JP2006086979A - Image processing method, image forming apparatus, and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly reproduce an original color image from an image transmitted by a facsimile machine or the like. <P>SOLUTION: A print server 18A applies screen processing, in accordance with color components and gray levels, to image data of a color image inputted from a client PC 22 so as to form a pattern corresponding to a density for each color. Such a print output 26 is transmitted by a facsimile machine 16. On a receiving side, when reading such a facsimile output 30 using a scanner unit 24, screen processing is applied so as to obtain image data resulting from reproducing a gray level for each color. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing apparatus for converting a color image into a binarized image and reproducing the color image from the binarized image.

  As digitalization in the field of print processing, DTP (Desktop Publishing) has become popular. DTP creates a page layout by creating, processing, and editing images on a processing device such as a personal computer or workstation, and creates a film for exposing the printing plate based on the page layout. Or printing directly on the printing plate to create a printing plate for printing (CTP: Computer to Plate).

  Even in DTP, calibration is performed prior to actual printing using a printing plate. At this time, for example, the page layout displayed on the monitor is printed out (comp output) by a print output device such as a page printer using the WYSIWYG function or the like.

  Further, in the final calibration work, it is necessary to pass the color proof (comp output) created for calibration to the orderer (client) for calibration. In such a proofreading work, the comp output is used as an original document, and a proofreading manuscript with red correction or the like is created on the original document, and the proofreading document is received and the original image data (page Layout) is corrected, and in such a proofreading operation, an original document or a proofreading document is delivered.

  On the other hand, a facsimile using a public line (telephone line) is often used for transmission of an image to a remote place in consideration of transmission cost. This facsimile has a G4 mode capable of transmitting a color image and a G3 mode capable of transmitting only a monochrome image. However, since the G4 mode requires a dedicated adapter and communication partners are limited, the G3 mode is limited. Is frequently used.

  Incidentally, the original document and the proof document are generally color images, and there is a problem that the color information cannot be transmitted even if the original document or the proof document is transmitted by facsimile.

  On the other hand, as an image forming apparatus used for DTP, a pattern image in which a specified conversion target color is stored in advance by specifying a conversion target color in the color original image when performing a hard copy of the color original image. There have been proposals for digital copiers that output by replacing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

From here, monochrome image data and color-corresponding code are formed from the color image, and the original color image can be reproduced from the monochrome image data and the color-corresponding code, so that it can be transferred to the receiving side using a facsimile. An image processing system has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-22616 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-184866

  However, in order to achieve the above proposal, it is necessary that each of the transmission side and the reception side has an apparatus having an equivalent function. Further, since the resolution of an image transmitted by facsimile is about 100 dpi to 300 dpi, there is a problem that it is difficult to reproduce sufficient gradation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described facts, and proposes an image processing method, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing apparatus that improve gradation reproducibility as well as color reproducibility of an image transmitted by a facsimile or the like. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing method for performing image processing reproducibly on an original color image at a receiving side that has received a monochromatic image, wherein the image to be transmitted to the receiving side is converted to the color image. The image data of each color component forming the image is screen-processed at a screen conversion angle set for each color and a screen line or screen conversion angle based on the gradation component of the color image, and printed out.

  According to the present invention, the pattern corresponding to the color and gradation of the image is formed by changing the screen conversion angle and the screen line. Thereby, even if it becomes a monochrome image, such as a black-and-white image, a color and a gradation can be reproduced.

  In the present invention, screen processing may be performed with the thickness of the screen line based on the gradation component, screen processing may be performed with an interval of the screen line based on the gradation component, and The screen processing may be performed with the shape of the screen line based on the gradation component.

  An image forming apparatus that achieves the present invention as described above is an image forming apparatus that forms an image that can be reproduced as a color image on the receiving side when transmitted as a single color image, from the image data of the color image. Rasterizing means for generating raster data of each color, print output means for forming an image on recording paper based on the raster data, and setting for each color when forming an image on the recording paper by the print output means Any screen conversion angle and screen means for performing screen processing at a screen line or screen conversion angle based on the gradation component of the color image may be used.

  The present invention is also an image processing method for performing image processing reproducibly on an original color image at a receiving side that has received a single color image, wherein the image to be transmitted to the receiving side is an area for four pixels, A color image is formed by image processing so that dots based on the gradation of each color component for one pixel are arranged.

  According to the present invention, dots of each color component forming one pixel in the original color image are formed side by side in a region corresponding to four pixels. Thereby, even if it becomes a monochrome image, the original color image can be easily reproduced from the dots of each color component.

  An image forming apparatus that achieves the present invention as described above is an image forming apparatus that forms an image that can be reproduced as a color image on the receiving side when transmitted as a single color image, from the image data of the color image. Rasterizing means for generating raster data of each color; conversion means for converting each of the raster data so that dots of each color for one pixel of the color image are arranged in an area for four pixels on the recording paper; and And a print output unit that forms an image on the recording paper based on the raster data when converted by the conversion unit.

