JP3960114B2 - Print color confirmation system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for confirming the final print finish color when using RGB images such as images taken with a digital camera, images created on a computer, illustrations, CG, etc. as print originals, The present invention also relates to a method of creating a color printed matter that enables reproduction of a color intended by a data uploader or creator from RGB data using this system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, so-called data submission, in which digital data is submitted instead of conventional color originals (reversal film, photographic prints, etc.) when creating a color print, has been increasing.
[0003]
The data originally used for printing is CMYK data, whereas images taken with a digital camera, CG (computer graphics) and illustrations created by designers are described in RGB data, and the author (designer) CG creators, digital photographers, etc.) modify and design RGB data on a monitor such as a CRT or from an output device such as a printer owned by the submitter while checking the color.
[0004]
There are two methods for data submission: storing data on removable media such as MO and CD and delivering the media itself, and transferring data using a network infrastructure such as the Internet.
[0005]
There is a growing demand for data submission because the latter method is expected to reduce logistics and shorten processes.
[0006]
When creating a color print by submitting data, it is necessary to inform the printing company of what color the final color print created from the data is intended by, ie, what the final color print created from the data is. is there.
[0007]
As one of the methods to convey the color intended by the submitter to the printing company, attach a hard copy output as RGB color data by the printer etc. of the submitter as a color sample, and use the color sample as the print target color. It has become common to do.
[0008]
The printing company that received the RGB data and the output product converts the data to CMYK that can be used for printing, and corrects the data so that the final printing result matches the attached color sample.
[0009]
As another method for transmitting the color intended by the submitter to the printing company, there is a method using an RGB color space (sRGB space or the like) in which the relationship with the colorimetric values is defined.
[0010]
For example, in the method of using sRGB as a common RGB space, the uploader checks the color using a monitor such as a CRT that can display sRGB or a hard copy output from an output device such as a printer to reproduce the sRGB color. And submit the RGB data to the printing company.
[0011]
At this time, if the printing company is informed that the RGB data is handled as sRGB data, the printing company treats the received RGB data as sRGB and converts it to printable CMYK data to reproduce the color.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the first method given in the prior art (the method of submitting RGB data and color samples and transmitting the color desired by the submitter to the printing company using the color samples), the color sample output method and conditions are as follows. However, the details are often unknown from the printing company.
[0013]
The printing company converts the received RGB data into printable CMYK data by some conversion, but in order to make the final printed product match the color sample color passed from the submitter, the converted data is There is a problem that it is necessary to make a large correction using an image correction application or the like, and a large load is applied to the correction work.
[0014]
Also, an output device such as a printer that outputs a color sample often has a color gamut different from that of the final print, and therefore there are colors (out-of-gamut colors) that cannot be reproduced in the final print in the color sample. May be included.
[0015]
In such a case, the color outside the color gamut is replaced with a color that can be reproduced by printing (generally referred to as color gamut compression), and the final color print that is created is different from the intention of the submitter. There was a problem of becoming.
[0016]
Therefore, in some cases, it may be necessary to create a proof print once, send it to the submitter, and reconfirm the color of the printed finish.
[0017]
In this method, it is necessary to send the color sample output by the submitter to the printing company, and it is necessary to exchange proofs as described above. The benefits (reduction in logistics) cannot be enjoyed.
[0018]
In the second method (a method using a common RGB space), since the trafficker and the printing company handle RGB data under the same definition, the output material confirmed by the trafficker and the final printed material are It seems to match.
[0019]
However, if the color gamut of the defined RGB space is wider than the color gamut of the final print, the problem of color gamut compression may occur as described above, and the color printout intended by the trafficker may not be created. there were.
[0020]
For this reason, in the second method, as in the first method, it may be necessary to create a proof, send it to the submitter, and reconfirm the color of the printed finish. .
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the present situation, and provides a system that allows a trafficker to confirm the final color of the finished print when submitting RGB data. The present invention provides a method for creating a color print having a color reproduction intended by the data uploader from RGB data.
