JP2023048823A - Image processing device, image processing method and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To correctly display an image that is printed out by multi-size dot printing in detail on a display screen of a display device.SOLUTION: An image processing device for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device comprises: a first image generation unit which generates printing image data constituting a printing image formed with multi-size dots by inputting image data; an input unit which receives selection of color information on colors displayed on the display screen out of color information included in the printing image data; a second image generation unit which generates display image data constituting a display image formed with single size dots by performing color conversion of the printing image data based on the selected color information received by the input unit on the basis of the dot size and the color information on the dot; and an output unit which outputs the display image data to the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

Conventionally, print data such as images such as lines, characters, figures, and photographs are rasterized to generate an image for printing, and before printing out the image, the finished state of the image is displayed on the display screen of the display device. Color proofing (soft proofing) for confirming is performed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

According to this soft proofing, it is possible to proofread and check images on the display screen without actually outputting the printed matter of the image, thus reducing the waste of printing resources such as printing paper and ink and shortening the work time. There are advantages such as being able to In addition, there is an image processing device that allows confirmation of an enlarged portion on the display screen of the display device (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2018-191240 A JP 2010-166113 A

Inkjet printers are known for multi-size dot printing in which ink dot sizes are used for printing. It is not considered to display an image on the display screen based on the color change due to the ink, and in the case of enlarged display, it is not possible to confirm the change due to the ink dot size or the used color of the ink.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing method capable of displaying an image printed out by multi-size dot printing accurately and in detail on a display screen of a display device. The purpose is to provide an image processing program.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention displays an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, wherein the image data is input and an image for printing is formed by multi-size dots. an input unit for receiving selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among the color information included in the image data for printing; Display image data for forming a display image composed of single-sized dots by color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received by the input unit based on the dot size and dot color information. and an output unit for outputting the display image data to the display device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first image generation unit generates the image data for printing by referring to an input profile of the image data and an output profile of a print output device, and the second image generation unit is configured to: The display image data is generated by referring to a conversion table for converting the color information according to the display profile of the display device and the dot size.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the second image generator converts the brightness of the color information with reference to the conversion table.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the second image generation unit includes a navigation image obtained by reducing and displaying the display image data constituting a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined regions, and the A proof image is generated by enlarging and displaying one of the plurality of divided images.

An image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, wherein the image data is input and an image for printing is formed by multi-size dots. an input step of receiving selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among the color information included in the image data for printing; Display image data for forming a display image formed of single-size dots by color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on the dot size and dot color information. and an outputting step of outputting the display image data to the display device.

An image processing program according to the present invention is an image processing program for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, wherein the image data is input to a computer to form multi-size dots. a first image generating step of generating image data for printing constituting an image for printing to be printed; and receiving selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among the color information included in the image data for printing. a display image formed of single-sized dots by color-converting the printing image data based on the color information selected in the input step based on the dot size and dot color information; A second image generation step of generating image data for display to constitute the image data and an output step of outputting the image data for display to the display device are executed.

According to the present invention, an image printed out by multi-size dot printing can be displayed accurately and in detail on the display screen of the display device.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the hardware constitutions of the same image processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining multi-size dots, their dot sizes, and data structure; It is a figure which shows an example of the conversion table used for the color conversion by the same image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the conversion example using a conversion table. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of an image processing procedure by the same image processing apparatus; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a display image on a display screen of a display device; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a dot group forming part of a display image; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example of the display image on the display screen of the display device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example of the display image on the display screen of the display device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example of the display image on the display screen of the display device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example of the display image on the display screen of the display device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example of the display image on the display screen of the display device; 8 is a flow chart showing another example of an image processing procedure by the same image processing apparatus; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an edit screen on the display screen of the display device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display image based on a print image in which corrections have been reflected;

An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the invention. . In addition, in the present embodiment, the arrangement, scale, size, etc. of each component may be exaggerated or dwarfed, and some components may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a functional configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can be configured as, for example, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) apparatus. The image processing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a raster image conversion section 2, a print image data generation section 3, a display image data generation section 4, a storage section 5, and an operation section 6. FIG.

