JP2006287356A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology of simply carrying out print settings without the need for expert knowledge and skills. <P>SOLUTION: A template 201 is recorded in a memory of an image processing apparatus disclosed herein. The template is data comprising print conditions and layout information, the image processing apparatus 10 assigns image data to the template 201 in response to a print request from a user, uses the print conditions included in the template 201 to generate print data appropriate to a printer of an output destination and provides an output of the print data to the printer. The template 201 is associated with a color profile appropriate to an output device in advance, and the image processing apparatus 10 acquires the color profile in association with the read template 201 in advance or a color profile in association with the print conditions revised by the user from a color profile storage section 140 to carry out the color matching of print object image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that edits the arrangement and size of an image according to layout definition data and generates print data.

  Conventionally, a special printer that can print an image using paper having a size larger than that of a general printer has been used. Special printers are often used for commercial purposes by printers with specialized knowledge in the printing process. For example, when printing on large paper using a special printer, the printer uses image processing software to determine the image layout, for example, where to place the image on the paper, how many sheets on the paper. Set whether to place the image and print the image. Also, because different types of paper have differences in coloration and brightness even with the same image, the printing company prints the image while appropriately setting the color characteristics suitable for the paper type using the image processing software. .

JP 2004-280163 A JP 2004-114485 A

  In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras, the number of general users who purchase and print special printers is increasing. However, in order to perform printing with a special printer, complicated print settings such as color settings in consideration of image arrangement, image resolution, and paper type are required. Therefore, it has been difficult for general users who do not have specialized knowledge and skills to obtain high-quality printing results using a large format printer.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to easily perform print setting without requiring specialized knowledge or skill.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, an image processing apparatus having a first configuration according to the present invention includes:
A designation receiving means for receiving designation of first layout definition data used for generating the print data;
Layout definition data acquisition means for acquiring the designated first layout definition data;
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data to be allocated to the first layout definition data;
Print data generating means for setting an allocation position on the print medium of an image represented by the image data based on the arrangement information, and generating print data to be output to the printing apparatus reflecting the printing conditions. This is the gist.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, since print data can be generated using the print conditions and arrangement information set in the layout definition data, the user can set the print conditions and image arrangement. The print data can be generated without causing the process to be performed. Therefore, the user can easily obtain a high-quality print result without requiring specialized knowledge.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
The printing conditions include at least color conversion information used for color conversion from a device-independent color space that does not depend on a device to an output device-dependent color space that depends on a predetermined printing device,
The print data generation unit uses the first color conversion information included in the print condition associated with the first layout definition data to change the color space of the image data from the device independent color space to the output device. The print data may be generated by performing color conversion to a color space.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to convert image data using color conversion information included in layout definition data in advance. Therefore, the user can obtain a print result approximating the actual color of the subject without specifying the color conversion information.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
The printing conditions include at least specific information for specifying color conversion information used for color conversion from a device-independent color space that does not depend on a device to an output device-dependent color space that depends on a predetermined printing device,
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Color conversion information storage means for storing first color conversion information included in printing conditions associated with the first layout definition data;
Color conversion information acquisition means for acquiring the first color conversion information from the color conversion information storage means based on the specific information;
The print data generation unit performs color conversion of the color space of the image data from the device independent color space to the output device dependent color space using the acquired first color conversion information, and generates the print data. May be.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, since the specific information is included in the printing conditions, it is possible to reduce the data capacity of the layout definition data and obtain a printing result that approximates the actual color of the subject.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
Furthermore,
A change instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to change the first color conversion information to second color conversion information different from the first color conversion information and the device-dependent color space;
The color conversion information storage means further stores second color conversion information having a device-dependent color space different from the first color conversion information,
The color conversion information acquisition unit acquires the second color conversion information from the color conversion information storage unit based on the change instruction,
The print data generation unit may perform color conversion of the color space of the image data from the device-independent color space to the output device-dependent color space based on the second color conversion information, and generate the print data. .

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, color conversion processing can be performed using not only the first color conversion information associated in advance but also the second color conversion information desired by the user. Therefore, by using the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the user can perform color conversion processing flexibly and print on a print medium with a desired color.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
The printing conditions further include:
Including printing rule information that defines a printing mode of the printing process,
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Corresponding color conversion information storage means for storing a plurality of color conversion information in association with the print regulation information;
Print rule information change accepting means for accepting a change in the print rule information;
Corresponding color conversion information acquisition means for acquiring the corresponding color conversion information corresponding to the changed print regulation information from the corresponding color conversion information storage means may be provided.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
The printing conditions further include:
Including printing rule information that defines a printing mode of the printing process,
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Printing rule information change accepting means for accepting the change of the printing rule information;
The color conversion information storage means further stores a plurality of color conversion information in association with the print regulation information,
The color conversion information acquisition unit may acquire second color conversion information corresponding to the changed print regulation information from the color conversion information storage unit.

  The optimum color conversion information differs for each setting value of the print setting information. According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to convert image data using color conversion information suitable for print setting information changed by a user.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the corresponding color conversion information acquisition unit may acquire the corresponding color conversion information when the print setting information is changed.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the color conversion information acquisition unit may acquire the third color conversion information when the print setting information is changed.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the color conversion information suitable for the changed print setting information can be obtained immediately after the print setting information is changed.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
Furthermore,
You may provide the layout definition data storage means which stores the said 1st layout definition data by which the said printing conditions were changed as 2nd layout definition data different from the said 1st layout definition data.

