JP4780129B2 - Image processing method and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to correction of image density values.

  Conventionally, various techniques for adjusting the color tone of a printed image have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, image data is analyzed and the analysis result is displayed, and an input unit for changing parameters relating to the hue is displayed in an area different from the analysis result display area. It is disclosed that the color or the like of the image data is changed based on the obtained information.

JP 2002-57912 A

  According to Patent Document 1, a desired color and the like can be input while referring to an analysis result. However, since the display area for the analysis result and the display area for the input are provided separately, it is not possible to intuitively input the parameters relating to the hue based on the analysis result.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and the like that can intuitively correct an image density value based on an analysis result.

Frequency invention according to the first embodiment which is one aspect of the present invention, which acquires image data, based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the image data, counting the frequency of each pixel value, and the counting Based on the above, the peak of the pixel value is specified, the coordinate value of the cursor is determined based on the pixel value of the specified peak, the cursor is displayed at the determined coordinate value on the input screen, and the displayed A user operation for changing a cursor position is received, and a color correction parameter is generated based on the received content.

  According to the image processing method, the position of the cursor used for changing the image density value is determined based on the analysis result of the image data. That is, when the density value peak of the image data exists in a dark area, the cursor is displayed at a position for designating the dark density value on the input screen. When the density value peak of the image data exists in a light area, a cursor is displayed at a position for designating a low density value on the input screen. As a result, the user can intuitively grasp the analysis result of the image data according to the position of the cursor, and can reduce the operation (cursor movement amount) related to the correction of the hue of the image data.

The invention according to a second embodiment which is an aspect of the present invention is a picture image processing method, set the cursor detection area in a predetermined surrounding area including the display position of the cursor, in response to the operation of the user The pointer whose display position is changed is displayed, and when the predetermined portion of the pointer is located in the cursor detection area, the cursor is determined to be the operation target of the pointer, and the cursor is initially displayed. When the pointer is initially displayed so that the predetermined portion of the pointer overlaps the cursor detection area of the cursor, the position of the pointer is changed based on the operation of the user, and the movement of the pointer is changed. The position of the cursor is changed.

  According to the image processing method, a pointer for moving the cursor is initially displayed around the initial display position of the cursor. As a result, it is not necessary to move the pointer to the periphery of the cursor, so that the operation (the amount of movement of the pointer) related to the correction of the hue of the image data can be reduced.

Is an aspect of the present invention originating invention according to the third aspect, a images processing method, when the peak of the pixel values can not be identified, characterized by setting the coordinate values of the cursor to a predetermined value And

  According to the image processing method, when the density value peak of the image data cannot be specified, the cursor is set to a predetermined value (for example, a center value). As a result, the cursor can be displayed at the center position in the image data in which the density values are distributed over a wide range, and the operation (the amount of movement of the cursor) related to the correction of the hue of the image data can be reduced.

An invention according to a fourth aspect which is an aspect of the present invention is an image processing method, which acquires image data, prints based on the image data, acquires environmental information at the time of printing, Environment information on the date and time when the calibration is executed is acquired, and the image data is configured when the difference between the environment information on the printing date and the environment information on the date and time when the calibration is executed is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The frequency for each pixel value is counted based on the pixel value for each pixel, the peak of the pixel value is identified based on the counted frequency, and the coordinate value of the cursor is determined based on the pixel value of the identified peak. The cursor is displayed at the determined coordinate value on the input screen, the user's operation to change the position of the displayed cursor is accepted, and the color correction parameter is set based on the received content. Characterized in that it formed.

  According to the above image processing method, after printing based on image data, when the environmental information at the time of printing and the environmental information of the date and time when the calibration of the density value is performed differ by a predetermined amount or more, the image density value The position of the cursor used for the change is determined based on the analysis result of the image data, and an input screen for correcting the hue of the image data is displayed. Thereby, in a situation where it is assumed that there is no need to correct the hue, the input screen for the correction is not displayed, so that it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness related to the display on the input screen.

The invention according to a fifth aspect of which is one aspect of the present invention is a picture image processing method, and acquires the image data, the print based on the image data, acquires the date and time of the printing, the density value If the time difference between the printing date and time and the date and time of calibration is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, the date and time when the calibration is executed is acquired, and the pixel value is determined based on the pixel value for each pixel constituting the image data. Count the frequency for each value, identify the peak of the pixel value based on the counted frequency, determine the coordinate value of the cursor based on the pixel value of the identified peak, and determine the determined value on the input screen A cursor is displayed at the coordinate value, a user operation for changing the position of the displayed cursor is received, and a color correction parameter is generated based on the received content.

