50 pixels so that halftone% can be developed. You can do it. A parameter called dot gain is used to express printing characteristics. The dot gain can be changed by changing the number of pixels that can be developed. If this pixel is present, for example, at a place where the printing yellow (Y) ink and the magenta (M) ink overlap, it is possible to reproduce this pixel by coloring it red. At this time, it is not always necessary to combine the conditions for obtaining Y and M on the proof, and it is possible to set separately (for example, a color equivalent to Y + M directly). As a result, a great advantage such as a visual adjustment of a deviation due to a difference in color material can be obtained.
[0008]
Further, in printed matter, printing using a special color ink may be performed in order to aim at a color or a special printing effect that cannot be expressed by the process ink.
[0009]
In a system that forms an area gradation image based on digital data using a silver halide photosensitive material, the density of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) can be changed by arbitrarily changing the exposure amount of each layer. , It is possible to reproduce an arbitrary color tone in a fixed color gamut determined by the color development ratio of the three color components. In other words, in addition to the 15 colors excluding white that can be expressed by a combination of the process inks yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), almost infinite color tone expression is possible. It is possible to reproduce a color tone that is close to the special color.
[0010]
In order to reproduce an arbitrary color tone such as a color tone and a special color expressed by a combination of process inks using a silver halide photosensitive material, a density at which yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are developed. It is necessary to combine the components by appropriately adjusting the amount of exposure light.
[0011]
Although a system using a silver halide photosensitive material can realize such a very useful proof system, as described above, as the number of color plates of a target print increases, How to define the conditions was a very big issue.
[0012]
Further, in a system using a silver halide photosensitive material, the same color material as that used for printing cannot be used. Therefore, in order to obtain a visually similar image, for example, a color shifted as a measurement value in the CIELAB color space is used. There were issues such as the need to adjust.
[0013]
The claims of Patent Document 1 disclose a color image proofing apparatus that adjusts the amount of transmitted light by controlling ON / OFF voltage values applied to an AOM (acousto-optic modulator), thereby adjusting the color density of a color photosensitive material. It is disclosed that this makes it possible to change the color density and the density of a blank portion, to form an image similar to printing, and to perform proofreading of special color printing. However, there is no description or suggestion of specific means such as how to determine image output conditions for the paper quality of the printed matter and the like.
[0014]
An apparatus using a silver halide photosensitive material has been proposed as a proof image forming apparatus, and it is disclosed that the density of halftone dots can be varied (Digital Consensus Pro Pamphlet, Konica Graphic Imaging Corp. (2002)). .
[0015]
The claim of Patent Literature 2 discloses an image forming method in which the density and the dot gain using a directly modulated LED as a light source are independently adjusted, and a proof image having a small difference from a printed image can be easily obtained. Is disclosed. However, there is no description or suggestion about how to adjust each color to satisfy the visual image reproducibility with respect to the paper quality and the like of the printed matter.
[0016]
The claim of Patent Document 3 discloses, as a proof image forming method for a printed material using a special color plate, a process color conversion process, a special color reference process, a special color conversion process, and a combining process of combining process color conversion image data and the special color conversion image data. Discloses an image forming method including an output process. The simplest model of how to adjust the color of the printed matter and the color of the proof is to make the density or the values of L *, a *, and b * the same for both. In addition, in a color proof using a silver halide photosensitive material, there is a problem that it is necessary to adjust a color tone due to a difference in color material from printing. Patent Document 3 does not describe such a problem and does not suggest a method for easily determining a color.
[0017]
The claim of Patent Document 4 discloses a color proofing method for performing a simulated calculation of the overprinting of each color based on the printing order and transmittance of each color in the printing press. A color proofing method having good color reproducibility is provided by taking into account the transparency of the special color ink. However, there is no suggestive description of a technology that considers the conditions such as the paper quality of the printed matter.
[0018]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-66557 [Claim]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-305701 A [Claims]
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-10-248017 [Claims]
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-11-296664 [Claims]
[0019]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Materials of printed matter, for example, paper include art paper, high-quality paper, matte paper, and the like, and the degree of the coloring property differs from one another. When high-quality paper is used as a printed matter, an image having a low finish density tends to be formed, and when a proof image of a silver halide photosensitive material is formed, an image having insufficient contrast is obtained.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image information processing method and an image information processing apparatus capable of forming a color proof having a good contrast in response to a difference in coloring property depending on a material of a printed matter, in particular, a type of printing paper. , An image forming method, an image output system, and a computer program.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes an acquiring step of obtaining color characteristics for each color of a printing target from a printed matter, and receiving the information specific to the material of the printed matter to be printed, in the acquiring step. A rendering step of correcting the acquired color characteristics, and referring to a density characteristic table of the basic color density versus the color characteristics of the proof image output device prepared in advance, the corrected color characteristics output in the rendering step are described above. A conversion step of converting the density of the basic color into a density of the basic color, a storage step of storing the density of the basic color for each of the colors converted in the conversion step as a table, and the proof image output device using the data of the table stored in the storage step. And printing the image.
[0021]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the color characteristic is L * a * b *, and the obtaining step includes setting L * a * b * for each color of the printing target. The configuration was determined by measurement.
[0022]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a step of preparing a paper quality correction table including information for specifying the paper quality of the printed matter in advance and a correction value of the lightness L * for performing correction corresponding to the paper quality. Wherein the rendering step receives the information for specifying the paper quality and refers to the paper quality correction table to correct the color characteristics including the lightness L * acquired in the acquiring step.
[0023]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the paper quality correction table includes, as at least paper quality, information for specifying each of the art paper and the high quality paper, and the corresponding information of the art paper and the high quality paper respectively. The lightness L * correction value is a value that lowers the lightness L * acquired in the acquisition step, and the degree of the decrease is the same for the art paper and the high-quality paper, or is smaller than the art paper. Fine paper is made larger.
[0024]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, there is provided a display step of displaying the information for specifying the paper quality in a selectable manner, and in the rendering step, the identification selected in the display step Information to be received.
[0025]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the density characteristic table of the color characteristics versus the basic color density of the proof image output device which is prepared in advance is used for the proof image output device to form an image. In order to determine the exposure amount of the exposure means held in the camera.
