JP2006270222A - Copy controller and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent waste of recording media caused when an image of an original is copied to the recording media as a 2-color image. <P>SOLUTION: When the original is set to a copying machine and copying utilizing a copy simulation function is instructed, the copying machine reads the original and transfers simulation image data resulting from applying low resolution processing to obtained image data to a client PC. The client PC displays a simulation screen on a display device on the basis of the transferred simulation image data, respectively displays the original image and a simulation image representing a print image for printing under preset print conditions on the screen, and when revision settings of 2-color copy print conditions are instructed by operations of a keyboard or a mouse of the client PC, the client PC again displays the simulation image in response to the revised setting print conditions. When the confirmation of the print conditions is instructed, the client PC transmits the confirmed print conditions to the composite machine to allow the composite machine to carry out printing under the print conditions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a copy control apparatus and a program, and more particularly to a reading apparatus that separates a document into a plurality of color components and reads the image data obtained when the reading apparatus reads the document, and sets two color separations. A printing apparatus for converting an original into two-color image data expressed in two colors according to the threshold value and printing it on a recording medium, a copy control apparatus connected to each of the apparatus, and a copy control program for causing a computer to function as the copy control apparatus About.

  In recent years, copying machines capable of full-color copying have become widespread, but full-color copying has the disadvantages that it takes time to copy and increases the cost. For this reason, the original to be copied is a color original, and if the original is copied in a single color (monochrome), the information printed on the original is lost on the copy, while the copy is full color. When the copy quality of the copy is not required, a two-color copy is often used in which a document is copied using a printing agent of two colors (for example, black and red). The two-color copy can be copied at the same speed and cost as the single-color copy, and there is an advantage that the information printed on the original is also saved to some extent on the copy.

Various techniques have been proposed for two-color copying. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a correction value for a specified color when converting a color image into a two-color image composed of black and a specified color (for example, red). The color of each pixel constituting the color image is identified as red if the red light amount signal is larger than the sum of the green light amount signal and the correction value. A technique for converting is disclosed. Also, a technique for separating an image of a two-color copy target document into an achromatic color region and a chromatic color region, printing the achromatic color region in black, and the chromatic color region with a specified color, or reading color in a two-color copy target A technique for separating an image of a document into a designated read color area and other color areas and printing each area with a predetermined color has also been put into practical use.
JP 7-46415 A

  However, since the two-color copy has a limited number of colors that can be expressed compared to a full-color copy, if the finished copy is different from the finish intended by the user (for example, printed on a document) A part of a plurality of characters constituting a single word is printed in a color different from other characters). In addition, matching the finish of the copied material to the finish intended by the user can be realized by appropriately setting a threshold for separating the image of the document into two colors. It varies depending on the user's intention for each document. For this reason, in order to obtain a copy with a desired finish by two-color copy, the user first tries two-color copy, and then checks whether the finish of the obtained copy matches the desired finish. Confirm that if the finished copy is different from the desired finish, it is necessary to repeat the two-color copy by adjusting the two-color separation threshold until the desired finished copy is obtained. There is a problem that the consumption of the recording paper increases unnecessarily.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide a copy control device and a copy control program capable of preventing waste of a recording medium when copying an original image as a two-color image onto the recording medium. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, a copy control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a reading device that separates a document into a plurality of color components and reads the document, and the document obtained by the reading device reading the document. A copy control device connected to a printing device for converting image data into two-color image data representing the original in two colors according to a set two-color separation threshold and printing the data on a recording medium, Based on the image data of the document, simulation image data representing a two-color image obtained when printing is performed by the printing apparatus according to a set two-color separation threshold is generated, and the image represented by the generated simulation image data is simulated Each time the change of the threshold value is instructed via the input means and the display control means displayed on the display means as an image, the display control means according to the changed threshold value. Print control means for re-displaying the simulation image and controlling the printing apparatus to perform printing of the two-color image according to the determined threshold value when instructed to determine the threshold value via the input means; It is characterized by having prepared.

  In the copy control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, there are set a reading device that separates a document into a plurality of color components and reads the image data of the document obtained by the reading device reading the document. 2. A printing apparatus that converts a document into two-color image data representing two colors and prints it on a recording medium in accordance with a color separation threshold is connected to each other, and the copy control apparatus according to claim 1 and the reading apparatus and printing apparatus described above. Thus, so-called two-color copying, in which an image of a document is printed on a recording medium as a two-color image, is realized. The reading device and the printing device may be separate or integrated, and the copy control device according to the first aspect of the invention may be separate from the reading device and the printing device. It may be integrated with at least one of the reading apparatus and the printing apparatus (for example, as described in claim 6, realized by a computer connected to the reading apparatus and the printing apparatus via a communication line). .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, 2 is obtained when printing is performed by the printing apparatus according to the set two-color separation threshold based on the original image data obtained by the reading apparatus reading the original. Display control means is provided for generating simulation image data representing a color image, and causing the display means to display an image represented by the generated simulation image data on the display means as a simulation image. Each time a change is instructed, the simulation image is re-displayed by the display control means according to the changed threshold value, and when the confirmation of the threshold value is instructed via the input means, the printing of the two-color image is confirmed. Control is performed according to the threshold value.

  Thereby, the user refers to the simulation image displayed on the display means by the display control means, and checks whether or not it matches the desired finish, thereby using the currently set two-color separation threshold. Thus, it is possible to confirm whether or not the finish of the copy obtained when performing a two-color copy of the document matches the desired finish before actually performing the two-color copy. If the simulation image displayed on the display means is different from the desired finish, if the change of the two-color separation threshold is instructed via the input means, the simulation image is displayed by the display control means according to the changed threshold. Since the image is re-displayed, the user can refer to the re-displayed simulation image to determine whether or not the two-color separation threshold has become an appropriate value for obtaining a desired finished copy in accordance with the threshold change instruction. Can be confirmed. Then, after confirming that a copy with a desired finish is obtained, if a decision is made to determine the two-color separation threshold, printing of the two-color image by the printing apparatus is performed according to the determined threshold.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, after confirming that the two-color separation threshold is an appropriate value for obtaining a copy with a desired finish, the two-color copy of the document is performed (the image of the document is Therefore, it is possible to prevent waste of the recording medium when the original image is copied to the recording medium as a two-color image.

