JP4968287B2 - Image processing method, image processing apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, in the color printing industry, printing presses (sheet-fed presses, rotary printing presses, etc.) and on-demand printing presses (electrophotographic printers, inkjet printers, etc.) are used separately according to cost, delivery date, etc. Is starting to do.

  In such operations, the difference in quality between the printing machine and the on-demand printing machine should be minimized to ensure that both can be selected flexibly even when a reprint order is received later. Is desirable. In particular, since color reproduction is easily recognized as a difference in quality, it is desired to bring both color reproduction characteristics as close as possible.

  Specifically, a color chart composed of color patches that are combined with a plurality of CMYK values and output in advance from the printing machine that is the target of color adjustment is measured, and a target profile (simulation profile, print color profile) is obtained. create. Further, the on-demand printing machine outputs a similar color chart to create a printer profile (destination profile). Then, the device-dependent colors (CMYK data, etc.) of the printing machine are converted into device-independent colors (CIE XYZ data, CIE L * a * b * data, etc.) using the target profile, and the device profile is not used using the printer profile. By converting the dependent color into a device-dependent color (CMYK data or the like), the color reproduction of both is approximated.

  In the color adjustment technique, an error may occur between the color reproduction target and the color reproduction result due to a color measurement error in the profile creation process, a change with time of the on-demand printing machine, or the like. From this, the error in color reproduction can be reduced by measuring the error in color reproduction using the color chart for creating the profile and re-creating the print color profile using the measured error. Has been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In Patent Document 1, for the purpose of error correction at the time of color reproduction, the difference between the colorimetric value of the printing result (target sample) on the printing machine and the colorimetric value of the printing result (calibration sample) on the color printer is described. It is described that a print color profile is re-created by acquiring and reflecting the difference in the colorimetric value of the target sample.

  Patent Document 2 describes that correction is limited to only a part of colors specified by the user as correction targets for color reproduction errors in a color chart for profile creation.

  By the way, in an on-demand printing machine, there are cases where a certain limitation is imposed on color conversion processing as necessary. For example, when outputting a color image in which a monochrome image is frequently used, the color tone of the monochrome image changes due to a change in the on-demand printing machine, which is likely to be a problem. In order to prevent this, when outputting such an image, it is desirable to limit the color conversion processing so that gray is reproduced only with black toner or black ink. In addition, when only one color or two colors are intentionally used as a design in a figure or a character part as a design, a restriction may be provided so that other colors are not mixed in the corresponding part. In addition, in order to prevent a color composed of 100% solid color from being converted to a value less than 100% by color conversion processing and expressing a density by shading, an input value of 100% is output less than 100%. There is a case where there is a restriction on the color conversion processing so that it is not converted to a value. As described above, there are cases where priority is given to a clean color rather than bringing the color reproduction of the on-demand printing machine closer to the output of the printing machine.

JP 2004-153667 A JP 2007-221182 A

  However, there is a problem that if the color conversion limit is changed after the color adjustment when the limit can be set for the color conversion process, the result of error correction performed previously cannot be applied. That is, when the color conversion process is restricted, it is necessary to perform the color conversion process with the restriction provided, output a color chart, and measure the color. For this reason, if the color conversion restriction is changed from the state in which the color reproduction error correction operation has already been performed, the already executed error correction result cannot be applied to the portion where the color reproduction changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the error correction operation again under new conditions.

  However, in business using an on-demand printing machine, speediness is important, and it is difficult to perform an error correction operation every time the color conversion limit is changed.

  An object of the present invention is to easily change the color conversion restriction.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an image processing method for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile, and matching color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter, The control unit selects a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction from a plurality of color patches included in the color chart, adds the selected color patch to the color chart, and adds the color patch to the color chart. A color patch of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the chart and the added color patch is subjected to color conversion processing under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and not changed, and the color conversion processing Obtain the colorimetric value of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the later image data, The correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference obtained by the colorimetric values and the target values in the target printed matter, previously created for each if not changed when changing the color conversion limit, Based on the presence / absence of the color conversion restriction, correction data to be applied to the input image data is selected from the created correction data, and the input image data is selected using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile. By performing a color conversion process on the printer, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter, and the color conversion restriction is performed for cyan, magenta, yellow, and at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Input image data consisting of only one color of yellow and black, among the color components depending on the printer, Including cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be reproduced in a corresponding color, and when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction, cyan that is subject to the color conversion restriction, A color patch consisting of only one color of magenta, yellow and black is selected.