[0026]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, desired printing is performed by controlling an acquisition device capable of acquiring a color characteristic capable of specifying the color of a printed matter and a proof image output device that receives data corresponding to the density of a basic color and prints the printed matter on the printed matter. Means for storing a density characteristic table of a color characteristic versus a basic color density, which is a characteristic of the proof image output device, and receives information specific to the material of a printed material to be printed. A rendering means for modifying the color characteristics acquired by the acquisition device; and a corrected color output from the rendering means by referring to a density characteristic table of color characteristics versus basic color density stored in the storage means. Converting means for converting the characteristic into the density of the basic color; and the density of the basic color for each of the colors converted by the converting means as a table. And means for storing in order to print the output to that provided with.
[0027]
The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming method for forming an area gradation image by using halftone dots as an aggregate of a plurality of pixels, wherein a density-light amount characteristic of a basic color for performing exposure of a proof image output device in advance. A preparatory step for acquiring the color characteristics of the color of the target print, and a rendering for receiving the information specific to the material of the print to be printed and correcting the color characteristics acquired in the acquisition step. Converting a corrected color characteristic output from the rendering step into a density of the basic color; outputting pixel information for identifying a pixel; and outputting the density information based on the image information. A step of calculating the density obtained in the conversion step into a light amount in pixel units with reference to the light amount characteristics, and printing by controlling the exposure amount in pixel units.
[0028]
The invention according to claim 9 is an image output system for forming an area gradation image by using a halftone dot as an aggregate of a plurality of pixels, wherein a density-light amount characteristic of a basic color for performing exposure of a proof image output device in advance. Storage means for storing the color characteristics of the color of the target printed matter, a rendering means for receiving the information specific to the material of the printed matter to be printed, and correcting the color characteristics acquired by the acquiring means. Converting means for converting the corrected color characteristic output by the rendering means into the density of the basic color; converting means for obtaining the density of the basic color corresponding to the color characteristic based on the color characteristic; A pixel generation unit that outputs pixel information; anda calculation unit that calculates the density obtained by the conversion unit into a light amount in pixel units with reference to the density vs. light amount characteristic based on the pixel information. single And configured to print by controlling the amount of exposure in.
[0029]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a computer controls an acquisition device capable of acquiring a color characteristic that can specify a color of a printed matter, and a proof image output device that receives data corresponding to the density of a basic color and prints the printed matter on the printed matter. A computer program for performing printing of the proof image output device, the computer stores a color characteristic vs. a density characteristic table of a basic color which is a characteristic of the proof image output device. In order to change the color characteristics, material-specific information of a printed material to be printed is visually displayed so that input operation is possible, and the material-specific information input by the input operation is received, and the information is acquired by the acquisition device. Rendering for correcting the corrected color characteristic, and referring to the density characteristic table, the color characteristic corrected by the rendering is converted into the density of the basic color. It was converted, the density data of the converted base color has a configuration to be stored in order to send to the proof image output apparatus.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First, in order to deepen the understanding, terms according to the present invention and techniques related to the terms will be described.
[0031]
[Explanation of terms and involved technologies]
(1) Notation of color The notation of the color of the printing ink used in the description in this specification follows FIG.
{Circle around (2)} Forming a halftone dot image (color, special color) Although briefly described in the related art, it will be additionally described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a halftone dot in a digital color proof. As shown in FIG. 1, an image is divided into pixels (represented by a circle in the figure), and a halftone dot is represented as an aggregate of the pixels. At this time, the overlapping portions of the halftone dots share the pixels. For example, in FIG. 1, Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) halftone dots are used as the basic colors. Therefore, the pixels shared (overlapping) by the halftone dots of Y and M are Pixels shared by red and Y halftone dots and C halftone dots are represented by green, and pixels shared by Y, M and C halftone dots are represented by black. In this way, an area gradation is generated by a group of pixels.
[0032]
Further, depending on the printed matter, a special color other than YMC or YMCK, a so-called “special color” may be used. This special color ink plate is called a “special color plate”. As the special color ink, various inks such as gold, silver or other metallic color inks are used in addition to green and orange inks. Further, the density of the special color ink is not constant, and the density may be controlled by mixing a material such as a medium for lightening the color. In some cases, a mixture of glitter and gold powder may be used. The special color plate is often used when reproducing an image component such as a logo which is designated as a special color in advance, or when it is desired to enhance color reproducibility of a color image by printing with a special color ink. Although not shown in FIG. 1, when there is a dot of the special color plate, this can be expressed by adjusting the color of the corresponding pixel to a color approximate to the special color. Can be expressed by adjusting the colors shared by the plates to colors that take into account the order of overprinting, the colors of the individual plates, and the characteristics of each ink (transparency, ease of ink application, etc.).
[0033]
3. Target print and measurement (acquisition of color data)
In order to determine image forming (printing) conditions, it is necessary to examine how each color is reproduced in an actual printed matter. For this reason, it is necessary to acquire basic data for printed matter using an ink used in actual printing and a proof image output device. In the present invention, this is called a target print. By doing so, it is possible to accurately determine the conditions necessary for color reproduction. Therefore, the target printed material preferably includes at least printed materials using the Y, M, C, and K process inks, and further preferably includes an overprint color in which K and Y overlap. In printing including a special color, it is preferable to include a printed material with the special color ink in addition to a printed material with the process ink, and it is preferable to include a printed material in which the process ink of the special color ink is overprinted. In terms of color reproduction accuracy, it is preferable that the number of printed materials is large, but the load of measurement is also increased.
[0034]
Further, even if the present invention states that the target printed matter is measured, even if the object can be achieved by reading data from an appropriate medium, such as when using the same ink as the previously measured ink. Describes the measurement as including this. In addition, it is also possible to substitute representative ink data in relation to the required accuracy, and it is described that measurement is performed in such cases.
[0035]
{Circle around (4)} Measurement of density, L * a * b * and color The density here mainly means optical density, but can be replaced by another quantity having substantially the same meaning. . For example, L *, a *, b *, and the like in the CIELAB color space can be given as representative values that can be converted. In addition, coordinate values in the CIELV color space and the XYZ color space can be preferably used. The CIELAB color space refers to CIE 1976 (L * a * b * color space), and how to obtain the coordinates is described in JIS Z 8729-1994. Here, L * a * b * is referred to as “characteristic” of the color in the present invention. ). L * represents lightness, and hue and saturation are represented by a combination of a * and b *.