  According to the present invention, the second layout definition data can be generated by reflecting the changed printing condition among the printing conditions of the first layout definition data. Accordingly, the second layout definition data in which the changed printing conditions are set can be reused, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
Furthermore,
A display unit;
Display control means for displaying identification information for identifying each color conversion information on the display unit together with the print default information may be provided.

  According to the present invention, since print setting information and specific information can be visually recognized together, it is possible to improve user convenience.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
In the arrangement information, an allocation position of the image data on the print medium is defined,
Furthermore,
Selection accepting means for accepting a selection instruction for two or more assigned positions for replacing the assigned image data with arbitrary image data from the assigned position to which the image data is assigned;
Allocation position selection means for selecting the allocation position based on the selection instruction;
Replacement image data selection means for selecting replacement image data to be replaced with the selected allocation position;
Instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute the replacement;
A replacement unit that receives the instruction and replaces the image data allocated to the selected allocation position at once with the replacement image data may be provided.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, since a plurality of images can be replaced at once with a single instruction, the user can easily perform image replacement for all the images desired to be replaced without giving a replacement instruction one by one. Can be substituted. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user and improve the efficiency of the print data generation process.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
The arrangement information includes an allocation position information indicating an allocation position of the image data on the print medium and an allocation position number individually allocated to the allocation position information.
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Selection accepting means for accepting a selection instruction for two or more assigned positions for replacing the assigned image data with arbitrary image data from the assigned position to which the image data is assigned;
Allocation position selection means for selecting the allocation position based on the selection instruction;
Replacement image data selection means for selecting replacement image data to be replaced with the selected allocation position;
Instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute the replacement;
Replacement means may be provided that receives the instruction and replaces the replacement image data in the selected order in ascending order of the assigned position numbers.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when replacing a plurality of images, the plurality of images are replaced together by a single replacement instruction by selecting in consideration of the selection order of the replacement images and the arrangement frame number. be able to.

  In the present invention, the various aspects described above can be applied by appropriately combining or omitting some of them. In addition to the configuration as the image processing apparatus described above, the present invention also provides a print data generation method by the image processing apparatus, a computer program for causing the image processing apparatus to generate print data, and the computer program recorded in a computer-readable manner. The recording medium can also be configured. In any configuration, the above-described aspects can be appropriately applied. As a computer-readable recording medium, various media such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, and a hard disk can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
In the first embodiment, an image processing apparatus that facilitates user print settings using a template in which color conditions suitable for image layout conditions and printing styles are set in advance and generates print data will be described.

A1. System configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a system configuration in the first embodiment. The printing system 1000 includes an image processing apparatus 10, a printer 20, a large format printer 30, and a printer 40. The image processing apparatus 10, the printer 20, the large format printer 30, and the printer 40 are connected to a local area network LAN. The image processing apparatus 10 is a general personal computer. The printer 20 and the printer 40 are color printers. The large format printer 30 is a special printer that can print on paper larger in size than the printers 20 and 40 and paper made of a special material.

  A template 201 is recorded in the memory of the image processing apparatus 10. The template is data composed of printing conditions and arrangement information, and corresponds to “layout definition data” in the claims. The detailed configuration of the template will be described later. The image processing apparatus 10 assigns the image data 50 to the template 201 in response to a print request from the user, generates print data 60 suitable for the output destination printer using the print conditions included in the template 201, and outputs the print data 60 to the printer. To do. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 outputs the print data 60 to the large format printer 30 which is a special printer. The print data 60 is generated in a format suitable for printing with the large format printer 30.

A2. Function block:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating functional blocks of the image processing apparatus 10 in the present embodiment. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU 100, a ROM 101, a RAM 102, an input unit 103, a display 104, a template storage unit 105, an image data storage unit 106, printer drivers 130, 131, and 132, and a color profile storage unit 140. Each functional block is controlled by the CPU 100.

  The input unit 103 notifies each functional block of input from the keyboard or mouse of the image processing apparatus 10.

  The printer driver 130 is a driver for the printer 20, the printer driver 131 is a driver for the large format printer 30, and the printer driver 132 is a driver for the printer 40.

  The color profile storage unit 140 stores a color profile installed in the image processing apparatus 10.

  The ROM 101 has a layout setting application 120. The layout setting application 120 includes a template reading module 121, a layout module 122, a print condition setting module 123, a print data generation module 124, a color matching module 125, and a template storage module 126. Each module is executed by the CPU 100.

  The layout setting application 120 displays a template or print condition setting screen for performing print processing on the display 104. The printing condition indicates setting information necessary for printing processing such as an output destination printer, a paper size, a paper type, a paper feeding method, and a color profile of print data generated using the template.

  The template reading module 121 displays a list of template thumbnails stored in the template storage unit 105 on the display 104. Further, the template reading module 121 reads the template selected by the user, and displays both the template preview screen and the print setting information set in the template on the display 104.

  The layout module 122 displays thumbnails of image data stored in the image data storage unit 106 and allows the user to select an image desired to be printed. The template includes arrangement information that defines the arrangement position of the image on the print medium, and the layout module 122 sets the arrangement of the image on the print medium based on the user operation and the arrangement information. In this embodiment, setting an allocation position on a print medium of image data desired to be printed based on arrangement information included in a template is called “layout”.

