JP5095667B2 - Output instruction apparatus, image forming system, output instruction method, control program, and recording medium therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode. The present invention relates to an output instruction apparatus that issues a print instruction, and an image forming system that includes the output instruction apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, digital image systems have been remarkably developed, and digital image processing technology is advancing day by day. For example, in copiers and multi-function peripherals that use electrophotography, ink jet, etc., character mode, photo mode, mixed text / photo mode, etc. to perform optimal image processing according to the type of document to be printed A plurality of image processing modes are set. Further, when a plurality of image areas exist in the document, area separation processing for determining the type of each image area is performed, and image processing suitable for the type of each image area is performed on each image area. Examples of the image area include a character area having a character image and a photographic area having a photographic image.

  On the other hand, there is a printer having a normal mode for performing normal printing and an eco mode (save mode) for performing printing while suppressing the amount of toner used (toner consumption) from the normal mode for the purpose of saving toner. In such a printer, when the eco mode is set, image processing that uniformly deletes pixels from the entire area of the original image in order to reduce the amount of toner used without reducing the image quality of the printed matter below a predetermined standard (Thinning processing, etc.) is performed. Therefore, even when a document is divided into a plurality of image areas (for example, a character area and a photographic area), the degree of reduction in toner usage for each image area is constant regardless of the importance of the image area. There is a problem that a low-degree image area leaves room for further reduction in toner usage. The degree of reduction in the amount of toner used indicates the degree of reduction in the amount of toner used in the eco mode with respect to the amount of toner used in the normal mode.

  The following Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 exist as techniques for solving the above problems.

  The technique of Patent Document 1 discriminates a character area and a photographic area included in an input image, and when the eco mode is set, the degree of reduction in toner usage (pixel reduction rate) is separately set for the character area and the photographic area. The thinning process is performed to delete a part of the pixels constituting each image area in accordance with the set reduction degree.

  The technique of Patent Document 2 calculates a logical product of a specified pattern and a generated image, and performs pixel thinning from the image to reduce color materials such as ink and toner. Patent Document 2 also shows that the reduction rate of the recording material differs for each object such as a character or a figure.

JP 2005-234391 A (publication date: September 2, 2005) JP 9-245150 A (publication date: September 19, 1997)

  However, although the technique of Patent Document 1 can set the toner usage ratio for each type of document image in the eco mode, the user cannot grasp the toner reduction rate for the entire image. . Similarly, in the technique of Patent Document 2, although the amount of toner used for the entire image can be reduced, the user cannot grasp the toner reduction rate for the entire image.

  For this reason, it is difficult to perform print settings for printing an image as high as possible within the range in which the user can achieve the toner reduction rate desired by the techniques of each of the above patent documents.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a reduction rate of a desired color material and an image quality in an image forming apparatus having a save mode for suppressing the amount of color material used. An object of the present invention is to provide an output instruction apparatus and an output instruction method that enable a user to easily perform print settings for suppressing a decrease to a minimum.

  The output instruction device of the present invention has a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode, Furthermore, when printing in the save mode, printing is performed on an image forming apparatus that can select an image quality level to be applied to printing from among a plurality of image quality levels that use different amounts of color materials when printing the image. An output instruction device for performing an instruction, wherein an area separation unit that separates an image of the image data into a plurality of image areas according to the type of image, and a normal mode preset for each image quality level and each type A storage device that stores a color material reduction rate with respect to the amount of color material used when printing is performed, and the number of pixels of the image area corresponding to each type based on the result of area separation by the area separation unit. Calculation Then, based on the number of pixels for each type and the image quality level and the color material reduction rate set for each type, the normal mode is selected for one or more image quality levels and the image is printed. The amount used to calculate the total reduction rate, which is the color material reduction rate for the entire image when one of the image quality levels is selected and the image is printed with respect to the amount of color material used for the entire image A calculation unit; a display device that displays the one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality level; and an instruction input device that receives a selection instruction from a user for an image quality level to be applied to printing; The image forming apparatus is instructed to print to apply the image quality level corresponding to the selection instruction to print the image.

  The output instruction method of the present invention has a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode. Furthermore, when printing in the save mode, an image forming apparatus capable of selecting an image quality level to be applied to printing from a plurality of image quality levels in which the amount of color material used when printing the image is different from each other. Output instruction method for instructing printing, an area separation step for separating the image of the image data into a plurality of image areas according to the type of the image, preset for each image quality level and each type, A storage step for storing the color material reduction rate relative to the amount of color material used when printing is performed in the normal mode, and the number of pixels in the image area corresponding to each type is increased based on the region separation result in the region separation step. Calculate for each type, select the normal mode for one or more image quality levels based on the number of pixels for each type and the color material reduction rate set for each image quality level and for each type. Use to calculate the total reduction rate, which is the color material reduction rate for the entire image when the image is printed with the image quality level selected, with respect to the color material usage amount for the entire image when the image is printed A quantity calculation step, a display step for displaying the one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality level, and an instruction input step for receiving a selection instruction from a user for the image quality level to be applied to printing And a print instruction step for giving a print instruction to the image forming apparatus so as to print the image by applying an image quality level corresponding to the selection instruction.

  According to the above configuration, the color material reduction rate relative to the amount of color material used in printing in the normal mode is set and stored in advance for each image quality level and each image type. Then, the image data image is separated into a plurality of image regions according to the image type, and the number of pixels in the image region corresponding to each type of image is calculated for each image type based on the region separation result. Based on the number of pixels for each type and the color material reduction rate set for each image quality level and for each image type, an image when the image is printed with the normal mode selected for one or more image quality levels A total reduction rate, which is a reduction rate of the color material in the entire image when the image is printed by selecting the image quality level with respect to the overall color material usage, is calculated. The one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality level are displayed on the display device, and a selection instruction from the user regarding the image quality level to be applied to printing is received and corresponds to the selection instruction. A print instruction is issued to the image forming apparatus so as to print the image by applying the image quality level.

