JP2007026193A - Image processor, image processing method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor capable of viewing the discoloring degree of a printed matter before printing, also to provide an image processing method and a computer program. <P>SOLUTION: In the image processor, a post-discoloring prediction preview image 74, in which the printed matter prepared by printing display image data as an image is assumed to be posted under a prescribed posting condition, and a pre-discoloring preview image 72 before discoloring are displayed side by side on a display. Thus, a user can view the discoloring degree when the printed matter is posted under the prescribed posting condition before printing as the post-discoloring prediction preview image 74. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program.

In recent years, image processing technology using an ink jet printer has improved the sharpness and graininess of pixels by reducing the size of ink droplets to be printed, scanning the head, and increasing the accuracy of recording paper transport, bringing the image quality closer to that of photographs Efforts are made. For example, by recording an image with dye ink using a special paper provided with an ink absorbing layer on a resin-coated paper used for photographic printing paper, an image quality comparable to a silver salt photograph can be obtained. Yes. However, when an image is recorded with a dye ink, the storability of the image, which is an important function of photography, may be inferior and fading may occur. Therefore, in order to prevent fading, a technique for improving image clarity by using a recording sheet containing a thermoplastic resin in the surface layer and heating and pressurizing after ink ejection has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP2003-191468

  By the way, if the degree of fading when the printed recording paper is posted under certain posting conditions is visible before printing, if the fading is significant, the recording paper is placed on the surface of the thermoplastic resin as in Patent Document 1. It is possible to suppress fading by changing to a color that contains, changing a color that easily fades to a color that is difficult to fade, or changing the posting condition from outdoor to indoor. However, until now, no device has been known in which the degree of fading can be visually recognized before printing.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program capable of visually confirming the degree of fading of a printed matter before printing.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention
An image processing apparatus used in a state connected to a display,
Image data input means for inputting image data to be printed;
When the printed matter obtained by printing the image data input by the image data input means as an image is posted under a predetermined posting condition, a predicted preview after fading is displayed as the image data and the predetermined posting condition. A post-fading prediction preview creation means to create based on
Display control means for executing display control of the display so as to display the post-fading prediction preview created by the post-fading prediction preview creating means on the display;
It is equipped with.

  In this image processing apparatus, based on the image data and the predetermined posting condition, a predicted preview after fading when the printed matter when the input image data is printed as an image is displayed under the predetermined posting condition is created. The created post-fading prediction preview is displayed on the display. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the degree of fading when the printed matter is posted under a predetermined posting condition as a predicted preview after fading before printing.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes posting condition input means for inputting a posting condition for the printed matter, and the post-fading prediction preview creating means is configured to display the posting condition under the posting condition input by the posting condition input means. The predicted preview after fading when the printed matter is posted may be created based on the image data and the posting conditions. By doing so, it is possible to visually recognize the degree of fading according to the posting condition of the printed matter.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the display control unit may be configured to display a pre-fading preview and a post-fading prediction preview before displaying the printed matter under the predetermined posting condition on the display. Display control may be executed. In this way, the user can compare the preview of the printed matter before posting with the preview of the printed matter after posting, so that the user can accurately grasp the degree of fading of the printed matter after posting.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined posting condition may be input by a user. In this way, it is possible to reflect the posting condition that the user actually wants to post.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined posting condition may include at least an environment of a printed material posting location and a printed material posting time. This is because these two posting conditions are deeply related to fading. Here, examples of the environment in which the printed material is posted include the presence or absence of a roof (that is, whether it is outdoor or indoor), the presence or absence of a windshield, the ambient temperature, humidity, and gas atmosphere. In addition, the presence / absence of coating of printed matter, the type of paper, and the like may be appropriately added to the predetermined posting conditions.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the printed matter may be printed by an inkjet printer. In general, a printed matter printed by an inkjet printer tends to fade more easily than a printed matter printed by an electrophotographic method, and therefore, the significance of applying the present invention is high.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a fading data storage unit that stores data relating to fading of a colorant used when printing the image data as an image, and the post-fading prediction preview creation unit includes the The post-fading prediction preview may be created based on the data stored in the fading data storage means, the image data, and the predetermined posting condition. In this way, since the post-fading prediction preview of the printed matter is created in consideration of the fading property of the colorant that is closely related to the fading property of the printed matter, the degree of fading of the printed matter can be accurately presented to the user.

The image processing method of the present invention includes:
An image processing method by computer software for controlling an image processing apparatus used in a state connected to a display,
(A) inputting image data to be printed;
(B) A predicted preview after fading when the printed matter obtained by printing the image data input in step (a) as an image is posted under a predetermined posting condition is displayed as the image data and the predetermined Creating based on posting conditions;
(C) executing display control of the display so as to display the post-fading prediction preview created in the step (b) on the display;
Is included.