The image processing apparatus 1 includes, externally, a print data input unit 7 such as a print data generation device for inputting print data including image data, a display 8 as a display device, an inkjet printer 9 as a printout device, and the like. can be connected. Note that the display 8 may be included in the operation unit 6 of the image processing apparatus 1 .

The raster image conversion unit 2 receives from an external print data input unit 7 print data composed of image data such as lines, characters, figures, photographs, etc. such as PDF (Portable Document Format) and PS (PostScript: registered trademark), It is converted into raster image data (CMYK data), which is image data such as a TIFF image made up of raster data.

The print image data generation unit 3 has a color conversion unit 3a and a halftone processing unit 3b, and performs various conversion processes on the image data (raster image data) from the raster image conversion unit 2 to generate multi-size dots for printing. Generate image data. The image data for printing includes not only the four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), but also light cyan (Lc) and light magenta (Lm). 6 colors, 8 colors added light black (Lk) and special color ink orange (O) or green (G), or white (W) and varnish (V) (clear ink) added to CMYK It may be composed of 6-color data.

The display image data generator 4 generates display image data for preview from the print image data from the print image data generator 3 . The display image data generation unit 4 also functions as an output unit that outputs the image data to the display 8 .

The storage unit 5 stores data such as various profiles and conversion tables, data such as display drivers and printer drivers, and various image data converted and generated by each unit. The operation unit 6 receives an operation input from the user of the image processing apparatus 1 via the input unit 6a.

The color conversion section 3a of the print image data generation section 3 refers to at least the input profile of the image data and the output profile of the inkjet printer 9 from the storage section 5, and performs color conversion processing on the image data. Specifically, the color conversion unit 3a first refers to an input profile (ICC profile) such as Japan Color (registered trademark) stored in the storage unit 5 as color management processing, and converts image data (eg, 8 -bit_CMYK data) is developed into, for example, the L*a*b* color space, and color-converted into device-independent color L*a*b* values.

Then, the color conversion unit 3a refers to an output profile (ICC profile) that can be used for the inkjet printer 9 to be used, and converts the L*a*b* values to CMYK values (8- bit_CMYK data) again.

In addition, the color conversion unit 3a performs color calibration processing such as generation of light ink colors (Lc, Lm, Lk), special ink colors (W: White/V: Varnish) for base color printing and thick embossing printing. generation, ink amount adjustment (tone curve adjustment), etc. can be executed. In this manner, the color conversion unit 3a executes general so-called color matching processing including color management processing and color calibration processing.

The halftone processing unit 3b of the print image data generation unit 3 performs halftone processing using an error diffusion method or the like based on the CMYK values (8-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) from the color conversion unit 3a to generate print image data. to CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of multi-size dots of device-dependent colors. Details of the multi-size dot (SML) information will be described later.

The CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of the multi-size dots output from the print image data generator 3 are output to the inkjet printer 9 as print data forming raster image data of the print image. For example, the image processing apparatus 1 can acquire information about the ink set included in the output profile of the inkjet printer 9 from the inkjet printer 9 .

The display image data generation unit 4 converts the CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of the multi-size dots output from the halftone processing unit 3b based on the conversion table 30 (see FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 5. , to RGB values (8-bit_RGB data) of device-dependent colors forming a display image formed by single size (uniform size) dots. The display image data generator 4 outputs the display image data made up of the 8-bit_RGB data to the display 8 . Details of the conversion table 30 will be described later.