  As a result, the user selects the image quality level for at least one image quality level and prints the image with reference to the display regarding the color material reduction rate in the entire image when the image according to the image data is printed. The image quality level to be applied can be selected. Therefore, by setting the color material reduction rate for each image quality level and for each image type so that deterioration in image quality can be suppressed, the user can select the image quality level according to the desired color material reduction rate. By simply doing this, it is possible to realize the reduction rate and to suppress the deterioration of the image quality.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the output instruction apparatus according to the present invention includes each of the above-described types so as to realize a color material reduction rate predetermined for each of the above-mentioned types corresponding to the image quality level corresponding to the selection instruction. It is good also as a structure provided with the correction | amendment part which correct | amends the image data of the image area | region corresponding to.

  According to said structure, image data can be correct | amended so that the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality level selected by the user may be implement | achieved.

  In addition, a list of the total reduction rates for the respective image quality levels may be displayed on the display device.

  According to the above configuration, since a list of total reduction rates when each image quality level is applied is displayed, the user can easily select an image quality level corresponding to the desired total reduction rate.

  The image region separated by the region separation unit includes a photographic region including a photographic image, and at least one of a character region including a character image and a graphic region including a graphic or a graph. The color material reduction rate for the photographic area in the image quality mode may be set lower than that for other types of image areas in the image quality mode.

  In general, deterioration in image quality when the amount of color material used is reduced is particularly noticeable in a photographic area. On the other hand, in the character area and the graphic area, even if the amount of color material used is reduced, the deterioration in image quality is less noticeable than in the photographic area. For this reason, according to said structure, it can suppress that the fall of image quality is conspicuous.

  The image region separated by the region separation unit includes a character region including a character image, and at least one of a halftone dot region including a halftone dot image and a continuous tone region including a photographic paper image or a photographic image. The reduction ratio of the color material for the character area in each image quality mode may be set higher than that of other types of image areas in the image quality mode.

  In general, in a halftone dot area or continuous tone area, if the amount of color material used is reduced, the difference in shading is reduced, so that the image quality is likely to be visually perceived as extremely low. On the other hand, in the character area, even if the amount of color material used is reduced, image quality deterioration is less noticeable than in the halftone area or continuous tone area. For this reason, according to said structure, it can suppress that the fall of image quality is conspicuous.

  The image forming system of the present invention has a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode, Furthermore, when printing in the save mode, an image forming apparatus capable of selecting an image quality level to be applied to printing from a plurality of image quality levels in which the amount of color material used when printing the image is different from each other, and the image One of the above-described output instruction devices that issues a print instruction to the forming apparatus is provided.

  According to the above configuration, the user refers to the display relating to the color material reduction rate in the entire image when the image quality level for at least one image quality level is selected and an image according to the image data is printed. The image quality level to be applied to printing can be selected. Therefore, by setting the color material reduction rate for each image quality level and for each image type so that deterioration in image quality can be suppressed, the user can select the image quality level according to the desired color material reduction rate. By simply doing this, it is possible to realize the reduction rate and to suppress the deterioration of the image quality.

  The output instruction apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program that causes the computer to function as each unit and a computer-readable recording medium that records the control program are also included in the scope of the present invention. enter.

  The output instruction apparatus of the present invention prints an image of the image data in a normal mode preset for each image quality level and each type, with an area separating unit that separates the image data into a plurality of image areas according to the type of image. A storage device that stores the color material reduction rate with respect to the amount of color material used when performing image processing, and the number of pixels in the image region corresponding to each type is calculated for each type based on the region separation result by the region separation unit Then, based on the number of pixels for each type and the image quality level and the color material reduction rate set for each type, the normal mode is selected for one or more image quality levels and the image is printed. The amount used to calculate the total reduction rate, which is the color material reduction rate for the entire image when one of the image quality levels is selected and the image is printed with respect to the amount of color material used for the entire image Calculation section and above A display device that displays one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality level; and an instruction input device that receives a selection instruction from a user for an image quality level to be applied to printing. The image forming apparatus is instructed to print so that the image is printed by applying an image quality level corresponding to the above.

  Further, the output instruction method of the present invention includes an area separation step of separating the image of the image data into a plurality of image areas according to the type of image, and a normal mode preset for each image quality level and each type. A storage step for storing the color material reduction rate relative to the amount of color material used when printing is performed, and the number of pixels in the image area corresponding to each type based on the region separation result in the region separation step. Based on the number of pixels for each type and the image quality level and the color material reduction rate set for each type, the normal mode is selected for one or more image quality levels and the image is selected. Usage amount calculation that calculates the total reduction rate, which is the reduction rate of the color material for the entire image when the image is printed by selecting the image quality level relative to the color material usage amount for the entire image when printing Process, A display step for displaying one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality level, an instruction input step for receiving a selection instruction from a user for an image quality level to be applied to printing, and the selection instruction A print instruction step of instructing the image forming apparatus to print so that the image is printed by applying an image quality level corresponding to the above.

  Therefore, the user can realize the reduction rate and suppress the deterioration of the image quality only by selecting the image quality level corresponding to the desired color material reduction rate.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of image data handled in the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a toner reduction rate set for each image quality level and for each type of image area stored in a memory (storage device) of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a calculation method of a total reduction rate that is a reduction rate of toner usage with respect to the entire image in the image processing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a calculation method of a total reduction rate that is a reduction rate of toner usage with respect to the entire image in the image processing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of PDL image data sent from a terminal device to a printer in the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the image processing system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image processing system concerning other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a toner reduction rate set for each image quality level and for each type of image area stored in a memory (storage device) of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 8.

Embodiment 1
An embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 100 includes a printer (image forming apparatus) 2 and a terminal device (output instruction apparatus) 1 that instructs the printer 2 to output an image according to image data. ing. The printer 2 and the terminal device 1 are connected to be communicable by wire or wireless. The printer 2 also includes a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using toner, and a toner save mode (save mode) for printing the image while suppressing the amount of toner (coloring material) used compared to the normal mode. ).

  In addition to application software 14 such as image editing software, the terminal device 1 has a control unit 11 in which a printer driver 15 for operating the printer 2 is installed, and a display that displays a display screen according to an instruction from the control unit 11 This is a personal computer including a unit (display device) 12 and an instruction input unit (instruction input device) 13 that receives an instruction input from a user and transmits the instruction input to the control unit 11.

  The printer driver 15 includes an area determination unit 16, a usage amount calculation unit 17, an image quality setting unit 18, and a data conversion unit 19.

  The area discriminating unit (area separating unit) 16 discriminates the type of each image area included in the image data image, that is, an area separating process for separating the image of the image data input from the application software 14 for each image area. Process.

