JP2019054357A - Image processing apparatus, image formation apparatus, control program and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image processing system, image formation apparatus and control program, capable of finely adjusting an optional color when color-converting a color image into a monochromatic image of a gray scale.SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus includes a CPU and a display unit 22 with a touch panel 20. The display unit displays a copy setting screen 100 and the copy setting screen 100 includes a color selection part 142 for making a user select a designated color and a concentration adjusting part 146 for adjusting setting of a concentration after color conversion of a designated color. The CPU color-converts a color image into a monochromatic image of a gray scale according to setting of the concentration after the color conversion of the designated color adjusted by the concentration adjusting part 146.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control program, and a control method, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control program, and a control method for color-converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image.

  An example of this type of background art is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Background Art An image processing apparatus reads an image of a document and generates single-color image data based on the read image. Here, in the background art image processing apparatus, the fluorescent color region included in the monochrome image data is extracted based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the monochrome image data, and the extracted fluorescent color region is visually recognized. Image processing is performed to improve the performance.

JP 2006-103749 A

  However, in the image processing apparatus of the background art, image processing for improving the visibility only in the fluorescent color region is performed. Therefore, the image processing for improving the visibility is not performed for colors other than the fluorescent color. For this reason, in the image processing apparatus of the background art, when the color image is color-converted into a grayscale monochrome image, fine adjustments cannot be made for colors other than the fluorescent color, and there is room for improvement in usability.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, control program, and control method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control program, and an easy-to-use image processing apparatus that can finely adjust an arbitrary color when converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image. It is to provide a control method.

  A first invention is an image processing apparatus including a color conversion unit, a designated color setting unit, and an adjustment unit. The color conversion means converts the color image into a grayscale monochrome image using the color conversion table. The designated color setting means sets a designated color to be subjected to density adjustment when the color conversion means performs color conversion to a monochrome image. The adjusting unit adjusts the density after color conversion of the specified color set by the specified color setting unit after the specified color is converted into a monochrome image by the color converting unit.

  A second invention is an image processing apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the designated color includes a plurality of density regions divided according to the density, and the density of the designated color after color conversion is the designated color Can be adjusted for each density region.

  A third invention is an image processing apparatus according to the first or second invention, further comprising range setting means for setting a predetermined adjustment range for a color image, wherein the adjustment means is set by the range setting means. Within the adjustment range, the density of the specified color after color conversion is adjusted.

  A fourth invention is an image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a display and display means for causing the display to display a selection screen for allowing the user to select a designated color. .

  A fifth invention is an image processing device according to the fourth invention, wherein a color chart including a plurality of colors is displayed on the selection screen, and the designated color is a plurality of colors included in the color chart. The color selected by the user.

  A sixth invention is an image processing apparatus according to the fourth invention, wherein a color image is displayed on the selection screen, and the designated color is a color at a position selected by the user in the color image.

  A seventh invention is an image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the display means includes a color start key for executing a job provided by the image processing apparatus in a color mode, and A black and white start key for executing the job in black and white mode, an image reading unit that scans an image from a document, a condition setting unit that sets a setting condition for the job according to a user operation, and an image After the scan is executed in the reading unit, the display further includes display changing means for changing the display mode of the color start key or the display mode of the monochrome start key according to the setting condition set by the condition setting means.

  An eighth invention is an image forming apparatus comprising the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control program for an image forming apparatus, wherein the processor of the image forming apparatus uses a color conversion table to convert a color image into a grayscale monochrome image. A setting unit that sets a designated color that is a target of density adjustment when the color is converted into a monochrome image, and the designated color set in the setting unit is converted into a monochrome image by the color conversion unit. It functions as an adjusting means for adjusting the density after the subsequent color conversion.

  In a tenth aspect of the invention, the processor of the image forming apparatus uses (a) a color conversion table to convert a color image into a grayscale monochrome image, and (b) converts the color image into a monochrome image in step (a). Step (c) for setting the designated color to be subjected to density adjustment, and for the designated color set in step (b), the designated color is color-converted into a monochrome image in step (a). This is a control method for executing the step of adjusting the density after the subsequent color conversion.

  According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control program, and a control method that can finely adjust an arbitrary color and are easy to use when color-converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image. Can be provided.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen including a function selection unit. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen including an adjustment unit. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen including a confirmation unit. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a color conversion table. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of a color conversion table in three-dimensional coordinates. FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a RAM memory map of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of image processing of the CPU shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen including a preview image before adjustment in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen including a preview image after adjustment in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of image processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a part of an example of image processing in the second embodiment, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen including a preview image before color conversion in the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen including a preview image after color conversion in the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of image processing in the third embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like. The present invention can be applied not only to a multifunction peripheral but also to other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine (copying machine), a printing apparatus (printer), and a facsimile machine.

  In this specification, the front surface (front surface) is the surface facing the user's standing position, that is, the surface on which the operation panel 26 described later is provided, and the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the image forming apparatus 10 and its constituent members is defined. The horizontal direction (lateral direction) of the image forming apparatus 10 and its constituent members is defined based on the state when the image forming apparatus 10 is viewed from the user.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 36 including an image reading unit 30, an image forming unit 32, a manual paper feed unit 34, a paper feed device 38, and a paper discharge tray 40.

  The image reading unit 30 includes a document placing table formed of a transparent material, and is built in the apparatus main body 36. A document pressing cover 30a is attached to the upper side of the document placing table via a hinge or the like so as to be freely opened and closed. The document pressing cover 30a is provided with a manual sheet feeding unit 34. The document presser cover 30a is provided with an ADF (automatic document feeder) that automatically feeds a document placed on the manual sheet feeder 34.

  The image reading unit 30 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading unit 30 exposes the document surface with a light source, and guides reflected light reflected from the document surface to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the luminance or chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates read image data based on the image on the surface of the document. As the line sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a contact image sensor (CIS) is used.