  According to the above-described image processing method, after printing based on image data, when the date and time of printing and the date and time when density value calibration is performed differ by a predetermined time or more, the cursor used for changing the image density value Is determined based on the analysis result of the image data, and an input screen for correcting the hue of the image data is displayed. Thereby, in a situation where it is assumed that there is no need to correct the hue, the input screen for the correction is not displayed, so that it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness related to the display on the input screen.

The invention according to a sixth aspect of which is one aspect of the present invention is a picture image processing apparatus, an image acquiring unit that acquires image data, based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the image data, the pixel Counting means for counting the frequency for each value, peak specifying means for specifying the peak of the pixel value based on the counted frequency, and coordinates for determining the coordinate value of the cursor based on the pixel value of the specified peak A value determination means, a cursor display means for initially displaying a cursor at the determined coordinate value on the input screen, an operation acceptance means for accepting a user operation for changing the position of the displayed cursor, and the received contents And a color correction parameter generation means for generating a color correction parameter.

  According to the image processing apparatus, the position of the cursor used for changing the image density value is determined based on the analysis result of the image data. That is, when the density value peak of the image data exists in a dark area, the cursor is displayed at a position for designating the dark density value on the input screen. When the density value peak of the image data exists in a light area, a cursor is displayed at a position for designating a low density value on the input screen. As a result, the user can intuitively grasp the analysis result of the image data according to the position of the cursor, and can reduce the operation (cursor movement amount) related to the correction of the hue of the image data.

Invention includes a cursor detection area setting means for setting a cursor detection area in a predetermined surrounding area including the display position before Symbol cursor, in response to an operation of the user according to a seventh aspect of which is one aspect of the present invention Pointer display means for displaying a pointer whose display position is changed, determination means for determining that the cursor is an operation target of the pointer when a predetermined portion of the pointer is located in the cursor detection area, When the cursor is initially displayed, pointer initial display means for initially displaying the pointer so that the predetermined portion of the pointer overlaps the cursor detection area of the cursor, and the position of the pointer based on the operation of the user Change pointer position changing means, and cursor position changing means for changing the position of the cursor based on the movement of the pointer. Characterized in that it comprises the al.

  According to the image processing apparatus, a pointer for moving the cursor is initially displayed around the initial display position of the cursor. As a result, it is not necessary to move the pointer to the periphery of the cursor, so that the operation (the amount of movement of the pointer) related to the correction of the hue of the image data can be reduced.

The invention according to an eighth aspect which is one aspect of the present invention further includes initial value setting means for setting the coordinate value of the cursor to a predetermined value when the peak of the pixel value cannot be specified. .

  According to the image processing apparatus, when the density value peak of the image data cannot be specified, the cursor is set to a predetermined value (for example, a center value). As a result, the cursor can be displayed at the center position in the image data in which the density values are distributed over a wide range, and the operation (the amount of movement of the cursor) related to the correction of the hue of the image data can be reduced.

An invention according to a ninth aspect which is one aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus, wherein the image data acquisition means for acquiring image data, the printing means for printing based on the image data, and the printing Printing environment information acquisition means for acquiring environment information, environment information acquisition means for calibration for acquiring environment information of the date and time when density value calibration was executed, environment information and calibration for the printing date and time were executed Counting means for counting the frequency of each pixel value based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the image data when the difference from the environmental information at the date and time is a predetermined amount or more, and based on the counted frequency A peak characteristic means for specifying the peak of the pixel value, a coordinate value determination means for determining the coordinate value of the cursor based on the pixel value of the specified peak, and an input screen A cursor display means for displaying a cursor at the determined coordinate value, an operation acceptance means for accepting a user operation for changing the position of the displayed cursor, and a color for generating a color correction parameter based on the received content. Correction parameter generation means.

  According to the image processing apparatus, after printing based on image data, when the environmental information at the time of printing and the environmental information of the date and time when the calibration of the density value is performed differ by a predetermined amount or more, the image density value The position of the cursor used for the change is determined based on the analysis result of the image data, and an input screen for correcting the hue of the image data is displayed. Thereby, in a situation where it is assumed that there is no need to correct the hue, the input screen for the correction is not displayed, so that it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness related to the display on the input screen.

