JP2007067461A - Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus provided with the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing emphasized display processing to print data with simplified setting operations so that parts having been color characters are considerably easily viewed after monochrome printing in the case that an original including the color characters is monochromatically printed, and to provide an image forming apparatus provided with the image processing apparatus and a program. <P>SOLUTION: When emphasized display of thickening the color characters is selected after the selection of the monochrome printing of the original including the color characters, a personal computer 1 acting like the image processing apparatus is configured to allow: a character extract section 10a to extract character data from print data; a color information extract section 10b to extract an RGB value of each of the color character data; a color information conversion section 10c to convert the RGB value into a Y value (luminance value) of the YIQ color system; a character conversion section 10d to apply thickness conversion to the color character data in response to the Y value; and a replacement section 10e to replace each of the original color character data with each of the color character data subjected to the thickness conversion of the characters and to generate new monochrome print data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus including the image processing apparatus, and a program, and more particularly, to an emphasis display technique when printing color characters in monochrome.

  Conventionally, in a color character data output method that performs rasterization processing of characters of a printer driver, character data portion acquisition processing is performed to determine whether or not the acquired character data is a color character, and the acquired color character It is determined whether or not a change to another attribute is specified, and it is determined whether or not the obtained color character data is a color that should be changed to another attribute. An output processing method for color character data is disclosed and proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Also, a color image scanner that reads the original, an area separation unit that determines the area of the read original and separates the character area, and a color that determines whether the characters in the character area are color characters or monochrome characters A determination unit; an enhancement processing unit that performs enhancement processing on a color character that has been determined to be color by the color determination unit; and a printer that prints a document whose color characters have been enhanced by the enhancement processing unit as a monochrome image. An image forming apparatus and a method therefor have been disclosed and proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-328788 JP 2003-219189 A

  It is true that the color character data output processing method disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the image forming apparatus and method disclosed in Patent Document 2 can be used on a document when color characters are printed in monochrome. Since the color character portion displayed in color is highlighted (for example, underlined, italic, bold, rectangular mark, etc.) and printed in monochrome, the character portion can be highlighted.

  However, the color character data output processing method disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the image forming apparatus and method disclosed in Patent Document 2 are the colors of a large number of color characters expressed using the RGB color system. And the number of combinations of highlight contents corresponding to the colors of the large number of color characters increase, and the conversion table for associating them becomes complicated. In addition, since it is necessary for the user to set the colors and highlight contents of the color characters, and the setting operation takes time, the setting operation is troublesome.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention has been simplified to print data so that when a document including color characters is printed in monochrome, the portions that were color characters after monochrome printing are clearly visible. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing highlight display processing by a setting operation, an image forming apparatus including the image processing apparatus, and a program.

  To achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a character extraction unit that extracts character data from print data, and whether or not each character data extracted by the character extraction unit is color character data. A color information extraction unit that extracts the RGB value of the character data determined to be color character data, a conversion formula for converting the RGB value into a predetermined stimulus value in a predetermined color system, and the predetermined A memory unit that stores predetermined highlight information that changes according to the value of the stimulus value, and converts the RGB value extracted by the color information extraction unit into the predetermined stimulus value based on the predetermined conversion formula The color information conversion unit that performs the color information conversion, and the color information determined by the color information extraction unit, based on the predetermined stimulus value and the predetermined highlight information obtained by the color information conversion unit. A character conversion unit that performs tone conversion processing, and replaces each color character data that has been subjected to emphasis conversion processing by the character conversion unit and each original color character data portion corresponding to each color character data in the print data, And a replacement unit for creating new monochrome print data. With this configuration, when new monochrome print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus and printed, the characters that were color characters on the document are highlighted and printed in monochrome. Makes it easy to see monochrome characters that were color characters, and easily recognizes that the highlighted monochrome characters were color characters. Further, since RGB values are converted into stimulus values in a predetermined color system, it is possible to perform highlighting processing on color character data with a simplified setting operation.

