JP2012235405A - Color conversion device, color adjustment method of the same and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color conversion device which can easily recognize an adjustment range where a color is adjusted and improves operability when a part in the adjustment range is removed from the adjustment range.SOLUTION: In a point color adjustment screen 164, a CMYK value of a point color for adjusting the color is inputted to point color designation regions A1 to A4, and an adjustment value of an output value to the point color is inputted to adjustment value input regions A5 to A8. Different display colors are displayed in display color display regions E1 to E12 at every division obtained by dividing an initial adjustment range including the point color into a plurality of divisions. The region of the color included in each division in image data being a color conversion object is displayed on a preview image by a display color corresponding to distinction display. When a check of check boxes C1 to C12 corresponding to the division which is to be removed from the initial adjustment range is omitted, the adjustment range is changed. An adjustment ratio of the adjustment value is set to the color included in the adjustment range in accordance with the adjustment range.

Description

  The present invention relates to a color conversion device, a color adjustment method for the color conversion device, and a program.

  When an input image having the first color gamut is output by an image forming apparatus having the second color gamut, a color conversion table is used for the input image so that the output product has a color reproduction equivalent to that of the input image. Color conversion is performed. Since the color reproduction accuracy of the output product depends on environmental conditions and the state of the image forming apparatus, it is difficult to perform color reproduction strictly. Therefore, the user of the image forming apparatus checks the image after color conversion and performs point adjustment for a color with poor color reproduction. At this time, in order to prevent a tone jump and achieve a smooth gradation, not only the designated point color but also the surrounding colors are adjusted.

  For example, in an adjustment method of a lookup table for converting a combination of input values representing a color space into a combination of output values, the adjustment color is designated as a color area composed of combinations of input values within a predetermined range, and the input values There has been proposed a method in which a predetermined range is determined by designating a center value and an adjustment range for the center value (see Patent Document 1). As a result, it is possible to adjust the output value balance for each desired adjustment color, and it is possible to adjust the look-up table to characteristics that provide desired color reproducibility.

  In addition, in an image processing apparatus that displays a color profile adjustment range as a preview, an influence level is estimated for a range in which the influence of adjustment in the input image is expected, and a shade corresponding to the magnitude of the influence level is obtained based on the estimation result. It has been proposed to create a mask and display a preview by superimposing the mask on an input image (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3785688 JP 2008-118355 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, since the influence of the adjustment on the color around the center value varies depending on the adjustment rate (amount), an unintended color may be adjusted. It was difficult for the user to adjust.

  Further, in the method described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to visually confirm the adjustment range by superimposing the mask on the input image and displaying the preview, but it is difficult to clearly grasp the adjustment influence level. Met. In addition, when there is a part to be excluded from the adjustment range, the setting cannot be easily changed, and the skill of the adjuster is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the prior art, and makes it possible to easily recognize an adjustment range for color adjustment, and to improve operability when excluding a part of the adjustment range from the adjustment range. The problem is to improve.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 specifies a point color to be color-adjusted from input values in a color conversion apparatus that converts a combination of input values of image data into a combination of output values. A point color designating unit, an input unit for inputting an adjustment value of an output value for the point color, an initial adjustment range including the point color, and a division for dividing the initial adjustment range into a plurality of divisions Means, distinction display setting means for setting the distinction display so as to have a different display mode for each of the sections divided by the classification means, and the color areas included in the respective sections in the image data to be color-converted, Display control means for displaying on the preview image of the image data to be color-converted in a display mode corresponding to the distinction display set by the distinction display setting means; A category designating unit for designating a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range, and an adjustment range setting unit for setting the adjustment range by excluding the category designated by the category designating unit from the initial adjustment range And an adjustment rate setting unit that sets an adjustment rate of the adjustment value input by the input unit for a color included in the adjustment range according to the adjustment range set by the adjustment range setting unit. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the color conversion device according to the first aspect, the classification unit divides the color into finer sections as the distance from the point color increases.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the color conversion device according to the first or second aspect, the adjustment rate setting unit decreases the adjustment rate as the distance from the point color increases.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the color conversion device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the classification specifying unit is configured to individually increase or decrease the input value with respect to the point color. It is possible to designate a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the color conversion device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the classification designating unit wants to exclude each of the color components of the input value from the initial adjustment range individually. Classification can be specified.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the color conversion device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the display control means further displays a graph representing an adjustment rate for the input value, and the graph The portion corresponding to each of the above sections is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the distinction display set by the distinction display setting means.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the color adjustment method for a color conversion device that converts a combination of input values of image data into a combination of output values, a step of designating a point color to be color-adjusted from input values; A step of inputting an adjustment value of an output value for a point color, a step of setting an initial adjustment range including the point color, and dividing the initial adjustment range into a plurality of sections, and a display mode different for each of the divided sections And a step of setting the distinction display so that the color conversion target image data is displayed in the display mode corresponding to the set distinction display in the color areas included in the respective sections in the color conversion target image data. A step of displaying on the preview image, a step of designating a segment to be excluded from the initial adjustment range among the plurality of segments, and a removal of the designated segment from the initial adjustment range. And a step of setting the adjustment range and, in response to said set adjustment range, and setting the adjustment ratio of the input adjustment value to the color contained in the adjustment range, the.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer for converting a combination of input values of image data into a combination of output values, a means for specifying a point color to be color-adjusted from the input values, and adjustment of the output value for the point color Means for inputting a value, means for setting an initial adjustment range including the point color, means for dividing the initial adjustment range into a plurality of sections, and setting a distinction display so as to have a different display mode for each of the divided sections Means for displaying a color region included in each section in the image data to be color-converted on a preview image of the image data to be color-converted in a display mode corresponding to the set distinction display, Means for designating a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range among a plurality of categories, and setting the adjustment range by excluding the designated category from the initial adjustment range Means, in response to said set adjustment range, a program for functioning means as, for setting the adjustment ratio of the input adjustment value to the color contained in the adjustment range.

  According to the first, seventh, and eighth aspects of the invention, it is possible to easily recognize the adjustment range for color adjustment and to improve the operability when excluding a part of the adjustment range from the adjustment range. it can.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the adjustment range can be finely adjusted when there is a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, tone jump can be prevented.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the adjustment range can be individually adjusted in the increasing direction and decreasing direction of the input value with the point color as the center.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the adjustment range can be individually adjusted for each color component of the input value.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily recognize the adjustment rate for the input value and the display mode for each section.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a color converter. It is a flowchart which shows the device link profile creation process performed in a color conversion apparatus. It is a figure which shows a device link profile creation screen. It is a figure which shows a preview image selection screen. It is a figure which shows a preview image display screen. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen about the input CMYK value in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment range setting process of a point color. It is an example of the distinction display information for every 1st input color component. It is a figure which shows a color sample selection screen. It is an example of 1st initial adjustment rate information. It is an enlarged view of a graph. It is a flowchart which shows the mask color conversion table creation process for every input color component. It is an example of the distinction display information according to the total adjustment rate. It is a figure which shows the mask image display screen which shows the adjustment range about magenta. It is another example of a mask image display screen. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen which displays a total adjustment rate. It is a figure which shows the mask image display screen based on a total adjustment rate. It is an example of 1st adjustment rate information. It is a figure which shows the mask image display screen after the adjustment range was changed about magenta. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen after the adjustment range is changed about magenta. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen after the adjustment range is changed about yellow. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen about the input RGB value in 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the distinction display information for every 2nd input color component. It is an example of 2nd initial adjustment rate information. It is an example of 2nd adjustment rate information. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen after the adjustment range is changed about red. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen which sets an adjustment range with a slide bar. It is a figure which shows the point color adjustment screen after the adjustment range was changed with the slide bar.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of a color conversion apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of the color conversion apparatus 10. The color conversion apparatus 10 converts a combination of input values of image data of an image to be printed into a combination of output values, and transmits the image data after the color conversion processing to the printer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a color conversion apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, and communication. Each part is connected by a bus 18.