An invention according to a tenth aspect which is an aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus, wherein the image data acquisition unit acquires image data, the printing unit prints based on the image data, and the date and time of printing The time difference between the print date and time, the calibration date acquisition means for acquiring the date and time when the density value calibration was executed, and the date and time when the calibration was executed is a predetermined time or more. In addition, the counting means for counting the frequency for each pixel value based on the pixel value for each pixel constituting the image data, the peak specifying means for specifying the peak of the pixel value based on the counted frequency, Coordinate value determining means for determining the coordinate value of the cursor based on the pixel value of the specified peak, and a cursor for displaying the cursor at the determined coordinate value on the input screen And shows means, an operation accepting unit that accepts a user operation for changing the position of the cursor and the display, based on the contents of the accepted, characterized in that it comprises a color correction parameter generating means for generating a color correction parameter.

  According to the image processing apparatus, after printing based on image data, when the date and time of printing and the date and time when calibration of density values is performed differ by a predetermined time or more, the cursor used for changing the image density value Is determined based on the analysis result of the image data, and an input screen for correcting the hue of the image data is displayed. Thereby, in a situation where it is assumed that there is no need to correct the hue, the input screen for the correction is not displayed, so that it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness related to the display on the input screen.

  According to the present invention, since the position of the cursor in the input image for adjusting the hue of the image data is determined and displayed based on the analysis result of the image data, it is not necessary to display the analysis result. The user can intuitively grasp the analysis result.

[First Embodiment]
A system for realizing an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Further, the present embodiment can also be realized as an image processing program for causing a computer to execute an image processing method described below. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be realized as an image processing apparatus that executes an image processing method described below.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a system configuration for realizing the image processing method of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a computer 100, a plurality of printers 200, and a relay device 300.

The computer 100 and the printer 200 are connected via the relay device 300. The computer 100 and the printer 200 exchange various information. The printer 200 performs printing in response to an instruction from the computer 100. The computer 100 and the printer 200 have identification information (for example, an IP address). The computer 100 executes various programs described later.
Even if the computer 100 and the printer 200 are directly connected using a connection technology such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) without using the relay device 300, various types of information can be similarly transmitted and received.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the number of computers 100 is one, but it goes without saying that a configuration including a plurality of computers 100 may be used. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of printers 200 is one, but a configuration including a plurality of printers 200 may be used.

  Further, the printer 200 may perform some or all of various processes executed by the computer 100. That is, if the printer 200 has display means (for example, a liquid crystal panel, not shown) and has a processor capable of executing a predetermined program and storage means capable of temporarily and permanently storing various information. Of course, it can be substituted as a computer in this embodiment. Moreover, you may comprise so that the one part or all part of the various processes demonstrated below may be performed in the external apparatus connected with the network.

  Of course, this embodiment may be realized by distributed processing by a plurality of computers. Further, a specialized processor and / or memory may be used to execute this embodiment.

The computer 100 basically includes a processor, first storage means, and second storage means. Needless to say, various elements may be added as necessary.
The first storage means is constituted by, for example, a nonvolatile memory. The first storage means stores various programs including programs necessary for realizing the present invention. Various data necessary for realizing the present invention is also stored in the first storage means.
The second storage means is composed of, for example, a volatile memory. The second storage means is loaded with a program or data stored in the first storage means.
The processor executes various processes using data stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit. It also controls the operation and signal flow of various devices connected to the processor.

  Further, the printer 200 may have an environmental sensor as necessary. Further, the computer 100 and / or the printer 200 may store the date and time when the most recent calibration was performed, if necessary. Further, the computer 100 and / or the printer 200 may store environment information at the date and time when the most recent calibration was performed, if necessary.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the computer 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the computer 100 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an input / output I / F 14, and a communication I / F 15. The CPU 11 executes various programs (described later) in order to realize the present invention. These programs are stored in the ROM 12. These programs can function as drivers. In executing the program, various data are read / written to / from the RAM 13. Display control of a display (not shown) and transmission / reception of information to / from the input device are performed via the input / output I / F 14. Binarized data is transmitted to the printer 200 via the communication I / F 15. Further, each of the above elements is connected to each other by a signal line. The internal configuration shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example. For example, various programs may be stored in auxiliary storage means such as an HDD (not shown) instead of the ROM 12. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the one having this internal configuration.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the printer 200. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the printer 200 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a communication I / F 24, and a printing mechanism 25. The CPU 21 can execute all or part of a program for realizing the present invention. At this time, the program executed by the CPU 21 is stored in the ROM 22. A flash memory may be used as the ROM 22. In executing the program, various data are read / written to / from the RAM 23. Via the input / output I / F 24, display control of a display (not shown) (LCD or the like included in the printer 200) and information transmission / reception with an input device (such as a touch panel provided on the LCD surface) are performed. The printer 200 transmits and receives various information to and from the computer 100 via the communication I / F 25. The image data is printed using the printing mechanism 26. Further, each of the above elements is connected to each other by a signal line.

FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing in the computer 100, printer 200, display, and input device.
When there is a print request in a predetermined application, print data corresponding to the print request is acquired, and color matching processing is performed on the print data (1).
The color matching process is performed in order to minimize the difference between the color that can be reproduced by the printer and the color that can be reproduced on the display screen. In the color matching process, the color gamut is replaced by the color profile.

  A color correction process based on the color correction data is performed on the print data subjected to the color matching process (2). The color correction data is data generated based on the evaluation result at the time of previous printing, and is, for example, a lookup table that defines the density value relationship between the input density and the output density.

  Thereafter, the color-corrected image data (RGB values) is converted into CMYK values by color conversion processing (3). Since the RGB value → CMYK value conversion technique is known, the description thereof will be omitted.

  Thereafter, binarization processing is performed based on the CMYK values (4). In the binarization process, the gradation value of each color is converted into binary data of area gradation. That is, data is generated in which the dot density is high in the region where the density value is high and the dot density is low in the region where the density value is low. The created binarized data is transmitted to the printer 200.

  Upon receiving the binarized data, the printer 200 performs printing based on the binarized data (5).

  Print data from a predetermined application is printed by the printer 200 by being processed in the order of (1) → (2) → (3) → (4) → (5).

  On the other hand, a color totaling process is performed on the print data that has undergone the color matching process (6). In the color totaling process, the appearance frequency of the density value is calculated for each pixel component (for example, R, B, G) of the print data.

  Thereafter, display data is created based on the calculated appearance frequency. Then, the created display data (dialog) is displayed on the display (7). The creation of display data will be described later. Moreover, the input from a user is received (7). At this time, the evaluation result of the printing result printed by the above (5) is received. A method for inputting the evaluation result by the user will be described later. Further, the color correction data is changed (generated) based on the received evaluation result. The color correction data changing process will be described later. The changed color correction data is used in the subsequent printing process.

  Print data from a predetermined application is processed in the order of (1) → (6) → (7), so that the color correction data is changed based on the evaluation result of the print result in the printer 200. become.

  Next, basic processing executed by the computer 100 will be described. Basic processing is started by receiving a print request from a predetermined application. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of basic processing. It is assumed that a program for causing the computer 100 to execute the basic processing is stored in the ROM 12.

In S1, color matching processing is performed.
In S2, color correction processing is performed.
In S3, color conversion processing is performed.
In S4, binarization processing is performed.
In S5, binarized data transmission processing is performed.

In S6, a color totaling process is performed.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the color totaling process.

  In S11, a target color to be processed is determined. If the print data is in RGB format, any of R, G, and B is the target color. Note that the order of the target colors can be set as appropriate.

In S12, the appearance frequency (histogram) for each density value is calculated.
In S13, the density value (peak density value) having the highest appearance frequency is specified.
In S14, the initial display position of the cursor on the dialog is determined based on the peak concentration value obtained in S13. Details of the initial display position of the cursor will be described later.
In S15, it is determined whether or not processing has been performed for all the colors (in the RGB format, R, G, and B colors).

  If it is determined that there is an unprocessed color (S15: NO), the process returns to S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process has been performed for all colors (S15: YES), the color totaling process is terminated.

Returning to FIG. In S7, a dialog is displayed in a predetermined area on the display. At this time, a cursor is displayed at the position determined in S14. A pointer is displayed at a predetermined position on the dialog. Details of the pointer will be described later.
Further, after displaying the dialog in S7, an evaluation result input by the user (cursor moving operation, button pressing operation) is accepted.

  FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the histogram calculated in S12 described above and the initial display positions of the cursor and pointer. In the example shown in FIG. 7, in the R value, the density value “175” is the peak density value, in the G value, the density value “116” is the peak density value, and in the B value, the density value “ 135 "is the peak concentration value.

  Based on this peak concentration value, initial display positions of the cursor 421, the cursor 422, and the cursor 423 on the dialog 400 are determined. As shown in FIG. 7, the cursor 421 corresponding to the “R value” having the largest peak density value is located on the rightmost side (the side indicating that the density value is strong) on the dialog 400. In addition, the cursor 422 corresponding to the “G value” having the smallest peak density value is located on the leftmost side (the side indicating that the density value is weak) on the dialog 400. A pointer 430 is displayed around the initial display position of the cursor 421. Note that the pointer 430 may be displayed around the initial display position of the cursor 422 or the cursor 423.