  In the invention described in claim 1, as the threshold value for separation of two colors, any threshold value capable of separating many kinds of colors into any one of two colors can be applied. For example, as described in claim 2 A value that designates a boundary between two colors to be printed in different colors by a distance from the brightness axis in the uniform perceptual color space, or a uniform perceptual color space of one of the two colors to be printed in different colors Values that specify the above range in terms of hue angle and direction can be applied. Further, when the above-described value is used as the threshold value for two-color separation, for example, as described in claim 3, when the simulation image is displayed on the display unit by the display control unit, the color coordinates of the uniform perceptual color space It is preferable to provide an instruction designation assisting means that can indicate the change of the two-color separation threshold value on the color coordinates by simultaneously displaying on the display means. This allows the user to visually recognize the range of two colors to be printed on different colors defined by the two-color separation threshold on the color coordinates of the uniform perceptual color space, and change the two-color separation threshold. Therefore, the user can easily grasp how to change the two-color separation threshold.

  In the invention described in claim 1, as described in claim 4, for example, two colors used for printing two-color image data are designated via the input means, and the two-color image data designates the print control means. The printing apparatus may be controlled so that printing is performed using the two colors. Thus, the user can print the image of the document as a desired two-color image by designating two colors used for two-color copying (printing of two-color image data).

  In the invention described in claim 1, for example, as described in claim 5, the image data input from the reading device is image data having a lower resolution than the image data used for printing by the printing device, and the display control is performed. The means generates the simulation image data and displays the simulation image based on the input low-resolution image data, and the printing device uses the document image data directly obtained from the reading device. It is preferable that the image data is converted into color image data and printed on a recording medium. As a result, compared with the case where the printing apparatus uses the image data itself used for printing, the time required to generate simulation image data and display the simulation image can be shortened, and the waiting time of the user can be shortened. .

  By the way, in a normal copying machine, a change in printing conditions including a two-color separation threshold is instructed by operating an operation panel provided in the copying apparatus. Therefore, if it takes a long time to set printing conditions such as a two-color separation threshold, there is a problem that the operation rate of the copying machine is lowered. In view of this, the copy control apparatus according to claim 1 is connected to the reading apparatus and the printing apparatus via a communication line, and is provided with an input means and a display means as described in claim 6, for example. It is preferable to be configured to be realized by a computer. As a result, the simulation image is displayed on the display means of the computer, and the change of the two-color separation threshold value is instructed via the input means of the computer. Therefore, the user sets the two-color separation threshold value. During this time, the printing apparatus can execute other jobs, and the operating rate of the printing apparatus can be improved. When the copy control device is realized by a computer connected to the reading device and the printing device via a communication line and provided with an input unit and a display unit, the printing control unit sends the determined threshold value to the printing device. By notifying, it is possible to control so that printing of the two-color image by the printing apparatus is performed according to the determined threshold value.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copy control program in which a reading device that separates and reads a document into a plurality of color components and image data of the document obtained by the reading device reading the document are set. A computer that is connected to a printing device that converts the original into two-color image data representing two colors and prints it on a recording medium according to a two-color separation threshold, and that includes a display unit and an input unit; Based on the image data, simulation image data representing a two-color image obtained when printing is performed by the printing apparatus according to a set two-color separation threshold is generated, and the image represented by the generated simulation image data is represented as a simulation image. Each time the change of the threshold is instructed via the display control means displayed on the display means and the input means, the changed threshold is followed. Printing that re-displays the simulation image by the display control means and controls the printing apparatus to perform printing of the two-color image according to the determined threshold value when the threshold value is instructed via the input means. It functions as a control means.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a copy control program is connected to the reading device and the printing device, respectively, and causes a computer including a display unit and an input unit to function as the display control unit and the print control unit. Therefore, when the computer executes the copy control program according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the computer functions as the copy control apparatus according to the first aspect. As in the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being wasted when the original image is copied to the recording medium as a two-color image.

  As described above, the present invention represents a two-color image obtained when printing is performed by a printing apparatus according to a set two-color separation threshold based on image data obtained by a reading apparatus reading a document. Generates simulation image data, displays the image represented by the generated simulation image data on the display means as a simulation image, and redisplays the simulation image according to the changed threshold every time an instruction to change the two-color separation threshold is given When the determination of the threshold is instructed, control is performed so that the printing of the two-color image by the printing apparatus is performed according to the determined threshold, so that the recording medium when copying the original image to the recording medium as a two-color image is controlled. It has an excellent effect that waste can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a copying system 10 according to the present embodiment. The copying system 10 includes a multifunction machine 12 having a function as a copying machine and a function as a printer (may also have a function as a facsimile machine) and a personal computer (PC). It is composed of a plurality of client PCs 50 connected via a communication line (LAN) 48 such as a registered trademark. The multifunction machine 12 corresponds to the reading device according to the present invention and the printing device according to the present invention. Each client PC 50 corresponds to the computer according to the present invention and functions as a copy control apparatus according to the present invention, which will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the multifunction machine 12, three transport rollers 14A to 14C are disposed slightly below the center of the machine body, and an endless transfer belt 16 is wound around the transport rollers 14A to 14C. ing. Further, four transport rollers 18A to 18D are arranged below the transfer belt 16, and an endless transport belt 20 is wound around the transport rollers 18A to 18D. The transfer belt 16 and the conveyance belt 20 are rotationally driven by a rotational driving unit (not shown). Above the transfer belt 16, an image forming unit 22A for forming a K (black) image, an image forming unit 22B for forming a Y (yellow) image, an image forming unit 22C for forming an M (magenta) image, and C ( Cyan) Image forming portions 22D for image formation are arranged in order along the moving direction of the transfer belt 16 (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2). The image forming units 22 </ b> A to 22 </ b> D have the same configuration and each include a photosensitive drum 24.

  The photosensitive drums 24 are arranged so that the axis thereof is orthogonal to the moving direction of the transfer belt 16, and a charger 26 for charging the photosensitive drums 24 is charged around each photosensitive drum 24. A light beam scanning device 28 that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the photosensitive drum 24 with a laser beam, and a toner of a predetermined color is supplied to a portion on the photosensitive drum 24 where the electrostatic latent image is formed. A developing device 30 for developing the electrostatic latent image and forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 24 and a cleaning device 32 for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 24 are disposed. The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 24 of the image forming units 22 </ b> A to 22 </ b> D are respectively transferred onto the belt surface of the transfer belt 16.

