JP3867435B2 - Conversion characteristic setting device for image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium such as recording paper by outputting image forming data to an image forming apparatus such as a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, in this type of image processing apparatus, when forming a desired image on an image forming apparatus such as a printer, the image data is converted into conversion characteristic data set in advance according to the image forming characteristics of the image forming apparatus. The data is converted into image forming data (image forming data) and output to the image forming apparatus.
[0003]
  In addition, if the conversion characteristic data used to convert the image data into image formation data is fixed, the image formed by the image forming apparatus is changed by the change in the image formation characteristic on the image forming apparatus side due to the change in the use environment. However, the color may be different from the image that should originally be formed.
[0004]
  Therefore, in order to make the conversion characteristic data correspond to the image forming characteristics of the image forming apparatus, the conventional image processing apparatus causes the image forming apparatus to form a test chart for color measurement, and the level of the test chart. It is also known to have a built-in conversion characteristic setting device for measuring conversion characteristics using a colorimeter and updating the conversion characteristic data based on the colorimetric data obtained by the measurement and the image data of the test chart. (See, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2755300).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, the conventional conversion characteristic setting device only stores a test chart for capturing colorimetric data using a specific colorimeter corresponding to the device. For this reason, even if the user already has a colorimeter corresponding to another model, the user must be compatible with the newly introduced image processing apparatus (in other words, the conversion characteristic setting apparatus). If this is the case, a new colorimeter must be introduced, and the user's own colorimeter may be wasted, or the user may be wasted money. .
[0006]
  In addition, the image forming apparatus usually has a type of recording medium (for example, normal recording paper, glossy paper (coated paper) coated with a surface, OHP (over head projector) film, etc.)), and a type of image forming material (for example, Standard ink, photo ink, etc.), or various image forming conditions such as a recording format at the time of image formation such as a spiral dither pattern, Bayer (Bayer type dither pattern, etc.) can be selected and used. In the conventional conversion characteristic setting device, when the test chart for color measurement is formed on the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is operated under preset image forming conditions.
[0007]
  Therefore, when updating the conversion characteristic data of the image processing apparatus using the conventional conversion characteristic setting apparatus, the user changes the image forming condition of the image forming apparatus to a specific image forming condition for test chart formation. There is a problem that workability when updating the conversion characteristic data is poor because it is necessary to reset.
[0008]
  In addition, when the image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus when the test chart for color measurement is formed and the image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus when actually forming a desired image are different, the test chart is measured. The conversion characteristic data set / updated based on the color data and the image data of the test chart does not match the actual image forming conditions, so the conversion characteristic data obtained from the colorimetric data corresponds to the actual image forming conditions. Therefore, the calculation processing for setting the conversion characteristic data becomes complicated, or the conversion characteristic data cannot correspond to the true image forming conditions, and the image forming apparatus can There was also a problem that the optimum operation could not be performed according to the conditions.
[0009]
  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and in a conversion characteristic setting device that sets conversion characteristic data used by an image processing apparatus to convert image data into data for image formation, the conversion characteristic data is actually used. It is an object of the present invention to be able to set accurately in accordance with the image forming conditions and to perform colorimetry using a different colorimeter for a test chart for setting conversion characteristics.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems, Embodiments of the Invention, and Effects of the Invention]
  The conversion characteristic setting device according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve such an object, includes a conversion unit that converts image data into image formation data corresponding to an image formation characteristic of an external image forming apparatus, and the conversion unit includes: An image processing apparatus comprising: conversion characteristic storage means for storing conversion characteristic data used to convert the image data; and output means for outputting the image formation data to the image forming apparatus. A conversion characteristic setting device for setting a characteristic according to an image forming characteristic of the image forming apparatus, which is formed in the image forming apparatus to measure a color characteristic after image formation using an external colorimeter Test data storage means for storing a plurality of test chart image data as test data, selection means for selecting the test data from the outside, and the selection If the test data has been selected by means generates a test image forming data based on the test data, and a test image formation data generation means for output to the image forming apparatus from said output meansThe test data storage means A plurality of test charts stored as data correspond to a plurality of colorimeters, respectively.It is characterized by that.
[0011]
  Thus, in the conversion characteristic setting device of the present invention (claim 1), the test data storage means stores a plurality of test data, and the test data can be selected by the selection means. Therefore, the user can select desired test data from a plurality of test data, and can form a test chart based on the test data with the image forming apparatus.