  The present invention also provides an image processing method that enables a correction instruction to be extracted together with a correction image from a correction document represented as a single color image, and extracts a correction area determined by a preset mark and an image included in the correction area. In addition, a correction instruction image included in the correction area is extracted, and an image in the correction area is converted based on information determined by the correction instruction image.

  According to this invention, a preset mark is written to specify an image, and when a calibration instruction image is formed, the calibration instruction image formed by the calibration instruction image and the calibration instruction information is extracted. Then, the calibration instruction information is determined from the calibration instruction image, and image processing is performed on the designated image.

  Thereby, even a monochromatic image can be accurately calibrated.

  In such an invention, the correction instruction image may be formed by a character string and extracted from the information indicated by the character string, and the correction instruction image may be written on a preset form to write the correction instruction image. If it is made to affix, it will suffice to analyze the calibration instruction information from the form.

  An image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied is an image processing apparatus that extracts a correction instruction together with a correction image from a proof document expressed as a single color image, and is an image that reads the single color image and generates image data. A reading means; a correction image extracting means for extracting a correction area determined by a preset mark from the image data and an image included in the correction area; and a correction instruction image included in the correction area from the image data. Correction instruction extraction means for analyzing a correction instruction from the correction instruction image; and conversion means for converting the correction image extracted by the correction image extraction means based on the correction instruction extracted by the correction instruction extraction means; As long as it contains

  Further, the present invention is an image processing method for performing image processing reproducibly on an original color image on the receiving side that has received a single color image, and generating image data obtained by dividing the color image into color components, Each image data or image obtained by converting each color information of the image data into black is transmitted.

  According to the present invention, the color information of each color component is converted to black and transmitted. Since all the color components are transmitted at this time, the original image can be accurately reproduced by returning the color information.

  In the present invention, the image data converted to black may be combined with image data for one page, and the combined image data or an image printed out based on the image data may be transmitted. It is also possible to transmit image data obtained by reducing each image data converted to black, or an image printed out based on the image data.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when a monochrome image is transmitted using a facsimile or the like, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that the transmission destination and the original color image can be accurately reproduced.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. In this image processing system 10, a plurality of users 12 are connected to each other via a public line 14.

  In this embodiment, user 12A and user 12B will be described as an example. The basic configurations of the users 12A and 12B are the same. In the following, when distinguishing, “A” is added to the user 12A side, and “B” is added to the user 12B side. Further, as the public line 14, a line network such as the Internet may be formed, and a dedicated line can be used. In this embodiment, a telephone line is applied as an example.

  The users 12A and 12B are provided with a facsimile machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a facsimile) 16 (16A and 16B), and the facsimile 16 is connected to the public line 14.

  The facsimile 16 has a G3 mode, which enables image transmission / reception (transmission) using the facsimile 16 between the users 12A and 12B. Further, the facsimile 16 has a general configuration in which a document image can be binarized and transmitted, and a received image is output as a monochrome image.

  The users 12A and 12B are provided with print servers 18 (18A and 18B), and printers 20 (20A and 20B) are connected to the print servers 18A and 18B.

  The printer 20 is provided with a scanner unit 24 provided with a scanner unit 24 for reading a document image, a printer function, in addition to a print output device function (printer function) for forming and outputting an image corresponding to image data on a recording paper (not shown). It is a multi-function machine that also has a copy function (copy function) that uses the scanner function together.

  The users 12A and 12B are provided with a plurality of client PCs 22 (22A and 22B), and the client PCs 22 are connected to the print server 12 via a network.

  Thus, the page layout or the like created by the client PC 22 is output to the print server 18 as a print job, and an image corresponding to the page layout is printed out from the printer 20.

  In the image forming system 10, the print server 18 can be configured by adding a PCI board or the like having a predetermined function to a personal computer or the like. The print server 18 includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and display devices such as a CRT display and an LCD display. The print server 18 performs processing on an image displayed on the display device, and prints the display image from the printer 20 using a WYSIWYG function. It has.

  The print server 18 can perform screen processing when forming an image using the printer 20 or reading an image using the scanner unit 24 (screen function).

  In this image forming system 10, for example, one of the users 12 A and 12 B is a print requester (orderer), and the other is a print company, an advertising company, or a design company (hereinafter, print as an example) that receives a request from the requester. Company).

  On the printing company side, a page layout requested by the client is created using the client PC 22, and a printing process is performed based on the created page layout. On the printing company side, a plate setter that exposes a printing plate serving as a printing plate for printing in accordance with image data corresponding to the page layout created by the client PC 22 in a network to which the print server 18 and the client PC 22 are connected. Alternatively, a film setter or the like that creates a film used for exposure of the printing plate may be connected.

  On the other hand, the page layout created by the printing company is printed out and handed over to the client as a proofreading document. If the original needs to be corrected, the client performs writing such as red insertion and creates a calibration original to be handed over to the printing company.

  By the way, the print server 18 and the printer 20 can perform screen processing, which is a general function used when high-quality image formation is performed, and the printer 20 can enhance color images by using the screen function. It is possible to print out from the printer 20 with quality.

