JP5554187B2 - Color selection support method, color value acquisition method, image processing method, color selection support device, and color selection support program - Google Patents

Description

  In the present invention, after determining a reference color and printing a color chart including a plurality of color patches composed of the reference color or its vicinity, the color patch having the color closest to the designated color to be reproduced by printing is selected. The present invention relates to a color selection support method, a color value acquisition method, an image processing method, a color selection support device, a color value acquisition device, an image processing device, and a program for selecting from a color chart.

  In recent years, with the dramatic advancement of inkjet technology, color large format printing that achieves both high speed and high image quality by an inkjet printer is becoming possible. This printing machine is used not only for personal and home use but also in a wide range of fields, particularly for sign / display use. By using this printing machine, for example, it is possible to print not only on storefront POP (Point of Purchase) and wall posters, but also on large-size media such as outdoor advertisements / signboards, roll media, and thick hard media. .

  Since the printed matter for advertisement is expected to have an effect of stimulating the purchase intention through the visual perception of the consumer, the color finish of the printed matter is particularly important. Conventionally, various color matching techniques as color management means for printed matter, for example, an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile creation method or a spot color (hereinafter, designated color) adjustment method have been proposed.

  Here, the “specified color adjustment method” is a method of finely adjusting the color of the attention area of the color image so that it substantially matches the specified color to be reproduced by printing using a color sample such as a color chip. is there. Specifically, the actual color value of the color sample and the color value for reproducing the specified color using a printing machine are acquired, and the print color is corrected based on the difference between the two color values. is there.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of reading a color sample with a scanner device, printing a plurality of variants of the color sample generated from the read data on a medium, and selecting a specific color from the plurality of variants. Is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, the specified color is set to be displayed on the screen (display window) of the display device, the printed color chart is visually observed, and the specified color is selected from 27 color patches. A method is disclosed in which the color closest to is selected and the number of that color is input via the screen. This describes that the color sensation between the designated color displayed on the display device and the color printed from the printing machine can be closely approximated.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a system for selecting a desired color using a display device and a printing machine in combination. Specifically, a color wheel (continuous color) is displayed on the first screen of the display device, and the operator is allowed to select colors globally. Then, a window (discrete color) is displayed on the second screen, and the operator is allowed to select the color accurately based on the printing result on the printing press.

JP 2003-134349 A ([0009], FIG. 4) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-211707 ([0034] to [0036], FIGS. 4 and 5) JP 2002-351447 A ([0004], FIGS. 1 and 2)

  By the way, in order to accurately reproduce the designated color on the printed material using the above-described method, it is necessary to repeat the color chart printing step and the color patch selection step. At this time, the color search range is gradually narrowed (in other words, the number of color selections is narrowed down) while always grasping the color range (referred to as color search range) that includes at least the color closest to the specified color. ) It is efficient to adopt the method.

  However, as the color interval between the color patches decreases, it becomes difficult for the operator to identify the approximation between each color patch and the color sample with good reproducibility. For this reason, even if the operator is the same, if the same selection operation is performed using color charts with different printing points, inconsistent selection results may occur. At this time, in order to verify the validity of the immediately preceding work content, for example, a wasteful man-hour such as temporarily expanding the color search range and printing a color chart occurs. As the number of reprints of the color chart increases, the worker may have anxiety about whether or not a color close to the specified color can be reached. In particular, a beginner who is not accustomed to this work may have doubts as to whether or not the current selection result is appropriate during his work.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a color selection support method that allows an operator to efficiently select a color closest to a specified color while confirming the validity of the current work content. It is an object to provide a color value acquisition method, an image processing method, a color selection support device, a color value acquisition device, an image processing device, and a program.

  In the present invention, after determining a reference color and printing a color chart including a plurality of color patches including the reference color or its vicinity, at least one color patch having a color close to a designated color to be reproduced by printing is printed. The present invention also relates to a color selection support method for selecting from the color chart.

  When the step of determining the reference color, the step of printing the color chart, and the step of selecting a color patch having a color close to the designated color are sequentially executed at least once, each color of the selected color patch is displayed in a three-dimensional table. A display step of displaying as a plot in a color system is provided.

  In the display step, it is preferable that a mark representing a color presentation range by the plurality of color patches is displayed together with each plot.

  Furthermore, in the display step, it is preferable that the marks representing the presentation ranges are displayed in different forms according to the selection order of the colors.

  Furthermore, the method further includes a step of changing the number of the color patches formed on the color chart or the color interval between the color patches, and the display step includes the presentation according to the changed number or the color interval. It is preferable to update and display the range mark.

  Further, in the display step, it is preferable to display the plots in different forms according to the selection order of the colors.

  Furthermore, in the display step, it is preferable that a mark indicating the selection order of the colors is displayed together with the plots.

  Furthermore, an instruction step for indicating a position on the three-dimensional color system is further provided, and in the display step, the color value of each color and the interval between the colors are determined according to the indicated position on the three-dimensional color system. It is preferable to display at least one of the color difference or each of the presentation ranges.

  The color value acquisition method according to the present invention uses any one of the color selection support methods described above to acquire a selected color value that is a color value corresponding to a color patch selected as the color closest to the specified color A value acquisition step is provided.

  The image processing method according to the present invention uses any one of the color selection support methods described above to acquire a first color value that is a color value corresponding to a color patch selected as a color closest to the specified color. 1 acquisition step, a second acquisition step of acquiring a second color value that is a color value of the specified color, and the print color to be printed based on the acquired first color value and the second color value And a color adjustment step for adjusting the color of the printed matter.

