JP4096497B2 - Color tone correction method and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a color tone correction method and an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to a color tone correction method and image processing used for gray balance adjustment in various color image recording apparatuses such as a color copying machine, a color automatic developing machine, and a color printer. Relates to the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, the base of image output devices has expanded, and image output devices corresponding to various output methods and paper sizes have been commercialized. In particular, in terms of paper size, a wide range of sizes such as A0 and A1 to those specialized in ordinary silver halide photograph sizes such as A6 have been developed according to the purpose and application.
[0003]
(1) Regarding a color matrix chart for color tone correction, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-63844 proposes a method of trying only once with a fixed density change rate. Japanese Patent No. 2867651 proposes to cope with print unevenness with a plurality of color matrix charts created by changing the arrangement order of color patches.
[0004]
(2) When color correction such as gray balance calibration or adjustment is performed by the image output device, step charts of gray and each primary color are output / printed by the image output device, the amount of gray deviation is determined by measurement values, etc. It is common to calibrate and adjust the balance by a method.
[0005]
(1) For example, when calibrating “Picography” (trade name of a silver halide photographic printer) commercially available from Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., each primary color (cyan) in two rows parallel to the print progress direction. It is possible to adjust the gray balance by printing a patch in which patches having different densities of Cy, magenta Mg, and yellow Ye) are arranged, and measuring a total of six rows of patches with a calibrator. In addition, the structure of the step chart used at this time is not particularly defined, and the current situation is that each company uses its own chart.
[0006]
{Circle around (2)} Also, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-160152, there is a technique in which a color matrix chart is measured with a colorimeter, data is analyzed, and calibration is performed.
[0007]
(3) Note that Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-63844 also proposes a technique for performing calibration by comparing a reference gray scale with a print at the time of toning by eye measurement.
[0008]
(3) In addition, as an image processing device for color tone correction, it can be realized on the printer driver as a nozzle position adjustment and density adjustment support utility in an inkjet printer, or a dedicated color correction support utility other than the printer driver. There is something to do.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
(1) The color matrix chart proposed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-63844 has a problem that the calibration accuracy of the color tone correction is not good because the density change rate is fixed and the method is tried once. . In addition, the color matrix chart proposed in Japanese Patent No. 2867651 has a problem that it is troublesome because a plurality of color matrix charts created by changing the arrangement order of the color patches are used.
[0010]
(2) When performing color tone correction such as gray balance calibration or adjustment with an image output device, it is assumed that an image measurement device such as a colorimeter or scanner is used, which has the problem that the entire system becomes expensive. is doing.
[0011]
(3) None of the existing density adjustment support utilities are configured to support gray balance adjustment by eye measurement.
Therefore, according to the present invention, the initial setting of the image output device, the deterioration with time, and the gray balance shift caused by the replacement of the ink sheet, the toner, and the image receiving paper can be easily performed without the user of the image output device using the measurement device or the image input device. It is an object of the present invention to realize a color tone correction method and an image processing apparatus that can be adjusted by eye measurement and with accuracy desired by a user.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  That is, the above-described problem is solved by the following configuration..
[0017]
  (1Claim1The described inventionWhen the change in density of each color patch relative to the entire color matrix chart is the density change rate,The first primary color is changed in the vertical axis direction at the first density change rate, and the second primary color is changed in the horizontal axis direction at the second density change rate, and the first primary color and the second primary color are combined. The color patch images are arranged in the vertical axis direction and the horizontal axis direction, and the color patch image is formed based on a calculation process using the coordinates in the vertical axis direction and the horizontal axis direction recorded in advance. When the index of the color patch image derived from the first density change rate and the second density change rate is formed at a predetermined position, the first density change rate and the second density change rate are calculated. Color patch images that are formed by changing the color density that is arbitrarily set and the mixed color combined with primary colors of the same signal value at the third density change rate are arranged in one direction, and the coordinates recorded in advance are used. Based on the calculation processing Forming a color image and forming the index of the color patch image derived from the third density change rate at a predetermined position; An image processing apparatus for adjusting gray balance using a color matrix chart having two types of scales,A control unit that performs control to print the color matrix chart based on the density control setting value;A color matrix chart similar image display unit for displaying a similar image of a printed color matrix chart;A color matrix chart image selection unit for selecting a color patch image having the closest color and density in the similar image in the color matrix chart similar image display unit;WithAfter the printing of the color matrix chart, the control unitFrom each primary color and mixed color index corresponding to the selected color patch imageThe first density change rate, the second density change rate, and the third density change rate are set small.Calculate the printer density control setting value,Applying the density setting valueThe nextColor matrix chartPrintrepeatThis is an image processing apparatus characterized by that.
