JP2016224922A - Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus and image processing method capable of more surely obtaining a printed matter having the appearance equivalent to a soft proof image displayed on a display screen of a display unit.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus comprises: adjustment means which executes adjustment processing of an image; generation means which generates a soft proof image on the basis of the image, a parameter adjusted by the adjustment means and characteristics information of a printer; display means which displays the soft proof image on the screen; and storage means which stores the parameter adjusted by the adjustment means in a period during which the soft proof image is displayed on the screen together with the information on the printer in association with the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

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

  There is a technique for simulating the appearance of a printed matter actually printed by a personal computer or the like and previewing an image obtained by the simulation on a display screen. The image thus obtained is called a soft proof image.

  The user can smoothly obtain a printed matter having an intended appearance by performing image processing such as color adjustment while the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen.

  By the way, before printing, the user is notified of the color difference between the color included in the print data and the color expressed by the image forming apparatus, and a printing apparatus having a small color difference is used among the plurality of printing apparatuses. A technique for printing is proposed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-171268 A

  However, in the conventional image forming system, there is a case where a printed matter having the same appearance as the soft proof image displayed on the display screen of the display unit cannot be obtained.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program that can more reliably obtain a printed material having the same appearance as a soft proof displayed on a display screen of a display unit.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a soft proof image is generated based on an adjustment unit that executes an image adjustment process, the image, a parameter adjusted by the adjustment unit, and characteristic information of a printing apparatus. Generating means, display means for displaying the soft proof image on the screen, parameters adjusted by the adjusting means while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen, together with information on the printing apparatus, the image The image processing apparatus is provided with storage means for storing in association with the image processing apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the embodiment, acquisition means for acquiring first characteristic information relating to a printing apparatus used for printing an image from the printing apparatus, and adjustment while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen When the first parameter and the second characteristic information of the printing apparatus used when generating the soft proof image are stored in association with the image, the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information are stored. If the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information match, the first parameter is applied to the image. An image processing apparatus is provided that includes generation means for generating print data.

  According to still another aspect of the embodiment, a soft proof image is generated based on the step of executing an image adjustment process, the image, the parameter adjusted in the adjustment process, and the characteristic information of the printing apparatus. Displaying the soft proof image on the screen, and adjusting the parameters adjusted in the adjustment process while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen together with information on the printing apparatus. An image processing method comprising the steps of:

  According to still another aspect of the embodiments, the first characteristic information relating to the printing device used for printing the image is obtained from the printing device and adjusted while the soft-proof image is displayed on the screen. When the first parameter and the second characteristic information of the printing apparatus used when generating the soft proof image are stored in association with the image, the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information are stored. When the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information match, the first parameter is applied to the image and printed. And an image processing method comprising: generating data.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to obtain more reliably the printed matter which has the same appearance as the soft proof displayed on the display screen of a display part.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus by 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image file by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image processing apparatus by 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image processing apparatus by 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image processing apparatus by 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image processing apparatus by 5th Embodiment.

  Even if color adjustment or the like is performed using a soft proof, the user does not intend when printing is performed using a printing apparatus (printer) different from the printing apparatus (printer) that takes into account the characteristics in the soft proof. Appearance printed matter will be formed.

  In addition, when printing is performed at a greatly enlarged size, a printed matter having a different appearance from the soft proof image may be generated.

As a result of intensive studies, the inventors of the present application have come up with the following invention.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent.

[First Embodiment]
An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a computer program according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, together with a printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment described later, configures an image forming system according to the present embodiment. The number of printing apparatuses 200 constituting the image forming system according to the present embodiment is not limited to one. The image forming system according to the present embodiment can include a plurality of printing apparatuses 200. A plurality of printing apparatuses 200 having the same printing characteristics may be included in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, and a plurality of printing apparatuses 200 having different printing characteristics may be included in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. In addition, the printing apparatus 200 included in the image forming system according to the present embodiment may be removed, and another printing apparatus 200 may be newly included in the image forming system. The other printing apparatus 200 may have the same printing characteristics as the removed printing apparatus 200, or may have different printing characteristics from the removed printing apparatus 200.

  First, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured by, for example, a personal computer installed with a computer program or the like for executing the image processing method according to the present embodiment. Here, a case where the image processing apparatus 100 is configured by a personal computer will be described as an example, but the image processing apparatus 100 is not limited to a personal computer. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 may be an apparatus that also serves as an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a control unit 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a storage unit 104, an operation unit 105, a display unit 106, and a system bus 107. Have.

  The control unit 101 performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, and executes various processes such as image processing. As the control unit 101, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 is for storing application programs, parameters, and the like that do not need to be changed. Examples of such application programs include an application program for executing the image processing method according to the present embodiment. Note that an application program for executing the image processing method according to the present embodiment may be stored in the storage unit 104.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 is for temporarily storing application programs, data, and the like.

  The storage unit 104 is for storing various data (files) such as an operating system (OS), application programs, image data, and profiles. The storage unit 104 may be built in the image processing apparatus 100 or detachable from the image processing apparatus 100. Examples of the storage unit 104 incorporated in the image processing apparatus 100 include a hard disk drive and a flash memory. Examples of the storage unit 104 that can be detached from the image processing apparatus 100 include optical disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks (FD) and CDs (Compact Disk), magnetic cards, optical cards, IC cards, memory cards, USB memories, and the like. Is mentioned. The image data stored in the storage unit 104 is acquired by, for example, photographing using a digital camera or the like, scanning using a film scanner or the like. An operating system or the like may be stored in the ROM 102.