The image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, so that the image for printing (CMYK data) printed out by the inkjet printer 9 by multi-size dot printing is displayed on the display screen of the display 8. Since the data can be appropriately converted into an image for display (RGB data) to be printed, it is possible to accurately display the image for printing on the display 8 before actually printing out, for example. This makes it possible to save printing resources and shorten the working time. The print image data generation unit 3 and display image data generation unit 4 function as a first image generation unit that generates print image data and a second image generation unit that generates expression image data, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 1 has a hardware configuration similar to a computer, including a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, an HDD (hard disk drive) 14, and an SSD (solid state drive) 15. Prepare. The image processing apparatus 1 also includes an input I/F (interface) 16 , an output I/F (interface) 17 , and a communication I/F (interface) 18 . Components 11 to 18 of the image processing apparatus 1 are connected to each other via a bus 10 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The CPU 11 controls the overall image processing apparatus 1 by executing various programs stored in the RAM 12, ROM 13, HDD 14, SSD 15, etc., and executes the image processing program to control the raster image conversion section 2, the printing It implements the functions of the image data generator 3 and the display image data generator 4 . The RAM 12 can be used as a work area for the CPU 11, for example, for drawing/developing various image data. The ROM 13 stores the above various programs in a readable manner, for example. The HDD 14 and SSD 15 store various data in a readable and writable manner and implement the function of the storage unit 5 described above.

The input I/F 16 is connected to a keyboard 19a, a mouse 19b, and a touch panel 19c functioning as the input section 6a of the operation section 6, and receives information accompanying operation input from the user. An inkjet printer 9 may be connected to the input I/F 16 . For example, the display 8 and the inkjet printer 9 are connected to the output I/F 17, and print data and monitor data are output. The touch panel 19 c may be provided on the display 8 . Note that the image processing apparatus 1 can be connected to an external device 29 via a network 28 via a communication I/F 18 . The external device 29 includes, for example, another remote image processing device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining multi-size dots, their dot sizes, and data structure.
As shown in FIG. 3A, a print image in multi-size dot printing can be composed of dots of a plurality of dot sizes with different dot diameters. A multi-size dot is composed of, for example, a small droplet (S dot) 21, a medium droplet (M dot) 22 larger in diameter than the small droplet, and a large droplet (L dot) 23 larger in diameter than the medium droplet. For example, it is possible to maximize the color representation by four colors of CMYK and to form a high-quality image for printing by comparing with that by single-size dots.

Multi-size dot (SML) information 20, as shown in FIG. 3(b), specifies S dots 21, M dots 22, and L dots 23 that constitute this multi-size dot, for example, by 2-bit data representation. , the S dot 21 can be expressed as "01", the M dot 22 as "10", and the L dot 23 as "11". In addition, when there is no dot, it is expressed as "00".

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion table 30 used for color conversion by the display image data generator 4 of the image processing device 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the conversion table 30 contains CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) representing the dot size and color information of multi-size dots of a print image, and display images of single-size dots representing the CMYK values. Correspondence with RGB values (8-bit_RGB data) is stored.

The conversion table 30 includes, for example, a cyan (C) table 31, a magenta (M) table 32, a yellow (Y) table 33, a black (K) table 34, a light cyan (Lc) table 35, and a light magenta (Lm) table 36. Each color table is included. Color tables for light black (Lk), white (W), varnish (V), orange (O), green (G), etc. are included in the conversion table 30, although not shown. Also good. However, white (W) and varnish (V) are often used as individual colors without being used together with other ink colors. Also, since the varnish (V) is a clear (transparent, varnish) ink, an alternative color (e.g., black) table (not shown) is associated with the ink to confirm where the dots are. You can make it easier.

In each of the color tables 31 to 36, the RGB values in the case of no dots are represented by values such as "255, 255, 255". In the cyan (C) table 31, the RGB values of the S dots 21 are represented by values of "170, 255, 255", the RGB values of the M dots 22 are represented by values of "85, 255, 255", and the L The RGB values of the dots 23 are expressed as "0,255,255".

Similarly, the RGB values of the S dot 21, M dot 22 and L dot 23 are "255, 170, 255", "255, 85, 255" and "255, 0" in the magenta (M) table 32, respectively. , 255”, and in the yellow (Y) table 33 are represented by values of “255, 255, 170”, “255, 255, 85”, and “255, 255, 0” respectively, and black ( K) In the table 34, they are represented by values of "170, 170, 170", "85, 85, 85" and "0, 0, 0" respectively.

Also, in the light cyan (Lc) table 35, the values are expressed as "234, 255, 255", "213, 255, 255", and "191, 255, 255" respectively, and in the light magenta (Lm) table 36, , are represented by the values "255, 234, 255", "255, 213, 255", and "255, 191, 255", respectively.

