JP2012010359A - Image processing apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for easily and surely performing gradation correction control for each image processing pattern.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus is provided which has: an image processing means for performing image processing while selectively using a plurality of screen patterns; a selection means for selecting one screen pattern from among the plurality of screen patterns in response to a user operation; a determination means for determining whether or not gradation correction control is performed on the screen pattern selected by the selection means; and a display means which displays a button for instructing execution of the gradation correction control in the case where the determination means determines that gradation correction control is not performed on the selected screen pattern.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing image processing by selectively using a plurality of image processing patterns.

  An image processing apparatus that performs gradation correction control of an image for improving the image quality of a multi-gradation image is conventionally known (see Patent Document 1). The technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 outputs gradation pattern images (patch images) having a plurality of densities, reads the patch images on an output path, and makes changes to the image processing unit. Perform optimization.

JP 2001-203866 A

  However, in an image processing apparatus in which a user can select a plurality of image processing patterns, it is necessary to perform gradation correction control for each image processing pattern. In such an image processing apparatus, when there are a large number of image processing patterns, it takes a long time to perform gradation correction control on all image processing patterns. Correction control was performed.

  However, when the user selects an image processing pattern that has never been used, it is impossible to determine whether gradation correction control has been performed on the image processing pattern (for example, when the user forgets or the user changes). There is. An image processing pattern that is not subjected to gradation correction control is set as it is at the time of shipment from the factory, for example, and causes a problem that a low-quality image is printed.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to perform gradation correction control easily and reliably for each image processing pattern.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image processing unit that performs image processing by selectively using a plurality of screen patterns, and the plurality of screen patterns according to a user operation. Selection means for selecting one screen pattern from the above, determination means for determining whether or not gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern selected by the selection means, and the screen selected by the determination means And display means for displaying a button for instructing execution of gradation correction control when it is determined that gradation correction control is not performed on the pattern.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which performs gradation correction control easily and reliably for every image processing pattern can be provided.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the image processing system provided with the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation part of the image processing apparatus contained in the image processing system shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the control structure of the image processing apparatus contained in the image processing system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the database stored in the memory | storage part of the determination part shown to FIG. 3A. It is a figure which shows an example of the database stored in the memory | storage part of the determination part shown to FIG. 3A. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a color sensor arranged in a refeed path of an image processing apparatus included in the image processing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a patch image formed on the recording paper illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a figure which shows the user mode screen for deciding an image processing mode. It is a figure which shows a copy function setting screen when the copy function setting button is selected on the user mode setting screen shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an image processing mode setting screen when an image processing mode setting button is selected on the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an image processing mode setting screen when a character / photo map mode is selected and a yellow selection button is selected on the image processing mode setting screen shown in FIG. 7A. It is a figure which shows the warning screen displayed when the screen pattern in which gradation correction control is not performed is selected in the image processing mode setting screen shown to FIG. 7B. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation (screen pattern change process) of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image processing system 1 including an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes an image processing apparatus 100, a platen glass 101 as a document placement table, and a scanner 102. The scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, scanning mirrors 104 to 106, a lens 107, an image sensor unit 108, and the like, and reciprocally scans in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown). During the reciprocating scanning, the reflected light from the original passes through the lens 107 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106, forms an image on the CCD sensor of the image sensor unit 108, and generates image data from the image on the original.

  In addition, the image processing system 1 includes an automatic document feeder (Auto Document Feeder, hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 170. The ADF 170 automatically feeds the document to a position where the scanner 102 can read the document. As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 170 includes a document placement table 171, a document feed roller 172, a document duplex reversing roller 173, a document transport belt 174, and a document discharge port 175. The document placement table 171 can place, for example, a maximum of 100 documents. The document feed roller 172 is a roller for feeding an ADF document. The document duplex reversing roller 173 is a roller for reading both sides of the document fed from the document feed roller 172. The document transport belt 174 transports the document transported from the document feed roller 172 or the document duplex reversing roller 173 onto the platen glass 101. The document transport belt 174 stops the document at the reading position, transports the document back to the document duplex reversing roller 173 when reading the back side of the document, and discharges the document to the document discharge port 175. Controlled. The document discharge port 175 can place a maximum of 100 documents, for example, similarly to the document placement table 171.

  Further, the image processing system 1 includes an exposure control unit 109 configured with a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 109 applies a laser beam 119, which is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 108 and modulated based on an image signal subjected to predetermined image processing, to the photosensitive drum 111 facing the image forming region 110. Irradiate.