  The control unit 101 expands the operating system, application program, and the like stored in the ROM 102, the storage unit 104, and the like on the RAM 103, and executes the application program and the like expanded on the RAM 103. For example, the application program is stored in the ROM 102, the storage unit 104, or the like as a program code that can be read by the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 executes the program code stored in the ROM 102, the storage unit 104, or the like. The application program can cause the control unit 101 to function as various means (units) as described below.

  The control unit 101 functions as a unit that reads an image file from the storage unit 104 and acquires image data from the read image file.

  In addition, the control unit 101 functions as an image processing unit that executes various image processes on image data. More specifically, for example, the control unit 101 functions as a color adjustment unit (color editing unit) that performs color adjustment (color editing) on image data. The control unit 101 also functions as a means for recognizing the printing apparatus 200 (see FIG. 2) connected to the image processing apparatus 100, that is, the connected printing apparatus 200. The connected printing apparatus 200 is, for example, the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing. The control unit 101 also functions as a unit that receives printing device characteristic information (printer characteristic information) that is characteristic information about the printing device 200 from the connected printing device 200. Examples of the printing apparatus characteristic information include a model (model name) of the printing apparatus 200, profile data indicating the printing characteristics and color characteristics of the printing apparatus 200, and the like.

  The control unit 101 also functions as means for specifying a profile corresponding to the printing apparatus 200 based on printing apparatus characteristic information acquired from the connected printing apparatus 200. For example, the profile is stored in the storage unit 104 or the like. The control unit 101 specifies a profile corresponding to the connected printing device 200 from a plurality of profiles stored in the storage unit 104 or the like based on the printing device characteristic information acquired from the connected printing device 200. To do.

  The control unit 101 also functions as means for displaying an image on the display unit 106 by expanding image data read from the storage unit 104 or the like in a display memory (not shown).

  The control unit 101 also functions as a soft proof image generation unit (generation unit) that generates a soft proof image in consideration of characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 or the like.

  The control unit 101 includes color adjustment parameters set according to an instruction from the user when color adjustment is performed, and printing apparatus characteristic information indicating characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 in which characteristics are added when the color adjustment is performed. It also functions as a recording means for recording in an image file in association with each other. At this time, the color adjustment parameters recorded in association with the printing apparatus characteristic information are the color adjustment parameters set by the user's instruction when the color adjustment is performed in a state where the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106. It is. The printing apparatus characteristic information recorded in the image file in association with the color adjustment parameter (color editing parameter) is the printing apparatus characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200 in which the characteristics are added in the color adjustment operation. Such a color adjustment parameter can be referred to as a color adjustment parameter for a specific printing apparatus because the printing characteristics of the specific printing apparatus 200 are taken into consideration.

  When the color adjustment in the state where the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106 is performed in consideration of the characteristics of each of the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, the control unit 101 performs the following processing I do. That is, in this case, the control unit 101 prints each color adjustment parameter set at the time of each color adjustment and each printing apparatus 200 that takes into account the characteristics at the time of each color adjustment. Device characteristic information is associated with each other and recorded in an image file.

  The operation unit 105 is for receiving a user operation on the image processing apparatus 100. Examples of the operation unit 105 include a keyboard and a mouse. The operation unit 105 receives an adjustment operation (editing operation) such as a color adjustment operation performed by the user, for example. The operation unit 105 also accepts an operation (instruction) by a user as to whether or not to apply soft proof, for example.

  The display unit 106 is for displaying data held in the image processing apparatus 100, data being processed, data supplied from the outside of the image processing apparatus 100, and the like. Examples of the display unit 106 include a liquid crystal display and a CRT display.

  The respective components (units) 101 to 106 constituting the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can communicate with each other via the system bus 107.

Next, the printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage unit 204, an operation unit 205, a printing unit 206, and a system bus 207. Yes.

  The control unit 201 performs overall control of the printing apparatus 200 and executes various processes such as a printing process. For example, a CPU is used as the control unit 201.

  The ROM 202 is for storing application programs, parameters, and the like that do not need to be changed. Examples of such application programs include application programs for executing various processes such as the printing method according to the present embodiment. Note that an application program for executing the printing method according to the present embodiment may be stored in the storage unit 204.

  The RAM 203 is for temporarily storing application programs and data.

  The storage unit 204 is, for example, for storing an operating system, application programs, various data, and the like. The storage unit 204 may be built in the printing apparatus 200 or detachable from the printing apparatus 200. Examples of the storage unit 204 built in the printing apparatus 200 include a hard disk drive and a flash memory. Examples of the storage unit 204 that can be detached from the printing apparatus 200 include a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), an optical disk such as a CD, a magnetic card, an optical card, an IC card, a memory card, and a USB memory. Such an operating system or the like may be stored in the ROM 202.

  The operation unit 205 is for accepting a user operation on the printing apparatus 200. Examples of the operation unit 205 include operation buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse.

  The printing unit 206 is for printing data supplied from the image processing apparatus 100, data held by the printing apparatus 200, and the like.

  The respective components (units) 201 to 206 constituting the printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment can communicate with each other via the system bus 207.

  The control unit 201 loads an operating system, application programs, and the like stored in the ROM 202, the storage unit 204, and the like on the RAM 203, and executes the application programs and the like loaded on the RAM 203.

  Such an application program or the like is stored in the ROM 202 or the storage unit 204 as a program code that can be read by the control unit 201, for example, and the control unit 201 executes the program code stored in the ROM 202 or the storage unit 204 or the like. . Such an application program can cause the control unit 201 to function as various means (units) as described below.