  The print condition setting module 123 determines whether the print condition has been changed by the user. When the printer model or paper type is changed, the print condition setting module 123 changes the printer driver corresponding to the printer model from among the printer drivers 130, 131, and 132 to the optimum color for the changed printer model and paper type. Queries the profile. Each printer driver notifies the print condition setting module 123 of a color profile suitable for the changed printer type and paper information.

  The color matching module 125 acquires a color profile associated with the read template in advance or a color profile corresponding to the printing condition changed by the user from the color profile storage unit 140 and performs color matching of the image data to be printed. I do.

  The print data generation module 124 uses the color-matched print target image data to generate print data according to the arrangement information and the print setting information.

  The template storage module 126 stores the template with the changed print setting information.

A3. Template configuration:
First, the content of the template 201 used in the present embodiment will be described. 3A to 3C are explanatory views illustrating the configuration of the template in the present embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the layout position of the layout frame image of the image on the image on which the template 201 is displayed on the display will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the template 201 has a coordinate point A in the upper left corner of the outer frame of the template 201 as a reference point (0, 0), a horizontal direction as an x axis, and a vertical direction as a y axis. The coordinate point of the upper left corner and the coordinate point of the lower right corner of the allocation frame are determined. Using the coordinate points A to J, the position and size of the outer frame and the image allocation frame are defined by the allocation position table 70 shown in FIG. 3B. The allocation position table 70 corresponds to the arrangement information in the present invention.

  The allocation position table 70 includes three items: a frame number, an upper left coordinate, and a lower right coordinate. The “frame number” represents a number individually assigned to an image allocation frame. The “upper left coordinate” represents the coordinate point of the upper left corner of the outer frame or the image allocation frame. “Lower right coordinate” represents the coordinate point of the lower right corner of the outer frame or the image allocation frame. For example, the outer frame has a frame number “0” and is defined by a rectangle represented by an upper left coordinate A (0, 0) and a lower right coordinate J (x9, y9). Further, for example, the allocation frame of the image having the frame number “2” is defined by a rectangle represented by upper left coordinates D (x3, y3) and lower right coordinates E (x4, y4). Since the frame number “0” represents the outer frame, the largest number of the frame number represents the number of image allocation frames included in the template 201. In this embodiment, the image allocation frame is a rectangle defined by two coordinate points. However, for example, items “center point” and “radius” may be provided and defined as a circle.

  Further, the template 201 has print regulation information 80 shown in FIG. The print regulation information 80 is setting information relating to print processing such as the type of printer recommended for printing, the paper feed method, the paper size, the paper type, and the color profile when the template 201 is used. For example, as shown in the figure, the name of the template 201 is “Temp01”, the printer model recommended for printing when using the template 201 is “LP-1000”, and the color profile used for color matching of image data to be printed Is set as “profile PF3”. The color profile is color conversion information used in color matching.

  In the template 201, the allocation position table 70 and the print regulation information 80 as described above are information described by a script.

A4. Printing process:
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating print processing executed by the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. This is processing performed by the CPU of the image processing apparatus 10 by controlling each functional block.

  The image processing apparatus 10 displays the thumbnails of the templates stored in the template storage unit 105 on the display (step S10).

  A template selection screen displayed on the display will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a template selection screen WD1 in the present embodiment. The template selection screen WD1 includes a template selection unit 200 and a print setting information display unit 210. The thumbnails of all templates stored in the template storage unit 105 are displayed on the template selection unit 200. In this embodiment, thumbnails of the templates 201, 202, and 203 stored in the template storage unit 105 are displayed on the template selection unit 200.

  The print setting information display unit 210 displays four items of “printer”, “paper feed”, “paper size”, and “paper type”. In each item of the print setting information display unit 210, information set in the print rule information of the template clicked by the user is displayed in each item of the print setting information display unit 210. In this embodiment, the template 201 is selected by the user. In this case, “LP-1000”, which is a setting value of “printer” included in the print regulation information 80 of the template 201, is displayed in the “printer” item. Similarly, the setting values of the print regulation information 80 are displayed for “paper feed”, “paper size”, and “paper type”. It is preferable that the user can visually recognize various information set in the template before finally selecting the template.

  When the user presses the selection button 220, the image processing apparatus 10 selects the template selected with the mouse. The image processing apparatus 10 may select a double-clicked template instead of pressing the selection button 220.

  When receiving the selection of the template 201 from the user (step S11), the image processing apparatus 10 displays the selected template 201 and the print regulation information 80 set in the template 201 on the display (step S12).

  A print setting screen displayed on the display will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a screen example illustrating the print setting screen WD2 in the present embodiment. The print setting screen WD2 includes a print setting information display unit 210 and a template preview display unit 330. The print setting information display unit 210 displays a print setting unit 300, a color management setting unit 310, and a template setting information display unit 320.

  The preview display unit 330 displays a preview of the template 201 selected by the user.

  The print setting unit 300 includes four items of “printer”, “paper feed”, “paper size”, and “paper type”. The setting value of each item is displayed by combo boxes 301, 302, 303, 304 so that the user can arbitrarily change it. Each information set in the print regulation information 80 of the template 201 is displayed as the setting value of each item. For example, as shown in the figure, “LP-1000”, which is a setting value of “printer” included in the template print definition information 80, is displayed in “printer”. Similarly, “sheet”, which is the setting value of “paper feed” in the print definition information 80, is displayed in “paper supply”, and “paper size” is the setting value of “paper size” in the print definition information 80. “A3” is displayed, and “Glossy paper”, which is a setting value of “Paper type” of the print regulation information 80, is displayed in “Paper type”. Note that the types of paper feed include rolls and sheets, and the paper types include glossy paper, plain paper, and recycled paper, for example.