[0022]
Specifically, the invention described in claim 1 is a print color confirmation system for confirming the color state of a printed matter by RGB data submission, and converts RGB data into CMYK data for printing. RGB → CMYK conversion information setting means for setting the method, RGB → CMYK conversion information storage means for storing the RGB → CMYK conversion information set by the conversion information setting means, and characteristics of the simulation output machine necessary for creating the simulation output Simulation output information setting means for setting printing characteristics, simulation output information storage means for storing simulation output information set by the simulation output information setting means, RGB data input means for inputting RGB data to the system, RGB → Stored in CMYK conversion information storage means Based on the information stored in the RGB → CMYK conversion execution means and the simulation output information storage means for converting RGB data into CMYK data for printing according to the RGB → CMYK conversion information, the print obtained by the RGB → CMYK conversion execution means print color simulation data creation means for converting the use CMYK data to the simulation output data, the simulation output means for outputting the data obtained by the print color simulation data creation unit, city immediately give a set with the simulation output information setting means the printing characteristics are, there is provided a test printing color system characterized in Rukoto CMYK color characteristics are used in the RGB → CMYK conversion information.
[0023]
According to the present invention, if the RGB → CMYK conversion information at the time of actual printing is appropriately set in the conversion information setting means, the RGB data uploader or creator can provide the RGB data to the system through this system. By outputting to the generated simulation output means, the final color of the printed matter can be confirmed.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the simulation output information set in the simulation output information setting means uses simulation output information stored in advance in the simulation output information storage means. A printing color confirmation system according to claim 1 is provided.
[0026]
In the invention according to claim 3 , the simulation output information setting means sets the print characteristics using the CMYK color characteristics in the RGB → CMYK conversion information, and is stored in advance as the characteristics of the simulation output machine. The print color confirmation system according to claim 1, wherein the print color confirmation system is set using the simulation output information.
[0027]
According to the present invention, the operation of setting the simulation output information can be substantially omitted, and the operation when using the system of the present invention can be simplified.
[0028]
The invention according to claim 4, the conversion information setting means, to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that conversion information converting method actually occurs during printing is set The print color confirmation system described above is provided.
[0029]
According to the present invention, a manuscript author or creator of RGB data can easily check the finished color of a printed matter without setting RGB → CMYK conversion.
[0030]
In the invention according to claim 5 , the conversion information setting means can register a plurality of RGB → CMYK conversions, and a conversion information selection for selecting conversion information to be actually used from the registered plurality of conversion information. there is provided a print color identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has means.
[0031]
According to the present invention, in addition to the print finished color confirmation realized by the system of claims 1 to 4 , it is possible to select different RGB → CMYK conversions depending on, for example, the type of image (natural image, person, CG, illustration, etc.). It becomes possible.
[0033]
In the invention according to claim 6 , the simulation output information setting means can register a plurality of simulation output information, and selects a simulation output to be actually used from the registered simulation output information. there is provided a print color identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has means.
[0034]
According to the present invention, when there are a plurality of types of final printing or a plurality of simulation output machines, settings can be registered for each combination.
[0035]
Further, according to claim 7 invention of claims 1 to 6, characterized by having a printing CMYK data output means for outputting the printing CMYK data generated by the RGB → CMYK conversion executing means to the outside A printing color confirmation system according to any one of the above is provided.
[0036]
According to the present invention, when this system is used in the printing process, output of RGB data whose color has been confirmed using the system or the system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is output from the system. By using the simulation output as a printing color sample and using the printing CMYK data output from the printing CMYK data output means as the plate making data, it is possible to easily perform color matching for color printing.
[0037]
In addition, according to the present invention, before the RGB data is submitted to the printing process, the output result of the printing color confirmation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is output to the data submitter. It is possible to provide a printing color confirmation method characterized by presenting and prompting confirmation.
[0038]
According to the present invention, the color of the data sampler and the color sample output by the printing company match and the finished color of the print is reproduced. You can create printed materials.
[0039]
In addition, when using this method, transferring the data submission via the network can completely eliminate the distribution of color samples, proofs, etc. for confirmation to the submitter, and the time to complete the printed matter. It is expected to be shortened.
[0040]
In addition, even if the result of the confirmation does not satisfy the intention of the uploader, redoing can be easily performed.
[0041]
The submitter mentioned here is the person who has the authority to confirm the print quality. Depending on the type of the manuscript or printed matter, the photographer may be the photographer himself, or other properties such as the advertiser, designer, etc. However, it is generally an editor, and in a simple case, it may be a sales representative of a printing company or other cases.