  The method of region separation processing is not particularly limited, and various conventionally known methods can be used. For example, the area discriminating unit 16 is based on the description format of the print data of each object in the image data input from the application software 14, and the image area corresponding to each object is a character area, graphic, or graphic consisting of text data. It is determined whether the region is a natural image region composed of photographic image data.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of image data input from the application software 14 to the printer driver 15 and a region separation processing result for the image data. In the example shown in this figure, the area indicated by the rectangle ABCD is determined as a photograph area (natural image area), the area indicated by the rectangle EFGH is determined as a graphic area, and the other areas are determined as character areas. Yes.

  The area determination unit 16 outputs an area identification signal indicating the result of the area separation process and the image data input from the application software 14 to the usage amount calculation unit 17.

  The image quality setting unit 18 displays a setting screen for prompting the user to select a processing mode (selection of either the normal mode or the toner save mode) on the display unit 12, and via the instruction input unit 13 for the setting screen. The operation of the usage calculation unit 17 is controlled in accordance with an instruction input from the user. For example, a character string indicating the normal mode and a character string indicating the toner save mode are displayed on the display unit 12, and a check box is displayed in the vicinity of each character string. It may be possible to select a processing mode by checking a check box. Alternatively, a button with a character string for each processing mode may be displayed, and the user may click any button.

  When the toner save mode is selected, the image quality setting unit 18 causes the display unit 12 to display a setting screen that prompts the user to select an image quality level, and the user through the instruction input unit 13 for the setting screen. The operation of the usage amount calculation unit 17 is controlled in accordance with an instruction input from. In this embodiment, “1. Image quality priority”, “2. Image quality priority”, “3. Image quality / toner reduction: medium”, “4. Toner reduction priority”, and “5. The user can select a desired image quality level from among the image quality levels in stages. However, the number of selectable image quality levels is not limited to this, and may be set to 3, 7, 9, etc. Alternatively, a reduction rate corresponding to a larger number of image quality levels than the number of image quality levels displayed on the setting screen may be set so that an intermediate image quality level between the displayed image quality levels can be selected. For example, nine levels (levels 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5) of image quality levels are prepared, and the setting screen has five image quality levels. (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) are displayed, the image quality level between levels 1 and 2 (level 1.5), and the image quality level between levels 2 and 3 (level 2.5). ), An image quality level between levels 3 and 4 (level 3.5), and an image quality level between levels 4 and 5 (level 4.5) may be selected.

  Further, when the setting screen prompting the user to select an image quality level is displayed on the display unit 12, the image quality setting unit 18 displays an image for printing in the normal mode when printing is performed based on each image quality level. The total reduction rate, which is the overall toner reduction rate, is acquired from the usage amount calculation unit 17 and a list of total reduction rates for each image quality level is displayed on the display unit 12. Thus, the user can select the image quality level to be applied to printing with reference to the total reduction rate for each image quality level.

  Based on the image data input from the region discriminating unit 16 and the region identification signal, the usage amount calculating unit 17 calculates a reference usage amount that is a toner usage amount for each type of image region when printing in the normal mode. To do. That is, the amount of toner used when the image corresponding to the image data is printed in the normal mode is calculated for each type of image area (for each type of image). For example, the amount of toner used per pixel is set for each type of image area, the number of pixels for each type of image area is calculated based on the result of area separation processing by the area determination unit 16, and A reference usage amount for each type of image is calculated by multiplying the number of pixels by the toner usage per pixel for each type.

  Further, the usage amount calculation unit 17 calculates the above five based on the reference usage amount calculated for each type of image area and the toner reduction rate preset for each type of image area for each image quality mode. For each image quality mode, a reduction rate (total reduction rate) with respect to the reference usage amount of the toner usage amount as a whole image when the image quality mode is selected is calculated and output to the image quality setting unit 18.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for each image quality mode, a toner reduction rate is set in advance for each type of image area, and stored in a memory (storage device) (not shown). Then, a process of calculating the toner reduction amount for each type of image area by multiplying the reference usage amount calculated for each type of image area by the reduction rate set for each type of image area is performed for each image quality mode. Then, by dividing the total toner reduction amount for each type of image area by the total amount of reference usage for each type of image area for each image quality mode, the toner reduction rate for the entire image (total (Reduction rate) is calculated for each image quality mode.

  FIG. 4 shows a case in which toner save mode printing is performed with image quality level “2. Image quality priority” for image data whose reference usage amount is character area 4000, photo area (natural image area) 4000, and graphic area 2000. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the calculation method of a total reduction rate.

  The usage amount calculation unit 17 reads a reduction rate for each type of image area corresponding to the image quality level “2. Image quality priority” from a memory (not shown) (in this embodiment, a character area 20%, a photo area 10%, and a graphic area 15). %). Then, the reduction amount for each image region is calculated by multiplying the reduction rate corresponding to the reference usage amount for each image region (in the example of FIG. 4, character region: 4000 × 0.2 = 800, photo region: 4000 × 0.1 = 400, graphic area: 2000 × 0.15 = 300). Further, the total value of the reduction amounts for each image area is calculated (800 + 400 + 300 = 1500 in the example of FIG. 4), and is divided by the total value of the reference usage amount of each image area (4000 + 4000 + 2000 = 10000 in the example of FIG. 4). Thus, the toner reduction rate of the entire image (total reduction rate is calculated (1500/10000 = 0.15 = 15% in the example of FIG. 4).

  Further, FIG. 5 shows that toner save mode printing is performed at image quality level “4. Toner reduction priority” for image data whose reference usage amount is character area 7000, photo area (natural image area) 1000, and graphic area 2000. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the calculation method of the total reduction rate in the case of performing.

  The usage amount calculation unit 17 reads the reduction rate for each type of image area corresponding to the image quality level “4. Toner reduction priority” from a memory (not shown) (in this embodiment, the character area is 40%, the photo area is 20%, and the graphic area is 25%). Then, the reduction amount for each image region is calculated by multiplying the reduction rate corresponding to the reference usage amount for each image region (in the example of FIG. 5, character region: 7000 × 0.4 = 2800, photo region: 1000 × 0.2 = 200, graphic area: 2000 × 0.25 = 500). Also, the total value of the reduction amounts for each image area is calculated (2800 + 200 + 500 = 3500 in the example of FIG. 4), and is divided by the total value of the reference usage amount of each image area (7000 + 1000 + 2000 = 10000 in the example of FIG. 4). Thus, the toner reduction rate of the entire image (the total reduction rate is calculated (3500/10000 = 0.35 = 35% in the example of FIG. 5).