[0020]
  (2Claim2The described invention is an image processing apparatus for adjusting the gray balance of an image output apparatus using one or a plurality of types of color matrix chart images for gray balance adjustment.Concentration control set valueAnd at least one of the total output number of the color matrix chart at that time is displayed on a display screen for gray balance adjustment.1It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0021]
  (3Claim3The invention described is an image processing apparatus that adjusts the gray balance of an image output device using one or a plurality of color matrix chart images for gray balance adjustment, the system setting and environment for printing the color matrix chart image The information relating to the status of the setting and adjusting work is added to the print, and at least one information is added to the print.1It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0022]
  (4Claim4The invention described in the above item is characterized in that the information relating to the status of the system setting, the environment setting, and the adjustment work includes the total number of prints in the gray balance adjustment work.3It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0023]
  (5Claim5In the invention described in the above, the information related to the status of the system setting, the environment setting, and the adjustment work includes a printer density control setting value at the time of print creation.3It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0024]
  (6Claim6In the invention described in the above, the information related to the status of the system setting, the environment setting, and the adjustment work includes the type of the color matrix chart.3It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0025]
  (7Claim7The described inventionData holding means for holding data;Gray balance adjustmentStartAt that timeofSetting contentsSaidThe data is held in a data holding means.1It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0026]
  (8Claim8The described invention is gray balance adjustment.StartAt that timeofA function capable of selecting whether or not to reflect the setting contents at the time of gray balance adjustment work.1It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0027]
  (9Claim9The invention described is an image processing apparatus that holds a color matrix chart for gray balance adjustment as image data, the gray balance adjustmentStartAnd a function of automatically printing at least one color matrix chart for gray balance adjustment.1It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0028]
  (10Claim10The described inventionThe controller isWhen using for the first time, after a certain period of non-use, or after using a new media, the gray balance is automatically adjusted.StartDo,Claims1It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0029]
  (11Claim11The described inventionThe color matrix chart similar image display unit prints a color matrix chart.inside,PrintStatusTheClaims to be displayed1It is an image processing apparatus of description.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus that creates a color matrix chart.
[0031]
<Configuration of image processing device>
10 is a look-up table storing gradation data for creating a color matrix chart, 11 is a decoding ROM that receives the clock count result and outputs the values of the X-axis and Y-axis of the color matrix chart, 12 An X-axis counter that receives and counts clocks in the X-axis direction of the color matrix chart, 13 is a Y-axis counter that receives and counts clocks in the Y-axis direction of the color matrix chart, and 14 is an output and density setting unit from the decoding ROM 11 A selector for switching between set values from 15, 17 a selector for switching between an external video signal (during normal operation) and a constant from the constant setting unit 16 (when creating a color matrix chart), and 20 from the look-up table 10 Create color matrix chart based on gradation data Output) which is a recording unit for.
[0032]
Reference numeral 30 denotes a control unit that controls each unit, 40 denotes an input unit that allows various inputs, and 50 denotes a display unit that displays an image.
Here, the lookup table 10 stores gradation data calculated so as to correspond to the densities of various density changes. That is, the gradation data calculated according to the step size of the matrix chart by the constant setting is stored. Here, the step size can be adapted to the image processing mode of the image processing apparatus. For example, when the color balance can be adjusted by a tone curve based on the γ function, the γ coefficient is set at a constant step size. Alternatively, when the balance is adjusted by the density, the density is set with a constant step size. Further, an item such as γ or density and its step size can be arbitrarily set by the color chart creator through the input unit 40.
[0033]
For this lookup table 10, the decoding ROM 11 switches the selector 14 according to the values of the X axis and Y axis corresponding to the vertical and horizontal axes of the color matrix chart, and supplies the output of the density setting unit 15.
[0034]
The color matrix chart on which the patch output in this way is formed represents the output state for each primary color and mixed color tone and density of the image processing apparatus. Therefore, based on the color matrix chart 1 (see FIG. 2) and the gray scale 2 (see FIG. 3), color tone and density are detected as described later. In this image processing apparatus, a video signal from an external device is received and printed out from the recording unit 20 in a normal case.