  The printer 20 can perform screen processing when an image is read using the scanner unit 24.

  In the image forming system 10, one user 12 transmits a color image printed out from the printer 20 using the screen function to the other user 12 using the facsimile 16, and the received user 12 receives the received image. It is read using the scanner function of the printer 20 and sent to the client PC 22 as print output or image data. At this time, a full color and high gradation image or image data is obtained by using the screen function.

  Here, transmission and reproduction of a color image using the facsimile 16 in the image forming system 10 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that an image corresponding to the page layout created by the client PC 22A on the user 12 side is sent to the user 12B as an example. In addition, the printer 20 forms an image using toner of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), and the scanner unit 24 provided in the printer 20 has C, Each color of M, Y, and K can be read to generate data (image data) for each color.

  When sending a page layout formed in color created by the client PC 22A, first, image data of the page layout is transmitted to the print server 18A, and an image corresponding to the page layout is printed out from the printer 20A.

  When the print server 18 receives the image data, the print server 18 separates the color plates into C (cyan), M (magenta 9), Y (yellow), and K (black) color plates, generates raster data, and generates the raster data. By outputting to 20, print output corresponding to the page layout is obtained.

  At this time, the print server 18A changes the screen conversion angle (screen angle) for each color. At the same time, the print server 18A performs screen processing according to the density. Thus, the print output 26 output from the printer 20A is C, M, Y, and K, and the result of the screen processing changes according to the density.

  That is, when the page layout image is the image 28 shown in FIG. 2A, a pattern corresponding to the density appears for each color in the print output 26 as shown in FIG. 2B. Yes.

  As an expression of the density at this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the screen line is thin when the density is low, and the screen line becomes thick as the density increases. In FIG. 3A, the density is 20% (left side of FIG. 3A), the density is 50% (center of FIG. 2A), and the density is 80% (right side of FIG. 3A). ).

  As a method for expressing the density using screen lines, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a method of changing the interval between screen lines can be used. When the screen line interval is used, as shown in FIG. 3C, the interval t is wide when the density is low (left side of FIG. 3C), and the interval t is narrow when the density is high (FIG. 3C). 3 (C) right side of the drawing).

  Further, as the density expression using the screen line, as shown in FIG. 3D, the shape of the screen line may be changed according to the density. That is, gradation may be expressed by a combination of screen lines having different lengths. In FIG. 3 (D), the screen line on the left side of the paper is used when the density is low, and as it changes in the right direction on the paper. It is used so that the concentration is high (high).

  In this way, the print output 26 on which the pattern corresponding to the color and density is formed is read by the facsimile 16A and transmitted to the facsimile 16B on the user 12B side.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile output 30 in which an image is binarized is obtained from the facsimile 16B.

  On the user 12B side, the facsimile output 30 is mounted on the scanner unit 24 of the printer 20B to read an image. At this time, the printer 20B reads an image in accordance with the screen conversion angle set for each color.

  Thereby, image data of each color component of C, M, Y, and K is obtained. In addition, when reading the facsimile output 30, the printer 20B changes the density of each of C, M, Y, and K from the thickness of the screen line. That is, since the thickness of the screen line changes according to the density, the thickness of the screen line is converted into a density value.

  In this way, when the image of the facsimile output 30 is read while performing screen processing, image data of C, M, Y, and K color components corresponding to the original image 28 is obtained.

  In the print server 18B, the print processing based on the image data generated in this way is executed by the printer 20B, whereby a print output 32 on which an image equivalent to the image 28 is formed is obtained. Further, by outputting this image data from the print server 18B to the client PC 22B, the client PC 22B can obtain image data equivalent to the page layout image data created by the client PC 22A.

  As described above, in the image forming system 10, when a color image is transmitted using the facsimile 16, an image having a color and gradation expression equivalent to the original image is output even though a monochrome image is output. Can be reproduced.

  In the first embodiment, gradation expression is performed using screen lines. However, color and gradation expression can be performed in accordance with the screen conversion angle.

  FIG. 4A shows a general dot concentration type 4 × 4 dot dot matrix 34. The numbers on the dot matrix 34 indicate the printing order.

  In such a dot matrix 34, gradations between 17 gradations (4 × 4 + 1) can be shown.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, six types of dot patterns 34A to 34F are obtained using screen processing of 45 ° to the right, and each of the dot patterns 34A to 34F has 13 gradations. Expression is possible, and from this, gradation expression of 76 gradations (13 × 6 + 1) becomes possible. At this time, continuity can be provided by referring to the adjacent matrix 34.

  As a result, the gradation expression can be performed 4.5 times or more compared to the gradation expression using the dot matrix 34 as it is. For example, if the facsimile 16 has a resolution of 100 dpi, image transmission is performed at 460 dpi. If the facsimile 16 is 300 dpi, the result is about 1400 dpi, and it is possible to transmit an image having a resolution sufficient for DTP.

In the first embodiment, CMYK values are used as image data, but RGB values may be used.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Omitted.