The invention according to claim 2 is an image processing method for performing color conversion processing on the input image data using a color conversion profile and matching the color reproduction of the printer with the target printed matter, and is included in the color chart by the control unit. A color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction, adding the selected color patch to the color chart, and selecting a color patch to be selected in the color chart Among the added color patches, the color patches of the same color are subjected to color conversion processing under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed, and the color conversion processing is performed based on the image data after the color conversion processing. Acquire colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer, and the acquired colorimetric values and the target Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on a difference from a target value in a printed material is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, and based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction. Selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the generated correction data, and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile. Thus, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter, and the color conversion limit is set to cyan, magenta, yellow for at least one of the combinations of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. , Input image data consisting only of a combination of two colors of black, color components depending on the printer Among them, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction results change by changing the color conversion restriction, including the conditions for reproducing only the corresponding two combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, the object of the color conversion restriction A color patch consisting only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is selected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile to match the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter, and is included in a color chart by a control unit. A color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction, adding the selected color patch to the color chart, and selecting a color patch to be selected in the color chart Among the added color patches, the color patches of the same color are subjected to color conversion processing under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed, and the color conversion processing is performed based on the image data after the color conversion processing. Acquire colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer, and the acquired colorimetric values and the target Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on a difference from a target value in a printed material is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, and based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction. Selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the generated correction data, and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile. Thus, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter, and the color conversion limit is set to one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The input image data having the maximum gradation is converted into the corresponding cyan, magenta among the color components depending on the printer. When selecting a color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction, cyan, magenta, yellow, A color patch consisting of the maximum gradation of one black color is selected.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matching the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter, which is included in a color chart by a control unit. A color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction, adding the selected color patch to the color chart, and selecting a color patch to be selected in the color chart Among the added color patches, the color patches of the same color are subjected to color conversion processing under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed, and the color conversion processing is performed based on the image data after the color conversion processing. Acquire colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer, and the acquired colorimetric values and the target Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on a difference from a target value in a printed material is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, and based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction. Selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the generated correction data, and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile. Thus, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter, and the color conversion limit is set to cyan, magenta, yellow for at least one of the combinations of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. , Input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of the combination of two colors of black depends on the printer When selecting a color patch that includes a condition for reproducing at the maximum gradation of a combination of two corresponding colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among components, and the color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction, A color patch having a maximum gradation of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be subjected to color conversion restriction is selected.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a setting screen for setting whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed is set by the control unit. Based on the operation signal input from the operation unit and displayed on the display unit, the presence / absence of change possibility of the color conversion restriction is set, and the color conversion restriction set as the change possibility is indicated in the color chart. A color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected from the plurality of color patches included.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter, and includes a plurality of colors included in a color chart. From the patches, a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected, the selected color patch is added to the color chart, and the color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch are added. For color patches of the same color among the color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when it is not changed, and output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing The color measurement value of each color patch of the obtained color chart is acquired, and the acquired color measurement value and the target printed matter are Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference from the standard value is created for each of the case where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, and based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the generated correction data, and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter, and the color conversion restriction includes only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black; Of the color components that depend on the printer, the input image data is converted into corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and blue. The control unit, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change in the color conversion restriction, cyan, magenta, A color patch consisting of only one color of yellow and black is selected.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile to match the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter, and a plurality of colors included in a color chart. From the patches, a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected, the selected color patch is added to the color chart, and the color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch are added. For color patches of the same color among the color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when it is not changed, and output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing in is obtained the colorimetric values of the color patches of the color chart, the target printed matter with the obtained colorimetric values The correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the target value, previously created for each if not changed when changing the color conversion limit, based on the presence or absence of the color conversion limit, the By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the generated correction data, and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter, and the color conversion limit is set to cyan, magenta, yellow, black for at least one of two combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The input image data consisting only of a combination of the two colors of the color components depending on the printer Including a condition for reproducing only by a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the control unit selects the color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction. A color patch consisting only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black is selected.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile to match the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter, and a plurality of colors included in a color chart. From the patches, a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected, the selected color patch is added to the color chart, and the color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch are added. For color patches of the same color among the color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when it is not changed, and output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing The color measurement value of each color patch of the obtained color chart is acquired, and the acquired color measurement value and the target printed matter are Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference from the standard value is created for each of the case where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, and based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the generated correction data, and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter, and the color conversion limit is set to a maximum order of one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Input image data composed of tones, among the color components depending on the printer, corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow Including a condition for reproducing at the maximum gradation of black, the control unit, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, cyan, magenta, A color patch having a maximum gradation of one color of yellow and black is selected.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile to match the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter, and a plurality of colors included in a color chart. From the patches, a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected, the selected color patch is added to the color chart, and the color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch are added. For color patches of the same color among the color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when it is not changed, and output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing The color measurement value of each color patch of the obtained color chart is acquired, and the acquired color measurement value and the target printed matter are Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference from the standard value is created for each of the case where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, and based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the generated correction data, and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter, and the color conversion limit is set to cyan, magenta, yellow, black for at least one of two combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of the combination of the two colors of the color components depending on the printer Including a condition for reproducing at the maximum gradation of the combination of the corresponding two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and when the control unit selects a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, A color patch having a maximum gradation of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be subjected to the color conversion restriction is selected.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, further comprising an operation unit that receives an operation input by a user, wherein the control unit can change the color conversion restriction. A setting screen for setting the presence / absence of sexuality is displayed on the display unit, the presence / absence of changeability of the color conversion restriction is set based on the operation signal input from the operation unit, and the change is possible For the set color conversion restriction, a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected from a plurality of color patches included in the color chart.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a computer that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter is selected from among a plurality of color patches included in a color chart. Selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to a change in color conversion restriction, adding the selected color patch to the color chart, and selecting a color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch For color patches of the same color, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed, and the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing The colorimetric value of each color patch is acquired, and the acquired colorimetric value and the target in the target printed matter Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the color conversion profile and the case where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the correction data is not changed are prepared. By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the correction data and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the printer A program for causing a color reproduction to function as a control unit that matches the target printed matter, wherein the color conversion restriction includes at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The input image data consisting of only one color corresponds to the color component depending on the printer. Including a condition for reproducing only one color of An, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, and the control unit selects a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by the change of the color conversion restriction. A color patch consisting of only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is selected.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a computer that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter is selected from among a plurality of color patches included in a color chart. Selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to a change in color conversion restriction, adding the selected color patch to the color chart, and selecting a color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch For color patches of the same color, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed, and the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing The colorimetric value of each color patch is acquired, and the acquired colorimetric value and the target in the target printed matter Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the color conversion profile and the case where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the correction data is not changed are prepared. By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the correction data and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the printer A program for causing a color reproduction to function as a control unit that matches the target printed matter, wherein the color conversion restriction includes cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of two combinations of colors, cyan, Input image data consisting only of a combination of two colors, magenta, yellow and black, Among the color components that depend on the color, and the control unit includes a color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction. At the time of selection, a color patch consisting only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black, which is subject to the color conversion restriction, is selected.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter is selected from among a plurality of color patches included in a color chart. Selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to a change in color conversion restriction, adding the selected color patch to the color chart, and selecting a color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch For color patches of the same color, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed, and the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing The colorimetric value of each color patch is acquired, and the acquired colorimetric value and the target in the target printed matter Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the color conversion profile and the case where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the correction data is not changed are prepared. By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the correction data and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the printer A program for causing a color reproduction to function as a control unit that matches the target printed matter, wherein the color conversion restriction includes at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of one color is converted into a pair of color components depending on the printer. Including a condition for reproducing at the maximum gradation of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the control unit is subject to the color conversion restriction when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change in the color conversion restriction. A color patch having a maximum gradation of one color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is selected.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of the printer with the target printed matter is selected from among a plurality of color patches included in the color chart. Selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to a change in color conversion restriction, adding the selected color patch to the color chart, and selecting a color patch to be selected in the color chart and the added color patch For color patches of the same color, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed, and the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing target for each color colorimetric values acquired patch, the target printed matter with the obtained colorimetric values of The correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between, previously created for each if not changed when changing the color conversion limit, based on the presence or absence of the color conversion limit, the created By selecting correction data to be applied to the input image data from the correction data and performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the printer A program for causing a color reproduction to function as a control unit that matches the target printed matter , wherein the color conversion restriction includes cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of two combinations of colors, cyan, Input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of a combination of two colors of magenta, yellow and black is Among the color components that depend on linter, the control unit includes a condition for reproduction at the maximum gradation of the corresponding two combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the control unit can reproduce the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction. When selecting a color patch to be changed, a color patch having a maximum gradation of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, which is subject to the color conversion restriction, is selected.