  The control unit 201 can function as a unit that reads an image file stored in the storage unit 204 or the like. The image file is subjected to image processing such as color adjustment operation by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The control unit 201 also functions as means for acquiring image data, color adjustment parameters, printing apparatus characteristic information, and the like from the read image file. The control unit 201 also functions as a determination unit that performs the following processing when the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information are associated and recorded in the image file. That is, in this case, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the color adjustment parameter is a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing an image. It functions as a judging means for judging based on the above.

  The control unit 201 prints an image using the following color adjustment parameters when the image file includes color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing. It also functions as an application means applied at the time. In other words, in this case, the control unit 201 functions as an application unit that applies the color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing when the image is printed. The control unit 201 also functions as a unit that causes the printing unit 206 to print an image.

  Note that the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment need only be logically connected, and the connection method is not particularly limited. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 may be directly connected, or the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 may be connected via a local area network. Further, the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 may be connected by a cable or may be connected wirelessly.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an image file generated by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image file generated by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into five parts indicated by reference numerals 301 to 305.

A portion denoted by reference numeral 301 is a header portion where the basic structure of the image file is recorded.
A portion denoted by reference numeral 302 is a portion where shooting information or the like in the digital camera or the like is recorded when the image file is taken by a digital camera or the like. Further, basic information such as the size of image data and the bit depth of color is also recorded in the portion indicated by reference numeral 302.

  A portion denoted by reference numeral 303 is a portion where image data indicating a pixel value of each pixel is recorded. A portion denoted by reference numeral 304 is a portion in which color adjustment parameters set when color adjustment is performed without displaying a soft-proof image are recorded. Since the color adjustment is performed without displaying the soft proof image, it can be said that the color adjustment parameter is a color adjustment parameter that does not depend on the printing characteristics of the specific printing apparatus 200. When color adjustment is not performed, a default color adjustment parameter is recorded in a portion denoted by reference numeral 304. In addition, when color adjustment in a state where no soft proof image is displayed is not performed, a default color adjustment parameter is recorded in a portion indicated by reference numeral 304.

  In a portion indicated by reference numeral 305, color adjustment parameters set when color adjustment of an image is performed in a state where a soft proof image in consideration of the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106 are recorded. Part. Color adjustment parameters set when color adjustment is performed in a state in which the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106, printing apparatus characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200 in which characteristics are added in the color adjustment, and Are associated with each other and recorded in a portion indicated by reference numeral 305. When the color adjustment in the state where the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106 is performed in consideration of the characteristics of each of the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, the color adjustment parameters and the printing apparatus characteristic information are obtained. It is recorded in the portion indicated by reference numeral 305 as follows. That is, in such a case, each color adjustment parameter set at the time of each color adjustment and each printing apparatus characteristic information of each printing apparatus 200 to which the characteristics are added at the time of each color adjustment are obtained. Are associated with each other and recorded in a portion indicated by reference numeral 305. Since the color adjustment is performed in a state where the soft proof image in consideration of the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106, the color adjustment parameter depends on the printing characteristics of the specific printing apparatus 200. It is a parameter.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
First, the control unit 101 reads image data from an image file (step S401). More specifically, the control unit 101 reads an image file from the storage unit 104 or the like. Then, the control unit 101 acquires image data from the read image file.

  Next, the control unit 101 acquires printing apparatus characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200 from the printing apparatus 200 connected to the image processing apparatus 100 (step S402). As described above, the printing apparatus characteristic information is, for example, the model name of the printing apparatus 200, profile data indicating the printing characteristics of the printing apparatus 200, and the like.

  Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the color adjustment operation by the user has been completed (step S403). If the color adjustment operation by the user has not been completed (NO in step S403), the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, the control unit 101 determines whether the soft proof application setting is ON. The soft proof application setting is to display a soft proof image in which the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 are taken into consideration on the display screen of the display unit 106, or an image in which the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 are not taken into account in the display unit 106. It is a setting whether to display on the display screen. An image that does not take into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 is an image that is not a soft-proof image. If the soft proof application setting is ON (YES in step S404), the process proceeds to step S405. When the soft proof application setting is ON, only the soft proof image may be displayed on the display screen, or both the soft proof image and the image that is not the soft proof image are displayed on the display screen. You may do it. On the other hand, when the soft proof application setting is OFF (NO in step S404), the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S <b> 405, the control unit 101 applies color adjustment parameters to the image data, and displays a soft proof image in which the characteristics of the connected printing apparatus 200 are taken into consideration on the display screen of the display unit 106. That is, the control unit 101 previews on the display screen of the display unit 106 an image that shows the appearance when a printed matter obtained by printing with the specific printing apparatus 200 is observed under observation illumination. When the user performs color adjustment while previewing the soft proof image on the display screen, the control unit 101 displays the soft proof image obtained by simulating according to the content of the color adjustment. Displayed on the display screen of the unit 106.

  In step S406, the control unit 101 performs the following processing. That is, the control unit 101 displays the color adjustment parameters set when the color adjustment is performed in a state where the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106, and the printing device characteristic information of the connected printing device 200. The data is stored in the RAM 103 in association with each other. Thereafter, the process returns to step S403.

  On the other hand, in step S407, the control unit 101 applies the color adjustment parameter to the image data without considering the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200, and displays the image (preview image) to which the color adjustment parameter is applied on the display unit 106. Display on the display screen. When the user performs color adjustment, the control unit 101 displays an image (preview image) adjusted according to the content of the color adjustment on the display screen of the display unit 106.

  In step S <b> 408, the control unit 101 stores the color adjustment parameter in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process returns to step S403.