By referring to the conversion table 30 configured in this way, the display image data generation unit 4 generates monitor data representing the display image obtained by appropriately converting the output image in RGB values (8-bit_RGB data). do. The display image data generation unit 4 may generate the monitor data by simultaneously referring to the display profile of the display 8 stored in the storage unit 5, for example. The above-described conversion table 30 is exemplified by changing the color density of RGB values as color information to correspond to multi-size dots of each color. For example, as shown in FIG. The value may be changed to correspond to multi-size dots of each color.

Specifically, for example, among the color tables 31 to 36, taking the cyan (C) table 31 as an example, the RGB values "170, 255, 255" of the S dots 21 are set to the RGB luminances "67%, 100%, 100%”, the RGB values “85, 255, 255” of the M dots 22 are expressed by RGB brightness “33%, 100%, 100%”, and the RGB values of the L dots 23 are “0, 255, 255 ” can also be represented by RGB brightness “0%, 100%, 100%”. In the display 8, colors can be represented by reading such RGB values as RGB luminance signals.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the image processing procedure by the image processing apparatus 1, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a group of dots forming part of the display image, and FIGS. 9 to 13 show other display examples of the display image on the display screen of the display 8. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing; Note that the image processing in FIG. 6 represents an example of display/print processing in soft proofing by the image processing apparatus 1 .

As shown in FIG. 6, the image processing apparatus 1 inputs print data from the print data input unit 7 (step S100). Next, the raster image conversion unit 2 of the image processing apparatus 1 executes rasterization processing for converting the input print data into raster image data (step S101). Next, the print image data generation unit 3 performs various conversion processing and halftone processing as described above to generate multi-size dot print image data corresponding to the S dots 21, M dots 22, and L dots 23. Generate (step S102).

After that, an instruction by an operation input from the user via the operation unit 6 is accepted (step S103), and when the accepted instruction indicates execution of printing (“print” in step S103), the inkjet printer 9 prints an image for printing. After printing out (step S110), the series of processes according to this flowchart is terminated.

On the other hand, if the received instruction indicates display ("display" in step S103), selection of the ink color to be displayed by the user's operation input via the operation unit 6 is further received (step S104). If the accepted selection of ink color indicates mixed color (full color) ("mixed color" in step S104), the display image data generator 4 generates the print image data from the print image data generator 3, Mixed color display image data corresponding to enlarged display and reduced split display corresponding to multi-size dots of S dots 21, M dots 22 and L dots 23 is generated (step S105). That is, in step S105, for example, when the image data for printing consists of four-color data of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), it is possible to express it with mixed CMYK colors. Display image data that constitutes a display image is generated.

When the accepted selection of ink color indicates a single color ("single color" in step S104), the display image data generation unit 4 converts the above-described display mode according to the multi-size dots, as in the case of mixed colors. Monochromatic display image data of the corresponding selected ink color is generated (step S106). That is, in this step S106, for example, when the selected ink color is yellow (Y) alone, display image data constituting a display image that can be expressed in Y alone is generated. Each display image data is 100% for the ejection of the L dot 23, 67% for the ejection of the M dot 22, and 33% for the ejection of the S dot 21, for example. It is configured so that pixels can be drawn by changing the density. In this monochromatic display image data, for example, when yellow (Y) ink dots are ejected, the pixels of yellow (Y) may be rendered in black (K), or may be configured to be rendered in cyan (C). ), magenta (M), etc. may be configured to be able to draw in black (K).

The display image data generated in steps S105 and S106 may constitute, for example, a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined regions. By doing so, it is possible to increase the speed of image processing (for example, processing related to calculation and drawing) and reduce the processing load.