[0036]
[Schematic description of overall configuration]
FIG. 2 shows an example of the overall configuration of an image output system necessary for carrying out the invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the image information processing apparatus 100 which is a main configuration of the present invention in FIG. 2, and the main parts denoted by reference numerals 6 to 16 in FIG. . FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a schematic operation flow of the configuration of FIG. First, a schematic overall configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0037]
In FIG. 2, a proof image output apparatus 1 temporarily stores data and sets a buffer for adjusting recording timing and a printing medium (for example, a photosensitive material) for each pixel by reflecting conditions such as ink and printing paper. There is provided an exposure means for obtaining a desired proof by performing exposure, a drum for transporting a photosensitive material, and a control means for controlling these means under necessary conditions. Further, the exposure unit includes various light sources (laser or light emitting diode (LED)), a unit for adjusting the amount of light from the light source, and scanning the light from the light source in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction to a predetermined position on the photosensitive material. Scanning means for printing. The control means includes a CPU (computer) and an image output program for controlling each part, a memory for storing the image output control program and data for exposure, and the like. It is functioning.
[0038]
Note that the exposure means (details are described in the section of “Exposure Means” below) determines the light amount of each light source from the input density data and performs exposure, so the image information processing apparatus 100 in FIG. Data corresponding to the characteristic (hereinafter referred to as a characteristic file of the exposure means to be referred to when generating the data corresponding to the exposure means). ).)). This point is important, and will be described later in the section "Generation of density characteristic file".
[0039]
The measurement device 3 is a measurement device (acquisition device) that measures to acquire the characteristics of each color of the target print 2. The characteristics of each color include density, but in this example, L *, a *, and b * in the CEILAB color space are measured and output. Here, if not distinguished, the characteristics of each color may be collectively referred to as L *, a *, and b *.
[0040]
The image information processing apparatus 100 has a GUI 200 (Graphical User Interface means: see FIG. 3), also serves as an overall control, and outputs measurement data L * a * b * for each color from the measurement apparatus 3 to the rendering means 10 The correction calculation is performed according to the material of the printed matter, for example, the quality of the paper. The corrected L *, a *, and b * are converted into basic colors, that is, Y, C, and M densities in this example, with reference to the data of the density characteristic file, to obtain a color correction table. And outputs the data of the color correction table to the proof image output device 1.
[0041]
The hardware configuration of the image information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 100a and a memory 100b. In the memory 100b, a GUI program (called a graphic user interface, a program that allows easy visual input operation) for the operator to visually operate the operation unit 5 while looking at the display unit 4 In addition, a control program for exchanging information with the measurement device 3 and the proof image output device 1 inside the image information processing apparatus 100 is provided so as to be executable by the CPU 100a. Note that the image information processing apparatus 100 may be a general computer or may be housed in the same housing as the proof image output apparatus, and can be implemented by installing the program including the GUI and the control. ing. (Details of each unit are described in [Example 1].)
[0042]
[Explanation of Exposure Means] (In this column, those having no names are not shown.)
Receiving the halftone dot image data representing the respective intensities (density or light amount corresponding to the density: exposure energy) of each of Y, M and C (or YMCBK) generated by the image information processing apparatus 100, and stores the data in a temporary buffer. , Read out with a dot clock, and emit light sources, for example, green laser light source, red laser light source, and infrared laser light source corresponding to the intensity of Y, M, and C of the blind spot image data, and emit light, And / or exposing an image having a color corresponding to the color of the printing paper (for example, a white background).
[0043]
The exposure controller (which is calibrated by the CPU and the program) emits light from the optical system including the light source based on the count of the pulse signal encoded by the sensors detecting the position of the front end position of the photosensitive material on the drum. It is controlled so that the image recording area of the photosensitive material is located at the irradiation position of the light to be irradiated. Then, an image output (exposure) of a halftone image is performed on the photosensitive material held on the drum.
[0044]
Explaining an example using a silver halide photosensitive material, image data (density data) is finally converted into exposure data for each pixel, and transferred to exposure means for image exposure. FIG. 13 shows a flow of data transfer from the image data to the exposure means.
[0045]
FIG. 12 shows an example of data in a process of converting image data (density data) into exposure data used for image output performed in the image information processing method, the image information processing apparatus, the image output system, and the program according to the present invention. Was. These can be arbitrarily divided and integrated within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention, and different amounts (for example, those expressed as density values are expressed by L *, a *, b *, etc.) May be expressed as
[0046]
Here, FIG. 12 (consisting of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, FIG. 12A includes FIGS. 12 (a), (b) and (c), and FIG. 12B corresponds to FIGS. 12 (d), (e) and (f). ) And (g), which will be described below in the form of FIG. 12 ().) And FIG. 13, a method of obtaining the exposure amount for each pixel will be described. First, the number (counter: i) of a pixel from which data is read is set to 1 (S21 in FIG. 13), and image data indicating whether there is Y, M, C, K, and a special color in pixel 1 is shown in FIG. Read as in a) (S22). Next, the color of the pixel is determined by combining which color is being developed (S23). This is accomplished by referencing a table. For example, in the pixel 1 in FIG. 12 (a), only Y is colored. Therefore, in the column where only Y is 1 in the discrimination table of FIG. 12 (b), the pixel color is Y. It is determined (FIG. 12C). In the pixel 3, since Y and M are colored, the color of the pixel is R. Similarly, the color of the pixel 4 is also K because only K is colored, and the color of the pixel 5 is K + M, which is an overprint color, since the pixel 5 is colored by K and M. By such conversion, pixel-by-pixel image data is created as shown in FIG. Next, an exposure amount to be given to each of the Y, M, and C image forming layers in order to create this color is read from a table (S24 in FIG. 13), and the exposure amount given to each layer is arranged for each pixel as image data. This data is transferred to the proof image output device 1 (exposure means) (S25 in FIG. 13).
[0047]
A specific flow of this operation will be described with an example in which the characteristics of a silver halide photosensitive material are represented by an analytical density (integrated by multiplying by 100). Analytical density of each layer is determined from the pixel color with reference to the density table of each photosensitive layer for each color with reference to FIG. 12D (color correction table: density values are coded here). In this example, in FIG. 12D, it can be seen that pixel 1 develops only Y at level 1 (analytical density 110). Based on this, it can be seen from the photosensitive material characteristic table of FIG. 12F that the exposure amount of Y is level (n-4). Similarly, the exposure level for M and C can be determined. In this way, the exposure data for each pixel shown in FIG.
[0048]
When the processing for each pixel is completed, the counter is incremented by 1 and the processing for the next pixel is performed. Hereinafter, this process is repeated to create exposure amount data for each pixel. The timing of data transfer to the image output means may be performed in pixel units, at the time when data processing required for one main scan is completed, or at the time when all data processing is completed. Good. The image output means converts this data into a signal for controlling the device as necessary, and performs exposure.