  Further, the conveying belt 20 positioned below the transfer belt 16 is disposed so that the outer peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 16, and in synchronization with the rotational driving of the transfer belt 16, an arrow in FIG. It is rotationally driven to move in the B direction. On the other hand, a large number of sheet-like recording papers 34 are stored in a paper feed tray (not shown). The recording paper 34 pulled out from the paper feed tray is placed on the upper surface of the transport belt 20, transported toward a position where the transfer belt 16 and the transport belt 20 are in contact, and is sandwiched between the transfer belt 16 and the transport belt 20. As a result, the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 16 is transferred. The toner image is fixed on the recording paper 34 onto which the toner image is transferred by a fixing device (not shown). As a result, a color image is formed on the recording paper 34.

  Further, the multifunction machine 12 decomposes the light reflected from the document into R, G, B by a color line CCD sensor, performs photoelectric conversion, and performs A / D conversion to display R, G, B of the document. An image reading device 36 that generates and outputs image data is provided. The image reading device 36 is connected to a control unit 38 that controls the overall operation of the multifunction machine 12 and communicates with the client PC 50. The control unit 38 is connected to a storage unit 40 composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and R, G, B image data input from the image reading device 36 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 40. The storage unit 40 stores in advance a copy program and a print program for the control unit 38 to perform a copy process and a print process (both will be described later). These programs are read from the storage unit 40 and executed at a predetermined timing.

  The control unit 38 is connected to the light beam scanning device 28 of the image forming units 22A to 22D via the image processing unit 42, and R, G, and R of the image to be printed are transmitted from the control unit 38 to the image processing unit 42. B image data is output. Although not shown, the image processing unit 42 includes a shading correction unit that performs shading correction on the input image data, and performs color correction on the image data that has undergone the shading correction to generate L * a * b * color. An input color correction unit for converting to spatial image data, a background detection unit for detecting a background region for L * a * b * image data, and a background region detected by the background detection unit for L * a * b * image data Color removal and binarization of the L * a * b * image data that has undergone the background removal processing, and the output color correction that converts the image data into Y, M, C, and K color space image data. The image processing unit 42 performs various types of image processing in each of the above-described processing units, so that Y, M, C, K for color image printing from the input R, G, B image data. The image data of each color Y, M, C, K is generated And outputs it to the image forming portion of the optical beam scanning device 28 corresponding one of the image forming portions 22A to 22D.

  In addition to the above-described processing units, the image processing unit 42 is provided with a plurality of DSPs (digital signal processors) for performing arbitrary image processing instructed to be executed. Each DSP includes a DSP main body and a storage unit. The storage area of the storage unit includes a program area for storing an image processing program executed by the DSP main body, and an image when image processing is executed by the DSP main body. It is divided into data areas for storing data.

  The multifunction machine 12 uses a copy function (printing condition) for copying a document image on a recording sheet 34 as a density, color, document mode, magnification, negative / positive reversal, one image of a plurality of pages. The printing condition items such as N-up and 2-color copy for printing on the recording paper 34 can be set. For example, the setting of these printing condition items is connected to the control unit 38 and provided with a touch panel. The operation panel 44 provided with a display unit made up of a small LCD and an input unit made up of a keyboard such as a numeric keypad is operated by the user. When the user operates the operation panel 44 to instruct setting (adjustment or selection) of one or more of the above-described printing condition items, the control unit 38 is based on an instruction from the user. A job definition file having a fixed format is generated, and the generated job definition file is output to the image processing unit 42 to transmit the settings of the items instructed to be set by the user to the image processing unit.

  When the image processing unit 42 receives the job definition file from the control unit 38, the image processing unit 42 recognizes the print condition item instructed to be set (adjusted or selected) by referring to the content of the received job definition file, and recognizes the recognized print condition. Items can be set by adjusting processing parameters in any of the processing units that perform standard image processing (shading correction unit, input color correction unit, background detection unit, background removal unit, output color correction unit) If possible (for example, when adjustment of density or hue, setting of document mode is instructed, etc.), the processing parameters in any of the processing units are changed, and the setting of the recognized printing condition item corresponds to the DSP. When it is necessary to perform processing (for example, when magnification adjustment, negative / positive conversion, N-up, or execution of two-color copying is selected), a corresponding image processing program is executed. It is loaded into the storage unit of the SP to run. As a result, the copying process for copying the image of the document onto the recording paper 34 is executed under the copying conditions (printing conditions) designated by the user.

  Although details will be described later, when execution of two-color copying, which is one of the printing condition items, is instructed, a two-color separation threshold (achromatic / chromatic threshold) is set as a printing condition for two-color copying. ), The reproduction color of the chromatic color region and the reproduction color of the achromatic color region are designated respectively. In this case, in the image processing unit 42, L * a that has undergone background removal processing by the background removal unit based on the printing conditions of the two-color copy notified by the job definition file by the DSP loaded with the two-color copy program. * b * In the image data, the color corresponding to the chromatic color area (the color area defined as the chromatic color by the threshold for separation of two colors) is converted into the reproduction color of the notified chromatic color area, and the achromatic color area Conversion data for converting the color of the data corresponding to (a color area defined as an achromatic color by the threshold of two-color separation) to the reproduced color of the notified achromatic color area was generated, and the generated conversion data was set Two-color image data generation processing for generating two-color image data representing a two-color image is performed by converting the above-mentioned L * a * b * image data using a lookup table (LUT). The two-color copy is realized by converting the two-color image data into two-color image data of Y, M, C, and K by subsequent image processing and using it for printing.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the client PC 50 is configured such that a CPU 50A, a ROM 50B, a RAM 50C, and an input / output port 50D are connected to each other via a bus 50E including a data bus, a control bus, an address bus, and the like. The input / output port 50D includes a display 52, a keyboard 54, a mouse 56, a hard disk drive (HDD) 58, and a CD-ROM drive for reading information from a CD-ROM as various input / output devices. 60, and a communication control device 62 that controls communication with an external device connected via the communication line 48 are connected to each other. The display 52 corresponds to the display means according to the present invention, and the keyboard 54 and the mouse 56 correspond to the input means according to the present invention. A copy simulation program for performing a copy simulation process to be described later is installed in the HDD 18 of the client PC 50. The client PC 50 functions as a copy control apparatus according to the present invention by the CPU 50A executing the copy simulation program. . The copy simulation program corresponds to the copy control program according to the seventh aspect.

  Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, first, when a user sets a document to be copied in the image reading device 36 and operates the operation panel 44 of the multifunction machine 12 to instruct copying of the document to be copied. A copy process realized by executing a copy program in the control unit 38 of the multifunction machine 12 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  In the copying system 10 according to this embodiment, before printing an image of a document to be copied on the recording paper 34, the copying that enables the print image on the recording paper 34 to be displayed on the display 52 of the client PC 50 as a simulation image. A simulation function is provided. In step 100, a message for inquiring whether or not the above-described copying simulation function can be used is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 44, thereby inquiring the user whether or not copying using the copying simulation function is performed. When the above message is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 44, the user operates the operation panel 44 to input information indicating whether or not the copy simulation function can be used. In the next step 102, it is determined whether or not the use of the copy simulation function is selected based on the information input by the user.

  If the user selects not to use the copy simulation function, the determination in step 102 is denied and the process proceeds to step 104 to perform normal copy processing. That is, the document to be copied set in the image reading device 36 is read by the image reading device 36, and the image data input from the image reading device 36 along with this reading is stored in the storage unit 40, and the image data is stored. Then, the job is registered in the copy job spool for registering a copy job waiting for execution. Further, when a copy condition (print condition) is specified by operating the operation panel 44 by the user (when setting is instructed for one or more specific items of each print condition item), A job definition file is generated based on an instruction from the user, and the generated job definition file is also registered in the copy job spool together with the image data. The copy job registered in the copy job spool is executed by print processing described later, and the image represented by the image data corresponding to the copy job is copied (printed) onto the recording paper 34.

  On the other hand, if the use of the copy simulation function is selected, the determination in step 102 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 106, where the operation panel 44 displays a user ID input screen provided with an input field for inputting a user ID. And requesting the user to input a user ID. In the next step 108, it is determined whether or not a user ID has been input, and step 108 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. In the copying system 10 according to the present embodiment, each user who uses the copying system 10 is assigned with a user ID in advance, and when the user ID input screen is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 44, the user performs an operation. The input unit of the panel 44 is operated to input its own user ID. When the user ID is input, the determination in step 108 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 110, and the user information table stored in the storage unit 40 is searched using the input user ID as a key.

  In the user information table, as shown in Table 1 as an example, for a user who has used the copy simulation function in the past, the user ID and the address of the transfer destination of the simulation image data (specific identification that the user normally uses) Are registered in association with the client PC 50 in correspondence with the address of a specific folder provided by the user for the purpose of receiving image data for simulation.

  In step 112, it is determined whether or not the corresponding information is extracted from the user information table by the search in step 110. If the determination is affirmative (if the user corresponding to the input user ID has used the copy simulation function in the past), the process proceeds to step 120 without performing any processing, but the determination is negative When the user corresponding to the input user ID uses the copy simulation function for the first time, the process proceeds to step 114, and a message requesting input of the address of the simulation image data transfer destination is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 44. To request the user to input the forwarding address. In the next step 116, it is determined whether or not a data transfer destination address has been input, and step 116 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. When the data transfer destination address is input by operating the input unit of the operation panel 44 by the user, the determination in step 116 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 118, and the input data transfer destination address is changed to the destination. Is registered in the user information table in association with the user ID input in the.

  In the next step 120, after displaying a message notifying that the preparation for processing is completed on the display unit of the operation panel 44, it is determined whether or not an instruction to start processing (start reading of the copy target document) is given. Step 120 is repeated until is affirmed. When the user who recognizes that the preparation for processing is completed based on the message displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 44 operates the input unit of the operation panel 44 to instruct the start of processing, the determination in step 120 is affirmed. In step 122, first, a job number is set for the process (copy job) instructed to start. This job number is information for identifying an individual copy job, and is numbered and set so as not to overlap with the job number of an existing copy job that has not been processed.

  In the next step 124, reading processing for reading the copy target document set on the image reading device 36 is performed by the image reading device 36, and each of the R, G, B colors representing the image of the copy target document obtained by this reading processing is performed. Image data (image data for printing) is registered in the storage unit 40 in association with the job number set in step 122. In the above-described reading process, an image of a copy target document is read at a relatively high resolution that can be reproduced with sufficient image quality on the recording paper 34 in a printing process described later. When the reading process is completed, the process proceeds to step 126, and simulation image data obtained by reducing the resolution of the printing image data is generated from the printing image data obtained by the reading process. Note that the resolution of the image data for simulation is set to a relatively low resolution that can confirm whether the density, the hue, or the like is appropriate when displayed as an image on the display 52 of the client PC 50.

  When the simulation image data is generated, in the next step 128, first, the job number set in step 122 is added to the generated simulation image data, and the simulation image data to which the job number is added is input to the user previously input. The data is transferred to the data transfer destination address associated with the ID and registered in the user information table. In step 130, a message notifying the end of the transfer of the simulation image data is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 44, thereby completing the transfer of the simulation image data to the data transfer destination address set by the user. Is notified to the user, and the copying process is terminated.

  When using the copy simulation function, the user needs to wait in front of the multifunction machine 12 until the above-described series of processing is completed, and input information as necessary. Once the data transfer destination address is registered, the user ID is the only information to be entered by the user. Therefore, the series of processes described above is actually completed in a very short time. It can be avoided that the operation rate of the multifunction machine 12 decreases with the execution. Since the simulation image data is image data obtained by reducing the resolution of the printing image data, the transfer of the simulation image data from the multifunction machine 12 to the client PC 50 is completed in a short time, and the multifunction machine 12 and the client PC 50 It is also possible to avoid a significant increase in traffic on the communication line 48 between the two. Note that the simulation image data corresponds to “low-resolution image data” described in claim 5.

  Next, in order to display a simulation image using the copy simulation function in each client PC 50, the user has accessed specific simulation image data stored in a folder for receiving simulation image data. With reference to FIG. 5, a copy simulation process realized by executing the copy simulation program by the CPU 50A of the client PC 50 will be described.