Thereafter, a display image based on the generated mixed-color or single-color display image data is displayed on the display screen of the display 8 (step S107). Here, if the display-image data constitutes a display image formed by a plurality of divided images as described above, the display-image data further includes a display image corresponding to multi-size dots as described above. An image may be displayed in an enlarged manner, or a plurality of divided images may be displayed in reduced size (that is, reduced divided display). For example, the display image displayed on the display 8 in step S107 can be displayed as shown in FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the display screen of the display 8 displays a preview window 40 for displaying the display image. The preview window 40 has, for example, a main display area 41 and a sub-display area 42 . In the sub-display area 42, a reduced navigation image 43 obtained by dividing the entire display image into a plurality of parts is displayed. When an arbitrary divided image is selected from the plurality of divided images displayed in the navigation image 43 in the selection frame 44 by the user's operation via the operation unit 6, the selected divided image is displayed in the main display area 41. can be displayed (not shown). The user further selects and designates a necessary portion in the enlargement frame 46 and operates the enlargement menu 47 to change the enlargement ratio displayed in the enlargement ratio display window 48, thereby enlarging the specified portion in the main display area 41. The displayed enlarged proof image 45 is displayed (step S108). A user can view this enlarged proof image 45 to confirm the color representation.

Radio buttons 49a, 49b, and 49c for selecting the ink color of the proof image from, for example, "Color", "White" and "Varnish" are provided on the lower side of the preview window 40, for example. These radio buttons 49 a to 49 c are not limited to “Color”, “White” and “Varnish”, and are not necessarily provided below the preview window 40 . Further, for example, on the right side of the radio buttons 49a to 49c, there is provided a pull-down menu 49d for selecting the ink color displayed in the main display area 41 based on the ink set information. The pull-down menu 49d is also not limited to being provided on the right side of the radio buttons 49a to 49c.

The "Color" radio button 49a can be selected when displaying a CMYK color (basic color ink: CMYK) proof image, for example, when the display image data constitutes a display image capable of CMYK mixed color display. In addition, the "Color" radio button 49a displays a proof image in which a light ink color (light color ink: LcLmLk), a special color (special color ink: O, G), etc. are appropriately synthesized depending on the configuration of the display image data. can be selected on occasion. The “White” radio button 49b and the “Varnish” radio button 49c can be selected when displaying proof images composed of white (W) color (special color ink) and varnish (V) color (special color ink), respectively. .

Although not shown, the pull-down menu 49d displays ink colors based on ink set information linked to the image data for printing and handed over to the image data for display. The pull-down menu 49d may display ink colors based on ink set information acquired by the image processing apparatus 1 from the inkjet printer 9 by pull-down. The pull-down menu 49d can display options for ink colors displayed in the preview window 40, such as "color", "cyan", "magenta", "yellow", "black", and "cyan+black". .

Here, the ink set information differs depending on the manufacturer and type of the inkjet printer 9. For example, (a) a set of KCMY, (b) a set of KCMYLcLm, (c) a set of KCMYLcLmLkO, and (d) a set of KCMYWWVV. set and the like.

When the ink set of the inkjet printer 9 is the KCMY set of (a), the pull-down menu 49d displays options of "color", "black", "cyan", "magenta", and "yellow". When the ink set is the KCMYLcLm set of (b), the pull-down menu 49d includes "color", "black", "cyan", "magenta", "yellow", "light cyan", and "light magenta". option is displayed. When the ink set is the set of (c) KCMYLcLmLkO, the pull-down menu 49d includes "color", "black", "cyan", "magenta", "yellow", "light cyan", and "light magenta". , 'Light Black', and 'Orange'. Furthermore, when the ink set is the KCMYWWVV set of (d), the pull-down menu 49d includes "color", "black", "cyan", "magenta", "yellow", "white", and "varnish". option is displayed.

When the “color” option is selected in the pull-down menu 49 d , the main display area 41 displays proof images of all ink colors forming the display image. In addition, when an option of "cyan", "magenta", "yellow", "black" or an option displayed as "cyan + black" is selected, a display image is formed in the main display area 41. In the case of a combination, a proof image in which each color can be switched one by one (for example, switching display at predetermined intervals) or a proof image in which each color can be displayed at the same time is displayed. be.