[0049]
The proof image output device 1 performs exposure by converting the exposure amount data for each pixel into a drive signal of an exposure unit as necessary. The process of converting the exposure signal into a drive signal may be included in the image information processing apparatus 100. In the proof image output device 1, the exposure timing may be adjusted using a data buffer as needed.
[0050]
The data structure assumed at this time is shown in FIG. It is assumed that the image data has only data on whether or not each color is colored in the order of pixels. The color of the pixel is determined by referring to the table from the pattern of the combination of Y, M, C, K and the presence / absence of the spot color. Next, the exposure amount to be given to each layer is determined with reference to the table of the pixel colors and the exposure amounts of the Y, M, and C image forming layers. Separating the place where the color of the pixel is determined and the place where the amount of exposure of each image forming layer is determined from the color of the pixel is such that, for example, R can be set independently of simple addition of Y and M of a single color. It may be expressed by simple addition according to the required specification. By being able to set independently, an image closer to printing can be obtained, and an image in the case of printing in two colors of green and red using two image data can be obtained. It can be used for checking, and a highly useful system can be realized.
[0051]
Although the above description has described a case where the number of exposure devices is one, if the number of exposure devices is ten in the sub-scanning direction, pixels 1 to 10 represent pixels arranged in the sub-scanning direction, Data that is shifted by one pixel in the main scanning direction may be read as being represented by pixels 11 to 20.
[0052]
[Printing Conditions in Examples]
Here, the printing conditions and the like of the embodiment to be described below are shown in advance. The outline of the conditions is as follows: the target color is S1 (transparent light green ink having a large content of medium) and the target color is S2 (metal silver ink having a low transparency). However, in this example, the detailed conditions are as follows.
・ Process ink: Space color Varius G, manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.
-Special color ink color S1: 75.1% of F gloss medium manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc., 21.8% of green for color guide, 3.1% of FG45 transparent yellow 3.1% DIC No. Fifteen
-Special color ink color S2: Nippon Ink Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. NCP Silver (silver) DIC No. 621
Transparent component: coloring component S1 75.1: 24.9 S2 0: 100
・ Printing order: K → C → M → Y → S1 → S2
・ Printing machine: Roland R704
・ Paper: Toshibishi Art 110kg / 46 size KPG Thermal CTP Plate TP-R manufactured by Mitsubishi Paper Mills, Ltd.
Screen: 175 line chain dot Target density value (DIN-NB): Y = 1.1, M = 1.5, C = 1.5, K = 1.8
・ Target dot gain: 17% (50% part)
Measurement conditions: The target printed matter was placed on a table with two 110 kg of Toshibishi art placed on top of each other, and the L * a * b * values were measured using a X-Rite 528 densitometer as the measuring device 3.
Preparation of target printed matter: A printed matter overprinted with each ink alone and in various combinations of a total of six plates including two special color plates was prepared.
[0053]
[Generation of density characteristic file]
The density characteristic file needs to be generated and prepared in advance as described above. In other words, the relationship between the combination of the amounts of cyan, magenta, and yellow coloring of the silver halide photosensitive material prepared in advance, and the relationship between the density expressed by the combination and the color characteristic L * a * b * (also called color tone). It is necessary to use a table (density characteristic file). The density characteristic file is created by using a light source having a different wavelength based on digital data, performing image exposure by arbitrarily changing the amount of light, and forming a silver halide emulsion layer capable of developing cyan, magenta, and yellow. This can be achieved by preparing a combination in which a silver photosensitive material is arbitrarily colored, and measuring the density or color tone thereof so as to correspond to the color correction. Also, the intermediate area can be set by complementing the data without creating a combination of all the color corrections of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
[0054]
[Silver halide photosensitive material and development processing]
As the silver halide photosensitive material, the silver halide photosensitive material No. 1 described in Example 1 of JP-A-2002-341470 is used. 101, the B, G, and R light sources are independently illuminated by changing the light emission intensity by the above-described exposure means (exposure head), and after exposure, the development described in Example 1 of JP-A-2002-341470. Processing was performed. The Y, C, and M status T densities of this sample were measured, and a light-sensitive material characteristic table showing the correspondence between light intensity and color density was obtained. FIG. 5 shows the results. The light amount value is shown as a relative value with the maximum light amount being 4000.
[0055]
[Sensitive material property table]
The photosensitive material (photosensitive material) characteristic table is a table corresponding to a characteristic curve well known in the photographic industry, and represents a relationship between a density and an exposure amount necessary for obtaining the density. To create the photosensitive material characteristic table, exposure is performed by continuously or intermittently changing the exposure amount from low exposure amount to high exposure amount, and the density of the image generated through development processing is measured, exposure amount and color development It is obtained by associating the relationship of the density.
[0056]
For example, if the relationship between energy and density required for image formation is created in all combinations where the energy is changed at arbitrary intervals, a color patch is created, and the measurement results are used as a database. Then, the energy to be given to each layer can be obtained by referring to this database. However, in this case, in order to improve the accuracy, it is necessary to perform an enormous amount of measurement and create a database, and to change the characteristics of the photosensitive material (in addition to the variation due to manufacturing variations of the photosensitive material, the performance of the processing solution, and the like). (Which fluctuates due to change) is required separately. On the other hand, the method using the photosensitive material characteristic table is preferable because the table can be rewritten to absorb the fluctuation.
[0057]
[Density characteristic file]
With reference to the above-described light-sensitive material characteristic table, 15 × 19 × 19 colors, and a total of 5415 colors can be obtained by combining the light amounts of B, G, and R for developing the respective densities of C, M, and Y shown in FIG. The patches were output, and the L *, a *, b * and status T, Y, M, C densities were measured. Next, L *, a *, and b * of the color patches, the Y density of the Y patch colored only with the B light given at the time of creating the patch, and the C density of the C patch colored only with the G light The density characteristic file was created by determining the M density of the M patch developed only with the R light and creating a table corresponding to these three amounts. Although illustration is omitted because the data of 5415 colors is enormous, the color is represented by the parameters of L *, a *, and b * in the three-dimensional coordinates of the density of Y, M, and C as shown in FIG. Be identified.
[0058]
The density characteristic file created in this way is stored in the storage unit 13 shown in FIG. 3, which is a configuration of the present invention. It is desirable to create the density characteristic file by measuring all colors, but it is also possible to measure 18 colors, 6 colors, etc., and then calculate the fuzzy state of the special color (described in a second embodiment described later). ).
