JP5179534B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of color printing a specific image displayed on a screen in a color desired by a user.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine, a copier, or a printer, various screens are displayed on an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus to allow a user to check predetermined conditions or to check image data as a preview image. It is.

  However, since there is a limit to the memory capacity that can be used for the operation panel described above, when large or long large image data is displayed as a preview image, all the large image data cannot be displayed. There is a problem, inconvenience occurs in the confirmation and operation of image data, and there is a problem that the operability for the user is poor.

  As a technique for solving the problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-300492 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus provided with an operation unit having a preview display unit that displays input image data as a preview image. A preview area selection screen in which a plurality of areas are set is displayed on the preview display means, and a means for selecting a desired area from the plurality of areas and displaying a preview of image data corresponding to the area is provided. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above is disclosed. With this configuration, it is possible to display a preview of a large image with a limited memory capacity.

  On the other hand, when an image (image data) displayed on the screen (RGB) of the operation panel is (color) printed (CMYK) on a recording medium such as paper, an image of the screen on the operation panel is used using a color matching profile. There is a technique (color management) for reducing the difference (color difference) between the image color and the image color of the recording medium after image formation. This is because the color image displayed on the screen of the operation panel is expressed by a so-called additive color mixture in which three primary colors of light of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are added. On the other hand, the color image printed by the image forming apparatus is a so-called subtractive method in which toners (or inks) of four colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) are superimposed. This is because the color (color) is expressed by the mixed color, so that a difference occurs in the color reproduction range (color gamut) between the two. Furthermore, RGB colors displayed on the screen of the operation panel and YMCK colors printed by each image forming apparatus are used in the light emitting member, printing member and device, and color matching profile provided in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there is a difference between the color of the color image displayed on the screen of the operation panel and the color of the color image printed by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, as a simple method, the user changes the above-described color matching profile so that, for example, the color of the color image of the printed paper is displayed on the screen, that is, the color that the user likes (desired). A measure to adjust the color of the color image is taken.

  However, in the color adjustment technique as described above, after changing the color matching profile, it is necessary to print several times to check whether the color has been changed to a desired color, and wastefully consumes toner (ink). And there is a problem that the work time is prolonged.

  As a technique for solving the problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-200471 (Patent Document 2) discloses a communication connection unit that is communicably connected to a printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus that is connected by the communication connection unit. An image processing apparatus having a normal image output unit that outputs a normal image and performs printing, and a color adjustment unit that performs color adjustment on the image, and a color tone is changed little by little using the color adjustment unit A color adjustment image output unit that creates a color adjustment image including a plurality of thumbnail images and outputs the image to the printing apparatus to perform printing, and a printing result of the color adjustment image by the printing apparatus is used. In response to an external operation, the color adjustment control unit causes the color adjustment unit to perform color adjustment to a desired hue for the normal image, and the color adjustment result obtained by the color adjustment control unit is externally operated. Therefore, a color adjustment result accumulating unit that accumulates in the storage unit in association with the input user information is provided, and the normal image output unit outputs the color adjustment result obtained by the color adjustment control unit to the printing apparatus. An image processing apparatus having means for performing printing is disclosed. According to this configuration, complicated color adjustment work can be reduced. In addition, the color adjustment result can be confirmed, and furthermore, each user uses the tendency of color tone (color adjustment result) that the user prefers when outputting and printing a normal image that the user wants to output next time to the printing apparatus. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the color adjustment needs to be performed again every time the image is output (re-adjustment time).

JP 2007-300492 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-200741

  However, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 enables preview display of a large image, it is not possible to select only the color that the user wants to adjust from among the colors of the large image. There is a problem that it is not possible to perform color adjustment for the colors.

  Further, although the technique described in Patent Document 2 can perform color adjustment for a specific color, the relationship between the specific color and the color image (image data) displayed on the screen is poor. There is a problem that color adjustment cannot be performed on a specific color added to a specific image among colors of the color image on the screen.

  On the other hand, a color image printed by the image forming apparatus includes a characteristic image (specific image) having a special meaning such as a company name, brand name, school name, company emblem, brand logo, trademark, etc. Sometimes. The specific image is usually given a specific color, also referred to as corporate color, school color, etc., and the organization such as a company, school, or organization corresponding to the specific image has its own organization in a specific color. Adopting a color that symbolizes, and trying to convey the image of the organization and corporate philosophy by the specific color. Therefore, when a specific image is included in a color image, a user who prints the specific image on an image forming apparatus or the like has a desire to accurately print the specific image with a specific color. In this case, as described above, the color of the color image (RGB) on the screen is different from the color of the color image (YMCK) of the paper printed by the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that it is not possible to print in the desired color.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of color printing a specific image displayed on a screen with a color desired by a user. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention employs the following configuration.

  That is, the image forming apparatus includes a divided image receiving unit that displays a divided image obtained by dividing a color image into a predetermined number so as to be selectable by the user, and an appearance frequency among the colors of the pixels constituting the selected specific divided image. Representative color receiving means for displaying a predetermined number of colors as representative colors in order from the highest color to the user. Further, the image forming apparatus has a color storage unit that associates and stores RGB colors and the intensity of the color, and a representative representative color displayed by the representative color receiving unit and selected by the user. An adjustment color acquisition unit that acquires, as an adjustment color, a predetermined number of colors whose intensity has changed near the center from the color storage unit, a test image corresponding to the acquired predetermined number of adjustment colors, and the adjustment color are identified Test image printing means for printing color numbers on a recording medium. Further, the image forming apparatus associates a color number receiving unit that receives an input of a color number printed on the recording medium from a user, an adjustment color corresponding to the input specific color number, and a specific representative color. And a representative color adjustment storage means for changing a specific representative color in the color image to an adjustment color stored in the representative color adjustment storage means.

  With this configuration, the user selects a divided image including a specific image such as a logo from the displayed color images, and changes the representative color of the specific image to the adjustment color of the actually printed test image. It becomes possible. Therefore, even if there is a difference between the color of the screen color image (RGB) and the color of the printed paper color image (YMCK), the specific color of the specific image is surely printed with the color desired by the user. It becomes possible. Further, since the divided image is selected by the user, it is not necessary to specify a specific image existing in the color image by, for example, image processing. Furthermore, since each test image corresponding to the adjustment color and the color number are printed on a recording medium such as paper, it is not necessary to repeatedly execute printing each time the color of the displayed color image is adjusted. There is no wasted toner (ink) consumption, and the working time is not prolonged.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus creates a histogram indicating the usage frequency distribution of the colors of the pixels constituting the color image, and extracts a predetermined number of colors in order from the color having the highest frequency in the histogram. And a representative color receiving means that instructs the representative color extracting means to extract the color.

  With this configuration, since the color of the specific image described above is usually often composed of a single color, it is possible to appropriately extract the colors constituting the specific image.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the adjustment color acquisition unit is a color whose intensity changes around the selected specific representative color, and the intensity is at a predetermined distance from the center. A predetermined number of colors can be obtained as adjustment colors.

  With this configuration, it is possible to acquire an adjustment color that is close to the intensity (color shade) of the representative color, so that the color image (RGB) color on the screen and the color image (YMCK) color of the printed paper are obtained. Even if there is a difference, it is easy for the user to select an adjustment color printed on paper that is close to the color of the specific image displayed on the screen, and the color of the specific image can be easily changed to the color desired by the user. It becomes possible to make it.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a shape receiving unit that, when a user selects a specific representative color, displays a shape of an image composed of the same color as the selected specific representative color so that the user can select the shape. The adjustment color acquisition means further comprises, when a specific shape is selected by the user, a specific number of colors whose intensity changes near the center selected by the user as the adjustment color. Acquired from the color storage means, the representative color adjustment storage means stores the adjustment color corresponding to the input specific color number, the specific representative color, and the selected specific shape in association with each other, and The representative color adjusting means may be configured to change a specific representative color assigned to a shape substantially the same as a specific shape in the color image to an adjustment color stored in the representative color adjustment storage means. I can do it.