  The user can recognize the peak of the density value distribution of the print data by visually recognizing the initial display position of the cursor. Further, the user can indicate the evaluation result for the print result by the positions of the cursor 421, the cursor 422, and the cursor 423. For example, if it is evaluated that the print result is strong red, the cursor 421 is moved to the right side. Further, when moving the cursor, the pointer 430 is moved around the cursor to be moved, and an operation (for example, the left button of the mouse) is used to activate the movement of the cursor using the input device (for example, the mouse). The input device is moved. As the input device moves, the cursor moves.

For example, when the computer 100 is implemented using Windows (registered trademark) or embedded software, the following environment is defined.
(1) Define a cursor detection area in a predetermined surrounding area including the cursor in advance when designing software. Then, the cursor detection area is set according to the display position of the cursor. The cursor detection area is generally a square area that includes the entire cursor.
(2) A pointer that changes (moves) the display position in response to a user operation via the input I / F 14 is defined in advance. In general, as the pointer, a mouse operated by a user or an arrow icon that moves in accordance with a moving operation of an arrow key is used.
(3) When the CPU 11 detects that a predetermined portion of the pointer overlaps the cursor detection area, the CPU 11 determines that the cursor is a pointer operation target. The predetermined area is generally one dot (one pixel) at the tip of the arrow icon.

  In the environments (1) to (3), when the cursor is initially displayed at the timing of S7, the CPU 11 determines a predetermined area of the pointer in the cursor detection area at the initial display position of the cursor. Also display the initial display. As a result, if the user clicks the mouse at that position, the cursor can be moved without moving the pointer to the cursor initial display position, and the operation (the amount of movement of the cursor) is reduced. Also, if the input I / F 14 uses a keyboard instead of a mouse, if a specific key (for example, an arrow key) is pressed down at the position where the pointer is initially displayed, the pointer is moved from there, so that movement Accordingly, the cursor moves from the initial display position, so that the number of operations is reduced.

  Note that the "initial display of the pointer" here refers to the pointer in the detection area of the cursor when the cursor is initially displayed when the pointer is already displayed immediately before the cursor is initially displayed. Including moving and displaying.

  As described above, since the initial display position of the cursor is determined based on the result of the histogram, the amount of movement of the cursor can be reduced. In addition, since the pointer 430 is displayed around the cursor 421, it is not necessary to move the pointer 430 to the position of the cursor 421 when moving the cursor 421.

  In addition, the user presses the button 410 after moving the cursors 421, 422, and 423 to desired positions. If the cursors 421, 422, and 423 need not be moved, the button 410 is pressed without moving these cursors. When the button 410 is pressed, the initial display positions of the cursors 421, 422, and 423 and the display position after the movement are stored as evaluation results in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the RAM 13).

  In the print data in which there is no significant density value peak, the initial display position of the cursor is displayed at the center position (that is, the intermediate value of the density value, 127 or 128 for 256 gradations). FIG. 8 shows a display example of the dialog 400 in the case of print data in which there is no significant density value peak for each RGB color. By displaying each cursor at the center position of the density value, the amount of movement of the cursor can be reduced.

  Returning to FIG. When the button 410 is pressed, the process proceeds to S9. In S9, color correction data creation processing is performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of color correction data creation processing.
In S21, the determination result input in S8 is acquired. At this time, information on a predetermined area of the RAM 13 is read.

In S22, the target color is determined. If the print data is in RGB format, any of R, G, and B is the target color. Note that the order of the target colors can be set as appropriate.
In S23, it is determined whether or not there is a density correction instruction for the target color. Here, in S8 (FIG. 5, evaluation result input acceptance), if the target color cursor is moved, “YES” is determined.

  When it is determined that there is no density correction instruction (S23: NO), the process proceeds to S26. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a density correction instruction (S23: YES), the process proceeds to S24.

  In S24, correction parameters are determined. The correction parameter is determined based on the amount of movement of the cursor. Specifically, “input density value: peak density value” and “output density value: density value based on cursor position” are set as correction parameters.

  In S25, the color correction data is changed based on the density correction parameter determined in S24. The color correction data (look-up table defining the correspondence between input density and output density) is changed based on the color correction curve.

  FIG. 10 shows how the color correction curve of the target color is changed. In the example shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the peak density value is “160”. For example, when the user moves the cursor 421 to the right (determines that the density value is strong) in S8 (FIG. 5, accepting evaluation result input), the output density at the position of the input density “160” is lowered. On the other hand, when the user moves the cursor 421 to the left side (determines that the density value is weak) in S8, the output density at the position of the input density “160” is increased. The change amount of the output density corresponds to the movement amount of the cursor 421. The output density at positions other than the input density “160” is changed based on, for example, interpolation (linear interpolation or the like) with density values “0” and “255”. Then, the color correction data is changed based on the changed color correction curve.