[0042]
In addition, according to the present invention, before the RGB data is submitted to the printing process, the output result of the printing color confirmation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is presented to the printing process. It is possible to provide a printing color confirmation method characterized by prompting confirmation.
[0043]
According to this invention, the color of the color sample output in the printing process of the printing company or the like matches and the finished color of the print is reproduced, so a color printed matter is created according to the color of the color sample. can do.
[0044]
In addition, when using this method, transferring data submissions via a network is expected to eliminate logistics such as color swatches and proofs, and to shorten the time to print completion. With this in mind, it is possible to perform conversion based on the data obtained as a result of the confirmation by the printing color confirmation method, and the data can be used for printing.
[0045]
Further, even if it is determined as non-conformity as a result of the confirmation from the color sample or the like, redoing can be easily performed.
[0046]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIGS.
[0047]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print color confirmation system according to the present invention.
[0048]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a display device such as a monitor, 2 is an input / output interface, 3 is a CPU, 4 is a memory, 5 is an image input device such as a scanner or digital camera, 6 is an input device such as a keyboard, and 7 is an external storage device. , 8 is an output device, and 9 is a network line.
[0049]
The input device 6 such as a keyboard is used by the user to set a conversion method by setting RGB → CMYK conversion information, to set simulation output information, or to input RGB data to be converted. It is used for
[0050]
The CPU 3 controls each device based on the function of software and performs the following processing.
[0051]
(1) Based on the input from the conversion information setting means for setting the RGB → CMYK conversion method, the RGB → CMYK conversion information is written to the storage means and the information is managed.
[0052]
(2) Based on the input from the simulation output information setting means, the simulation output information is written to the storage means and the information is managed.
[0053]
(3) Based on the information recorded in (1), the RGB data input from the RGB data input means is converted into CMYK data for printing.
[0054]
(4) Based on the information recorded in (2), the printing CMYK data converted in (3) is converted into simulation output data.
[0055]
For example, the memory 4 can be suitably used for temporarily holding input by the user and temporarily holding various information necessary for processing of the CPU.
[0056]
The monitor 1 can be suitably used for displaying information necessary for the user to use the apparatus or for giving an instruction such as input to the user.
[0057]
The output device 8 is used to output simulation output data created by CPU processing.
[0058]
The image input device 5 is used to supply RGB data to the system as part of the RGB data input means.
[0059]
The external storage device 7 can be suitably used for recording RGB → CMYK conversion information and simulation output information, as well as holding RGB data to be supplied to the system.
[0060]
The network 9 is provided so that RGB data can be supplied via the network, or various data recorded in RGB → CMYK conversion information and simulation output information can be supplied via the network.
[0061]
Next, an example of processing according to the embodiment when the printed material is the final printed material according to the present invention will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0062]
In these examples, the system is roughly divided into three from the viewpoint of functions.
[0063]
One is an RGB → CMYK conversion method setting function which is a kind of RGB → CMYK conversion information setting function for setting a method for converting target RGB data into CMYK data for printing.
[0064]
The other is a simulation output information setting function for setting the characteristics of the simulation output machine necessary for creating the simulation output and the characteristics of the final printing.
[0065]
Here, the simulation output means that the color finally printed by the printing machine is reproduced and output by another output machine.
[0066]
The last one is a print simulation output function that converts RGB data input to the system and outputs a print simulation output necessary for confirming the print color.
[0067]
Note that the former two functions are not necessarily required every time when the print color check operation is performed, and therefore the flowchart will be described individually.
[0068]
In these examples, a data structure as shown in FIG. 9 is used as RGB → CMYK conversion information.
[0069]
That is, the RGB → CMYK conversion information includes a conversion information name for naming the conversion information, an RGB profile that describes color information of RGB data, and a print profile that describes color information of the final print.
[0070]
Here, the profile is a data file or parameter containing information necessary for mutually converting device signal values such as RGB and CMYK and color values such as CIELAB and CIEXYZ.
[0071]
A typical example of the profile is an ICC profile. In this example, the ICC profile is used for explanation, but the profile used in the present invention is not limited to the ICC profile.