[0012]
  Therefore, according to the present invention, the user selects the test data corresponding to the actual image forming conditions of the colorimeter or the image forming apparatus to be used from the plurality of test data, and tests the image forming apparatus. If the chart is formed, the formed test chart can be measured using an arbitrary colorimeter owned by the user, and conversion characteristic data corresponding to desired image forming conditions is set. Thus, the conversion characteristic data can be set extremely efficiently.
[0013]
  That is, more specifically, TeStore test charts corresponding to a plurality of colorimeters in advance in the data storage means.BecauseThe user can select the test data corresponding to the colorimeter that he / she owns to make the image forming apparatus form a test chart that is optimal for colorimetry using the colorimeter.The AlsoFor example, claims2If a test chart corresponding to a plurality of image forming conditions whose settings can be changed on the image forming apparatus side is stored in advance in the test data storage unit, the user can set as appropriate. Test data corresponding to image forming conditions can be selected from a plurality of test data, and a test chart can be formed on the image forming apparatus based on the test data. A desired image can be obtained from the colorimetric data of the test chart. It is possible to set optimum conversion characteristic data for operating the image forming apparatus under the forming conditions.
[0014]
  Therefore, according to the conversion characteristic setting device of the present invention, the usability can be improved as compared with the conventional one, and the conversion characteristic data obtained also becomes the optimum conversion characteristic by forming an image using the image forming apparatus. .
  Incidentally, each test data stored in the test data storage means is composed of a plurality of various data, such as the shape of the test chart itself, the shape of the patch formed on the test chart, the arrangement, The thing regarding a color scheme etc. are mentioned.
[0015]
  By the way, the more the number of colors arranged in the patch as colors on the test chart, the more accurate the conversion characteristic data can be corrected. However, if the number of colors is large, the colorimetry time in the colorimeter increases, and a large amount of time is also spent correcting the conversion characteristic data based on the enormous colorimetry results.
[0016]
  That is, for example, for each color of red, green, and blue, the density value is divided into 256 gradations, and each color (total of 768 colors) is arranged on a square patch of 2 mm in length and width, and the patches are arranged in series at intervals of 1 mm. When the test chart is formed, the length in the series direction reaches about 2.3 m. In addition, when using a manual colorimeter configured so that the user can measure all patches by button operation while changing the position coordinates of each patch on the test chart manually, An enormous amount of time is spent measuring colors of 256 gradation colors of red, green, and blue.
[0017]
  Therefore, the claim3As described above, the image forming apparatus includes a patch number designating unit for designating from the outside the number of patches representing a planar space for coloring various colors, and the test image forming data unit includes the patch When the number of patches is designated from the outside via the number designation means, the test data selected by the selection means is converted into test data for forming a test chart with the designated number of patches, and the conversion The image forming data may be generated from later test data and output from the output unit to the image forming apparatus.
[0018]
  In this way, since the user can appropriately set the number of patches on the test chart to an appropriate number, the user can perform the measurement in a short time even using the manual colorimeter as described above. It becomes possible to finish the color. In addition, when the number of patches is specified, it is possible to automatically set the color to be assigned to the patch according to the specified number of patches. For example, between 256 gradation colors of red, green, and blue It is possible to divide the color evenly into the number of patches and arrange the gradation colors for realizing the coloration in the patches. For this reason, the conversion characteristic data can be corrected almost accurately even by using a test chart in which patches are arranged in this way, so that a faithful gradation image based on image data can be stably formed. Become.
[0019]
  The present invention (claims 13It is preferable from the viewpoint of operability that the conversion characteristic setting device is incorporated into a known computer system equipped with a personal computer, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and the like together with the image processing device. That is, the monitor is used for selection display such as a colorimeter, and the keyboard or mouse is used for selection or input. In addition, it is possible to perform consistently from the selected parameters to various arithmetic processes and the like to output test image formation data and from input of colorimetric results to correction of conversion characteristic data.
[0020]
  Further, the present invention is provided in an image forming apparatus such as a printer.3However, in that case, it is necessary to incorporate a selection means (for example, a monitor, a selection button, etc.). If a conversion characteristic setting device is incorporated in the image forming apparatus, a test chart can be formed immediately.