  In the image processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the predetermined stimulus value includes a luminance value indicating luminance, a first color intensity value indicating the intensity of the first color, and a second color intensity value indicating the intensity of the second color. It is set as the structure which is at least 1 value among these. With such a configuration, since RGB values are converted into these stimulus values in a predetermined color system, it is possible to perform highlighting processing on color character data with a simplified setting operation. Become.

  The predetermined highlight information in the image processing apparatus having the above-described configuration is that the character in color character data that changes in accordance with each of the luminance value, the first color intensity value, and the second color intensity value. The information is at least one information among the thickness, the size of the character, the thickness of the underline added to the character, and the thickness information of the overscore added to the character. With this configuration, when new print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus and printed, the characters that were color characters on the document are highlighted and printed in monochrome. It becomes easy to see the monochrome characters that were color characters, and it is possible to easily recognize that the highlighted monochrome characters were color characters.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has any one of the image processing apparatuses having the above-described configuration. With this configuration, since the characters that were color characters on the original are highlighted and printed in monochrome, the user can easily see the monochrome characters that were color characters, and the highlighted monochrome characters It is possible to easily recognize that is a color character. Further, since RGB values are converted into stimulus values in a predetermined color system, it is possible to perform highlighting processing on color character data with a simplified setting operation.

  The program according to the present invention determines a character extraction process for extracting character data from print data, and whether or not each character data extracted in the character extraction process is color character data. Color information extraction processing for extracting RGB values of character data, and color information extraction processing based on a conversion formula for converting the RGB values stored in the memory unit into predetermined stimulus values in a predetermined color system Color information conversion processing for converting the RGB values extracted in step 1 to the predetermined stimulus value, the predetermined stimulus value obtained in the color information conversion processing, and the predetermined stimulus value stored in the memory unit An emphasis conversion process to each color character data determined in the color information extraction process based on predetermined emphasis display information that changes according to a value, and the emphasis conversion process are performed. The central processing unit performs a replacement process for replacing each color character data and the original color character data portion corresponding to each color character data in the print data to create new monochrome print data. It is configured to be executed. With this configuration, when new print data is printed by the image forming apparatus, the characters that were color characters on the original are highlighted and printed in monochrome. This makes it easy to see the monochrome characters that are present, and it is possible to easily recognize that the highlighted monochrome characters were color characters. Further, since RGB values are converted into stimulus values in a predetermined color system, it is possible to perform highlighting processing on color character data with a simplified setting operation.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus and the program including the image processing apparatus, when a document including color characters is printed in monochrome, the portion that was color characters after monochrome printing is The emphasis display processing can be performed on the color character data with a simplified setting operation on the print data so that the emphasis is easily seen.

  Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a personal computer and an image forming apparatus connected to the personal computer according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a personal computer 1 of this embodiment includes a central processing unit 10 (hereinafter referred to as a CPU [Central Processing Unit] 10) that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a keyboard and a mouse that are operation input means. An input unit 12 including a numeric keypad and a touch panel, a display unit 11 including a display for displaying an image, a ROM [Read Only Memory] storing various control programs, and a RAM [Random Access used as a work area Memory], a memory unit 13 composed of a hard disk for storing various programs and data, and an interface unit 14 connected to a network 30 for establishing a communication connection with an external device. Note that the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment corresponds to an image processing apparatus.

  Further, the personal computer 1 can transmit and receive data, print data, and the like via the image forming apparatus 2 described later and the network 30. The network 30 is connected to the Internet (not shown), and the personal computer 1 can download a home page image from a server (not shown) connected to the Internet (not shown) and display it on the display unit 11. Is possible.