  The image forming unit 32 is built in the apparatus main body 36 and is provided below the image reading unit 30. The image forming unit 32 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. The image forming unit 32 forms an image on a recording medium (paper) conveyed from the manual paper feeding unit 34 or the paper feeding device 38 by an electrophotographic method, and discharges the image-formed paper to the paper discharge tray 40. . However, as print image data for forming an image on a sheet, read image data read by the image reading unit 30, image data transmitted from an external computer, or the like is used. Further, the recording medium is not limited to paper made of paper, and a sheet other than paper such as an OHP film is also used.

  The paper discharge tray 40 is provided between the image reading unit 30 and the image forming unit 32. The bottom surface of the paper discharge tray 40 is partitioned by the image forming unit 32. The top surface of the paper discharge tray 40 is partitioned by the image reading unit 30. Further, the left side surface of the paper discharge tray 40 (the left side surface as viewed from the front) is defined by the right side surface of the connection housing 42. That is, the front side, the back side, and the left side of the paper discharge tray 40 are opened. The bottom surface of the paper discharge tray 40 has an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the connection housing 42 side.

  An operation panel 26 is provided on the front side of the image reading unit 30. The operation panel 26 includes a display 22 with a touch panel 20 and a plurality of operation buttons 26a.

  The display 22 with the touch panel 20 displays software keys and messages for receiving various settings or printing instructions from the user. As an example, the display 22 includes a home screen that is a screen for selecting a desired job from various jobs (functions) that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10, a setting screen that is used to set operating conditions for each job, and the like. The operation screen is displayed. However, in the first embodiment, the job means copying (including document scanning), printing, fax transmission, and the like.

  The operation button 26a is a hardware key, and includes, for example, a home key, a power saving key, a main power key, and the like. The home key is a key for displaying the home screen on the display 22. The power saving key is a key for switching between a power saving state (power saving mode) in which power consumption is restricted and a normal state (normal mode) in which power consumption is not restricted.

  The software key refers to a key (icon) reproduced in software on the display surface of the display 22 with the touch panel 20, for example. On the other hand, a hardware key refers to a key (button) provided as a physical device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 12. The CPU 12 is connected to the RAM 14, HDD 28, touch panel control circuit 16, display control circuit 18, operation button detection circuit 24, image reading unit 30, image forming unit 32, and communication circuit 50 via the bus 60. A touch panel 20 is connected to the touch panel control circuit 16, a display 22 is connected to the display control circuit 18, and an operation button 26 a is connected to the operation button detection circuit 24.

  The CPU 12 governs overall control of the image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 14 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 12.

  The HDD 28 is a main storage device (storage unit) of the image forming apparatus 10, and appropriately stores a control program for the CPU 12 to control the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10, display image data for various screens, and the like. To do. However, another nonvolatile memory such as an SSD, a flash memory, or an EEPROM may be used instead of or together with the HDD 28.

  The touch panel control circuit 16 applies necessary voltage and the like to the touch panel 20, detects a touch operation (touch input) within the touch effective range of the touch panel 20, and outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to the CPU 12. Output to.

  The touch panel 20 is a general-purpose touch panel, and an arbitrary system such as an electrostatic capacity system, an electromagnetic induction system, a resistance film system, and an infrared system can be used. In the first embodiment, a capacitive touch panel is used as the touch panel 20, and the touch panel 20 is provided on the display surface of the display 22. However, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 20 and the display 22 are integrally formed may be used.

  The display control circuit 18 includes a GPU, a VRAM, and the like. Under the instruction of the CPU 12, the GPU uses the image generation data stored in the RAM 14 to display display image data for displaying various screens on the display 22. The image data is generated in the VRAM, and the generated display image data is output to the display 22. As the display 22, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used.

  The operation button detection circuit 24 outputs an operation signal or operation data corresponding to the operation of the operation button 26a described above to the CPU 12.

  The communication circuit 50 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet. The communication circuit 50 is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer such as a server via a network in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 12.

  Note that the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and is not limited to this. For example, a connection unit (such as a memory slot) to which various recording media (such as an SD card or a USB memory) can be mounted may be provided.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 having such a configuration, a color image may be converted into a grayscale monochrome image (color conversion). For example, color image data transmitted from an external computer is color-converted into a monochrome image, and the image forming unit 32 forms a monochrome image on a sheet (monochrome printing), or the image reading unit 30 converts a color image on the surface of the document. Scanned image data that has been read and color-converted into a monochrome image may be generated.

  Here, in the conventional image forming apparatus, a fluorescent color area that is a fluorescent color in the color image is extracted based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the image data of the monochrome image, and the extracted fluorescent color area is Thus, image processing for improving visibility may be performed.

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, image processing for improving visibility is not performed for colors other than the fluorescent color. For this reason, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when a color image is color-converted into a grayscale monochrome image, fine adjustments cannot be made for colors other than the fluorescent color, and there is room for improvement.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is possible to finely adjust the density after conversion to gray scale (density after color conversion) for the specified color specified by the user among the colors included in the color image. I did it.

  Hereinafter, an operation example of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100 including the function selection unit 120. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100 including the adjustment unit 140. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100 including a confirmation unit 160.

  When a predetermined job is selected on the home screen in the image forming apparatus 10, a setting screen for setting operating conditions for the selected job is displayed on the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when a copy job is selected on the home screen, a copy setting screen 100 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10. The copy setting screen 100 is a screen for setting operation conditions for a copy job. FIG. 3 shows a copy setting screen 100 in a basic state in which various keys are not selected.

  The copy setting screen 100 is provided with (displayed) software keys such as a start key, a reset key, a numeric keypad, a preview key 106, and a function selection key 102.

  The start key has a rectangular shape that is long in the horizontal direction, and is displayed in the lower right corner area of the copy setting screen 100. This start key is a key for starting a predetermined operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The start key is divided into right and left at substantially the center, and a black and white start key (monochrome start key) 108 is provided on the left side, and a color start key (color start key) 110 is provided on the right side. When the color start key 110 is touched (selected), color copying is started according to the color setting. On the other hand, when the monochrome start key 108 is touched, monochrome copying is started.