  With this configuration, the user can change only the representative color of the specific image having a specific shape such as a logo among the displayed color images to the adjustment color of the actually printed test image. For example, even if the color of a background image or a graphic image accidentally includes the same color as a specific representative color, the target is changed to a specific representative color attached to a specific shape corresponding to the specific image It is possible to narrow down the (correction target) and execute a change to a specific adjustment color, thereby preventing color adjustment from being performed at an image location that is not intended by the user. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the uncomfortable feeling and the color mismatch of the entire color image due to the change to the specific adjustment color. In addition, since a specific image such as a logo usually has almost the same shape regardless of the color image, a specific representative color, a specific color, If the adjustment color is stored in association with each other, the specific shape, the specific representative color, and the specific adjustment color that have been stored in association with each other even if the specific image is included in the other color images. Thus, it is not necessary to select a representative color or an adjustment color to be adjusted each time color printing (color image formation) is performed, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the color of the specific image displayed on the screen can be printed in the color desired by the user.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is an enlarged view of the image reading part which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the touch panel of the first embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and an image reading screen displayed on the touch panel of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates an example (FIG. 7B). The figure (FIG.8 (C)) which shows an example of the division image selection screen displayed on the touch panel of 1st embodiment of this invention, and an example of the specific division image of 1st embodiment of this invention It is a figure (Drawing 8 (D1)) and a figure (Drawing 8 (D2)) showing an example of a histogram of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9E shows an example of a representative color selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the first embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 9E), and FIG. 9B shows an example of a color table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (FIG. 9 (F1)) and a diagram (FIG. 9 (F2)) showing an example of a sheet on which a predetermined number of test images and corresponding color numbers are printed according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10G illustrates an example of a color number input screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 10G), and an example of a representative color adjustment table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram (FIG. 10H). FIG. 11A shows an example of a print screen displayed on the touch panel of the first embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 11I), and a specific representative color is a specific adjustment color in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 (J1) showing an example of an enlarged view of a sheet on which printing is executed when changed, and a case where a specific representative color is not changed to a specific adjustment color in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram (FIG. 11 (J2)) showing an example of an enlarged view of a sheet on which printing is performed. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 (K) showing an example of a representative color selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the second embodiment of the present invention, and shape selection displayed on the touch panel of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a screen (FIG. 14L). FIG. 15A shows an example of a representative color adjustment table according to the second embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 15M), and FIG. 15B shows a variation of the representative color adjustment table according to the first embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 15 (N1)) and a diagram (FIG. 15 (N2)) showing a modification of the representative color adjustment table according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus>
An image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) to which the present invention is applied will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall internal configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The multifunction peripheral 100 of the present invention includes, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like. As an example, the operation of the image forming apparatus when the MFP 100 is used to provide a document copy function will be briefly described.

  When the user prints, for example, a document P using the multifunction device 100, the document P is placed on the document table 101 or the mounting table 102 shown in FIG. 1 and the operation unit 103 provided near the document table 101 is operated. Print instructions. When the instruction is given, printing is performed by operating the following units (drive units).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 104 and a platen cover 105 attached above the main body 104. A document table 101 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 104, and the document table 101 is opened and closed by a platen cover 105. The platen cover 105 is provided with an automatic document feeder 106, a placement table 102, and a sheet discharge table 107.

  The automatic document feeder 106 includes a document conveyance path 108 formed in the platen cover 105, a pickup roller 109 and conveyance rollers 110A and 110B provided in the platen cover 105, and the like. The document conveyance path 108 is a document conveyance path that leads from the mounting table 102 to the paper discharge table 107 via a reading position X where reading is performed by the image reading unit 111 provided in the main body 104.

  The automatic document feeder 106 pulls out documents one by one from a plurality of documents placed on the table 102 to the inside of the conveyance path 108 by a pickup roller 109, and passes the document drawn by the conveyance rollers etc. through the reading position X. Then, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 107 by the transport roller 110B. When the document passes through the reading position X, the document is read by the image reading unit 111.

  The image reading unit 111 is provided below the document table 101, and its details are shown in FIG. The image reading unit 111 includes a first light source 112 that illuminates the document table 102 in the scanning direction, a slit 113 that selectively allows light from the document table, and a mirror 114 that guides light from the document table. The movable carriage 115, the second movable carriage 117 including mirrors 116A and 116B that reflect the reflected light from the first movable carriage 115 again, and the lens group 118 that optically corrects the light guided by the mirror, An image sensor 119 that receives light corrected by the lens group 118, and an image data generator 120 that converts the light received by the image sensor 119 into an electrical signal and performs correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like as necessary. It consists of and.

  When reading a document on the automatic document feeder 106, the light source 112 moves to a position where the reading position X can be irradiated and emits light. Light from the light source 112 is reflected by a document that passes through the document table 101 and passes through the reading position X, and is guided to the image sensor 119 by the slit 113, mirrors 114, 116A, and 116B, and the lens group 118. The image sensor 119 converts the received light into an electrical signal and transmits it to the image data generation unit 120. The light received by the image sensor 119 is input to the image data generation unit 120 as analog electrical signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), where analog-digital conversion is performed. Digitized. Further, the image data generation unit 120 uses the digital signals that are sequentially converted as unit data, and the unit data is subjected to correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like, thereby generating image data (color image data) including a plurality of unit data. Generate.

  Further, the image reading unit 111 can read not only a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 106 but also a document placed on the document table 101. When reading the document placed on the document table 101, the first carriage 114 moves in the sub-scanning direction while emitting the light source 112, so that the optical path length from the light source 112 to the image sensor 119 is constant. The second moving carriage 117 moves in the direction of the image sensor 119 at a half speed of the first moving carriage 115.

  The image sensor 119 electrically outputs the light from the document placed on the document table 101 based on the light guided to the mirrors 114, 116 A, and 116 B, as in the case of the document conveyed to the automatic document feeder 106. The signal is converted into a signal, and based on this, the image data generation unit 120 generates image data and stores it in the storage unit 120B.

  An image forming unit 121 that prints image data is provided below the image reading unit 111 of the main body 104. Image data that can be printed by the image forming unit 121 is generated from the image data generating unit 120 as described above, or from a terminal such as a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and a network such as a LAN. Received via the interface.

  As a printing method performed by the image forming unit 121, an electrophotographic method is used. That is, the photosensitive drum 122 is uniformly charged by the charger 123, and then a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 122 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 122 with a laser 124, and toner is attached to the latent image by the developing device 125. In this method, a visual image is formed and the visible image is transferred to a transfer medium by a transfer roller.

  Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus corresponding to the full color image, the developing device (rotary developing device) 125 is rotated in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis configured in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. A developing unit storing color toner is disposed at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum 122. In this state, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 122 is developed with toner stored in the developing device 125 and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 126A. The developing unit 125 includes four developing units 125 (Y), (C), (M), and yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), respectively. (K). By repeating the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 126A for each color, a full color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 126A. When printing is executed, the color (color information) included in the above-described image data (color image data) is changed (converted) from RGB to YMCK.

  A transfer medium on which a visible image is printed, that is, a sheet, is placed on a sheet feeding tray such as a sheet feeding cassette 132, 133, or 134.

When the image forming unit 121 performs printing, one transfer medium is pulled out from any one of the paper feed trays by using the pickup roller 135, and the transferred transfer medium is intermediate transfer belt by the transport roller 136 or the registration roller 137. It is fed between 126A and the transfer roller 126B.
When the visible image on the intermediate transfer belt 126A is transferred to the transfer medium fed between the intermediate transfer belt 126A and the transfer roller 126B, the image forming unit 121 uses the transport belt 127 to fix the visible image. The transfer medium is sent to the fixing unit 128 (fixing device). The fixing unit 128 includes a heating roller 129 with a built-in heater and a pressure roller 130 pressed against the heating roller 129 with a predetermined pressure. When the transfer medium passes between the heating roller 129 and the pressure roller 130, the visible image is fixed to the transfer medium by heat and a pressing force to the transfer medium. The fixed transfer medium is discharged to a discharge tray 131.