  When the color adjustment by the user is completed (YES in step S403), the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the control unit 101 executes processing for recording color adjustment parameters and the like in an image file. When color adjustment is performed while the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106, the control unit 101 performs the following processing. That is, in this case, the control unit 101 obtains the color adjustment parameters set at the time of color adjustment and the printing apparatus characteristic information indicating the printing characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 to which the characteristics are added at the time of the color adjustment. In association therewith, the image file is recorded in the portion indicated by reference numeral 305 (see FIG. 3). When color adjustment is performed in a state where an image is displayed on the display screen without taking into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200, the color adjustment parameter set at the time of color adjustment is represented by reference numeral 304 in the image file. Record in the part shown (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, the operation of the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing will be described.

  First, the control unit 201 provided in the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing reads image data from an image file to be printed (step S501).

  Next, the control unit 201 provided in the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing acquires printing apparatus characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200 in which the control unit 201 is mounted (step S502). The printing apparatus characteristic information is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 202, the storage unit 204, or the like.

  Next, the control unit 201 provided in the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing reads color adjustment parameters and the like from the image file (step S503). Specifically, the control unit 201 reads out the color adjustment parameters set when the color adjustment is performed without considering the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200. Specifically, the control unit 201 reads the color adjustment parameter recorded in the portion indicated by the reference numeral 304 in the image file (see FIG. 3). When the color adjustment parameter set when the color adjustment is performed in a state where the soft proof image is displayed and the printing apparatus characteristic information corresponding to the color adjustment parameter are recorded in the image file, the control unit 201 The color adjustment parameter and printing apparatus characteristic information are read out. Specifically, when the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information are recorded in the portion indicated by reference numeral 305 in the image file, the control unit 201 performs the following processing. That is, in such a case, the control unit 201 reads out the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information recorded in the portion indicated by reference numeral 305 in the image file (see FIG. 3).

  Next, whether or not a color adjustment parameter taking into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing exists in the image file is provided in the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing. The control unit 201 determines (step S504). That is, whether or not the color adjustment parameter set when the color adjustment is performed in a state where the soft proof image in consideration of the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing is displayed exists in the image file. Determine. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information are recorded in a portion indicated by reference numeral 305 in the image file (see FIG. 3). Based on the printing device characteristic information associated with the color adjustment parameter, whether or not the color adjustment parameter is a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing device 200 that is about to be used for printing. The control unit 201 determines. If the color adjustment parameter taking into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing does not exist in the image file (NO in step S504), the process proceeds to step S506, and the color adjustment parameter is applied to the image data. do not do. On the other hand, if a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing exists in the image file (YES in step S504), the process proceeds to step S505.

In step S <b> 505, the control unit 201 applies color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing to the image data.
In step S506, the control unit 201 executes print processing to generate print data (print data), the control unit 201 outputs the generated print data to the print unit 206, and the print unit 206 prints the print data. The image is printed on the printing paper based on the above. Here, the printing process is a process for generating printing data. In the printing process, for example, resolution conversion processing such as interpolation and thinning is performed on the image data so that printing data with a desired resolution can be obtained. In addition, since the RGB format cannot be used for printing, in the printing process, the image data is converted into the CMYK format, which is a format compatible with printing. In the printing process, the dithering process, the error diffusion process, and the like are executed on the image data to generate printing data having a desired gradation.

  Here, the case where the printing apparatus 200 determines whether or not the color adjustment parameter can be applied to the image data has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the printing apparatus 200, the image processing apparatus 100 may determine whether or not the color adjustment parameter can be applied to the image data. Specifically, the image processing apparatus 100 reads out color adjustment parameters and the like from the image file to be printed, and acquires characteristic information from the printing apparatus 200 used for printing. Then, based on the information read from the image file and the information acquired from the printing apparatus 200, it is determined whether or not a color adjustment parameter considering the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 exists in the image file. When a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 exists in the image file, the image processing apparatus 100 applies the color adjustment parameter to the image data, and prints the image from the image data after the color adjustment. Data is generated and output to the printing apparatus 200. On the other hand, when there is no color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 in the image file, the printing apparatus generates print data from the image data without applying the color adjustment parameter to the image data. Output to 200.

Note that the control unit 101 or the control unit 201 can also function as a warning unit that issues a warning according to a comparison result between the information related to the selected printing apparatus 200 and the information related to the printing apparatus 200 associated with the image data. For example, when there is no color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 in the image file, a warning can be issued to the user. Such warning can be performed by, for example, displaying a message on the screen of the display unit 106.
In addition, the control unit 101 or the control unit 201 sets the color adjustment parameter associated with the image data according to the comparison result between the information regarding the selected printing apparatus 200 and the information regarding the printing apparatus 200 associated with the image data. It can be selectively applied to image data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when there is a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus that is going to be used for printing, the color adjustment parameter is applied when the image is printed. On the other hand, color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of other printing apparatuses that have different characteristics from the printing apparatus that is going to be used for printing are not applied when printing an image. For this reason, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent unintended color adjustment from being applied. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably obtain a printed matter having the same appearance as the soft proof image displayed on the display screen of the display unit.

[Second Embodiment]
An image processing apparatus, image processing method, printing apparatus, printing method, and computer program according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the image processing apparatus and the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  The basic configurations of the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 constituting the image forming system according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 described above in the first embodiment.