  The reset key and the preview key 106 each have a rectangular shape and are displayed above the monochrome start key 108 and the color start key 110. The reset key is displayed on the right end of the copy setting screen 100, and the preview key 106 is displayed on the left side (next to the left) of the reset key. The reset key is a key for canceling (initializing) settings related to a predetermined operation of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the reset key is touched, the setting of the operation condition of the copy job set on the copy setting screen 100 is initialized. The preview key 106 is a key for displaying (previewing) the scanned image. When the preview key 106 is touched, an image (preview image) scanned by the image reading unit 30 is displayed on the display 22.

  The numeric keypad is displayed at the center of the copy setting screen 100, and a numeric keypad input display field is displayed above the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is a key for inputting the number of image forming processing copies. When the numeric keypad is touched, the input content is displayed in the numeric keypad input display field.

  The function selection key 102 has a rectangular shape and is displayed at the left end of the copy setting screen 100. A plurality of function selection keys 102 are provided and arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of function selection keys 102 corresponds to each of a plurality of main functions (operation conditions) included in the copy job. Specifically, the copy setting screen 100 displays a function selection key 102 for performing detailed settings for each of color setting, document orientation, paper selection, duplex copying, magnification, copy density, and page aggregation. . Further, the copy setting screen 100 displays other function selection keys 104 for performing detailed settings for functions (other functions) other than the main functions described above.

  When the other function selection key 104 is touched, a function selection unit (function selection window) 120 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10. The function selection unit 120 is a screen (window) for performing detailed settings for each of other functions, and the function selection unit 120 is provided with software keys such as a function selection key 122 and an OK key 124. The function selection unit 120 is displayed so as to overlap the front of the copy setting screen 100 and is displayed across the center and left side of the display area of the display 22.

  A plurality of function selection keys 122 are provided, and are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions within the display range of the function selection unit 120. Each of the plurality of function selection keys 102 corresponds to each function other than the main functions included in the copy job. For example, the function selection key 122 is a density after an arbitrary color designated by the user (designated color) is converted to gray scale (hereinafter, referred to as “density after color conversion of designated color”). The gray conversion key 122a for performing the setting is included.

  The OK key 124 is a key to which a function for applying (determining) the state in which the detailed setting is changed when the detailed setting of various functions is changed is assigned. When the OK key 124 is touched, the function selection unit 120 is closed (hidden) and the basic state copy setting screen 100 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 22.

  While the function selection unit 120 is displayed on the display 22, no operation other than touching the function selection key 122 or the OK key 124 can be performed. For example, the function selection unit 120 other than the function selection unit 120 such as the preview key 106 can be used. The key cannot be operated.

  Here, when the gray conversion key 122a for setting the density of the designated color after color conversion is touched, the function selection unit 120 is closed on the display 22 of the image forming apparatus 10, and FIG. An adjustment unit (adjustment window) 140 as shown is displayed. The adjustment unit 140 is a screen for setting the density of the designated color after color conversion, and is displayed on the front of the copy setting screen 100. The adjustment unit 140 is displayed at the same position and range as the function selection unit 120. The adjustment unit 140 includes a color selection unit 142, a density region selection unit 144, a density adjustment unit 146, an initialization key 148, an OK key 150, and the like.

  The color selection unit 142 is provided to allow the user to select a designated color. In the color selection unit 142 of the first embodiment, a plurality of colors that are candidates for the designated color are presented to the user. Specifically, the color selection unit 142 includes a color chart including a plurality of regions. Different colors are assigned to each of the plurality of regions included in the color chart. Each of the plurality of regions includes characters indicating the assigned color and is colored in the assigned color.

  For example, the color chart of the color selection unit 142 includes graphics arranged so that parts of three circles overlap each other, and includes seven regions separated by the graphics. Further, Red (red), Green (green), Blue (blue), Cyan (cyan), Magenta (magenta), Yellow (yellow), and White (white) are assigned to each of the seven regions.

  Each of the plurality of areas included in the color chart of the color selection unit 142 also functions as a software key. For this reason, the user can select (designate) the color set in the area as a designated color by touching the area with the desired color.

  However, when the designated color is selected, the area corresponding to the designated color in the color chart of the color selection unit 142 is displayed with emphasis over other areas.

  On the other hand, when a designated color is selected, an area corresponding to a color other than the designated color in the color chart of the color selection unit 142 is displayed in grayout (or translucent) and invalidated. For this reason, even if the area | region corresponding to colors other than a designated color is touched, it will be in the state which is not selected.

  For example, when Cyan (cyan) is selected as the designated color, in the area corresponding to Cyan (cyan), characters displayed in the area are displayed larger, or the outline of the area is thickened. . On the other hand, areas corresponding to colors other than Cyan are displayed in gray out and are invalidated.

  The density area selection unit 144 is provided to allow the user to select a density area for adjusting the density of the designated color after color conversion. The designated color includes a plurality of density regions divided according to the density. Specifically, the designated color includes a low density area, a medium density area, and a high density area. For example, when the color density is represented by 256 levels of values from 0 to 255, the area represented by the values from 0 to 85 is set as the low density area, and the area represented by the values from 86 to 170 is set to the middle. A density region is set, and a region represented by a numerical value of 171 to 255 is a high density region.

  The density region selection unit 144 displays a first adjustment unit corresponding to each of the low concentration region, the medium concentration region, and the high concentration region. Each first adjustment unit includes a bar extending in the vertical direction and a slider moved in the vertical direction along the bar. However, the slider is positioned at the center of the bar in the vertical direction in the initial state. When the display area of the first adjustment unit is touched, the first adjustment unit is selected as the first adjustment unit for adjustment. When the first adjustment unit for adjustment is selected, the slider of the first adjustment unit can be moved. The slider is moved by a user operation (for example, a slide operation) or a touch operation on a density adjusting unit 146 described later.

  However, when the first adjustment unit for adjustment is selected, the first adjustment unit for adjustment is displayed more emphasized than the other first adjustment units.