[0035]
Hereinafter, the color matrix charts 1, 2, and 3 output from the image processing apparatus will be described.
<Creation of color matrix chart>
Here, a specific example in a printer using three colors of ink of yellow (hereinafter, Y), magenta (hereinafter, M), and cyan (hereinafter, C) will be described.
[0036]
Here, FIG. 2 shows an example of a color matrix chart in which each density of YMC is changed to be a color. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a color matrix chart obtained by the embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]
In FIG. 2, the color matrix chart 1 is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper with a plurality of patches in which the density of M is fixed and the density of Y and C each changes γ at 0.1 pitch. It has been done. That is, M = density fixed, C = density change, and Y = density change. Further, the density change rate is expressed by γ, and M = 1 and C and Y density change rate = 0.1 pitch. Note that coloring of each patch by actual YMC is omitted. Further, if the patches are in contact with each other adjacent to each other, the measurement is inaccurate due to the Mach phenomenon (or edge effect), and therefore the color around each patch is preferably white or black.
[0038]
In FIG. 2, the patch at a position where C and Y correspond to γ = 1.0 is neutral gray when output by an image output device that is in gray balance.
[0039]
The color matrix chart shown in FIG. 2 changes the first primary color in the vertical axis direction at the first density change rate and changes the second primary color in the horizontal axis direction at the second density change rate. Color patch images formed by combining the first primary color and the second primary color are arranged in the vertical axis direction and the horizontal axis direction, and the coordinates of the vertical axis direction and the horizontal axis direction recorded in advance are set. A color matrix chart is formed by forming the color patch image based on the predetermined arithmetic processing used, and forming an index of the color patch image derived from the first density change rate and the second density change rate at a predetermined position. Corresponds to the one in which the first density change rate and the second density change rate are arbitrarily set.
[0040]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a color matrix chart in which each YMC density is made equal to make a gray scale. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a gray scale color matrix chart obtained by the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a color matrix chart 2 is created on a recording medium such as recording paper by a plurality of patches in which the density of Y, M, and C each changes γ at 0.1 pitch. That is, M = density change, C = density change, Y = density change, and an index of the density change rate is represented by γ, and the density change rate = 0.1 pitch. Note that coloring of each patch by actual YMC is omitted. Further, if the patches are in contact with each other adjacent to each other, the measurement is inaccurate due to the Mach phenomenon (or edge effect), and therefore the color around each patch is preferably white or black.
[0041]
In FIG. 3, each patch is neutral gray when output by an image output apparatus having a gray balance.
Further, the color matrix chart of FIG. 3 arranges color patch images formed by changing the mixed color combined with primary colors of the same signal value at the third density change rate in one direction, and coordinates recorded in advance are arranged. When forming the color patch image based on the predetermined arithmetic processing used, creating an index of the color patch image derived from the third density change rate at a predetermined position to create a color matrix chart, This corresponds to an arbitrarily set third density change rate.
[0042]
In the above description, the density change rates in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction may be the same or different. Further, the density change rates of the color matrix charts in FIGS. 2 and 3 do not have to be the same. In FIG. 2, M is fixed in density, but other colors may be fixed in density. Furthermore, the index of the patch used here is also an example, and may be +1 which is often used for the density of a photograph instead of γ, and may be matched to the system to be used (configuration of the recording unit). In addition, the arrangement position of the index is on the side of the patch, but it is not limited to this. Here, YMC is used as the recording color, but the same applies to the case where it is used as the RGB recording color on photographic paper or the like.
[0043]
Further, the color matrix chart 3 shown in FIG. 4 can be integrated by combining the color matrix chart of FIG. 2 and the color matrix chart of FIG.
[0044]
Also, in the color matrix charts of FIGS. 2 to 4, a patch row composed of a plurality of patches of the same color and the same density is embedded in any position of the color matrix chart, so that the recording of the image recording unit is performed. Information on unevenness and the like can be obtained, and the user can visually determine whether the color matrix chart can be used as calibration data.
[0045]
<Color tone correction: Gray balance adjustment (1)>
In the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-63844, which is a conventional example, the density change rate of the color matrix chart is fixed, and it is difficult to incorporate the user's opinion on the adjustment accuracy. In addition, if a color matrix chart is configured in consideration of the adjustment step width (for example, density change rate) allowed by the print driver or application software, the number of color patches becomes enormous, which is not practical.