  A color selection support apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays each color of a selected color patch as a plot in a three-dimensional color system using any of the color selection support methods described above. To do.

  The color value acquisition apparatus according to the present invention uses any one of the color selection support methods described above to acquire a selected color value that is a color value corresponding to a color patch selected as a color closest to the specified color. It has a value acquisition part and a display part which displays color information about the selection color value acquired by the color value acquisition part.

In addition, using a printing machine profile for printing the printed matter, it further includes a data conversion unit that converts the selected color value into device-dependent data of the printing machine,
It is preferable that the display unit further displays the device-dependent data converted by the data conversion unit.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention obtains a first color value that is a color value corresponding to a color patch selected as a color closest to the specified color using any of the color selection support methods described above. A first color value acquisition unit; a second color value acquisition unit that acquires a second color value that is a color value of the specified color; and the first and second color values acquired by the first and second color value acquisition units. And a print color adjustment unit that performs color adjustment of the printed material to be printed based on a color value.

  The program according to the present invention provides a computer with a color chart including a reference color determination unit that determines a reference color, and a plurality of color patches including the reference color determined by the reference color determination unit or colors in the vicinity thereof. A printing control unit for printing, an identification information input unit for inputting identification information of a color patch selected from the color chart printed by the printing machine as a color close to a designated color to be reproduced by printing, Each color of the selected color patch when the determination of the reference color by the reference color determination unit, the printing of the color chart by the print control unit, and the input of the identification information by the identification information input unit are sequentially performed at least once It is made to function as a display control part which displays as a plot in a three-dimensional color system.

  According to the color selection support method, color value acquisition method, image processing method, color selection support device, image processing device, and program according to the present invention, the step of determining a reference color, the step of printing a color chart, and the designated color When the step of selecting a color patch of a close color is sequentially executed at least once, each color of the selected color patch is displayed as a plot in a three-dimensional color system. The operator can visually recognize the color search range in the current color chart based on the relative positional relationship in the three-dimensional color system of each color selected in the past or in the past, and is an operator with poor printing knowledge. Even if there is, we can grasp intuitively. Thereby, the worker can perform the color adjustment work while confirming the validity of the current work content regardless of the skill level. In other words, the operator can efficiently select a color close to the designated color without spending unnecessary work man-hours under appropriate adjustment work.

1 is a perspective explanatory view of a printing system in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment is incorporated. FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of the color chart shown in FIG. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a design example of color values of each color patch in FIG. 2A. It is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for obtaining the printed matter of an appropriate color using the printing system shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1 in a color fine adjustment step. It is a figure showing the example of a screen which inputs the color information of a designated color. It is a figure showing an example of a color selection screen. FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a color selection display data creation unit shown in FIG. 3. It is a change figure of the color selection screen shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the log | history confirmation screen which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 11A is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the position in the three-dimensional color system in the color value selected for the first time. FIG. 11B is a first change diagram of the history confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12A is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the position in the three-dimensional color system in the color value selected for the second time. FIG. 12B is a second variation diagram of the history confirmation screen illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a third variation diagram of the history confirmation screen illustrated in FIG. 10. It is a figure showing the example of a screen which displays the selection result of a color.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the color selection support method according to the present invention in relation to a color selection support device (color value acquisition device, image processing device) and a printing system that implements the color selection support method will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a printing system 10 in which an image processing apparatus 16 according to the present invention is incorporated.

  The printing system 10 basically includes a network 12, an editing device 14, an image processing device 16, a printing machine 18, and a colorimeter 20.

  The network 12 is constructed based on a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The editing device 14, the image processing device 16, and the database DB are connected to each other by wire or wireless via the network 12.

  The editing device 14 can freely edit the arrangement of color images composed of characters, figures, patterns, photographs, etc. for each page, and an electronic manuscript (print data) in a page description language (hereinafter referred to as PDL), for example, 8-bit image data including color channels of four colors (CMYK) and three colors (RGB) is generated.

  Here, PDL is a language that describes image information such as text, graphics, and other format information, position information, and color information (including density information) within a “page” that is an output unit for printing and display. . For example, PDF (abbreviation of Portable Document Format, specified in ISO 32000-1: 2008), Adobe Systems PostScript (registered trademark), XPS (XML Paper Specification), and the like are known.

  The image processing apparatus 16 develops an electronic document in PDL format into an electronic document in raster format (for example, bitmap or TIFF), and performs desired image processing (for example, color conversion processing, image scaling processing, arrangement processing, etc.). Each function has a function of converting to a printing control signal suitable for the printing machine 18 or transmitting the printing control signal to the printing machine 18.

  The image processing device 16 includes a main body 22 having a CPU and a memory, a display device 24 for displaying a color image, and an input device 26 (a keyboard 28 and a keyboard 28 and the like) capable of inputting various data or operation instructions to the main body 22 side. Mouse 30). Instead of the mouse 30 as a pointing device, a track pad or a track ball may be used.

  Further, a portable memory 32 and a colorimeter 20 that can freely record and erase electronic data are connected to the image processing device 16.

  The printing machine 18 is an ink jet system that forms a color image by combining standard inks composed of C, M, Y, and K (process colors) and optional inks such as light colors such as LC and LM and W (white). Printing device. The printing machine 18 performs ejection control of ink of each color based on a print control signal received from the outside (for example, the image processing device 16), and thereby a medium 34 as a print medium (in FIG. A color image is printed on the printing medium 34) to form a printed matter 36 (including a color chart 36c which is a kind of the printed matter 36).