  First, in step 150, the accessed simulation image data is read from the simulation image data receiving folder, and the resolution of the read simulation image data is converted in accordance with the number of pixels of the display 52, so Image data for displaying (image before print processing including the image processing) is generated. In the next step 152, image processing corresponding to the standard printing conditions (printing conditions when the user does not instruct setting for each printing condition item) (images of the multifunction machine 12) is applied to the read simulation image data. The same image as the accessed simulation image data by performing the shading correction unit, input color correction unit, background detection unit, background removal unit, and output color correction unit of the processing unit 42 Image data of a simulation image representing a print image when printing is performed using standard print conditions using image data for printing representing the image data is generated.

  In step 154, a simulation screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 52 as an example using the image data of the original image and the simulation image generated in steps 150 and 152. In this simulation screen, an area for displaying the original image is provided on the left side of the screen, and an area for displaying the simulation image is provided on the right side of the screen. Each area is generated in steps 150 and 152. A corresponding image is displayed using the image data. Further, in the central portion of the simulation screen, the user can operate the keyboard 54 and mouse 56 of the client PC 50 to set each printing condition item that can be set when the original is copied by the multifunction machine 12. A printing condition setting area is provided. In the example shown in FIG. 6, for each of the items of density, magnification, hue, document mode, negative / positive reversal, and N-up, one of a plurality of displayed options is selected, or a numerical value is displayed in the displayed input field. The user can make settings by inputting or sliding an upward arrow symbol “▲” on the displayed slide bar along the bar. The simulation screen is also provided with a button 70 for instructing redisplay of the print image and a button 72 for instructing confirmation of the printing conditions.

  In the next step 156, it is determined whether or not a redisplay of the simulation image is instructed based on whether or not the user selects the button 70. If the determination is negative, the routine proceeds to step 162, where it is determined whether or not the user has instructed to confirm the printing conditions based on whether or not the button 72 has been selected by the user. If this determination is also denied, the process returns to step 156, and steps 156 and 162 are repeated until either determination is affirmed.

  When the simulation screen is displayed on the display 52, the user refers to the simulation image displayed in the screen and verifies whether or not the print image represented by the displayed simulation image matches a desired copy result. . Here, if the simulation image is different from the desired copy result, the user can copy the simulation image as desired among the print condition items while performing comparison with the displayed original image as necessary. The print condition item to be changed and set to match the result is determined, the change to the determined print condition item is determined, and the keyboard 54 and mouse 56 are operated based on the determination result to set the print condition. An instruction to change the print condition is given via the area. Then, in order to confirm whether or not the printing condition after the change setting is appropriate, the mouse 56 is operated and the button 70 is selected to instruct redisplay of the simulation image.

  As a result, the determination in step 156 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 158, and the currently set printing condition (the latest printing condition changed and set by the user) is taken in via the printing condition setting area of the simulation screen. In the next step 160, the image data of the simulation image is regenerated by executing image processing corresponding to the printing conditions captured in step 158 on the simulation image data read in the previous step 150. . Then, returning to step 154, the simulation screen is displayed again. As a result, the simulation image displayed in the simulation screen is switched to the regenerated simulation image.

  For example, in the standard printing conditions, “N up” which is one of the printing condition items is set to “none”, but “4 up” is set as “N up” as shown in FIG. When the re-display of the simulation image (print image) is instructed and selected, in step 160, the image for four pages is reduced and the matrix is reduced so that the image for four pages fits on one recording sheet 34. As shown in FIG. 6 as a print image, a print image when printing is performed under the changed print conditions (4 pages worth) is newly executed. Image data of a simulation image representing a print image in which the image is reduced and arranged is generated, and this simulation image is re-displayed in the simulation screen.

  In addition, the simulation screen according to the present embodiment is capable of scrolling the display of the print condition setting area. When the display of the print condition setting area is instructed to scroll, for example, as shown in FIG. The screen is switched to a screen (two-color copy condition setting screen) in which printing conditions can be set. This two-color copy condition setting screen includes a selection field 74 for selecting whether or not to perform two-color copy of the copy target document, and whether the copy target document is chromatic or achromatic when copying the copy target document. Color coordinates (a * b *) for designating a threshold for separating two colors by a distance from the lightness axis (L * axis) on the L * a * b * color space, which is one of the uniform perceptual color spaces (Two-dimensional color coordinates) 76 and a designation field for designating reproduction colors on a copy of a chromatic color region / achromatic color region on a copy target document to be distinguished based on a threshold value designated on the color coordinate 76 78 is displayed.

  Among these, “None” for instructing not to perform two-color copying and “Yes” for instructing execution of two-color copying are instructed as options in the selection column 74, By selecting such an option, it is possible to select whether or not to perform two-color copying. A designated circle 76A for designating a threshold for two-color separation is displayed on the color coordinate 76, and the user operates the mouse 56 to perform an operation such as drag and drop on the designated circle 76A. By changing the diameter of 76A (distance between the circumference of the designated circle 76A and the origin (brightness axis) of the color coordinates (a * b * two-dimensional color coordinates) 76), it is possible to designate a threshold value for two-color separation. ing. The designation column 78 is provided with a designation column for designating the reproduction color of the chromatic color area and a designation column for designating the reproduction color of the achromatic color area. Each reproduction column has a reproduction color. A button 78A for instructing to display a list of candidates is provided. The user operates the mouse 56 to select a button 78A in each designation field to display a list of reproduction color candidates, and selects a desired reproduction color from the list of reproduction color candidates. A desired reproduction color can be designated for each of the chromatic color region and the achromatic color region. The threshold value for two-color separation specified via the color coordinate 76 is “the distance from the brightness axis in the uniform perceptual color space at the boundary between the two colors to be printed in different colors” according to claim 2. Corresponds to "value specified by".