[0059]
[Color Correction Table]
As described above, in a digital color proof, an image is decomposed into pixels, and a halftone dot is reproduced as an aggregate of the pixels. For this reason, when the color of a pixel is determined as image data, this color is specifically defined. That is, even if the image data is red, it is necessary to specify whether the image data is dark red, pale red, purple-red or yellow-red.
[0060]
The number of colors defined in the color correction table is determined by the number of inks used in printing, the required reproduction accuracy, and the like. For example, the combination of process inks Y, M, C, K and two special colors, K, Y, Taking into account the combination of M and C, there are 16 colors including the portion without ink (white: W), and 64 colors when considering the overlap of this and two special colors.
[0061]
Next, a method of creating a color correction table will be described. One method is to prepare a printed material in which inks corresponding to the above combinations are overprinted, and measure this. Although this is ideal, it is necessary to make corrections due to differences in color materials as described above, and the number of types of special color inks is very large, and the finish varies greatly depending on the type of printing paper. For this reason, since it is practically impossible to obtain accurate data in all cases, it is preferable to obtain the data from a small number of data by some arithmetic means.
[0062]
[Explanation of analytical concentration]
Analytical density is a concept of density that is often used in the field of photography. When Y, M, and C dyes are formed in an arbitrary amount, and when only the Y dye is formed in the same amount, the B density is analyzed analytically. The G density when only the M dye is colored in the same amount is called the analytical G density, and the R density when only the C dye is colored in the same amount is called the analytical R density. Analytical concentration is a conceptual quantity, but can also be determined by calculation. For analytical concentrations, see T.W. H. James, Ed., The Theory of The Photographic Process, Macmillan, New York, p. 524-529 (1977), which can be determined with reference to this. A useful embodiment of the present invention is a system using a silver halide photosensitive material having a reflective support. In this case, it is preferable that the analytical density is also represented as the reflection density. Here, the amount called the analytical concentration may be a numerical value converted from the original analytical concentration. As for the handling of numerical values, it is preferable to multiply the analytical concentration by 100 and convert it to an integer, because it is easier to handle.
[0063]
[Advantages of Combining Color Correction Table and Sensitive Material Property Data]
As a method of determining the conditions under which the pixels can be created, for example, the relationship between the energy required for image formation and the density, a color patch is created with all combinations of the energy changed at arbitrary intervals, and If an arbitrary color is given by using the measured result as a database, the energy to be given to each layer can be obtained by referring to this database. However, in this case, in order to improve the accuracy, it is necessary to perform an enormous amount of measurements and create a database. On the other hand, in the method of expressing by the analytical density, by determining the relationship between the energy applied to each of the Y, M, and C layers and the color density, it is possible to accurately obtain the necessary energy with a small amount of data. There is an advantage that it is easy to respond to the change of the color material of the photosensitive material or the like.
[0064]
More importantly, in the proof image output apparatus 1, the exposure means, particularly, the density and characteristics of the color development which fluctuate from the reference conditions due to fluctuations in the exposure amount due to the environment and fluctuations in the activity of the development processing over time, etc. (Color tone) may be shifted. In preparation for this case, in the present invention, the density and characteristics (color tone) of the generated image are measured, the density difference and the color difference from the expected value are calculated from the measured value, and the deviation amount from the expected value is calculated. In addition, there is provided a method and means capable of feeding back the deviation to the exposure amount and performing correction.
[0065]
[Example 1: Description of detailed configuration and operation of the present invention] (Example of all-color measurement)
This will be described with reference to FIGS.
3, the display unit 4, the operation unit 5, the panel control unit 6, and the display information storage unit 7 constitute a GUI 200. The panel control means 6 reads the display information stored in the display information means 7 in advance in accordance with the key set by the power supply or the operation means 5 and causes the display means 4 to display the screen. The operator looks at the display means 4 and can visually perform selection, setting, and input operations with the operation means 5 using a marker or the like. Hereinafter, it is assumed that selection, setting, and input operations are performed by operating means.
[0066]
When the power is turned on, the panel control means 6 reads the main screen of FIG. 11A from the display information storage means 7 and displays it (Step S1: FIG. 4; When the operator selects the setting (1) in FIG. 11A, the measurement screen in FIG. 11B is displayed. Here, a color patch (sample), special color, and ink setting screen appears. However, in this example, since all colors are measured unless a specific instruction is given, the description will be made as is with all colors. Note that the data at the top of the screen in FIG. 11B displays the characteristic values of Y, M, and C densities, L *, a *, and b * for the measured color after measurement.
[0067]
The control unit 8 that has received the measurement instruction from the panel control unit 6 controls the measurement device 1 (corresponding to the acquisition device or the acquisition unit or the measurement unit in the claims) to obtain L * for all colors of the target print. , A * and b * are measured (S2 in FIG. 4). It is desirable to set the measurement calibration of FIG. 11B and calibrate the measurement device before measurement. In FIG. 3, when the undercolor of the overprint is not emphasized or the ink setting is not adjusted in the all-color measurement, the processing directly enters the rendering unit 10. The parameter calculation means 9) in FIG. 3 will be described later.
[0068]
(Rendering means 10 and its screen)
In the correction by the rendering means 10, correction based on the material of the printed matter, for example, the paper quality of the printing paper, correction of a preferable color tone based on the density range, and the like are performed. For example, when a proof image is formed using a silver halide photosensitive material having a silver halide emulsion layer capable of developing cyan, magenta, and yellow with respect to a target printed matter, there are differences in the properties of the colorants and the paper used. Due to such factors, it may not always be optimal for visual similarity to match the same density and color tone. The rendering unit 10 is a unit for adjusting the difference between the sheets and the like. As the paper, art paper, coated paper, mat paper, high quality paper, color high quality paper, and the like can be set.
[0069]
Since the screen shown in FIG. 11G is read out and displayed on the GUI 200, the operator can make adjustments and settings while viewing the screen. For example, when the art paper is selected on the screen of FIG. 11G, the control unit 8 reads the correction value of the art paper from the paper quality correction table 16 and causes the rendering unit 10 to output the correction value. The rendering means 10 corrects the L *, a *, and b * measured by the measuring device 3 or calculated by the nose calculating means 9 with the correction value of the art paper from the paper quality correction table 16 to convert the rendering means 11. Send to (S5-YES, S5a, S5b in FIG. 4).