[0072]
Also, the RGB → CMYK conversion information records only information for accessing the profile entity such as the profile name and file path, and the data necessary for the conversion exists on another storage device or network. It doesn't matter.
[0073]
It is also preferable to set the RGB color information when the uploader is observing the RGB data on a monitor such as a CRT in the color information of the RGB data of RGB → CMYK conversion information.
[0074]
This makes it possible to obtain a simulation output that reflects the finished color of the print while maintaining as much as possible the color that the submitter is observing on the monitor, so that the submitter can correct the RGB data while viewing the monitor. There is an advantage that the work to be done becomes relatively easy.
[0075]
Next, the RGB → CMYK conversion information setting function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0076]
RGB → CMYK conversion information input (flow chart 100)
For each item of RGB → CMYK conversion information, necessary data is input from the input device 6 such as a keyboard.
[0077]
Each item may be input directly by the user, or a menu or the like may be displayed on the monitor 1 and selected from the menu.
[0078]
In addition to inputting data directly, it is also possible to acquire data via an external storage device or a network line.
[0079]
Recording RGB → CMYK conversion information (101 in the flowchart)
The input RGB → CMYK conversion information is recorded in the external storage device 7.
[0080]
The RGB → CMYK conversion information setting function can be called at an arbitrary timing, and a plurality of RGB → CMYK conversion information can be registered by repeatedly using this function.
[0081]
The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a more detailed flow relating to the RGB → CMYK conversion information setting function when the data structure of RGB → CMYK conversion information shown in this embodiment is used.
[0082]
Next, the simulation output information setting function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0083]
In these examples, a data structure as shown in FIG. 10 is used as simulation output information.
[0084]
That is, the simulation output information includes a print profile and a simulation output machine profile.
[0085]
Here, in the example, an ICC profile is used as the profile, but the profile used in the present invention should not be limited to the ICC profile.
[0086]
Also, the RGB → CMYK conversion information records only information for accessing the profile entity such as the profile name and file path, and the data necessary for the conversion exists on another storage device or network. It doesn't matter.
[0087]
In addition, when the data structure of RGB → CMYK conversion information and simulation output information shown in this embodiment is used, the print profile of RGB → CMYK conversion information may be the same as the print profile of simulation output information. .
[0088]
Input of simulation output information (110 in the flowchart)
For each item of the simulation output information, necessary data is input from the input device 6 such as a keyboard.
[0089]
Each item may be input directly by the user, or a menu or the like may be displayed on the monitor 1 and selected from the menu.
[0090]
In addition to inputting data directly, it is also possible to acquire data via an external storage device or a network line.
[0091]
Recording of simulation output information (111 in the flowchart)
The input simulation output information is recorded in the external storage device 7.
[0092]
The simulation output information setting function can be called at an arbitrary timing, and a plurality of simulation output information can be registered by repeatedly using this function.
[0093]
The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows a more detailed flow related to the simulation output information setting function when the data structure of the simulation output information shown in this embodiment is used.
[0094]
Next, the print simulation output function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0095]
RGB data input (120 in the flowchart)
Input RGB data to be converted into the system.
[0096]
The RGB data to be converted is given via an external storage device or a network line, or given by the image input device 5.
[0097]
RGB → CMYK conversion information selection (121 in the flowchart)
Select the conversion to be used from the RGB → CMYK conversion information.
[0098]
Upon selection, a plurality of conversion information names recorded in RGB → CMYK information are displayed on the monitor 1 as a menu, and a conversion information name having conversion information indicating the conversion method most suitable for the request is selected from the menus.
[0099]
RGB → CMYK conversion execution (122 in the flowchart)
Based on the RGB → CMYK conversion information selected in 121 of the flowchart, the RGB data input to the system is converted into CMYK for printing.
[0100]
When the generated CMYK data is used for printing, that is, when plate making is performed from the obtained CMYK data, the CMYK data is output via an external storage device or a network line.
[0101]
Simulation output selection (123 in the flowchart)
Select the information to be used from the simulation output information.
[0102]
When selecting, the information of the simulation output machine and the final print may be displayed on the monitor 1 and selected.
[0103]
Conversion for simulation output (124 in the flowchart)
Based on the simulation output information, the CMYK data for printing obtained by the RGB → CMYK conversion is converted into data for a simulation output machine.