  The color management setting unit 310 displays the color profile set in the selected template in the combo box 311. As shown in the figure, in the combo box 311, “profile PF 3” that is the setting value of the color profile set in the printing rule information 80 of the selected template 201 is displayed as “recommended profile (PF 3)”. The combo box 311 representing the color profile can be arbitrarily changed by the user, but the setting of the color profile requires special knowledge. Therefore, by displaying “recommended profile (PF3)”, the profile PF3 which is the initial setting of the template is displayed. Is notified to the user that the profile is suitable for color matching.

  The template setting information display unit 320 displays template setting information 321. The template setting information 321 displays the contents of the print definition information 80. The template setting information 321 cannot be changed.

  The image processing apparatus 10 receives a print target image data assignment operation from the user, and performs assignment of the print target image data, that is, layout (step S13).

  The layout will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an example of a screen for explaining layout processing in the present embodiment. When receiving a layout request from the user, the image processing apparatus 10 displays a file manager screen WD3. On the file manager screen WD3, thumbnails of the image data GD1, GD2, GD3, and GD4 stored in the image data storage unit 106 are displayed.

  When the user drags and drops the image data GD4 onto the allocation frame 210a as indicated by an arrow in the figure, the image processing apparatus 10 converts the resolution of the dragged and dropped image data according to the allocation frame 210a. It is displayed in the margin allocation frame 210a. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 manages the allocation frame and the image data allocated to the position of the allocation frame by using a link table in which the frame number of the allocation frame and the link information of the storage location of the image data are associated with each other. Yes. The numbers 1, 2,... Described in the allocation frame are the frame numbers assigned to the allocation frames.

  The link table 90 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a link table in the present embodiment. The link table 90 includes frame numbers and link information. The “frame number” indicates a frame number that is individually assigned to the allocation frame of the template. “Link information” represents a storage location of image data allocated to an allocation frame. As shown in the link table 90, the frame number “1” is associated with link information “C: \ temp \ image \ file01.jpg”. That is, it is indicated that the image data “file01.jpg” stored in “C: ¥ temp ¥ image” is assigned to the assigned frame of the frame number “1”. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, it is shown that the same image file is allocated to all the allocation frames of the frame numbers “1” to “4”. The image processing apparatus 10 generates a link table 90 according to the layout operation by the user and records it in the RAM 102.

  After completing the layout process, the image processing apparatus 10 performs a color profile change process (step S14).

  The color profile changing process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the color profile changing process in this embodiment. This process is a process executed by the print condition setting module 123.

  The print condition setting module 123 determines whether or not the paper type setting value of the print setting information display unit 210 has been changed (step S20). How the set value of the paper type is changed will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a screen example illustrating the print setting screen WD2 in the present embodiment. When the drop-down button 304 a of the combo box 304 that displays the set value of the paper type is pressed, a drop-down list 305 is displayed in the combo box 304. The drop-down list 305 displays paper types that can be handled by the printer displayed in the combo box 301. In this embodiment, since the printer model “LP-1000” is set in the combo box 301 as shown in the figure, in addition to the preset “glossy paper”, this printer “LP-1000”. “Plain paper”, “OHP”, and “recycled paper” that are printable paper types are displayed in the drop-down list 305. The user selects the desired paper type from the drop-down list 305 by clicking with the mouse.

  If the print data generation module 124 detects a change in the paper type, that is, if it detects that the set value of the combo box 304 representing the set value of the paper type has been changed (step S20: YES), the printer model The printer driver of “LP-1000” is inquired about the optimum color profile for the changed paper type (step S21). Each printer driver has a profile table representing an optimal color profile for each paper type, and selects an optimal color profile for the changed paper type based on the profile table.

  The profile table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the profile table 400 in this embodiment. The profile table 400 includes “paper type” and “profile”. The profile table 400 represents a profile table of the model “LP-1000”. “Paper type” represents the type of paper that can be printed by the printer LP-1000, and “Profile” represents an optimal color profile when printing is performed using paper of each paper type. As shown in the figure, for example, when the paper type is “plain paper”, the optimum color profile when printing using plain paper is “PF2”, that is, the profile PF2. When the printer driver receives an inquiry about the optimum color profile for the changed paper type from the printing condition setting module 123, the printer driver refers to the profile table 400 and notifies the printing condition setting module 123 of the optimum color profile.

  The printing condition setting module 123 acquires a color profile optimum for the changed paper type from the printer driver (step S22), and changes the setting value of the combo box 311 of the color management setting unit 310 to the acquired color profile (step S22). S23). The print setting screen WD2 in which the color profile has been changed will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a screen example illustrating the print setting screen WD2 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the combo box 304 representing the setting value of “paper type” is changed from “glossy paper” to “plain paper”, and the combo box 311 representing the setting value of the color management setting unit 310 is “recommended profile ( PF3) ”is changed to“ profile PF2 ”which is optimal for the paper type“ plain paper ”.