  On the other hand, when the first adjustment unit for adjustment is selected, the other first adjustment units are displayed in grayout or the like and invalidated. For this reason, even if the other first adjustment unit is touched, it is not selected.

  For example, when the first adjustment unit corresponding to the low concentration region is selected as the first adjustment unit for adjustment, the first adjustment unit corresponding to the low concentration region includes the slider and the bar with the other first adjustment units. Are given different suitable colors, the slider is displayed larger, or the lines constituting the bar are thickened. On the other hand, each of the first adjustment unit corresponding to the medium density region and the first adjustment unit corresponding to the high density region is displayed in gray out and is invalidated.

  In the second embodiment, the change icon is displayed for each setting item included in the job setting condition on the confirmation screen. However, the change corresponding to the setting item changed from the initial setting (default setting) is displayed. The icon may be highlighted and displayed. For example, a pattern is added to the changed icon corresponding to the setting item changed from the initial setting, an appropriate color is added, or the outline of the icon is thickened. Further, only the change icon corresponding to the setting item changed from the initial setting may be displayed on the confirmation screen.

  In each first adjustment unit, the density of the designated color in the corresponding density region after color conversion is adjusted by moving (changing) the position of the slider. When the position of the slider of the first adjustment unit is moved downward, the density after color conversion decreases. Further, when the slider position of the first adjustment unit is moved upward, the density after color conversion increases.

  The density adjustment unit 146 is provided to move the slider of the first adjustment unit. That is, the density adjustment unit 146 is provided for adjusting the density after color conversion of the designated color. Specifically, the density adjustment unit 146 includes a first key 146a and a second key 146b. Each of the first key 146a and the second key 146b is a software key. However, the first key 146a and the second key 146b are displayed when the first adjustment unit for adjustment is selected, and are not displayed when the first adjustment unit for adjustment is not selected. .

  The first key 146a is a key to which a function for moving the slider of the first adjustment unit upward is assigned. That is, the first key 146a is a key to which a function for increasing the density of the designated color after color conversion is assigned. When the first key 146a is touched, the slider of the first adjustment unit for adjustment is moved upward. Moving. The second key 146b is a key to which a function for moving the slider of the first adjustment unit downward is assigned. That is, the second key 146b is a key to which a function for reducing the density of the designated color after color conversion is assigned. When the second key 146b is touched, the slider of the first adjustment unit for adjustment is moved downward. Move to. Note that, for each of the first key 146a and the second key 146b, an appropriate character or figure indicating the assigned function is written.

  As described above, in the adjustment unit 140, the density of the designated color after color conversion can be adjusted for each of a plurality of density regions by a user operation (adjustment operation). However, the adjustment unit 140 is provided with a check box 152 assigned to move the sliders of the first adjustment units at once. The check box 152 is checked according to the user's touch input. When the check box 152 is checked, when the slider of any of the first adjustment units is moved, the sliders of the other first adjustment units are also moved to the same position in the vertical direction as the moved sliders. . That is, the sliders of the first adjustment units are moved together. This is the same regardless of whether the slider is moved by a slide operation or when the slider is moved by a touch operation on the density adjustment unit 146.

  The OK key 150 is a key to which a function for applying (determining) a state in which the density of the designated color after color conversion is adjusted is assigned. When the OK key 150 is touched, the density setting after the color conversion of the designated color is confirmed, the adjustment unit 140 is closed (hidden), and the confirmation unit 160 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  As in the case where the function selection unit 120 is displayed on the display 22, while the adjustment unit 140 is displayed on the display 22, no operation other than touching a key or the like included in the adjustment unit 140 can be performed. It has become.

  A plurality of designated colors can be selected. When a plurality of designated colors are selected, the density after color conversion is adjusted for each designated color.

  The confirmation unit 160 is a screen for confirming the setting for the density of the designated color after color conversion, and is displayed on the front of the copy setting screen 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the confirmation unit 160 is displayed at the position where the adjustment unit 140 was displayed. The confirmation unit 160 is provided with a first index image 162, a second index image 164, an OK key 166, and the like.

  The first index image 162 is a color image corresponding to the color chart of the color selection unit 142 of the adjustment unit 140 described above.

  The second index image 164 is an image corresponding to a monochrome image when the first index image 162 is color-converted. However, the second index image 164 reflects the setting for the density after the color conversion of the specified color described above. For this reason, the user can confirm the density after color conversion of the designated color adjusted by the adjustment unit 140.

  When the OK key 166 is touched, the confirmation unit 160 is closed (hidden), and the basic-state copy setting screen 100 as shown in FIG.

  Next, a method for color-converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image will be described. The color image is color-converted into a grayscale monochrome image according to a color conversion table described later. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a color conversion table. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of a color conversion table in three-dimensional coordinates.

  In the first embodiment, the color conversion table is a so-called lookup table. This color conversion table is created in advance, and corresponding data is stored in the HDD 28 of the image forming apparatus 10, read out when image processing is executed, and stored in the RAM 14.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the color conversion table includes columns for input values and output values. An input value in the color conversion table is a value representing a color in a color image. For example, in the case of the RGB color system, the input value includes three pigment levels (color values) of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Each of the three dye levels is represented by 8 bits (0-255). For this reason, in the case of the RGB color system, values representing each of the 16,777,216 colors represented by the three pigment levels are described in a predetermined order in the input value column. In the case of the RGB color system, as shown in FIG. 8, when the three pigment levels are represented by three-dimensional coordinates, all colors are within a cubic range in which the length of one side is represented by 255. expressed.

  The output value in the color conversion table is a value representing the density (gradation) in a grayscale monochrome image corresponding to each of the input values (colors in the color image), and is set in advance for each input value. . This output value is expressed by 8 bits (0 to 255). However, black (the darkest color) is “0”, and white (the lightest color) is “255”. That is, in the color conversion table of the first embodiment, the smaller the output value, the higher the density. In this color conversion table, the output value may be the same numerical value even for different colors (input values).