  The changed color correction data is used at the time of color correction processing of the print data after the next time.

  Returning to FIG. In S <b> 26, it is determined whether or not processing has been performed for all the colors (in the RGB format, R, G, and B colors). If it is determined that there is an unprocessed color (S26: NO), the process returns to S22. On the other hand, if it is determined that processing has been performed for all colors (S26: YES), the color correction data creation processing is terminated.

  According to the embodiment described above, a histogram is created based on the print data, and the cursor is displayed at a position on the dialog corresponding to the peak value of the histogram. A pointer is displayed around the initial display position of the cursor. Thereby, the peak of the density value can be grasped from the initial display position of the cursor without displaying the histogram. In addition, since the amount of movement of the cursor and the pointer can be reduced, the operation by the user can be simplified.

[Other Embodiments]
In the first embodiment described above, a dialog is displayed each time a printing process is performed. Here, if it is assumed that the output density value has not changed, it may be desirable not to display the dialog. Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether or not to perform a process for inputting an evaluation result for a print result (that is, a process surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 5). When the process for inputting the evaluation result for the print result is not performed, the dialog is not displayed. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness of displaying the dialog in a situation where it is not necessary to instruct density correction.

(First method)
Since it can be assumed that the output density value has not fluctuated within the specified period from the date and time of calibration, the evaluation result input for the print result is input based on the difference between the most recent calibration date and time and the current print date and time. It is determined whether or not processing is to be performed.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of basic processing according to the first method.

In S31, the process of S1-S5 (refer FIG. 5) is performed.
In S32, the latest calibration date and time is acquired. Note that the calibration date and time is stored in a predetermined storage unit.
In S33, it is determined whether or not the current date / time has passed a predetermined number of days or more since the most recent calibration date / time.

When it is determined that the predetermined number of days or more has not elapsed (S33: YES), the basic process is terminated. That is, the dialog is not displayed.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined number of days or more have elapsed (S33: NO), the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the processes of S6 to S9 (see FIG. 5) are executed. Thereby, a dialog is displayed and the evaluation result by the user can be received.

(Second method)
The user does not issue a density correction instruction (that is, the user presses the button 410 without moving any of the cursors 421, 422, and 423), counts the continuous number of times (referred to as “continuous optimum judgment number”), and It is used to determine whether or not to perform processing for inputting the evaluation result for the result.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of basic processing according to the second method.

In S41, the process of S1-S5 (refer FIG. 5) is performed.
In S42, the latest calibration date and time is acquired. Note that the calibration date and time is stored in a predetermined storage unit.
In S43, the number of continuous optimum judgments is acquired. It is assumed that the number of continuous optimum judgments is stored in a predetermined storage unit.
In S44, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of days has passed since the most recent calibration date and time, and whether or not the number of continuous optimum determinations is a predetermined number or more.

If it is determined that the predetermined number of days or more has not elapsed and the number of continuous optimum determinations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (S44: YES), the basic process is terminated. That is, the dialog is not displayed.
On the other hand, in other cases (S44: NO), the process proceeds to S45. In S45, the processes of S6 to S9 (see FIG. 5) are executed. Thereby, a dialog is displayed and the evaluation result by the user can be received.

(Third method)
If the environment at the time of calibration and the current environment are not different, it can be assumed that the output density value has not fluctuated, so based on the difference between the environment at the time of the most recent calibration and the current environment, It is determined whether or not processing for evaluation input of the print result is performed.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of basic processing according to the third method.

In S51, the process of S1-S5 (refer FIG. 5) is performed.
In S52, environment information at the time of the latest calibration and current environment information are acquired. It is assumed that environment information at the time of the latest calibration is stored in a predetermined storage unit. The current environmental information is acquired by an environmental sensor installed in the printer 200. The environmental information includes humidity. Further, it may have temperature, toner usage status, and the like.

  The toner usage status is, for example, print number information indicating how many sheets have been printed using the toner cartridge since the toner cartridge was replaced with a new one. (Generally, the toner is stirred for each printing and used from a toner having a small particle diameter. Therefore, as the number of printed sheets increases, a toner having a large toner particle diameter remains in the toner cartridge. The print density tends to increase.) Further, the toner fixing amount changes due to changes in temperature and humidity, and as a result, the print density changes.