  If the change of the paper type is not detected (step S20: NO), the printing condition setting module 123 ends the color profile changing process.

  When the image processing apparatus 10 detects a print instruction from the user (step S15), the image processing apparatus 10 performs a process of generating print data (step S16).

  The print data generation process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining print data generation processing in this embodiment. This process is a process executed by the print data generation module 124 and the color matching module 125 in response to a print instruction from the user.

  The print data generation module 124 converts the resolution of the print target image data allocated to the allocation frame based on the layout information and the paper size so as to match the paper size (step S30), and the color matching module 125 sets the print target image data. Color matching is performed (step S31).

  Color matching will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block chart for explaining color matching in this embodiment. Color matching is a process executed by the color matching module 125. The color matching module 125 includes an input signal color conversion module 150, a gamut mapping module 151, and an output signal color conversion module 152. In this embodiment, the “input device” indicates a digital camera that is a device that generates the print target image data 50. The device-dependent color space of the digital camera is an RGB color space, and the pixel value of each pixel of image data represented by the RGB color space is represented as (R, G, B). The device independent color space is the Lab color space, and the pixel value of each pixel of the image data represented by the Lab color space is represented as (L, a, b). “L” represents lightness, and “a” and “b” represent chromaticity. The device-dependent color space of the large-sized printer 30 that is an output device is a CMYK color space, and the pixel value of each pixel of image data represented by the CMYK color space is represented as (C, M, Y, K).

  The input signal color conversion module 150 performs color conversion processing from the device-dependent color space of the digital camera to the device-independent color space. In this embodiment, the color profile used by the input signal color conversion module 150 is preset as the color profile PF10. The input signal color conversion module 150 acquires color conversion information from the device-dependent color space of the input device to the device-independent color space from the color profile PF10 of the input device. The color conversion information includes a color conversion table from the RGB color space to the Lab color space. The input signal color conversion module 150 uses a color conversion table to represent each pixel value of the image data 50 from (R, G, B) to RGB color space (L, a, Convert to b). The color conversion information may include, for example, an RGB-Lab color conversion matrix.

  The contents of the color profile PF10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contents of the color profile PF10 of the input device according to this embodiment. The color profile PF10 includes a header portion PF11, device independent color space conversion information PF12, and input device color space information PF13. In the header part PF11, a device type indicating the type of the input device, a model name, and the creation date and time of the input device profile PF1 are set. In the device independent color space conversion information PF12, the image data 50 represented by the device dependent color space (RGB color space) of the image processing apparatus 10 that is an input device is an image represented by the device independent color space (Lab color space). An RGB-Lab color conversion table is set as color conversion information necessary for conversion into data 50.

  In the color space information PF13, information on a color space that can be reproduced by the image processing apparatus 10 that is an input device is set. The color profile PF10 is stored in the template storage unit 105 together with the installation of the input device driver. The color profile PF10 may be provided in association with the image data 50, for example, included in the image data 50.

  The gamut mapping module 151 associates the color gamut of the color space that can be reproduced by the input device with the color gamut of the output device that can be reproduced, that is, outputs the color gamut of the color space that can be reproduced by the input device. It has a function to map to the color gamut of the color space that can be reproduced by the device. Specifically, based on a preset color conversion table, the pixel value of the image data corresponds to (L, a, b) in a color gamut that can be reproduced by the large format printer 30 from (L, a, b). The pixel value (L′ a′b ′) is converted.

  The output signal color conversion module 152 executes color conversion processing from the device-independent color space to the device-dependent color space of the printer that is the output device. Specifically, the output signal color conversion module 152 acquires color conversion information from the device independent color space to the device dependent space of the output device from the color profile PF2. The color conversion information includes a color conversion table from the Lab color space to the CMYK color space, and the output signal color conversion module 152 uses the color conversion table to represent each pixel value of the image data 50 in the Lab color space. (L ′, a ′, b ′) converted to (C, M, Y, K) represented by the CMYK color space. The color conversion information may include, for example, a Lab-CMYK color conversion matrix.

  The contents of the color profile PF2 of the output device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contents of the color profile PF2 in this embodiment. The color profile PF2 has the same configuration as the input device profile PF10, and includes a header portion PF21, device-independent color space conversion information PF22, and output device color space information PF23. In the header part PF21, a device type indicating the type of output device, a model name, and the creation date and time of the color profile PF2 are set. In the device-independent color space conversion information PF22, image data 50 represented by a device-independent color space (Lab color space) is converted into an image represented by a device-dependent color space (CMYK color space) of the large format printer 30 that is an output device. A Lab-CMYK color conversion table is set as color conversion information necessary for conversion into data 50a. In the color space information PF23, information related to a color space that can be reproduced by the printer as the output device is set.

  The print data generation module 124 converts the print target image data that has undergone color matching and the print setting information such as the link table 90 and the paper size into a format that can be interpreted by the output large format printer 30 to generate print data ( Step S32).

  The image processing apparatus 10 outputs the generated print data to the large format printer 30 (step S17), and performs template storage processing (step S18).

  The template storing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the template storing process in this embodiment. This is a process executed by the template storage module 126.

  The template storage module 126 determines whether or not the print setting information when printing is performed has been changed from the contents of the print definition information 80 that is the initial setting of the template 201 (step S40). If the print setting information has been changed (step S40: YES), the template storage module 126 displays a template storage selection screen and allows the user to select whether or not to save the template with the changed print setting information. (Step S41).