  Color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of the printing device that is going to be used for printing are not included in the image file, and color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of other printing devices that are different from the printing device If it is included in the file, the following processing is performed. In other words, in this case, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the color adjustment parameter including the characteristics of the other printing apparatus 200 can be used when printing an image on the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing. Judgment is made as follows. That is, the control unit 201 applies a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of another printing apparatus 200 and is a soft proof image that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing an image. 1 image is generated. The control unit 201 is a soft proof image that applies color adjustment parameters that do not take into account the characteristics of any printing device 200 and that takes into account the characteristics of the printing device 200 that is about to be used for printing an image. A second image is generated. Note that the color adjustment parameters that do not take into account the characteristics of any printing apparatus 200 are color adjustment parameters that are set when color adjustment is performed without displaying a soft-proof image. Then, the control unit 201 applies a color adjustment parameter that does not take into account the characteristics of any printing apparatus 200, and is a third image (target image) that is not a soft proof image, and the first image described above. Calculate the color difference from the image. In addition, the control unit 201 calculates a color difference between the above-described third image and the above-described second image. Then, when the color difference between the third image and the first image is smaller than the color difference between the third image and the second image, the control unit 201 takes into account the characteristics of the other printing apparatus 200. Color adjustment parameters are applied when printing an image.

  The control unit 201 records a plurality of color adjustment parameters in consideration of characteristics of a plurality of other printing apparatuses 200 having characteristics different from those of the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing an image. Performs the following processing. In other words, the control unit 201 sets a plurality of color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of a plurality of other printing apparatuses, and the color adjustment parameters that minimize the color difference between the third image and the first image. Applicable when printing from images selected from among them.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  First, steps S601 to S603 are the same as steps S501 to S503 described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, whether or not a color adjustment parameter taking into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing an image exists in the image file is provided in the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing. The control unit 201 determines (step S604). If there is no color adjustment parameter in the image file that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing (NO in step S604), the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, when there is a color adjustment parameter in the image file in consideration of the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing (YES in step S604), the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S <b> 605, if the image file includes a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of another printing apparatus 200 that has characteristics different from those of the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for image printing, the control unit 201. Performs the following processing. In other words, in this case, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the color adjustment parameter including the characteristics of the other printing apparatus 200 can be used when printing an image on the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing. judge. Specifically, the control unit 201 is a soft proof image that applies color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of another printing apparatus 200 and that also takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing. A first image is generated. In addition, the control unit 201 is a soft proof image that applies color adjustment parameters that do not take into account the characteristics of any printing device 200 and that takes into account the characteristics of the printing device 200 that is about to be used for printing an image. A second image is generated. Then, the control unit 201 applies a color adjustment parameter that does not take into account the characteristics of any printing apparatus 200 and applies a color difference between the third image (target image) that is not a soft proof image and the first image. Is calculated. Further, the control unit 201 calculates a color difference between the third image and the second image. When the color difference between the third image and the first image is smaller than the color difference between the third image and the second image, the control unit 201 takes into account the characteristics of the other printing apparatus 200. The color adjustment parameter is determined to be usable when the image is printed. At this time, when a plurality of color adjustment parameters taking into account the characteristics of a plurality of other printing apparatuses 200 having characteristics different from those of the printing apparatus 200 to be used for image printing are recorded in the image file, The control unit 201 performs the following processing. That is, the control unit 201 selects a color adjustment parameter that minimizes the color difference between the third image and the first image from among a plurality of color adjustment parameters that take into account the characteristics of a plurality of other printing apparatuses. Select and apply.

  If the color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the other printing apparatus 200 is available when printing an image on the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing (YES in step S605), the process proceeds to step S606. Transition. On the other hand, when the color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the other printing apparatus 200 is not available when printing an image on the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing (NO in step S605), the control unit 201. Does the following: That is, in such a case, the control unit 201 notifies (warns) the user that an appropriate color adjustment parameter is not applied, and proceeds to step S607.

In step S606, the color adjustment parameter is applied to the image data. If there is a color adjustment parameter that takes into account the characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is about to be used for printing, that is, if YES in step S604, the control unit 201 uses the color adjustment parameter as an image. Apply to data. When the color adjustment parameter in consideration of the characteristics of the other printing apparatus 200 can be used when printing an image with the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing, that is, when YES in step S605. The control unit 201 performs the following processing. That is, in this case, the control unit 201 applies the color adjustment parameter determined to be usable to the image data. When a plurality of color adjustment parameters taking into account the characteristics of a plurality of other printing apparatuses 200 having different characteristics from the printing apparatus 200 to be used for printing an image are recorded in the image file, the control unit 201 Performs the following processing. That is, in such a case, the control unit 201 uses a color adjustment parameter that minimizes the color difference between the third image and the first image, and a plurality of colors in consideration of the characteristics of a plurality of other printing apparatuses. Select from adjustment parameters and apply to image data.
In step S607, the control unit 201 causes the printing unit 206 to print image data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the color adjustment parameter taking into account the printing characteristics of the printing apparatus to be used for printing does not exist in the image file, other available color adjustment parameters can be used. Is present, the other color adjustment parameters are used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when there is no color adjustment parameter that takes into consideration the printing characteristics of the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing an image, it is possible to apply good color adjustment. is there. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably obtain a printed matter having the same appearance as the soft proof image displayed on the display screen of the display unit.

[Third Embodiment]
The image processing apparatus, image processing method, printing apparatus, printing method, and computer program according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the image processing apparatus, the printing apparatus, etc. according to the first or second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG.

  The basic configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 constituting the image forming system according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 described above in the first or second embodiment.

  When the display screen characteristic information indicating the display characteristics of the display screen of the display unit 106 used when displaying the soft proof image is recorded in the image file in association with the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information, control is performed. The unit 201 performs the following processing. That is, in such a case, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the color gamut that can be expressed by the display screen of the display unit 106 is narrower than the color gamut that can be expressed by the printing apparatus 200 based on the printing apparatus characteristic information. To do.