  In the second embodiment, when printing an image to be transmitted from the print server 18A using the facsimile 16A, by assigning an area for four pixels to one pixel, an area for four images is used. The dots of C, M, Y, and K are formed while expressing the gradation.

  That is, with respect to the original image 28 shown in FIG. 5A, the print server 12 forms an image 28A (see FIG. 5B) having the same size and a resolution reduced to ½. Raster data of C, M, Y, and K color plates is generated from C, M, Y, and K while arranging dots of C, M, Y, and K colors in an area of four pixels as shown in FIG. Perform image formation.

  That is, a printing area 36Y for the Y plate, a printing area 36M for the M plate, a printing area 36C for the C plate, and a printing area 36K for the K plate are provided. In each of the printing areas 36Y, 36M, 36C, and 36K, Dots 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K corresponding to the gradations of the colors Y, M, C, and K are formed.

  The image of the print output 26 in which the image is formed in this way is transmitted to the facsimile 16B using the facsimile 16A. As a result, the facsimile output 16 of the monochrome image corresponding to the image of the print output 26 is obtained in the facsimile 16B.

  Thereafter, the facsimile output 30 is mounted on the scanner unit 24 of the printer 20B to read an image.

  At this time, the printer 20B generates raster data of each color plate of Y, M, C, and K so that one pixel is formed by the dots 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K for four pixels.

  Print output is performed using the raster data thus formed, or image composition is performed. As a result, an image (print output 32) representing the gradation of the original image 28 and image data can be obtained.

  Therefore, the gradation of the original image 28 can be reproduced by performing image transmission using the G3 mode facsimile 16.

  Here, the resolution of the original image is reduced to ½. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, an image 28C (image data) having a doubled resolution is generated. As shown in FIG. 6B, the dots 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K formed according to the gradation are arranged in the print areas 36Y, 36M, 36C, and 36K for four pixels. May be.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, an image 28C (image data) whose area is quadrupled with respect to the original image 28 is generated, and as shown in FIG. You may make it arrange | position the dot 38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K formed according to the gradation in the printing areas 36Y, 36M, 36C, 36K.

In the first and second embodiments, a telephone line is used as the public line 14, but a public line network such as the Internet or a dedicated line network can be used for transmission of image data. In some cases, data can be transmitted as a binarized image, so that the transmission time can be shortened and the transmission cost can be kept low even with a pay-per-use system.
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming system 40 applied to the third embodiment.

  The image forming system 40 includes a print server 42 and a client PC 44 and a scanner 46. The print server 42 is provided with a network interface (network I / F) 48, which is connected to the client PC 44, the scanner 46, etc. via a network, and can exchange (transmit / receive) image data and the like.

  In addition, a printer 52 provided as a print output device is connected to the print server 42 via a bidirectional I / F 50.

  Note that the print server 42, client PC 44, and printer 52 applied to the third embodiment are basically the same as the print server 18, client PC 22, and printer applied to the first and second embodiments described above. Same as 20. In the third embodiment, the scanner 46 and the printer 52 are separated from each other. However, when the printer 52 is a multifunction machine including a scanner unit, a scanner unit provided in the printer 52 is used instead of the scanner 46. be able to.

  The print server 52 is provided with an image processing unit 54 that performs RIP processing together with various types of image processing, and a print controller 56 that controls operations of the print server 42 and the printer 52.

  As a result, in the image forming system 40, when the print job output from the client PC 44 is received by the print server 42, the print server 42 sequentially reads the received print job from the processing waiting queue while spooling it in the processing waiting queue. Image processing and RIP processing are performed. The print server 42 spools the raster data of each color Y, M, C, and K generated by the RIP process to the print queue, and sequentially reads out the print queue from the print queue and outputs it to the printer 52. The print process is executed.

  Note that the print server 42 spools a print job for which print processing has been completed in a storage unit such as an HDD (not shown) because the save is set in advance.

  On the other hand, in the print server 42, when image data of an image read by the scanner 46 is input, print processing based on the input image data is executed. Thereby, processing such as copying of an image read by the scanner 46 is possible.

  Incidentally, the image processing unit 54 of the print server 42 is provided with an area extraction unit 60 that extracts a predetermined area from image data of an image input from the scanner 46 and an information extraction unit 62 that extracts information on the extracted area. It has been.

  The image processing unit 54 of the print server 42 is provided with an image conversion unit 64 that associates the image extracted by the area extraction unit 60 with the information extracted by the information extraction unit 62 and performs image conversion.

  Here, for example, a correction document is written on the original document 66 shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the proof document 68, an image 70A (object) to be corrected is surrounded by an arbitrary color to form a surrounding 70.

  The area extraction unit 60 provided in the print server 42 extracts the image data of the image in the box 70 together with the data forming the box 70 on the image data. The enclosure 70 may be a solid line or another type of line such as a broken line as long as it is defined in advance.

  Further, the correction instruction 72 for the image 68A is indicated by a leader line 70A drawn from the enclosure 70.