  The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the processing operation of each unit of the color conversion device 10. The CPU 11 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM 12 or the storage unit 14 in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation unit 15 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 17, expands it in the RAM 13, and Various processes are executed in cooperation.

  The ROM 12 is constituted by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various processing programs, parameters and files necessary for executing the programs.

  The RAM 13 forms a work area for temporarily storing various processing programs executed by the CPU 11 and data related to these programs.

The storage unit 14 includes a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores various processing programs, data related to various processes, image data, and the like.
The storage unit 14 stores a plurality of profiles. Examples of the device profile describing the characteristics of the color space depending on the device include an output device profile such as a printer, a display device profile such as a monitor and a projector, and an input device profile such as a scanner and a digital camera.

  For example, a device profile of an offset printing machine is created based on a color measurement result obtained by measuring a color chart (ISO12642 standard) of a printed material offset-printed on a sheet with a colorimeter. The ISO 12642 color chart is a CMYK device color chart. Create a CMYK → L * a * b * lookup table in which the L * a * b * values of the colorimetric results are described for each of the input CMYK values obtained by taking the CMYK values in a four-dimensional grid. Create a device profile for the offset press.

A device profile of the printer 20 is created based on a color measurement result obtained by measuring a color chart (ISO 12642 standard) output without performing color conversion processing by the printer 20 with a colorimeter. Create a CMYK → L * a * b * lookup table in which the L * a * b * values of the colorimetric results are described for each of the input CMYK values obtained by taking the CMYK values in a four-dimensional grid. Using the lookup table data, for each of the input L * a * b * values obtained by taking the L * a * b * values in a three-dimensional grid, L * a * in which the output values of CMYK are described. A b * → CMYK lookup table is created, and a device profile of the printer 20 is created.
These device profile calculation methods are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-63168.

  The storage unit 14 also includes first initial adjustment range information, distinction display information for each first input color component (see FIGS. 8A and 8B), and first initial adjustment rate information (FIG. 10). Reference), first adjustment rate information (see FIGS. 18A and 18B), and distinction display information (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the total adjustment rate are stored. Details of each information will be described later.

  The operation unit 15 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, character input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and accepts an operation input by a user. The operation unit 15 outputs an operation signal input by a key operation on the keyboard or a mouse operation to the CPU 11. Specifically, the operation unit 15 includes a point color designating unit for designating a point color for color adjustment from a combination of input values representing colors, an input unit for inputting an adjustment value of an output value for the point color, It functions as a category designation means for designating a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range among a plurality of categories obtained by dividing the initial adjustment range including the point color.

  The display unit 16 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various operation screens and various processing results in accordance with instructions from the CPU 11.

  The communication unit 17 transmits and receives data to and from an external device via a communication network. For example, the communication unit 17 receives data of various profiles or transmits image data (CMYK values) after color conversion to the printer 20.

The CPU 11 performs the following processing in cooperation with a program stored in the ROM 12.
The CPU 11 receives an operation instruction for designating a point color to be color-adjusted and an operation instruction for inputting an adjustment value of an output value for the point color based on an operation from the operation unit 15 by the user.
The CPU 11 sets an initial adjustment range including the designated point color, and divides the initial adjustment range into a plurality of sections. At this time, the CPU 11 divides into finer sections as the distance from the point color increases.
CPU11 sets a distinction display so that it may become a different display mode for every divided division.

The CPU 11 displays the color region included in each section in the color conversion target image data on the preview image of the color conversion target image data in a display mode corresponding to the set distinction display.
CPU11 displays the graph showing the adjustment rate with respect to an input value, and displays the part corresponding to each division on the said graph by the display mode corresponding to the set distinction display.

Based on an operation from the operation unit 15 by the user, the CPU 11 gives an operation instruction for designating a segment to be excluded from the initial adjustment range among a plurality of segments into which the initial adjustment range is divided for each color component of the input value. Accept.
For each color component of the input value, the CPU 11 sets the adjustment range by excluding the designated section from the initial adjustment range.
The CPU 11 sets the adjustment rate of the adjustment value for the color included in the adjustment range according to the set adjustment range. Specifically, the CPU 11 decreases the adjustment rate as the distance from the point color increases.
That is, the CPU 11 functions as sorting means, distinction display setting means, display control means, adjustment range setting means, and adjustment rate setting means.

  The printer 20 forms an image on a sheet with output colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black color components based on color-converted image data (CMYK values) received from the color conversion device 10. It is. For example, the printer 20 performs electrophotographic image formation, and includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit that charges the photosensitive drum, an exposure unit that exposes and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum based on image data, and a photosensitive member. The image forming apparatus includes a developing unit that attaches toner to the drum, a transfer unit that transfers a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum to printing paper, and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image formed on the printing paper.

Next, the operation in the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the device profile of the offset printing press is used as the source profile, and the device profile of the printer 20 is used as the destination profile.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing device link profile creation processing executed in the color conversion apparatus 10. This process is realized by a software process in cooperation with the CPU 11 and a program stored in the ROM 12.

FIG. 3 shows a device link profile creation screen 161.
First, a source profile is selected from the profiles stored in the storage unit 14 by a user operation from the operation unit 15 (step S1). Specifically, the file name of the source profile used for creating the device link profile is entered in the text box T1 of the device link profile creation screen 161, and the “select” button B1 is pressed. As a source profile, a device profile (CMYK → L * a * b * lookup table) of the offset printing press is selected.

  Next, a destination profile is selected from the profiles stored in the storage unit 14 by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S2). Specifically, the file name of the destination profile used for creating the device link profile is input into the text box T2 of the device link profile creation screen 161, and the “select” button B2 is pressed. As the destination profile, the device profile of the printer 20 (L * a * b * → CMYK lookup table) is selected.

  Next, a rendering intent is selected from the color conversion conditions stored in the storage unit 14 by a user operation from the operation unit 15 (step S3). Specifically, a rendering intent used for creating a device link profile is input to the text box T3 of the device link profile creation screen 161, and the “select” button B3 is pressed.

  Next, when the “calculation” button B4 for instructing the calculation of the device link profile on the device link profile creation screen 161 is pressed by an operation from the operation unit 15 by the user, the CPU 11 selects in steps S1 to S3. A device link profile (CMYK → CMYK lookup table) is created based on the source profile, destination profile, and rendering intent (step S4). Specifically, for the input CMYK values of the source profile, each is a combination of 21 points (0, 5, 10, 15,..., 90, 95, 100) (21 × 21 × 21 × 21 = 194481 points). On the other hand, the output CMYK value of the destination profile is obtained through the L * a * b * value independent of the device. A method for calculating a device link profile is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-63168.

  Next, image data to be subjected to color conversion is selected from the image data stored in the storage unit 14 by an operation from the operation unit 15 by the user. Then, the CPU 11 displays a preview image on the display unit 16 based on the selected image data (step S5). Specifically, when the “display preview image” button B5 on the device link profile creation screen 161 is pressed, the CPU 11 displays a preview image selection screen 162 shown in FIG. When the file name of the target image is input to the text box T5 of the preview image selection screen 162 and the “OK” button B8 is pressed, the CPU 11 displays the preview image display screen 163 shown in FIG.

  In the preview image, the image data of the image to be printed is color-converted using the device link profile created in step S4, and further, the display device profile corresponding to the display unit 16 (for converting from CMYK values to RGB values). Color conversion is performed using a color conversion table. A method for creating a monitor color conversion table (CMYK → RGB lookup table) is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3785688.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been an operation instruction for adjusting the point color for the color with poor color reproduction from the operation unit 15 (step S6). Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the “Adjust Point Color” button B6 on the device link profile creation screen 161 shown in FIG. When there is an operation instruction for adjusting the point color (step S6; YES), the CPU 11 displays the point color adjustment screen 164 shown in FIG.