[0046]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of color matrix charts are configured by dividing the step width (for example, density change rate) into a plurality of stages, and a color matrix chart having a rough step size (large density change rate) is used. First, coarse adjustment is performed, and then the step size of the color matrix chart is fined (the density change rate is reduced) and fine adjustment is performed, thereby improving the accuracy of final adjustment.
[0047]
According to such stepwise color tone correction, it is possible to incorporate user judgment on the accuracy of adjustment.
Such color tone correction is performed according to the following procedure.
[0048]
(A) A reference color patch (gray having a predetermined density value; a color matrix chart (see FIG. 4) including a gray scale used for adjustment may be used as it is) is used in advance by a product developer / device. Created by the provider and handed to the user.
[0049]
(B) When the user calibrates the gray balance, the color patch is referred to.
(C) A color matrix chart (for example, FIG. 4) including a gray scale created with a coarse step size (for example, density change rate: large) by an apparatus such as a printer to be adjusted is output, and the color matrix chart A color patch that is close to the color and density of the reference color patch is selected, and an index (numerical value of density) corresponding to the patch is acquired.
[0050]
(D) Next, a color matrix chart having a smaller step size (density change rate: smaller) than the color matrix chart output earlier is output using the index obtained from the previous color matrix chart.
[0051]
(E) By repeating the same operation as described above while reducing the density change rate, the accuracy of gray balance adjustment can be increased. It should be noted that it is up to the user to determine the level of work in this repetition.
[0052]
<Color tone correction: Gray balance adjustment (2)>
Hereinafter, a specific example of performing tone correction for gray balance adjustment in the image processing apparatus will be described.
[0053]
First, a color tone correction program as application software or an image processing apparatus in which a printer driver is operating displays a screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display device for color tone correction. As an example, various settings can be made on this screen shown in FIG. 5, and gray balance adjustment proceeds by selecting and clicking “Gray Calibration” in the portion {circle around (1)}.
[0054]
When “Gray Calibration” is selected and clicked on the screen of FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus displays the “Gray Balance Calibration Utility” screen of FIG. Here, the entire screen is shown in FIG. 6A, and the display contents are omitted in the lower left part of the screen. The portion omitted in FIG. 6A is enlarged and displayed in FIG.
[0055]
Here, the original image of the color matrix chart to be actually printed out is generated by reducing the image, or the thumbnail image data held in advance is used to display the image shown in FIG. 6B (FIG. 6B). (1)).
[0056]
In this case, the user can reproduce a similar image (thumbnail image, reduced image, enlarged image, “color matrix chart similar image display unit” in claim) of the color matrix chart actually printed by the user (color patch selection frame (color patch selection frame ( Since the color patch is designated by moving FIG. 6B (2))), it is possible to prevent a user from reading a patch density index incorrectly or registering it. In FIG. 6B, the density change rate level of the currently printed color matrix chart (here, coarse, medium, and fine), the total number of prints of the color matrix chart, and the like are also displayed. (FIG. 6 (b) (3)). Then, the gray scale (CMY) and color scale (C, M, Y) parameters are automatically obtained from the color patch selected in the color patch selection frame (FIG. 6 (a) (4)). This parameter is automatically input to the printer driver and the parameter setting unit of the application.
[0057]
In the case of a system in which the user reads the index of the color matrix chart of FIGS. 2 to 4 and inputs it from an input device such as a keyboard, the image processing apparatus displays a “gray balance calibration utility” screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed. In this case, the parameter registration unit (FIG. 7 (1), parameter input unit in claims) reads the parameters of gray scale (CMY) and color scale (C, M, Y) and the index of the color matrix chart to read the user. Enter. In addition, there is a method in which the user selects and inputs a corresponding numerical value from a pull-down menu instead of inputting the numerical value.
[0058]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation state of the gray balance calibration utility in the image processing apparatus described above. First, the image processing apparatus displays a message on the screen such as “Do you want to print a chart using the current output tone curve?” (S1 in FIG. 8).
[0059]
At this stage, if the display of the help screen is requested, a predetermined help screen is displayed (FIG. 8S2), and if the user instructs to close the help (FIG. 8S3), the help screen is closed (FIG. 8S4). Further, if there is a cancel instruction from the user at the stage of S1, the above-described screen is closed (S5 in FIG. 8).