According to the first, sixth , and eleventh aspects , the correction data is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, so that the color conversion restriction can be easily changed. Also, it is easy to change the color conversion restriction so that input image data consisting of only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is reproduced in the printer with only one corresponding color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. be able to.

According to the second, seventh, and twelfth aspects of the invention, the correction data is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed, so that the color conversion restriction can be easily changed. In addition, the input image data consisting only of the combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black is reproduced in the printer only with the corresponding combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black. It can be done easily.

According to the third , eighth, and thirteenth aspects , the correction data is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. Also, the input image data composed of the maximum gradation of one color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is changed to a color conversion restriction that is reproduced by the printer with the maximum gradation of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It can be done easily.

According to the fourth , ninth, and 14th aspects of the present invention, the correction data is created for each of the case where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. Therefore, the color conversion restriction can be easily changed. Also, color conversion that reproduces input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of the combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black with the maximum gradation of the combination of the two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black corresponding to the printer. Changing to a limit can be easily done.

According to the fifth and tenth aspects of the present invention, for the color conversion restriction set as changeable, a color reproduction result is obtained by changing the color conversion restriction from among a plurality of color patches included in the color chart. Since the changing color patch is selected, the output of the color chart and the color measurement of the color patch can be performed efficiently.

It is a system block diagram of a color adjustment system. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of a color adjustment process. It is an example of the input screen of the colorimetric data of a target device. It is an example of a color conversion restriction setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows a color patch structure process. It is an example of a color chart. It is a figure for demonstrating preparation of correction data. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of an output process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of the color adjustment system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the color adjustment system 100 includes an image processing apparatus 10, a target printing machine 20, a printer 30, colorimeters 40 and 50, and the like.

  The image processing apparatus 10 performs color adjustment processing for matching the color output from the printer 30 with the color output from the target printing machine 20 that is the target of color adjustment. Specifically, the image processing apparatus 10 uses the color chart obtained by measuring the color chart output from the target printing machine 20 with the color meter 40 and the color chart output from the printer 30 as a color meter. Colorimetric data obtained by colorimetry at 50 is acquired. The image processing apparatus 10 creates a color conversion profile 171 (see FIG. 2) used when performing color conversion processing of input image data to image data to be output to the printer 30 based on the acquired colorimetric data.

  The colorimeters 40 and 50 spectrally measure the color of each color patch included in the color chart. The color measurement data is represented by a color system that does not depend on the device such as L * a * b *.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of simulating the printing color in the target printing machine 20 in the printer 30; however, the printed product is simulated by simulating industry standard colors (Japan color, JMPA color, SWOP, ISO standard, etc.). May be output.

FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a storage. Each part is connected by a bus 18. The image processing apparatus 10 is realized by a general PC (Personal Computer).

  The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the processing operation of each unit of the image processing apparatus 10. The CPU 11 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM 12 or the storage unit 17 in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation unit 14 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 16, expands it in the RAM 13, and Various processes are executed in cooperation.

  The ROM 12 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores a control program, parameters and files necessary for executing the program.

  The RAM 13 forms a work area for temporarily storing various processing programs executed by the CPU 11 and data related to these programs.

  The operation unit 14 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, character input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and receives an operation input by a user. The operation unit 14 outputs an operation signal input by a key operation on the keyboard or a mouse operation to the CPU 11.

  The display unit 15 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various operation screens and various processing results in accordance with instructions from the CPU 11.

  The communication unit 16 transmits / receives data to / from an external device. For example, the communication unit 16 receives colorimetric data from the colorimeters 40 and 50. In addition, the communication unit 16 transmits the image data after the color conversion process to the printer 30.

  The storage unit 17 includes a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores various processing programs, data related to various processes, and the like. For example, the storage unit 17 stores a color conversion profile 171 and correction data 172.

  The CPU 11 acquires colorimetric data from the colorimeters 40 and 50 via the communication unit 16. Specifically, the CPU 11 measures colorimetric data obtained by measuring the color chart 40 composed of a plurality of color patches by the colorimeter 40 with the result output by the target printer 20 (target device), and Colorimetric data obtained by measuring the result output by the printer 30 (output device) with the colorimeter 50 is acquired. These colorimetric data are used when creating the color conversion profile 171 or the correction data 172. Further, the colorimetric data includes the arrangement order and configuration of the color patches in the color chart as necessary. The color chart printed by the target printer 20 and the color chart printed by the printer 30 may be different in the number of color patches or the same.