  The point color adjustment screen 164 includes a point color setting area 164a and an adjustment range setting area 164b. The point color setting area 164a is an area for designating a point color as a combination of input values and adjusting an output value for the point color. The adjustment range setting area 164b is an area for setting an adjustment range for color adjustment including a point color.

  Next, the point color is designated by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S7). Specifically, a combination of CMYK input values (values 0 to 100) for specifying a point color is input to the point color specification areas A1 to A4 of the point color setting area 164a. When the point color is designated, the CPU 11 obtains a combination of input values (CMYK values) of the point color in the output value display areas D1 to D4 before adjustment using the device link profile before adjustment. The combination of output values (CMYK values) is displayed.

  The point color may be designated on the preview image display screen 163 (see FIG. 5) by pressing the “designate point color on the preview screen” button B9 in the point color setting area 164a. In this case, combinations of input values corresponding to the colors designated on the preview image display screen 163 are set in the point color designation areas A1 to A4.

  Next, the adjustment value of the output value for the point color is input by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S8). The adjustment value is a value added to the output value for the point color for each color component. Specifically, an adjustment value for the output CMYK value before adjustment is input to the adjustment value input areas A5 to A8 of the point color setting area 164a. In the output value display areas D5 to D8 after adjustment, the CPU 11 adjusts the output values before adjustment displayed in the output value display areas D1 to D4 before adjustment in the adjustment value input areas A5 to A8. The added value is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the output CMYK value before adjustment is (5, 42, 41, 0) with respect to the input CMYK value (0, 40, 40, 0) designated as the point color. Since (-2, 2, -1, 0) is input as the value, the adjusted output CMYK value is (3,4, 40, 0). In this way, the color of the point color itself is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the output value with respect to the input value of the point color.

  In the point color display area D9 before adjustment, the CPU 11 displays the output result of the point color before adjustment based on the combination of output values before adjustment. In the adjusted point color display area D10, the CPU 11 displays the output result of the adjusted point color based on the adjusted output value combination. As a result, the user can check the colors before and after adjusting the output CMYK value.

Next, the CPU 11 performs a point color adjustment range setting process (step S9).
Radio buttons R1 to R4 in the adjustment range setting area 164b shown in FIG. 6 are used when designating an input color for which an adjustment range is to be set. When the adjustment range is set for the cyan color component, the radio button R1 is turned on. When the adjustment range is set for the magenta color component, the radio button R2 is turned on and the yellow color component is set. When the adjustment range is set for the radio button R3, the radio button R3 is turned on. When the adjustment range is set for the black color component, the radio button R4 is turned on. In FIG. 6, the magenta radio button R2 is set to ON.

Here, the point color adjustment range setting process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the CPU 11 sets an initial adjustment range including a point color for each input color component based on the first initial adjustment range information stored in the storage unit 14, and divides the initial adjustment range into a plurality of sections. (Step S21). The first initial adjustment range information is information that defines the initial adjustment range when the input color component is CMYK and how to set each section.

  In the first embodiment, the initial adjustment range is set to a range between −20 and +20 of the input value with the point color as the center value. The initial adjustment range is −20 ≦ X <−18 (region f), −18 ≦ X <−16 (region e), −16 ≦ X <−13 (region), where X is the increase or decrease from the center value. d), −13 ≦ X <−10 (region c), −10 ≦ X <−5 (region b), −5 ≦ X <0 (region a), X = 0 (center value), 0 <X ≦ 5 (region A), 5 <X ≦ 10 (region B), 10 <X ≦ 13 (region C), 13 <X ≦ 16 (region D), 16 <X ≦ 18 (region E), 18 <X ≦ 20 (area F). Here, a case will be described in which the input value is divided into 6 divisions in the increasing direction and decreasing direction from the central value, 1 division in the point color (central value), and 13 divisions in total, but the number of divisions is arbitrarily determined in advance. Just keep it.

Regions a to f indicate color regions on the minus side of the center value with respect to the input value, with the input value specified as the point color being the center value. The color moves away from the point color as it goes from the region a to the region f. Moreover, it is divided into finer sections as it is farther from the point color.
Regions A to F indicate color regions on the plus side of the center value with respect to the input value, with the input value designated as the point color being the center value. The color moves away from the point color as it goes from the region A to the region F. Moreover, it is divided into finer sections as it is farther from the point color.

  Next, the CPU 11 sets the distinction display so as to have a different display mode for each divided section, based on the distinction display information for each first input color component stored in the storage unit 14 (step S22). The distinction display information for each first input color component is information indicating a display mode corresponding to each section. Different display modes include different colors and different patterns (shading, etc.). In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which each segment is displayed by being classified by different colors.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of distinction display information for each first input color component. A display color is associated with each section divided by the increase / decrease X from the center value. Specifically, CMYK values corresponding to each display color are associated with each category. In the drawing, different colors are expressed by different patterns.

In the adjustment range setting area 164b shown in FIG. 6, display color display areas E1 to E12 and check boxes C1 to C12 are provided in association with the areas a to f and A to F.
In the display color display areas E1 to E12, the CPU 11 displays the display colors corresponding to the areas a to f and A to F based on FIGS. 8A and 8B. Note that the display mode of the distinction display can be arbitrarily set. For example, the display color display areas E1 to E12 are double-clicked to display the color sample selection screen 165 shown in FIG. 9, and the display color is changed to another color by selecting one of the colors. be able to.

  When the check boxes C1 to C12 corresponding to the areas a to f and A to F are checked, it indicates that the areas a to f and A to F are set as adjustment ranges. . In the initial setting, all the check boxes C1 to C12 are checked.

  In the graph display area G1 of the adjustment range setting area 164b, the CPU 11 displays a graph showing the adjustment rate with respect to the initial adjustment range based on the first initial adjustment rate information stored in the storage unit. FIG. 10 shows an example of the first initial adjustment rate information. As the first initial adjustment rate information, an adjustment rate Y0 (%) with respect to increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color in the initial adjustment range is determined in advance. The adjustment rate is set to be smaller as the color is farther from the point color (X = 0). Note that the adjustment rate within a section is a value obtained by linearly interpolating the adjustment ratios at both boundary values of the section. The adjustment rate outside the initial adjustment range is set to zero.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a graph displayed in the graph display area G1. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the input value as an increase / decrease value from the point color (center value), and the vertical axis represents the adjustment rate. Further, the CPU 11 displays the display color corresponding to the distinction display based on the distinction display information for each first input color component (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). Is displayed.

  When the display of the point color adjustment range is specified by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S23), the CPU 11 corresponds to each lattice point of the input value (each lattice point in the CMYK four-dimensional space: 194481 points). The adjustment rate for each input color component to be calculated is calculated (step S24). Specifically, the CPU 11 calculates the adjustment rate corresponding to each grid point of the input CMYK value based on the difference between the input CMYK value and the CMYK value of the point color for each CMYK.

  When the point color is (Cn, Mn, Yn, Kn) and the lattice point is (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki), the cyan adjustment rate Wc at the lattice point (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki) is X = Ci. It is calculated according to -Cn (see FIG. 10). Similarly, the magenta adjustment rate Wm at the lattice point (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki) is calculated according to X = Mi-Mn, and the yellow adjustment rate Wy at the lattice point (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki). Is calculated according to X = Yi−Yn, and the black adjustment rate Wk at the lattice point (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki) is calculated according to X = Ki−Kn.