[0070]
FIG. 9 shows an example of the paper quality correction table 16. FIG. 9 is an example of only art paper, high-quality paper, and lightness L *, but the invention is not limited thereto. However, the use of only the lightness L * is for the purpose of correcting the contrast caused by the difference in the coloring property due to the difference in the paper quality, so that the lightness L * alone is often sufficient. The correction values shown in FIG. 9 are obtained as follows (a detailed example is shown in Example 2 described later).
ΔL * = L * m1-L * m2
L * m1: L * value of solid (100% net) of target printed matter L * m2: L * value of solid (100% net) of proof output, estimated by empirical rules.
In FIG. 9 as a result, it can be seen that, in terms of contrast, it is necessary to subtract a value equal to or larger than that of the art paper from the measured value for the high quality paper.
[0071]
Next, setting of paper and the like will be described.
Although the setting of the printing paper can be set on the screen of FIG. 11G, a printed material using high quality paper or the like as the printing paper has a low finish density and a relatively thin image is formed. In this case, in a proof of a silver halide light-sensitive material, an image approximated by numerical values of density and color tone may be an image having insufficient contrast. In that case, an adjustment is made to increase the contrast in the “rendering setting” screen FIG. 11G. Similarly, regarding the character quality of the K (black, black) color on the printed matter printed on the high quality paper, the area where the black plate image exists, that is, the contrast between the black color and the overprinted part, for the purpose of improving visibility. Performing an operation for increasing the density is a low density correction in the “rendering setting” screen FIG. 11G. In addition, it has a setting screen that can adjust the density of black independently.
[0072]
In many cases, almost desired results can be obtained by dividing the printing paper into three stages, that is, a group of art paper, a group of coated paper, a group of matte paper, and a group of high-quality paper. It is preferable to change the correction level according to the degree of coloring even for printing paper classified as the same high quality paper.
[0073]
Further, the transfer amount of the superimposed color ink on the printing paper or the transferred ink varies depending on the proof image output device 1, the ink, the printing conditions, and the like. Adjusting the calculation of the coloring amount according to the trapping amount indicating the magnitude of the contribution of the superimposed color is the trapping correction in the “rendering setting” screen FIG. 11G.
[0074]
The conversion unit 11 reads out the density characteristic file (S100 in FIG. 4) stored previously from the storage unit 13, and corrects the density characteristic file in the coordinate space of the density characteristic file, that is, by the rendering unit 10 as shown in FIG. The obtained L *, a *, and b * are applied, and converted into the densities Dy, Dm, and Dc decomposed into Y, M, and C corresponding to the corrected L *, a *, and b * (S6 in FIG. 4). If the corrected L *, a *, b * do not match the L *, a *, b * of the density characteristic file, the density characteristic closest to the corrected L *, a *, b * Dy, Dm, and Dc may be determined by using the values of L *, a *, and b * of the file instead. Further, it can be obtained by calculating from a plurality of data close to L *, a *, b * of the corrected target print. As a specific method, there is a method of determining how changes in L *, a *, and b * affect Dy, Dm, and Dc by multiple regression, and estimating from the results. Through the conversion means 11, a prototype of the color correction table is completed.
[0075]
The machine difference correction unit 12 corrects the density due to the variation in the characteristics of the exposure unit based on the machine difference data (S200 in FIG. 4) stored in advance. When an LED is used as an exposure device, as described in JP-A-2002-72367, there is a phenomenon in which the maximum emission wavelength shifts due to a drive current, and this characteristic varies depending on the device, and the device emits light even when the same drive current flows. The amount fluctuates. Collectively treating these characteristics as machine differences is advantageous from the viewpoint of simplification of the mechanism.
[0076]
In the same way as in the preparation of the photosensitive material characteristic table, the machine difference data is used to perform development processing after exposing the photosensitive material with a specified exposure amount, measure the density of the obtained patch, and evaluate the density with the reference machine. A table can be created to correspond to the density (or the difference).
[0077]
The numerical values in the respective columns of the color correction table created by the conversion means 11 are corrected for machine differences by the machine difference correction means 12, and the color correction table is completed.
[0078]
The storage unit 13 stores the color correction table in which the machine difference has been corrected by the machine difference correction unit 12, and supplies the color correction table to the output of the next proof image (S8 in FIG. 4). FIG. 8 shows an example of a color correction table created by measuring all colors in this way. In addition, the storage unit 13 stores machine difference correction data, a density characteristic file, and the like, and may be configured by one memory or a plurality of memories.
[0079]
The data of the color correction table may be transferred to the proof image output device 1 together with the image data from the halftone data generation unit 15, or may be transferred in advance and stored in the proof image output device 1. .
[0080]
Since the halftone dot data generation unit 15 forms a halftone dot and forms an image with a plurality of pixels within the area of the halftone dot as described above, the halftone dot and pixel data (information for identifying the coordinate position) The control unit 8 controls each unit, and as a result, the color correction for determining and controlling the exposure means for each halftone dot and each pixel. A table is created (when the density is converted into a light amount according to the characteristics of the photosensitive material, a table in which the light amount is determined for each pixel is created).
[0081]
(Nose calculation means 9 and its screen)
There are two ways to use spot colors. When a special color ink image is overprinted on a process ink image (this may be called a "noise"), the process ink image is eliminated and only the special color image is printed. (This may be called a nuki). In the case of non-colored ink, it is sufficient to consider the color of the special color ink, but in the case of loose, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the ink.
[0082]
The parameter (nose) calculating means 9 (hereinafter referred to as nose calculating means 9) in the above description is used for this nose as follows.
(A) Used when calculating L *, a *, and b * for colors not measured by the measuring device 3 by calculation. In FIG. 4, the condition is specified on the display screen, and the nose operation is performed by the nose operation means 9 (S3b in FIG. 4).
[0083]
(B) In light of the proof purpose of estimating the finish of printing, firstly, it is desired that the finish be similar to printing. However, when ink with low transparency is overprinted on top, it may be advantageous to use a proof that is reproduced with high transparency because it makes it easier to determine the status of the underlying image. In other words, in the case where the undercolor is visually specified and operable by designating the undercolor for overprinting and the plate inspection is enabled as a result (S4-YES, S4a in FIG. 4), the GUI 200 shown in FIG. 11C is used. By reading the screen and selecting the color of the fog (lower color), it is possible to adjust the densities Dy, Dm, and Dc in the upper right of the screen as shown in the lower row. The designation is hidden on the screen of FIG. 11C, but can be adjusted by the operator by designating L *, a *, and b *. The designated L *, a *, and b * are added and subtracted together with the measured values by the parameter calculation means 9 (S4b in FIG. 4) and sent to the rendering means 10.