  Around the photosensitive drum 111, a pre-exposure lamp 121, a primary charger 112, a development rotary 117, a primary transfer roller 120, and a cleaning device 122 are arranged. The pre-exposure lamp 121 erases the potential on the photosensitive drum 111. The primary charger 112 causes corona discharge by applying a high voltage to a wire for applying a potential to the photosensitive drum 111. The developing rotary 117 houses developing units 113 to 116 that store toner for developing an image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 by the laser beam 119, and the developing units 113 to 116 are sequentially moved to the photosensitive drum. It moves so that it may touch 111. The primary transfer roller 120 transfers the image developed on the photosensitive drum 111 to the intermediate transfer member 118.

  The photosensitive drum 111 is rotated by a motor (not shown). After being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, the exposure control unit 109 emits laser light 119. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 111. The developing rotary 117 is rotated so that the developing device 113 of the first color is in contact with the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111, and the toner stored in the developing device 113 is electrostatically attached. As a result, a developed toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 111.

  When a full-color image is formed with toner in the four-color developer accommodated in the development rotary 117, the first color toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 111 is intermediated by the primary transfer roller 120. It is temporarily transferred to the transfer body 118. When the first color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 118, the second color developer 114 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 111 by the development rotary 117. At this time, the leading edge of the first color toner image (development image) primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 118 and the leading edge of the second color toner image (development image) developed on the photosensitive drum 111 are primarily transferred. An electrostatic latent image is formed so as to completely coincide with the position of the roller 120. Then, the toner image of the second color is superimposed on the toner image of the first color that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 118.

  By repeating such superposition of toner images for the third and fourth colors, a four-color full-color image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 118.

  On the other hand, the recording paper is fed from the first paper feed cassette 133, the second paper feed cassette 134, the third paper feed cassette 135 or the fourth paper feed cassette 136 via the pickup rollers 125, 126, 127 or 128. Supplied. The recording paper supplied from the first paper feed cassette 133, the second paper feed cassette 134, the third paper feed cassette 135, or the fourth paper feed cassette 136 is fed by the paper feed rollers 129, 130, 131, or 132. It is conveyed toward the registration roller 143. The toner image (unfixed toner image) on the intermediate transfer body 118 is transferred to the recording paper conveyed to the vicinity of the registration roller 143. Specifically, a transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 123, and the registration roller 143 is driven so that the leading edge of the transferred image and the leading edge of the recording paper coincide with each other, and the image is transferred onto the recording paper. The recording sheet on which the image has been transferred is fed to the conveyor belt 144.

  Since residual toner that has not been transferred to the recording paper by the secondary transfer roller 123 remains on the intermediate transfer body 118, cleaning of the residual toner is started by the intermediate transfer body cleaner 124. The intermediate transfer member cleaner 124 is configured to be detachable. The intermediate transfer body cleaner 124 is in contact with the intermediate transfer body 118 immediately before the leading edge of the residual toner arrives, and is controlled to leave the intermediate transfer body 118 immediately before the leading edge of the first color toner image of the image to be transferred next arrives. Is done.

  Further, since residual toner that has not been transferred to the intermediate transfer body 118 by the primary transfer roller 120 remains on the photosensitive drum 111, cleaning of the residual toner is started by the cleaning device 122. When the cleaning of the residual toner is completed, the residual charge on the photosensitive drum 111 is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 121.

  The recording paper on which the toner image (image) on the intermediate transfer body 118 is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 145 by the conveyance belt 144. The fixing device 145 includes a heat roller for heating the recording paper and a fixing belt for pressing the toner image. The toner image transferred to the recording paper is pressurized and heated by the fixing device 145 to be fixed. The recording sheet on which the toner image is fixed (that is, the recording sheet on which the image is formed) is discharged to the outside of the image processing apparatus 100 via the inner discharge roller 147 and the outer discharge roller 148.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes a paper discharge flapper 146, a refeed roller 142, a color sensor 152, and a reverse roller 149.

  The paper discharge flapper 146 switches the recording paper path to one of the transport path 138 and the reverse path 139. During double-sided recording (duplex copying) in which images are formed on both sides of the recording paper, the paper discharge flapper 146 is raised upward to reverse the path of the recording paper conveyed from the internal paper discharge roller 147 from the conveyance path 138. Switch to route 139. The traveling direction of the recording paper conveyed to the reversing path 139 is reversed in the double-side reversing unit 140. As a result, the recording paper is guided to the paper re-feeding path 141 while being turned upside down. The re-feed roller 142 is a roller that re-feeds the recording sheet conveyed to the re-feed path 141 to the image forming area 110.