Next, the CPU 11 calculates a total adjustment rate corresponding to each grid point of the input value based on the adjustment rate for each input color component corresponding to each grid point of the input value (step S25).
The total adjustment rate is a value multiplied by the adjustment value added to each output value corresponding to each grid point of the input value, and is a value obtained by multiplying the adjustment rate for each input color component. That is, the total adjustment rate Wt at the grid point (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki) is the cyan adjustment rate Wc, the magenta adjustment rate Wm, the yellow adjustment rate Wy at the grid point (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki), This is a value obtained by multiplying the black adjustment rate Wk.
Wt (%) = Wc (%) × Wm (%) × Wy (%) × Wk (%)

  An adjustment value is added 100% to the output value obtained by converting the point color (center value), and the output value obtained by converting the input value included in the adjustment range around the center value is The adjustment value is added at a rate corresponding to the total adjustment rate.

  Next, the CPU 11 performs a mask color conversion table creation process for each input color component (step S26). The mask color conversion table for each input color component is for converting, for each input color component, the color area included in each section into a display mode corresponding to the distinction display set in step S22.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the mask color conversion table creation process for each input color component, first, the CPU 11 performs the discrimination display information for each first input color component (FIG. 8A and FIG. Based on (b)), an output value for distinction display corresponding to each grid point of the input value is calculated (step S41). The distinction display output value is a CMYK value corresponding to the display color. For example, in the case of creating a mask color conversion table indicating the magenta color adjustment range, the discrimination display output values corresponding to the grid points (Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki) are shown in FIGS. , CMYK values for outputting display colors associated with X = Mi-Mn are calculated.

  Next, for the grid points with a total adjustment rate of 0, the CPU 11 sets the discrimination display output value for each input color component to the same value as when the adjustment rate for each input color component is 0 (when no mask is displayed). (Step S42). In other words, when at least one of the adjustment rates for each input color component is 0 at a certain grid point, the CPU 11 replaces the output value for distinction display with (0, 0, 0, 0).

  In this manner, the CPU 11 obtains a discrimination display output value for each grid point of the input value for each input color component, and creates a mask color conversion table for each input color component (step S43).

  Next, returning to FIG. 7, the CPU 11 performs a mask color conversion table creation process based on the total adjustment rate (step S27). The mask color conversion table based on the total adjustment rate is for converting the colors included in the image data into a display mode corresponding to the distinction display according to the total adjustment rate. Specifically, the CPU 11 uses the total adjustment rate at each grid point of the input value and the discrimination display information corresponding to each grid point of the input value based on the discrimination display information corresponding to the total adjustment rate shown in FIG. An output value is calculated, and a mask color conversion table based on the total adjustment rate is created. The distinction display information corresponding to the total adjustment rate is information indicating a display mode corresponding to each section divided according to the total adjustment rate. The total adjustment rate Wt (%) is set in advance as follows: Wt = 100 (center value), 75 <Wt <100 (region 1), 50 <Wt ≦ 75 (region 2), 30 <Wt ≦ 50 (region 3), 10 <Wt ≦ 30 (region 4), 5 <Wt ≦ 10 (region 5), and 0 <Wt ≦ 5 (region 6). And as shown in FIG. 13, the display color is matched for every division divided by the total adjustment rate Wt. Here, the number of sections is set to 7, but the number of sections may be determined arbitrarily in advance.

  Next, the CPU 11 color-converts the image data of the target image for each input color component using the mask color conversion table for each input color component, generates a mask image, and the mask image is displayed on the preview image of the target image. (Step S28). That is, for each CMYK, the CPU 11 displays the color area included in each section in the color conversion target image data on the preview image of the color conversion target image data in a display mode corresponding to the set distinction display. Is displayed.

  Specifically, in the adjustment range setting area 164b included in the point color adjustment screen 164 shown in FIG. 6, radio buttons R6 and R7 for designating ON / OFF of “display adjustment range on preview screen” are set to “ON”. When “” is set, a display color corresponding to the distinction display for each input color component is displayed on the preview image. The colors for each of the distinction display, the graph distinction display (graph display area G1), and the display color distinction display (display color display areas E1 to E12) for adjustment range setting that are displayed on the preview image are all common. The color is

FIG. 14 shows an example of a mask image display screen 166 on which a mask image for magenta among the input color components is displayed superimposed on the preview image. The mask area Q1 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the segmented area d, the mask area Q2 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the segmented area F, and the mask area Q3 on the preview image is The color corresponding to the segmented region b, the mask region Q4 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the segmented region B, and the mask region Q5 on the preview image corresponds to the segmented region E. The mask area Q6 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the segmented area D, and the mask area Q7 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the point color.
Actually, not only magenta but also a preview image displayed separately for each input color component is displayed.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 15, a mask image display screen 167 in which an image region other than the region (adjustment range) where the distinction is displayed is displayed in gray so that the distinction display on the preview image is easy to understand. Good.

Next, when the radio button R5 for selecting “Total” is turned ON in the adjustment range setting area 164b of FIG. 6, the CPU 11 displays the point color adjustment screen 168 shown in FIG. The In the adjustment range setting area 168b included in the point color adjustment screen 168, display color display areas E21 to E27 are provided in association with each division according to the total adjustment rate.
In the display color display areas E <b> 21 to E <b> 27, the CPU 11 displays display colors corresponding to the respective sections corresponding to the total adjustment rate based on the distinguishing display information corresponding to the total adjustment rate shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, the display color corresponding to the adjustment color center value is displayed in the display color display area E21, and the display colors corresponding to the areas 1 to 6 are displayed in the display color display areas E22 to E27. Moreover, the display mode of the distinction display of the display color display areas E21 to E27 can be arbitrarily set.

  In the graph display area G2 of the adjustment range setting area 168b, a graph indicating the total adjustment rate with respect to the distance (image) in the four-dimensional space from the input center value of the point color is displayed. The part corresponding to each section in the graph is displayed in a display color corresponding to the distinguishing display based on the distinguishing display information corresponding to the total adjustment rate shown in FIG.

  Next, the image data of the target image is color-converted by the CPU 11 using a mask color conversion table based on the total adjustment rate, a mask image is generated, and this mask image is displayed over the preview image of the target image. (Step S29).

  Specifically, when radio buttons R8 and R9 for designating ON / OFF of “display adjustment range on preview screen” are set to “ON” in the adjustment range setting area 168b of FIG. The display color corresponding to the distinction display according to the total adjustment rate is displayed on the top.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a mask image display screen 169 on which a mask image based on the total adjustment rate is displayed superimposed on the preview image. The mask image display screen 169 is an example in a case where an image region other than the region (adjustment range) displayed in a different manner is displayed in gray, like the mask image display screen 167 shown in FIG. The mask areas Q11 and Q12 on the preview image are colors corresponding to the segmented area 6, and the mask area Q13 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the segmented area 5, and the mask area on the preview image. Q14 is a color corresponding to the segmented region 3, the mask region Q15 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the segmented region 4, and the mask region Q16 on the preview image is the segmented region 2. The mask area Q17 on the preview image is a color corresponding to the point color. The final adjustment range and the total adjustment rate can be confirmed by the mask image based on the total adjustment rate.

  Note that a preview image of the image selected on the preview image selection screen 162 shown in FIG. 4 and a preview image in which a mask image in which the adjustment range of the selected input color component is displayed in a step-by-step manner are overlapped with the total adjustment rate. Accordingly, a preview image on which mask images that are displayed in a distinguishable manner in a superimposed manner may be displayed at the same time. Alternatively, all the preview images in which the mask images in which the adjustment ranges for each input color component are displayed in a step-by-step manner are overlaid and the preview images in which the mask images in which the adjustment images are displayed in a step-by-step manner according to the total adjustment rate are overlaid simultaneously. You may make it display.

  Next, based on an operation from the operation unit 15, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a category to be excluded from the adjustment range is specified among a plurality of categories included in the adjustment range for each input color component (step) S30). Specifically, when there is a category to be excluded from the adjustment range, the user sets the same color as the display color of the distinction display of the category to be excluded in the adjustment range setting area 164b of the point color adjustment screen 164 shown in FIG. Uncheck the corresponding check boxes C1 to C12.