  When it is desired to execute two-color copying, the user scrolls the display of the printing condition setting area to display the two-color copying condition setting screen, and selects the option “present” displayed in the selection column 74. In addition, in order to execute a desired two-color copy, the threshold of two-color separation is designated by adjusting the diameter of the designated circle 76A of the color coordinate 76, and the chromatic color region and the achromatic color region are designated via the designation column 78. After the reproduction color is designated, in order to check whether or not the designated two-color copy printing conditions are appropriate, the mouse 56 is operated and the button 70 is selected to instruct redisplay of the simulation image. Even when the above operation is performed, the determination in step 156 is affirmed. In this case, in step 160, while executing image processing corresponding to the printing conditions captured in step 158, L * a * b * A two-color copy simulation process for simulating a two-color image data generation process executed by the image processing unit 42 of the multifunction machine 12 is performed on the simulation image data converted into the image data in the color space. This two-color copy simulation process separates a simulation image into a chromatic color region and an achromatic color region according to a specified two-color separation threshold, and converts the color of the separated chromatic color region into a reproduction color of the specified chromatic color region. At the same time, the color of the achromatic region is converted into a reproduction color of the designated achromatic region.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 7 as an example, a simulation image displayed in the simulation screen represents a printing result when a two-color copy is performed under the currently set two-color copy printing conditions. It will switch to the image. Steps 154 to 160 described above are repeated each time the printing condition is changed and set by the user and the redisplay of the simulation image is instructed. The user changes the setting by referring to the redisplayed simulation image. It is possible to change and set the printing conditions while confirming how the print image changes depending on the printing conditions.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, a copy target original (original image) is composed of a large number of texts and photographic images including the character string “Every morning newspaper”, and the character string “Every morning newspaper” and the photographic image are colored. The copy of the original is a character string “Every morning newspaper” with a reproduction color of the chromatic area (for example, red), and other text and photographic images are reproduction colors of the achromatic area (for example, black). While the user wants a two-color copy to be reproduced, as shown in FIG. 8 as a print image a, the character “hear” in the character string “Every morning newspaper” is displayed in the simulation image display area of the simulation screen. When an inappropriate simulation image reproduced with the reproduction color of the achromatic color area is displayed, the area of the achromatic color area is too wide with the currently set two-color separation threshold value a (the two-color separation threshold value (lightness axis)). from Away) is too large) and can be judged. For this reason, the user reduces the threshold value of the two-color separation by reducing the diameter of the designated circle 76A displayed on the color coordinate 76 on the two-color copy condition setting screen (threshold value b), and re-simulates the simulation image. Instruct the display. As a result, as shown as a print image b in FIG. 8, the desired copy result in which the character string “Every morning newspaper” is reproduced with the reproduction color of the chromatic color area and the other texts and photographic images are reproduced with the reproduction color of the achromatic color area. A simulation image representing (print result) is displayed.

  Thus, every time the printing condition is changed and set by the user and the re-display of the simulation image is instructed, the steps 154 to 160 are repeated, so that the user can obtain the optimum printing condition that obtains a desired copy result. Can be reached easily. Steps 150 to 160 described above correspond to the display control means according to the present invention (specifically, the display control means described in claim 3), and the color coordinates 76 are set in the two-color copy condition setting screen of the simulation screen. Displaying corresponds to the instruction assisting means described in claim 3.

  When the print image represented by the simulation image matches the desired copy result, the user operates the mouse 56 and selects the button 72 to instruct the confirmation of the current print condition. As a result, the determination in step 162 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 164, where the latest print condition (print condition for which confirmation is instructed) currently set is fetched. In the next step 166, the printing conditions captured in step 164 are edited into printing condition information in the same format as the job definition file input from the control unit 38 of the multifunction machine 12 to the image processing unit 42. In step 168, the job number added to the simulation image data read in step 150 and information indicating that the destination is the multifunction machine 12 are added to the printing condition information generated in step 166. A print instruction is sent to the multifunction machine 12. When execution of two-color copying is instructed, the above printing condition information includes information for instructing execution of two-color copying, information indicating a threshold for color separation, and reproduction color of the designated chromatic color region And information representing the reproduction color of the achromatic region. Steps 162 to 168 described above correspond to the print control means according to the present invention (specifically, the print control means according to claims 4 and 6).

  Next, print processing realized by the control unit 38 of the multifunction machine 12 executing a print program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This printing process is always executed by the control unit 38. In step 180, it is determined whether there is a copy job waiting for printing by determining whether a copy job is registered in the copy job spool. If the determination in step 180 is negative, the process proceeds to step 184 to determine whether there is a print job other than a copy job.

  In the multifunction machine 12 according to the present embodiment, a print job spool for registering a print instruction other than a copy job as a print job is provided separately from the copy job spool. The print job spool includes a client PC 50. Print instruction received via the communication line 48 from the client (in this print instruction, the client PC 50 is instructed to print application data created using an application program executed on the client PC 50. A print instruction including the print data of the application data to be printed transmitted from the printer, and a print condition information transmitted from the client PC 50 through the above-described copy simulation process instructed to copy using the simulation function. Include bets instruction) is registered as a print job waiting for printing. The registration of the print job to the print job spool is performed by an interrupt process that is executed when an interrupt is applied each time a print instruction is received from the client PC 50. Therefore, the determination in step 184 is realized by determining whether or not a print job is registered in the print job spool.

  If the determination in step 184 is also negative, the process returns to step 180, and steps 180 and 184 are repeated until either determination is positive. When the user instructs to copy the original (copying without using the copy simulation function) and a new copy job is registered in the copy job spool, the determination in step 180 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 182 to copy. Information (image data) of a copy job to be executed is extracted from the job spool, and the extracted image data is output to the image processing unit 42. As a result, the image processing unit 42 performs image processing on the input image data according to the copy conditions (printing conditions) designated by the user, and the image of the document to be copied is designated by the user. The copy is made on the recording paper 34 in accordance with the copying conditions (printing conditions).

  On the other hand, if a new print instruction is received from the client PC 50 and this print instruction is registered in the print job spool as a print job, the determination in step 184 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 186, where the print job spool is set. The information of the print job to be executed is taken out from. In the next step 188, based on whether or not the information of the print job to be executed extracted from the print job spool is the print condition information, the print job to be executed is a print job corresponding to copying using the copy simulation function. Judge whether or not. When the print data of the application data to be printed is included in the information of the print job to be executed, the determination in step 188 is denied and the process proceeds to step 190 and is included in the information of the extracted print job. By outputting the print data to the image processing unit 42, the image represented by the print data is printed on the recording paper 34.