  The CPU 11 creates a color conversion profile 171 for converting color data depending on the target printing machine 20 into color data depending on the printer 30 based on the color measurement data acquired from the colorimeters 40 and 50. As the color conversion profile 171, for example, a format that performs mutual conversion between device-dependent data (CMYK data, etc.) and device-independent data (eg, L * a * b * data, etc.), device-dependent For example, a format that converts data that does not depend on the device to data that depends on the device, a format that directly converts data that depends on the target printing machine 20 and data that depends on the printer 30, and the like can be considered.

  Specifically, the CPU 11 acquires colorimetric data obtained by performing colorimetry on a color chart output from the target printing machine 20 and composed of a color patch that is a combination of a plurality of CMYK values, and obtains a target profile (simulation profile). ). The target profile indicates a correspondence relationship between image data (CMYK data or the like) input to the target printing machine 20 and colorimetric data (L * a * b * data, XYZ data, or the like) in a device-independent color space. Is. That is, the device-dependent color (CMYK data, etc.) of the target printing machine 20 can be converted into device-independent colors (L * a * b * data, XYZ data, etc.) using the target profile.

  In addition, the CPU 11 obtains colorimetric data obtained by measuring the color chart output from the printer 30 and composed of a color patch that is a combination of a plurality of CMYK values, and creates a printer profile (destination profile). To do. The printer profile indicates the correspondence between image data (CMYK data, etc.) input to the printer 30 and colorimetric data (L * a * b * data, XYZ data, etc.) in a device-independent color space. is there. In other words, device-independent colors (L * a * b * data, XYZ data, etc.) can be converted into device-dependent colors (CMYK data, etc.) using a printer profile.

  The CPU 11 creates a color conversion profile (device link profile) 171 based on the target profile and the printer profile. The CPU 11 performs color conversion processing on the input color image image data using the color conversion profile 171 (and further using the correction data 172 as necessary), and the image data after the color conversion processing is processed by the printer. By outputting to 30, the color reproduction of the printer 30 is matched with the color reproduction of the target printing machine 20. In other words, the CPU 11 uses the color conversion profile 171 to convert the input image data from a color dependent on the target printing machine 20 to a color dependent on the printer 30.

  The CPU 11 may create a device link profile as the color conversion profile 171 and store the device link profile in the storage unit 17 or may store the target profile and the printer profile separately in the storage unit 17.

  The CPU 11 causes the display unit 15 to display a color conversion restriction setting screen 152 (see FIG. 5) for setting the color conversion restriction in the color conversion process and whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed.

  Here, the color conversion restriction refers to setting some kind of restriction on the color conversion processing. For example, as a color conversion restriction, when the color of the input image is composed of only one of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), only the most appropriate one of the color components CMYK depending on the printer 30 ( In general, there are cases where conditions for reproduction between cyan and black) are set for all colors of CMYK or individually for each color. Further, as a color conversion restriction, when the color of the input image is composed of only any combination of two colors of CMYK, a condition for reproducing only the corresponding combination of two colors of CMYK among the color components depending on the printer 30 is set. In some cases, all combinations or individual combinations may be set. Further, as a color conversion restriction, when the color of the input image is composed of the maximum gradation of one color of CMYK, a condition for reproducing with the maximum gradation of the corresponding CMYK among the color components CMYK depending on the printer 30 is as follows. There are cases where all the colors of CMYK or individual colors are set. Further, as a color conversion restriction, when the color of the input image is composed of the maximum gradation of a combination of any two of CMYK, among the color components CMYK depending on the printer 30, the combination of the corresponding two colors of CMYK. There are cases where the conditions for reproducing at the maximum gradation are set individually for all combinations or for each combination. In addition, when it can be determined that the color of the input image is an achromatic color, there are various color conversion restrictions as required, such as limiting the use of only black.

  Further, the possibility of changing the color conversion restriction refers to the possibility of changing the color conversion restriction after completion of the color adjustment process (see FIG. 3), and setting the color conversion restriction from a state in which a certain color conversion restriction is set. And the possibility of setting the color conversion restriction from a state in which a certain color conversion restriction is not set.

  Based on the operation signal input from the operation unit 14, the CPU 11 sets the color conversion restriction and whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed. It should be noted that the color conversion restriction and whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed may be set based on a user operation or may be configured to be automatically set by the image processing apparatus 10.

  The CPU 11 causes the printer 30 to output a color chart corresponding to the set color conversion restriction and whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed.

  Specifically, the CPU 11 changes the color conversion restriction from among a plurality of color patches (basic color patches prepared in advance) included in the color chart for the color conversion restriction that is set to be changeable. To select a color patch that changes the color reproduction result. Then, the CPU 11 adds the selected color patch to the color chart.

  For example, if the color conversion restriction that may be changed is a color conversion restriction that reproduces an input color consisting of only black, the CPU 11 selects a color patch consisting only of black from the basic color patches. Add to the color chart in a form that allows different color conversion processing. Similarly, if the color conversion restriction that may be changed is a color conversion restriction that reproduces an input color consisting of two colors of yellow and magenta only with the corresponding two colors of yellow and magenta, the basic color patch. Select all the color patches consisting of only two colors, yellow and magenta, and add them to the color chart.

  At this time, in order to keep the man-hours necessary for the color adjustment work to a minimum, only the color patch whose color reproduction result changes when the color conversion restriction is changed is added to the color chart. In addition, “a form that can perform different color conversion processing” means that color conversion according to the type of photograph (mainly bitmap image), graphic (vector image), text, etc. is possible. The function may be utilized, a color conversion profile may be embedded in the image itself, or the settings may be divided and output as different sheets. Other methods may be used as long as the color conversion settings can be properly used as necessary.

  The CPU 11 uses the color conversion profile 171 to change the color conversion restriction on the same color among the added color patches and the color patch to be selected (basic color patch) in the color chart, or not to change it. The color conversion process is performed under each condition. Then, the CPU 11 transmits the image data after the color conversion process to the printer 30 via the communication unit 16.

  The CPU 11 acquires the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output from the printer 30 based on the image data after the color conversion processing from the colorimeter 50 via the communication unit 16.