[0060]
If “print using current settings” is selected in step S1, the setting values ((γ: CMY), (γ: C), (γ: M) of the driver “output tone curve” are selected. , (Γ: Y),) is read (S6 in FIG. 8). Then, the values of ((γ: CMY), (γ: C), (γ: M), (γ: Y)) are input in the correction parameter column of the gray balance calibration utility (S7 in FIG. 8).
[0061]
If “print without using current settings” is selected in step S1, ((γ: CMY) = 1, (γ: C) = 1 in the correction parameter column of the gray balance calibration utility. , (Γ: M) = 1, (γ: Y) = 1) (S8 in FIG. 8).
[0062]
When the correction parameter is input in S7 or S8, the above-described message of S1 is cleared from the screen (S9 in FIG. 8). Further, the current setting (profile, various parameters, etc.) on the printer driver is held in a nonvolatile memory or the like (S10 in FIG. 8). Then, the parameter setting of the printer driver is set to “None”, and the correction parameters ((γ: CMY), (γ: C), (γ: M), (γ: Y) described above in the “output tone curve” are set. ) Is incorporated (FIG. 8 S11).
[0063]
Further, with the gray balance calibration utility, the chart selection = medium coarse adjustment, chart image display = rough adjustment chart image, and the patch having the closest color and density is selected using the reference print. The prompting message is displayed on the message screen shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 (S12 in FIG. 8).
[0064]
At this point, the image processing apparatus prints out a color matrix chart of level 1 (density change rate level = rough) (S13 in FIG. 8).
After this color matrix chart printout, the image processing apparatus uses a gray balance calibration utility, chart selection = chart with a pitch one step higher than the previous output, chart image display = the chart image output immediately before, A message prompting the user to select a patch having the closest color and density using the reference print is displayed on the message screen (S14 in FIG. 8).
[0065]
If “end adjustment” is selected, the process jumps to “PART A” in FIG. 9 which is a subroutine related to the end of adjustment. If “print” is selected in S14, a change in the rectangular patch position by the user or a change in the color matrix chart of the next output is accepted (S15 in FIG. 8), and γ of the selected patch is added by an internal calculation. The γ value is calculated and displayed (S16 in FIG. 8). When printing is instructed by the user (S17 in FIG. 8), the image processing apparatus displays it on a screen asking whether to print the chart with the current settings (S18 in FIG. 8).
[0066]
At this stage, if there is an “OK” instruction from the user, the value of γ of the gray balance calibration utility is applied to print the color matrix chart (S19 in FIG. 8), and the process returns to S14. If there is a cancel instruction from the user at step S18, the process returns to step S15.
[0067]
Returning to S14, when “end adjustment” is selected, the process jumps to “PART A” in FIG. If “print” is selected in S14, the above procedure is repeated.
[0068]
In “PART A”, which is a subroutine as an end process of the gray balance calibration utility, the image processing apparatus displays a message asking whether to use the current parameter in the future (S20 in FIG. 9).
[0069]
If the user inputs “Cancel”, the message of S20 is closed (S21 in FIG. 9), this subroutine is terminated, and all the processes of the gray balance calibration utility are terminated.
[0070]
In S20, if the user inputs YES (uses the setting), the settings held in S10 in FIG. 8 other than the output tone curve are read back. Then, for the setting of the output tone curve, the setting at the time of the previous print output is registered (S22 in FIG. 9).
[0071]
In S20, if the user inputs NO (no setting is used), the above-described message of S20 is closed and a message that all adjustment contents are deleted is displayed on the screen (S23 in FIG. 9). If NO (cancel) is input in step S23, the process returns to S20. If "OK" is input in S23, all the settings held in S10 in FIG. 8 are read back to the printer driver (S24 in FIG. 9).
[0072]
Then, when S22 or S24 is completed, the “grey balance calibration utility” dialog box is closed and all the processes are terminated (S25 in FIG. 9).
[0073]
In the above description of the operation, good results can be obtained by performing the following (1) to (7).
(1) In an image processing apparatus that uses one or more color matrix chart images for gray balance adjustment to adjust the gray balance of the image output apparatus, system settings, environment settings, and adjustment operations when printing the color matrix chart image It is desirable to add at least one piece of information related to the situation to the print. As a result, since the setting information at the time of printing the color matrix chart is added, the situation and information at the time of printing can be immediately understood, which is convenient when organizing the printing.
[0074]
{Circle around (2)} It is desirable that the information related to the status of the system setting, environment setting, and adjustment work includes the density control setting value of the printer at the time of print creation. Thus, the print can be reproduced by referring to the setting value of the printer.