  In this image processing method, a predicted preview after fading when a printed material when the input image data is printed as an image is posted under a predetermined posting condition is created based on the image data and the predetermined posting condition. The created post-fading prediction preview is displayed on the display. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the degree of fading when the printed matter is posted under a predetermined posting condition as a predicted preview after fading before printing. In this image processing method, a step of realizing the function of any of the above-described image processing apparatuses may be added.

  The computer program of the present invention is a computer program for causing one or more computers to execute each step of the above-described image processing method. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer or each computer is assigned to each step and executed, the effects of the image processing method of the present invention described above can be obtained.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 10 is configured as a personal computer that controls the inkjet printer 20, and includes a CPU 11 that performs various calculations and controls, a ROM 12 that stores various control programs, a RAM 13 that temporarily stores data, a printer driver, and the like. In addition to the various application software, a hard disk 14 for storing various data, an input / output port 18 for inputting and outputting various data, and the like are provided. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, hard disk 14 and input / output port 18 are electrically connected via a bus 19. Further, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a keyboard 15 and a mouse 16 for inputting information from the user, a display 17 for displaying various types of information on a screen, an inkjet printer 20 for printing on a print medium 39, and the input / output port 18. It is connected to the.

  The ink jet printer 20 includes a carriage 21 that reciprocates left and right along a guide 29 by a timing belt 28 spanned between a drive wheel 26 and a driven wheel 27, a monochrome cartridge 30 that is held on the carriage 21, and A color cartridge 34, a print head 38 that discharges ink supplied from the cartridges 30 and 34 below the carriage 21 toward the print medium 39, and a feed that feeds the print medium 39 from the rear to the front of the print head 38 A mechanism 40 and a controller 42 that controls printing of print information input from the image processing apparatus 10 onto the print medium 39 are provided. The controller 42 includes a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like (not shown), develops print information input from the image processing apparatus 10 into dot pattern data, and based on the dot pattern data, the carriage 21 and print head. 38 and the feed mechanism 40 are driven to perform printing on the print medium 39. The color of the ink filled in the color cartridge 34 is three colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), and the color of the ink filled in the monochrome cartridge 30 is Black (K).

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in particular, a post-fading prediction preview display routine for displaying a post-fading prediction preview of a printed matter will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 2 and the display screen explanatory diagrams of FIGS. To do.

  This post-fading prediction preview display routine is started by the user clicking the “post-fading prediction preview” button. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the user moves the mouse 16 while the print preview screen 50 is displayed on the display 17, thereby selecting a predetermined tool in the toolbar 54 at the top of the print preview screen 50. The “pre-discoloration prediction preview” button 56 is selected, the cursor is moved over the “pre-discoloration prediction preview” button 56, and the mouse 16 is clicked. As a result, the user has instructed to display a predicted preview after fading when a printed matter printed based on the image data of the print preview image 52 displayed on the print preview screen 50 is posted. In response to this, the CPU 11 of the image processing apparatus 10 starts a post-fading prediction preview display routine (see FIG. 2) as one function of the printer driver installed in the hard disk 14.

  When the post-fading prediction preview display routine is started, the CPU 11 first displays the posting condition input screen 60 on the display 17 (step S102). FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a posting condition input screen 60. In the posting condition input screen 60 shown in FIG. 4, a print preview image 52 and a posting condition input field 62 for inputting a posting condition for posting a printed matter printed based on the print preview image 52 are displayed. The posting condition input field 62 includes a first input field 62a for selecting a period for continuously displaying the printed material, and a second input field for selecting whether the printed material is posted in direct sunlight, outdoor shade, or indoors. 62b, a third input field 62c for selecting whether the paper type is plain paper or photo-only paper, a fourth input field 62d for selecting whether or not the print surface is covered, and a post-fading prediction preview are actually displayed. A “display” button 63 to be selected at this time is provided. Here, in the fourth input field 62d, there is nothing to cover the printed surface of the printed material, and “no covering” selected when the printed material is exposed to the outside air, and the printed surface of the printed material is covered with glass or the like. When the print surface is not exposed to the outside air but is not completely cut off from the outside air, the print surface is abbreviated as the outside air by laminating the print surface of the printed material with a film. There is a “laminate” to select when it is completely shut off. In this way, the posting conditions to be entered such as the posting period of the printed matter, the presence / absence of the coating on the printing surface, and the posting location are the reasons why the cause of fading is mainly due to ultraviolet rays or acidified gas (eg ozone) This is due to the destruction of the pigments of the components, and the degree to which the printed material is exposed to ultraviolet rays or acidifying gas and these conditions are closely related. Further, since the ease of fading is different if the paper type of the print medium 39 is different, the paper type is set as the posting condition to be input. In inputting the posting condition, the user operates the keyboard 15 or the mouse 16 and clicks a desired radio button in each of the input fields 62a to 62d.