  The CPU 11 calculates the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value, and corrects the correction data 172 for correcting the color conversion profile 171 based on the calculated difference when the color conversion restriction is changed and when the color conversion restriction is not changed. Create for each.

  In this embodiment, a case where the correction data 172 is a data file that can be corrected by using the color conversion profile 171 in combination with the color conversion profile 171 will be described as an example. A color conversion profile may be recreated.

  The CPU 11 sets a color conversion restriction to be applied when outputting input image data, that is, image data to be output by the printer 30 to the printer 30 (during operation). The color conversion limit during operation may be specified by the user each time an image is input, but a basic color conversion limit may be set in advance, or an image is input through a predetermined input path. In such a case, color conversion restrictions corresponding to individual input paths may be automatically set.

  The CPU 11 selects an appropriate color conversion profile 171 and / or correction data 172 based on the set color conversion restriction.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the color adjustment process. This process is a process of matching the color reproduction of the printer 30 with the target printing machine 20 and is realized by a software process in cooperation with the CPU 11 and a program stored in the storage unit 17.

  First, the CPU 11 acquires colorimetric data (target value) of an output product (for example, a color chart including basic color patches) of the target printing machine 20 from the colorimeter 40 via the communication unit 16, and the colorimeter 50. The colorimetric data of the output product of the printer 30 (for example, a color chart including basic color patches) is acquired from the communication unit 16 (step S1).

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the color measurement data input screen 151 of the target device (target printing machine 20) displayed on the display unit 15. The input screen 151 includes a chart selection area 60, a chart display area 61, a file input button 62, a measurement button 63, a measurement value save button 64, a profile creation button 65, and a cancel button 66.

  The chart selection area 60 is an area for selecting the type of color chart to be measured. The chart display area 61 displays a color chart sample image selected in the chart selection area 60 or a color chart sample image corresponding to colorimetric data input from a file when the file input button 62 is pressed. It is an area. The file input button 62 is a button that is pressed when a measurement value is input from a file. The measurement button 63 is a button that is pressed when measurement in the colorimeter 40 is started. The measured value saving button 64 is a button that is pressed when the measured result is saved as a file. The profile creation button 65 is a button that is pressed when creating an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile based on the measurement value. The cancel button 66 is a button that is pressed when canceling the work on the input screen 151.

  Even when the color measurement data of the printer 30 is acquired, an input screen similar to the input screen 151 is displayed, although the target devices are different.

  Next, the CPU 11 creates a color conversion profile 171 based on the obtained color measurement data of the target printing machine 20 and the color measurement data of the printer 30 (step S2).

  Next, the CPU 11 displays a color conversion restriction setting screen 152 for setting the color conversion restriction in the color conversion process and the presence / absence of changeability of the color conversion restriction on the display unit 15 (step S3).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the color conversion restriction setting screen 152. As shown in FIG. 5, the color conversion restriction setting screen 152 includes an automatic setting execution button 70, a color conversion restriction setting area 71, a chart generation button 72, and a cancel button 73.

  The automatic setting execution button 70 is a button that is pressed when the color conversion restriction is automatically set. When the automatic setting execution button 70 is pressed by an operation from the operation unit 14 by the user, the CPU 11 sets recommended parameters for color conversion restriction.

  In the color conversion restriction setting area 71, check boxes 74c, 74m, 74y, 74k, 74b, 74g, 74r for intermediate color other color exclusion for each of C, M, Y, K, B, G, R are provided. Possibility to change color exclusion check box 75c, 75m, 75y, 75k, 75b, 75g, 75r, 100% solid hold setting check box 76c, 76m, 76y, 76k, 76b, 76g, 76r, 100% solid The holding change possibility check boxes 77c, 77m, 77y, 77k, 77b, 77g, and 77r are included.

  The halftone other color exclusion setting check boxes 74c, 74m, 74y, and 74k for C, M, Y, and K are configured with only one of the colors of the input image C, M, Y, and K. In this case, the printer 30 also reproduces only the corresponding one of C, M, Y, and K, and provides a restriction so that no other colors are included. The halftone other color exclusion setting check boxes 74b, 74g, and 74r for B, G, and R are only input image colors B (cyan and magenta), G (cyan and yellow), and R (magenta and yellow). In this case, the printer 30 reproduces only the combination of the corresponding two colors C, M, and Y, and sets a limit so that no other colors are included.

  Possibility of changing other halftone color exclusion check boxes 75c, 75m, 75y, 75k, 75b, 75g, and 75r for C, M, Y, K, B, G, and R respectively. The setting check boxes 74c, 74m, 74y, 74k, 74b, 74g, and 74r are for setting whether or not there is a possibility of change. For example, if the C halftone other color exclusion setting check box 74c is OFF and the C halftone other color exclusion changeability check box 75c is ON, the current C halftone other than Although the color conversion restriction of color exclusion is not set, this means that there is a possibility that other color exclusion of C halftone may be changed to ON in the future.

  The 100% solid hold setting check boxes 76c, 76m, 76y, and 76k for C, M, Y, and K are configured so that the input image color is 100% (maximum gradation) of C, M, Y, and K. In this case, the printer 30 also reproduces the corresponding C, M, Y, and K at 100% (maximum gradation), and sets a limit so that it is not less than 100%. Setting check boxes 76b, 76g, and 76r for 100% solid for B, G, and R are 100% of input image colors B (cyan and magenta), G (cyan and yellow), and R (magenta and yellow). When it is configured with (maximum gradation), the printer 30 also reproduces at 100% (maximum gradation) of the corresponding B, G, R, and sets a limit so as not to be less than 100%. is there.

  100% solid hold changeability check boxes 77c, 77m, 77y, 77k, 77b, 77g, and 77r for C, M, Y, K, B, G, and R are set to 100% solid hold check boxes 76c, respectively. , 76m, 76y, 76k, 76b, 76g, and 76r for setting whether or not there is a possibility of change. For example, if the C 100% solid hold setting check box 76c is ON and the C 100% solid hold changeability check box 77c is ON, the color conversion restriction of the current C 100% solid hold is set. Is set, which means that there is a possibility that the 100% solid retention of C may be changed to OFF in the future.