  The color sensor 152 is arranged in the refeed path 141 and reads the patch image formed on the recording paper whose recording surface is reversed by the double-side reversing unit 140.

  The outer paper discharge roller 148 is a roller that is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 146 and discharges the recording paper to the outside of the image processing apparatus 100 when the paper discharge flapper 146 switches the recording paper path to the transport path 138. is there. When the recording paper is reversed and discharged from the image processing apparatus 100, the paper discharge flapper 146 is raised upward, and the recording paper is moved to the reverse path 139 until the trailing edge of the recording paper passes the reverse flapper by the reverse roller 149. Transport. The recording paper conveyed to the reversing path 139 is turned over by reversing the reversing roller 149 and conveyed to the outer paper discharge roller 148 side via the reverse outer paper discharge path 151.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation unit 200 of the image processing apparatus 100 included in the image processing system 1 shown in FIG. The operation unit 200 includes a display unit 201, a numeric keypad 202, a start key 203, a stop key 204, a soft power key 205, a power saving mode key 206, a reset key 207, a guide key 208, and a user mode key 209. And have.

  The display unit 201 is a touch panel type LCD that performs mode setting and status display of the image processing apparatus 100. The numeric keypad 202 includes numeric input keys from 0 to 9, and a clear key for returning the setting to the default value. The start key 203 is a key that is selected when executing a copy function, a scan function, or the like. A stop key 204 is a key that is selected when it is desired to cancel a job such as a copy function, a print function, or a scan function. The soft power key 205 is a key used when it is desired to reduce the load power of the motor or the like of the image processing apparatus 100 but to activate the CPU or the network. The power saving mode key 206 is a key selected by the user for setting the temperature control of the fixing device 145 and the like. A reset key 207 is a key for resetting a function set by the display unit 201 or the numeric keypad 202 to a default value. A guide key 208 is a key for displaying each copy mode, print function, scan function, and user mode key 209 set on the display unit 201 and a description of each user mode set / executed. A user mode key 209 is a key for setting a default value of each function of the image processing apparatus 100 and setting an adjustment mode for executing an adjustment item such as gradation correction that can be arbitrarily performed by the user. Further, a user mode key 209 is a key for performing various network settings such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address.

  The user can use the image processing apparatus 100 via the operation unit 200. The operation unit 200 functions as a selection unit that selects a screen pattern as an image processing pattern used for image processing from a plurality of screen patterns in accordance with a user operation.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image processing apparatus 100. The operation unit 200 includes a ROM in which a program for controlling the image processing apparatus 100 is written, a RAM in which the program is expanded, a CPU that executes the program, and the like. The operation unit 200 is connected to the job control unit 301, and the job control unit 301 is notified of the contents instructed by the operation unit 200. The job control unit 301 generates a job such as a copy job or a scan job in accordance with an instruction notified from the operation unit 200. The job control unit 301 is connected to a scanner control communication I / F 306 that is a communication I / F (Interface) with a CPU (not shown) that controls the scanner 102 that reads an image of a document. The job control unit 301 is connected to a PDL control communication I / F 307 which is a communication I / F with a CPU of a PDL image control unit (not shown) that develops PDL image data sent from a personal computer or the like into a bitmap image. To do. Further, the job control unit 301 is connected to an image control unit 302 that controls image data until image data to be sent to the developing unit of the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Further, the job control unit 301 is connected to a print control unit 311 that controls driving of the exposure unit and the development unit to form an image. As described above, the job control unit 301 controls the entire image processing apparatus 100.

  The image control unit 302 performs setting related to each image according to the job generated by the job control unit 301. In the present embodiment, the image control unit 302 sets the image selector 310 and sets an area for storing the image data from the image selector 310 in the image memory 303. The image selector 310 validates which of the PDL image data sent from the PDL image I / F 308 and the scanner image sent from the scanner image I / F 309 is valid for the image memory 303 consisting of a volatile memory. Decide. In addition, the image control unit 302 sets the image storage unit 305 configured by a non-volatile memory such as an HDD, or sets the bitmap image data from the image memory 303 to be compressed and sent to the image storage unit 305. I do. Further, the image control unit 302 also sets the image compression / decompression unit 304 that decompresses the compressed image data from the image storage unit 305 and returns it to the image memory 303. In addition, the image control unit 302 reads color image data from the image memory 303 and sends the image data to the image processing unit 314 in order to actually develop and print the image data. The image processing unit 314 performs desired image processing on the image data from the image memory 303. The image processing unit 314 functions as an image processing unit that performs image processing by selectively using screen patterns as a plurality of image processing patterns.