  Note that when the same image data as in FIG. 4 is printed with the toner reduction rate uniformly set to 15% regardless of the type of image quality area, the toner reduction amount is the character area: 600, and the photo area: 600. The graphic area is 300, and the total reduction rate is 15%, which is the same as in “2. Image quality priority”. However, in this case, although the character region has a high contrast and good image quality can be obtained, the photo region has a thin and blurred image when the contrast is low. That is, when the reduction rate is uniformly set regardless of the type of the image quality area, the image quality is significantly deteriorated.

  For this reason, it is preferable that the reduction rate for each type of image region is set so that a subjective evaluation on the result of printing various images by changing the reduction rate can suppress deterioration of image quality. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the reduction rate of the photographic area (natural image area) is set smaller than the reduction rate of the character area and the graphic area. In general, the decrease in image quality when the amount of color material used is reduced is particularly noticeable in the photographic area, and even if the amount of color material used is reduced in the text area and graphic area, the image quality is lower than in the photographic area. This is because it is difficult to stand out. In this embodiment, the toner reduction rate of the graphic area is set smaller than the toner reduction ratio of the character area. Thereby, the deterioration of the image quality can be made less noticeable.

  It should be noted that the usage amount calculation unit 17 selects the type of image region corresponding to the image data input from the region determination unit 16, the region identification signal, the user mode selection result and the image quality level selection result input from the image quality setting unit 18. Each toner reduction rate is output to the data converter 19.

  The data converter 19 converts the image data input from the usage calculator 17, the area identification signal, and the toner reduction rate for each type of image area into data described in PDL (Page Description Language). Then, the data is transmitted to the printer 2 and a printing instruction is performed based on the toner reduction rate. The image data described in PDL shows information indicating the starting position, size, and color of each image area. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that image data transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the printer 2 is color-specified in RGB. Here, R is red, G is green, and B is blue. Further, the data conversion unit 19 may send an instruction to the printer 2 as to whether to execute the normal mode or the toner save mode in accordance with an instruction from the image quality setting unit 18.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing print data in which the image data shown in FIG. 2 is described in PDL. In FIG. 6, for example, the portion of the symbol T is print data indicating a character region, the symbol P is print data indicating a photo region, and the symbol G is print data indicating a graphic region (in the case of FIG. 6, lineto and closepath). The graphics area can be identified from the presence of a drawing command such as fill.)

  As shown in FIG. 6, the print data of each image area includes typeface information, area attributes, starting position information, size, and color information. Therefore, it is possible to determine the area separation process and the area size based on the print data of each image area.

  For example, in FIG. 6, since the photographic area is the starting point (50, 300) (point A in FIG. 2) and the size is (100, 200), the coordinates of B, C, D of the rectangular ABCD in FIG. B (250, 300), C (50, 400), and D (250, 400). In the case of FIG. 2, the origin O is (0, 0). Further, the rectangle EFGH of the graphic area is the starting points E (50, 550), F (250, 550), G, (50, 650) H (250, 650). Note that “0 250 translate” means to move 0 in the horizontal direction and 250 in the vertical direction with respect to the starting point of the photographic area. Further, the starting points are E (50, 550), F (250, 550), G, (50, 650) H (250, 650).

  The printer (image forming apparatus) 2 is an electrophotographic printing apparatus, and includes an image processing unit 21 and a print engine unit 22 as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic printing apparatus is used as the printer 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an ink jet printing apparatus may be used.

  The image processing unit (image processing apparatus) 21 is a block that performs image processing on image data and sends the image data after the image processing to the print engine unit 22. The data conversion unit 23, color correction unit 24, an output tone correction unit 25, and a halftone processing unit 26.

  The data converter 23 converts the PDL image data received from the terminal device 1 into image data indicating RGB gradation values and tag data indicating attributes of the image area (such as a description format of print data). The image data, tag data, area identification signal, and toner reduction rate for each type of image area are output to the color correction unit 24.

  The color correction unit 24 is a CMY (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow) color material that includes an unnecessary absorption component with respect to the image data input from the data conversion unit 23 in order to realize faithful color reproduction. In addition to performing the process of removing color turbidity based on the spectral characteristics of CMY, black generation for generating a black (K) signal from CMY three-color signals, that is, a new CMY by subtracting the K signal obtained by black generation from the CMY signal Under color removal (UCR) that generates a signal is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the color correction unit 24 converts the image data composed of RGB signals sent from the data conversion unit 23 into image data composed of CMYK signals. Then, the color correction unit 24 transmits image data composed of CMYK signals to the output gradation correction unit 25. Further, the color correction unit 24 outputs the tag data, the region identification signal, and the toner reduction rate for each type of image region to the output tone correction unit 25.

  The output tone correction unit 25 performs output tone correction processing according to the output characteristics of the print engine unit 22 on the image data input from the color correction unit 24 and outputs the processed image data to the halftone processing unit 26. Note that the output tone correction unit 25 executes output tone correction processing using an output tone correction curve (gamma curve).

  In addition, in the toner save mode, the output tone correction unit 25 sets the amount of toner used during printing for each image area to the amount of toner used according to the toner reduction rate for each type of image area input from the terminal device 1. As described above, processing for changing the output tone correction curve used in the output tone correction processing is performed.

  Here, a method for changing the output gradation correction curve will be specifically described. First, the correction rate of the correction curve is defined as the following formula (1). Then, through an experiment using a test reference image, correction curves of a correction rate of 1%, a correction rate of 2%, a correction rate of 3%,... It is stored in a memory (not shown). That is, 70 correction curves having different correction rates are stored in the memory.

Correction rate (%) = 100 × (toner usage when printing with uncorrected image data−toner usage when printing with corrected image data) / (toner usage when printing with uncorrected image data) ... Formula (1)
Then, the output tone correction unit 25 selects, for each image region, a correction curve having a correction rate closest to the toner reduction rate for each type of image region input from the color correction unit 24, and uses the selected correction curve. Correct the image data. Thereby, the toner usage amount at the time of printing of each image area can be matched with the toner usage amount according to the image quality level selected by the user.