  When the category to be excluded from the adjustment range is designated (step S30; YES), the designated category is excluded from the adjustment range by the CPU 11, and a new adjustment range is set (step S31). Note that the CPU 11 excludes the segment farther from the point color than the segment excluded from the adjustment range from the adjustment range at the same time. For example, when the check box C10 of the area D is unchecked, the areas E and F are automatically excluded from the adjustment range, and the check boxes C11 and C12 of the adjustment range setting area 164b are unchecked.

  With the change of the adjustment range, the CPU 11 changes the adjustment rate within the adjustment range based on the first adjustment rate information stored in the storage unit 14. That is, the CPU 11 sets the adjustment rate of the adjustment value for the color included in the adjustment range according to the newly set adjustment range. The relationship between the changed adjustment range and the adjustment rate is appropriately selected from preset values based on the changed adjustment range.

18A and 18B show the first adjustment rate information in the adjustment range after the change.
The adjustment rate Y1 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the region F is excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y2 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions E and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y3 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions D, E, and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y4 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions C, D, E, and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y5 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions B, C, D, E, and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range.

  The adjustment rate Y6 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the region f is excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y7 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the areas e and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y8 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions d, e, and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y9 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions c, d, e, and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y10 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions b, c, d, e, and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range.

  Also in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the adjustment rate is set to be smaller as the color is separated from the point color (X = 0). In addition, the adjustment rate within the section is a value obtained by linearly interpolating the adjustment ratios at both boundary values of the section. The adjustment rate outside the adjustment range is set to zero.

  Here, when the display of the point color adjustment range is designated by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S32), the process returns to step S24, and the processes of steps S24 to S30 are repeated. Since the adjustment rate for each input color component corresponding to each grid point of the input value is recalculated according to the new adjustment range (step S24), it is excluded in the mask color conversion table creation processing for each input color component. The mask color conversion table is re-created so that the classification display is hidden (step S26).

  Specifically, in the adjustment range setting area 164b of the point color adjustment screen 164 shown in FIG. 6, the check boxes C1 to C12 corresponding to the same color as the display color of the distinction display of the category to be excluded are unchecked. When the “Reflect settings to preview screen” button B10 is pressed, the CPU 11 displays the display color corresponding to the segment included in the adjusted adjustment range on the preview image, and excludes the portion to be excluded from the adjustment range. Can be confirmed.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a mask image display screen 170 in which the mask image after the adjustment range is changed is displayed on the preview image for magenta among the input color components. Compared to the mask image display screen 166 of FIG. 14, it can be seen that the regions D, E, and F are excluded from the magenta adjustment region.

  In the adjustment range setting area 164b of the point color adjustment screen 164 shown in FIG. 6, the pull-down menu P1 is operated with the check boxes C10 to C12 corresponding to the areas D, E, and F being unchecked for magenta. Thus, when the “before adjustment range change” is changed to “after adjustment range change”, the CPU 11 displays the point color adjustment screen 171 shown in FIG. In the graph display area G3 of the adjustment range setting area 171b included in the point color adjustment screen 171, a graph after the adjustment range change in which the areas D, E, and F are excluded from the adjustment range is displayed. That is, the adjustment rate Y3 (%) of FIG. 18A is adopted for the plus side of the center value, and the adjustment rate Y0 (%) of FIG. 10 is adopted for the minus side of the center value.

Similarly, when setting the adjustment range of other input color components, the radio buttons R1 to R4 of the input color in the adjustment range setting area 164b included in the point color adjustment screen 164 shown in FIG. Set.
When changing the yellow adjustment range, the radio button R3 in the adjustment range setting area 164b is turned ON. For example, when the check box C4 of the area d is unchecked, the areas e and f are automatically excluded from the adjustment range, and the check boxes C5 and C6 are unchecked. In this state, when the pull-down menu P1 is operated to change from “before adjustment range change” to “after adjustment range change”, the CPU 11 displays a point color adjustment screen 172 shown in FIG. In the graph display area G4 of the adjustment range setting area 172b included in the point color adjustment screen 172, a graph after adjustment range change in which the areas d, e, and f are excluded from the adjustment range is displayed. That is, the adjustment rate Y0 (%) of FIG. 10 is adopted for the positive side of the center value, and the adjustment rate Y8 (%) of FIG. 18B is adopted for the negative side of the center value.

  In step S30, when the category to be excluded from the adjustment range is not designated (step S30; NO), that is, when the currently set adjustment range is determined, the point color adjustment range setting process is terminated. For example, when the “OK” button B11 is pressed on the point color adjustment screen 171 shown in FIG. 20, the screen returns to the device link profile creation screen 161 shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the CPU 11 re-creates the device link profile based on the setting after the adjustment of the point color adjustment (step S10). Specifically, the CPU 11 multiplies the adjustment value (CMYK) for the output value of the point color by the total adjustment rate (the last calculated total adjustment rate) corresponding to each grid point of the input value. Are added to the output CMYK values (values that have been color-converted using the device link profile before adjustment) corresponding to the grid points of the input values, and the output CMYK values after the point color adjustment is reflected are calculated. The Then, a device link profile in which the output CMYK values after the point color adjustment are associated with each lattice point of the input value is created.

After step S10 or when there is no operation instruction to adjust the point color in step S6 (step S6; NO), the device link profile is stored in the storage unit 14 by the CPU 11 (step S11). ). Specifically, when the file name of the device link profile is input in the text box T4 of the device link profile creation screen 161 shown in FIG. 3 and the “Save” button B7 is pressed, the CPU 11 stores the device link profile in the storage unit. 14 is stored.
This completes the device link profile creation process in the color conversion apparatus 10.

  In the color conversion apparatus 10, color conversion processing is performed on image data by applying a device link profile created by reflecting the point color adjustment. In the printer 20, image formation is performed based on the image data after the color conversion process.

  As described above, according to the color conversion apparatus 10 in the first embodiment, the color area included in each section in the image data to be color-converted is displayed on the preview image in a display mode corresponding to the distinction display. Therefore, the adjustment range for color adjustment can be easily recognized. In addition, since it can be excluded from the initial adjustment range in units of sections, it is possible to improve the operability when part of the adjustment range is excluded from the adjustment range.

In addition, by dividing into finer sections as the distance from the point color increases, the adjustment range can be finely adjusted when there is a section to be excluded from the initial adjustment range.
Further, the tone jump can be prevented by decreasing the adjustment rate as the distance from the point color increases.

Further, the adjustment range can be individually adjusted with respect to the increasing direction and decreasing direction of the input value with the point color as the center.
In addition, since it is possible to individually specify a segment to be excluded from the initial adjustment range for each color component of the input value, it is possible to individually adjust the adjustment range for each color component of the input value.

  Further, by displaying a graph showing the adjustment rate for the input value, the adjustment rate for the input value can be easily recognized. Further, by displaying the portion corresponding to each section on the graph in the display form corresponding to the set distinction display, the display form for each section can be easily recognized.

  Further, among the grid points of the input CMYK values, the grid point in which at least one of the adjustment rates for each input color component at the same grid point is 0, the output value for distinction display for each input color component is 0. By making the same as in the above case, it is possible to exclude from the mask image for each input color component. As a result, locations that do not fall within the adjustment range at the final total adjustment rate are not masked in the mask image for each input color component, so that locations that do not need to be excluded from the adjustment range are prevented from being excluded. Can do.

  In addition, when “Total” is selected in the adjustment range setting area 164b of FIG. 6, the mask image that is displayed separately according to the total adjustment rate is displayed on the preview image, so that the total adjustment rate is displayed on the image. It can be confirmed visually.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
Since the color conversion apparatus in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the color conversion apparatus 10 shown in the first embodiment, FIG. 1 is used, and illustration and description thereof are omitted. Hereinafter, a configuration and processing characteristic of the second embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the input color space is RGB and the output color space is CMYK, and the adjustment range of the point color is adjusted for each input color component (each RGB).