  As the base material of the medium 34, paper such as synthetic paper, cardboard, and aluminum vapor-deposited paper, resin such as vinyl chloride and PET, tarpaulin, and the like can be used.

The colorimeter 20 acquires a color value from the measurement object according to a predetermined color measurement operation. Here, the color values are not only device-independent data such as tristimulus values XYZ and color values L ^* a ^* b ^{* in} a uniform color space, but also distributions of optical physical quantities with respect to wavelengths (hereinafter referred to as “spectral data”). ) Is included. Examples of spectral data include spectral radiation distribution, spectral sensitivity distribution, spectral reflectance, or spectral transmittance.

  The database DB is a database server that manages data such as job tickets for electronic documents {for example, JDF (Job Definition Format) files}, color sample data, target profiles (target profiles), or profiles suitable for each medium 34.

  FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of the color chart 36c.

  The color chart 36c includes 27 color patches 38 of substantially the same shape that are printed on the medium 34, and row numbers 40 (identification information) that specify the arrangement positions of the color patches 38 in the row and column directions. ) And column number 42 (identification information), and print information 44 including various information for identifying the print conditions of the color chart 36c.

  Each color patch 38 is arranged on the left side, the center, and the right side of the medium 34 so that three gaps are provided in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction at predetermined intervals. The color of each color patch 38 is set to a predetermined value in a range of signal levels of CMYK values (0% to 100% in percentage, 0 to 255 in the case of 8-bit gradation).

  The row number 40 includes (1), (0), and (−1) in order from the top, and is provided to the left of each color patch 38 so as to correspond to the position. On the other hand, the column number 42 consists of (1 ′),..., (−1 ″) in order from the left, and is provided above each color patch 38 so as to correspond to the position.

  In the print information 44, the model of the printing machine 18, the serial number or registered name, the print mode, the type of the medium 34, the print date and time, and the like are printed.

  FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a design example of the color value of each color patch 38 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

When the plurality of color patches 38 are two-dimensionally arranged, a method of gradually changing the color for each position of the color patch 38 can be adopted. For example, in three variables (L ^* , a ^* , b ^* ) of the uniform color space CIELAB system, the color value corresponding to each color patch 38 can be determined as shown in equations (1) to (3). .
L ^* _i = L ^* ₀ + ΔL ^* × i (i is an integer) (1)
a ^* _j = a ^* ₀ + Δa ^* × j (j is an integer) (2)
b ^* _k = b ^* ₀ + Δb ^* × k (k is an integer) (3)

  The numbers shown on the left side and the upper side of the table shown in FIG. 2B correspond to the row number 40 and the column number 42, respectively. The top, middle, and bottom of each column of this table are the value of “i” shown in equation (1), the value of “j” shown in equation (2), and the value of “k” shown in equation (3), respectively. Indicates.

In this specification, the color region formed by the equations (1) to (3) is referred to as a color presentation range (also simply referred to as a presentation range) by a plurality of color patches 38. For example, the presentation ranges in FIGS. 2A and 2B are (L ^* ₀ + ΔL ^* , a ^* ₀ + Δa ^* , b ^* ₀ + Δb ^* ), (L ^* ₀ + ΔL ^* , a ^* ₀ + Δa ^* , b ^* ₀₋ Δb). ^* ), (L ^* ₀ + ΔL ^* , a ^* ₀₋ Δa ^* , b ^* ₀ + Δb ^* ), (L ^* ₀ + ΔL ^* , a ^* ₀₋ Δa ^* , b ^* ₀₋ Δb ^* ), (L ^* ₀ −ΔL ^* , a ^* ₀ + Δa ^* , b ^* ₀ + Δb ^* ), (L ^* ₀₋ ΔL ^* , a ^* ₀ + Δa ^* , b ^* ₀₋ Δb ^* ), (L ^* ₀₋ ΔL ^* , a ^* ₀₎ -Δa ^* , b ^* ₀ + Δb ^* ), (L ^* _0- ΔL ^* , a ^* _0- Δa ^* , b ^* _0- Δb ^* ) equivalent to a rectangular parallelepiped color region To do.

Hereinafter, a representative color {eg, median (L ^* ₀ , a ^* ₀ , b ^* ₀ )} of each color patch 38 is referred to as a “reference color”. The color difference (ΔL ^* , Δa ^* , Δb ^* ) between adjacent color patches 38 is referred to as “color interval”. Furthermore, the number of color patches 38 arranged two-dimensionally on the color chart 36c per side (three in the example of FIG. 2A) is referred to as “number of patches”. Furthermore, the correspondence between the position of each color patch 38 illustrated in FIG. 2B and each color value is referred to as “color association”. In this specification, the reference color, the color interval, the number of patches, and the color association of the color chart 36c are collectively referred to as “color chart conditions”.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus 16 shown in FIG.

  The main body 22 includes a RIP processing unit 50, a control unit 52, a display control unit 54, a print control unit 56, a memory 58, a color selection support processing unit 60, a color value acquisition unit 62, and a print color adjustment unit. 64 and five I / Fs 66, 68, 70, 72, 74.

  The RIP processing unit 50 includes a rasterization processing unit 80 that converts an electronic document in PDL format into device-dependent data in raster format, an input profile processing unit 82 that converts device-dependent data into device-independent data using an input profile, An output profile processing unit 84 that converts device-independent data into device-dependent data using an output profile.

  The control unit 52 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 52 controls each unit of the main body 22 such as the RIP processing unit 50, the display control unit 54, and the color selection support processing unit 60.