  When the color gamut that the display screen of the display unit 106 can express is narrower than the color gamut that the printing apparatus 200 can express, the control unit 201 provided in the printing apparatus 200 displays the display characteristics of the display screen of the display unit 106. Is applied when printing an image.

  In this embodiment, when the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information are associated and recorded in the image file in step S409 shown in FIG. 4, the following processing is performed by the control unit 101 of the image processing apparatus 100. Yes. That is, the display screen characteristic information indicating the display characteristics of the display screen of the display unit 106 of the image processing apparatus 100 used when displaying the soft proof image is also associated with the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information in step S409. Record to an image file.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
First, steps S701 to S706 are the same as steps S601 to S606 described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, when the display screen characteristic information indicating the display characteristics of the display screen of the display unit 106 used when displaying the soft proof image is recorded in the image file in association with the color adjustment parameter and the printing apparatus characteristic information. The control unit 201 performs the following processing. That is, in such a case, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the color gamut that can be expressed by the display screen of the display unit 106 is narrower than the color gamut that can be expressed by the printing apparatus 200 based on the printing apparatus characteristic information. To do.

  When the color gamut that the display screen of the display unit 106 of the image processing apparatus 100 can represent is narrower than the color gamut that the printing apparatus 200 can represent (YES in step S707), the control unit 201 performs the following processing I do. That is, in such a case, the control unit 201 executes a color gamut conversion process that takes into consideration the display characteristics of the display screen of the display unit 106 (step S708). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S709.

On the other hand, if the color gamut that the display screen of the display unit 106 of the image processing apparatus 100 can represent is not narrower than the color gamut that the printing apparatus 200 can represent (NO in step S707), the process proceeds to step S709.
In step S709, the control unit 201 causes the printing unit 206 to print image data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the color gamut that can be expressed by the display screen of the display unit 106 of the image processing apparatus 100 is narrower than the color gamut that can be expressed by the printing apparatus 200, the color gamut conversion process is performed. Executed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a good image can be formed even when the color gamut of the display screen of the display unit 106 of the image processing apparatus 100 is narrower than the color gamut of the printing apparatus 200. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably obtain a printed matter having the same appearance as the soft proof image displayed on the display screen of the display unit.

[Fourth Embodiment]
An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the image processing apparatuses according to the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

  The control unit 101 realizes various functions as described below by developing and executing a predetermined application program or the like stored in the storage unit 104 in the RAM 103. Specifically, the control unit 101 can function as an image input unit, an image generation unit, an image display unit, an image processing execution unit, a soft proof image generation unit, a characteristic information acquisition unit, an image correction amount determination unit, and the like.

  The control unit 101 can function as an image input unit that reads image data from the storage unit 104 and stores the image data in the RAM 103.

  When the image data is RAW data, it is necessary to convert the image data into a format that can be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106. Such conversion is called development processing. The control unit 101 can function as an image generation unit that performs development processing on RAW data.

  The control unit 101 can also function as an image display unit that causes the display unit 106 to display an image for which development processing has been completed.

  The control unit 101 can also function as an adjustment unit that performs image adjustment (adjustment processing), in other words, an image processing execution unit that executes image processing.

  The control unit 101 can also function as a soft proof image generation unit that generates a soft proof image in consideration of the characteristics of the printing apparatus. The control unit 101 generates a soft proof image based on the printing characteristics (profile) of the printing apparatus 200 used for printing, the characteristics (profile) of paper used for printing, and the like. As a result, an image having the same color and brightness as the printed material actually formed can be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106. The user can confirm on the display screen of the display unit 106 what kind of printed matter is actually formed.

  The control unit 101 can also function as a characteristic information acquisition unit that acquires information (characteristic information) related to the printing apparatus 200. The characteristic information related to the printing device 200 includes the model (type) of the printing device 200 used for printing, the type of paper used for printing (paper type), the size of paper used for printing (paper size type), and ink. Type, print quality, etc. Such characteristic information related to the printing apparatus 200 can be acquired based on printer driver settings, user interface settings, and the like.

  The control unit 101 also functions as a correction amount determination unit that determines a correction amount based on characteristic information related to the printing apparatus 200. The correction amount is for correcting the adjustment value set when the image is adjusted in a state where the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106. Various types of adjustments are performed during image processing. For this reason, it is preferable to determine the correction amount for each adjustment value. Here, the correction amount for correcting the sharpness adjustment value will be described as an example. The control unit 101 determines a correction amount for correcting the sharpness adjustment value based on the characteristic information related to the printing apparatus 200. Specifically, the sharpness adjustment is performed based on the model of the printing apparatus 200, the printing resolution of the printing apparatus 200, the paper type of the paper used for printing, the paper size type of the paper used for printing, the ink type, the print quality, and the like. A correction amount for correcting the value is determined.

  The control unit 101 corrects the adjustment value set when the image is adjusted in a state where the soft-proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106 based on the characteristic information related to the printing apparatus 200. It also functions as a correction means that corrects the amount. The control unit 101 generates image data by correcting the adjustment value set when the image is adjusted in a state where the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106 with the correction amount. The printing apparatus 200 prints an image using the image data generated in this way. Therefore, it is possible to form a printed matter having the same appearance as the soft proof image displayed on the display unit 106.

  In the present embodiment, a lookup table is stored in advance in the storage unit 104 or the like. The control unit 101 determines the correction amount by referring to the correction amount according to various characteristic information (parameters) related to the printing apparatus 200 from the lookup table. Note that the correction amount may be determined by the control unit 101 calculating the correction amount based on various characteristic information (parameters) related to the printing apparatus 200.

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  When an application program for performing desired adjustment is selected by operating the operation unit 105 by the user, the control unit 101 reads the application program from the storage unit 104 or the like and executes it. Thereby, for example, a user interface screen for adjusting the sharpness of the image or the like is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106.