  The information extraction unit 62 provided in the print server 42 extracts the data forming the leader line 70A connected to the enclosure 70, extracts the data of the image forming the correction instruction 72 from this data, and extracts it. The contents of the correction instruction 72 are analyzed by performing predetermined image processing (image extraction processing) on the processed data.

  The image conversion unit 64 provided in the print server 42 performs image processing on the image extracted by the area extraction unit 60 based on the correction instruction 72 analyzed by the information extraction unit 62, and the image based on the correction instruction 72. Form.

  In the image forming system 10 configured as described above, a page layout or the like created by the client PC 44 is transmitted to the print server 42 to perform a printing process, thereby outputting the original document 66. At this time, the client PC 44 is preferably set so that the image data of the original document 66 is spooled to the print server 42. If the page layout is color, the original document 66 is output in color.

  The printed original document 66 is handed over to the client (proofreader) for proofreading. At this time, the proofreader indicates the image 68A to be corrected by a box 70, and clearly indicates a proofreading instruction 72 by a lead line 70A.

  The proof document 68 created in this way may be transmitted by facsimile or delivered in a state where a monochrome image such as a black and white copy is formed.

  When the calibration original 68 is received in a single color, the calibration original 68 is loaded into the scanner 46 and image data of the image formed on the calibration original 68 is transmitted to the print server 42.

  When the image data of the proof document 68 is read, the print server 42 extracts the box 70 and the image 68A in the box 70. In addition, when the box 70 is extracted, the print server 42 further extracts the lead line 70A and the image data according to the correction instruction 72 indicated by the lead line 70A.

  When the image data of the image 68A instructed to be corrected and the image data indicating the correction instruction 72 are extracted, the correction instruction 72 is analyzed. Thereafter, the print server 12 performs image conversion on the image 68A based on the image 68A instructed to be corrected and the correction instruction on the image 68A.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8 (C9), for example, the correction instruction 72 indicates that the image 68A in the image formed with the color indicated by “P 032C” on the original document 66 is “D170”. When it is specified that the image is to be converted into an image of the indicated color (spot color), the image conversion is performed so that an image 68B based on the correction instruction 72 is obtained.

  As a result, even if the calibration document 68 is a single color image, the image 86A instructed to be corrected is converted into an image 68B based on the correction instruction and printed out, or transmitted to the client PC 44, and the corrected image. 68B can be clearly shown.

  When the print server 42 holds the image data of the original document 66 with respect to the proof document 68, the image data of the image 68A instructed to be corrected is selected from the image data of the original document. Replace with the image data.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8D, a corrected document 74 can be obtained, and image data obtained by correcting the page layout based on the correction instruction can be obtained.

  As described above, in the image forming system 10, even when the calibration document is returned as a monochrome image such as black and white, an image for which correction is instructed is written by writing the calibration instruction 72 in a preset form. 68A can be accurately converted into an image 68B based on the correction instruction 72.

  Therefore, even when the proof document 68 is sent by facsimile or the like, it is possible to obtain an appropriate correction work based on the correction instruction 72 and an original 74 with an appropriate correction.

  Here, if the image 68A for instructing correction described in the box 70 in order to be able to specify the image 68A for instructing correction can be accurately extracted by the area extraction unit 60 of the print server 42, Not limited to this, any mark can be used.

  Further, the correction instruction 72 is specified by the lead line 70A. However, for example, when changing the color of the image 68A, a preset form label or the like may be pasted on the proofreading document. .

  In such a case, for example, a color patch output form 76 shown in FIG. 9B can be used. In this color patch output form 76, the conversion color is selected from any of YMCK value, RGB value, sRGB value, Adobe RGB value, L * a * b * value, etc., or selected by the manufacturer, using the mark sheet method. It is possible to specify whether to perform or to specify a specific color by numerical input.

  By using such a color patch output form 76, analysis of data serving as a change instruction can be easily and accurately performed from an image read by the scanner 46.

  When such a color patch output form 76 is used, an image 68A to be corrected can be specified by a box 70 or the like, and a calibration document 78 in which the color patch output form 76 is pasted on a blank portion or the like may be formed. .

Such image processing is preferable because it can accurately transmit the instruction content (calibration instruction 72) in response to a color change instruction or the like. The present invention can be applied to change instructions for fonts and the like, and is not limited to these, and can be applied to other correction instructions.
[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, in the image forming system 80 applied to the fourth embodiment, a print server 82 that forms an image for transmission transmitted by the facsimile 16 or the like, and an image transmitted from the facsimile 16 or the like is used as the original. And a receiving print server 84 for reproducing the color image.

  The print servers 82 and 84 may be the same device or a device having the same function, but here, the function on the transmission side and the function on the reception side will be described separately. Moreover, in 4th Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided to the apparatus equivalent to 3rd Embodiment or 1st, 2nd Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The image processing unit 86 of the print server 82 includes a color separation processing unit 88 that separates color image image data input from the client PC 44 and the like into components for each color plate of Y, M, C, and K. An output conversion unit 90 that performs predetermined processing on the plate-processed data (image data) and generates image data for print output using the printer 52 provided as a print output device is formed. ing.