  The display control unit 54 is a control circuit that drives and controls the display device 24 according to the control of the control unit 52. The display control unit 54 drives the display device 24 by outputting a display control signal to the display device 24 via the I / F 70. Thereby, the display device 24 can display an image.

  The print control unit 56 is a control circuit that drives and controls the printing machine 18 according to the control of the control unit 52. The printing control unit 56 outputs a printing control signal to the printing machine 18 via the I / F 74, whereby the printing machine 18 is driven. Thereby, the printing machine 18 can print the printed matter 36.

  The memory 58 stores a program and data (for example, data necessary for processing of the color selection support processing unit 60) necessary for the control unit 52 to control each unit. The memory 58 may be a non-volatile memory, a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  The color selection support processing unit 60 includes a color chart condition determining unit 86 that determines color chart conditions for printing the color chart 36c, and a chart print data generating unit 88 that generates print data for printing the color chart 36c. A color selection display data creation unit 90 for creating display data for displaying a simulated image or the like simulating the color chart 36c.

  The color chart condition determining unit 86 includes a reference color determining unit 92 that determines the reference color of the color chart 36c to be printed, a color interval determining unit 94 that determines the color interval of the color patch 38, and the number of patches of the color chart 36c. A patch number determining unit 96 for determining the color correspondence and a color association determining unit 98 for determining the color association of the color chart 36c.

  The chart print data creation unit 88 creates print data for printing the color chart 36 c by the printing machine 18. The color selection display data creation unit 90 simulates an arrangement of each color patch 38 on the color chart 36c, or an image obtained by plotting a color selection history in a three-dimensional color system (hereinafter referred to as a 3D history image). Display data for displaying.

  Here, examples of the three-dimensional color system include, but are not limited to, color systems such as HSV (Hue-Saturation-Value), HLS (Hue-Lightness-Saturation), CIELAB, CIELV, and XYZ. .

  The format of the print data or the display data is not limited to raster format data such as TIFF or Bitmap, and may be print data in PDL format such as PDF or PostScript (registered trademark).

  The color selection support processing unit 60 further includes a color value display data creation unit 100 that creates various data for displaying each color value acquired by the color value acquisition unit 62. Here, the color value acquisition unit 62 acquires the color value of the color patch 38 finally selected from the color chart 36c as a first color value (sometimes referred to as a selected color value). An acquisition unit 102 and a second color value acquisition unit 104 that acquires a color value of a designated color as a second color value are provided. That is, as the color value data to be created by the color value display data creation unit 100, device-independent data and / or device-dependent data (first color value, second color) corresponding to the color patch 38 reproduced by the printing machine 18 is used. Value).

  The print color adjustment unit 64 corrects the color conversion table included in the profile of the printing machine 18 to obtain a new profile, and the print data correction unit 108 corrects a part of the electronic document to an appropriate color value. And.

  The input device 26 has a function as a color chart condition input unit 110 that inputs color chart conditions via a color selection screen 250 (see FIG. 7 and the like) described later. Further, the input device 26 has a function as the identification information input unit 112 that inputs identification information (the row number 40 and the column number 42 in the example of FIG. 2) via the color selection screen 250. Furthermore, the input device 26 sets various variables related to auxiliary display for color selection support (including selection of display / non-display, etc., hereinafter referred to as “display state variable”) via the color selection screen 250. The display state setting unit 114 has a function.

  The identification information of the color patch 38 may be any information that uniquely identifies each color patch 38 provided on the color chart 36c, and may be of any type. The identification information includes arrangement information (identification code, positional relationship, etc.) of the color patch 38 or color information (color value obtained by color measurement, etc.).

  The I / F 66 enables connection between the main body 22 and the network 12. The I / F 68 enables connection between the main body 22 and the input device 26. The I / F 72 enables connection between the main body 22 and the colorimeter 20 (or the portable memory 32).

  The image processing apparatus 16 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and each image processing function described above uses application software (program) stored in the memory 58 that operates on the basic software (operating system). Can be realized.

  The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, the portable memory 32 in FIG. 1), and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by the computer system. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The computer-readable recording medium is a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in the computer system. A computer-readable recording medium is a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In some cases, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client holds a program for a certain period of time.

  The printing system 10 according to the present embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation thereof will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the functional block diagram of FIG.

  First, the operator determines the printing conditions for the printed material 36 (step S1). Here, the printing conditions include the type of the printing machine 18 used for printing, the type of the media 34, the printing mode, and the like.

  Next, the worker obtains color information of the designated color (step S2). Here, the color information is various information for specifying a color, and includes not only the actual color sample but also its color value or type. The color value of the color sample includes device-independent data or device-dependent data. The type of color sample includes a manufacturer name, a color sample number, and the like.

  Next, the operator finely adjusts the color of the printed material 36 to be printed (step S3). Details of the operation of the image processing device 16 will be described later.

  Next, the worker gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 26 to cause the printing machine 18 to print the printed matter 36 (step S4). The flow of image processing by the image processing device 16 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  The image processing device 16 receives the electronic document (PDL format) supplied from the editing device 14 via the network 12 and the I / F 66. This electronic document is page description language data representing the printed material 36.

The rasterization processing unit 80 converts the electronic document (PDL format) acquired from the editing device 14 into device-dependent data in raster format (for example, 8-bit CMYK value). Then, the input profile processing unit 82 converts the device-dependent data acquired from the rasterization processing unit 80 into device-independent data (for example, L ^* a ^* b ^* value). Then, the output profile processing unit 84 converts the device-independent data acquired from the input profile processing unit 82 into device-dependent data (for example, CMYK values). Then, the print control unit 56 converts the device-dependent data acquired from the output profile processing unit 84 into a print control signal (ink ejection control data). The print control unit 56 outputs the print control signal to the printing machine 18 via the I / F 74, thereby causing the printing machine 18 to print the desired printed matter 36.