  In the above configuration, a correction curve with a correction rate of 1% to 70% is held. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a correction curve with a correction rate of 1% to 60% is used. There may be. Further, when it is difficult to hold 60 to 70 correction curves due to the storage capacity of the memory, the correction curves may be held at 5% intervals. Further, correction curves may be held at 1% intervals in a frequently used correction rate range (for example, 20 to 40%), and correction curves may be held at 5% intervals in other ranges.

  The halftone processing unit 26 performs tone reproduction processing (halftone generation, halftone processing) on the image data sent from the output tone correction unit 25 based on the region identification signal, and finally the image. Can be reproduced in a pseudo gradation. The image data that has been subjected to the gradation reproduction processing in the halftone processing unit 26 is sent to the print engine unit 22.

  The print engine unit 22 forms an image corresponding to the image data input from the image processing unit 21 on a predetermined recording material (paper, OHP, etc.).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image forming system 100.

  First, the region determination unit 16 of the printer driver 15 performs region separation processing on the image data input from the application software 14 (S1).

  Next, the usage amount calculation unit 17 calculates a reference usage amount that is a toner consumption amount for each type of image area when the image data is printed in the normal mode (S2).

  In addition, after the processing of S1 and S2 or in parallel with the processing of S1 and S2, the image quality setting unit 18 displays a setting screen for prompting the selection of the processing mode on the display unit 12, and via the instruction input unit 13. The processing mode selection instruction from the user is input (S3). Then, the image quality setting unit 18 determines whether the processing mode selected by the user is the normal mode or the toner save mode (S4).

  If it is determined that the normal mode has been selected, the image quality setting unit 18 sets the toner reduction rate for each type of image area to be output from the usage amount calculation unit 17 to the data conversion unit 19 to 0% (S5). ).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the toner save mode is selected, the image quality setting unit 18 causes the usage amount calculation unit 17 to calculate the total toner reduction rate for each image level (S6) and displays it on the display unit 12 (S7). ). The image quality setting unit 18 displays a setting screen for prompting the display unit 12 to select an image quality level on the display unit 12, and the image quality level selection instruction from the user input via the instruction input unit 13. Is accepted (S8).

  Then, the image quality setting unit 18 causes the usage amount calculation unit 17 to calculate the toner reduction rate for each type of image area according to the image quality level selected by the user, and uses the calculated toner reduction rates for the usage amount calculation unit 17. To the data converter 19 (S9).

  The data conversion unit 19 converts the image data, the region separation signal, and the toner reduction rate for each type of image region input from the usage amount calculation unit 17 into PDL data and transmits the PDL data to the printer 2 (S10).

  When the printer 2 receives the image data transmitted from the terminal device 1, the region separation signal, and the toner reduction rate for each type of image region, the data conversion unit 23 converts the PDL image data into an image indicating RGB gradation values. The data is converted into data and the attribute of the image area, and color correction processing is performed on the image data by the color correction unit 24 (S11).

  Next, the output tone correction unit 25 performs an output tone correction process according to the toner reduction rate set for each type of image region on each image region in the image data (S12). Then, the halftone processing unit 26 performs tone reproduction processing on the image data after the output tone correction processing, and outputs it to the print engine unit 22 (S13).

  Then, the print engine unit 22 performs a printing process based on the image data input from the halftone processing unit 26 (S14), and the process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the memory (storage device) is set by setting the toner reduction rate relative to the amount of toner (coloring material) used when printing in the normal mode for each image quality level and each image type. Remember me. Then, region separation processing is performed to calculate the number of pixels for each type of image, and based on the number of pixels for each type of image and the toner reduction rate for each preset image quality level and each type of image. Then, the total reduction rate, which is the toner reduction rate for the entire image, is calculated. Then, the calculated total reduction rate is displayed and presented to the user, and the user is prompted to select an image quality level.

  Accordingly, by setting the toner reduction rate for each image quality level and for each image type so as to suppress the deterioration of the image quality to the minimum, the user can set the image quality level corresponding to the desired toner reduction rate. By simply selecting, it is possible to achieve the toner reduction rate and perform printing with a minimum reduction in image quality.

  When displaying the total reduction rate, a list of total reduction rates for each selectable image quality level may be displayed, and the total reduction rate for a part of the selectable image quality levels may be displayed. Alternatively, only the total reduction rate for the image quality level designated by the user may be displayed. When displaying only the total reduction rate for the image quality level specified by the user, the user confirms the total reduction rate calculated based on the specified image quality level and needs to re-select the image quality level based on that. No can be determined.

  When only the total reduction rate for a part of the selectable image quality levels is displayed, the total reduction rate for all the selectable image quality levels is not calculated, but the total of the image quality levels to be displayed is calculated. Only the reduction rate may be calculated.

  In the present embodiment, the area determination unit 16, the usage amount calculation unit 17, and the image quality setting unit 18 are provided in the printer driver 15 of the terminal device 1, and the color correction unit 24, the output gradation correction unit 25, and Although the configuration in which the halftone processing unit 26 is provided in the image processing unit 21 of the printer 2 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some or all of the area determination unit 16, the usage amount calculation unit 17, and the image quality setting unit 18 may be provided in the image processing unit 21 of the printer 2. Further, the printer driver 15 of the terminal device 1 may include some or all of the color correction unit 24, the output gradation correction unit 25, and the halftone processing unit 26.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the terminal device 1 is connected to one printer 2 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the terminal device 1 may be connected to a plurality of printers. In this case, the image quality level that can be selected by the user may be set for each printer or for each printer model and type.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which image data specified by RGB color is transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the printer 2 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, image data color specified by CMYK is transmitted. May be. In this case, the color correction unit 24 in the printer 2 may be omitted, or the color correction unit 24 may transmit the input CMYK data to the output gradation correction unit 25 as it is without processing. .