  The CPU 10 extracts the character data from the print data, and for each character data extracted by the character extraction unit 10a, the character data is color character data from a color code indicated by an RGB value. A color information extraction unit 10b that extracts RGB values as color information of character data if it is color character data, and an RGB value extracted by the color information extraction unit 10b is converted into a YIQ color system described later. Color information conversion unit 10c for converting the Y value (luminance), I value (orange-cyan color intensity), or Q value (green-magenta color intensity) of the stimulus value, and the color information conversion unit The memory unit 1 applies the color character data determined by the color information extraction unit 10b according to the Y value, I value, and Q value of the stimulus value obtained by converting the RGB value by 10c. The emphasis conversion process for changing the thickness of the character, the emphasis conversion process for changing the underline thickness and adding to the character, and the emphasis conversion process for enlarging the character are performed on the basis of highlight display information described later stored in The character conversion unit 10d and the original color character data corresponding to each color character data in the print data and the color character data converted by the character conversion unit 10d are replaced to create new monochrome print data. And a replacement unit 10e.

  In addition to controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, the CPU 10 performs highlighting processing for color character data, which will be described in detail later. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the character extraction unit 10a, the color information extraction unit 10b, the color information conversion unit 10c, the character conversion unit 10d, and the replacement unit 10e are illustrated as independent blocks in FIG. Processing in the unit 10a, the color information extraction unit 10b, the color information conversion unit 10c, the character conversion unit 10d, and the replacement unit 10e is executed by the CPU 10 in software.

色情報変換部１０ｂによるＲＧＢ値からＹＩＱ値への変換は、この変換式に基づいて行われる。なお、ＹＩＱ表色系は、ＰＡＬ方式のカラーテレビ等で用いられている表色系である。例えば、文字データが赤の時、（Ｒ，Ｇ，Ｂ）＝（２５５，０，０）であれば、（Ｙ，Ｉ，Ｑ）＝（７６．２４５，１５９．９８，５３．８０５）になる。 Here, the Y value (luminance), the I value (orange-cyan color intensity) and the Q value (green-), which are stimulus values of the YIQ color system, from the RGB values of the RGB color system by the color information conversion unit 10b. The conversion to magenta color intensity will be described below. Conversion formulas from RGB values to Y values, I values, and Q values are as follows.

The conversion from the RGB value to the YIQ value by the color information conversion unit 10b is performed based on this conversion formula. The YIQ color system is a color system used in PAL color televisions. For example, when the character data is red, if (R, G, B) = (255, 0, 0), (Y, I, Q) = (76.245, 159.98, 53.805) Become.

  In addition to the above conversion formulas (1) to (3), the memory unit 13 performs color character data emphasis conversion by a character conversion unit 10d described later when print data including color character data is printed in monochrome. The following highlight information used for processing is stored. In the memory unit 13, for each stage where the minimum value (0) to the maximum value (262.65) of the Y value is divided into nine equal parts, the Y value divided into nine equal parts is the minimum Y value. Emphasized display information (hereinafter referred to as character thickness display information) in which the thickness of the character increases up to 9 levels for each level as the level increases from the value side is stored. Further, the memory unit 13 stores the I value divided into nine equal parts for each stage in which the minimum value (0) to the maximum value (151.98) of the I value is divided into nine equal parts. The highlight display information (hereinafter referred to as underline display information) in which the thickness of the underline increases to 9 levels for each level as the level increases from the minimum value side is stored. In addition, in the memory unit 13, the Q value divided into nine equals the Q value for each stage in which the minimum value (0) to the maximum value (255) of the Q value is divided into nine equal parts. Emphasized display information (hereinafter referred to as “enlarged character display information”) in which the size of the character increases up to 9 levels for each level as the level increases from the minimum value side is stored. Note that the character thickness display information, the underline display information, and the enlarged character display information are divided into nine levels, but are not particularly limited to being divided into nine levels.