  For example, in the color conversion table of the first embodiment, the output value corresponding to red (R, G, B = 255, 0, 0) is 77, and green (R, G, B = 0, 255, 0). The output value corresponding to is 150, and the output value corresponding to blue (R, G, B = 0, 0, 255) is 28. The output value corresponding to yellow (R, G, B = 255, 255, 0) is 227, and the output value corresponding to cyan (R, G, B = 0, 255, 255) is 179, The output value corresponding to magenta (R, G, B = 255, 0, 255) is 105. Further, for colors other than those described above, for example, the output value corresponding to light yellowish green (R, G, B = 200, 255, 128) is 225.

  When the density of the specified color after color conversion is adjusted, the output value of the specified color and the output value of the color near the specified color are adjusted. However, the color near the designated color is a color close to the designated color, and is not a color described in the vicinity (upper and lower) of the designated color in the color conversion table shown in FIG. It means a color located in the vicinity of the designated color (for example, next to or near the designated color) in the three-dimensional coordinates shown. The color located near the designated color means, for example, a color corresponding to a coordinate within a distance of 10 or less from the coordinate of the designated color in the three-dimensional coordinates.

  For example, when the above-described light yellow-green (R, G, B = 200, 255, 128) is selected as the designated color and adjusted so that the density after color conversion is increased, the output value of the designated color It is adjusted so that the numerical value of becomes smaller. That is, a predetermined adjustment value is subtracted from the output value of the designated color. For example, the output value of the designated color is subtracted from 225 to 200 by 25. In addition, the colors near the designated color are adjusted so that the output value becomes small according to the proximity from the designated color. However, the adjustment value of the color near the designated color is set so that the absolute value is smaller than the adjustment value of the designated color (so that the adjustment width is small). For example, when the output value of the designated color is subtracted by 25, the output value corresponding to the color adjacent to the designated color is subtracted by 15. Further, the output value corresponding to the color adjacent to the color adjacent to the designated color is subtracted by 5. In this way, the density after color conversion of the color near the designated color is adjusted stepwise (slowly) with the designated color as the center.

  Although detailed explanation is omitted, when the density after color conversion is adjusted to be low, the numerical value of the output value corresponding to the designated color and the color near the designated color is adjusted to be large. .

  When the color image is converted into a grayscale monochrome image, the output value of the color conversion table is applied to the color other than the specified color and the color near the specified color among the colors included in the color image. The adjusted numerical value (adjusted output value) is applied to the designated color and colors near the designated color. For this reason, a monochrome image reflecting the setting of the density of the designated color after color conversion is generated.

  Note that the density of the designated color after color conversion is set when the main power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off, when a predetermined job is completed, or when the image forming apparatus 10 is switched to the power saving mode. Deleted. That is, the setting for the density of the designated color after color conversion is initialized.

  The above-described operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the CPU 12 executing a control program stored in the RAM 14. Specific processing will be described later with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 70 of the RAM 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the RAM 14 includes a program storage area 72 and a data storage area 74. As described above, the control program is stored in the program storage area 72 of the RAM 14. The control program includes a display program 72a, an operation detection program 72b, a communication program 72c, a color conversion program 72d, a designated color setting program 72e, an adjustment program 72f, an image reading program 72g, and an image forming program 72h.

  The display program 72 a controls the GPU to generate display image data corresponding to various screens such as the home screen or the copy setting screen 100 using image generation data 74 b described later, and outputs the display image data to the display 22. It is a program.

  The operation detection program 72b is a program for detecting an operation on each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the operation detection program 72b is a program for acquiring touch coordinate data output from the touch panel 20 and detecting that software keys included in various screens displayed on the display 22 have been operated. The operation detection program 72b is also a program for detecting an operation input from the operation button 26a.

  The communication program 72c is a program for communicating with an external computer or the like via a network.

  The color conversion program 72d is a program for converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image with reference to a color conversion table. Specifically, it is a program for referring to a color conversion table and outputting an output value representing a density in a grayscale monochrome image according to an input value corresponding to a color included in the color image. However, when there is adjusted output value data 74e to be described later, the color conversion program 72d replaces the output value described in the color conversion table with a numerical value (adjusted output value) indicated by the adjusted output value data 74e. ).

  The designated color setting program 72e predetermines the color of the display position corresponding to the touch position indicated by the touch coordinate data detected according to the operation detection program 72b in the image such as the color chart of the color selection unit 142 displayed on the adjustment unit 140. It is a program for setting the acquired color as a designated color according to the user's operation and according to the user's operation.

  The adjustment program 72f determines the density (specified color and specified color) of the designated color and colors near the designated color according to the position of the slider in each first adjustment unit of the density area selection unit 144 displayed on the adjustment unit 140. This is a program for generating adjusted output value data 74e for adjusting an output value corresponding to a color near the color.

  The image reading program 72g controls the image reading unit 30 to read (scan) an image of a document placed on the document placing table and output an image signal (scanned image data) corresponding to the read image. It is a program.

  The image forming program 72h is a program for controlling the image forming unit 32 to form a multicolor or single color image on a recording medium (paper) in accordance with image data such as output image data 74g.

  Although not shown, the program storage area 72 also stores programs for selecting and executing various functions provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

  The data storage area 74 of the RAM 14 stores data such as operation input data 74a, image generation data 74b, table data 74c, designated color data 74d, adjusted output value data 74e, input image data 74f, and output image data 74g. The

  The operation input data 74a is, for example, touch coordinate data or / and operation data detected (acquired) according to the operation detection program 72b. The detected touch coordinate data and / or operation data is stored in time series.

  The image generation data 74 b is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data displayed on the display 22 and corresponding to various screens such as the home screen and the copy setting screen 100. The image generation data 74b includes software key image data and the like.

  The table data 74c includes the color conversion table data described above. However, this table data 74c is stored, for example, in the HDD 28 of the image forming apparatus 10. The table data 74 c is read from the HDD 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 and stored in the RAM 14.