  In this embodiment, the user first selects either the normal mode or the toner save mode, and when the toner save mode is selected, the user selects the image quality level. These selection processes may be performed simultaneously. For example, a selection button for the normal mode and a selection button for each image quality level in the toner save mode are displayed on the display unit 12. When the selection button for the normal mode is operated, the normal mode processing is performed, and any image quality level is selected. When the selection button is operated, the toner save mode process may be performed at the image quality level corresponding to the selection button.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic printer to reduce the amount of toner (coloring material) used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The amount of ink (coloring material) used may be reduced by applying to this printer.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the user selects the processing mode and the image quality level via the terminal device 1 and the printer 2 prints an image according to the image data input from the terminal device 1 has been described. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine (image forming system) 100b according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, a copying machine 100b includes an image input device (color image input device) 31, an image processing device (color image processing device, output instruction device) 32, and an image output device (color image output device, image forming device). ) 33 and an operation panel 34. The image processing apparatus 32 includes an A / D conversion unit 41, a shading correction unit 42, an input tone correction unit 43, a region separation processing unit 44, a usage amount calculation unit 17b, a color correction unit 45, and a black generation and under color removal unit. 46, a spatial filter processing unit 47, an output tone correction unit 48, a tone reproduction processing unit 49, and an image quality setting unit 18b. The operation panel 34 includes a display unit (display device) 12b and an instruction input unit (instruction input). Device) 13b.

  The image input device 31 includes a scanner unit including a device that converts optical information, such as a CCD, into an electrical signal, and outputs a reflected light image from a document as an RGB analog signal.

  The image signal read by the image input device 31 passes through the image processing device 32 in an A / D conversion unit 41, a shading correction unit 42, an input tone correction unit 43, a region separation processing unit 44, and a usage amount calculation unit 17b. The color correction unit 45, the black generation and under color removal unit 46, the spatial filter processing unit 47, the output gradation correction unit 48, and the gradation reproduction processing unit 49 are sent in this order, and the image output device 33 as CMYK image data. Sent to.

  The A / D converter 41 converts RGB analog signals into digital signals (image data). The shading correction unit 42 performs processing for removing various distortions generated in the illumination system, the imaging system, and the imaging system of the image input device 31 on the RGB image data sent from the A / D conversion unit 41. In addition, the shading correction unit 42 adjusts the color balance, and at the same time, performs a process of converting the signal such as a density signal into a signal that can be easily handled by the image processing system employed in the image processing apparatus 32. The input tone correction unit 43 performs image quality adjustment processing such as removal of background density and contrast on the RGB image data from which various distortions have been removed by the shading correction unit 42.

  A region separation processing unit (region separation unit) 44 separates an input image into one of a character region, a halftone dot region, and a continuous tone region (photographic paper region, photographic region) based on RGB image data. The region separation processing unit 44 also outputs, based on the separation result, a region identification signal indicating which region the pixel belongs to, a usage amount calculation unit 17b, a black generation and under color removal unit 46, a spatial filter processing unit 47, and an output. While outputting to the gradation correction part 48 and the gradation reproduction process part 49, the image data sent from the input gradation correction part 43 is sent to the subsequent use amount calculation part 17b as it is.

  The usage amount calculation unit 17b has the same configuration as that of the usage amount calculation unit 17 in the first embodiment, and performs the same processing as the usage amount calculation unit 17 to thereby select each image quality level that can be selected in the toner save mode. Then, the toner reduction amount for the entire image, that is, the total reduction amount is calculated and transmitted to the image quality setting unit 18b. Further, the usage amount calculation unit 17b sends the RGB image data to the color correction unit 45 in the subsequent stage.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the toner reduction rate for each type of image area corresponding to each image quality level used in the usage amount calculation unit 17b. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, at each image quality level, the toner reduction rate of the continuous tone region and the halftone dot region is set smaller than the toner reduction rate of the character region. In general, in the halftone dot area and continuous tone area, if the amount of color material used is reduced, the difference in shading becomes smaller and the image quality is likely to be visually perceived as extremely low. This is because even if the amount of material used is reduced, the deterioration in image quality is less noticeable than in the halftone area or continuous tone area. In this embodiment, the toner reduction rate in the continuous tone area is set smaller than the toner reduction rate in the halftone area. Thereby, the deterioration of the image quality can be made less noticeable.

  The image quality setting unit 18b has the same configuration as the image quality setting unit 18 in the first embodiment, and is provided in the operation panel 34 in the same manner as the control method of the display unit 12 and the instruction input unit 13 by the image quality setting unit 18. By controlling the display unit 12b and the instruction input unit 13b, the processing mode selection instruction and the image quality level selection instruction from the user are received. Further, the operation of the output tone correction unit 48 is controlled in accordance with the selection result of the processing mode and image quality level by the user, and the toner set for each type of image area corresponding to the selected processing mode and image quality level. An output tone correction process corresponding to the reduction rate is performed.

  The color correction unit 45 performs a process of removing color turbidity based on the spectral characteristics of the CMY color material including unnecessary absorption components in order to achieve faithful color reproduction. That is, the color correction unit 45 converts the RGB image data sent from the usage amount calculation unit 17 b into CMY image data, and sends the converted CMY image data to the black generation and under color removal unit 46.

  The black generation and under color removal unit 46 generates black (K) image data from the CMY image data after color correction, and subtracts the image data obtained by black generation from the original CMY image data to create a new one. A process for generating CMY image data is performed. As a result, the CMY image data is converted into CMYK image data.

  The spatial filter processing unit 47 performs spatial filter processing using a digital filter on the CMYK image data sent from the black generation and under color removal unit 46 to correct the spatial frequency characteristics. As a result, blurring of the output image and deterioration of graininess can be reduced.

  The output tone correction unit 48 performs output tone correction processing corresponding to the output characteristic value of the image output device 33 on the CMYK image data that has been subjected to the spatial filter processing. Similarly to the output tone correction unit 25 in the first embodiment, the output tone correction unit 48 uses a toner reduction rate for each type of image area corresponding to the selected processing mode and image quality level, and a spatial filter processing unit 47. Based on the CMYK image data sent from the image data, correction processing is performed on the image data so that the toner usage amount for each image area of the image data becomes the usage amount corresponding to the toner reduction rate.

  The gradation reproduction processing unit 49 performs gradation reproduction processing on the CMYK image data based on the region identification signal so that the image can finally be reproduced in a pseudo gradation.