  The image forming apparatus 2 connected to the network 30 includes a CPU 20 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, an operation display unit 21 including an operation unit (such as a numeric keypad and a touch panel) and a display unit (such as a liquid crystal display), and a paper sheet. A sheet conveying unit 22 that conveys the image, an image forming unit 23 that forms a monochrome toner image on the sheet based on the image data, a fixing unit 24 that fixes the toner image obtained by the image forming unit 23 to the sheet, An interface connected to the network 30 in order to establish a communication connection between the memory unit 25 including a ROM [Read Only Memory] storing a control program and the like and a RAM [Random Access Memory] used as a work area, and an external device. Part 26. The image forming apparatus 2 is a monochrome machine, but may be a color machine capable of monochrome printing. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 can transmit and receive data, print data, and the like with the personal computer 1 via the network 30.

  Next, an image forming operation (printing operation) in the image forming apparatus 2 configured as described above will be described. In the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, when the interface unit 26 receives print data transmitted from the personal computer 1, the print data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 25 by the CPU 20 and then read again. The print data is converted into image data and sent to the image forming unit 23. Subsequently, after the image forming process on the paper based on the image data input by the image forming unit 23 is performed, the fixing process of the image formed on the paper is performed by the fixing unit 24, and the paper is moved out of the apparatus. Discharged.

  Note that the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment performs color character data highlighting processing that is performed prior to transmission of print data to the image forming apparatus 2 when print data including color character data is printed in monochrome. It has characteristics.

  Therefore, in the following, when the print data including the color character data in the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment is printed in monochrome, the color character data is highlighted before the print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2. Processing will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the highlighting process in the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment.

  In the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment, in step S 2-1, the user uses the input unit 12 for the document on the predetermined software displayed on the display unit 11 and displays the document on the display unit 11. When monochrome printing of a document is selected, print data for printing on the image forming apparatus 2 is created by the CPU 10 in accordance with a printer driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus 2. Prior to transmission of print data to the image forming apparatus 2, the CPU 10 displays on the display unit 11 whether or not to highlight color characters. When the user selects using the input unit 12 to perform highlighting of color characters, and a signal indicating highlighting is input from the input unit 12 to the CPU 10 (YES in S2-1), step S2- 2, the CPU 10 displays on the display unit 11 whether or not to make each color character of the document thicker. The document on the predetermined software displayed on the display unit 11 in step S2-1 is downloaded from a document created using software stored in the memory unit 11 or the Internet (not shown) and displayed. This corresponds to a homepage image displayed on the section 11.

  When the input unit 12 is used by the user to select that each color character of the document is to be thickened, and a signal to thicken the character of each color character data is input from the input unit 12 to the CPU 10 ( S2-2 YES), the process proceeds to step S2-3. In step S 2-1, when the input unit 12 is used by the user to select that color characters are not highlighted and a signal indicating that highlighting is not performed is input from the input unit 12 to the CPU 10. (S2-1 NO), the process proceeds to Step S2-16 described later.

  In step S2-3, the character extraction unit 10a extracts all character data from the print data. Then, a copy of all character data extracted by the character extraction unit 10 a is created and temporarily stored in the memory unit 13. The character data includes font information, character size information, character thickness information, RGB values as color information, and the like.

  Subsequently, in step S2-4, for each piece of duplicate character data extracted by the character extraction unit 10a and stored in the memory unit 13, whether or not the character data is color character data by the color information extraction unit 10b. Is determined. Then, the RGB value is extracted from the character data, which is color character data, by the color information extraction unit 10b. At this time, the color information extraction unit 10b examines the RGB values included in each character data, thereby determining whether or not the character data is color character data.

  Subsequently, in step S2-5, based on the RGB value of each color character data extracted by the color information extraction unit 10b by the color information conversion unit 10c and the conversion formula (1) stored in the memory unit 13, The RGB values of the color character data are converted into Y values.

  Subsequently, in step S2-6, the Y value converted from the RGB value by the color information conversion unit 10c by the character conversion unit 10d based on the character thickness display information corresponding to the Y value stored in the memory unit 13. Accordingly, the character thickness of each color character data is emphasized and converted. Then, the character conversion unit 10d stores each color character data subjected to the emphasis conversion process in the memory unit 13 at once. Then, each color character data in which the thickness of the character stored in the memory unit 13 is emphasized and converted by the replacement unit 10e and each original color character data portion corresponding to each color character data in the print data are obtained. As a result, new monochrome print data is created in which the thickness of the character in the color character data portion is emphasized and converted. At this time, the RGB value of each character data in the new monochrome print data created by the replacement unit 10e is converted from the original RGB value to an RGB value corresponding to monochrome.