  The image processing unit 92 of the print server 84 is an input for performing predetermined processing on image data input from the scanner 46 when an image output using the print server 82 is read by the scanner 46. The print server 84 includes a conversion unit 94 and a combination processing unit 96 that combines the image data output from the input conversion unit 94. The print server 84 uses the printer 52 according to the image data output from the combination processing unit 96. The image is printed out.

  In the image forming system 80 configured as described above, when a color image corresponding to the image data input from the client PC 44 is output, the color image is separated into Y, M, C, and K color components, and the image is separated. Conversion processing is performed so that the image becomes a monochrome image. In addition, image composition and raster data generation are performed so that the components of each color plate subjected to the conversion process become one image arranged vertically and horizontally. At this time, the image of each color component of Y, M, C, and K is arranged at a predetermined position.

  As a result, the color image is transmitted by the facsimile 16 as a black and white image. On the receiving side, the image received by the facsimile 16 is read into the scanner 46 and input to the print server 84. In the print server 84, when the received image data is divided into four at preset positions to generate black and white data for each color image of Y, M, C, and K, color conversion is performed on each data. As a result, raster data of each color component of Y, M, C, and K is generated, and color printing using this raster data is performed so that an image corresponding to the image data output from the client PC 44 can be obtained. Yes.

  Here, specific processing in the image forming system 80 will be described as a specific example.

[Specific Example 1]
First, specific example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. 11A to 11D show an outline of processing on the print server 82 side, and FIGS. 12A to 12D show a processing flow on the print server 84 side. Show.

  In the print server 82, when image data corresponding to the image 100 shown in FIG. 11A is input, a color separation process is performed on the image data. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11B, C color component image data 102C, M color component image data 102M, Y color component image data 102Y, and K color component image data 102K are generated.

  Thereafter, the print server 82 performs color conversion so that each of the color component image data 102C, 102M, 102Y, and 102K becomes black (K color) image data.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 11C, image data 104C _K , 104M _K , 104Y _K, and 104K _K (black may be the image data 102K) are generated.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11D, image data 108 is obtained in which an image 106 is obtained by combining the images of the image data 104C _K , 104M _K , 104C _K , and 104K _K vertically and horizontally.

  That is, by performing raster processing and printing processing based on the image data 108, a monochrome image 106 is printed out.

  The monochrome image 106 thus formed is transmitted using the facsimile 16. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12A, an image 110 corresponding to the image 106 is output from the facsimile 16 on the receiving side.

  The scanner 46 reads this image 110 and outputs image data corresponding to the image 110 to the print server 84. In the print server 84, by dividing the image data 100, as shown in FIG. 12B, the image data 112C for the C color area, the image data 112M for the M color area, the image data 112Y for the Y color area, and the K data Color region image data 112K is obtained.

  Thereafter, by performing color conversion and rasterization on each of the image data 112C, 112M, 112Y, and 112K, as shown in FIG. 12C, the image data of each color plate of C, M, Y, and K ( Raster data) 114C, 114M, 114Y, and 114K are generated.

  By performing a printing process based on the color image data 114C, 114M, 114Y, and 114K of the image data, as shown in FIG. 12D, the image data is equivalent to the original image 100 (see FIG. 11A). An image 116 is obtained.

Here, the image data 104C _K , 104M _K , 104Y _K , and 104K _K are synthesized and the image 106 is output, but four monochrome images corresponding to the image data 104C _K , 104M _K , 104Y _K , and 104K _K are output. May be transmitted by the facsimile 16, and in this case, the color component of the image may be input when the scanner 46 reads it.

[Specific Example 2]
Next, specific example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. 13A to 13E show an outline of processing on the print server 82 side, and FIGS. 14A to 14E show a processing flow on the print server 84 side. Show.

  In the print server 82, from the image data corresponding to the image 100 shown in FIG. 13A, as shown in FIG. 13B, the C color component image data 102C, the M color component image data 102M, and the Y color component. Image data 102 </ b> Y and image data 102 </ b> K of the K color component are generated, and image data 108 that has undergone color conversion to black and synthesis processing is generated (FIG. 13C).

  Thereafter, an image 118 having a size reduced to the size of the image 100 is printed out based on the image data 108. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 13E, an image 120 obtained by printing the image 100 in black and white is output. That is, two monochrome images 118 and 120 are output.

  Each of the black and white images 118 and 120 formed in this way is transmitted using the facsimile 16. Thus, on the receiving side, an image 122 corresponding to the image 118 shown in FIG. 14A and an image 124 corresponding to the image 120 shown in FIG. 14B are output.

  The scanner 46 reads the images 122 and 124 and outputs image data corresponding to the image 122 and image data corresponding to the image 124 to the print server 84.

  In the print server 84, first, the image data corresponding to the image 122 is divided to reduce the image data 126C of the C color area, the M color area, the Y color area, and the K color area as shown in FIG. , 126M, 126Y, and 126K, and color conversion is performed thereafter to generate reduced image data 128C, 128M, 128Y, and 128K of C, M, Y, and K colors.