  The print control unit 311 receives image data of each color finally sent from the color separation unit according to each setting by the image control unit 302, and prints an instruction for controlling the laser 316 of each color based on the image data. The image is sent to the image control unit 313. In addition, the print image control unit 313 performs setting of a LUT (LookUpTable) 315 that reflects the sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive drum 111 with respect to image data in accordance with an instruction from the print control unit 311. The LUT 315 changes the density of input image data when a desired density cannot be obtained due to a change in sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive drum 111, a laser exposure amount, or a change in the charge amount from the primary charger 112. And has a function of converting so as to obtain a desired concentration. The image processing apparatus 100 includes an LUT 315 for each color. The image data that has passed through the LUT 315 is output to the laser 316, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 111 by the developing devices 113 to 116.

  Further, the print control unit 311 performs gradation correction control on a screen pattern as an image processing pattern used by the image processing unit 314 for image processing via the color sensor 152 and the print image control unit 313. Further, when the gradation correction control is performed on the screen pattern, the print control unit 311 sends information indicating when the gradation correction control is performed on which screen pattern to the determination unit 317.

  The print control unit 311 synchronizes the paper conveyance control unit 312 and the print image control unit 313, transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 118 to the recording paper supplied from the paper feed cassettes 133 to 136, and the fixing device 145. Control is performed so as to form an image.

  Further, the print control unit 311 reads the density data of the patch image of the recording paper output from the color sensor 152 arranged in the refeed path 141 shown in FIG.

  The determination unit 317 is connected to the operation unit 200 and the print control unit 311, and determines whether gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern selected by the operation unit 200. Specifically, the determination unit 317 includes a storage unit that stores a database 317a as illustrated in FIG. 3B, and performs determination by referring to information in the database 317a. The determination unit 317 creates the database 317a based on information related to tone correction control from the print control unit 311. In the database 317a, whether or not gradation correction control is performed for each of a plurality of screen patterns (gradation correction control), when gradation correction control is performed (implementation date), and gradation correction control is performed. Information indicating how much time has passed since (elapsed time). Referring to the database 317a shown in FIG. 3B, it can be seen that, for example, for the screen 1, gradation correction control is performed on 200 × year × month Δ days, and XX days have passed. Further, since the gradation correction control is not performed for the screen pattern 2, information on the implementation date and the elapsed time is not written. The database 317a is created for each image processing mode and each development color, and is rewritten every time gradation correction control is performed on the screen pattern. Therefore, the determination unit 317 can determine whether gradation correction control is performed on the selected screen pattern by referring to the database 317a. Further, the determination unit 317 refers to the database 317b to determine whether or not gradation correction control is necessary according to the elapsed time from the previous gradation correction control performed on the selected screen pattern. You can also When a long time has elapsed since the previous gradation correction control, the effect of the previous gradation correction control performed on the screen pattern is deteriorated, and the image may be lowered. Therefore, the determination unit 317 may determine whether or not gradation correction control is necessary according to the elapsed time from the previous gradation correction control. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality caused by an increase in elapsed time from the previous gradation correction control. Note that the information included in the database 317a illustrated in FIG. 3B is an example. For example, when the determination unit 317 calculates the elapsed time from the implementation date of the gradation correction control, the database 317a includes information on the elapsed time. It does not have to be. The database 317a may further include other information. Here, FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the database 317 a stored in the storage unit of the determination unit 317.