  The storage unit 14 includes second initial adjustment range information, distinction display information for each second input color component (see FIGS. 23A and 23B), and second initial adjustment rate information (see FIG. 24). Second adjustment rate information (see FIGS. 25A and 25B) and distinction display information according to the total adjustment rate (see FIG. 13) are stored. Details of each piece of information excluding the discrimination display information corresponding to the total adjustment rate will be described later. The distinction display information corresponding to the total adjustment rate is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, sRGB is used as the source profile, and the device profile of the printer 20 is used as the destination profile. sRGB is an RGB profile (international standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)) associated with color system values that are generally distributed.

Next, the operation in the second embodiment will be described.
The device link profile creation process executed in the color conversion apparatus of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that sRGB, which is an RGB color space, is used as the source profile. 2, FIG.7 and FIG.12 are used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the device link profile creation screen 161 shown in FIG. 3, a source profile, a destination profile, and a rendering intent are selected, and a device link profile (RGB → CMYK lookup table) is created (steps S1 to S4). Specifically, sRGB (RGB → L * a * b * lookup table) is selected as the source profile, and the device profile of the printer 20 (L * a * b * → CMYK lookup) as the destination profile. Table) is selected. As a device link profile, a combination of 41 points (0, 6.375, 12.75, 19.125,..., 242.25, 248.525, 255) (41 ×) for the input RGB values of the source profile. 41 × 41 = 68721 points), the output CMYK value of the destination profile is obtained via the L * a * b * value independent of the device.

  Next, image data to be subjected to color conversion is selected from the image data stored in the storage unit 14 by the user's operation from the operation unit 15, and the CPU 11 displays based on the selected image data. A preview image is displayed on the part 16 (step S5). Note that the preview image displayed on the display unit 16 using the source profile as the monitor profile may be compared with the preview image similar to that of the first embodiment.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been an operation instruction for adjusting the point color for the color with poor color reproduction from the operation unit 15 (step S6). If there is an operation instruction for adjusting the point color (step S6; YES), the CPU 11 displays a point color adjustment screen 173 shown in FIG.

  The point color adjustment screen 173 includes a point color setting area 173a and an adjustment range setting area 173b. The point color setting area 173a is an area for designating a point color as a combination of input values and adjusting an output value for the point color. The adjustment range setting area 173b is an area for setting an adjustment range for color adjustment including a point color.

  Next, the point color is designated by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S7). Specifically, a combination of RGB input values (values from 0 to 255) for designating a point color is input to the point color designation areas A11 to A13 of the point color setting area 173a. When the point color is designated, the CPU 11 obtains the input value combinations (RGB values) of the point color in the output value display areas D11 to D14 before adjustment using the device link profile before adjustment. The combination of output values (CMYK values) is displayed.

  The point color may be designated on the preview image display screen 163 (see FIG. 5) by pressing the “designate point color on the preview screen” button B12 in the point color setting area 173a. In this case, combinations of input values corresponding to the colors designated on the preview image display screen 163 are set in the point color designation areas A11 to A13.

  Next, the adjustment value of the output value for the point color is input by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S8). Specifically, an adjustment value for the output CMYK value before adjustment is input to the adjustment value input areas A14 to A17 of the point color setting area 173a. In the adjusted output value display areas D15 to D18, the CPU 11 adjusts the adjustment values set in the adjustment value input areas A14 to A17 to the output values before adjustment displayed in the output value display areas D11 to D14 before adjustment. The added value is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the output CMYK value before adjustment is (56, 24, 0, 0) with respect to the input RGB value (131, 175, 240) designated as the point color. Since (0, -3, 2, 0) is input, the adjusted output CMYK value is (56, 21, 2, 0). In this way, the color of the point color itself is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the output value with respect to the input value of the point color.

  In the point color display area D19 before adjustment, the CPU 11 displays the output result of the point color before adjustment based on the combination of output values before adjustment. In the adjusted point color display area D20, the CPU 11 displays the output result of the adjusted point color based on the combination of the adjusted output values. As a result, the user can check the colors before and after adjusting the output CMYK value.

Next, the CPU 11 performs a point color adjustment range setting process (step S9).
Radio buttons R11 to R13 in the adjustment range setting area 173b shown in FIG. 22 are used when designating an input color for which an adjustment range is to be set. When the adjustment range is set for the red color component, the radio button R11 is turned on. When the adjustment range is set for the green color component, the radio button R12 is turned on and the blue color component is set. When the adjustment range is set for the radio button R13, the radio button R13 is turned ON. In FIG. 22, the red radio button R11 is set to ON.

  In the point color adjustment range setting process (see FIG. 7), first, the CPU 11 performs initial adjustment including the point color for each input color component based on the second initial adjustment range information stored in the storage unit 14. A range is set, and the initial adjustment range is divided into a plurality of sections (step S21). The second initial adjustment range information is information that defines the initial adjustment range when the input color component is RGB and how to set each section.

  In the second embodiment, the initial adjustment range is set to a range from −51 to +51 of the input value with the point color as the center value. The initial adjustment range is −51 ≦ X <−46 (region f), −46 ≦ X <−41 (region e), −41 ≦ X <−33 (region), where X is the increase or decrease from the center value. d), −33 ≦ X <−26 (region c), −26 ≦ X <−13 (region b), −13 ≦ X <0 (region a), X = 0 (center value), 0 <X ≦ 13 (region A), 13 <X ≦ 26 (region B), 26 <X ≦ 33 (region C), 33 <X ≦ 41 (region D), 41 <X ≦ 46 (region E), 46 <X ≦ 51 (region F). Here, a case will be described in which the input value is divided into 6 divisions in the increasing direction and decreasing direction from the central value, 1 division in the point color (central value), and 13 divisions in total, but the number of divisions is arbitrarily determined in advance. Just keep it.

Regions a to f indicate color regions on the minus side of the center value with respect to the input value, with the input value specified as the point color being the center value. The color moves away from the point color as it goes from the region a to the region f. Moreover, it is divided into finer sections as it is farther from the point color.
Regions A to F indicate color regions on the plus side of the center value with respect to the input value, with the input value designated as the point color being the center value. The color moves away from the point color as it goes from the region A to the region F. Moreover, it is divided into finer sections as it is farther from the point color.

  Next, the CPU 11 sets the distinction display so as to have a different display mode for each divided division based on the distinction display information for each second input color component stored in the storage unit 14 (Step S1). S22). The distinction display information for each second input color component is information indicating a display mode corresponding to each division.

  FIGS. 23A and 23B show examples of distinction display information for each second input color component. A display color is associated with each section divided by the increase / decrease X from the center value. In the drawing, different colors are expressed by different patterns.

In the adjustment range setting area 173b shown in FIG. 22, display color display areas E31 to E42 and check boxes C21 to C32 are provided in association with the areas a to f and AF.
In the display color display areas E31 to E42, the CPU 11 displays display colors corresponding to the areas a to f and A to F based on FIGS. 23 (a) and 23 (b). Note that the display mode of the distinction display can be arbitrarily set.

  When the check boxes C21 to C32 corresponding to the areas a to f and A to F are checked, it indicates that the areas a to f and A to F are set as adjustment ranges. . In the initial setting, all the check boxes C21 to C32 are checked.

  In the graph display area G5 of the adjustment range setting area 173b, the CPU 11 displays a graph indicating the adjustment rate with respect to the initial adjustment range based on the second initial adjustment rate information stored in the storage unit 14. FIG. 24 shows an example of the second initial adjustment rate information. As the second initial adjustment rate information, an adjustment rate Y0 (%) with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color in the initial adjustment range is determined in advance. The adjustment rate is set to be smaller as the color is farther from the point color (X = 0). Note that the adjustment rate within a section is a value obtained by linearly interpolating the adjustment ratios at both boundary values of the section. The adjustment rate outside the initial adjustment range is set to zero.