[0021]
【Example】
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
  FIG. 1 shows a main block diagram of a personal computer 2 of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0022]
  A computer unit 4 constituting the main body of the personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 2 includes a CPU 10, a ROM 12, a RAM 14, and an HDD (hard disk drive) 16. The HDD 16 is connected to the CPU 10, ROM 12, and RAM 14 via the bus 18 and the interface 20. A keyboard 30, a mouse 32, a monitor 34, a printer 36 that is an image forming apparatus, and a colorimeter 38 are connected to the bus 18 of the computer unit 4 via an interface 22.
[0023]
  The HDD 16 converts arbitrary image data into image formation data (print data) for image formation (printing) using the printer 36 based on preset conversion characteristic data in accordance with an external command. The printer 36 prints an image forming process in which an image is printed on a predetermined recording paper by the printer 36, and a test chart for updating conversion characteristic data is printed on the printer 36, or the test chart after printing is colorimetrically measured. Various programs to be executed by the CPU 10 are stored, such as conversion characteristic setting processing to be described later, in which the color measurement data measured using the total 38 is fetched and the conversion characteristic data is updated using the captured color measurement data. Yes. The HDD 16 also stores conversion characteristic data necessary for the CPU 10 to execute image formation processing and conversion characteristic setting processing, test chart printing test data, and the like together with corresponding programs.
[0024]
  In this embodiment, the HDD 16 functions as the conversion characteristic storage means and the test data storage means described in claim 1, and the CPU 10 executes a program for image formation processing stored in the HDD 16. The function as the conversion means and the output means in the image processing apparatus according to 1 is realized.
[0025]
  Next, the image formation data (test data) of the test chart to be printed by the printer 36 when the CPU 10 executes the conversion characteristic setting process is the type of the colorimeter 38 used for the color measurement of the test chart or the printer 36 side. In order to be able to print an optimal test chart corresponding to the printing conditions (image forming conditions), it is stored in the HDD 16 in the data format described below.
[0026]
  First, FIG. 2 shows a typical test chart that can be formed in the printer 36 by the CPU 10 executing the conversion characteristic setting process. FIG. 2A shows a test chart T1 in which square patches are arranged one-dimensionally. (B) is a test chart T2 in which square patches are two-dimensionally arranged, and (c) is a test chart T3 for a manual colorimeter that performs manual colorimetry.
[0027]
  Here, the test chart T1 is obtained by arranging a total of 768 (patch Nos. P1 to P768) square patches (for example, 2 mm both vertically and horizontally) at regular intervals (for example, 1 mm intervals). Therefore, it is possible to arrange 256 gradation colors for red (R), green (G), and blue (B) on the test chart T1. In the test chart T1, the patch arrangement direction corresponds to the paper feeding direction of the colorimeter corresponding to the test chart 1 (that is, color measurement is performed from P1 to P768 in order).
[0028]
  The test chart T2 is a square (for example, 2 mm in both length and width) in which a total of 768 patches (patch numbers P1 to P768) of 24 vertical x 32 horizontal are arranged in a rectangular shape without any interval. Similar to the test chart T1, the test chart T2 can arrange 256 gradation colors for red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The test chart T2 corresponds to a colorimeter that performs color measurement from P1 to P768 in order to meander on the chart.
[0029]
  The test chart T3 is a patch in which square patches (for example, 4 mm in both length and width) are arranged in parallel in a first row from P1 to P383 and a second row from P343 to P768. This test chart T3 is a test chart for a manual colorimeter configured so that the user can measure all patches by a button operation or the like while manually changing the position coordinates of each patch. In the test chart T3, the number of the patch (that is, P1 to P768) is printed at a position corresponding to above or below each patch at the time of printing.
[0030]
  Next, FIG. 3 shows a colorimeter list 40 stored in the HDD 16 for printing the test charts T1 to T3 shown in FIG.
  The colorimeter list 40 includes coordinates (indicating positions of the patches P1 to 768 constituting the test chart for each colorimeter in order to cause the printer 36 to form test charts corresponding to the various colorimeters. Patch coordinates; x, y) are described and stored in the HDD 16. Note that other data (not shown) indicating the size of the test chart, the origin position of the patch coordinates, and the like are also stored in the HDD 16 along with the colorimeter list 40.
[0031]
  On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows basic characteristic data 42 used to color each patch corresponding to various printing conditions in the printer 36.