  The chart generation button 72 is a button that is pressed when generating a color chart based on the color conversion restriction set on the color conversion restriction setting screen 152 and whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed.

  The cancel button 73 is a button that is pressed when canceling the work on the color conversion restriction setting screen 152.

  When the user operates the operation unit 14 to specify the color conversion restriction setting area 71 on the color conversion restriction setting screen 152 or press the automatic setting execution button 70, the CPU 11 inputs from the operation unit 14. Based on the operation signal thus set, the color conversion restriction to be considered when performing the color conversion process, and whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed are set (step S4).

  When the chart generation button 72 on the color conversion restriction setting screen 152 is pressed by the user operating the operation unit 14, the CPU 11 performs color patch configuration processing (step S5).

Here, the color patch configuration process will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, first, the CPU 11 acquires a color chart including basic color patches from the storage unit 17 (step S11). Basic color patches vary depending on the number of color patches, the layout of the color patches, the colorimeter used for measurement, and the like, and appropriate color patches are prepared.

  Next, with respect to the color conversion restrictions set by the CPU 11 as being changeable, the color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction from among a plurality of color patches (basic color patches) included in the color chart. A color patch is selected (step S12). For example, if it is set that there is a possibility that the color conversion restriction for reproducing a cyan single-tone halftone input image with only cyan in the printer 30 may be changed later, the CPU 11 sets the cyan single color from the basic color patches. The halftone color patch is selected. Similarly, there is a possibility that the color conversion restriction in which a halftone input image composed of two colors of yellow and magenta is reproduced only by yellow and magenta in the printer 30 and cyan and black are not used may be changed later. When set, the CPU 11 selects a halftone color patch composed of only yellow and magenta from the basic color patches. In this way, the color patch corresponding to the change in the color conversion restriction is selected, and sequentially associated with the color conversion restriction assumed at the time of selection and stored in the storage unit 17. As a result, when there are combinations in which multiple color conversion restrictions can be applied to the same color patch, the same number of color patches are selected as output targets for the number of combinations that the color conversion restriction can take, and output under different output conditions. Will be.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines a layout such as the number of additional pages and the number of additional files based on the selection result (step S13). The number of additional pages and the number of additional files are determined depending on the use of color conversion settings. For example, when it is possible to use different color conversion settings depending on the object type, it is possible to use different color conversion settings by allowing a bitmap image and a vector image to coexist in one page. In addition, if it is possible to embed a color conversion profile for each image and to specify a conversion method, a plurality of color conversion settings can coexist in the same page. If such a function is not provided, it may be separated into a plurality of files internally, and the output setting may be changed for each file. In general, the number of pages increases in accordance with the number of basic color patches or added color patches.

  Next, the CPU 11 creates an additional color patch (additional color patch) (step S14). The additional color patch is created with a predetermined object type and arrangement based on layout information such as the number of additional pages and the number of additional files. If the color patches to be added can be prepared in several types in advance, necessary ones may be specified from them.

  Next, the CPU 11 adds the additional color patch created in step S14 to the color chart acquired in step S11 (step S15). Specifically, the CPU 11 may combine the basic color patches and the additional color patches, impose them based on the layout information determined in step S13, and generate a single image file. May be generated.

  Next, the CPU 11 creates information indicating the arrangement order of the color patches in the generated image file for use in the subsequent measurement process from the layout information determined in step S13 (step S16).

  FIG. 7 is an example of the color chart 80 generated in the color patch configuration process. The color chart 80 includes a basic color patch area 81 and an additional color patch area 82. The color patches included in the basic color patch area 81 are always output and color-measured regardless of the color conversion restriction setting, and are composed of, for example, a bitmap image. The color patches included in the additional color patch area 82 are appropriately added according to the setting of the color conversion restriction, and are composed of, for example, a vector image.

  Next, returning to FIG. 3, the CPU 11 performs color conversion processing on the image data of the color chart generated in the color patch configuration processing using the color conversion profile 171 (step S <b> 6). Specifically, for the color patches of the same color among the basic color patches and the additional color patches, the CPU 11 performs color conversion processing on the basic color patches under the condition that the currently set color conversion restrictions are added. For the additional color patch, the color conversion process is performed under the condition when the color conversion restriction corresponding to the addition of each color patch is changed. When there are a plurality of color conversion restrictions that can be changed, color conversion processing is performed on the additional color patches corresponding to each condition for each condition corresponding to the combination of the presence or absence of each color conversion restriction.

  Next, the CPU 11 outputs the image data after the color conversion process to the printer 30 via the communication unit 16 (step S7). The printer 30 prints a color chart based on the image data after the color conversion process. The printed color chart is measured by the colorimeter 50.

  Next, the CPU 11 acquires colorimetric data of the output matter of the printer 30 from the colorimeter 50 via the communication unit 16 (step S8). Then, the CPU 11 associates the colorimetric values of each color patch with the target values based on the information indicating the arrangement order of the color patches created in step S16.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the color adjustment accuracy is within an allowable range (step S9). For example, the CPU 11 compares the colorimetric value of each color patch with the target value, and determines the color adjustment accuracy based on whether or not the average value of the color difference ΔE is within a predetermined value.

  When it is determined that the color adjustment accuracy is not within the allowable range (step S9; NO), the CPU 11 calculates the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value, and performs color conversion based on the calculated difference. Correction data 172 for correcting the profile 171 is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed (step S10). Each of the created correction data 172 is stored in the storage unit 17 in association with the corresponding color conversion restriction by the CPU 11. When there are a plurality of changeable color conversion restrictions, the CPU 11 creates correction data 172 for each combination of presence or absence of a plurality of color conversion restrictions, and associates the correction data 172 with the color conversion restriction combination in the storage unit 17. Remembered.