  The horizontal axis of the graph displayed in the graph display area G5 is a value representing the input value as an increase / decrease value from the point color (center value), and the vertical axis is the adjustment rate. Further, the CPU 11 displays the display color corresponding to the distinction display based on the distinction display information for each second input color component (see FIGS. 23A and 23B). Is displayed.

  When the display of the point color adjustment range is specified by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S23), the CPU 11 corresponds to each grid point of the input value (each grid point in the RGB three-dimensional space: 69921 points). The adjustment rate for each input color component to be calculated is calculated (step S24). Specifically, for each RGB, the CPU 11 calculates an adjustment rate corresponding to each grid point of the input RGB value based on the difference between the input RGB value and the RGB value of the point color.

  When the point color is (Rn, Gn, Bn) and the lattice point is (Ri, Gi, Bi), the red adjustment rate Wr at the lattice point (Ri, Gi, Bi) is calculated according to X = Ri−Rn. (See FIG. 24). Similarly, the green adjustment rate Wg at the grid point (Ri, Gi, Bi) is calculated according to X = Gi-Gn, and the blue adjustment rate Wb at the grid point (Ri, Gi, Bi) is X = It is calculated according to Bi-Bn.

Next, the CPU 11 calculates a total adjustment rate corresponding to each grid point of the input value based on the adjustment rate for each input color component corresponding to each grid point of the input value (step S25).
The total adjustment rate is a value multiplied by the adjustment value added to each output value corresponding to each grid point of the input value, and is a value obtained by multiplying the adjustment rate for each input color component. That is, the total adjustment rate Wt at the grid point (Ri, Gi, Bi) is a value obtained by multiplying the red adjustment rate Wr, the green adjustment rate Wg, and the blue adjustment rate Wb at the grid point (Ri, Gi, Bi). It is.
Wt (%) = Wr (%) × Wg (%) × Wb (%)

  Next, the CPU 11 performs a mask color conversion table creation process for each input color component (step S26).

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the mask color conversion table creation process for each input color component, first, the CPU 11 performs the discrimination display information for each second input color component (FIG. 23 (a) and ( Based on (b)), an output value for distinction display corresponding to each grid point of the input value is calculated (step S41). For example, when creating a mask color conversion table indicating a red color adjustment range, in FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B, output values for distinction display corresponding to grid points (Ri, Gi, Bi) are shown. CMYK values for outputting display colors associated with X = Ri−Rn are calculated.

  Next, for the grid points with a total adjustment rate of 0, the CPU 11 sets the discrimination display output value for each input color component to the same value as when the adjustment rate for each input color component is 0 (when no mask is displayed). (Step S42). In other words, when at least one of the adjustment rates for each input color component is 0 at a certain grid point, the CPU 11 replaces the output value for distinction display with (0, 0, 0, 0).

  In this manner, the CPU 11 obtains a discrimination display output value for each grid point of the input value for each input color component, and creates a mask color conversion table for each input color component (step S43).

  Next, returning to FIG. 7, the CPU 11 performs a mask color conversion table creation process based on the total adjustment rate (step S27).

  Next, the CPU 11 color-converts the image data of the target image for each input color component using the mask color conversion table for each input color component, generates a mask image, and the mask image is displayed on the preview image of the target image. (Step S28). In other words, for each RGB, the CPU 11 displays the color area included in each section in the color conversion target image data on the preview image of the color conversion target image data in a display mode corresponding to the set distinction display. Is displayed.

  Specifically, in the adjustment range setting area 173b included in the point color adjustment screen 173 shown in FIG. 22, radio buttons R15 and R16 for designating ON / OFF of “display adjustment range on preview screen” are set to “ON”. When “” is set, a display color corresponding to the distinction display for each input color component is displayed on the preview image. The colors for each of the distinction display, the graph distinction display (graph display area G5), and the display color distinction display (display color display areas E31 to E42) for adjustment range setting that are displayed on the preview image are all common. The color is

  Next, in the adjustment range setting area 173b of FIG. 22, when the radio button R14 for selecting “Total” is turned on, the CPU 11 displays the display color and the point color for each category according to the total adjustment rate. A graph showing the total adjustment rate with respect to the distance in the three-dimensional space from the input center value is displayed. The part corresponding to each section in the graph is displayed in a display color corresponding to the distinction display.

  Next, the image data of the target image is color-converted by the CPU 11 using a mask color conversion table based on the total adjustment rate, a mask image is generated, and this mask image is displayed over the preview image of the target image. (Step S29).

  Next, based on an operation from the operation unit 15, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a category to be excluded from the adjustment range is specified among a plurality of categories included in the adjustment range for each input color component (step) S30). Specifically, when there is a category to be excluded from the adjustment range, the user sets the same color as the display color of the distinction display of the category to be excluded in the adjustment range setting area 173b of the point color adjustment screen 173 shown in FIG. Uncheck the corresponding check boxes C21 to C32.

  When the category to be excluded from the adjustment range is designated (step S30; YES), the designated category is excluded from the adjustment range by the CPU 11, and a new adjustment range is set (step S31). Note that the CPU 11 excludes the segment farther from the point color than the segment excluded from the adjustment range from the adjustment range at the same time.

  As the adjustment range is changed, the CPU 11 changes the adjustment rate in the adjustment range based on the second adjustment rate information stored in the storage unit 14. That is, the CPU 11 sets the adjustment rate of the adjustment value for the color included in the adjustment range according to the newly set adjustment range. The relationship between the changed adjustment range and the adjustment rate is appropriately selected from preset values based on the changed adjustment range.

FIGS. 25A and 25B show the second adjustment rate information in the changed adjustment range.
The adjustment rate Y1 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the region F is excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y2 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions E and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y3 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions D, E, and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y4 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions C, D, E, and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y5 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions B, C, D, E, and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range.

  The adjustment rate Y6 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the region f is excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y7 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the areas e and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y8 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions d, e, and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y9 (%) is an adjustment rate with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions c, d, e, and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range. The adjustment rate Y10 (%) is an adjustment rate for the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color when the regions b, c, d, e, and f are excluded from the initial adjustment range.

  Also in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the adjustment rate is set to be smaller as the color is separated from the point color (X = 0). In addition, the adjustment rate within the section is a value obtained by linearly interpolating the adjustment ratios at both boundary values of the section. The adjustment rate outside the adjustment range is set to zero.

  Here, when the display of the point color adjustment range is designated by the user's operation from the operation unit 15 (step S32), the process returns to step S24, and the processes of steps S24 to S30 are repeated. Since the adjustment rate for each input color component corresponding to each grid point of the input value is recalculated according to the new adjustment range (step S24), it is excluded in the mask color conversion table creation processing for each input color component. The mask color conversion table is re-created so that the classification display is hidden (step S26).

  Specifically, in the adjustment range setting area 173b of the point color adjustment screen 173 shown in FIG. 22, the check boxes C21 to C32 corresponding to the same color as the display color of the classification display to be excluded are unchecked. When the “Reflect settings to preview screen” button B13 is pressed, the CPU 11 displays a display color corresponding to the segment included in the adjusted adjustment range on the preview image, and excludes a portion to be excluded from the adjustment range. Can be confirmed.

  Also, in the adjustment range setting area 173b of the point color adjustment screen 173 shown in FIG. 22, the check boxes C24 to C26 and C30 to C32 corresponding to the areas d, e, f, D, E, and F are not checked for red. In this state, by operating the pull-down menu P2 to change from “before adjustment range change” to “after adjustment range change”, the CPU 11 displays a point color adjustment screen 174 shown in FIG. In the graph display area G6 of the adjustment range setting area 174b included in the point color adjustment screen 174, a graph after changing the adjustment range in which the areas d, e, f, D, E, and F are excluded from the adjustment range is displayed. . That is, the adjustment rate Y3 (%) in FIG. 25A is adopted for the plus side of the center value, and the adjustment rate Y8 (%) of FIG. 25B is adopted for the minus side of the center value. Yes.