  The basic characteristic data 42 includes a paper type (for example, plain paper, coated paper, an OHP film, etc.) that is a recording medium usable in the printer 36, an ink type (for example, standard ink, photo ink, etc.), an image, and the like. Each corresponding to various printing conditions such as resolution at the time of printing (for example, 300 [dpi], 600 [dpi], etc.), area gradation method at the time of image printing (for example, Bayer method, spiral method, etc.) The test data for coloring the patch is described and stored in the HDD 16 as an LUT (Look Up Table) 44.
[0032]
  The LUT 44 is basic test data for causing the printer 36 to print a test chart. As shown in FIG. 5, the LUT 44 is originally used for each color of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). A so-called dot gain curve representing the relationship between the density value of the color to be arranged on the test chart (hereinafter referred to as relative density value C) and the pixel value i for causing the printer 36 to form an image with the relative density value C. Is a numerical value. The LUT 44 is set for each printing condition and stored in the HDD 16.
[0033]
  Next, a conversion characteristic setting process in which the CPU 10 causes the printer 36 to actually print a test chart and update the conversion characteristic data using the test chart printing data stored in the HDD 16 as described above will be described. This conversion characteristic setting process is executed by the CPU 10 when the user inputs an execution command for the program of this process from the outside.
[0034]
  As shown in FIG. 6, when this process is started, first, in S100 (S represents a step), the colorimeter list 40 is read from the HDD 16, written in the RAM 14, and displayed for display on the monitor 34. It is converted into image data and displayed on the monitor 34 as a colorimeter list selection menu. At this time, only the colorimeter name may be displayed. In this case, when the user selects the colorimeter name, the colorimeter list corresponding to the colorimeter name is read out to the RAM 14. That's fine.
[0035]
  Next, in S110, it is determined whether or not the user has selected the colorimeter list according to the colorimeter list selection menu displayed on the monitor 34, thereby waiting for the selection of the colorimeter list. When the colorimeter list is selected, the process proceeds to S120, where the basic characteristic data 42 is read from the HDD 16, written to the RAM 14, converted into image data for display on the monitor 34, and the basic characteristic data is selected. It is displayed on the monitor 34 as a menu.
[0036]
  This basic characteristic data selection menu is used to allow the user to set the above-described various printing conditions such as recording medium → plain paper, ink → photo ink, resolution → 600, area gradation method → swirl. In the subsequent S130, it is determined whether or not the user has set each of these printing conditions according to the basic characteristic data selection menu displayed on the monitor 34, thereby waiting for the printing conditions to be set.
[0037]
  If it is determined in S130 that the printing conditions have been set, the process proceeds to S140, where the LUT 44 corresponding to the set printing conditions is read from the HDD 16, written into the RAM 14, and patched in the test chart. A patch number designation menu for causing the user to designate the number is displayed on the monitor 34.
[0038]
  Next, in S150, it is determined whether or not the user has input the number of patches in accordance with the patch number designation menu, so that the number of patches n is awaited. The relative density value C and pixel value i of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) for each patch necessary for printing a test chart with the designated number of patches n are transferred to Arithmetic processing to be set is performed, and test data for test chart printing obtained as a result is written in the RAM 14.
[0039]
  The calculation process executed in S160 is, for example, for each color of the LUT 44 in FIG. 5, the difference C255-C0 between the relative density value C255 and the relative density value C0 is evenly expressed by a numerical value n−1. In order to divide, a numerical value K is calculated using an arithmetic expression “K = (C255−C0) / n−1”. Next, based on the numerical value K, Cj = KL (where L is 1 to n 2), the relative density value Cj of each color is obtained for each patch, and the pixel value i (Cj) corresponding to the obtained relative density value Cj is shown in FIG. The procedure is executed in accordance with the dot gain curve for each color shown.
[0040]
  In this case, however, the number of patches n needs to be an integer of 3 or more. For example, when the number of patches n is 3, usually colors corresponding to the relative density value C255, the relative density value C0, and the relative density value C128 are set, and the pixel value i (Cj) corresponding to each relative density value is set. Will be set.
[0041]
  Further, when the minimum value of the relative density value C is not C0 and the maximum value is not C255 as indicated by B in the LUT 44 in FIG. 5, the maximum value Cmax and the minimum value Cmin of the relative density value C are not obtained. The difference Cmax−Cmin is equally divided by the numerical value n−1 {K = (Cmax−Cmin) / n−1}, and Cj ′ = KL is obtained based on the numerical value K, and this value Cj ′ is obtained. The relative density value Cj (Cj = Cj + Cmin) may be obtained by adding the minimum value Cmin of the relative density value C.