  Subsequently, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a clicked radio button among the radio buttons in the input fields 62a to 62d (step S104). When there is a clicked radio button, the radio button is displayed indicating that it is selected (for example, black), and other radio buttons in the same input field as the radio button are displayed. The display is displayed (for example, white display) indicating that the display is not selected (step S106).

  When there is no radio button clicked in step S104 or after the display of the radio button is changed in step S106, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the “display” button 63 has been selected by the user (step S108). When the “display” button 63 is not selected, the process returns to S104. On the other hand, when the “display” button 63 is selected, it is determined whether or not radio buttons are selected for all the posting condition input fields 62a to 62d (step S110). When the radio button in any one of the posting condition input fields 62a to 62d is not selected, a message screen prompting the user to input all the posting condition input fields 62 is displayed on the display 17 (step S112), and again. The process returns to step S102. On the other hand, when the radio button is selected for all the posting condition input fields 62 in step S110, the predicted image data after fading is based on the color data of each dot constituting the display image data D and the posting condition input this time. D * is created (step S114). Here, the display image data D is data for displaying the print preview image 52 (also the pre-fading preview image 72 in FIG. 5) displayed on the print preview screen 50, and the attribute data and color for each dot. Data are specified. Of these, the attribute data is data indicating whether the dot belongs to a font, a natural image, a solid pattern, or an outline. Further, the color data is data (referred to as RGB data) represented by RGB which is the three primary colors of light. The post-fading predicted image data D * is data for displaying the post-fading print preview image 74 (see FIG. 5). Like the display image data D, attribute data, color data, and the like are defined for each dot. Yes. The post-fading predicted image data D * is different from the display image data D only in color data, and has the same attribute data. The color data of the post-fading predicted image data D * can be obtained as follows. That is, first, the RGB data of each dot of the display image data D is converted into data (referred to as CMYK data) represented by CMYK which is a basic color for printing. Subsequently, the CMYK data is converted into CMYK data after fading using a color conversion table. Here, the color conversion table refers to various CMYK data that is faded under various posting conditions by conducting an experiment in advance, and fades corresponding to the CMYK data before the fade and the posting conditions. This is a table for obtaining later CMYK data, and is stored in the ROM 12. Thereafter, the CMYK data after the fading is converted into RGB data. By doing so, RGB data as color data of the post-fading predicted image data D * can be obtained from the RGB data of each dot of the display image data D and the posting conditions input this time. The CMYK fading property considered when creating the color conversion table can be equated with the ink fading property.

  After creating the post-fading predicted image data D * in step S114, the CPU 11 displays the pre- and post-fading preview screen 70 on the display 17 (step S116). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a pre- and post-fading preview screen 70. The pre- and post-fading preview screen 70 shown in FIG. 5 includes a pre-fading preview image 72 created based on the display image data D, a post-fading prediction preview image 74 created based on the post-fading prediction image data D *, A “close” button 76 that is selected when closing the pre- and post-fading preview screen 70 is provided. At this time, the pre-fading preview image 72 and the post-fading preview image 74 are displayed side by side. Therefore, both the pre-fading preview image 72 and the post-fading prediction preview image 74 can be easily compared, and the degree of fading after posting can be accurately grasped.

  After step S116, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the “close” button 76 has been selected by the user (step S118). If the “close” button 76 has not been selected, the CPU 11 stands by. On the other hand, when the “close” button 76 is selected, the display of the preview screen 70 before and after fading is stopped (step S120), and this routine is terminated. When the user gives a separate print instruction after the end of this routine, printing is performed by the inkjet printer 20 based on the display image data D. However, a print execution button is provided instead of or together with the “close” button 76 on the pre- and post-fading preview screen 70, and when the print execution button is selected, the inkjet printer 20 uses the display image data D to select the print execution button. Printing may be performed.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The CPU 11 of this embodiment corresponds to the post-fading prediction preview creation means and display control means of the present invention, the input / output port 18 corresponds to image data input means and posting condition input means, and the ROM 12 corresponds to color fading data storage means. . In the present embodiment, an example of the image processing method of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the image processing apparatus 10.

  According to the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment described in detail above, a predicted preview image after fading when a printed material when the display image data D is printed as an image is posted under the posting conditions input by the user. 74 is created using the color conversion table from the display image data D and the posting conditions inputted this time, and the created post-fading prediction preview image 74 is displayed on the display 17. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the degree of fading when the printed matter is posted under the posting condition set by the user as the post-fading predicted preview 74 before printing.