  Thereafter, the image data corresponding to the image 124 is subjected to color conversion based on the reduced image data 128C, 128M, 128Y, and 128K. Thereby, an image 130 corresponding to the image 100 is obtained as shown in FIG.

  Here, the image 124 obtained by printing and outputting the image 100 in black and white is used. However, the reduced image data 128C, 128M, 128Y, and 128K may be used for enlargement printing without using the image 124.

[Specific Example 3]
Next, specific example 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. 15 shows processing on the print server 82 side, and FIG. 16 shows processing on the print server 84 side.

  FIG. 15A shows an image 132 applied to the third specific example. In the specific example 3, when the image data corresponding to the image 132 is read, image data 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D obtained by dividing the image 132 into four parts are generated (see FIG. 15B), and the image data 134A, Each of 134B, 134C, and 134D is separated into C, M, Y, and K components, and image data 136AC, 136AM, 136AY, 136AK, image data 136BC, 136BM, 136BY, 136BK, image data 136CC, 136CM, 136CY, 136CK , And image data 136DC, 136DM, 136DY, and 136DK are generated (see FIG. 15C).

Thereafter, by conversion to black, the image data _{138AC K, 138AM K, 138AY K} , 138AK K, the image data _{138BC K, 138BM K, 138BY K} , 138BK K, the image data _{138CC K, 138CM K, 138CY K} , 138CK _K, and the image data _{138DC K, 138DM K, 138DY K} , generates a 138DK _K (see FIG. 15 (D)).

  Further, the images 140A, 140B, 140C, and 140D are output by combining and printing (see FIG. 15D).

  The monochrome images 140 </ b> A, 140 </ b> B, 140 </ b> C, and 140 </ b> D formed in this way are transmitted using the facsimile 16. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16A, images 142A, 142B, 142C, and 142D corresponding to the images 140A, 140B, 140C, and 140D are output from the facsimile 16 on the receiving side.

  The scanner 46 reads the images 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D and outputs the respective image data to the print server 84. The print server 84 divides each input image data, and then performs color conversion to perform image conversion, such as image data 144AC, 144AM, 144AY, 144AK, image data 144BC, 144BM, 144BY, 144BK, image data 144CC, 144CM, 144CY, 14CK, and image data 144DC, 144DM, 144DY, 144DK are generated (see FIG. 16B).

  Thereafter, synthesized images 146A, 146B, 146C, and 146D obtained by synthesizing the respective color components are generated (see FIG. 16C), and these are synthesized and rasterized to output an image 148 corresponding to the image 132. (See FIG. 16D).

  In Specific Example 1 to Specific Example 3, the color components are separated into C, M, Y, and K color components, but at least an image very close to the original image is obtained by performing color separation into C, M, and Y. Obtainable.

  From this, as shown in FIG. 17A, image data 150C, 150M, and 150Y obtained by separating the original image into C, M, and Y are generated, and the image data 150C, 150M, and 150C are used. Also good.

  Further, when the image is reduced, if the reduction direction and the reduction rate are determined in advance, accurate reproduction is possible. From this, as shown in FIG. 17B, image data 152C, 152M, and 152Y reduced to 1/3 of the images 150C, 150M, and 150Y are generated in the horizontal direction, and further combined in the horizontal direction. The image data 154 thus obtained can also be used (see FIG. 17C).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17D, image data 156C, 156M, and 156Y reduced to 1/3 of the images 150C, 150M, and 150Y are generated in the vertical direction, and further combined in the horizontal direction. Image data 158 can also be used (see FIG. 17E).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17F, images 160C, 160M, and 160Y obtained by reducing the images 150C, 150M, and 150Y at a predetermined reduction ratio (for example, 1/4) are generated, and image information about the original image is obtained. The described image data 162 can be generated, and image data 164 obtained by combining these can be used (see FIG. 17G).

  Thus, even if the original image is transmitted as a monochrome image by using a monochrome image formed by separating the original image into at least C, M, Y, preferably C, M, Y, K, the original image It is possible to accurately reproduce the color image.

  In the fourth embodiment, the facsimile 16 is used to transmit an image. However, since the image is a black and white image and is subjected to a reduction process, the amount of data can be suppressed. For example, the data can be transmitted from the print server 82 to the print server 84 via a billing network.