  Next, returning to FIG. 4, the operator evaluates the color of the color image of the printed material 36 (step S <b> 5), and the color appearance of the predetermined print area on the printed material 36 and the color sample substantially matches. Whether or not (step S6). As an evaluation method as to whether or not the color appearances match, a method of judging the quality by visual observation by an operator or the like by using the overall appearance or partial appearance of the image or the colorimeter 20 is used. For example, a method is used in which a predetermined portion of the printed matter 36 is color-measured and a determination is made based on whether or not the value falls within a desired range.

  As a result of this image evaluation, if it is determined that the color appearance of the predetermined print area and the color sample on the printed material 36 does not match, fine color adjustment is performed again (step S3). Thereafter, by repeating printing and evaluation (steps S3 to S6), a printed matter 36 having a desired color is obtained.

  Next, the operation of the image processing device 16 of FIGS. 1 and 3 when performing the fine color adjustment (step S3) shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in response to a predetermined operation by an operator, the image processing device 16 inputs color information of a designated color and acquires a second color value (step S31).

  Prior to this input operation, the display control unit 54 (see FIG. 3) causes the display device 24 to display the input screen 200 shown in FIG.

  The operator selects one of color information input methods (six types in the example of FIG. 6) regarding the designated color. Then, the operator clicks one of the radio buttons 202a to 202f on the input screen 200 displayed on the display device 24 using the mouse 30 (see FIG. 1).

“Specify with L ^* a ^* b ^* ” corresponding to the radio button 202a is a method of directly inputting an L ^* a ^* b ^* value of a known specified color. Specifically, the operator uses the keyboard 28 (see FIG. 1) to input each color value into the three text boxes 204 from the left side of the input screen 200 in the order of arrangement of L ^* , a ^* , b ^*. .

“Specify with RGB” corresponding to the radio button 202b is a method of directly inputting RGB values of a known specified color as a numeric string. Specifically, the operator uses the keyboard 28 to input each color value in the three text boxes 206 from the left side of the input screen 200 in the order of arrangement of R, G, and B. Then, the operator selects an appropriate target profile (“sRGB” in the example of FIG. 6) according to the print purpose or the like via the pull-down menu 208. Then, the main body 22 converts the RGB value (input value to the text box 208) into an L ^* a ^* b ^* value based on the RGB-L ^* a ^* b ^* conversion formula corresponding to the selected target profile. .

“Specify with CMYK” corresponding to the radio button 202c is a method of directly inputting a CMYK value of a known specified color as a numeric string. Specifically, the operator uses the keyboard 28 to input each color value into the four text boxes 210 from the left side of the input screen 200 in the order of arrangement of C, M, Y, and K. Then, the operator selects an appropriate target profile (“ISO coated” in the example of FIG. 6) according to the printing purpose or the like via the pull-down menu 212. Then, the main body 22 converts the CMYK value (input value to the text box 210) into an L ^* a ^* b ^* value based on the CMYK-L ^* a ^* b ^* conversion formula corresponding to the selected target profile. .

“Measurement with a colorimeter” corresponding to the radio button 202d is a method of measuring the color sample such as a color chip with the colorimeter 20 and inputting the L ^* a ^* b ^* value. Specifically, the operator sets a color sample so that the colorimeter 20 can perform color measurement. Then, the operator uses the mouse 30 to input a model name corresponding to the colorimeter 20 via the pull-down menu 214 and then clicks the [color measurement] button 216. Then, the main body 22 acquires a color value from the colorimeter 20 via the I / F 72 (see FIG. 3).

“Specify by spot color name” corresponding to the radio button 202e refers to the spot color name (selectable via the pull-down menu 218) stored and managed in the memory 58, database DB, etc. This is a method of acquiring the L ^* a ^* b ^* value corresponding to the spot color name.

“Specify with a color wheel” corresponding to the radio button 202 f is a method of acquiring an L ^* a ^* b ^* value using the color wheel 220. Specifically, the operator moves the circular pointer 224 on the color palette 222 by dragging the mouse 30. Then, the designated color can be changed with the saturation (C) in the horizontal direction and the lightness (L) in the vertical direction as variables. Further, the operator moves the triangular pointer 228 on the bar 226 in the vertical direction by dragging the mouse 30. Then, in the vertical direction, the designated color can be changed using the hue (H) as a variable. It should be noted that the same color as that currently indicated by the circular pointer 224 and the triangular pointer 228 may be displayed on the rectangular reference patch 230.

In response to the click operation of the [OK] button 232 by the operator, the main body 22 inputs the color information of the designated color and acquires the L ^* a ^* b ^* value based on the color information.

  Next, the image processing device 16 determines a reference color, a color interval, and the number of patches according to the operation of the operator (step S32). Prior to this determination operation, the display control unit 54 causes the display device 24 to display the color selection screen 250 shown in FIG.

  A chart simulation image 252 (simulation image) simulating the arrangement of each color patch 38 on the color chart 36 c is provided at the upper center of the color selection screen 250.

Above the simulated chart image 252, a color bar 254 (gradation image) extending in the left-right direction is provided. The color of the continuous tone so that the L ^* value increases linearly from the right end 254l to the left end 254h of the color bar 254 (meaning that it is linear with respect to the horizontal position of the color bar 254; the same applies hereinafter). Is displayed. That is, the color display of the color bar 254 matches the tendency of color change (L ^* value) according to the arrangement of the color patches 38 (see FIG. 2B).