  Further, the determination unit 317 creates a database 317b as shown in FIG. 3C based on the determination whether the gradation correction control is performed or the determination whether the gradation correction control is necessary, and the storage unit To store. The database 317b includes information on screen patterns determined by the determination unit 317 that gradation correction control should be executed. The database 317b has information on screen patterns for which gradation correction control should be executed at least for each development color. The database 317b is created for each image processing mode, and is rewritten every time gradation correction control is performed on the screen pattern (that is, the screen pattern subjected to gradation correction control is deleted). Referring to the database 317b shown in FIG. 3C, it can be seen that, for example, for yellow, the screen 2 exists as a screen pattern on which gradation correction control is to be executed. It can also be seen that for magenta, there is no screen pattern on which gradation correction control is to be executed. As described above, the database 317b temporarily stores a list of a plurality of screen patterns on which the gradation correction control is to be executed, so that the gradation correction control can be collectively executed on the plurality of screen patterns. Here, FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of the database 317b stored in the storage unit of the determination unit 317.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the color sensor 152 arranged in the refeed path 141 of the image processing apparatus 100 included in the image processing system 1. A method for detecting patch images 410 and 420 formed on the recording paper 400 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the color sensor 152 includes a color sensor 152 a for reading the patch image 410 and a color sensor 152 b for reading the patch image 420. Patch images 410 and 420 are formed at predetermined positions on the recording paper 400 so as to be read by the color sensors 152a and 152b. In the present embodiment, the recording paper 400 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4, and the patch images 410 and 420 are read by the color sensor 152a and the color sensor 152b.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the patch images 410 and 420 formed on the recording paper 400. FIG. 5A shows a recording sheet 400 on which a development color yellow patch image 410Y and a magenta patch image 420M are formed. FIG. 5B shows a recording paper 400 on which a development color cyan patch image 410C and a black patch image 420B are formed. The patch images 410Y, 420M, 410C, and 420B include black patch images 412Y, 422M, 412C, and 422B that serve as a reference for reading by the color sensor 152. The patch image 410Y has gradation patches 414Y with different densities of yellow, and the patch image 420M has gradation patches 424M with different densities of magenta. Similarly, the patch image 410C has gradation patches 414C with each density of cyan, and the patch image 420B has gradation patches 424B with each density of black.

  These patch images are formed at each density in the gradation correction control. Gradation correction control is generally performed for a plurality of screen patterns, and patch images having different densities are formed for each gradation. Since the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of screen patterns, the yellow patch image and the magenta patch image shown in FIG. 5A and the cyan patch image and the black patch shown in FIG. Apply the image to one screen pattern. Similarly, gradation correction control for a plurality of screen patterns can be performed by forming a patch image for each of a plurality of screen patterns included in the image processing apparatus 100 and reading the patch image with the color sensor 152. These patch images are stored in the image storage unit 305 shown in FIG. 3, and the patch image output from the image storage unit 305 is controlled by an instruction from the image control unit 302.

  The combination of screen patterns is determined by the image processing mode of the image processing apparatus 100. Such a combination will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8. FIG. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8 are all displayed on the display unit 201 of the operation unit 200.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a user mode setting screen 600 for determining an image processing mode. The user mode setting screen 600 includes a common mode setting button 601, a copy function setting button 602, a box function setting button 603, and a print function setting button 604. Further, the user mode setting screen 600 includes various adjustment buttons 605, a network setting button 606, a system management setting button 607, and a close button 608.

  A common mode setting button 601 is a button that is selected when a mode common to the image processing apparatus 100 is set. The mode setting common to the image processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, registration of the type of recording paper placed in the paper feed cassettes 133 to 136. The copy function setting button 602 is a button that is selected when setting a function relating to copying. The setting of the function related to copying is, for example, an image orientation priority setting that determines the orientation of the image at the time of copying (whether the front side is the upper side or the back side is the upper side) or an image that specifies a screen pattern for the image processing mode Including processing mode setting. A box function setting button 603 is a button that is selected when a box for storing an image in the image storage unit 305 is created and the capacity of the box is determined. A print function setting button 604 is a button that is selected when the image processing apparatus 100 determines an operation when nothing is specified when printing out from the host computer. Various adjustment buttons 605 are buttons that are selected when various adjustments of the image processing apparatus 100 are performed. Various adjustments of the image processing apparatus 100 include, for example, adjustment of a mode for operating a mode for cleaning the primary charger 112. A network setting button 606 is a button that is selected when performing network settings of the image processing apparatus 100. For the network setting, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address is set. A system management setting button 607 is a button that is selected when setting the name of the image processing apparatus 100 on the network, the administrator password, and the like. A close button 608 is a button that is selected when exiting the user mode setting screen 600.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a copy function setting screen 610 when the copy function setting button 602 is selected on the user mode setting screen 600. The copy function setting screen 610 includes an image processing mode setting button 611, an automatic sort setting button 612, an image orientation priority setting button 613, a scroll button 614, and a close button 615.