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides the user with a copy function process. The means for executing reading of the image of the original P as image data after irradiating the light source 112 to the original P is an image reading means, and the means for performing an image forming process (printing) on the paper based on the image data. (To be described later).

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 103 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting condition is input, the touch panel 301, the touch pen 302, and the operation key 303 provided in the operation unit 103 are used.

  The touch panel 301 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing an item (key) in the setting screen displayed on the touch panel 301, a setting condition associated with the item is input. Also, since the background color of the item is changed from the first color (for example, white) to the second color (for example, gray) in conjunction with the input setting condition, the background color of the item displayed on the screen The input setting condition is confirmed.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 301. The display unit displays, for example, a screen such as an initial screen or based on image data. Display the generated preview image on the screen. The display unit includes light emitting elements corresponding to red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and corresponds to colors of the screen or image data (for example, R, G, and B). A color screen or color image is displayed based on color information (also referred to as color information).

  A touch pen 302 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301. When the user touches the touch pen 301 with the tip of the touch pen 302, a sensor provided under the touch panel detects the touch destination.

  The setting screen designated by the touch pen 302 includes a preview image area 304 generated from a read color image (color image data) and a predetermined number of instructions indicating a predetermined instruction for the preview image area 304. A selection item key 305 is displayed. In the setting screen displayed in FIG. 3, a representative color selection screen belonging to the color adjustment function (spot color function) is displayed. For example, the user can select (press) a predetermined divided image from the preview image, or select / press the displayed selection item key 305 with the touch pen 302 (described later).

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 303 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and for example, a ten key 306, a start key 307, a clear key 308, a stop key 309, a reset key 310, and a power key 311 are provided. The numeric keypad 306 is used to input specific numbers when setting the number of copies and the magnification.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 404, and a driver 405 corresponding to each drive unit. They are connected by a bus 406. The CPU 401 uses, for example, the RAM 403 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like, and receives data and instructions from the driver 405 and the operation unit 103 (not shown) based on the execution result. The operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. In addition, each means (shown in FIG. 5) other than the above-described drive unit is realized by the CPU 401 executing a program. The ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like store programs and data that implement each means described below.

<First embodiment of the present invention>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a description will be given of a procedure in which the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs color printing of the color of the specific image displayed on the screen with a color desired by the user. To do. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating an execution procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the user places a document P including a color image on the document table 101 and turns on the power of the multifunction peripheral 100, the receiving unit 501 displays an initial screen (copy setting screen) on the touch panel 301 ( FIG. 6: S101).

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the initial screen 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, in addition to a normal selection item key for setting a copy service, a “color adjustment” key 701 (or “spot color” key) is pressed. Displayed as possible.

  Therefore, when the user presses (selects) the “color adjustment” key 701, the accepting unit 501 accepts the selection of the color adjustment function (spot color function) (FIG. 6: S102 YES), and notifies the divided image accepting unit 502 to that effect. Notice. Upon receiving the notification, the divided image receiving unit 502 switches the initial screen 700 on the touch panel 301 to an image reading screen that instructs the user to read the color image of the document (FIG. 6: S103). When the “color adjustment” key 701 is not pressed, the initial screen 700 remains unchanged (FIG. 6: S102 NO).

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of an image reading screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  On the image reading screen 702, as shown in FIG. 7B, a message 703 prompting the user to read a color image to be subjected to color adjustment and an “image reading” for executing reading of the image of the document are displayed. A “Start” key 704 is displayed.

  When the user presses the “image reading start” key 704, the divided image receiving unit 502 instructs the image reading unit 503 to read the color image of the document P placed on the document table, and receives the instruction. The reading unit 503 starts reading the color image of the document (FIG. 6: S104).

  When the image reading unit 503 completes the reading of the color image of the document, the image reading unit 503 stores the read color image in the color image storage unit 504 and notifies the divided image receiving unit 502 that the reading of the color image has been completed. Upon receiving the notification, the divided image receiving unit 502 divides the color image based on the color image stored in the color image storage unit 504, and the divided image after the division has substantially the same size as each divided image. Divide evenly by a predetermined number (for example, nine) preset by the user so as to be (number of pixels). Then, the divided image receiving unit 502 switches the image reading screen 702 to a divided image selection screen on which a predetermined number of divided images are displayed as selectable preview images for the user (FIG. 6: S105).

  FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of a divided image selection screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the divided image selection screen 800, as shown in FIG. 8C, a predetermined number of divided images (one preview image) 801 arranged so that a color image before division can be confirmed, and a color to the user. A message 802 for prompting selection of one divided image including a characteristic image (specific image) as an adjustment target and an “OK” key 803 for determining (determining) the selected divided image are displayed. The For example, a broken line 804 indicating a dividing line is displayed on the boundary line between the predetermined number of displayed divided images.

  Further, on the divided image selection screen 800, a message 805 for prompting the user to perform printing based on the preview image (color image), a pull-down menu 806 for selecting adjustment color identification information to be described later, and printing are displayed. An “output start” key 807 for execution and a “go to initial screen” key 808 for returning to the initial screen 700 are displayed. In the pull-down menu 806 shown in FIG. 8C, adjustment color identification information “C003” that the user does not know is displayed so as to be selectable. The case where the pull-down menu 806 or the like is selected (FIG. 6: S105 NO) will be described later.

  Now, since the user does not yet have the adjustment color identification information, for example, while viewing the divided image selection screen 800, for example, the specific image 801a (for example, composed of the same color and composed of characteristic graphic characters) , A specific divided image 801b including the company logo mark “AB”) (the divided image arranged at the upper left corner in FIG. 8C) is selected with the touch pen 302 or the like, and the “OK” key 803 is pressed. When pressed, the divided image accepting unit 502 accepts selection of a specific divided image 801b and notifies the representative color accepting unit 505 to that effect (FIG. 6: S105 YES). Receiving the notification, the representative color receiving unit 505 extracts a predetermined number of colors as representative colors in order from the color with the highest appearance frequency among the colors of the pixels constituting the specific divided image 801b to the representative color extracting unit 506. (FIG. 6: S106).

  Any method may be used for the representative color extracting unit 506 to extract a predetermined number of representative colors. For example, the following method is used. That is, when the representative color extracting unit 506 receives an instruction from the representative color receiving unit 505, as shown in FIG. 8D1, the color (for example, RGB) of the pixel 809 constituting the selected specific divided image 801a is displayed. The number of color codes determined by hexadecimal numbers of 6 digits with respect to the color is calculated for each pixel constituting the divided image 801b, and a histogram 810 indicating the usage frequency distribution of the color (color code) is created. (FIG. 8 (D2)). Then, the representative color extracting unit 506 extracts a predetermined number (for example, three) of colors 810b and 810c as representative colors in order from the color 810a having the highest frequency in the created histogram 810. The extracted representative color is a color that is a candidate for color adjustment. The predetermined number of representative colors to be extracted is appropriately changed by the user or the like.

  When the representative color extracting unit 506 completes the extraction of the predetermined number of representative colors 810a to 810c, the representative color extracting unit 506 transmits the extracted predetermined number of representative colors 810a to 810c to the representative color receiving unit 505. Receiving the representative colors 810a to 810c, the representative color receiving means 505 switches the divided image selection screen 800 to a representative color selection screen on which a predetermined number of representative colors 810a to 810c are displayed (FIG. 6: S107). ).

  FIG. 9E is a diagram illustrating an example of a representative color selection screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the representative color selection screen 900, as shown in FIG. 9E, the preview image 901 described above, a message 902 for prompting the user to select a representative color for which color adjustment is desired, and a specific representative color are selected. Therefore, a predetermined number of representative color images 903 in which each of the representative colors 810a to 810c is assigned with a single color corresponding to the predetermined number of representative colors 810a to 810c, and the user is determined based on a specific representative color. A message 904 for prompting printing of the test image with the color (adjustment color) and an “output start” key 905 for printing (outputting) the test image are displayed.