  The designated color data 74d is data for specifying (identifying) a designated color among colors represented by input values described in the color conversion table. Specifically, in the case of the RGB color system, the data includes the numerical values of the three pigment levels. The designated color data 74d includes data for specifying a color near the designated color.

  The post-adjustment output value data 74e is numerical data obtained by adjusting output values corresponding to the designated color generated in accordance with the adjustment program 72f and colors near the designated color. The adjusted output value data 74e is deleted when the main power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned off, when a predetermined job is completed, or when the image forming apparatus 10 is switched to the power saving mode. .

  The input image data 74f is image data corresponding to a color image that is the basis of color conversion into a grayscale monochrome image. For example, the input image data 74f is read image data read by the image reading unit 30, or image data such as image data transmitted from an external computer.

  The output image data 74g is image data corresponding to a monochrome image obtained by color-converting a color image corresponding to the input image data 74f in accordance with the color conversion program 72d.

  Although not shown, the data storage area 74 stores other data necessary for execution of the control program, and is provided with a timer (counter) and a register necessary for execution of the control program.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of image processing of the CPU 12 shown in FIG. This image processing is started when a predetermined job is selected on the home screen.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when image processing is started, the CPU 12 determines whether or not to perform setting for gray conversion (setting for density after color conversion of a specified color) in step S1. Here, it is determined whether or not the gray conversion key 122a has been selected. If “NO” in the step S1, that is, if it is determined not to set the density after the color conversion of the specified color, other processes are executed in a step S3, and the image processing is ended. The other processes executed in step S3 include a process for selecting each job according to a user instruction, a process for performing various settings for each job, and a process for starting or stopping each job.

  If “YES” in the step S1, that is, if it is determined that the density after the color conversion of the designated color is set, the adjusting unit 140 is displayed on the display 22 in a step S5, and the step S7 is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the designated color has been selected. Here, it is determined whether any of a plurality of regions included in the color chart has been selected.

  If “NO” in the step S7, that is, if it is determined that the designated color is not selected, the process returns to the step S7. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S7, that is, if it is determined that the designated color is selected, the designated color is set in the step S9, an adjustment operation is accepted in the step S11, and the process proceeds to the step S13. . In step S11, the display content of the adjustment unit 140 (for example, the position of the slider of the first adjustment unit) is changed according to the user's adjustment operation. Subsequently, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the adjustment is completed. Here, it is determined whether or not the OK key 150 is selected in the adjustment unit 140.

  If “NO” in the step S13, that is, if it is determined that the adjustment is not completed, the process returns to the step S11. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S13, that is, if it is determined that the adjustment is completed, the adjusted output value data 74e is generated in a step S15, and the confirmation unit 160 is displayed on the display 22 in a step S17. In step S19, it is determined whether or not to end the image processing. Here, it is determined whether or not the OK key 166 has been selected in the confirmation unit 160.

  If “NO” in the step S19, that is, if it is determined that the image processing is not ended, the process returns to the step S19. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S19, that is, if it is determined that the image processing is to be ended, the image processing is ended.

  According to the first embodiment, the density after color conversion to the gray scale can be finely adjusted for the designated color designated by the user, so that the degree of freedom of adjustment is increased and the usability is good. . For example, when the density after color conversion of light colors such as fluorescent colors is increased to improve visibility, the density after color conversion of any color is reduced and converted to grayscale. You can also hide it.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the density after the color conversion of the designated color can be adjusted for each density area of the designated color, so that the density setting after the color conversion of the designated color can be finely adjusted. it can.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the adjustment unit 140 presents a plurality of colors that are candidates for the designated color to the user, the color that is desired to be designated as the designated color can be visually recognized. Further, in the adjustment unit 140, the designated color candidate is not limited to the fluorescent color, so that the designated color can be freely designated.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the user can touch a region with a desired color on the color chart of the color selection unit 142 and designate the color set in the region as the designated color. For this reason, it is possible to visually recognize the color to be designated as the designated color, and it is easy to designate the designated color.

  In the first embodiment described above, the density after color conversion of the designated color is adjusted according to the position of the slider of the first adjustment unit, but it is not necessary to be limited to this. For example, instead of the slide bar as described above, a text box is provided in the first adjustment unit, and the density of the specified color after color conversion is adjusted according to the numerical value input to the text box by touching the numeric keypad. You may be made to do. For example, the width of the numerical value input in the text box is changed from “0” to “255”, and the smaller the numerical value, the higher the density after the color conversion of the designated color, and the larger the numerical value, the density after the color conversion of the designated color. May be lowered. In this way, the setting for the density of the designated color after color conversion can be adjusted more finely.

  In the first embodiment described above, the user is allowed to select a designated color from the color chart of the color selection unit 142. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fluorescent color check box assigned to select the fluorescent color as the designated color is provided in the adjustment unit 140, and the fluorescent color is selected as the designated color by checking the fluorescent color check box. You may be made to do. In this case, it is automatically determined whether the color image before color conversion includes a fluorescent color, and the fluorescent color included in the color image before color conversion is selected as the designated color. good. As a method for determining whether or not a color image before color conversion includes a fluorescent color, a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-357010 by the present applicant can be used.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the first key 146a and the second key 146b are displayed when the first adjustment unit for adjustment is selected, but it is not necessary to be limited to this. . For example, when the adjustment unit 140 is displayed, the first key 146a and the second key 146b may be displayed from the beginning.
[Second Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that when previewing a scanned image, the setting for the density after color conversion of the designated color can be adjusted. Therefore, the contents different from the first embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100 including a preview image 180 before adjustment in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100 including a preview image 180 after adjustment in the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when the preview key 106 is selected on the copy setting screen 100, the image reading unit 30 scans the document.

  However, in the second embodiment, after the document is scanned, an operation screen for selecting a color setting which is one of the setting conditions for the copy job is displayed on the display 22. For example, a color setting screen including a monochrome icon corresponding to “monochrome mode” for executing monochrome copy and a color icon corresponding to “color mode” for executing color copy is displayed on the display 22. Also good. Further, instead of the color setting screen, the copy setting screen 100 may be provided with a monochrome icon and a color icon.