[0075]
(3) It is desirable that the information related to the status of the system setting, environment setting and adjustment work includes the type of the color matrix chart. This is useful for organizing and reproducing prints.
[0076]
(4) When the program for gray balance adjustment is started, it is desirable to hold the setting contents of the printer and print function control means at that time in the control device or the data holding means in the image output device. As described above, since the setting contents are held, the gray balance adjustment program can be forcibly terminated or the adjustment result can be returned to the state before the adjustment when the use is rejected.
[0077]
(5) It is desirable to have a function capable of selecting whether to reflect the setting contents of the printer and print function control means at the time when the gray balance adjustment program is activated at the time of gray balance adjustment work. As a result, when fine adjustments such as changes with time of the printer are performed, it can be performed in a relatively short time.
[0078]
(6) An image processing apparatus which holds a color matrix chart for gray balance adjustment as image data, and at least one color matrix for gray balance adjustment when a program for gray balance adjustment is started. It is desirable to have a function for automatically printing a chart. Thereby, a user's operation can be simplified.
[0079]
(7) It is desirable to display the printing status on the color matrix chart similar image display section during printing of the color matrix chart. As a result, it is possible to predict the time required until the end of printing without displaying the printer driver or the utility indicating the printing status.
<Other embodiments>
It is desirable to provide a control means for automatically starting a gray balance adjustment program when used for the first time, when used after a certain period of non-use, or when used immediately after replacing a medium. As a result, in a situation where the gray balance is expected to be greatly deviated, it is possible to create a situation where the user can always obtain a stable output by performing the gray balance correction unconditionally.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0081]
  (1)more thanIn this invention, the density change rate can be changed arbitrarily when creating a color matrix chart, so the user can make rough adjustments when creating a rough matrix scale, and fine adjustments when creating a dense matrix scale. A color matrix chart having a coarse and dense matrix scale according to the demand and purpose of use can be created and the color tone can be corrected.
[0082]
  (2)more thanIn this invention, since the density change rate can be changed with respect to the color matrix chart having a gray scale, it is possible to correct the tone by creating a coarse and dense gray scale according to the user's request.
[0083]
  (3)more thanIn this invention, when it is possible to set a tone correction curve by a γ coefficient in a printer driver or various image processing applications, this index can be input as it is to correct the tone.
[0084]
  (4)more thanIn this invention, a color matrix chart having a color scale and a gray scale in which the density change rate is arbitrarily changed is used so that the color scale and the gray scale in which the density change rate is arbitrarily changed are arranged on the same print surface. By doing so, it is possible to adjust the chromaticity and the density at the same time on a single print, and further, it is possible to adjust without considering the density difference for each print.
[0085]
  (5)more thanIn this invention, the user can adjust the degree of adjustment according to the purpose.
  (6)more thanIn this invention, it is possible to assist the user in adjusting the gray balance, and by selecting an arbitrary patch image from the similar images of the color matrix chart, the user can change the color chart image from the print to the color patch. Improvements in work efficiency are expected when reading the corresponding adjustment indicators and errors in numerical input are reduced.
[0086]
  (7)more thanIn the present invention, since a complicated process is not required, the configuration of the utility is simplified.
  (8)more thanIn this invention, since the chart to be output next time is determined with reference to the chart output immediately before, the operation burden on the user can be reduced.
[0087]
  (9)more thanIn this invention, since the color matrix chart is displayed on the screen, the type of color matrix chart and the total number of output sheets are displayed, so that it can be known as character information.
[0088]
  (10)more thanIn the present invention, since the setting information at the time of printing the color matrix chart is added, the situation and information at the time of printing can be known immediately, which is convenient when organizing the printing.
[0089]
  (11)more thanIn this invention, since the total number of prints is included in the setting information added at the time of printing the color matrix chart, it is easy to understand the history and organize the prints.
[0090]
  (12)more thanIn this invention, since the printer density control setting value is included in the setting information added at the time of printing the color matrix chart, the print can be reproduced by referring to the printer setting value.
[0091]
  (13)more thanIn this invention, since the setting information added at the time of printing the color matrix chart includes the information of the type of the color matrix chart, it is useful for organizing and reproducing the print.
[0092]
  (14)more thanIn the invention, since the setting contents are held, the gray balance adjustment program can be forcibly terminated or the adjustment result can be returned to the state before the adjustment when the use is rejected.