  While viewing the representative color selection screen 900, the user selects the representative color image 903a of the specific representative color 810c corresponding to the color assigned to the specific image 801a (“AB”) with the touch pen 302 or the like, and “starts output”. When the key 905 is pressed, the representative color accepting unit 505 accepts the selection of the specific representative color 810c and notifies the adjustment color obtaining unit 507 to that effect (FIG. 6: S107 YES). Receiving the notification, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 acquires from the color storage unit 508 a predetermined number of colors (adjustment colors) whose intensity changes near the specific representative color 810c (FIG. 6: S108). ). If the predetermined representative color image 903 is not selected, the representative color selection screen 900 remains (FIG. 6: S107 NO).

  Any method may be used for the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 to acquire the predetermined number of adjustment colors. For example, the following method is used. That is, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 that has received the notification refers to a color table stored in advance in the color storage unit 508.

  FIG. 9 (F1) is a diagram showing an example of a color table according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the color table 906, as shown in FIG. 9 (F1), the RGB color 907 and the intensity (color shade) of the color are stored in association with each other. Specifically, the color table 906 has each color of RGB as an axis, the axes are orthogonal to each other, and the color of the axis as it goes from the intersection 908 (origin) where all the axes intersect toward each axis. A plurality of colors 907 (values in the case of a color code) are stored discretely so as to increase the intensity (hue), thereby associating and storing the RGB color 907 and the intensity. Note that the plurality of colors 907 shown in FIG. 9 (F1) are shown as numerical values such as a color code for the sake of easy understanding.

  The specific color (value) in the color table 906 indicates a color obtained by mixing (mixing) the above-described colors (values) on the RGB axes. For example, the color of yellow (Y) is A color (mixed color) composed of a predetermined color on the R-axis and a color on the G-axis that has the same intensity as the color on the R-axis, and a cyan (C) color Is a color (mixed color) composed of a predetermined color on the G axis, a color on the B axis, and a color having the same intensity as the color on the G axis, and magenta (M) Is a color (mixed color) composed of a predetermined color on the B-axis and a color on the R-axis and having the same intensity as the color on the B-axis. Further, the color of black (K) is the color of all the intersections 908 (origin) of the R axis, G axis, and B axis. Usually, based on the color table 906, the display color (image color) on the touch panel 301 composed of RGB is converted into the print color of a developer such as toner composed of YMCK, and printing is executed. Is done.

  Using the color table described above, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 uses the color table 906 as a center, and a color whose RGB intensity has changed in the vicinity of the specific representative color 810c selected by the user. In addition, a predetermined number of colors having an intensity at a predetermined distance from the center are acquired as adjustment colors.

  Specifically, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 specifies a color 907a that is the same as the specific representative color 810c selected by the user from the colors in the color table 906, and uses the specified color 907a as a center for each color. By acquiring colors adjacent to each other (adjacently arranged) in the axial direction of the axis (colors close to the representative color), the RGB intensity around the specific representative color 810c is obtained. A predetermined number (for example, six) of adjustment colors that are changed stepwise (at predetermined distance intervals) are acquired.

  For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9 (F1), the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 is adjacent to the specific representative color 907a immediately in the axial direction on the G axis. The arranged color 907b (referred to as the first color) and the color 907c (referred to as the second color) arranged immediately adjacent to each other in the axial direction on the G axis are acquired. The color that is adjacently arranged immediately before and after the specific representative color 907a corresponds to the color whose intensity is at a predetermined distance from the center. The first color 907b is a color whose green intensity is increased with respect to the specific representative color 907a (810c), and the second color 907c is a color whose green intensity is weaker than the specific representative color 907a. When the first color 907b, the specific representative color 907a (810c), and the second color 907c are arranged, the intensity of green changes in a stepwise manner. The same applies to red and blue. The predetermined distance is appropriately changed by the user or the like, but a distance close to the specific representative color 907a (810c) is preferable.

  This makes it possible to acquire a predetermined number (six) of adjustment colors 907b to 907g in which the intensity of each RGB color has changed (increased or decreased) with the specific representative color 810c as the center. In the first embodiment of the present invention, six adjustment colors whose intensity of each color has changed with respect to RGB colors are acquired, but other configurations, for example, the colors of YMCK are used as references. You may comprise so that eight adjustment colors from which intensity | strength changed may be acquired. In the case of this configuration, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 is adjacent to the specific representative color 810c immediately before in the axial direction on the Y (yellow) axis that exists between the R axis and the G axis, for example. If the arranged color (assumed to be the third color) and the color arranged immediately adjacent to the axial direction on the Y axis (assumed to be the fourth color) are acquired, the third color is specified. The representative color 907a (810c) is a color whose yellow intensity is increased, and the fourth color is a color whose yellow intensity is weaker than the specific representative color 907a. The same applies to magenta, cyan, and black. The predetermined number of adjustment colors to be acquired is appropriately changed by the user or the like.

  When the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 acquires a predetermined number of adjustment colors 907b to 907g, a color number for identifying each color is obtained for the acquired predetermined number of adjustment colors 907b to 907g and the specific representative color 907a. It is attached (issued) (FIG. 6: S109). The color number may be any number as long as the color can be identified. For example, when six adjustment colors 907b to 907g are acquired, “4” is added to the representative color 907a corresponding to the center. By assigning “1”-“3”, “5”-“7” to the six adjustment colors 907b-907g to associate the central representative color 907a with the value of the color number, Is preferable because the relationship between the specific representative color 907a selected by the user and the adjustment colors 907b to 907g can be easily understood by the color number.

  When the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 assigns color numbers to the representative color 907a and the adjustment colors 907b to 907g, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 notifies the test image printing unit 509 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the test image printing unit 509 generates a test image in which each color is assigned with a single color corresponding to the representative color 907a and the adjustment colors 907b to 907g. Then, the test image printing unit 509 prints the test image and a color number corresponding to the color of the test image on a sheet (FIG. 6: S110). When the test image printing unit 509 performs printing (color printing), the color (RGB) added to the test image is converted into the toner color (YMCK) by the color table 906 described above and printed on the paper. It will be. The same applies when color printing is performed.

  FIG. 9F2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet on which a predetermined number of test images and corresponding color numbers are printed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  On the printed sheet 909, as shown in FIG. 9 (F2), a predetermined number of test images 910 each having a predetermined color (representative color 907a, adjustment color 907b-907g) attached thereto, and the corresponding color. And a message 912 for informing the user of the color number corresponding to the specific representative color selected by the user.

  In FIG. 9F2, the color number of the test image 910a printed with the specific representative color 907a (810c) is “4”, and the colors of the test images 910b to 910g that are color-printed with other colors, that is, adjustment colors. The numbers are shown as “1”-“3”, “5”-“7”. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9E and 9F2, the specific representative color (specific representative color of the representative color image 903a) in the specific image 801a displayed on the touch panel 301 and the sheet 909 are displayed. It is understood that the color is completely different from the specific representative color in the specific test image 910a printed on the image. Therefore, the user determines a specific adjustment color that the user wants to print while mutually viewing the specific representative color in the specific image 801a on the screen, the representative color on the paper 909, and the adjustment color. Become.

  When the test image printing unit 509 completes printing on the paper, the test number printing unit 509 notifies the color number receiving unit 510 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the color number receiving means 510 switches the representative color selection screen 900 to a color number input screen in which a specific color number can be selected from a predetermined number of color numbers (FIG. 6: S111). ).

  FIG. 10G is a diagram showing an example of a color number input screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10G, the color number input screen 1000 prompts the user to select (input) the above-described preview image 1001 and the color number of the test image with the color desired by the user. A message 1002, a number key 1003 (for example, “6” key 1003a) corresponding to the color number, a display field 1004 for displaying the color number of the selected (input) number key, a clear key 1005, and a user A message 1006 for notifying the issue of an adjustment color identification number (described later) and an “OK” key 1007 for confirming the selected color number are displayed.