  When either the monochrome icon or the color icon is touched, the color setting corresponding to the touched icon is selected.

  When the color setting is selected, a scanned image (preview image) 180 is displayed on the display 22 as shown in FIG.

  The preview image 180 is displayed so as to overlap the front of the copy setting screen 100 and is displayed at the center of the display area of the display 22. However, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the color setting is set to “monochrome mode”. In this case, if the image on the document surface is a color image, a grayscale monochrome image that is color-converted based on the color image is displayed as a preview image 180. Here, the preview image 180 that is displayed first after the preview key 106 is selected is not set for the density after the color conversion of the designated color, so that the color conversion is performed according to the color conversion table without adjustment. Monochrome image.

  When the preview image 180 is displayed on the display 22, a gray conversion key 182 for setting the density after color conversion of the designated color is displayed on the copy setting screen 100. The gray conversion key 182 is assigned the same function as the gray conversion key 122a described in the first embodiment.

  Here, when the gray conversion key 182 is selected, the adjustment unit 140 described in the first embodiment is displayed on the display 22, and the density of the designated color after the color conversion can be set. Note that the setting method for the density of the designated color after color conversion is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the setting for the density of the designated color after color conversion is completed and the OK key 166 is touched in the confirmation unit 160, the confirmation unit 160 is closed and a preview image 180 is displayed as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. The preview image 180 displays a monochrome image that reflects the setting for the density of the specified color after color conversion.

  When the black and white start key 108 is selected on the copy setting screen 100, a copy job is executed. However, in a copy job, monochrome image data that reflects the setting of density after color conversion of a specified color is used as print image data. Further, the gray conversion key 182 is displayed even after the setting for the density of the designated color after color conversion is adjusted. For this reason, it is possible to select the gray conversion key 182 and set the density after the color conversion of the designated color again.

  However, in the second embodiment, the display mode of the monochrome start key 108 or the display mode of the color start key 110 is changed according to the color setting. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, since the color setting is set to “monochrome mode”, the color start key 110 is displayed in gray out. When the color setting is set to “black and white mode”, the color start key 110 may be displayed in a normal display or gray out, and the black and white start key 108 may be highlighted. Further, when the color setting is set to “color mode”, the monochrome start key 108 may be displayed in gray out, or the color start key 110 may be highlighted. Further, when the black and white start key 108 and the color start key 110 are displayed in gray out, even if they are touched, they may be in a non-selected state.

  Hereinafter, the image processing in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. The same processing as the image processing described in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description of the duplicated contents is omitted. Will be or briefly explained.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of image processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a part of an example of image processing in the second embodiment, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, when the image processing is started, the CPU 12 determines whether or not to execute a preview in step S31. Here, it is determined whether or not the preview key 106 has been selected on the copy setting screen 100.

  If “NO” in the step S31, that is, if it is determined not to execute the preview, the process proceeds to the step S1 without executing the preview. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S31, that is, if it is determined that the preview is to be executed, the document is scanned in a step S33, and the preview image 180 is displayed on the display 22 in a step S35. Proceed to step S1.

  As shown in FIG. 14, if “YES” in the step S19, the CPU 12 determines whether or not to execute the preview in a step S37. Here, it is determined whether or not the preview image 180 has been displayed on the display 22 in step S35. If “NO” in the step S37, that is, if it is determined that the preview is not executed, the image processing is ended without executing the preview. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S37, that is, if it is determined that the preview is to be executed, a preview image 180 reflecting the setting of the density after the color conversion of the designated color is displayed on the display 22 in a step S39. Then, the image processing ends.

  Note that the contents of the processing from step S1 to step S19 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  According to the second embodiment, when the scanned image is previewed, the setting for the density after the color conversion of the designated color can be finely adjusted, which is easy to use.

  According to the second embodiment, the preview image reflecting the setting of the density after the color conversion of the designated color is displayed, so that the user can check the preview image and check the density after the color conversion of the designated color. About the settings can be adjusted.

In the second embodiment described above, the designated color is selected from the color chart of the color selection unit 142 as in the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the color image displayed on the preview image 180, the color at an arbitrary position selected by the user may be designated as the designated color. In this way, since the color actually included in the color image can be designated as the designated color, the setting for the density after color conversion can be adjusted more appropriately. In addition, since it is possible to set the density after color conversion for colors not included in the color chart of the color selection unit 142, the degree of freedom of adjustment is increased.
[Third embodiment]
In the image forming apparatus 10 of the third embodiment, the second embodiment is performed except that an adjustment range is set for the color image and the setting for the density after the color conversion of the designated color is reflected within the adjustment range. Since it is the same as the example, the contents different from those of the second embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100 including a preview image 200 before color conversion in the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing one example of a copy setting screen 100 including a preview image 220 after color conversion in the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when the preview key 106 is selected on the copy setting screen 100, the document is scanned by the image reading unit 30, and the scanned image (preview image) 200 is displayed on the display 22 as shown in FIG. Is displayed. However, the preview image 200 is an image before color conversion into a monochrome image, and a color image scanned by the image reading unit 30 is displayed as the preview image 200.

  When the preview image 200 is displayed on the display 22, the copy setting screen 100 is provided with a gray conversion key 202 and a range setting key 204. The gray conversion key 202 is assigned the same function as the gray conversion key 122a described in the first embodiment. The range setting key 204 is assigned a function for setting the adjustment range 206 in the preview image 200 to reflect the setting of the density of the specified color after color conversion. When the range setting key 204 is selected, the adjustment range 206 can be set.

  For example, as a method for setting the adjustment range 206, the user may be able to specify the range by touching two points in the display range of the preview image 200, or a frame indicating the adjustment range 206 may be provided on the preview image 200. The range may be displayed so that the user can specify the range by changing or moving the size of the frame. In this way, the adjustment range 206 is set by the user's touch input.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 can recognize an object (for example, a seal, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and various marks) included in the color image, the range including the display range of the object is the adjustment range. It may be automatically set as 206.