[0042]
  Further, the relative density value Cj of each color and the corresponding pixel value i (Cj) obtained for each patch by the calculation process of S160 are displayed by the user according to the colorimeter list selection menu as shown in FIG. Corresponding to the patch numbers (P1 to P768) of the selected colorimeter list, they are stored in the RAM 14 together with the coordinate data of each patch in ascending order of the patch numbers. The data stored in the RAM 14 in this way becomes test data 46 for test chart printing. FIG. 7 shows test data 46 when a value of 5 is inputted as the number of patches n. In this case, each color of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) for each patch. Since the relative density value C and the pixel value i are set, a total of 15 data of the patch numbers P1 to P15 are set.
[0043]
  When the test data 46 is set in this way, the process proceeds to S170, where the test data 46 is converted into print data that allows the printer 36 to print each patch on the recording paper, and in S180. The print data is output to the printer 36.
[0044]
  As a result, the printer 36 prints the test chart on the desired printing paper according to the print data under the printing conditions set by the user. Then, the user operates the colorimeter 38 to measure the color of the printed test chart, and inputs the colorimetric data of the test chart from the colorimeter 38 to the PC 2.
[0045]
  Therefore, in the subsequent S190, it waits for the user to input the colorimetric data by operating the colorimeter 38, and when the input of the colorimetric data is started, the process proceeds to S200, and this measurement is performed. Start importing color data. Further, in the subsequent S210, it is determined whether or not the input of the color measurement data from the user has been completed, so that the completion of the color measurement data acquisition is waited. Shifting to S220, conversion characteristic data under the currently set printing conditions is obtained based on the colorimetric data acquired this time and the test data obtained in S160, and in S230, the current printing conditions are obtained. The corresponding conversion characteristic data in the RAM 14 is rewritten with the latest conversion characteristic data obtained this time, and the process is terminated.
[0046]
  As described above, in this embodiment, the basic characteristic data corresponding to the printing conditions when printing a desired image using the printer 36 and the type of colorimeter used for the color measurement of the test chart are supported. A colorimeter list representing the arrangement of the patches is stored in the HDD 16 in advance, and the test data for printing the test chart according to the printing conditions of the printer 36 and the type of the colorimeter 38 used for the color measurement by the user. Has been configured to be set.
[0047]
  Therefore, when updating the conversion characteristic data, it is possible to cause the printer 36 to print a test chart most suitable for the printing condition of the printer 36 set by the user and the colorimeter 38 to be used. By measuring the color of the test chart with the colorimeter 38, it is possible to set conversion characteristic data corresponding to the printing conditions of the printer 36 at that time.
[0048]
  Therefore, according to this embodiment, unlike the conventional image processing apparatus, it is not necessary to prepare a colorimeter corresponding to the apparatus, the burden on the user can be reduced, and conversion characteristic data is also printed. Since the optimum conversion characteristic corresponding to the conditions can be set, the reproducibility of the image of the printer 36 as the image forming apparatus can be improved.
[0049]
  Further, in this embodiment, not only can the test chart corresponding to the type of the colorimeter and the printing condition of the printer be printed, but also the number of patches of the test chart can be changed as appropriate, so that it can be used for updating conversion characteristic data, for example. When the time is short, it is possible to change the update time of the conversion characteristic data for the convenience of the user, such as reducing the number of patches and shortening the update time of the conversion characteristic data. Can be improved.
[0050]
  In this embodiment, among the processes executed in the conversion characteristic setting process shown in FIG. 6, the processes of S100 to S130 function as the selection means described in claim 1, and the processes of S140 and S150 are charged. Term3The processing of S160 to S180 functions as the test image data generation unit according to claims 1 and 4.
[0051]
  As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various aspect can be taken.
  For example, only the colorimeter list file corresponding to a plurality of colorimeter lists may be stored in the HDD 16 of the PC 2 as test data storage means. However, in that case, the test data needs to correspond to the standard image forming conditions of the printer 36.
[0052]
  In this way, it is possible to cause the printer 36 to form a test chart corresponding to the colorimeter owned by the user. For this reason, the colorimeter already owned by the user is not wasted.
  Further, only the basic characteristic data file for storing basic characteristic data corresponding to a plurality of image forming conditions may be stored in the HDD 16 as test data storage means. However, in that case, the corresponding colorimeter is limited to one typical colorimeter.