For example, in step S105, mixed-color display image data is generated, in step S107, a mixed-color display image based on this mixed-color display image data is displayed, and in step S108, the specified portion is enlarged and displayed. When the "Color" radio button 49a is selected, proof images of all ink colors forming the display image are displayed in the main display area 41. FIG. From here, for example, when the "color" option is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, the mixed color proof image is displayed as it is, but the single color or color combination included in the mixed color (for example, the option displayed as "cyan" or the option displayed as "cyan" + "magenta" + "yellow", etc.) is selected, the main display area 41 displays a proof image in that single ink color, or a combination of colors in the manner described above. A proof image in ink color is displayed (step S109).

Note that when the single-color display image data is generated in step S106 and the single-color display image is displayed in step S107, regardless of whether or not the specified portion is enlarged and displayed in step S108, "Color ' radio button 49a, 'White' radio button 49b, and 'Varnish' radio button 49c, the monochromatic proof image is displayed in the main display area 41, and the pull-down menu 49d is grayed out. May be displayed as disabled.

When the options displayed in the pull-down menu 49d are diverse or when a plurality of ink color options can be selected, the ink color can be selected by using, for example, a check box (not shown) instead of the pull-down menu 49d or together with the pull-down menu 49d. may be selected. Also, the preview window 40 may have a "print" button (not shown). When the "print" button is pressed to execute printing, the content of the proof image visually recognized in the preview window 40 can be printed and confirmed. In this way, the user visually recognizes the ink color display together with the enlarged proof image 45, confirms whether the nuances of the color expression are as intended, and completes the series of processing according to this flowchart. Note that the processing order of steps S108 and S109 may be changed.

Normally, an image to be printed by a large-sized inkjet printer has a very large amount of image data. By reducing and displaying the divisions according to the determined number of divisions, the image data to be processed is reduced to a size that is easy to handle and processing is speeded up.

For example, when printing an image with a print size of 1,615 mm × 1,142.2 mm at a print resolution of 720 dpi × 720 dpi, the pixel size of the entire image is 16,838 × 11,906. If the number of pixels is set to 12×9, the pixel size per divided sheet is 1,403×1,322. In addition, by creating data for the entire screen regardless of whether or not split data is displayed, it is possible to smoothly enlarge and display the image of the selected portion. Display is also easy.

In the enlarged proof image 45, the dot size on the display screen of the display 8 is constant, but the RGB luminance is changed for each color as described above. By displaying relatively bright, the group of L dots 23 is relatively dark, and the group of M dots 22 is displayed with intermediate brightness, the difference in dot size in the image for printing is appropriately expressed. By visually recognizing the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in this way, the user can easily and easily check whether or not the intended color expression is actually reproduced in the image for printing, for example, along with the change due to the dot size of the ink. can be confirmed.

In addition, it is possible to confirm not only the color expression that accompanies the change due to the dot size of the ink, but also the color expression that accompanies the change due to the color of the ink used. For example, in a print image, pixels in which a plurality of ink colors (for example, CMY) are simultaneously ejected may be indistinguishable from color representation by black (K) ink. That is, in the conversion table 30 corresponding to the brightness values described above, the RGB brightness of the L dots 23 in the black (K) table 34 is "0%, 0%, 0%".

On the other hand, the RGB brightness of the L dots 23 in the cyan (C) table 31 is "0%, 100%, 100%", and the RGB brightness of the L dots 23 in the magenta (M) table 32 is "100%, 0%, 100%". %”, and the RGB brightness of the L dot 23 in the yellow (Y) table 33 is “100%, 100%, 0%”. Since the dot color representation of the pixels in which these three colors are simultaneously ejected has RGB luminance of "0%, 0%, 0%", it is difficult to distinguish them from the L dots 23 of black (K) ink. .

In general, when expressing black color, black color by black (K) ink and black color by combination of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks are different on the display screen. The color representation by the display image displayed on the screen and the color representation actually printed out by the print image may be different due to the difference in black density or the like. The image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that such a change in color expression due to the color of ink used can be confirmed on the display screen of the display 8 .