  The template storage selection screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a screen example illustrating a template storage selection screen WD4 in the present embodiment. The template save selection screen WD4 displays a confirmation message MSG1, an OK button 401, and a cancel button 402. As shown in the figure, the confirmation message MSG1 displays a message for confirming saving, “Do you want to save the template with the changed print setting information?”. When the user presses the OK button 401 on the template saving selection screen WD4, the image processing apparatus 10 determines that the template is requested to be saved, and when the user presses the cancel button 402, the template is not saved. Judge that it is not required.

  The template storage module 126 determines whether or not template storage is requested (step S42). When it is determined that the template is required to be saved (step S42: YES), the template saving module 126 duplicates the template 201 that is the original template (step S43), and prints it in the print regulation information of the duplicated template. The changed print setting condition is set (step S44), the template name is changed and stored in the template storage unit 105 (step S45). By generating a new template without updating the original template 201, both the original template 201 and the newly generated template can be reused.

  If it is determined that template storage is not requested (step S42: NO), the template storage module 126 ends the process.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment described above, print data can be generated using a template in which print setting information such as a color profile and a print recommended printer is preset. Therefore, the user simply selects a template suitable for the arrangement image of the image on the print medium and assigns the image to the allocation frame, and does not require advanced knowledge such as setting a color profile. High quality printing results can be obtained.

  Further, according to the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, an optimum color profile can be acquired each time the paper type or the printer model is changed. Therefore, even if the user changes the print setting information initially set in the template, the user can obtain a high-quality print result using an appropriate color profile.

  Further, according to the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the template whose print setting information has been changed can be stored separately from the original template, and therefore the template can be easily reused.

B. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, when the paper type is changed by the user, the printer driver selects the optimum color profile for the changed paper type. In the second embodiment, the user can arbitrarily change the color profile.

B1. Print setting screen WD2:
FIG. 18 is a screen example illustrating a print setting screen WD2 in the second embodiment. A combo box 311 representing a color profile used for color matching displays a drop-down list 312 when the drop-down button 311a is pressed. A color profile stored in the color profile storage unit 140 is displayed in the drop-down list 312. As shown in the figure, the drop-down list 312 displays profiles PF1, PF2, PF5, and PF10 other than the recommended profile PF3 among the profiles stored in the color profile storage unit 140. The user selects a desired color profile from the drop-down list 312 by clicking with the mouse.

  The image processing apparatus 10 performs color matching using the selected color profile.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment described above, the user can freely select a color profile without being restricted by print setting information such as the printer model and paper type. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a print result in a color desired by the user.

C. Third embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, the image layout is performed from a state in which no image data is associated with the template allocation frame. In the third embodiment, the image data is already associated with the allocation frame, and the image data associated with the plurality of allocation frames is collectively replaced with another image data.

  FIG. 19 is a screen example illustrating image data replacement processing in the third embodiment. Images are already allocated to the allocation frames 220a to 220i of the template 202. The user selects an allocation frame whose image is to be replaced by operating the mouse. The selected allocation frame is indicated by diagonal lines. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, all the allocation frames are selected. The user drags and drops the image data GD13 to be allocated to the selected allocation frame among the images displayed on the file manager screen WD5 onto the template 202 as indicated by a thick arrow.

  The image processing apparatus 10 collectively replaces the images displayed in the selected allocation frames with the GD 13. The replacement process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining image data replacement processing in the present embodiment. This process is executed by the layout module 122 of the image processing apparatus 10. The layout module 122 selects an allocation frame in accordance with a user operation (step S50), and when detecting that the image data has been dragged and dropped (step S51), the layout module 122 drags link information of all the selected allocation frames. The link is changed to the link of the dropped image data (step S52).

  According to the third embodiment described above, link information of all the allocation frames can be changed simply by selecting a plurality of allocation frames to be replaced with different image data and dragging and dropping the image data to be replaced. Therefore, image data associated with a plurality of allocation frames can be replaced with other image data at a time by one operation of drag and drop, and convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, since the link information is collectively converted when replacing the image, it is not necessary to delete the image data itself from the template and reallocate it, thereby improving the processing speed.

D. Modification (1)
In the third embodiment described above, a plurality of images are replaced with one image. In this modification, a mode in which a plurality of images are replaced with a plurality of images will be described. FIG. 21 is an example of a screen for explaining the image data replacement process in the present modification. Images are already allocated to the allocation frames 220a to 220i of the template 202. The number displayed in each allocation frame is the frame number assigned to each allocation frame.

  The user selects an allocation frame whose image is to be replaced by operating the mouse. The selected allocation frame is shown with diagonal lines. In this modification, as shown in the figure, the assigned frames having frame numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 are selected. The user selects a plurality of images to be allocated to the allocation frame from the images displayed on the file manager screen WD5. The numbers described in the image data GD10 to GD12 indicate the order selected by the user. When accepting selection of image data from the user, the image processing apparatus 10 generates an image data list 500 representing the selected image data and records it in the RAM 102. The user drags and drops the selected image data on the template 202 as indicated by the thick arrow. When detecting the drag and drop, the image processing apparatus 10 replaces the image data selected by the user in the ascending order of the frame numbers of the allocation frames in the selected order. “Image data replacement” is to change link information as in the third embodiment. A replacement process performed by the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present modification will be schematically described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining image replacement processing in the present embodiment. The image data list 500 includes “link information” indicating link information of the selected image data and “selection order” indicating the order of selection of each image data. The link table 510 includes “frame number” and “link information”. “Frame number” indicates the frame number of the allocation frame selected by the user among the allocation frames of the template 202, and “link information” indicates the link information of the image data allocated to the allocation frame. In the “link information” of the link table 510, “C: ¥ temp ¥ image ¥ file2.jpg”, which is link information of image data assigned to each assignment frame before the replacement processing, is set.