  The control unit 101 reads out image data to be subjected to image processing from, for example, the storage unit 104 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 105 by the user (step S801). Such image data is, for example, image data before development processing, that is, RAW data. The control unit 101 stores the image data read from the storage unit 104 in the RAM 103.

  Next, the control unit 101 performs settings related to the printing apparatus 200 (step S802). Settings related to the printing apparatus 200 include the model of the printing apparatus 200, print resolution, paper type, paper size type, ink type, print quality, and the like. The setting information is used when determining an output profile in the soft proof process performed in step S805. These pieces of setting information are also used in the correction amount calculation process performed in step S803.

  Next, the control unit 101 performs a correction amount calculation process (step S803). The correction amount calculation process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, the control unit 101 performs development processing on the RAW data (step S804). Thereby, the RAW data read in step S801 is developed and becomes image data in a format that can be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106.
Next, the control unit 101 executes a soft proof process (step S805). In the soft proof process, the control unit 101 performs color space conversion using the output profile of the printing apparatus 200.

  Next, the control unit 101 displays the soft proof image on the display screen of the display unit 106 (step S806).

  Next, the user adjusts (edits) the image while viewing the display screen on which the soft proof image is displayed (step S807). For example, the sharpness application amount is set. If image adjustment has not been completed (NO in step S807), step S807 is repeated. If the image adjustment is completed (YES in step S807), the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S808, the control unit 101 corrects the adjustment value set in step S807 using the correction amount determined in advance in step S803. Specifically, the sharpness application amount set in step S807 is corrected with the correction amount previously determined in step S803. The reason for such correction is that the image displayed on the display screen does not appropriately reflect the influence of the type of paper used for printing, the size of the paper, and the like.

Next, the control unit 101 generates image data for printing (step S809). Image data reflecting the correction performed in step S808 is generated as image data for printing.
Finally, when the control unit 101 transmits image data for printing to the printing apparatus 200, the control unit 201 provided in the printing apparatus 200 executes printing (step S810).
Thus, the image generation process according to this embodiment is completed.

  Next, the correction amount calculation process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing correction amount calculation processing according to the present embodiment.

  First, the control unit 101 acquires characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200 that is going to be used for printing (step S901). For example, the characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200 is set in the image processing apparatus 100 in advance in step S802. Note that if the characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200 is not set in step S802, for example, a user interface screen may be displayed on the display unit 106, and the user may be set using the user interface screen.

  Next, the control unit 101 calculates an enlargement ratio (step S902). The enlargement ratio indicates how much the size of an image to be subjected to image processing is actually enlarged. The enlargement ratio is calculated based on the resolution of the printing apparatus 200 obtained from the characteristic information of the printing apparatus 200.

  Next, the control unit 101 determines a correction amount with reference to the lookup table (step S903). This correction amount is used when correcting the adjustment value in step S808 described above.

  The enlargement ratio of the image, the size of one dot when printing with the printing apparatus 200, the ink droplet bleeding according to the paper type, and the like are taken into account when determining the correction amount. When the enlargement ratio of the image is double in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, the enlargement ratio coefficient is set so that the applied amount such as sharpness after correction is doubled. The graininess perceived by the human eye varies depending on the size of one dot during printing. For this reason, the size of one dot at the time of printing is set as the ink droplet size coefficient. In addition, when printing is performed on paper with a large amount of ink droplet bleeding, the effect of sharpness is reduced. Therefore, the blur coefficient is set according to the paper type. By multiplying these coefficients, it is calculated how much the correction amount should be. In the present embodiment, in order to realize efficient image processing, the correction amount is determined by referring to a look-up table indicating the relationship between the enlargement ratio and the correction amount. In addition, since the effect of sharpness greatly changes due to ink droplet bleeding, the lookup table is preferably classified for each paper type.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the adjustment value set when the image is adjusted in a state where the soft proof image in consideration of the characteristics of the printing apparatus is displayed on the display screen is related to the printing apparatus. Correction is performed with a correction amount determined based on characteristic information or the like. For this reason, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a printed matter having the same appearance as the soft proof image displayed on the display unit 106. Moreover, according to the present embodiment, since the above-described processing is applied at the stage of RAW development, image degradation can be suppressed to a minimum.

[Fifth Embodiment]
An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer program according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the image processing apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment displays an actual size image on the display screen of the display unit 106 when displaying the soft proof image on the display screen of the display unit 106.

  The control unit 101 can also function as a resolution conversion unit that performs image resolution conversion based on an enlargement ratio of an actually printed image. By performing such resolution conversion, it is possible to display a full-size soft proof image on the display screen of the display unit 106.

  The control unit 101 can also function as a unit that performs control to display an actual-size soft proof image on the display screen of the display unit 106 with respect to the image subjected to resolution conversion.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  First, steps S1001 to S1005 are the same as steps S801 to S805 described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, the control unit 101 performs resolution conversion (step S1006). The size of the actually printed image is uniquely determined because the setting of the printing apparatus 200 has already been performed. The control unit 101 performs resolution conversion so that an actual size image can be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106. When resolution conversion is performed, interpolation processing or the like is appropriately performed (step S1006). In this way, image data for displaying an actual size image on the display unit 106 is generated.

  Next, the control unit 101 performs correction using the correction amount determined in step S1003 on the image data for displaying the actual image.

  Thereafter, the user performs image processing, that is, image adjustment (step S1008). If the image adjustment has not been completed (NO in step S1009), the process returns to step S1008. On the other hand, when the image adjustment is completed (YES in step S1009), the process proceeds to step S1010.