An example based on display image data of mixed colors of CMYK colors will be described below. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the "Color" radio button 49a is selected for the divided image selected in the selection frame 44 and selected and specified in the enlargement frame 46 in the navigation image 43 displayed in mixed CMYK colors. When "color" is selected from the pull-down menu 49d, the pixel dot color expression of the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 in step S109 is displayed in mixed CMYK colors.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, when "black" is selected from the pull-down menu 49d, the navigation image 43 and the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 have RGB luminance of "0%, 0 %, 0%” is displayed only in the dot color representation of the pixels by the single ink color of black (K) (dots of other ink colors are not displayed).

Similarly, when "cyan" is selected from the pull-down menu 49d, "magenta" is selected, and "yellow" is selected, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, respectively. Further, the navigation image 43 and the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 are cyan (C) monochromatic, magenta (M) monochromatic and yellow with RGB luminances of "0%, 0%, 0%", respectively. Displayed only in dot color representation of pixels by the single ink color of (Y) (dots of other ink colors are similarly not displayed). For the cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) ink colors, in addition to the above-described colors, pixel dot colors are represented by predetermined luminance signals according to the respective ink colors. Ink color dots may not be displayed.

As a result, in the proof image, the dot color representation of the pixel of interest at the location selected and specified in the enlarged frame 46 can be seen by visually recognizing the enlarged proof image 45. For example, the representation of black is composed of a single color of black (K). or whether it is composed of mixed colors of cyan + magenta + yellow (CMY); if mixed colors, which ink colors are ejected at what ratio; It is possible to easily and in detail (by appropriately selecting a desired color or a combination of colors) whether the

According to the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the print image for multi-size dot printing can be confirmed accurately and in detail by soft proofing using such a display image. Accurate and detailed simulation can be realized for details such as the color expression of the image for printing, the ink color to be used, and the layout. It is also possible to minimize the difference between the printed images and reduce the burden on the user.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing another example of the image processing procedure by the image processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an edit screen on the display screen of the display 8, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of a display image based on a print image in which corrections are reflected.
In the following description including FIG. 14, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the image processing apparatus 1 of this example, print data is input from the print data input unit 7 (step S200), and the input print data is converted into raster image data by the raster image conversion unit 2. Rasterize processing for conversion is executed (step S201).

Next, the print image data generation unit 3 performs various conversion processing and halftone processing as described above to generate print image data of multi-size dots (step S202). (step S203), and if the received instruction indicates execution of printing (“print” in step S203), the image for printing is printed out by the inkjet printer 9 (step S213), and a series of end the processing of

On the other hand, if the received instruction indicates display ("display" in step S203), then further ink color selection by operation input is received (step S204), and if the ink color selection indicates mixed color (step S204 " Mixed color”), the display image data generation unit 4 generates mixed color display image data corresponding to each display mode such as enlargement and reduction division according to the multi-size dots based on the print image data (step S205). ).

When the ink color selection indicates a single color ("single color" in step S204), the display image data generation unit 4 selects a single color for display corresponding to each display mode according to multi-size dots, as in the case of mixed colors. Image data is generated (step S206). After that, the display image data generation unit 4 outputs each of the display image data to the display 8 before printing out the print image by the inkjet printer 9, and displays the display image on the display 8 as described above. (step S207).

Then, by viewing the enlarged proof image 45, the user can easily and in detail confirm on the display 8 whether or not the intended color expression, etc. of the image for printing is actually reproduced. It is determined whether or not the displayed image of the selected designated color is to be printed by the inkjet printer 9 (step S208). When actually checking by printing ("Yes" in step S208), print image data of the specified color is generated (step S209), printed out to the inkjet printer 9 (step S210), and the image is corrected. It is checked whether or not there is (step S211). If printing is not to be performed (“No” in step S208), the presence or absence of correction of the image is checked without going through the steps S209 and S210 (step S211). If the image does not need to be corrected (NO in step S211), the inkjet printer 9 prints out the image for printing (step S213) as described above, and the series of processing according to this flowchart ends.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the image needs to be corrected (YES in step S211), the user performs various correction operations via the operation unit 6 (step S212). The correction operation in step S212 is performed using the following edit screen displayed on the display screen of the display 8, for example.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, an editing window 50 is displayed on the display screen of the display 8 for performing various correction operations to adjust the display image and reflect it on the print image. The edit window 50 has, for example, a main display area 51 and an edit menu selection area 52 . In the main display area 51, a proof image 55 based on the display image to be corrected or the like is displayed.