  If the information of the print job to be executed is the print condition information, it can be determined that the print job to be executed is a print job corresponding to copying using the copy simulation function, so the determination in step 188 is affirmed. In step 192, the job number is extracted from the printing condition information. In the next step 194, the print image data (print image data corresponding to the print job to be executed) associated with the job number extracted in step 192 and registered in the storage unit 40 is searched. The image data for printing extracted by the above is read from the storage unit 40. In step 196, the printing condition information is output to the image processing unit 42 (the printing condition information can be output to the image processing unit 42 as it is because it has the same format as the job definition file). Conditions are set in the image processing unit 42. In step 198, the printing image data read from the storage unit 40 in step 194 is output to the image processing unit.

  As a result, the image processing unit 42 performs image processing corresponding to the printing conditions set by the user via the client PC 50 by the above-described copying simulation processing on the input printing image data. The image represented by the image data (the image of the document to be copied) is printed (copied) on the recording paper 34 in accordance with the printing conditions set by the user via the client PC 50. If the above-mentioned printing conditions include execution of two-color copying, a two-color copying program is loaded into the DSP of the image processing unit 42 and notified by the DSP with printing condition information. The chromatic color region of the L * a * b * image data that has undergone background removal processing by the background removal unit based on the two-color copy printing conditions (two-color copy printing conditions set by the user via the client PC 50) Convert the color of the data corresponding to the reproduced color of the notified chromatic area, and generate the conversion data for converting the color of the data corresponding to the achromatic color area to the reproduced color of the notified achromatic color area, A two-color image data generation process for generating two-color image data representing a two-color image by converting the above L * a * b * image data using a lookup table (LUT) in which the generated conversion data is set. It is carried out. The two-color image data is converted into image data of two colors of Y, M, C, and K (two colors notified as reproduction colors) by subsequent image processing and used for printing, so that two-color copying is performed. Is done.

  In this way, in copying using the copy simulation function, the user can set the printing conditions while checking the copy result by referring to the simulation image displayed on the display 52 of the client PC 50, and the desired copy. The printing conditions for which the result is confirmed to be obtained are notified from the client PC 50 to the multifunction machine 12, and the multifunction machine 12 performs printing on the recording paper 34 under the notified printing conditions. (Also, when other image processing such as negative / positive reversal or N-up is performed), it is possible to prevent the recording paper 34 from being wasted due to an error in setting the printing conditions, and the user can operate the operation panel 44 of the multifunction machine 12. Since there is no need to set printing conditions by operating, operability is improved and the burden on the user for setting printing conditions is reduced. Rukoto can. In addition, the operating rate of the multifunction machine 12 can be improved.

  In the above description, the circular region located at the center of the a * b * two-dimensional color coordinate is an achromatic region, and the donut-shaped region existing around the achromatic region is a chromatic region. Explains an example in which a threshold for two-color separation as a boundary position between an achromatic color region and a chromatic color region in color copy is specified as a distance from the lightness axis (L * axis) in the L * a * b * color space However, the present invention is not limited to this (see FIGS. 7 and 8). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, on the a * b * two-dimensional color coordinate 76, the lightness axis (L * axis) and A fan-shaped area (area shown by hatching in FIG. 10) surrounded by two line segments connecting the circle representing the outer edge of the color coordinate 76 and an arc portion sandwiched between the two line segments of the circle. The designated area 76B is set so that the reproduction color is different between the designated area 76B and the other areas, and the number and the number of designated areas 76B. A threshold for two-color separation may be designated by setting the angle (hue angle) and direction (direction of two lines) of each designated region.

  The two-color copy condition setting screen shown in FIG. 10 is provided with a specification field 80 for designating the number of designated areas in addition to the selection field 74, the color coordinates 76 and the designation field 78 similar to those in FIG. A number of fan-shaped designation areas 76 </ b> B designated via the designation column 80 are displayed at the color coordinates 76. In addition, each designated area 76B displayed on the color coordinate 76 can change the angle of two line segments that define the outer edge of the designated area 76B, and the user operates the mouse 56 to operate each designated area 76B. When the angle is changed by performing an operation such as drag and drop on the two line segments of 76B, the angle and direction of each designated area 76B change accordingly, thereby specifying a threshold for two-color separation. Is done. Note that the two-color separation threshold value specified via the color coordinate 76 shown in FIG. 10 is “in the uniform perceptual color space of one of the two colors to be printed in different colors” according to claim 2. Corresponds to a value that specifies the range of the hue angle and direction. Even when the two-color separation threshold value is designated by the angle and direction of the designated area 76B as described above, a desired copy result (print result) is obtained based on the simulation image displayed on the display 52 of the client PC 50. In this way, a threshold for two-color separation can be set.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, for the same copy target document (original image) as in FIG. 8, the user sets the character string “Every morning newspaper” and the photographic image in the first reproduction color (for example, red), Is desired to be a two-color copy that is reproduced in the second reproduction color (for example, black), whereas characters are displayed in the simulation image display area of the simulation screen as shown in FIG. When an improper simulation image in which the character “Han” in the column “Every morning newspaper” and a photographic image are reproduced with the second reproduction color is displayed, the current designated area 76B is set with the second reproduction color. It can be determined that the area of the area to be reproduced (area other than the designated area) is too large (a part of the color to be reproduced with the first reproduction color is not included in the designated area 76B). In this case, based on the display of an inappropriate simulation image, the user has a large angle between the two line segments in the designated area 76B displayed on the color coordinate 76 on the two-color copy condition setting screen. The two-color separation threshold is changed by changing the angle of the two line segments so as to enlarge the area of the designated region 76B (see “designated region: wide” shown in FIG. 11), and the simulation image is reproduced. Instruct the display. As a result, as shown as a print image b in FIG. 11, a desired copy result (printing) in which the character string “Every morning newspaper” and the photographic image are reproduced in the first reproduction color and the other text is reproduced in the second reproduction color. A simulation image representing (result) is displayed. Then, by performing printing under the printing conditions when the simulation image representing the desired copying result (printing result) is displayed, a desired copying result (printing result) can be obtained for the two-color copy. The shape of the designated area is not limited to the above fan shape, and any shape can be applied.