  The image processing mode setting button 611 is a button that is selected when designating a screen pattern in the image processing mode. The automatic sort setting button 612 is a button that is selected when determining whether or not to automatically turn on the sort mode when a document is placed on an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 170. The image orientation priority setting button 613 is a button that is selected when determining the image orientation (whether the front side is the upper side or the back side is the upper side) when the original image is copied. The scroll button 614 is a button that is selected when a button for performing settings related to a copy function other than the image orientation priority setting button 613 is designated from the image processing mode setting button 611. A close button 615 is a button that is selected when the user exits the copy function setting screen 610 and returns to the user mode setting screen 600.

  With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the image processing mode setting screen when the image processing mode setting button 611 is selected on the copy function setting screen 610 and the setting of the screen pattern in each image processing mode will be described.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an image processing mode setting screen 700 when the image processing mode setting button 611 is selected on the copy function setting screen 610. The image processing mode setting screen 700 includes an image processing mode selection tab for selecting one image processing mode from a plurality of image processing modes. In this embodiment, the image processing mode selection tab includes a character photo map mode tab 701, a photo mode tab 702, a print photo mode tab 703, and a character mode tab 704. That is, the image processing apparatus 100 has four image processing modes, a character photo map mode, a photo mode, a printed photo mode, and a character mode, and performs image processing in an image processing mode corresponding to the attribute of the image to be image processed. It can be performed. In addition, the operation unit 200 as a selection unit selects one of a plurality of screen patterns corresponding to the development color for each image processing mode in accordance with a user operation. In FIG. 7A, the character photo map mode tab 701 is selected, and a screen pattern corresponding to each development color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) is selected. In FIG. 7A, the screen 1 is selected as a yellow screen pattern as shown in a selection box 705, and the screen 2 is selected as a magenta screen pattern as shown in a selection box 706. Similarly, as the cyan screen pattern, the screen 4 is selected as shown in the selection box 707, and as the black screen pattern, the screen 6 is selected in the selection box 708. As described above, the selection boxes 705 to 708 indicate the screen pattern selected for each development color.

  The image processing mode setting screen 700 includes a confirmation button 709 and a cancel button 710. The confirm button 709 is a button that is selected when the setting on the image processing mode setting screen 700 is confirmed. A cancel button 710 is a button that is selected when canceling the setting on the image processing mode setting screen 700. If the cancel button 710 is selected, the screen returns to the copy function setting screen 610.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the image processing mode setting screen 720 when the character / photo map mode is selected and the yellow selection box 705 is selected on the image processing mode setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in the list display portion 721, screen patterns that can be selected for yellow are screen 1 to screen 9, and any one of screens 1 to 9 can be selected in a button format. That is, the list display unit 721 displays a list of a plurality of selectable screen patterns. The list display unit 721 can also display a screen pattern that has not been subjected to gradation correction control so as to be distinguishable from a screen pattern that has been subjected to gradation correction control. For example, the list display unit 721 displays the screen pattern on which the gradation correction control has been performed in white and the screen pattern on which the gradation correction control has not been performed in a shaded manner. The screen pattern selected on the image processing mode setting screen 720 (list display portion 721) is set as a yellow screen pattern. When any one of the screen patterns 1 to 9 is selected for one development color, the display is switched to the display of the image processing mode setting screen 700 showing one screen pattern for one development color. As described above, by selecting the confirm button 709, the screen pattern for the image processing mode is confirmed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a warning screen 800 that is displayed when a screen pattern that is not subjected to gradation correction control is selected on the image processing mode setting screen 720 shown in FIG. 7B. The display unit 201 of the operation unit 200 serves as notification means for notifying that (warning screen 800) when the determination unit 317 determines that gradation correction control has not been performed on the selected screen pattern. Function. When the screen pattern is changed, it becomes a new screen pattern combination, so that the patch image combination shown in FIG. 5 becomes new. Accordingly, when the screen pattern is changed by the user's operation, the determination unit 317 determines whether or not the gradation correction control is performed. If not, the warning screen 800 is displayed on the display unit 201 of the operation unit 200. Is displayed. In addition, when the elapsed time from the previous gradation correction control is long and the determination unit 317 determines that the gradation correction control is necessary, the fact may be displayed as in the warning screen 800.

  The warning screen 800 is a message screen indicating that gradation correction control has not been performed on the selected screen pattern, and includes a gradation correction control execution button 803 and an end button 804. A gradation correction control execution button 803 and an end button 804 are buttons for selecting whether or not gradation correction control is to be performed on the selected screen pattern. When executing the gradation correction control, the gradation correction control is executed on the selected screen pattern by selecting the gradation correction control execution button 803. Thus, the gradation correction control execution button 803 functions as a display unit that receives an instruction for gradation correction control. Further, the image processing apparatus 100 includes execution means for executing gradation correction control for the selected screen pattern when the user inputs an instruction for gradation correction control. When the gradation correction control is not executed for the selected screen pattern, the end button 804 is selected. As a result, the warning screen 800 is erased and the screen returns to the image processing mode setting screen 700. In this case, the confirmation button 709 on the image processing mode setting screen 700 is, for example, shaded and cannot be selected. The list display unit 721 may not be able to select a screen pattern displayed with shading (that is, a screen pattern for which gradation correction control is not performed).