On the left side of the chart simulation image 252, a color bar 256 (gradation image) extending in the vertical direction is provided. The color bar 256 is displayed in a continuous tone color so that the b ^* value increases linearly from the lower end 256l to the upper end 256h. That is, the color display of the color bar 256 matches the tendency of color change (b ^* value) according to the arrangement of the color patches 38 (see FIG. 2B).

A color bar 258 (gradation image) extending in the left-right direction is provided on the lower left side of the chart simulation image 252. The color bar 258 is displayed in a continuous tone color so that the a ^* value increases linearly from the left end 258l to the right end 258h. That is, the color display of the color bar 258 matches the tendency of color change (a ^* value) according to the arrangement of the color patch 38 (see FIG. 2B).

  The simulated chart image 252 includes 27 patch images 260 and a background portion 262 surrounding each patch image 260.

  Below the chart simulation image 252, a setting field 264 is provided in which the display content can be changed in response to a click operation on a predetermined tab. On the right side of the setting column 264, buttons 266, 268, 270, 272, and 274, which are displayed as [Update Reference Color], [Print], [Confirm], [Return], and [Cancel] in order from the top. Are provided.

  The setting field 264 includes four pull-down menus 280, 282, 284, 286, a button 288 displayed as [Update], an icon 294 simulating a three-dimensional color system, and automatic update / manual of color intervals. A pair of radio buttons 296 are provided for selecting an update alternatively.

The operator inputs the number of patches on the L ^* axis side (“3” in the example of FIG. 7) via the pull-down menu 280 in the setting field 264, and a ^* axis and b ^* axis via the pull-down menu 282. The number of side patches (“3” in the example of FIG. 7) is input. Then, the operator inputs the color interval on the L ^* axis side (color difference Δe = “8” in the example of FIG. 7) via the pull-down menu 284, and the a ^* axis and b ^* axis side via the pull-down menu 286. A color interval (Δe = “8” in the example of FIG. 7) is input.

  Next, the display control unit 54 updates and displays the color selection screen 250 of FIG. 7 (step S33).

  The color chart condition determining unit 86 shown in FIG. 3 reads out and acquires the initial value of the color chart condition determined in advance from the memory 58. Alternatively, the color chart condition determination unit 86 acquires the currently set color chart condition from the color chart condition input unit 110 via the I / F 68 in response to the click operation of the [Update] button 288 by the operator. .

  Then, the color selection display data creation unit 90 acquires the color chart condition from the color chart condition determination unit 86. At this time, the reference color determination unit 92 determines the input value on the input screen 200 (see FIG. 6) as the reference color of the patch image 260 (see FIG. 7). The color interval determination unit 94 determines the input value (pull-down menus 284 and 286 in FIG. 7) in the setting field 264 as the color interval of the patch image 260. The patch number determination unit 96 determines the input value (pull-down menus 280 and 282 in FIG. 7) in the setting field 264 as the patch number of the chart simulation image 252. The color association determination unit 98 determines the correspondence (see FIG. 2B) between the arrangement of each patch image 260 on the chart simulation image 252 and the color value.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the color selection display data creating unit 90 when creating display data corresponding to the chart simulation image 252 will be described with reference to the detailed block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the color selection display data creation unit 90 (see FIG. 3) includes a simulated image creation unit 140 that creates a chart simulated image 252 and a gradation image creation unit 142 that creates color bars 254, 256, and 258. An image superimposing unit 144 that superimposes the chart simulation image 252 and the color bar 254, and a profile processing unit 146 that performs output profile processing (color conversion processing) suitable for the display device 24 on the superimposed image. Prepare.

  The simulated image creation unit 140 uses the number of patches acquired from the color chart condition determination unit 86 to determine address data corresponding to the arrangement position of each patch image 260. Thereafter, the simulated image creating unit 140 determines a color value for each patch image 260 using the reference color, color interval, and color association acquired from the color chart condition determining unit 86. The simulated image creation unit 140 creates a chart simulated image 252 based on the address data and color values of each patch image 260.

  On the other hand, the gradation image creating unit 142 creates a color bar 254 or the like that matches the tendency of color change according to the arrangement of the color patches 38. In the example of FIG. 8, an initial value of the reference color, that is, a color bar 254 having a gradation centered on the second color value input via the input screen 200 (see FIG. 6) is created. Note that the display form of the color bar 254 and the like may be variously changed according to the presentation range.

  Thereafter, the image superimposing unit 144 superimposes the chart simulated image 252 acquired from the simulated image creating unit 140, the color bar 254 acquired from the gradation image creating unit 142, and the like. The image superimposing unit 144 arranges the chart simulation image 252 in a predetermined data area, and arranges color bars 254, 256, and 258 at a predetermined interval on the outer periphery of the three sides.

Thereafter, the profile processing unit 146 performs appropriate profile processing on the display device 24 to be displayed on the superimposed image data acquired from the image superimposing unit 144 to obtain display data. Specifically, conversion from device-independent data (for example, L ^* a ^* b ^* values) to device-dependent data (for example, RGB values) is performed.

  Finally, the display control unit 54 outputs the display data acquired from the profile processing unit 146 via the I / F 70 and causes the display device 24 to display the color selection screen 250 (chart simulation image 252) of FIG.

  Thus, on the color selection screen 250 of FIG. 7, the display color or the number of patch images 260 in the chart simulation image 252 is immediately updated and displayed according to the currently input color chart condition (step S33).

  Next, the operator gives a predetermined operation instruction to cause the printing machine 18 to print the color chart 36c (step S34).