  Similarly, when setting the adjustment range of other input color components, the input color radio buttons R11 to R13 in the adjustment range setting area 173b included in the point color adjustment screen 173 shown in FIG. Set.

  In step S30, when the category to be excluded from the adjustment range is not designated (step S30; NO), that is, when the currently set adjustment range is determined, the point color adjustment range setting process is terminated. For example, when the “OK” button B14 is pressed on the point color adjustment screen 174 shown in FIG. 26, the screen returns to the device link profile creation screen 161 shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the CPU 11 re-creates the device link profile based on the setting after the adjustment of the point color adjustment (step S10). Specifically, the CPU 11 multiplies the adjustment value (CMYK) for the output value of the point color and the total adjustment rate (the last calculated total adjustment rate) corresponding to each grid point of the input RGB value. Each value is added to an output CMYK value (a value obtained by color conversion using the device link profile before adjustment) corresponding to each grid point of the input RGB value, and the output CMYK value after reflecting the point color adjustment is obtained. Calculated. Then, a device link profile in which the output CMYK values after the point color adjustment are associated with each grid point of the input RGB values is created.

After step S10 or when there is no operation instruction to adjust the point color in step S6 (step S6; NO), the device link profile is stored in the storage unit 14 by the CPU 11 (step S11). ).
This completes the device link profile creation process in the color conversion apparatus.

  As described above, according to the color conversion apparatus in the second embodiment, the color areas included in each section in the image data to be color-converted are displayed on the preview image in the display mode corresponding to the distinction display. Since it is displayed, it is possible to easily recognize the adjustment range for color adjustment. In addition, since it can be excluded from the initial adjustment range in units of sections, it is possible to improve the operability when part of the adjustment range is excluded from the adjustment range.

In addition, by dividing into finer sections as the distance from the point color increases, the adjustment range can be finely adjusted when there is a section to be excluded from the initial adjustment range.
Further, the tone jump can be prevented by decreasing the adjustment rate as the distance from the point color increases.

Further, the adjustment range can be individually adjusted with respect to the increasing direction and decreasing direction of the input value with the point color as the center.
In addition, since it is possible to individually specify a segment to be excluded from the initial adjustment range for each color component of the input value, it is possible to individually adjust the adjustment range for each color component of the input value.

  Further, by displaying a graph showing the adjustment rate for the input value, the adjustment rate for the input value can be easily recognized. Further, by displaying the portion corresponding to each section on the graph in the display form corresponding to the set distinction display, the display form for each section can be easily recognized.

  The description in each of the above embodiments is an example of the color conversion apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the apparatus can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the initial adjustment range and the adjustment rate with respect to the increase / decrease X from the input center value of the point color are not limited to the above example, and can be arbitrarily changed.
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the image data of the target image is converted into CMYK values corresponding to a plurality of different display colors using the mask color conversion table has been described, but a plurality of different patterns are formed. It is good also as converting into the CMYK value for this.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case has been described where the setting for each adjustment range of the point color adjustment screen is performed using check boxes. However, as in the adjustment range setting area 175b of the point color adjustment screen 175 shown in FIG. A slide bar that displays the adjustment range in a different display mode for each section may be provided. Specifically, when adjusting the color area on the plus side of the center value for the input value, the mouse button is pressed with the mouse pointer placed on the plus side adjustment unit F1, and the category to be excluded from the adjustment range as it is Move to the left side of and release the mouse button. On the other hand, when adjusting the negative color area of the center value for the input value, the mouse button is pressed with the mouse pointer placed on the negative adjustment part F2, and the right side of the section to be excluded from the adjustment range as it is. Release the mouse button.

  For cyan, by operating the plus side adjustment unit F1, the areas D, E, and F are excluded from the initial adjustment range, and by operating the pull-down menu P3, from “before adjustment range change” to “after adjustment range change” FIG. 28 shows the point color adjustment screen 176 when changed to. In the adjustment range setting area 176b included in the point color adjustment screen 176, the plus side adjustment unit F1 is moved to the position of the area C, and the areas D, E, and F are excluded. In the graph display area G7, the graph after changing the adjustment range is displayed.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example of creating a device link profile has been described. However, a two-step conversion process may be performed from a source profile and a destination profile and output without creating a device link profile. Absent.

  In the above description, an example in which a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing each process is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave may be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

10 color conversion device 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Storage unit 15 Operation unit 16 Display unit 17 Communication unit 18 Bus 20 Printer 161 Device link profile creation screen 162 Preview image selection screen 163 Preview image display screen 164 Point color adjustment screen 166 Mask image display screen 170 Mask image display screen 171 Point color Adjustment screen 173 Point color adjustment screen 174 Point color adjustment screen

Claims (8)

In a color conversion device that converts a combination of input values of image data into a combination of output values,
Point color specification means for specifying the point color to be adjusted from the input values;
Input means for inputting an adjustment value of an output value for the point color;
A division means for setting an initial adjustment range including the point color and dividing the initial adjustment range into a plurality of divisions;
Distinction display setting means for setting distinction display so as to be different display modes for each of the sections classified by the classification means;
The area of the color included in each section in the image data to be color-converted is displayed on the preview image of the image data to be color-converted in a display mode corresponding to the distinguishing display set by the distinguishing display setting unit. Display control means;
A category designating means for designating a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range among the plurality of categories;
An adjustment range setting means for setting the adjustment range by excluding the division designated by the division designation means from the initial adjustment range;
According to the adjustment range set by the adjustment range setting means, an adjustment rate setting means for setting the adjustment rate of the adjustment value input by the input means for the color included in the adjustment range;
A color conversion device comprising: The dividing means divides into finer sections as the distance from the point color increases.
The color conversion apparatus according to claim 1. The adjustment rate setting means decreases the adjustment rate as the distance from the point color increases.
The color conversion device according to claim 1 or 2. The section specifying means can specify a section to be excluded from the initial adjustment range individually for the increasing direction and decreasing direction of the input value with the point color as the center.
The color conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3. The section specifying means can specify a section to be excluded from the initial adjustment range individually for each color component of the input value.
The color conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4. The display control means further displays a graph representing an adjustment rate with respect to the input value, and a portion corresponding to each section on the graph corresponds to the distinction display set by the distinction display setting means. To display,
The color conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In a color adjustment method of a color conversion apparatus that converts a combination of input values of image data into a combination of output values,
Specifying the point color to be adjusted from the input values,
Inputting an adjustment value of an output value for the point color;
Setting an initial adjustment range including the point color, and dividing the initial adjustment range into a plurality of sections;
A step of setting a distinction display so as to have a different display mode for each of the divided sections;
Displaying a color region included in each section in the image data to be color-converted on a preview image of the image data to be color-converted in a display mode corresponding to the set distinction display;
Designating a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range among the plurality of categories;
Excluding the designated category from the initial adjustment range and setting an adjustment range;
Setting the adjustment rate of the input adjustment value for the color included in the adjustment range according to the set adjustment range;
Adjustment method for a color conversion apparatus including A computer that converts image data input value combinations to output value combinations,
Means to specify the point color to be adjusted from the input values,
Means for inputting an adjustment value of an output value for the point color;
Means for setting an initial adjustment range including the point color and dividing the initial adjustment range into a plurality of sections;
Means for setting a distinction display so as to have a different display mode for each of the divided sections;
Means for displaying a color area included in each of the sections in the image data to be color-converted on a preview image of the image data to be color-converted in a display mode corresponding to the set distinction display;
Means for designating a category to be excluded from the initial adjustment range among the plurality of categories;
Means for excluding the designated category from the initial adjustment range and setting an adjustment range;
Means for setting an adjustment rate of the input adjustment value for a color included in the adjustment range according to the set adjustment range;
Program to function as.