  While viewing the printed sheet 909 and the color number input screen 1000, the user can select a preview image 1001 (divided image) on the screen from among the adjustment colors of the test images 910b to 910g printed on the sheet 909. The color number (for example, the adjustment color of the test image 910f corresponding to the color number “6” in FIG. 9F2) that is the same as (or substantially the same as, the closest to) the representative color in the specific image 801a (for example, , “6”), the number key 1003a (“6” key 1003a) corresponding to the color number is selected, and the “OK” key 1007 is pressed, the color number receiving unit 510 displays the “6”. A color number “6” corresponding to the key 1003a is received (FIG. 6: S111 YES), and a specific representative color 810c (for example, a specific color code) selected by the user from the representative color receiving means 505 is received. It obtains the like), and stores in association with the specific adjustment color and the representative colors 810c corresponding to the color number "6" as the representative color adjustment table in the representative color adjustment storage means 511. Further, the color number receiving unit 510 issues an adjustment color identification number (for example, “C001”) that identifies the relationship between the specific adjustment color and the specific representative color 810c, and the adjustment color identification number is assigned to the specific adjustment color. In association with the adjustment color and the specific representative color 810c, the adjustment color is further stored in the representative color adjustment table (FIG. 6: S112). If the predetermined number key 1003 is not selected, the color number input screen 1000 remains (FIG. 6: S111 NO).

  FIG. 10H is a diagram showing an example of the representative color adjustment table according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the representative color adjustment table 1008, as shown in FIG. 10H, the specific adjustment color 1009, the specific representative color 1010, and the issued adjustment color identification number 1011 are stored in association with each other. Note that the specific adjustment color 1009 and the specific representative color 1010 shown in the representative color adjustment table 1008 indicate the RGB display colors before being converted into YMCK. A conversion color or a printed printing color may be used.

  When the color number receiving unit 510 stores the specific adjustment color 1009, the specific representative color 1010, and the adjustment color identification number 1011 in the representative color adjustment table 1008 in association with each other, the color number receiving unit 510 stores the color number. The input screen 1000 is switched to a print screen for notifying the user of the adjustment color identification number (FIG. 6: S113).

  FIG. 11I is a diagram illustrating an example of a print screen displayed on the touch panel according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  On the print screen 1100, as shown in FIG. 11I, execution of printing is performed based on the preview image 1101, the adjustment color identification number 1102 issued earlier, and the color image in which the representative color is changed to the adjustment color by the user. A message 1103 for prompting, a pull-down menu 1104 for displaying adjustment color identification information in a selectable manner, a “start output” key 1105, and a “go to initial screen” key 1106 are displayed. The pull-down menu 1104, the “output start” key 1105, and the “go to initial screen” key 1106 are the same as the keys corresponding to the divided image selection screen 800 shown in FIG. In the pull-down menu 806 of the image selection screen 800, the adjustment color identification number “C001” 1102 issued previously cannot be selected. On the pull-down menu 1104 of the print screen 1100, the adjustment color identification number “C001” 1102 is not selected. “C001” 1102 can be selected.

  Here, when the user causes the MFP 100 to perform printing, while looking at the print screen 1100, the same adjustment color identification information as the issued adjustment color identification information “C001” 1102 is selected from the pull-down menu 1104, and “output” is selected. When the “Start” key 1105 is pressed, the color number receiving unit 510 receives the adjustment color identification number “C001” 1102 and notifies the representative color adjustment unit 512 of that (FIG. 6: S113 YES). Upon receiving the notification, the representative color adjustment unit 512 refers to the above-described representative color adjustment table 1008, and “C001” of the adjustment color identification number 1011 recorded in the representative color adjustment table 1008 and the received adjustment color. A specific representative color 1010 and a specific adjustment color 1009 that match “C001” of the identification number 1102 are acquired. Next, the representative color adjusting unit 512 acquires the same specific adjustment as the acquired specific representative color 1010 among the colors in the color image corresponding to the preview image 1101 displayed on the print screen 1100. The color is changed to 1009 (FIG. 6: S114).

  Here, when the representative color adjusting unit 512 changes the same color as the specific representative color 1010 to the specific adjustment color 1009, for example, the color of the background image or the graphic image is accidentally changed to the specific representative color 1010. When the same color is included, a specific representative color 1010 in the specific image 801a (“AB”) and a specific representative color 1010 in an image other than the specific image 801a (such as the background image) also have a specific adjustment color. It is changed to 1009. For this reason, color adjustment may be performed at an image location not intended by the user, but only one color is changed, and the specific representative color 1010 in the specific image 801a is surely the specific adjustment color desired by the user. Since it is changed to 1009, it does not become a big problem. This problem will be described in a second embodiment (described later).

  By the way, it is preferable that the representative color adjusting unit 512 changes the substantially same color including the same color as the specific representative color 1010 to the specific adjustment color 1009. Here, substantially the same color as the specific representative color 1010 is a color close to the specific representative color including the same color as the specific representative color (a color in the vicinity of the center with the specific representative color as the center). Corresponding to The color close to a specific representative color is, for example, a color that is adjacent (adjacently arranged) in the front-rear direction in the axial direction of the axis of each color with the specific representative color as the center among the colors in the color table 906. That is.

  If it is the said structure, it has a remarkable effect in the following cases. For example, in a color image read from an original, if the color of the color image fades or fades according to the document's sunburn or the placement state of the original, the representative color of the specific image included in each color image in a plurality of originals When the color is changed to the adjustment color, if the strength (hue) is slightly different for each representative color (document), the outer edge of the specific image is changed according to the reading conditions etc. for the same color as the representative color in the specific image. This is the case when it is not possible to appropriately change to a specific adjustment color. Even in such a case, if a color that is substantially the same as the specific representative color 1010 is changed to a specific adjustment color 1009 among the colors in the color image, a specific image in the color image is formed. It becomes possible to appropriately change the representative color to a specific adjustment color.

  When the representative color adjustment unit 512 completes the change to the specific adjustment color 1009 for all the colors in the color image that are the same as the specific representative color 1010, the printing unit 513 is notified of this. . Upon receiving the notification, the printing unit 513 executes printing on the sheet based on the color image in which the specific representative color 1010 is changed to the specific adjustment color 1009 and the color table 906 described above (FIG. 6: S115). . Thus, the specific image 801a in the color image is not a specific representative color (representative color of the test image 910a in FIG. 9F2) but a specific adjustment color (adjustment color of the test image 910f in FIG. 9F2). Is printed.

  On the other hand, when it is sufficient for the user to know the adjustment color identification number, that is, when the MFP 100 does not execute printing, when the user presses the “go to initial screen” key 1105 while viewing the print screen 1100, the color number reception unit 510. However, the selection of the “go to initial screen” key 1105 is accepted, and this is notified to the accepting means 501 (FIG. 6: S113 NO). Receiving means 501 that has received the notification switches the print screen 1100 to the initial screen 700.

  In this case, for example, when the user activates the color adjustment function again and the divided image selection screen 800 is displayed (FIG. 6: S105), the desired adjustment color identification number “C001” is entered from the pull-down menu 806. If the user selects and presses the “output start” key 807 (FIG. 6: S105 NO → S113 YES), the divided image receiving unit 502 notifies the representative color adjusting unit 512 to that effect, and similarly to the above, the representative color adjusting unit. 512 changes the specific representative color in the color image to the specific adjustment color based on the received adjustment color identification number “C001” and the representative color adjustment table 1008 (FIG. 6: S114), and the printing unit 513 Then, printing is performed on the sheet based on the changed color image (FIG. 6: S115).

<Operations and effects of the first embodiment of the present invention, examples and comparative examples>
Here, the operation and effect of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 (J1) is a diagram illustrating an example (example) of an enlarged view of a sheet on which printing is performed when a specific representative color is changed to a specific adjustment color in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 (J2) is a diagram showing an example (comparative example) of an enlarged view of a sheet on which printing is performed when the specific representative color is not changed to the specific adjustment color in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is.