  In response to the click operation of the [Print] button 268 (see FIG. 7) by the operator, the color chart condition determination unit 86 in FIG. 3 is currently set from the color chart condition input unit 110 via the I / F 68. Get the color chart condition.

  Then, the chart print data creation unit 88 performs the color chart conditions (reference color, color interval, patch number, and patch number) acquired from the color chart condition determination unit 86 in the same manner as the above-described operation of the simulated image creation unit 140 (see FIG. 8). Based on the color association), print data for printing the color chart 36c is created.

  Then, the RIP processing unit 50 performs an appropriate process on the print data acquired from the color chart condition determining unit 86 and supplies the processed print data to the print control unit 56. Here, when the print data is data in the PDL format, the RIP processing unit 50 performs processing on the print data via the rasterization processing unit 80 and the output profile processing unit 84. When the print data is raster format data, the RIP processing unit 50 processes the print data via the output profile processing unit 84.

  Then, the print control unit 56 outputs the processed print data via the I / F 74 and causes the printing machine 18 to print the color chart 36c.

  The operator compares and evaluates each color patch 38 in the color chart 36c printed in step S34 and a color sample (specified color) to be reproduced by the printing machine 18. Then, the color patch 38 having the color closest to the color sample is selected from the color chart 36c. For example, the color patch 38 may be selected based on the subjectivity of the operator by performing visual comparison observation. Also, the operator may directly measure each color patch 38 using the colorimeter 20 and select the color patch 38 that is the color closest to the specified color based on the color value.

  The “closest color” in this specification is determined according to a subjective or objective standard. That is, in selecting the color patch 38, it does not matter whether a color having the smallest color difference from the color sample (designated color) can be selected as a result.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus 16 determines whether or not the identification information of the color patch 38 is input (step S35). When a predetermined operation is received, the image processing device 16 determines that the identification information of the color patch 38 has been input. For example, the image processing apparatus 16 selects either the [Update Reference Color] button 266 or the [Confirm] button 270 while the patch image 260 in the chart simulation image 252 (see FIG. 7) is selected. Judged by whether or not there was a click operation.

  In FIG. 7, one color patch 38 {row number 40 is (1), column number 42 in response to the click operation of the mouse 30 by the operator with the pointer 298 placed in the chart simulation image 252. (1)} is selected at this time. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the patch image 300 at the position indicated by the pointer 298 changes to a state in which a frame is attached to the outer periphery.

  Regarding the selection of the color patch 38, only one may be selected if the closeness to the designated color is extremely high. Further, an intermediate color between adjacent color patches 38 may be input using a GUI control such as a color wheel. Further, when none of the colors presented by the 27 color patches 38 corresponds, it may be selected that the color is out of the presentation range. Furthermore, a color sample number, a color value, or the like corresponding to the color of the selected color patch 38 may be directly input via a text box or the like.

  When the identification information of the color patch 38 is not input, the image processing apparatus 16 further determines whether or not there is a history display request (step S36). When a predetermined operation is received, the image processing device 16 determines that a history display request has been made. For example, the image processing device 16 determines whether or not there has been a click operation on the icon 294 in the setting field 264 (see FIG. 7).

  When there is no history display request, the process returns to step S35, and steps S35 and S36 are sequentially repeated. That is, the image processing apparatus 16 stands by until input of identification information of the color patch 38 or a history display request is made.

  By the way, when performing comparative observation of the color chart 36c and the color sample by visual observation, the operator may want to confirm the current position (color value) in the color space. At this time, the worker requests to display the history by clicking the icon 294 shown in FIG.

  In this case, the image processing device 16 acquires a display state variable (step S37). In response to the click operation by the operator, the color selection display data creation unit 90 acquires the currently set display state variable from the display state setting unit 114 via the I / F 70. The display state variables include, for example, the maximum display number of color value plots, selection of display / non-display of various marks, and the position / posture of a three-dimensional color system (both will be described later).

  Then, the display control unit 54 newly displays another window (a history confirmation screen 500 in FIG. 10 described later) according to the input value from the display state setting unit 114. Thereby, auxiliary display for color selection support is performed. The operation of the image processing device 16 for realizing the auxiliary display will be described below with reference to the detailed block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the color selection display data creation unit 90 further includes a 3D image creation unit 148 that creates a 3D history image. The three-dimensional image creation unit 148 includes a current reference color value acquisition unit 150 that acquires a color value of a currently set reference color, a current presentation range acquisition unit 152 that acquires a current presentation range, and a past setting. A past reference color value acquisition unit 154 that acquires a color value of a reference color, a past presentation range acquisition unit 156 that acquires a past presentation range, a color system determination unit 158 that determines the shape of a three-dimensional color system, A position determining unit 160 that determines a position corresponding to a three-dimensional color system in an arbitrary color value, and a color value plot creating unit 162 that adds a plot of each color value to a predetermined three-dimensional color system.

  The current reference color value acquisition unit 150 acquires the current reference color (color value) from the color chart condition determination unit 86. The current presentation range acquisition unit 152 calculates the current presentation range by acquiring the current color chart conditions (reference color, color interval, and number of patches) from the color chart condition determination unit 86.

On the other hand, the color system determination unit 158 determines the shape of the three-dimensional color system used for the 3D history image based on the display state variable acquired from the display state setting unit 114, and creates color system data. Examples of the color system data include variables for each axis (for example, L ^* , a ^* , b ^* ), a range of values for each variable, a projection angle on a plane, and the like.