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the gradation correction control is performed on the screen pattern selected by the user, and when the gradation correction control is not performed, Notify that. Further, it is urged to execute gradation correction control for a screen pattern for which gradation correction control is not performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent image processing from being performed using a screen pattern that is not subjected to gradation correction control. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 100 can prevent deterioration in image quality due to image processing using a screen pattern that is not subjected to gradation correction control.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, an operation (screen pattern change process) of the image processing apparatus 100 when the user selects the image processing mode setting button 611 on the copy function setting screen 610 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when the image processing mode setting button 611 is selected, in step S901, the display unit 201 of the operation unit 200 displays a screen pattern of the target image processing mode. Specifically, the display unit 201 of the operation unit 200 displays an image processing mode setting screen 700 as shown in FIG. 7A. Next, in step S902, the operation unit 200 determines whether an image processing mode selection tab has been selected (step S902). Specifically, the operation unit 200 monitors whether any one of the character photo map mode tab 701, the photo mode tab 702, the print photo mode tab 703, and the character mode tab 704 is selected.

  If it is determined in step S902 that the image processing mode selection tab has been selected, the image processing mode is changed to the image processing mode corresponding to the image processing mode selection tab selected in step S902 in step S903, and the process proceeds to step S904. move on. On the other hand, if it is determined that the image processing mode selection tab is not selected, the process advances to step S904.

  In step S904, the operation unit 200 determines whether selection boxes 705 to 708 for selecting a screen pattern have been selected. If it is determined in step S904 that the selection boxes 705 to 708 have been selected, the process advances to step S905, and the display unit 201 displays a list of selectable screen patterns on the list display unit 721. Specifically, the display unit 201 displays an image processing mode setting screen 720 as shown in FIG. 7B. Next, in step S906, the operation unit 200 determines whether the screen pattern has been changed. Specifically, the operation unit 200 monitors whether a screen pattern is selected from the plurality of screen patterns displayed on the list display unit 721 in step S905.

  If it is determined in step S906 that the screen pattern has been changed, the process advances to step S907 to change to the screen pattern selected in step S906. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S906 that the screen pattern has not been changed, the determination as to whether the screen pattern has been changed is repeated.

  Next, in step S908, the determination unit 317 determines whether gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern changed in step S907. Specifically, the determination unit 317 refers to a database 317a as illustrated in FIG. 3B and determines whether or not gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern changed in step S907.

  If it is determined in step S908 that tone correction control has been performed on the screen pattern changed in step S907, the process returns to step S901. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S907 that tone correction control has not been executed for the screen pattern changed, the process proceeds to step S909, where the display unit 201 of the operation unit 200 displays a warning screen as shown in FIG. 800 is displayed.

  Next, in step S909, the operation unit 200 determines whether to perform gradation correction control on the screen pattern or to end without performing gradation correction control. Specifically, the operation unit 200 selects the gradation correction control execution button 803 for executing the gradation correction control on the warning screen 800 or the end button 804 for ending without executing the gradation correction control. Monitor that.

  If it is determined in step S910 that the gradation correction control is to be performed on the screen pattern, the process proceeds to step S911, and the determination unit 317 stores the screen pattern on which the gradation correction control is performed. Specifically, the determination unit 317 writes a screen pattern for executing gradation correction control in the database 317b shown in FIG. 3C. On the other hand, if it is determined that the screen pattern is to be terminated without executing the gradation correction control, the process returns to step S901. Note that, by repeating steps S901 to S911, a plurality of screen patterns for which gradation correction control is to be executed are written in the database 317b.

  Returning to step S904, if it is determined that the selection boxes 705 to 708 are not selected, the operation unit 200 proceeds to step S912, and determines whether or not the confirm button 709 on the image processing mode setting screen 700 has been selected. In other words, the operation unit 200 determines whether the screen pattern for the image processing mode is confirmed.