  Here, the creation of the correction data 172 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the CIE Lab uniform color space will be described, but an XYZ color system or other color systems may be used as necessary.

  First, the CPU 11 determines a conversion target value 91 based on a target measurement value (target value) 90 in a certain color patch. The conversion target value 91 may be the measurement value 90 of the target printing machine 20 as it is, or may be the result of performing gamut mapping based on the difference in the color reproducible range between the target printing machine 20 and the printer 30. Good. Here, the latter case will be described.

  Next, when the CPU 11 obtains a measurement value 92 as a result of color conversion processing of the same color patch and output from the printer 30, the measurement result to be obtained as a result of the color conversion processing, that is, the conversion target value 91 is obtained. The difference is calculated, the difference is added to the conversion target value 91, and a new nominal conversion target value 93 is obtained. Then, the correction data 172 is created by the CPU 11 based on the nominal conversion target value 93. The correction data 172 may be created and applied as data different from the color conversion profile 171 or may be applied by rewriting the target profile.

  After the correction data 172 is created (step S10), the process returns to step S6, and the processes of steps S6 to S9 are repeated. In step S6, the CPU 11 performs color conversion processing on the image data of the color chart generated in step S5 using the color conversion profile 171 and the correction data 172 (step S6). Here, the correction data 172 associated with the current color conversion restriction is used for the basic color patch, and the correction data associated with the color conversion restriction corresponding to the additional color patch is used for the additional color patch. Data 172 is used.

  In step S9, when it is determined that the color adjustment accuracy is within the allowable range (step S9; YES), the color adjustment process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the output process. This process is a process at the time of actual operation in the image processing apparatus 10 that has been color-adjusted by the color adjustment process (see FIG. 3), and is software that cooperates with the CPU 11 and a program stored in the storage unit 17. Realized by processing.

  First, the CPU 11 sets a color conversion restriction based on a user operation from the operation unit 14 (step S21). Specifically, the color conversion restriction that the user desires is added from the color conversion restrictions set by the CPU 11 to be changeable in step S4 of the color adjustment process, and the color conversion restriction that the user has determined is unnecessary. The setting is canceled.

  Next, input image data to be printed by the printer 30 is acquired by the CPU 11 (step S22). For example, the CPU 11 may acquire image data from an external device via the communication unit 16, or the data may be read from the storage unit 17 or a storage medium in which image data is stored in advance. Alternatively, data may be input by an operation from the operation unit 14 by the user.

  Next, the CPU 11 selects correction data 172 to be applied to the input image data based on the set color conversion limit (step S23). Specifically, the CPU 11 selects the correction data 172 associated with the set color conversion restriction (or a combination of a plurality of color conversion restrictions) from the correction data 172 stored in the storage unit 17. .

Next, the CPU 11 performs a color conversion process using the color conversion profile 171 and the selected correction data 172 (step S24). Then, the CPU 11 outputs the image data after the color conversion process to the printer 30 via the communication unit 16 (step S25). In the printer 30, an output target image is printed based on the image data after the color conversion process.
Thus, the output process ends.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 10, when a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is added to the measurement target at the stage of color adjustment processing, and the color conversion restriction is changed. It is possible to perform color conversion processing under each condition when not changing, and to create correction data 172 for each case in advance. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the error correction operation again when changing the color conversion restriction, and the color conversion restriction can be easily changed.

  In addition, for color conversion restrictions that are set as possible to change, only the color patches that change the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction are selected from the multiple color patches included in the color chart. Output and color patch colorimetry can be performed efficiently. Conventionally, when performing error correction in advance for all combinations of color conversion restrictions that can be changed, it has been necessary to perform error correction operations the same number of times as combinations of color conversion restrictions. Since a color chart output process and a color measurement process can be performed simultaneously for a plurality of different conditions corresponding to combinations of two or more color conversion restrictions, the number of work steps is reduced to one half or less. In addition, the color conversion restriction can be changed quickly and easily later, and the usability is improved.

  Specifically, according to the image processing apparatus 10, input image data composed of only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is reproduced by the printer 30 with only one corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It is possible to easily change to the color conversion restriction. Also, the input image data consisting of only two combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is changed to a color conversion restriction in which the printer 30 reproduces only the corresponding two combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Can be easily performed. Further, the input image data having the maximum gradation of one color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is changed to a color conversion restriction that is reproduced by the printer 30 with the maximum gradation of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Can be easily performed. Also, the input image data composed of the maximum gradation of the combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is reproduced by the printer 30 with the maximum gradation of the combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It is possible to easily change the conversion limit.

  In the above description, an example in which a ROM, a hard disk, or the like is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing each process is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave may be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

10 Image processing device 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Operation unit 15 Display unit 16 Communication unit 17 Storage unit 18 Bus 20 Target printer 30 Printer 40, 50 Colorimeter 60 Chart selection area 61 Chart display area 62 File input button 63 Measurement button 64 Measurement value save button 65 Profile creation button 66 Cancel button 70 Automatic setting execution button 71 Color conversion restriction setting area 72 Chart generation button 73 Cancel button 74c, 74m, 74y, 74k, 74b, 74g, 74r Setting check boxes 75c, 75m, 75y for halftone other colors 75k, 75b, 75g, 75r Possibility of changing halftone other color exclusion check boxes 76c, 76m, 76y, 76k, 76b, 76g, 76r 100% solid hold setting check boxes 77c, 77m, 77y, 77k, 77b, 77g, 77 r 100% solid retention changeability check box 100 Color adjustment system 151 Input screen 152 Color conversion restriction setting screen 171 Color conversion profile 172 Correction data

Claims (14)