  In step S1010, the control unit 101 displays the adjusted image on the display screen of the display unit 106. The control unit 101 displays a general size soft proof image and an actual size soft proof image on the display screen of the display unit 106.

  Next, the control unit 101 causes the printing apparatus 200 to perform printing (step S1011). Also in the present embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the application amount such as sharpness is corrected by the correction amount determined based on the characteristic information related to the printing apparatus 200. For this reason, if printing is performed by the printing apparatus 200 using the image data formed in this way, it is possible to obtain a printed matter having the same appearance as the soft proof image displayed on the display unit 106.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a general soft proof image is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106, and an actual size soft proof image is also displayed on the display screen of the display unit 106. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to preview the finish of the printed matter actually formed on the display screen more accurately.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. Various embodiments modified without departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, the color adjustment has been described as an example, but the adjustment is not limited to the color adjustment. For example, other adjustments such as contrast adjustment and sharpness adjustment may be used. When adjustment is performed in a state where the soft proof image is displayed on the display screen, an adjustment parameter corresponding to the adjustment content is recorded in the image file in association with the printing apparatus characteristic information.

  In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the case in which the sharpness application amount (adjustment value) is corrected using the correction amount has been described as an example. However, the correction value to be corrected is not limited to that relating to sharpness.

  In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the processing when developing RAW data has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when image processing or the like is performed on TIF data, JPEG data, or the like, the image processing method according to the fourth or fifth embodiment may be applied.

In the above embodiment, the case where printing is performed in a state where the image processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 are connected has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Printing can also be performed in a state where the image processing apparatus 100 is not connected to the printing apparatus 200. For example, an image file is stored in the removable storage unit 204 in advance, the storage unit 204 is attached to the printing apparatus 200, and the control unit 201 reads the image file from the installed storage unit 204 to print an image. It may be done.
Moreover, you may combine a part of said embodiment suitably.

  Also, when a software program that implements the functions of the above embodiments is supplied from a recording medium directly or using wired / wireless communication to a system or apparatus having a computer that can execute the program, and the program is executed Are also included in the present invention.

  Accordingly, the program code supplied and installed in the computer in order to realize the functions and processes of the present invention by the computer is also included in the present invention. That is, the present invention includes a computer program for realizing the functions and processes of the present invention.

In this case, as long as it has the function of a program, the form of the program is not limited, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, and the like.
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk and a magnetic tape, an optical / magnetomagnetic storage medium, and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image processing apparatus 101 ... Control part 102 ... ROM
103 ... RAM
104 ... Storage unit 105 ... Operation unit 106 ... Display unit 107 ... System bus 200 ... Printing device 201 ... Control unit 202 ... ROM
203 ... RAM
204 ... Storage unit 205 ... Operation unit 206 ... Printing unit 207 ... System bus

Claims (10)

Adjustment means for performing image adjustment processing;
Generating means for generating a soft proof image based on the image, the parameter adjusted by the adjusting means, and characteristic information of the printing apparatus;
Display means for displaying the soft-proof image on a screen;
Image processing comprising: storage means for storing the parameter adjusted by the adjustment means while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen in association with the image together with information on the printing apparatus. apparatus. The generation unit generates a preview image based on the image and the parameter adjusted by the adjustment unit without the characteristic information of the printing apparatus,
The display means displays the preview image on the screen instead of the soft proof image according to a user instruction,
The storage unit stores parameters adjusted by the adjustment unit while the preview image is displayed on the screen in association with the image without information about the printing apparatus. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   The information on the printing apparatus is information indicating at least one of a model of the printing apparatus, printing characteristics of the printing apparatus, and color characteristics of the printing apparatus. Image processing apparatus. Select a printing device to print the image,
Depending on the comparison result between the information related to the selected printing device and the information related to the printing device associated with the image, the parameter associated with the image is selectively applied to the image to perform printing processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is executed. Select a printing device to print the image,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that issues a warning according to a comparison between the information related to the selected printing device and the information related to the printing device associated with the image. The image processing apparatus described. Obtaining means for obtaining, from the printing device, first characteristic information relating to a printing device used for printing an image;
The first parameter adjusted while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen and the second characteristic information of the printing apparatus used when generating the soft proof image are stored in association with the image. Determining means for determining whether or not the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information match;
Image processing comprising: generating means for generating print data by applying the first parameter to the image when the first characteristic information matches the second characteristic information apparatus. Executing image adjustment processing;
Generating a soft proof image based on the image, the parameter adjusted in the adjustment process, and characteristic information of the printing apparatus;
Displaying the soft proof image on a screen;
And storing the parameter adjusted in the adjustment process while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen in association with the image together with information related to the printing apparatus. . Obtaining from the printing device first characteristic information relating to a printing device used for printing an image;
The first parameter adjusted while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen and the second characteristic information of the printing apparatus used when generating the soft proof image are stored in association with the image. Determining whether or not the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information match, and
An image processing method comprising: generating print data by applying the first parameter to the image when the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information match. . On the computer,
Executing image adjustment processing;
Generating a soft proof image based on the image, the parameter adjusted in the adjustment process, and characteristic information of the printing apparatus;
Displaying the soft proof image on a screen;
And storing the parameter adjusted in the adjustment process while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen in association with the image together with the information related to the printing apparatus. On the computer,
Obtaining from the printing device first characteristic information relating to a printing device used for printing an image;
The first parameter adjusted while the soft proof image is displayed on the screen and the second characteristic information of the printing apparatus used when generating the soft proof image are stored in association with the image. Determining whether or not the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information match, and
A program for generating print data by applying the first parameter to the image when the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information match.

Images