  In the print processing shown in FIG. 9, when execution of the copy job (step 182) or execution of the print job (step 190 or step 198) is completed, it is first determined whether or not there is a copy job (step 180). If there is a copy job, it will be executed, so the copy job will be executed with priority over the print job, but this is not a limitation, and execution of the print job has priority over execution of the copy job. It is also possible to classify print jobs into print jobs corresponding to copying using the copy simulation function and other print jobs, and execute print jobs corresponding to copying using the copy simulation function. You may make it give priority over execution of other print jobs.

  In the above description, in copying using the copy simulation function, the original to be copied is read only once, and simulation image data having a lower resolution than the print image data obtained by the reading is used as the print image. The mode of generating data by reducing the resolution has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image reading apparatus performs reading at low resolution (preliminary reading) to obtain simulation image data. Alternatively, reading at high resolution (main reading) for obtaining image data for printing may be sequentially performed.

  Further, in the above description, in the copying using the copying simulation function, when the multifunction machine 12 (image reading device 36) completes the reading of the copy original document and generates the simulation image data, the generated simulation image data is stored in the client PC 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The generated simulation image data is held on the multifunction device 12 side, and the user requests the multifunction device 12 to transfer the data via the client PC 50. In response to this, the simulation image data may be transferred from the multifunction machine 12 to the client PC 50.

  In the above description, a copy simulation program for performing a copy simulation process on the client PC 50 has been described as an example of being installed in the client PC 50 in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the copy simulation function is used. The multifunction machine 12 (the image reading apparatus or the printing apparatus according to the present invention) may distribute the copying simulation program to the user who performs copying (the client PC 50 that is normally used). As a timing for distributing the copy simulation program, for example, as described above, it is desirable that the user requests the transfer of the simulation image data to the multifunction device 12 via the client PC 50. Is displayed on the display 52 of the client PC 50, and if it is not installed, a copy simulation program is distributed based on a request from the user and installed on the client PC 50. The MFP 12 automatically checks whether the copy simulation program is installed in the client PC 50 and is installed. If you do not have to distribute a copy simulation program, it may be made to be installed on the client PC50. Further, in a mode in which the multifunction machine 12 automatically checks whether the copy simulation program is installed in the client PC 50, the version of the installed copy simulation program is also checked at the same time, and the installed version is not the latest. In this case, the latest version of the copy simulation program may be distributed and installed.

  Further, the example in which the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus according to the present invention are integrated as the multifunction machine 12 has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image reading apparatus and the printing apparatus are separate. May be. In this case, in copying using the copy simulation function, the transfer of the printing image data from the image reading apparatus to the printing apparatus may be performed immediately after the image reading apparatus completes reading of the copy target document. It may be performed by requesting transfer of image data for printing from the printing apparatus to the image reading apparatus when the printing apparatus is instructed to perform printing corresponding to the copying.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying system according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multifunction machine. It is a schematic block diagram of a client PC. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of a copy process executed by the multifunction machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the copy simulation process performed with client PC. It is an image figure which shows an example of a simulation screen. It is an image figure which shows an example of the simulation screen of a 2 color copy. FIG. 10 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a change in a print image according to a threshold change setting in two-color copying. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of print processing executed by the multifunction machine. It is an image figure which shows the other example of the simulation screen of 2 color copying. FIG. 11 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a change in a print image accompanying change setting of a specified range (threshold value) in the range specification illustrated in FIG. 10.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Copy system 12 MFP 22A-22D Image formation part 36 Image reading apparatus 38 Control part 40 Memory | storage part 42 Image processing part 50 Client PC
52 Display 54 Keyboard 56 Mouse

Claims (7)

A reading device that separates a document into a plurality of color components and reads the original image data obtained by the reading device reading the document in two colors according to a set two-color separation threshold. A copy control device connected to each of a printing device for converting to two-color image data and printing on a recording medium,
Based on the image data of the original, simulation image data representing a two-color image obtained when printing is performed by the printing device according to a set two-color separation threshold is generated, and an image represented by the generated simulation image data is represented. Display control means for displaying on the display means as a simulation image;
Each time the change of the threshold is instructed via the input means, the display control means redisplays the simulation image according to the changed threshold, and when the confirmation of the threshold is instructed via the input means, Printing control means for controlling so that printing of a two-color image by the printing apparatus is performed according to a determined threshold;
A copy control device characterized by comprising:   The two-color separation threshold is a value that designates a boundary between two colors to be printed in different colors by a distance from the lightness axis in the uniform perceptual color space, or one of two colors to be printed in different colors 2. The copy control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color control unit is a value that designates a range in the uniform perceptual color space by a hue angle and a direction.   When the simulation image is displayed on the display unit by the display control unit, the color coordinates of the uniform perceptual color space are displayed on the display unit at the same time, thereby changing the two-color separation threshold value. 3. The copying control apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an instruction assisting means for enabling the above instruction. Two colors used for printing the two-color image data are designated via the input means,
The copy control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit controls the printing apparatus so that the two-color image data is printed using the designated two colors. The image data input from the reading device is image data having a lower resolution than the image data used for printing by the printing device,
The display control means generates the simulation image data and displays the simulation image based on the input low-resolution image data,
The copy control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus performs conversion into two-color image data and printing on a recording medium using image data of a document directly obtained from the reading apparatus. The copy control apparatus according to claim 1 is realized by a computer connected to the reading apparatus and the printing apparatus via a communication line, and provided with the input means and the display means.
2. The print control unit according to claim 1, wherein the printing control unit notifies the printing apparatus of the determined threshold value so that printing of a two-color image by the printing apparatus is performed according to the determined threshold value. Copy control device. A reading device that separates a document into a plurality of color components and reads the original image data obtained by the reading device reading the document in two colors according to a set two-color separation threshold. A computer that is connected to a printing apparatus that converts the data into two-color image data and prints it on a recording medium, and that includes a display unit and an input unit;
Based on the image data of the original, simulation image data representing a two-color image obtained when printing is performed by the printing device according to a set two-color separation threshold is generated, and an image represented by the generated simulation image data is represented. Display control means for displaying on the display means as a simulation image;
Each time the change of the threshold value is instructed via the input means, the display control means redisplays the simulation image according to the changed threshold value, and the confirmation of the threshold value is instructed via the input means. Then, a copy control program that functions as a print control unit that performs control so that printing of a two-color image by the printing apparatus is performed according to a predetermined threshold.