  When the image processing apparatus 10 detects drag and drop of the image data selected by the user, the image processing apparatus 10 collectively performs the following processing. First, as indicated by a solid arrow in the figure, the link information of the frame number “1” in the link table 510 is the image data in the selection order “1” in the image data list 500, that is, the first selected image data DG11. Replace with link information. Next, the link information of the frame number “2” is replaced with the link information of the image data in the selection order “2” in the image data list 500. Next, the link information of the frame number “3” in the link table 510 is replaced with the link information of the image data in the selection order “3” in the image data list 500. Next, as indicated by a broken line arrow, the link information of the frame number “4” in the link table 510 is replaced with the link information of the image data in the selection order “1” in the image data list 500. Next, the link information of the frame number “8” is replaced with the link information of the image data in the selection order “2” in the image data list 500. Next, the link information of the frame number “9” in the link table 510 is replaced with the link information of the image data in the selection order “3” in the image data list 500.

  According to this modification, a plurality of images can be easily replaced with a plurality of allocation frames by a single drag-and-drop operation, and user convenience can be improved.

(2)
In each of the embodiments described above, the change of the layout rule of the allocation frame is not mentioned, but the layout rule may be changed. The arrangement rule indicates the alignment of the allocation frames on the template. For example, “left alignment” indicates that the allocation frames are aligned to the left.

  FIG. 23 is an example of a screen for explaining an arrangement rule reflection process in the present modification. When the image processing apparatus 10 receives an arrangement rule setting request from the user, the image processing apparatus 10 displays an arrangement rule screen WD6. On the arrangement rule screen WD6, arrangement rules such as “left alignment”, “center alignment”, and “right alignment”, and radio buttons RB1 to RB3, a determination button 450, and a cancel button 451 corresponding to each arrangement rule are displayed.

  The user selects a radio button corresponding to the desired arrangement rule. The image processing apparatus 10 changes the layout rule of each allocation frame of the template 201 at the moment when the radio button is selected. For example, as shown in the figure, when the radio button RB1 corresponding to the arrangement rule “left alignment” is selected, the allocation frames 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d are aligned to the left as shown by the thick broken lines. In this state, the arrangement rule has not been determined, and when the determination button is pressed, the selected arrangement rule is finally set. When the cancel button is pressed, the allocation frames 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d indicated by thick broken lines return to the positions of the allocation frames 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d indicated by thin solid lines.

  According to this modification, it is possible to confirm the change of the arrangement rule in real time by virtually setting the arrangement rule at the moment when the radio button of the arrangement rule is selected. In addition, since the arrangement rule is not finally set unless the determination button is pressed, setting errors can be suppressed.

(3)
In the first embodiment described above, the profile name of the color profile is included in the template setting information, and the color matching module 125 acquires the color profile from the color profile storage unit 140 using the profile name as a key and performs color matching. It is not limited to this. For example, the color profile itself may be attached to the template in advance.

(4)
In the first embodiment described above, one color profile is set for one template, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a color profile may be associated with each allocation frame. In this case, the color matching module 125 may perform color matching on the image data allocated to the allocation frame using a color profile associated with each allocation frame.

  Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can take various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Explanatory drawing which illustrates the system configuration | structure in 1st Example. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the functional block of the image processing apparatus in 1st Example. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the structure of the template in 1st Example. 6 is a flowchart for explaining print processing according to the first embodiment. The screen example which illustrates the template selection screen in 1st Example. 6 is a screen example illustrating a print setting screen according to the first embodiment. The example of a screen explaining the layout operation in 1st Example. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the link table in 1st Example. 6 is a flowchart for explaining color profile change processing in the first embodiment. 6 is a screen example illustrating print settings in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the profile table in 1st Example. 6 is a screen example illustrating a print setting screen according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining print data generation processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a block chart for explaining color matching in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the content of the color profile in 1st Example. The flowchart explaining the template preservation | save process in 1st Example The screen example which illustrates the template preservation | save selection screen in 1st Example. The example of a screen which illustrates the print setting screen in the 2nd example. The example of a screen explaining the image data replacement process in 3rd Example. 12 is a flowchart for explaining image data replacement processing in the third embodiment. The example of a screen explaining the image data replacement process in a modification. The schematic diagram explaining the replacement processing of the image data in a modification. The example of a screen explaining the reflection process of the arrangement rule in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1000 ... Printing system 10 ... Image processing device 20 ... Printer 30 ... Large format printer 40 ... Printer 50 ... Image data 60 ... Print data 70 ... Frame definition table 80. ..Print regulation information 90 ... Link table 100 ... CPU
101 ... ROM
102 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 ... Input part 104 ... Display 105 ... Template storage part 106 ... Image data storage part 120 ... Layout setting application 121 ... Template reading module 122 ... Layout module 123 ... Print condition setting module 124 ... Print data generation module 125 ... Color matching module 126 ... Template storage module 130, 131, 132 ... Printer driver 140 ... Color profile storage unit 150 ... Input signal Color conversion module 151 ... Gamat mapping module 152 ... Output signal color conversion module 200 ... Template selection unit 201, 202 ... Template 210 ... Print setting information display unit 220 ... Select button 300. .. Print setting section 301, 302, 303, 304, 311 ... combo box 304a ... Drop-down button 305, 312 ... Drop-down list 310 ... Color management setting part 311a ... Drop-down button 320 ... Template setting information display part 321 ... Template setting information 330. ..Preview display section 400 ... Profile table 401 ... OK button 402 ... Cancel button 500 ... Image data list 510 ... Link table 450 ... Set button 451 ... Cancel button