  In step S2-2, when the user selects that the input unit 12 is used and the color character is not thickened, and the input unit 12 inputs a signal indicating that the character of the color character data is not thickened to the CPU 10. In step S2-7, the CPU 10 displays on the display unit 11 whether or not to add an underline to the color character. When the user uses the input unit 12 to select to add an underline to a color character, and the input unit 12 inputs a signal to the CPU 10 to add an underline to the color character (S2). -7 YES), the process proceeds to step S2-8.

  In step S2-8, the character extraction unit 10a extracts all character data from the print data. Then, a copy of all character data extracted by the character extraction unit 10 a is created and temporarily stored in the memory unit 13. The character data includes font information, character size information, character thickness information, RGB values as color information, and the like.

  Subsequently, in step S2-9, for each piece of duplicate character data extracted by the character extraction unit 10a and stored in the memory unit 13, whether or not the character data is color character data by the color information extraction unit 10b. A determination is made. Then, the RGB value is extracted from the character data, which is color character data, by the color information extraction unit 10b. At this time, the RGB information included in the character data is examined by the color information extraction unit 10b, thereby determining whether or not the character data is color character data.

  Subsequently, in step S2-10, each color character data extracted by the color information extraction unit 10b by the color information conversion unit 10c and the conversion formula (2) stored in the memory unit 13 are used. The RGB values of the color character data are converted into I values.

  Subsequently, in step S2-11, based on the underline display information corresponding to the I value stored in the memory unit 13, each color character converted from the RGB value by the color information conversion unit 10c by the character conversion unit 10d. Based on the I value of the data, the character of each color character data is emphasized and converted into color character data in which underlines having different thicknesses are added according to the I value. Then, the character conversion unit 10d stores each color character data subjected to the emphasis conversion process in the memory unit 13 at once. Then, each color character data to which the underline having a different thickness is added according to the I value temporarily stored in the memory unit 13 by the replacement unit 10e and each original color character data corresponding to each color character data in the print data. The color character data portion is replaced, and underline of different thickness is added to each color character data in accordance with the I value, and new monochrome print data converted is created. At this time, the RGB value of each character data in the new monochrome print data created by the replacement unit 10e is converted from the original RGB value to an RGB value corresponding to monochrome.

  In step S2-7, the user selects that the underline is not added to the color character by using the input unit 12, and a signal indicating that the underline is not added to the color character data is input to the CPU 10 from the input unit 12. If yes (S2-7 NO), the process proceeds to step S2-12.

  In step S2-12, character data is extracted from the print data by the character extraction unit 10a. Then, a copy of all character data extracted by the character extraction unit 10 a is created and temporarily stored in the memory unit 13. The character data includes font information, character size information, character thickness information, RGB values as color information, and the like.

  Subsequently, in step S2-13, whether or not the character data is color character data by the color information extraction unit 10b for each piece of duplicate character data extracted by the character extraction unit 10a and stored in the memory unit 13. Is determined. The color information extraction unit 10b extracts RGB values that are color information for character data that is color character data. At this time, the color information extraction unit 10b examines the RGB values included in the character data to determine whether the character data is color character data.

  Subsequently, in step S2-14, based on the RGB value of each color character data extracted by the color information extraction unit 10b by the color information conversion unit 10c and the conversion formula (3) stored in the memory unit 13, The RGB values of the color character data are converted into Q values.