  In S53, it is determined whether or not the environment at the time of the latest calibration is different from the current environment. Here, “YES” is determined when both the environmental information are different by a predetermined value or more. For example, it may be determined that the environment has changed based on single information, such as when the current temperature has changed more than the most recent calibration temperature (for example, 10 ° C.). When the season changes, the temperature may change greatly. Alternatively, the environment may be digitized by weighting the temperature, humidity, and toner usage status, and it may be determined that the environment has changed when the amount of change in the numerical value exceeds a certain amount.

If it is determined that the environment has not changed (S53: NO), the basic process is terminated. That is, the dialog is not displayed.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the environment has changed (S53: YES), the process proceeds to S54. In S54, the processes of S6 to S9 (see FIG. 5) are executed. Thereby, a dialog is displayed and the evaluation result by the user can be received.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the position of the cursor in the input image for adjusting the hue of the image data is determined and displayed based on the analysis result of the image data, so the analysis result needs to be displayed. In addition, the user can intuitively grasp the analysis result.

  Each flowchart described above is merely an example, and the process may be realized by another flowchart as long as a result equivalent to each of the above processes can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, when the present invention is realized by components (processor, memory) in a printer, the display means is installed near the print paper discharge port, and immediately after viewing the print result (printed paper). The evaluation result can be entered in.

It is the figure which showed an example of the structure of the system which implement | achieves this invention. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the internal structure of a computer. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a printer. FIG. It is the figure which showed the flow of the process in a computer, a printer, a display, and an input device. It is a flowchart of a basic process. It is a flowchart of a color total process. It is the figure which showed the relationship between a histogram and the initial display position of a cursor and a pointer. It is the figure which showed the relationship between a histogram and the initial display position of a cursor and a pointer. It is a flowchart of a color correction data creation process. It is the figure which showed a mode that a color correction curve was changed. It is a flowchart of a basic process. It is a flowchart of a basic process. It is a flowchart of a basic process.

11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Input I / F
15 Communication I / F
100 Computer 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 input I / F
25 Communication I / F
26 Printing mechanism 200 Printer

Claims (12)