[0053]
  In this way, when the printer 36 is set to the image forming conditions desired by the user, it is possible to form a test chart corresponding to the image forming conditions and to reliably correct the conversion characteristic data. It becomes possible.
  Also, in the HDD 16, when either the colorimeter list file or the basic characteristic data file and the number of patches on the test chart are designated, a patch for arranging a color corresponding to the number of patches in each patch You may make it store the patch number designation program which is a number designation means.
[0054]
  For example, when a colorimeter list file and a patch number specification program are stored, the colors to be arranged on the test chart patches corresponding to various colorimeter lists are specified based on the specified number of patches. Is possible. Therefore, if the number is specified to be smaller than the predetermined number of patches, the test chart formed on the printer 36 can be formed smaller than the predetermined test chart. Further, it is possible to correct the conversion characteristic data accurately using a test chart in which the number of patches is specified.
[0055]
  On the other hand, when the basic characteristic data and the patch number designation program are stored, the number of patches is designated, and the user can select the basic characteristic data so as to satisfy desired image forming conditions. Become. Therefore, if the number of patches is specified to be smaller than the predetermined number of patches, the test chart to be formed on the printer 36 can be formed smaller than the predetermined test chart, and the test chart corresponding to the image forming conditions desired by the user. Therefore, the conversion characteristic data can be corrected more accurately by using such a test chart.
[0056]
  In the above embodiment, the conversion characteristic data is described as being stored in the HDD 16 for each printing condition. However, the conversion characteristic data includes one piece of the latest conversion characteristic data set in the conversion characteristic setting process, Alternatively, a predetermined number may be stored, and the rest may be deleted. In this way, the storage area for the conversion characteristic data in the HDD 16 can be reduced.
[0057]
  In the above embodiment, the functions of the image processing apparatus and the conversion characteristic setting apparatus of the present invention are incorporated in the personal computer 2 that outputs image formation data to the printer 36 and forms an image on a predetermined recording sheet. As described above, the function as the conversion characteristic setting device of the present invention may be incorporated in the image forming apparatus itself such as a printer or a copying machine.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a main block diagram of a personal computer 2;
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing test charts corresponding to various colorimeters.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a colorimeter list for forming test charts T1 to T3.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing basic characteristic data used to color each patch.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an LUT of the basic characteristic data shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of conversion characteristic correction processing.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing test data of a test chart in which the number of patches is specified.
[Explanation of symbols]
  2 ... Personal computer, 4 ... Computer part, 10 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 14 ... RAM, 16 ... HDD, 18 ... Bus, 20, 22 ... Interface, 30 ... Keyboard, 32 ... Mouse, 34 ... Monitor, 36 ... Printer, 38 ... Colorimeter, 40 ... Colorimeter list, 42 ... Basic characteristic data, 44 ... LUT, 46 ... Test data, T1, T2, T3 ... Test chart.

Claims (3)

Conversion means for converting image data into image formation data corresponding to image formation characteristics of an external image forming apparatus;
Conversion characteristic storage means for storing conversion characteristic data used by the conversion means to convert the image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising an output means for outputting the image forming data to the image forming apparatus, wherein the conversion characteristic setting apparatus is for setting the conversion characteristics according to the image forming characteristics of the image forming apparatus. And
Test data storage means for storing a plurality of test chart image data to be formed in the image forming apparatus in order to measure color characteristics after image formation using an external colorimeter;
A selection means for selecting the test data from the outside;
When the test data is selected by the selection means, the image forming data is generated based on the test data, and is output from the output means to the image forming apparatus .
A conversion characteristic setting device, wherein the plurality of test charts stored as test data in the test data storage means correspond to a plurality of colorimeters, respectively . A plurality of test charts are stored as the test data in the test data storage means, conversion according to claim 1, characterized in that in correspondence with each of a plurality of image forming conditions can be changed in the image forming apparatus Characteristic setting device. Patch number designating means for designating from the outside the number of patches representing a planar space for coloring various colors in the image forming apparatus,
When the number of patches is designated from the outside via the patch number designation means, the test image formation data means forms a test chart with the test data selected by the selection means with the designated number of patches. It converted into test data for, and generating the image forming data from the test data after the conversion, from the output means according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that to output to the image forming apparatus Conversion characteristic setting device.

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