An image processing method for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile, and matching color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter,
The control unit selects a color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction from the multiple color patches included in the color chart.
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter,
The color conversion restriction includes input image data consisting of only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, among color components that depend on the printer, Including conditions to reproduce with only one of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors,
An image processing method for selecting a color patch composed of only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, which is a target of the color conversion restriction, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction . An image processing method for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile, and matching color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter,
The control unit selects a color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction from the multiple color patches included in the color chart.
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter,
The color conversion restriction is such that input image data consisting of only a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of the combinations of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, Including the conditions to reproduce only in the combination of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among the color components that depend on
Image processing for selecting a color patch composed only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black that is subject to the color conversion restriction when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction Method. An image processing method for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile, and matching color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter,
The control unit selects a color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction from the multiple color patches included in the color chart.
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter,
The color conversion restriction is such that, for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is used as a color component depending on the printer. Including the conditions to reproduce at the maximum gradation of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black,
When selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction, an image for selecting a color patch having a maximum gradation of one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be subjected to the color conversion restriction Processing method. An image processing method for performing color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile, and matching color reproduction of a printer with a target printed matter,
The control unit selects a color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction from the multiple color patches included in the color chart.
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile, the color reproduction of the printer is matched with the target printed matter,
The color conversion restriction is applied to input image data having a maximum gradation of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Including the conditions for reproducing at the maximum gradation of the combination of the corresponding two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among the color components depending on the printer,
When selecting a color patch that changes the color reproduction result due to the change in the color conversion restriction, the color patch consisting of the maximum gradation of the combination of the two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black that is subject to the color conversion restriction is selected. image processing method for. The control unit causes the display unit to display a setting screen for setting whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed.
Based on the operation signal input from the operation unit, set whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed,
For the color conversion restriction set as having the possibility of change, a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected from a plurality of color patches included in the color chart.
The image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . An image processing apparatus that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches color reproduction of a printer to a target printed matter,
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target print by performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile ;
The color conversion restriction includes input image data consisting of only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, among color components that depend on the printer, Including conditions to reproduce with only one of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors,
When the control unit selects a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, the control unit selects a color patch composed of only one color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be subjected to the color conversion restriction. An image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches color reproduction of a printer to a target printed matter,
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target print by performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile ;
The color conversion restriction is such that input image data consisting only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, Including the conditions to reproduce only in the combination of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among the color components that depend on
The control unit, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, a color patch consisting only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black that are subject to the color conversion restriction An image processing apparatus for selecting . An image processing apparatus that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches color reproduction of a printer to a target printed matter,
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target print by performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile ;
The color conversion restriction is such that, for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is used as a color component depending on the printer. Including the conditions to reproduce at the maximum gradation of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black,
The control unit, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, a color having a maximum gradation of one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be subjected to the color conversion restriction An image processing device that selects patches . An image processing apparatus that performs color conversion processing on input image data using a color conversion profile and matches color reproduction of a printer to a target printed matter,
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
A control unit that adjusts the color reproduction of the printer to the target print by performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the selected correction data and the color conversion profile ;
The color conversion restriction is applied to input image data having a maximum gradation of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Including the conditions for reproducing at the maximum gradation of the combination of the corresponding two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among the color components depending on the printer,
When the control unit selects a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, the control unit starts from the maximum gradation of the combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black that are subject to the color conversion restriction. An image processing apparatus for selecting a color patch . An operation unit that receives an operation input by a user is provided.
The control unit causes the display unit to display a setting screen for setting whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed.
Based on the operation signal input from the operation unit, set whether or not the color conversion restriction can be changed,
For the color conversion restriction set as having the possibility of change, a color patch whose color reproduction result is changed by changing the color conversion restriction is selected from a plurality of color patches included in the color chart.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 . A computer that performs color conversion processing on the input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter.
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the correction data and the color conversion profile to which the selected, a program for functioning as a control unit to match the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter ,
The color conversion restriction includes input image data consisting of only one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, among color components that depend on the printer, Including conditions to reproduce with only one of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors,
When the control unit selects a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, the control unit selects a color patch composed of only one color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be subjected to the color conversion restriction. Program to do. A computer that performs color conversion processing on the input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter.
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the correction data and the color conversion profile to which the selected, a program for functioning as a control unit to match the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter ,
The color conversion restriction is such that input image data consisting only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, Including the conditions to reproduce only in the combination of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among the color components that depend on
The control unit, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, a color patch consisting only of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black that are subject to the color conversion restriction Select the program. A computer that performs color conversion processing on the input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter.
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the correction data and the color conversion profile to which the selected, a program for functioning as a control unit to match the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter ,
The color conversion restriction is such that, for at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, input image data consisting of the maximum gradation of one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is used as a color component depending on the printer. Including the conditions to reproduce at the maximum gradation of the corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black,
The control unit, when selecting a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, a color having a maximum gradation of one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be subjected to the color conversion restriction A program that selects patches. A computer that performs color conversion processing on the input image data using a color conversion profile and matches the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter.
From the multiple color patches included in the color chart, select the color patch that changes the color reproduction result by changing the color conversion restriction,
Add the selected color patch to the color chart,
For color patches of the same color among the color patches to be selected in the color chart and the added color patches, color conversion processing is performed under the respective conditions when the color conversion restriction is changed and when not changed,
Obtain the colorimetric values of each color patch of the color chart output by the printer based on the image data after the color conversion processing,
Correction data for correcting the color conversion profile based on the difference between the acquired colorimetric value and the target value in the target printed matter is created for each of the cases where the color conversion restriction is changed and the case where the color conversion restriction is not changed. ,
Based on the presence or absence of the color conversion restriction, select correction data to be applied to the input image data from the created correction data,
By performing color conversion processing on the input image data using the correction data and the color conversion profile to which the selected, a program for functioning as a control unit to match the color reproduction of the printer to the target printed matter ,
The color conversion restriction is applied to input image data having a maximum gradation of a combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black for at least one combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Including the conditions for reproducing at the maximum gradation of the combination of the corresponding two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black among the color components depending on the printer,
When the control unit selects a color patch whose color reproduction result changes due to the change of the color conversion restriction, the control unit starts from the maximum gradation of the combination of two colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black that are subject to the color conversion restriction. A program that selects color patches.

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