Obtain first image data,
Based on the pixel value for each pixel constituting the first image data, the frequency for each pixel value is counted,
Based on the counted frequency, identify the peak of the pixel value,
Based on the pixel value of the identified peak, determine the coordinate value of the cursor,
The cursor is initially displayed at an initial position corresponding to the determined coordinate value on the input screen, and the peripheral position of the initial position at which the cursor is initially displayed on the input screen is the determined position. The pointer is initially displayed at the peripheral position determined according to the coordinate value,
Accepting a user operation to change the position of the displayed cursor by changing the position of the displayed pointer ;
Based on the received content, color correction data that defines the correspondence between the input pixel value and the output pixel value is generated ,
An image processing method, wherein color correction of second image data different from the first image data is executed using the color correction data . An initial display of the pointer is performed so that a predetermined portion of the pointer overlaps a cursor detection area that is set to determine that the cursor is an operation target of the pointer. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein a position to be determined is determined . The peripheral position is a position where the position of the cursor can be changed without moving the pointer.
The image processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an initial display position of the pointer is determined so that a predetermined portion of the pointer is positioned at the peripheral position. 4. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein when the peak of the pixel value cannot be specified, the coordinate value of the cursor is set to a predetermined value. 5. Obtain first image data,
Printing based on the first image data;
Obtain environmental information at the time of printing,
Obtain environment information of the date and time when calibration of density value was executed ,
When the difference between the environmental information at the printing date and time and the environmental information at the date and time when the calibration is performed is a predetermined amount or more,
Based on the pixel value for each pixel constituting the first image data, the frequency for each pixel value is counted,
Based on the counted frequency, identify the peak of the pixel value,
Based on the pixel value of the identified peak, determine the coordinate value of the cursor,
The cursor is initially displayed at an initial position corresponding to the determined coordinate value on the input screen, and the peripheral position of the initial position at which the cursor is initially displayed on the input screen is the determined position. The pointer is initially displayed at the peripheral position determined according to the coordinate value,
Accepting a user operation to change the position of the displayed cursor by changing the position of the displayed pointer;
Based on the received content, color correction data that defines the correspondence between the input pixel value and the output pixel value is generated,
An image processing method, wherein color correction of second image data different from the first image data is executed using the color correction data. Obtain first image data,
Printing based on the first image data;
Get the date and time of printing,
Get the date and time when calibration of density value was executed,
When the time difference between the printing date and time and the date and time when the calibration is performed is a predetermined time or more,
Based on the pixel value for each pixel constituting the first image data, the frequency for each pixel value is counted,
Based on the counted frequency, identify the peak of the pixel value,
Based on the pixel value of the identified peak, determine the coordinate value of the cursor,
The cursor is initially displayed at an initial position corresponding to the determined coordinate value on the input screen, and the peripheral position of the initial position at which the cursor is initially displayed on the input screen is the determined position. The pointer is initially displayed at the peripheral position determined according to the coordinate value,
Accepting a user operation to change the position of the displayed cursor by changing the position of the displayed pointer;
Based on the received content, color correction data that defines the correspondence between the input pixel value and the output pixel value is generated,
An image processing method, wherein color correction of second image data different from the first image data is executed using the color correction data. Image acquisition means for acquiring first image data;
Counting means for counting the frequency of each pixel value based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the first image data;
Peak specifying means for specifying the peak of the pixel value based on the counted frequency;
Coordinate value determining means for determining the coordinate value of the cursor based on the pixel value of the identified peak;
The cursor is initially displayed at an initial position corresponding to the determined coordinate value on the input screen, and the peripheral position of the initial position at which the cursor is initially displayed on the input screen is the determined position. Cursor / pointer display means for initially displaying a pointer at the peripheral position determined according to the coordinate value;
Operation accepting means for accepting a user operation to change the position of the displayed cursor by changing the position of the displayed pointer;
Based on the received content, color correction data generating means for generating color correction data defining a correspondence relationship between an input pixel value and an output pixel value;
An image processing apparatus comprising: color correction execution means for executing color correction of second image data different from the first image data using the color correction data. A cursor detection area setting means for setting a cursor detection area that is set in order to determine that the cursor is an operation target of the pointer, the cursor detection area including the cursor;
The cursor / pointer display means determines an initial display position of the pointer so that a predetermined portion of the pointer overlaps a detection area set via the cursor detection area setting means. 7. Image processing apparatus of 7. The peripheral position is a position where the position of the cursor can be changed without moving the pointer,
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cursor / pointer display means determines an initial display position of the pointer so that a predetermined portion of the pointer is positioned at the peripheral position. The initial value setting means for setting the coordinate value of the cursor to a predetermined value when the peak specifying means cannot specify the peak of the pixel value, further comprising: Image processing apparatus. Image data acquisition means for acquiring first image data;
Printing means for printing based on the first image data;
Printing environment information acquisition means for acquiring the printing environment information;
Calibration environment information acquisition means for acquiring environment information of the date and time when density value calibration was performed;
When the difference between the environmental information at the printing date and time and the environmental information at the date and time when the calibration is performed is a predetermined amount or more,
Counting means for counting the frequency of each pixel value based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the first image data;
Peak characteristic means for identifying the peak of the pixel value based on the counted frequency;
Coordinate value determining means for determining the coordinate value of the cursor based on the pixel value of the identified peak;
The cursor is initially displayed at an initial position corresponding to the determined coordinate value on the input screen, and the peripheral position of the initial position at which the cursor is initially displayed on the input screen is the determined position. Cursor / pointer display means for initially displaying a pointer at the peripheral position determined according to the coordinate value;
Operation accepting means for accepting a user operation to change the position of the displayed cursor by changing the position of the displayed pointer;
Based on the received content, color correction data generating means for generating color correction data defining a correspondence relationship between an input pixel value and an output pixel value;
An image processing apparatus comprising: color correction execution means for executing color correction of second image data different from the first image data using the color correction data. Image data acquisition means for acquiring first image data;
Printing means for printing based on the first image data;
A printing date and time acquisition means for acquiring the date and time of printing;
Calibration date and time acquisition means for acquiring the date and time when density value calibration was performed;
When the time difference between the printing date and time and the date and time when the calibration is performed is a predetermined time or more,
Counting means for counting the frequency of each pixel value based on the pixel value of each pixel constituting the first image data;
Peak characteristic means for identifying the peak of the pixel value based on the counted frequency ;
Coordinate value determining means for determining the coordinate value of the cursor based on the pixel value of the identified peak;
The cursor is initially displayed at an initial position corresponding to the determined coordinate value on the input screen, and the peripheral position of the initial position at which the cursor is initially displayed on the input screen is the determined position. Cursor / pointer display means for initially displaying a pointer at the peripheral position determined according to the coordinate value;
Operation accepting means for accepting a user operation to change the position of the displayed cursor by changing the position of the displayed pointer;
Based on the received content, color correction data generating means for generating color correction data defining a correspondence relationship between an input pixel value and an output pixel value;
An image processing apparatus comprising: color correction execution means for executing color correction of second image data different from the first image data using the color correction data.

Images