  Processing in the spatial filter processing unit 47 and the gradation reproduction processing unit 49 will be further described. For example, in a region separated into characters by the region separation processing unit 44, a filter with a high enhancement amount of a high-frequency component is used as a spatial filter in the spatial filter processing unit 47 in order to improve character reproducibility. At the same time, the tone reproduction processing unit 49 performs binarization or multi-value processing using a high-resolution screen suitable for reproducing high-frequency components.

  Further, the spatial filter processing unit 47 performs low-pass filter processing for removing the input halftone component on the region separated as the halftone region by the region separation processing unit 44. Further, the gradation reproduction processing unit 49 performs binarization or multi-value processing on the halftone dot area with a screen that emphasizes gradation. Further, the gradation reproduction processing unit 49 performs binarization or multi-value processing on the region separated as the photographic region by the region separation processing unit 44 using a screen that emphasizes gradation reproducibility.

  The image data subjected to the above-described processes is temporarily stored in a storage unit (not shown), read out at a predetermined timing, and sent to the image output device 33.

  The image output device 33 prints image data on a recording medium such as paper. For example, the image output device 33 is a printer using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method, but is not particularly limited. The above processing is controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown).

Further, as a region separation processing method in the region separation processing unit 44, for example, a method described in Reference Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-232708) can be used. In this method, a maximum density difference that is a difference between a minimum density value and a maximum density value in an n × m block (for example, a 15 × 15 block) including a target pixel and an absolute value of a density difference between adjacent pixels are calculated. By calculating the total density busyness, which is the sum, and comparing the maximum density difference and the total density busyness with a plurality of predetermined thresholds, the background area / continuous tone area and the character edge area / halftone area are It is to be determined. Note that the determination is made based on the characteristics shown in the following (1) to (4).
(1) In the density distribution of the base region, the density change is usually small. Therefore, both the maximum density difference and the total density busyness are very small in the base area.
(2) The density distribution in the continuous tone region has a smooth density change. Therefore, in the continuous tone region, the maximum density difference and the total density busyness are both small and slightly larger than the background region.
(3) In the halftone dot region, the maximum density difference varies, but since there are density changes as many as the number of halftone dots, the ratio of the total density busyness to the maximum density difference increases. Therefore, when the total density busyness is larger than the product of the maximum density difference and the character / halftone dot determination threshold (one of the plurality of thresholds), it can be determined that the pixel is a halftone pixel.
(4) In the density distribution of the character area, the maximum density difference is large, and the total density busyness increases accordingly. However, since the density change in the character area is less than that in the halftone area, the total density busyness of the character area is smaller than the total density busyness of the halftone area. Therefore, when the total density busyness is smaller than the product of the maximum density difference and the character / halftone dot determination threshold, it is possible to determine that the pixel is a character edge pixel.

  Next, an example of the contents of the region separation process will be described. A comparison between the calculated maximum density difference and the maximum density difference threshold and a comparison between the calculated total density busyness and the total density busyness threshold are performed. When the maximum density difference is smaller than the maximum density difference threshold and the total density busyness is smaller than the total density busyness threshold, it is determined that the target pixel is a pixel in the background area or the continuous tone area, and so on. Otherwise, it is determined that the pixel is in the character / halftone area. In addition, when it is determined that the pixel is a character / halftone area pixel, the calculated total density busyness is compared with a value obtained by multiplying the maximum density difference by the character / halftone determination threshold value to obtain the total density busyness. If it is smaller, it is determined as a pixel in the character edge region, and if the total density busyness is larger, it is determined as a pixel in the halftone dot region.

  The operation panel 34 includes a display unit 12b and an instruction input unit 13b. The configuration of the display unit 12b is not particularly limited. For example, a liquid crystal display panel or the like can be used. For example, a panel provided with a plurality of operation key buttons can be used as the instruction input unit 13b. Note that a touch panel having both the function as the display unit 12b and the function as the instruction input unit 13b may be used.

  The image output device (color image output device) 33 forms an image on a recording material in accordance with the image data input from the image processing device 32. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic image output device is used. ing. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, an inkjet image output apparatus may be used.

  In the above description, the usage amount calculation unit 17b is provided in the image processing device 32 of the copying machine 100b. However, the usage amount calculation unit 17b may be provided in the image processing device of the multifunction peripheral.

  In each of the above embodiments, each unit (each block) included in the printer driver 15 of the terminal device 1, the image processing unit 21 of the printer 2, and the image processing device 32 of the copier 100b is used by using a processor such as a CPU. It may be realized by software. In this case, the printer driver 15, the image processing unit 21, and the image processing device 32 include a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, A RAM (random access memory) for expanding the program, a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data, and the like are provided. An object of the present invention is to read the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program for the terminal device 1, the printer 2, and the copier 100b, which is software that realizes the functions described above, by a computer. This is achieved by supplying the recording medium recorded as possible to the terminal device 1, the printer 2, and the copying machine 100b, and reading out and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU). .

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The terminal device 1, the printer 2, and the copying machine 100b may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The blocks of the printer driver 15, the image processing unit 21, and the image processing apparatus 32 are not limited to those realized using software, and may be configured by hardware logic. The hardware that performs the processing may be combined with arithmetic means that executes software that controls the hardware and performs the remaining processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is suitable for an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a multifunction peripheral, and a facsimile machine, and an image processing apparatus that processes image data handled by the image forming apparatus.

1 Terminal device (output instruction device)
2 Printer (image forming device)
11 Control unit 12, 12b Display unit (display device)
13, 13b Instruction input unit (instruction input device)
15 Printer driver 16 Area discriminating section (area separating section)
17, 17b Usage amount calculation unit 18, 18b Image quality setting unit 21 Image processing unit 22 Print engine unit 25 Output tone correction unit (correction unit)
32 Image processing device (output instruction device)
33 Image output device (image forming device)
44 Region separation processing unit (region separation unit)
100 Image Forming System 100b Copier (Image Forming System)

Claims (9)