[0084]
(C) In calculating the reproduced color in the case of Nose, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the ink. The main characteristic is the transparency of the ink, which is mainly determined by the overprinted ink (this is sometimes called the upper color), and the ink below the final color (this is sometimes called the lower color) ) Represents the magnitude of the contribution. Another important characteristic is the trapping rate, which depends on the combination of the upper and lower color inks and the printing order of the printing plate, and indicates the magnitude of the contribution of the upper color ink to the final color. It is preferable to consider other factors because the accuracy can be further improved, but it is preferable that the above two factors are considered when the effect is small and the work load is considered.
[0085]
The function is adjusted by reflecting these factors. This function causes the screen of FIG. 11B or the screen of FIG. 11F to be output on the GUI 200, and the setting and adjustment are performed while viewing the screen. The Nose calculating means 9 calculates based on the set conditions and sends it to the rendering means 10 (S4-YES, S4a, 4b in FIG. 4).
[0086]
(Single color edit and edit means 14)
The editing means 14 in FIG. 3 is a function for finely adjusting the data of the color connection table individually. This is effective when readjusting a printed output (S10 and S12 in FIG. 4). A color to be adjusted is selected in a pull-down menu on the main screen in FIG. 11A and in FIG. 11D. On the screen of FIG. 11D, the target color tone of the printed matter, the color tone of the proof generated by the color correction set by calculation, and the color tone simulating the color tone fluctuating when the color correction is adjusted therefrom Is displayed on the display means 4. The color tone is adjusted with the adjustment buttons on the screen while referring to the color tone, the output sample, and the target print. The color correction table is calculated based on the adjusted conditions, and after the calculation, recalculation is performed using this value (simulation calculation) and displayed (S12 in FIG. 4).
[0087]
(Measurement feedback)
The color after the proof is output is re-measured, and the color correction table is fed back to the proof image output device 1 based on the measured value, and re-outputted to confirm (or confirm and shift). This function is used for fine adjustment if any), and can be executed and operated on the screen (sub-screen of the measurement screen) in FIG. 11H. This is mainly performed by the control unit 8.
[0088]
The color designated on the screen of FIG. 11H is selected from the proof image, and the density and the like are input. Calculate the density difference or color difference between the measured value and the calculated color, calculate the deviation in the software, calculate the difference between the color correction values, and correct the difference. Re-output the collection table.
[0089]
[Example 2: Example of rendering]
(Method of implementation)
(1) On printing machine A, halftone images of process four colors were applied to art paper manufactured by Mitsubishi Paper Mills Co., Ltd., Toshibishi art paper (a), and high-quality paper manufactured by Daishowa Paper, Shiorai (b), respectively. The chart was printed to obtain target prints (A-I) and (A-B) shown in FIG. 10A. The image chart includes a total of 15 color patches obtained by multiplying the four process colors.
(2) In the printing machine B, (1) the same printing was performed on the same printing paper to obtain the target prints (B-i) and (B-b) shown in FIG. 10A.
(3) The target information (A-a) and (A-b) are printed by the image information processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention so that the color tone (L *, a *, b *) is approximated to 15 colors. The color correction table was adjusted and output by the proof image output device 1 was performed to obtain proof output products (A-I) and (A-B).
(4) The target prints (A-i) and (A-b) and the proof output products (A-i) and (A-b) are printed with the density (Dy, Dm, Dc) and density for each of the 15 color patches. The color tone (L *, a *, b *) is compared, and the density difference (ΔDy, ΔDm, ΔDc) and the color tone difference (ΔL *, Δa *, Δb) of each color are compared between the target print product and the proof output product of the printing machine A. *).
(5) The 15 color correction tables of the target prints (B-a) and (B-b) have the same density difference (ΔDy, ΔDm, ΔDc) of each color in the printing machine A obtained in (4). The proof output products (B-A) / ΔDymc and (B-B) / ΔDymc were created from the adjusted color correction table by rendering.
(6) Further, the color correction tables of the 15 colors of the target prints (B-a) and (B-b) are obtained by comparing the color tone differences (ΔL *, Δa *, Δa *, Δb *) was adjusted by rendering so that the proof output products (B−i) / ΔLab and (B−b) / ΔLab were created using the adjusted color correction table.
[0090]
(Evaluation)
FIG. 10B shows the results obtained in (5) and (6) and their evaluation. The evaluation in FIG. 10B includes the proof output products (B−A) / ΔDymc and (B−B) / ΔDymc or (B−A) / ΔLab and (B−B) / ΔLab, and the target print (B−A) and (B-b) is visually compared, and the approximation of the color tone by visual observation is divided into three stages: 〇 (approximately), △ (approximately approximate), and × (not approximate). This is a display.
[0091]
According to FIG. 10B, it is more appropriate to correct or adjust the color correction table based on the paper quality by performing the color characteristics (color tone) (L *, a *, b *) than by performing the density (Dy, Dm, Dc). You can see that there is. In other words, it can be said that the brightness L * and the like can be corrected closer to the visual sense than the density.
[0092]
The paper quality correction table 16 in FIG. 9 is created in this way (particularly in (4) above), and represents the color tone difference for high quality paper and the color tone difference for art paper. When the paper type (paper quality) is selected, the rendering means 10 automatically accesses the paper quality correction table 16 and adds the color tone difference ΔL * of the selected paper quality to the measured L * (ΔL * is -If it is subtracted). Although the paper quality correction table 16 shows only the difference of the brightness L *, the configuration is such that the difference of a * and b * can also be set.
[0093]
[Embodiment 3: Another rendering embodiment]
To confirm the results of Example 2 above, target prints were created using OK Kanto N manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd. as art paper and Kinishi manufactured by Mitsubishi Paper Mills as high quality paper, and the color of 15 colors of Procel was prepared. The patch characteristics L *, a *, and b * were measured, and a color correction table in which the measured values and the values selected from the paper quality correction table 16 in FIG. . The color approximation of the obtained proof output to the target print was good for each color.
[0094]
The technology in the above description is limited, and the equivalent scope thereof is not limited to the described technology but belongs to the technical idea of the present invention.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the effect of forming a color proof with good contrast in response to the difference in coloring properties depending on the material of the printed matter, particularly, the type of printing paper, by the above-described configuration, particularly the rendering means.