  In addition, since the posting condition input fields 62a to 62d are provided with a plurality of posting conditions, the user selects a posting condition corresponding to the posting condition of the printed matter, thereby fading the degree of fading according to the actual posting condition. It can be visually recognized as a post prediction preview image 74.

  Further, when the post-fading prediction preview image 74 is displayed on the display 17, the post-fading prediction preview image 74 and the pre-fading preview image 72 are displayed side by side. It is possible to accurately grasp the degree of fading.

  Furthermore, since the posting condition is selected by the user, the posting condition that the user actually wants to post can be reflected in the predicted preview image 74 after fading.

  Then, in order to create the post-fading predicted image data D * using a color conversion table obtained by experiments in advance in consideration of the degree of ink fading, the ink fading that is closely related to the fading of the printed matter The predicted preview image 74 can be reflected, and the degree of fading of the printed matter can be accurately displayed on the display 17.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the user selects the outdoor shade and indoors under direct sunlight as the environment for the print posting location among the posting conditions. Or the humidity around the posting place or the gas atmosphere may be selected. Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment, the user sets the posting condition. However, the posting condition may be a condition fixed in advance (for example, no cover under direct sunlight).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the post-fading prediction preview 74 is displayed for the printed matter when the display image data is printed by the ink jet printer 20, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the ink jet printer 20, and is an electrophotographic color laser. The post-fading prediction preview 74 may be displayed for a printed matter when printed by a printer or the like. However, in general, a printed matter printed by an inkjet printer tends to fade more easily than a printed matter printed by an electrophotographic method, and therefore, the significance of applying the present invention is high.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, even in the ink jet printer 20, since the degree of fading is different between the pigment ink and the dye ink, the predicted preview image after fading taking into account whether the ink type is pigment ink or dye ink 74 may be displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pre-fading preview image 72 and the post-fading prediction preview image 74 are displayed side by side on the display 17 in step S112. However, the post-fading prediction preview image 74 may be displayed on the display 17 alone. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the color conversion table is used when creating the post-fading prediction image data D *. However, instead of the table, the post-fading prediction image data D * is created using a correction coefficient or a function. You may do that.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a post-fading prediction preview display routine. Explanatory drawing of the image display screen 50. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the posting condition input screen 60. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the pre- and post-fading preview screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing apparatus, 11 CPU, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 Hard disk, 15 Keyboard, 16 Mouse, 17 Display, 18 Input / output port, 19 Bus, 20 Inkjet printer, 21 Carriage, 26 Drive wheel, 27 Drive wheel, 28 Timing belt, 29 guide, 30 monochrome cartridge, 34 color cartridge, 38 print head, 39 print medium, 40 feed mechanism, 42 controller, 50 image display screen, 52 print preview image, 54 toolbar, 56 ”Button, 60 posting condition input screen, 62 posting condition input field, 62a to 62d input field, 63“ display ”button, 70 preview screen before and after fading, 72 preview image before fading, 74 prediction preview after fading Statue, 76 "close" button.

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus used in a state connected to a display,
Image data input means for inputting image data to be printed;
When the printed matter obtained by printing the image data input by the image data input means as an image is posted under a predetermined posting condition, a predicted preview after fading is displayed as the image data and the predetermined posting condition. A post-fading prediction preview creation means to create based on
Display control means for executing display control of the display so as to display the post-fading prediction preview created by the post-fading prediction preview creating means on the display;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
A posting condition input means for inputting a posting condition of the printed matter,
The post-fading prediction preview creation means creates the post-fading prediction preview when the printed matter is posted under the posting conditions input by the posting condition input means based on the image data and the posting conditions. To
Image processing device. The display control means performs display control of the display so that a pre-fading preview and a post-fading prediction preview before posting the printed matter under the predetermined posting condition are displayed side by side on the display.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined posting condition is input by a user.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined posting condition includes at least an environment of a printed material posting location and a printed material posting time.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The printed matter is printed by an inkjet printer.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Fading data storage means for storing data relating to fading of a colorant used when printing the image data as an image;
With
The post-fading prediction preview creating means creates the post-fading prediction preview based on the data stored in the fading data storage means, the image data, and the predetermined posting condition.
Image processing device. An image processing method by computer software for controlling an image processing apparatus used in a state connected to a display,
(A) inputting image data to be printed;
(B) A predicted preview after fading when the printed matter obtained by printing the image data input in step (a) as an image is posted under a predetermined posting condition is displayed as the image data and the predetermined Creating based on posting conditions;
(C) executing display control of the display so as to display the post-fading prediction preview created in the step (b) on the display;
An image processing method including:   A computer program for causing one or more computers to execute each step of the image processing method according to claim 8.