There are a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode, and printing is performed in the save mode. In this case, an output instruction apparatus that issues a print instruction to an image forming apparatus that can select an image quality level to be applied from among a plurality of image quality levels that use different amounts of color materials when printing the image. And
An area separation unit that separates the image of the image data into a plurality of image areas according to the type of the image;
A storage device that stores a color material reduction rate with respect to the amount of color material used when printing is performed in the normal mode, which is preset for each image quality level and for each type.
The number of pixels of the image region corresponding to each type is calculated for each type based on the region separation result by the region separation unit, and the number of pixels for each type, the image quality level, and the type set for each type Based on the color material reduction rate, for one or more image quality levels, select the image quality level for the amount of color material used in the entire image when the normal mode is selected and the image is printed. A usage calculation unit that calculates a total reduction rate that is a reduction rate of the color material in the entire image when the image is printed;
A display device for displaying the one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality levels;
An instruction input device that receives a selection instruction from a user for an image quality level to be applied to printing,
The image region separated by the region separation unit includes a photographic region including a photographic image, a character region including a character image, and a graphic region including a figure or a graph,
The color material reduction rate for the photographic area at each image quality level is set lower than the color material reduction rate for the character area and the graphic area at the image quality level, and the graphic at each image quality level is set. An output instruction apparatus , wherein a color material reduction rate for an area is set to be lower than a color material reduction rate for the character area at the image quality level . There are a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode, and printing is performed in the save mode. In this case, an output instruction apparatus that issues a print instruction to an image forming apparatus that can select an image quality level to be applied from among a plurality of image quality levels that use different amounts of color materials when printing the image. And
An area separation unit that separates the image of the image data into a plurality of image areas according to the type of the image;
A storage device that stores a color material reduction rate with respect to the amount of color material used when printing is performed in the normal mode, which is preset for each image quality level and for each type.
The number of pixels of the image region corresponding to each type is calculated for each type based on the region separation result by the region separation unit, and the number of pixels for each type, the image quality level, and the type set for each type Based on the color material reduction rate, for one or more image quality levels, select the image quality level for the amount of color material used in the entire image when the normal mode is selected and the image is printed. A usage calculation unit that calculates a total reduction rate that is a reduction rate of the color material in the entire image when the image is printed;
A display device for displaying the one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality levels;
An instruction input device that receives a selection instruction from a user for an image quality level to be applied to printing,
The image region separated by the region separation unit includes a character region including a character image, a halftone dot region including a halftone dot image, and a continuous tone region including a photographic paper image or a photographic image. The color material reduction rate for the character region at each image quality level is set higher than the color material reduction rate for the halftone dot region and the color material reduction rate for the continuous tone region at the image quality level, The output instruction apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a color material reduction rate for the continuous tone region at each image quality level is set lower than a color material reduction rate for the halftone dot region at the image quality level . A correction unit that corrects image data of an image area corresponding to each type so as to realize a color material reduction rate for each type determined in advance corresponding to the image quality level corresponding to the selection instruction; output instruction apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. Output instruction apparatus according to any one of the three lists of the total reduction rate for each image quality level of claim 1, wherein the displaying on the display device. There are a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode, and printing is performed in the save mode. An image forming apparatus capable of selecting an image quality level to be applied to printing from a plurality of image quality levels in which the amount of color material used when printing the image is different from each other;
Image forming system, characterized in that the image forming apparatus performs a print instruction to, and an output instruction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. There are a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode, and printing is performed in the save mode. In this case, there is provided an output instruction method for issuing a print instruction to an image forming apparatus capable of selecting an image quality level to be applied to printing from among a plurality of image quality levels in which the amount of color material used when printing the image is different. And
A region separation step of separating the image of the image data into a plurality of image regions according to the type of the image;
A storage step for storing a color material reduction rate with respect to a color material usage amount when printing is performed in a normal mode, which is preset for each image quality level and for each type.
The number of pixels of the image region corresponding to each type is calculated for each type based on the region separation result in the region separation step, and the number of pixels for each type, the image quality level, and the type set for each type Based on the color material reduction rate, for one or more image quality levels, select the image quality level for the amount of color material used in the entire image when the normal mode is selected and the image is printed. A usage calculation process for calculating a total reduction rate which is a reduction rate of the color material in the entire image when the image is printed;
A display step for displaying the one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality levels;
An instruction input step for receiving a selection instruction from the user regarding the image quality level to be applied to printing;
By applying the image quality level corresponding to the selection instruction look including a print instruction step of performing a print instruction to the image forming apparatus to print the image,
In the region separation step, the image data image is separated into a photographic region including a photographic image, a character region including a character image, and a graphic region including a graphic or graph,
The color material reduction rate for the photographic area at each image quality level is set lower than the color material reduction rate for the character area and the graphic area at the image quality level, and for the graphic area at each image quality level. An output instruction method , wherein a color material reduction rate is set lower than a color material reduction rate for the character region at the image quality level . There are a normal mode for printing an image according to image data using a color material, and a save mode for printing the image while suppressing the amount of color material used compared to the normal mode, and printing is performed in the save mode. In this case, there is provided an output instruction method for issuing a print instruction to an image forming apparatus capable of selecting an image quality level to be applied to printing from a plurality of image quality levels in which the amount of color material used for printing the image is different from each other. And
A region separation step of separating the image of the image data into a plurality of image regions according to the type of the image;
A storage step for storing a color material reduction rate with respect to a color material usage amount when printing is performed in a normal mode, which is preset for each image quality level and for each type.
The number of pixels of the image region corresponding to each type is calculated for each type based on the region separation result in the region separation step, and the number of pixels for each type, the image quality level, and the type set for each type Based on the color material reduction rate, for one or more image quality levels, select the image quality level for the amount of color material used in the entire image when the normal mode is selected and the image is printed. A usage calculation process for calculating a total reduction rate which is a reduction rate of the color material in the entire image when the image is printed;
A display step for displaying the one or more image quality levels and the total reduction rate corresponding to the image quality levels;
An instruction input step for receiving a selection instruction from the user regarding the image quality level to be applied to printing;
By applying the image quality level corresponding to the selection instruction look including a print instruction step of performing a print instruction to the image forming apparatus to print the image,
In the region separation step, the image data image is separated into a character region including a character image, a halftone dot region including a halftone dot image, and a continuous tone region including a photographic paper image or a photographic image,
The color material reduction rate for the character region at each image quality level is set higher than the color material reduction rate for the halftone dot region and the color material reduction rate for the continuous tone region at the image quality level, and An output instruction apparatus , wherein a color material reduction rate for the continuous tone region at each image quality level is set lower than a color material reduction rate for the halftone dot region at the image quality level . A control program for controlling the output instruction device according to claim 1 in any one of 4, the control program causing a computer to function as each section described above.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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