  When the specific representative color in the color image is changed to the specific adjustment color, as shown in FIG. 11 (J1), the specific representative color 1109 of the specific image 1108 printed on the upper left corner of the paper 1107 is changed by the user. The selected adjustment color, that is, the adjustment color of the test image 910f printed on the sheet 909 shown in FIG. 9 (F2) is changed to, for example, the preview image 901 on the touch panel 301 shown in FIG. 9 (E). It is understood that this is equivalent to the representative color in the specific image 801a. Thus, even if there is a difference between the color of the screen (RGB) on the touch panel 301 and the color of the printed color image (YMCK), the user can change the color (representative color) of the specific image 801a by himself / herself. It becomes possible to easily change to a desired specific color (adjustment color).

  On the other hand, when printing is performed without changing the representative color of the color image to the adjustment color, the specific representative color 1112 of the specific image 1111 printed on the upper left end of the paper 1110 is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (J2). For example, it is understood that the color is different from the representative color of the specific image 801a in the preview image 901 on the touch panel 301 shown in FIG. Therefore, the user makes the color 1112 of the specific image 1111 printed on the paper 1110 the color desired by the user, that is, the representative color of the specific image 801a on the touch panel 301 shown in FIG. It will be appreciated that the color adjustment must be performed or reprinted.

  As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the present invention, the divided image receiving unit 502 that displays the divided image obtained by dividing the color image into a predetermined number so as to be selectable by the user, and the colors of the pixels constituting the selected specific divided image Among them, a representative color receiving unit 505 that displays a predetermined number of colors as representative colors in order from the color having the highest appearance frequency so as to be selectable by the user. In addition, a color storage unit 508 that stores the RGB color and the intensity of the color in association with each other, and the representative color receiving unit 505 displays the selected representative color selected by the user as a center, and in the vicinity of the center. An adjustment color acquisition unit 507 that acquires a predetermined number of colors whose intensity has changed from the color storage unit 508 as an adjustment color, a test image corresponding to the acquired predetermined number of adjustment colors, and a color number that identifies the adjustment color And a test image printing unit 509 that prints on the paper. Further, a color number receiving unit 510 that receives an input of a color number printed on the paper from a user, an adjustment color corresponding to the input specific color number, and a specific representative color that is stored in association with the specific representative color A storage unit 511; and a representative color adjustment unit 512 that changes a specific representative color in the color image to an adjustment color stored in the representative color adjustment storage unit 511.

  Thereby, the user selects a divided image including a specific image such as a logo from the displayed color images, and changes the representative color of the specific image to the adjustment color of the actually printed test image. Is possible. Therefore, even if there is a difference between the color of the screen color image (RGB) and the color of the printed paper color image (YMCK), the specific color of the specific image is surely printed with the color desired by the user. It becomes possible. Further, since the divided image is selected by the user, it is not necessary to specify a specific image existing in the color image by, for example, image processing. Furthermore, since each test image corresponding to the adjustment color and the color number are printed on a recording medium such as paper, it is not necessary to repeatedly execute printing each time the color of the displayed color image is adjusted. The wasteful toner (same for ink) is not consumed, and the working time is not prolonged.

<Second embodiment of the present invention>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, a description will be given of a procedure in which the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment performs color printing of the color of the specific image displayed on the screen with a color desired by the user. Compared with the first embodiment, the difference of the second embodiment is that when a specific representative color is selected by the user, the shape of the image composed of the same color as the selected specific representative color The adjustment color acquisition unit further includes a shape receiving unit that displays the image in a selectable manner to the user, and when the specific shape is selected by the user, the specific color selected by the user is used as a center and in the vicinity of the center. A predetermined number of colors with changed intensities are acquired as adjustment colors from the color storage means, and the representative color adjustment storage means is selected from the adjustment color corresponding to the input specific color number and the specific representative color. And the representative color adjusting means stores in the representative color adjustment storing means a specific representative color assigned to a shape substantially the same as the specific shape of the color image. It is a point to change to the adjusted color. Since the other points are the same as in the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1-11) used in the description of the first embodiment as appropriate. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for illustrating an execution procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In S106 of FIG. 13 (corresponding to S106 of FIG. 6), when the representative color extracting unit 506 completes the extraction of the predetermined number of representative colors 810a-810c, the representative number of extracted representative colors 810a-810c are represented. It transmits to the color reception means 505. Receiving the representative colors 810a to 810c, the representative color receiving means 505 switches the divided image selection screen 800 to a representative color selection screen on which a predetermined number of representative colors 810a to 810c are displayed (FIG. 13: S107). ).

  FIG. 14K is a diagram illustrating an example of a representative color selection screen displayed on the touch panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the representative color selection screen 1400, as shown in FIG. 14K, a preview image 1401 generated based on the color image, a message 1402 prompting the user to select a representative color for which color adjustment is desired, In order to select a specific representative color, a predetermined number of representative color images 1403 in which each representative color 810a-810c is assigned as a single color corresponding to a predetermined number of representative colors 810a-810c, and a representative color are determined. An “OK” key 1404 is displayed.

  While viewing the representative color selection screen 1400, the user selects the representative color image 1403a of the specific representative color 810c corresponding to the color assigned to the specific image 801a (“AB”) with the touch pen 302 or the like, and clicks the “OK” key. When the user presses 1404, the representative color receiving unit 505 receives the selection of the specific representative color 810c and notifies the shape extracting unit 514 to that effect (FIG. 13: S107 YES). Receiving the notification, the shape extraction means 514 extracts the shape of the image composed of the same color as the selected specific representative color (the same color shape) from the specific divided image (FIG. 13: S107a). .

  Any method may be used as the method by which the shape extracting unit 514 extracts the same color shape from a specific divided image. For example, the following method is used. In other words, the shape extraction unit 514 that has received the notification extracts a pixel (referred to as a representative color pixel) having the same color as the selected specific representative color from among the pixels constituting the specific divided image. When the shape extracting unit 514 extracts a plurality of representative color pixels, the pixel constituted by the plurality of representative color pixels is determined by determining whether or not the extracted representative color pixels are adjacent (continuous) to each other. The shape of the region, that is, the same color shape of the specific image is extracted.

  It is preferable that the shape extracting unit 514 is configured to extract representative color pixels having substantially the same color as the specific representative color. With this configuration, even when the original is faded when reading a color image, and the specific image in the color image is configured with substantially the same color as the specific representative color, the specific image Can be extracted appropriately. Here, the color substantially identical to the specific representative color corresponds to a color close to the specific representative color, including the same color as the specific representative color, as described above.

  Further, for example, when the shape extraction unit 514 extracts the same color shape of the image, the same color shape in which the number of representative color pixels constituting the same color shape is a predetermined number (for example, 5) or more is extracted. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately extract the same color shape that the user desires to adjust the color without extracting noise such as color paper dust and dust composed of representative color pixels.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the shape extraction unit 514 configures a gradation that includes the same color as a specific representative color in a quarter of a background that is a quarter circle from a specific divided image. A first same color shape indicating a semicircle), a second same color shape indicating a character “A”, and a third same color shape indicating a character “B”.

  When the shape extracting unit 514 completes the extraction of the same color shape from the specific divided image, the extracted same color shape is transmitted to the shape receiving unit 515. The shape receiving unit 515 that has received the same color shape switches the representative color selection screen 1400 to a shape selection screen in which the received same color shape is displayed so as to be selectable (FIG. 13: S107b).

  FIG. 14L is a diagram showing an example of a shape selection screen displayed on the touch panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the shape selection screen 1405, as shown in FIG. 14L, the preview image 1406 described above, a message 1407 for prompting the user to select the same color shape for which color adjustment is desired, and a predetermined number of the same color shapes. An image 1408, a message 1409 for prompting the user to print a test image with a color (adjustment color) determined based on a specific representative color, and “output” for printing (outputting) the test image The “Start” key 1410 is displayed. If the same color shape image 1408 is large and cannot be displayed on the shape selection screen 1405 in a selectable manner, a screen switchable scroll key or the like is prepared so that all can be displayed. Also good. In addition, since the specific image 801a to be color-adjusted is often configured by combining a plurality of characters, for example, the same color shape image 1408 is configured to be displayed so as to be selectable at the same time. preferable. In the case of this configuration, for example, even when pixels having the same color are adjacent (continuous) to form one specific image, the single specific image is only displayed as the same color shape image 1408. There is no problem because there is.