[0096]
In addition, since the rendering is automatically performed by selectively designating the paper quality from the screen display, there is an effect that a color proof with good contrast can be easily obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining halftone dots and pixels in an image.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the functional configuration of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photosensitive material (photosensitive material) characteristic table.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a density characteristic file.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a combination of a light amount and a density.
FIG. 8 is a color correction table created by measuring all colors in Example 1.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper quality correction table 16;
FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining conditions and results of Example 2.
FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining conditions and results of Example 2.
FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a screen example by a GUI.
FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a screen example by a GUI.
FIG. 11C is a diagram showing an example of a screen by a GUI.
FIG. 11D is a diagram showing an example of a screen by a GUI.
FIG. 11E is a diagram showing an example of a screen by a GUI.
FIG. 11F is a diagram showing a screen example by the GUI.
FIG. 11G is a diagram showing an example of a screen by a GUI.
FIG. 11H is a diagram showing a screen example by a GUI.
FIG. 12A is a diagram for explaining conversion into an exposure amount for each pixel;
FIG. 12B is a diagram for explaining conversion into an exposure amount for each pixel;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of conversion into an exposure amount for each pixel.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the notation of colors represented by inks used in the description of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Proof image output device 2 Target print 3 Measurement means (acquisition means)
4 display means 5 operation means 6 panel control 7 display information storage means 8 control unit 9 parameter calculation means (noise calculation means)
Reference Signs List 10 rendering means 11 conversion means 12 machine difference correction means 13 storage means 15 dot data generation unit 16 paper quality correction table 100 image information processing apparatus 100a CPU
100b Memory 200 GUI

Claims (10)

An acquisition step of obtaining color characteristics for each color of a printing target from a printed matter;
A rendering step of receiving the information specific to the material of the printed material to be printed and correcting the color characteristics obtained in the obtaining step;
A conversion step of converting the corrected color characteristic output in the rendering step into the density of the basic color, with reference to a density characteristic table of the color characteristic versus the basic color density of the proof image output device prepared in advance;
A storage step of storing as a table the density of the basic color for each of the colors converted in the conversion step,
Outputting the data of the table stored in the storing step to the proof image output device and printing the same. 2. The image information according to claim 1, wherein the color characteristic is L * a * b *, and the obtaining step measures and obtains L * a * b * for each color of the printing target. Processing method. Preparing in advance a paper quality correction table including information for specifying the paper quality of the printed matter and a correction value of the lightness L * for correction corresponding to the paper quality;
The method according to claim 2, wherein, in the rendering step, receiving the information for specifying the paper quality, correcting the color characteristics including the lightness L * acquired in the acquiring step with reference to the paper quality correction table. Image information processing method. In the paper quality correction table, at least, as the paper quality, information for specifying each of the art paper and the high-quality paper and the corresponding correction values of the lightness L * of the art paper and the high-quality paper are obtained in the obtaining step. The lightness L * is a value lowering the brightness L *, and the width of the reduction is the same for the art paper and the high-quality paper, or is larger for the high-quality paper than for the art paper. 3. The image information processing method according to 3. 5. The image information according to claim 3, further comprising a display step of displaying information for specifying the paper quality in a selectable manner, wherein the rendering step receives the specific information selected in the display step. Processing method. The density characteristic table of the color characteristics of the proof image output device and the basic color density prepared in advance is used to determine the exposure amount of the exposure unit possessed by the proof image output device for forming an image. The image information processing method according to claim 1. An image information processing apparatus for performing desired printing by controlling an acquisition device capable of acquiring color characteristics capable of specifying a color of a printed matter and a proof image output device that receives data corresponding to the density of a basic color and prints the printed matter on the printed matter And
Storage means for storing a density characteristic table of color characteristics versus basic color density, which are characteristics of the proof image output device,
Rendering means for receiving the information specific to the material of the printed material to be printed and correcting the color characteristics acquired by the acquiring device,
Conversion means for converting the corrected color characteristic output from the rendering means to the density of the basic color, with reference to a density characteristic table of the color characteristic versus the basic color density stored in the storage means;
Means for storing, as a table, the densities of the basic colors for the respective colors converted by the conversion means for output to the proof image output device for printing. An image forming method for forming an area gradation image as an aggregate of halftone dots as a plurality of pixels,
A preparatory stage in which the density vs. light amount characteristic of the basic color for performing exposure of the proof image output device is obtained in advance;
An acquisition step of acquiring color characteristics of a color of a target print;
A rendering step of receiving the information specific to the material of the printed material to be printed and correcting the color characteristics obtained in the obtaining step;
Converting a modified color characteristic output from the rendering step to a density of the basic color;
Outputting pixel information for identifying the pixel;
Based on the image information, referring to the density vs. light amount characteristics, calculating the density determined in the conversion step into a light amount in pixel units,
An image forming method, characterized in that printing is performed while controlling the exposure amount in pixel units. An image output system that forms an area gradation image as an aggregate of halftone dots as a plurality of pixels,
Storage means for storing in advance the density vs. light amount characteristic of the basic color for performing exposure of the proof image output device;
Acquiring means for acquiring the color characteristics of the color of the target print;
Rendering means for receiving the information specific to the material of the printed material to be printed and correcting the color characteristics obtained by the obtaining means,
Conversion means for converting the corrected color characteristics output by the rendering means to the density of the basic color,
Conversion means for determining the density of a basic color for the color characteristics based on the color characteristics,
Pixel generation means for outputting pixel information for identifying a pixel,
Calculating means for calculating the density obtained by the conversion means into a light quantity per pixel, with reference to the density vs. light quantity characteristic based on the pixel information;
An image output system wherein printing is performed by controlling the exposure amount in pixel units. A computer for performing desired printing by causing a computer to control an acquisition device capable of acquiring color characteristics capable of specifying the color of a printed matter and a proof image output device that receives data corresponding to the density of the basic color and prints the printed matter on the printed matter A program,
For the computer,
Storing a color characteristic vs. a basic color density characteristic table, which is a characteristic of the proof image output device,
In order to change the color characteristics of the color acquired by the acquisition device, display information specific to the material of the printed material to be printed so as to be visually input operable,
In response to the material-specific information input by the input operation, to perform rendering to correct the color characteristics acquired by the acquisition device,
With reference to the density characteristic table, the color characteristics corrected in the rendering are converted into the density of the basic color,
A computer program for storing the converted density data of a basic color for transmission to the proof image output device.

Images