  Then, after the adjustment range 206 is set, when the gray conversion key 202 is selected and the setting for the density after the color conversion of the specified color is adjusted, the setting for the density after the color conversion of the specified color is reflected. The preview image 220 is displayed on the display 22. However, the preview image 220 is a grayscale monochrome image that is color-converted based on the color image (preview image 200) scanned by the image reading unit 30. Here, in the preview image 220, the setting for the density after color conversion of the specified color is applied only within the adjustment range 206. That is, the setting for the density of the specified color after color conversion is not applied outside the adjustment range 206.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the adjustment range 206 is set so as to include the characters “abcdef” described in the upper part of the preview image, and the color after the color conversion of the designated color is performed so that the density after color conversion becomes low. When the density setting is adjusted, as shown in FIG. 16, the density after color conversion of “abcdef” included in the adjustment range 206 becomes low. However, the range other than the adjustment range 206 is color-converted according to the color conversion table without being adjusted.

  Hereinafter, the image processing in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. The same processing as the image processing described in the second embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description of the duplicated contents is omitted. Will be or briefly explained.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of image processing in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, when image processing is started, the CPU 12 scans a document in step S33, displays a preview image 200 before color conversion on the display 22 in step S51, In S53, it is determined whether or not the adjustment range 206 is set. Here, it is determined whether or not the range setting key 204 has been selected.

  If “NO” in the step S53, that is, if it is determined that the adjustment range 206 is not set, the process proceeds to the step S1 without setting the adjustment range 206. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S53, that is, if it is determined that the adjustment range 206 is set, it is determined whether or not the adjustment range 206 is set in a step S55.

  If “NO” in the step S55, that is, if the adjustment range 206 is not set, the process returns to the same step S55. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S55, that is, if the adjustment range 206 is set, the adjustment range 206 is set in a step S57, and the process proceeds to the step S1.

  The contents of the processing after step S31 and step S1 are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. However, if the adjustment range 206 is set in step S57, adjusted output value data 74e is generated in the range of the adjustment range 206 in step S15. That is, the adjusted output value data 74e is not generated outside the adjustment range 206.

  According to the third embodiment, the adjustment range 206 is set in the color image, and the density after the color conversion of the designated color is adjusted within the range of the adjustment range 206. The degree of freedom of adjustment when setting the density of the toner increases, and it is easy to use.

  In the third embodiment described above, an example is described in which, after the adjustment range 206 is set, the setting for the density after color conversion of the designated color is adjusted in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. However, it need not be limited to this. For example, all colors included in the adjustment range 206 in the color image may be automatically designated as the designated colors. In this way, it is possible to increase the density or decrease the density for the entire adjustment range 206. The degree of freedom of adjustment is increased and it is easy to use.

  In the third embodiment, the adjustment range 206 for adjusting the density after conversion of the designated color is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a non-adjustment range in which the density after conversion of the designated color is not adjusted may be set. In this case, the setting for the density after the color conversion of the designated color is not applied within the non-adjustment range. For this reason, when there is a range where it is not desired to apply the setting for the density of the specified color after color conversion, the user can freely set the non-adjustable range.

  In the above-described embodiment, a copy job has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a scan job. When the scan job is executed, read image data in which the setting for the density after the color conversion of the specified color is adjusted is generated.

  In the above-described embodiments, the RGB color system color conversion table has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the RGB color system color conversion table, a YMCK color system color conversion table may be used.

  Furthermore, the numerical values, screens, specific configurations, and the like given in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to actual products. Moreover, as long as the same result is obtained for each step of the flowchart shown in the above-described embodiment, the processing order can be changed as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 12 ... CPU
14 ... RAM
28: Storage unit (HDD)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Image reading part 32 ... Image formation part 100 ... Copy setting screen 140 ... Adjustment part

Claims (10)

Color conversion means for color-converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image using a color conversion table;
A designated color setting means for setting a designated color to be subjected to density adjustment when the color conversion means converts the color into the monochrome image; and the designated color set in the designated color setting means. An image processing apparatus comprising adjustment means for adjusting density after color conversion after color conversion by the color conversion means. The designated color includes a plurality of density regions divided according to density,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density of the designated color after the color conversion can be adjusted for each density area of the designated color. Further comprising range setting means for setting a predetermined adjustment range in the color image;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the density after the color conversion of the designated color within the adjustment range set by the range setting unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display; and display means for causing the display to display a selection screen for allowing a user to select the designated color.   The image processing according to claim 4, wherein a color chart including a plurality of colors is displayed on the selection screen, and the designated color is a color selected by a user among a plurality of colors included in the color chart. apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the color image is displayed on the selection screen, and the designated color is a color at a position selected by a user in the color image. The display means causes the display to display a color start key for executing a job provided in the image processing apparatus in a color mode and a monochrome start key for executing the job in a monochrome mode.
An image reading unit for scanning an image from a document,
Condition setting means for setting a setting condition for the job in response to a user operation, and after the scan is executed in the image reading unit, the color setting is performed according to the setting condition set by the condition setting means. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising display changing means for changing a display mode of the start key or a display mode of the monochrome start key.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A control program for an image forming apparatus,
A processor of the image forming apparatus;
Color conversion means for color-converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image using a color conversion table;
Of the colors included in the color image, a setting unit that sets a designated color to be subjected to density adjustment when the color conversion unit performs color conversion to the monochrome image, and the designation set in the setting unit A control program that causes a color to function as an adjustment unit that adjusts a density after color conversion after the specified color is color-converted into the monochrome image by the color conversion unit. The processor of the image forming apparatus
(A) color-converting a color image into a grayscale monochrome image using a color conversion table;
(B) Of the colors included in the color image, a step of setting a designated color to be subjected to density adjustment when the color is converted into the monochrome image in the step (a), and (c) the step ( A control method for executing a step of adjusting the density after color conversion of the specified color set in b) after the specified color is color-converted into the monochrome image in step (a).