  While viewing the shape selection screen 1405, the user has the same color shape image corresponding to the specific image 801a (“AB”) (second same color shape image 1408a indicating the character “A”, and third indicating the character “B”). When the “Start output” key 1410 is pressed with the touch pen 302 or the like and the shape accepting unit 515 accepts the selection of specific identical color shapes 1408a and 1408b, and adjusts the color The acquisition unit 507 is notified (FIG. 13: S107b YES). Upon receiving the notification, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 acquires a specific representative color from the representative color reception unit 505 (or the shape reception unit 515), and the intensity changes around the specific representative color 810c. The predetermined number of colors (adjusted colors) are acquired from the color storage means 508 (FIG. 13: S108). If a predetermined same color shape 1408 is not selected, the shape selection screen 1405 remains unchanged (FIG. 13: S107b NO).

  As a result, the user can select the specific image 801a (same color shape) that the user wants to perform color adjustment and can reliably change the representative color of the specific image 801a to the adjustment color. There is no need for complicated image processing for specifying the specific image 801a. Note that the procedure for the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 to acquire a predetermined number of adjustment colors is the same as that in the first embodiment, and is therefore omitted.

  Next, in S111 of FIG. 13 (corresponding to S111 of FIG. 6), the user views the preview image 1001 (divided image) on the screen while looking at the printed sheet 909 and the color number input screen 1000. When the number key 1003a (“6” key 1003a) corresponding to the adjustment color equivalent to the representative color in the specific image 801a “AB” is selected and the “OK” key 1007 is pressed, the color number receiving unit 510 The color number “6” corresponding to the “6” key 1003a is received (FIG. 13: S111 YES), and the specific representative color 810c selected by the user is acquired from the shape receiving unit 515 (or the representative color receiving unit 505). , A specific identical color shape selected by the user from the shape accepting means 515 (second identical color shape indicating the character “A”, first indicating the character “B”) And the specific adjustment color corresponding to the color number “6”, the representative color 810c, and the same color shape are stored in association with the representative color adjustment storage unit 511 as a representative color adjustment table. Let Further, the color number receiving unit 510 issues an adjustment color identification number (for example, “C002”) for identifying the relationship between the specific adjustment color, the specific representative color 810c, and the specific same color shape, and the adjustment color The identification number is further stored in the representative color adjustment table in association with the specific adjustment color, the specific representative color 810c, and the specific same color shape (FIG. 13: S112). If the predetermined number key 1003 is not selected, the color number input screen 1000 remains (FIG. 13: S111 NO).

  FIG. 15M is a diagram showing an example of the representative color adjustment table according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the representative color adjustment table 1500, as shown in FIG. 15M, a specific adjustment color 1501, a specific representative color 1502, a specific same color shape 1503 (character “AB”), and issued adjustments are displayed. The color identification number 1504 is stored in association with it.

  When the color number receiving unit 510 stores the specific adjustment color 1501, the specific representative color 1502, the specific same color shape 1503, and the adjustment color identification number 1504 in the representative color adjustment table 1500 in association with each other, the color number is received. The means 510 switches the color number input screen 1000 to the above-described print screen (print screen on which the adjustment color identification number “C002” is displayed) (FIG. 6: S113). The print screen 1100 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  Here, when the user causes the MFP 100 to perform printing, the same adjustment color identification as the adjustment color identification information “C002” 1504 issued in association with the adjustment color, the representative color, and the shape while viewing the print screen 1100. When information is selected from the pull-down menu 1104 and the “output start” key 1105 is pressed, the color number receiving unit 510 receives the adjustment color identification number “C002” 1504 and notifies the representative color adjusting unit 512 of this ( FIG. 6: S113 YES). Upon receiving the notification, the representative color adjusting unit 512 refers to the above-described representative color adjustment table 1500, and “C002” of the adjustment color identification number 1504 recorded in the representative color adjustment table 1500 and the received adjustment color. A specific adjustment color 1501, a specific representative color 1502, and a specific same color shape 1503 that match the identification number “C002” are acquired. Next, the representative color adjusting unit 512 specifies a shape that is substantially the same as the acquired specific same color shape 1503 from the color image currently displayed on the print screen 1100 (color image corresponding to the preview image 1101) (FIG. 13: S113a).

  Any method may be used for the representative color adjusting unit 512 to specify a shape that is substantially the same as the specific same color shape 1503 from the color image. For example, the comparison target shape (specific representative shape included in the color image) may be used. A shape having a boundary line of the same color including the color) and a specific same color shape 1503, or extracting a comparison target shape composed of pixels having a specific representative color 1502 from a color image. The comparison target shape is compared with the specific same color shape 1503, and when the comparison target shape is overlapped with the specific same color shape 1503, the ratio of the area of the two overlapped with the specific same color shape 1503 If it is 80% to 100% with respect to the total area, a method for specifying the comparison target shape as substantially the same shape as the specific same color shape 1503 may be mentioned. Needless to say, when superimposing the two, the representative color adjusting unit 512 appropriately aligns the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the comparison target shape and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the specific same color shape 1503.

  With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately specify the specific image 801a included for each of the plurality of color images. In particular, in a color image read from a document, the shape of the color image may be greatly distorted depending on the placement state of the document, and the specific image may be distorted along with the distortion. Even in such a case, it is possible to appropriately specify a distorted specific image and appropriately change a specific representative color described later to a specific adjustment color.

  When the representative color adjusting unit 512 specifies a shape that is substantially the same as the specific same color shape 1503, the color assigned to the specified substantially the same shape and the same color (substantially the same as the specific representative color 1502). The specific representative color attached to the shape is changed to the acquired specific adjustment color 1501 (FIG. 13: S114).

  Here, when changing to the specific adjustment color 1501, when the shape substantially the same as the specific same color shape 1503 is not specified using the specific representative color 1502, for example, the representative color adjustment unit 512. However, it may be configured to confirm that the color assigned to the specified substantially identical shape is the same as the specific representative color 1502. Further, as in the first embodiment, the representative color adjusting unit 512 is a color assigned to the identified substantially identical shape and includes substantially the same color including the same color as the particular representative color 1502. A configuration in which the acquired specific adjustment color 1501 is changed is preferable.

  The procedure after the representative color adjustment unit 512 completes the change to the specific adjustment color 1501, that is, the color image after the change to the specific adjustment color 1501 by the printing unit 513, the color table 906, and the like. The procedure for printing on paper based on the above is the same as in the first embodiment, and is omitted.

  As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when a specific representative color is selected by the user, the shape of an image composed of the same color as the selected specific representative color is changed. A shape accepting unit 515 that displays the image so as to be selectable by the user, and the adjustment color acquisition unit 507, when a specific shape is selected by the user, is centered on the specific representative color selected by the user, and is near the center A predetermined number of colors whose intensities have been changed are acquired as adjustment colors from the color storage unit 508, and the representative color adjustment storage unit 511 includes an adjustment color corresponding to the input specific color number, a specific representative color, The representative color adjustment unit 512 associates and stores the selected specific shape with the specific color assigned to the substantially same shape as the specific shape in the color image. Storage means 51 And configured to change the stored adjusted color.