The edit menu selection area 52 includes "general", "printer profile", "layout", "color management", "color adjustment", "ink amount adjustment", "spot color replacement", "crop mark", and "after Multiple tabs are displayed for selecting each editing menu such as "Processing", "Tiling", "Clipping & Trimming", "Step & Repeat", "Jig Layout", "Print Note", "Setting List", etc. .

Here, when the "ink amount adjustment" tab 52a in the edit menu selection area 52 is selected as shown in the figure, an ink amount adjustment parameter display area 53 for each ink type, for example, is displayed on the left side of the main display area 51. , and an adjustment interval parameter display area 54 are displayed. Further, on the lower side of the main display area 51, an "update printing environment" button 56a, a "save" button 56b, a "send to printer" button 56c, and a "cancel" button 56d are arranged and displayed. there is An enlargement menu 57, an enlargement ratio display window 58, and radio buttons 59a, 59b, and 59c are the same as those of the preview window 40. FIG.

The user can finely adjust the ink color expression (pixel dot color expression) in the proof image 55 by operating the respective parameter display areas 53 and 54 of the "ink amount adjustment" tab 52a. It can be reflected in the image for printing. After the correction operation is completed, the process proceeds to step S202 to generate print image data reflecting the correction (step S202), and the subsequent processes are repeated.

FIG. 16 shows the preview window 40 displaying an enlarged proof image 45A corrected by the correcting operation in step S212, for example, to slightly reduce the ink ejection amount for black (K). According to this enlarged proof image 45A, for example, compared to the enlarged proof image 45 (see FIG. 10) before correction, it can be visually recognized that the dot color representation of the pixels in black (K) is suppressed. Similar modifications can be made for each color other than black (K) to fine-tune the dot color representation of the pixel. As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately and in detail check images for multi-size dot printing by such soft proofing, and to make corrections. The arrangement of the regions 51 to 54 of the edit window 50 and the buttons and other components are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image processing device 2 raster image conversion unit 3 print image data generation unit 3a color conversion unit 3b halftone processing unit 4 display image data generation unit 5 storage unit 6 operation unit 6a input unit

Claims (6)

In an image processing device that displays an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device,
a first image generation unit that receives the image data and generates print image data that constitutes a print image formed of multi-size dots;
an input unit for receiving selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from the color information included in the image data for printing;
A display image forming a display image formed of single-size dots by color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received by the input unit based on the dot size and dot color information. a second image generator that generates data;
and an output unit that outputs the display image data to the display device. The first image generation unit generates the image data for printing by referring to an input profile of the image data and an output profile of a print output device,
The second image generation unit generates the display image data by referring to a conversion table for color-converting the color information according to the display profile of the display device and the dot size. Item 1. The image processing apparatus according to item 1. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second image generation unit converts luminance of the color information with reference to the conversion table. The second image generation unit provides a navigation image obtained by reducing display of the display image data constituting a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined regions, and displaying an enlarged display of one of the plurality of divided images. 4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image processing apparatus generates a proof image obtained by processing the image. In an image processing method for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device,
a first image generating step of inputting the image data and generating print image data constituting a print image formed by multi-size dots;
an input step of receiving selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among the color information included in the image data for printing;
A display image forming a display image formed of single-sized dots by color-converting the printing image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on the dot size and dot color information. a second image generating step of generating data;
and an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device. An image processing program for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device,
to the computer,
a first image generating step of inputting the image data and generating print image data constituting a print image formed of multi-size dots;
an input step of receiving selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among the color information included in the image data for printing;
A display image forming a display image formed of single-sized dots by color-converting the printing image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on the dot size and dot color information. a second image generating step for generating data;
and an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device.

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