Claims (13)

An image processing apparatus that generates print data using layout definition data and image data in which printing conditions in a printing apparatus and image arrangement information on a printing medium are associated in advance.
A designation receiving means for receiving designation of first layout definition data used for generating the print data;
Layout definition data acquisition means for acquiring the designated first layout definition data;
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data to be allocated to the first layout definition data;
Print data generating means for setting an allocation position on the print medium of an image represented by the image data based on the arrangement information, and generating print data to be output to the printing apparatus reflecting the printing conditions. Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing conditions include at least color conversion information used for color conversion from a device-independent color space that does not depend on a device to an output device-dependent color space that depends on a predetermined printing device,
The print data generation means changes the color space of the image data from the device-independent color space to the output device-dependent color space using color conversion information included in a print condition associated with the first layout definition data. An image processing apparatus that performs color conversion and generates the print data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing conditions include at least specific information for specifying color conversion information used for color conversion from a device-independent color space that does not depend on a device to an output device-dependent color space that depends on a predetermined printing device,
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Color conversion information storage means for storing first color conversion information included in printing conditions associated with the first layout definition data;
Color conversion information acquisition means for acquiring the first color conversion information from the color conversion information storage means based on the specific information;
The print data generation unit performs color conversion of the color space of the image data from the device independent color space to the output device dependent color space using the acquired first color conversion information, and generates the print data. Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3,
Furthermore,
A change instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to change the first color conversion information to second color conversion information different from the first color conversion information and the device-dependent color space;
The color conversion information storage means further stores the second color conversion information,
The color conversion information acquisition unit acquires the second color conversion information from the color conversion information storage unit based on the change instruction,
The print data generation unit performs color conversion of the color space of the image data from the device independent color space to the output device dependent color space based on the second color conversion information, and generates the print data. . The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The printing conditions further include:
Including printing rule information that defines a printing mode of the printing process,
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Corresponding color conversion information storage means for storing a plurality of color conversion information in association with the print regulation information;
Print rule information change accepting means for accepting a change in the print rule information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a corresponding color conversion information acquisition unit that acquires the corresponding color conversion information corresponding to the changed print regulation information from the corresponding color conversion information storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
The corresponding color conversion information acquisition unit acquires the corresponding color conversion information when the print setting information is changed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:
The printing conditions further include:
Including printing rule information that defines a printing mode of the printing process,
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Printing rule information change accepting means for accepting the change of the printing rule information;
The color conversion information storage means further stores a plurality of color conversion information in association with the print regulation information,
The color conversion information acquisition unit is an image processing apparatus that acquires third color conversion information corresponding to the changed print regulation information from the color conversion information storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7,
The color conversion information acquisition unit is an image processing apparatus that acquires the third color conversion information when the print setting information is changed. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
Furthermore,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a layout definition data storage unit that stores the first layout definition data in which the printing conditions are changed as second layout definition data different from the first layout definition data. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Furthermore,
A display unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising display control means for displaying identification information for identifying each color conversion information on the display unit together with the print regulation information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
In the arrangement information, a plurality of allocation positions of the image data on the print medium are defined,
Furthermore,
Selection accepting means for accepting a selection instruction for two or more assigned positions for replacing the assigned image data with arbitrary image data from the assigned position to which the image data is assigned;
Allocation position selection means for selecting the allocation position based on the selection instruction;
Replacement image data selection means for selecting replacement image data to be replaced with the selected allocation position;
Instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute the replacement;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a replacement unit that receives the instruction and replaces the image data allocated to the selected allocation position at once with the replacement image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The arrangement information includes an allocation position information indicating an allocation position of the image data on the print medium and an allocation position number individually allocated to the allocation position information,
The image processing apparatus further includes:
Selection accepting means for accepting an instruction to select two or more assigned positions for replacing the assigned image data with arbitrary image data from the assigned position to which the image data is assigned;
Allocation position selection means for selecting the allocation position based on the selection instruction;
Replacement image data selection means for selecting replacement image data to be replaced with the selected allocation position;
Instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute the replacement;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a replacement unit that receives the instruction and replaces the replacement image data in the selected order in ascending order of the assigned position number. A print data generation method executed by an image processing apparatus that generates print data using layout definition data in which printing conditions in a printing apparatus and image arrangement information on a printing medium are associated in advance,
Accepting designation of first layout definition data used for generating the print data;
Obtaining the designated first layout definition data;
Obtaining image data to be allocated to the first layout definition data;
A print data generation method that sets an allocation position on the print medium of an image represented by the image data based on the arrangement information, and generates print data to be output to the printing apparatus by reflecting the print conditions.

Images