  As a result, the user can change only the representative color of the specific image having a specific shape such as a logo among the displayed color images to the adjustment color of the actually printed test image. For example, even if the color of the background image or the graphic image accidentally includes the same color as the specific representative color 1502, the color is changed to the specific representative color 1502 attached to the specific shape corresponding to the specific image. The target (correction target) is narrowed down and the change to the specific adjustment color 1501 is executed, so that it is possible to prevent the color adjustment from being performed at an image location that the user does not intend. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the uncomfortable feeling and the color mismatch of the entire color image due to the change to the specific adjustment color. In addition, since a specific image such as a logo usually has almost the same shape regardless of the color image, a specific representative color, a specific color, If the adjustment color is stored in association with each other, the specific shape, the specific representative color, and the specific adjustment color that have been stored in association with each other even if the specific image is included in the other color images. Therefore, it is not necessary to select a representative color or an adjustment color to be color adjusted every time printing is performed, and the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention, the color number receiving unit 510 adjusts the relationship between the specific adjustment color and the specific representative color (specific same color shape). Although the identification number is issued, the adjustment color identification number is associated with the specific adjustment color, the specific representative color, and (specific the same color shape) and stored in the representative color adjustment table. It doesn't matter. For example, the color number receiving unit 510 receives a selection (input) of a specific color number via the color number input screen 1000, and corresponds (relates) to the specific image 801a by a character input unit such as a keyboard key from the user. A predetermined name (for example, “AB Corporation”, etc.) is received, and the name is stored in the representative color adjustment table in association with a specific adjustment color, a specific representative color, and (a specific same color shape). It doesn't matter. FIG. 15 (N1) is a diagram showing a modification of the representative color adjustment table 1505 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the representative color adjustment table 1505, as shown in FIG. 15 (N1), a specific adjustment color 1506, a specific representative color 1507, and a predetermined name 1508 (for example, “AB Corporation”) input by the user. Are stored in association with each other. FIG. 15 (N2) is a view showing a modification of the representative color adjustment table 1509 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the representative color adjustment table 1509, as shown in FIG. 15 (N2), a specific adjustment color 1510, a specific representative color 1511, a specific same color shape 1512 (character “AB”), and the user are input. A predetermined name 1513 (for example, “AB Corporation”) is associated and stored. With this configuration, when the user selects the name instead of the adjustment color identification number from the pull-down menu of the divided image selection screen 800 or the print screen 1100, the user can recall the specific image 801a from the name. The representative color can be appropriately changed to a specific adjustment color desired by the user, and convenience can be improved.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention, when printing is performed, the representative color adjusting unit 512 has the same color (specific identification) as a specific representative color among the colors in the color image. The same color shape and the same color as the specific representative color) are changed to the specific adjustment color, but may be at a time other than when printing is performed. Absent. For example, when a predetermined color image (minutes or report) is stored (saved) in a storage medium such as the color image storage unit 504, the representative color adjustment unit 512 includes the following among the colors in the color image: The same color as the specific representative color (the color assigned to the substantially same shape as the specific same color shape and the same color as the specific representative color) may be changed to a specific adjustment color. I do not care. With this configuration, at a time different from the time when the color image is read, for example, when the stored color image is printed for the convenience of the user, the specific representative color in the specific image has already been specified by the user. This is preferable after the color has been changed to the adjustment color, and it is not necessary to perform a predetermined color adjustment operation and printing can be performed quickly.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention, the color number receiving unit 510 is configured to receive the color number corresponding to the predetermined number key, but other configurations may be used. For example, while the user looks at the printed sheet 909 and the color number input screen 1000, the adjustment color that is equivalent to the representative color in the specific image 801a “AB” of the preview image 1001 (divided image) on the screen Corresponding to the case where the user cannot be found from the paper 909, the color number input screen 1000 is provided with a “re-output start” key for acquiring the adjustment color again and outputting the test image. When the “re-output start” key is selected, the color number reception unit 510 receives the selection of the “re-output start” key, and the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 has the specific representative color as the center and the vicinity of the center. The color storage means 508 (color table 906) obtains a predetermined number of colors whose intensities have changed and other than the adjustment colors (colors without a color number) previously output to the paper 909. The test image forming unit 509 obtains the test image with the respective adjustment colors corresponding to the predetermined number of adjustment colors acquired again and the color number for identifying the adjustment color on a new sheet. You may comprise so that it may print.

  Note that the color number receiving unit 510 causes the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 to use a color other than the adjustment color that has been output to the paper 909 (ie, a color whose intensity has changed around the specific representative color in the vicinity of the center). When the color storage unit 508 (color table 906) is reacquired from the color storage unit 508 (color table 906), for example, in green, the adjustment color acquisition unit 507 causes the first color as shown in FIG. 9F1. A color adjacent to 907b immediately before in the axial direction on the G axis (referred to as a fifth color) and a second color 907c immediately after in the axial direction on the G axis If a configuration is adopted in which a color (sixth color) arranged adjacent to is acquired, the fifth color is a color with a stronger green hue than the first color 907b, and the sixth color is , The green color becomes weaker than the second color 907c When the fifth color, the first color 907b, the specified color (representative color) 907a (810c), the second color 907c, and the sixth color are arranged, the intensity (hue) of green changes stepwise. Since it becomes a color, it is possible to expand the options of the adjustment color for the user and prevent printing of a useless test image. The same applies to red and blue.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention, the color table 906 stores a plurality of colors 907 in a discrete manner so that the intensity of the colors of the RGB axes is increased. The storage unit 508 is configured to store the RGB color and the intensity of the color in association with each other, but other configurations may be used. For example, instead of the color table 906, a specific color in which the intensity of each value is reflected based on an R value indicating the intensity of R, a G value indicating the intensity of G, and a B value indicating the intensity of B The color storage unit 508 may be configured to store the RGB color and the intensity in association with each other.

  In the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit is stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium is provided. You may comprise so that it may carry out. In this configuration, the program is read by the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus implements the above-described units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a storage method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for copying machines, printers, and the like, and color-prints the color of a specific image displayed on the screen in a color desired by the user. It is effective as an image forming apparatus capable of

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 103 Operation part 501 Reception means 502 Divided image reception means 503 Image reading means 504 Color image storage means 505 Representative color reception means 506 Representative color extraction means 507 Adjustment color acquisition means 508 Color storage means 509 Test image printing means 510 Color number Accepting means 511 Representative color adjustment storing means 512 Representative color adjusting means 513 Printing means 514 Shape extracting means 515 Shape accepting means

Claims (4)

A divided image receiving means for displaying a divided image obtained by dividing the color image into a predetermined number so as to be selectable by the user;
Representative color receiving means for displaying a predetermined number of colors as representative colors in order from the color having the highest appearance frequency among the colors of the pixels constituting the selected specific divided image;
Color storage means for storing the RGB color and the intensity of the color in association with each other;
An adjustment color acquisition means for acquiring from the color storage means, as the adjustment color, a predetermined number of colors whose intensity changes in the vicinity of the specific representative color displayed by the representative color receiving means and selected by the user; ,
Test image printing means for printing a test image corresponding to a predetermined number of acquired adjustment colors and a color number for identifying the adjustment color on a recording medium;
Color number receiving means for receiving an input of a color number printed on the recording medium from a user;
Representative color adjustment storage means for storing the adjustment color corresponding to the input specific color number and the specific representative color in association with each other;
Representative color adjustment means for changing a specific representative color in the color image to an adjustment color stored in the representative color adjustment storage means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A representative color extracting means for creating a histogram showing the frequency distribution of the color of each pixel constituting the color image and extracting a predetermined number of colors in order from the color having the highest frequency in the histogram;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the representative color receiving unit instructs the representative color extracting unit to extract the color. The adjustment color acquisition means uses a specific number of colors centered on a selected specific representative color, the intensity of which changes in the vicinity of the center, and a predetermined number of colors whose intensity is at a predetermined distance from the center as an adjustment color. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When a specific representative color is selected by the user, the image processing apparatus further includes shape receiving means for displaying the shape of an image composed of the same color as the selected specific representative color so that the user can select the shape.
When the user selects a specific shape, the adjustment color acquisition unit stores the color memory as an adjustment color using a predetermined number of colors whose intensity changes in the vicinity of the specific representative color selected by the user. Obtained from the means,
The representative color adjustment storage means stores the adjustment color corresponding to the input specific color number, the specific representative color, and the selected specific shape in association with each other,
2. The representative color adjustment unit changes a specific representative color assigned to a shape substantially the same as a specific shape in the color image to an adjustment color stored in the representative color adjustment storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.