[0093]
  (15)more thanIn this invention, when the gray balance adjustment program is started, it can be selected whether or not the settings of the printer and the print function control means at that time are reflected at the time of gray balance adjustment work. When performed, it can be performed in a relatively short time.
[0094]
  (16)more thanIn the invention, gray balance adjustmentStartAt this time, since it has a function of automatically printing at least one color matrix chart for gray balance adjustment, the operation of the user can be simplified.
[0095]
  (17)more thanWith this invention, the gray balance is automatically adjusted when it is used for the first time, when it is not used for a certain period of time, or when it is used immediately after replacing the media.StartTherefore, in a situation where the gray balance is expected to be greatly deviated, it is possible to create a situation where the user can always obtain a stable output by performing the gray balance correction unconditionally.
[0096]
  (18)more thanIn the invention of the color matrix chartPrintinside,PrintSince the status is displayed on the color matrix chart similar image display section, it is possible to predict the time required until the end of printing without displaying the printer driver or the utility indicating the printing status.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a color matrix chart according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a color matrix chart according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a color matrix chart according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a color tone correction screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen of a gray balance calibration utility in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the gray balance calibration utility screen in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process in the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Look-up table
11 Decoding ROM
12 X-axis counter
13 Y-axis counter
14 Selector
15 Density setting section
16 Constant setting part
17 Selector
20 Recording unit (printer)
30 Control unit
40 Input section
50 display section

Claims (11)

When the change in density of each color patch for the entire color matrix chart is the density change rate, the first primary color is changed in the vertical axis direction at the first density change rate, and the second primary color is changed in the horizontal axis direction. The color patch images formed by combining the first primary color and the second primary color are arranged in the vertical axis direction and the horizontal axis direction, and the pre-recorded vertical axis direction and the The color patch image is formed based on a calculation process using coordinates in the horizontal axis direction, and an index of the color patch image derived from the first density change rate and the second density change rate is formed at a predetermined position. The first density change rate and the second density change rate are arbitrarily set, and a mixed color combined with primary colors of the same signal value is changed at the third density change rate. Color patch An image is arranged in one direction, the color patch image is formed based on a calculation process using coordinates recorded in advance, and an index of the color patch image derived from the third density change rate is set to a predetermined value. An image processing apparatus that performs gray balance adjustment using a color matrix chart having two types of scales, a gray scale in which the third density change rate is arbitrarily set, when forming and forming at a position. ,
A control unit that performs control to print the color matrix chart based on density control setting values;
And color matrix chart similar image display unit for displaying a similar image of the print has been color matrix chart,
A color matrix chart image selection unit that selects a color patch image having the closest color and density in the similar image in the color matrix chart similar image display unit ,
The control unit sets the first density change rate, the second density change rate, and the third density change rate to be small from each primary color and mixed color index corresponding to the color patch image selected after the color matrix chart is printed. and to calculate the density control setting value of the printer, repeating the printing of the next color matrix chart by applying the concentration set value,
An image processing apparatus. An image processing device for adjusting the gray balance of an image output device using one or more color matrix chart images for gray balance adjustment,
At least one of the density control setting value of the color matrix chart image and the total output number of the color matrix chart at that time is displayed on the display screen for gray balance adjustment.
Images it is processing device according to claim 1, wherein a. An image processing device that adjusts the gray balance of an image output device using one or more color matrix chart images for gray balance adjustment,
At least one piece of information is added to the print among the information related to the system setting, the environment setting, and the adjustment work status when printing the color matrix chart image.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The information related to the system setting, the environment setting, and the status of the adjustment work includes the total number of prints in the gray balance adjustment work.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 . The information related to the system settings, environment settings, and the status of adjustment work includes printer density control setting values at the time of print creation.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 . Among the information related to the status of the system setting, environment setting and adjustment work, the type of the color matrix chart is included.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 . Data holding means for holding data;
When starting the gray balance adjustment, maintain the settings at the time in the data hold unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . When starting gray balance adjustment , it has a function that can select whether to reflect the settings at that time during gray balance adjustment work,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . An image processing apparatus that holds a color matrix chart for gray balance adjustment as image data,
When starting gray balance adjustment , it has a function to automatically print at least one color balance chart for gray balance adjustment.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The controller is
When using for the first time, after a certain period of non-use, or immediately after changing media, the gray balance adjustment starts automatically .
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The color matrix chart similar image display unit is
During the printing of the color matrix chart, to display the print status,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images