  Subsequently, in step S2-15, each color converted from the RGB value by the color information conversion unit 10c by the character conversion unit 10d based on the enlarged display information of the character corresponding to the Q value stored in the memory unit 13. Based on the Q value of the character data, each color character data is emphasized and converted into color character data in which the character size is enlarged according to the Q value. Then, the character conversion unit 10d stores each color character data subjected to the emphasis conversion process in the memory unit 13. Then, each color character data corresponding to each color character data corresponding to each color character data in the print data and each color character data in which the size of the character is enlarged according to the Q value stored in the memory unit 13 by the replacement unit 10e. The part is replaced, and the character size of the color character data is enlarged according to the Q value, and the converted print data is created. At this time, the RGB value of each character data in the new monochrome print data created by the replacement unit 10e is converted from the original RGB value to an RGB value corresponding to monochrome.

  In step S2-16, the CPU 10 transmits monochrome print data to the image forming apparatus 2 via the interface unit 14.

  Thereafter, in the image forming apparatus 2, when the print data is received by the interface unit 26, printing is performed on the paper based on the print data as described above under the control of the CPU 20.

  Hereinafter, a printing result by the image forming apparatus 2 based on the above-described new monochrome print data will be described. FIG. 3 is an example of a print result by the image forming apparatus 2 based on new monochrome print data. FIG. 3A shows an example of a printing result by the image forming apparatus 2 based on monochrome print data in which the characters of the color character data are converted to be thick according to the Y value, and FIG. FIG. 3A shows an example of a print result by the image forming apparatus 2 based on monochrome print data converted so that underlines having different thicknesses are added to the color character data. FIG. 6 is an example of a printing result by the image forming apparatus 2 based on monochrome print data converted so that the size of the character of the character is enlarged. Note that the characters in parentheses in FIG. 3 are characters that were color characters before being highlighted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, according to the Y value, the I value, and the Q value, the color character is thick, the color character is underlined with different thicknesses, and the color character is enlarged. Based on the converted print data, the image forming apparatus 2 performs monochrome printing. Therefore, with the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment, when new monochrome print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 and printed, the characters that were color characters on the document are highlighted and printed in monochrome. Therefore, the user can easily see the monochrome characters that were color characters, and can easily recognize that the highlighted monochrome characters were color characters. Further, since RGB values are converted into stimulus values in a predetermined color system, it is possible to perform highlighting processing on color character data with a simplified setting operation. Further, in the present invention, since highlighting is performed using the conversion formula of the YIQ color system, the contents of the highlighting of printing do not differ for each user, and the rough character color of the original document can be imagined. Is possible.

  In addition, instead of the character thickness display information, the underline display information, and the enlarged character display information stored in the memory unit 13 of the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment, each corresponds to a Y value, an I value, and a Q value. The RGB value may be converted into a Y value, an I value, and a Q value by the color information conversion unit 10c using a function that changes. Thus, as described above, when new monochrome print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 and printed, the characters that were color characters on the document are highlighted and printed in monochrome. Makes it easy to see monochrome characters that were color characters, and easily recognizes that the highlighted monochrome characters were color characters.

  Further, in the personal computer 1 of this embodiment, the highlight display processing content can be selected in steps S2-2 and S2-7. However, the stimulation value of the YIQ color system is stored in the memory unit 13 from at least one RGB value. The conversion formula to be converted into may be stored, and at least one highlight processing content may be selected. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as described above.

  In the personal computer 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the monochrome conversion of the document is selected by the character conversion unit 10d, the character of the color character data is thicker corresponding to the Y value, I value, and Q value, respectively. The underline conversion with different thickness is added to the character of the data and the emphasis conversion process is performed to increase the size of the character of the color character data. The emphasis conversion process corresponding to the Y value, I value, and Q value Need not be limited to these combinations, and the combinations may be arbitrarily changed. In addition, when monochrome printing of an original is selected during color character data highlighting processing, character font conversion corresponding to each of the Y value, I value, and Q value, conversion for changing the italic amount of the character, and conversion to a character The addition of an overscore and thickness conversion may be performed. Further, in the personal computer 1 of this embodiment, when monochrome printing of an original is selected, the character conversion unit 10d performs color based on one highlight information according to any of the Y value, I value, and Q value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and color character data emphasis conversion processing based on a plurality of emphasis display information may be performed.