[0104]
Simulation output (125 in the flowchart)
Data for the simulation output machine obtained by the conversion for simulation output is output from the simulation output machine.
[0105]
As the simulation output machine in this embodiment, an ink jet printer, an electrophotographic printer, a sublimation transfer type printer, a halftone dot type DDCP, and the like are suitable. However, the output method is not limited in the present invention.
[0106]
Further, instead of a device capable of outputting the hard copy as an output device, it may be output as a soft copy on a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display.
[0107]
(125 in the flowchart)
The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows a more detailed flow relating to the execution of the RGB → CMYK conversion when using the RGB → CMYK conversion information in this embodiment.
[0108]
The flowchart of FIG. 8 shows in detail the flow of creating a color print from RGB data submission using the system of the present invention.
[0109]
In the following, the present invention will be described supplementarily.
[0110]
More specific variations exemplified below can be adopted as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0111]
(1) For RGB → CMYK conversion information, in addition to using the profile described in the embodiment, information sufficient to determine conversion from RGB to CMYK, for example, a CMYK decomposition curve used inside a plate-making scanner, etc. Such information may be used.
[0112]
(2) In the RGB → CMYK conversion information, not only parameters necessary for conversion but also a program for performing actual conversion may be set as a module.
[0113]
(3) Such RGB data is preferably RGB data acquired by an image input device such as a digital camera, or RGB data created and edited on a computer. However, when used as a manuscript for color printed matter, Any color can be used as long as the color state of the printed matter can be confirmed.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the finished color of a printed material can be easily confirmed from RGB data.
[0115]
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to create a color printed matter while avoiding the problem that a color printed matter intended by the submitter, which has been a problem in RGB data submission, is not created.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a print color confirmation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure required by the print color confirmation system described in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure required by the print color confirmation system described in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Monitor 2 ... I / O interface 3 ... CPU
4 ... Memory 5 ... Image input device 6 ... Input device 7 such as a keyboard ... External storage device 8 ... Output device 9 ... Network line

Claims (7)

A print color confirmation system for confirming the color state of printed matter by RGB data submission,
RGB → CMYK conversion information setting means for setting a method of RGB → CMYK conversion for converting RGB data into CMYK data for printing,
RGB → CMYK conversion information storage means for storing RGB → CMYK conversion information set by the conversion information setting means;
Simulation output information setting means to set the characteristics of the simulation output machine necessary for creating the simulation output and the printing characteristics,
Simulation output information storage means for storing simulation output information set by the simulation output information setting means;
RGB data input means for inputting RGB data to the system;
RGB → CMYK conversion executing means for converting RGB data into CMYK data for printing in accordance with the RGB → CMYK conversion information stored in the RGB → CMYK conversion information storage means;
Print color simulation data creating means for converting the CMYK data for printing obtained by the RGB → CMYK conversion executing means into simulation output data based on the information stored in the simulation output information storing means;
Simulation output means for outputting data obtained by the printing color simulation data creating means;
Comprising a door,
The simulation output to the printing characteristics set by the information setting unit, the RGB → CMYK color characteristics in CMYK conversion information is used confirmation print color system according to claim Rukoto.   2. The print color confirmation system according to claim 1, wherein the simulation output information set by the simulation output information setting means uses simulation output information stored in advance in the simulation output information storage means.   The simulation output information setting means sets the printing characteristics using the CMYK color characteristics in the RGB → CMYK conversion information, and sets using the simulation output information stored in advance as the characteristics of the simulation output machine. The print color confirmation system according to claim 1. It said conversion information setting means, the printing actually printed color identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 conversion information conversion method is characterized in that it is set to be performed during. 2. The conversion information setting means is capable of registering a plurality of RGB → CMYK conversions, and has conversion information selection means for selecting conversion information to be actually used from the registered plurality of conversion information. 5. The printing color confirmation system according to any one of 4 to 4 . 2. The simulation output information setting unit includes a simulation output selection unit that can register a plurality of simulation output information and selects a simulation output to be actually used from the registered simulation output information. The printing color confirmation system according to any one of Items 1 to 5 . Check system printing color according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it has a printing CMYK data output means for outputting the printing CMYK data generated externally by the RGB → CMYK conversion executing means.

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