  If it is determined in step S912 that the confirm button 709 has not been selected, the process returns to step S902. On the other hand, if it is determined that the confirm button 709 has been selected, the process advances to step S913, and the print control unit 311 reads a screen pattern for executing gradation correction control. Specifically, the print control unit 311 reads the database 317b created by the determination unit 317.

  Next, in step S914, the print control unit 311 forms a patch image as shown in FIG. In step S915, the color sensor 152 reads the patch image formed in step S914, and the print control unit 311 corrects the gradation based on the read result.

  In step S916, the print control unit 311 determines whether gradation correction control has been performed on all screen patterns written in the database 317b. When it is determined that gradation correction control has been executed for all screen patterns, the screen pattern change process is terminated, and it is determined that gradation correction control has not been executed for all screen patterns. Returns to step S913.

  As described above, according to the screen pattern changing process by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, notification that the gradation correction control is not performed is performed for each screen pattern, and the gradation correction control is performed for a plurality of screen patterns. Can be executed together.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit determines whether gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern selected via the operation unit. When it is determined by the determination unit that gradation correction control is not being performed, a warning screen to that effect is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in image quality caused by using the screen pattern without knowing that the gradation correction control is not performed. Further, by displaying a warning screen including a tone correction execution button for executing tone correction control, it is possible to prompt execution of tone correction control for a screen pattern for which tone correction control is not performed. Furthermore, a screen pattern that has not been subjected to gradation correction control is displayed on the list display section so that the screen pattern that has not been subjected to gradation correction control and the screen pattern that has been subjected to gradation correction control can be identified. Can be prevented from being selected.

  Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention requires gradation correction control according to the elapsed time from the previous gradation correction control performed on the screen pattern selected via the operation unit by the determination unit. It is determined whether or not. When the determination unit determines that gradation correction control is necessary, a warning screen that notifies that is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in image quality caused by using a screen pattern for which the effect of the gradation correction control has deteriorated for a long time since the last gradation correction control is used for image processing.

<Other embodiments>
The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus constituted by one device.

  The present invention can also be achieved by supplying a program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and the system or apparatus reads and executes the supplied program code. The Accordingly, the program code itself installed in the computer in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention by the computer is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In this case, the program may be in any form as long as it has a program function, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk. Further, there are MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD DVD-ROM, DVD-R, and the like.

  In addition, there is a usage method in which a client PC browser is used to connect to an Internet site and a program according to the present invention itself or a file including an automatic installation function is downloaded to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program according to the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  Further, the program according to the present invention may be encrypted and stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed to users. This is realized by having a user who has cleared a predetermined condition download key information to be decrypted from a homepage via the Internet, execute the encrypted program by using the key information, and install it on a computer. It is also possible.

  Further, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, when the program according to the present invention is written in the memory provided in the function expansion unit of the PC and the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the program, Included in the range.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist. For example, when a screen pattern is selected, it is determined whether or not gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern, and gradation correction is performed according to the elapsed time since the previous gradation correction control was performed. It may be determined whether it is necessary to perform control.

Claims (7)

Image processing means for selectively performing image processing using a plurality of screen patterns;
Selecting means for selecting one screen pattern from the plurality of screen patterns in accordance with a user operation;
Determination means for determining whether or not gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern selected by the selection means;
Display means for displaying a button for instructing execution of gradation correction control when it is determined by the determination means that gradation correction control is not performed on the selected screen pattern;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The display means, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displaying the message image indicating that the tone correction control is not performed on the screen pattern selected by said selection means. The image processing means performs image processing in a plurality of image processing modes according to attributes of an image to be subjected to image processing,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects any of the plurality of screen patterns for each of the image processing modes. The determination means calculates an elapsed time from the previous gradation correction control performed on the screen pattern selected by the selection means, and determines whether gradation correction control is necessary according to the elapsed time. Determine
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the gradation correction control is necessary, the display unit notifies the fact. The display means displays the plurality of screen patterns as a list ,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen pattern determined by the determination unit as being not subjected to gradation correction control is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the screen pattern subjected to gradation correction control. . A control method for an image processing apparatus that performs image processing by selectively using a plurality of screen patterns,
A selection step in which the selection means selects one screen pattern from the plurality of screen patterns in accordance with a user operation;
A determination step for determining whether or not gradation correction control has been performed on the screen pattern selected in the selection step;
Display step of the display unit, when the gradation correction control is determined not to have been made to the selected screen pattern in the determination step, and displays a button for instructing execution of the tone correction control When,
A control method characterized by comprising:   The program for making a computer perform each step of the control method of Claim 6.