  Note that the first to fourth embodiments described above do not limit the configuration of the present invention.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. (A) is the schematic which shows the original image, (B) is the schematic which shows an example of the image obtained by screen-processing the image of (A). (A) is a schematic diagram showing density by screen line thickness, (B) is a schematic diagram showing density by screen line spacing, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen line spacing according to density. , (D) is a schematic view showing the density by the shape of the screen line. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dot matrix and a printing order, and (B) is a schematic diagram of gradation expression when the screen conversion angle is 45 °. (A) is the schematic which shows the original image which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (B) makes the resolution of the image of (A) 1/2, and is 1 pixel of the image of (A) by 4 pixels (C) is a schematic enlarged view of (B). (A) is a schematic diagram of the image when the resolution of the image of FIG. 5 (A) is doubled, (B) is a schematic enlarged view of (A), and (D) is the area of the image of FIG. 5 (A). (D) is a schematic enlarged view of (C). It is a schematic block diagram of the principal part of the image forming system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an original document, (B) is a configuration document of (A), (C) is a schematic diagram of an image converted based on a calibration instruction, and (D) is a calibration instruction. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a corrected document based on the image. (A) is a schematic diagram showing another example of the proof document, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the color chart output form used in (A). It is a schematic block diagram of the principal part of the image forming system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. (A) thru | or (D) is the schematic which shows the flow of a process in the print server of the transmission side in the specific example 1. FIG. (A) thru | or (D) is the schematic which shows the flow of a process in the print server of the receiving side in the specific example 1. FIG. (A) thru | or (E) is the schematic which shows the flow of a process in the print server of the transmission side in the specific example 2. FIG. (A) thru | or (E) is the schematic which shows the flow of a process in the print server of the receiving side in the specific example 2. FIG. (A) thru | or (E) is the schematic which shows the flow of a process in the print server of the transmission side in the specific example 3. FIG. (A) thru | or (D) is the schematic which shows the flow of a process in the print server of the receiving side in the specific example 3. FIG. (A) is a schematic diagram showing another example of color separation, (B), (D) and (F) are schematic diagrams showing another example of reduction after color separation, and (C) is an image of (B). Schematic diagram illustrating an example of data combination, (E) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image data combination of (D), and (G) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image data combination of (F).

Explanation of symbols

10, 40, 80 Image forming system 16 Facsimile 18 (18A, 18B), 42, 82, 84 Print server 20, 52 Printer 22, 44 Client PC
24 Scanner unit 46 Scanner 54, 86, 92 Image processing unit 60 Area extraction unit 62 Information extraction unit 64 Image conversion unit 88 Separation processing unit 90 Conversion processing unit 94 Input conversion unit 96 Composition processing unit

Claims (14)

An image processing method for performing image processing so that the original color image can be reproduced on the receiving side that has received a single color image,
An image to be transmitted to the receiving side,
A screen conversion angle in which image data of each color component forming the color image is set for each color; and
An image processing method, wherein screen processing is performed at a screen line or a screen conversion angle based on a gradation component of the color image and printed out.   The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein screen processing is performed with a thickness of the screen line based on the gradation component.   The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein screen processing is performed at intervals of the screen lines based on the gradation components.   The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein screen processing is performed with the shape of the screen line based on the gradation component. An image forming apparatus that forms an image that can be reproduced as a color image on the receiving side when transmitted as a single color image,
Rasterizing means for generating raster data of each color from the image data of the color image;
Print output means for forming an image on recording paper based on the raster data;
When forming an image on the recording paper by the print output means, screen means for screen processing at a screen conversion angle set for each color and a screen line or screen conversion angle based on a gradation component of the color image;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image processing method for performing image processing so that the original color image can be reproduced on the receiving side that has received a single color image,
An image to be transmitted to the receiving side,
An image processing method, wherein image processing is performed so that dots based on gradations of color components for one pixel of the color image are arranged in a region for four pixels. An image forming apparatus that forms an image that can be reproduced as a color image on the receiving side when transmitted as a single color image,
Rasterizing means for generating raster data of each color from the image data of the color image;
Conversion means for converting each of the raster data so that dots of each color for one pixel of the color image are arranged in a region for four pixels on the recording paper;
Print output means for forming an image on the recording paper based on the raster data when converted by the conversion means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image processing method capable of extracting a correction instruction together with a correction image from a proofreading document represented as a single color image,
Extracting a correction area determined by a preset mark and an image included in the correction area, and extracting a correction instruction image included in the correction area,
An image processing method comprising: converting an image in the correction area based on information determined by the correction instruction image.   9. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein the correction instruction image is formed by a character string, and information indicated by the character string is extracted.   The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein the correction instruction image is written on a preset form and pasted on the proofreading document. An image processing apparatus that extracts a correction instruction together with a correction image from a proof document expressed as a single color image,
Image reading means for reading the monochrome image and generating image data;
Correction image extraction means for extracting a correction area determined by a preset mark from the image data and an image included in the correction area;
A correction instruction extraction means for extracting a correction instruction image included in the correction area from the image data and analyzing a correction instruction from the correction instruction image;
Conversion means for converting the correction image extracted by the correction image extraction means based on the correction instruction extracted by the correction instruction extraction means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An image processing method for performing image processing so that the original color image can be reproduced on the receiving side that has received a single color image,
An image processing method comprising: generating image data obtained by dividing the color image for each color component; and transmitting image data or each image obtained by converting the color information of the image data to black.   13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the image data converted to black is combined with image data for one page, and the combined image data or an image printed out based on the image data is transmitted.   14. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein image data obtained by reducing and converting each image data converted to black or an image printed out based on the image data is transmitted.

Images