In the personal computer 1 of the above embodiment, the RGB value is converted into the Y value, I value, or Q value according to the flow by the color information conversion unit 10c using the YIQ color system. In particular, it is not necessary to be limited to the YIQ color system, and a color system capable of converting RGB values may be used. For example, an XYZ color system recommended by the International Lighting Commission (CIE) may be used. The XYZ color system is a psychophysical color system created in consideration of human visual characteristics and is expressed by the following equation.

  In the above embodiment, the highlighting process of color character data has been described by taking the personal computer 1 as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the color character data highlighting process function of the personal computer 1 is not limited thereto. It may be mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, a printer, or a copier. In other words, an image processing apparatus having the color character data highlight display processing function may be mounted on the image forming apparatus. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  The configuration of the present invention can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention in addition to the above embodiment.

  The present invention can be widely applied to image processing apparatuses such as personal computers and image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimiles, and copiers equipped with the same, and can be used to highlight color characters when monochrome printing is performed. This is a useful technique.

These are the block diagrams which show the principal part structure of the personal computer which concerns on this invention, and the image forming apparatus connected to the personal computer. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the highlighting process in the personal computer 1 of the present embodiment. These are examples of printing results by the image forming apparatus 2 based on new monochrome print data.

Explanation of symbols

1 Personal computer
2 Image forming apparatus 10, 20 Central processing unit (CPU)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10a Character extraction part 10b Color information extraction part 10c Color information conversion part 10d Character conversion part 10e Replacement part 11 Display part 12 Input part 13, 25 Memory part 14, 26 Interface part 21 Operation display part 22 Paper conveyance part 23 Image formation part 24 Fixing section 30 network

Claims (5)

  Character extraction unit that extracts character data from the print data, and determines whether each character data extracted by the character extraction unit is color character data, and RGB values of the character data determined to be color character data A color information extracting unit that extracts the RGB values, a conversion formula for converting the RGB values into predetermined stimulus values in a predetermined color system, and predetermined highlight information that changes in accordance with the values of the predetermined stimulus values A color information conversion unit that converts the RGB values extracted by the color information extraction unit into the predetermined stimulus values based on the predetermined conversion formula, and each of the color information extraction units determined by the color information extraction unit A character conversion unit that performs an enhancement conversion process on color character data based on the predetermined stimulus value obtained by the color information conversion unit and the predetermined highlight display information, and the character conversion unit A replacement unit that replaces each color character data that has undergone conversion processing with the original color character data portion corresponding to each color character data in the print data to create new monochrome print data; An image processing apparatus.   The predetermined stimulus value is at least one value of a luminance value representing luminance, a first color intensity value representing the intensity of the first color, and a second color intensity value representing the intensity of the second color. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The predetermined highlight information includes character thickness, character size, character in color character data that changes in accordance with each of the luminance value, the first color intensity value, and the second color intensity value. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information is at least one piece of information of an underline thickness added to the character and an overscore thickness information added to the character.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   Character extraction processing that extracts character data from print data, and determines whether each character data extracted in the character extraction processing is color character data, and extracts RGB values of character data determined to be color character data Color information extraction processing to be performed, and the RGB values extracted in the color information extraction processing based on a conversion formula for converting the RGB values stored in the memory unit into predetermined stimulation values in a predetermined color system. Color information conversion process for converting to the predetermined stimulus value, a predetermined value that changes in accordance with the value of the predetermined stimulus value obtained in the color information conversion process and the value of the predetermined stimulus value stored in the memory unit Emphasis conversion processing to each color character data determined in the color information extraction processing based on the emphasis display information, and each color character data subjected to the emphasis conversion processing and the previous A replacement processing for creating new monochrome print data by replacing each original color character data portion corresponding to each color character data in the print data is executed by the central processing unit. program.

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