  The position determination unit 160 uses the color system data acquired from the color system determination unit 158 to determine a position corresponding to the three-dimensional color system in the current reference color acquired from the current reference color value acquisition unit 150. . Similarly, the position determination unit 160 uses the color system data acquired from the color system determination unit 158 to determine the position corresponding to the three-dimensional color system in the current presentation range acquired from the current presentation range acquisition unit 152. decide. Various known coordinate transformation algorithms can be used as a method for determining such a position.

  The color value plot creating unit 162 uses the color system data acquired from the color system determining unit 158, the position information acquired from the position determining unit 160, and the mark image acquired from the mark image storage unit 164 to generate a 3D history. Create an image.

  Thereafter, the profile processing unit 146 performs display processing on the 3D history image data acquired from the 3D image creation unit 148 by performing appropriate profile processing on the display device 24 to be displayed. Finally, the display control unit 54 outputs the display data acquired from the profile processing unit 146 via the I / F 70, and causes the display device 24 to display the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a history confirmation screen 500 is newly displayed on the display device 24 as a window different from the color selection screen 250 (see FIG. 7).

A 3D history image 502 is provided on the left side of the history confirmation screen 500, and a setting field 504 for setting a display state variable is provided on the right side of the history confirmation screen 500. The setting field 504 presents a text box 506 in which the maximum number of plots can be changed, a text box 508 in which the rotation angle of the three-dimensional color system (for example, the rotation angle around the L ^* axis) can be changed, A pair of radio buttons 510 capable of selecting display / non-display of the mark image representing the range and a pair of radio buttons 512 capable of selecting display / non-display of the tracking mark representing the change history of the reference color are provided.

As the 3D history image 502, a three-dimensional coordinate axis 514 including an L ^* axis, an a ^* axis, and a b ^* axis, a plot 516 indicating the position of a reference color with respect to the three-dimensional coordinate axis 514, and a presentation range centered on the plot 516 are shown. A three-dimensional frame 518 to be represented is also displayed.

  In this way, steps S35 to S38 are repeated until it is determined that the identification information of the color patch 38 has been input. For example, the operator performs an operation of changing the input value in the text box 506 to change the input value from 0 to 90. Then, in step S37, the color selection display data creation unit 90 acquires the updated display state variable (step S37).

At this time, the color system determination unit 158 (see FIG. 8) determines the three-dimensional color system with the rotation angle about the L ^* axis as 90 degrees. As a result, each element (three-dimensional coordinate axis 514, plot 516, and three-dimensional frame 518) of the 3D history image 502 in FIG. 10 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the L ^* axis in the three-dimensional coordinate axis 514. Is displayed.

  In this way, the drawing content of the 3D history image 502 is immediately updated and displayed on the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG. 10 according to the currently input display state variable (step S38).

  Note that the window for displaying the history confirmation screen 500 can be closed by clicking the icon 294 again while the history confirmation screen 500 is displayed. Also, by clicking the icon 294 again, the window can be opened again and the history confirmation screen 500 can be displayed.

  The operator selects either the [Update Reference Color] button 266 or the [Confirm] button 270 in a state where the patch image (the patch image 300 indicated by the pointer 298) in the chart simulation image 252 of FIG. 9 is selected. Click one or the other. Then, the process proceeds to the next step (S39). Here, the operator clicks the [Confirm] button 270 when the color is confirmed and the selection work is finished, and when the color is not confirmed, the worker clicks the [Update reference color] button 266.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5, the image processing device 16 determines whether or not the color has been determined (step S <b> 39). In the case where the color is not fixed, that is, after accepting the click operation of the [update reference color] button 266 of FIG. 7, the color chart condition determining unit 86 receives the color chart from the color chart condition input unit 110 via the I / F 68. The conditions are acquired, and the reference color, color interval, and number of patches are updated (step S40). The color chart condition determining unit 86 may update each value of the reference color, the color interval, and the number of patches by applying various determination algorithms. An example is shown below.

  The reference color determination unit 92 in FIG. 3 determines a color value corresponding to the patch image 260 (for example, the patch image 300) input (selected) in step S35 as a new reference value.

  The color interval determination unit 94 automatically (or manually) determines the color interval of the color patch 38 according to the selection result of the pair of radio buttons 296 shown in FIG.

  When “manual” is selected with the pair of radio buttons 296, the color chart condition determining unit 86 determines the same value as the previously determined color interval. Then, when executing step S33 or S34, the operator can freely perform resetting via the pull-down menus 284 and 286. That is, after the input value is changed, the color interval determination unit 94 determines the changed input value as a new color interval in response to a click operation of the [Update] button 288.

  On the other hand, when “automatic” is selected with the pair of radio buttons 296, the color interval determination unit 94 determines a new color interval according to a predetermined rule. For example, in the previous color chart 36c, when it is determined that the color closest to the designated color exists within the presentation range, the color interval determination unit 94 sets a value half the previously determined color interval to a new color interval. Determine as. On the other hand, when it is determined that the color closest to the designated color does not exist in the presentation range, the color interval determination unit 94 determines the same value as the previously determined color interval.

  Next, the color selection display data creation unit 90 adds color chart condition history data (step S41). As shown in FIG. 8, the data storage unit 166 in the color selection display data creation unit 90 stores the color chart condition (first work result) acquired from the color chart condition determination unit 86.

  Next, the display control unit 54 updates and displays the color selection screen 250 of FIG. 9 (step S33), and thereafter repeats steps S33 to S41 until the color is determined.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, it is assumed that the color value P1 selected for the first time is in the illustrated positional relationship on the three-dimensional coordinate axis 514. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11B, a plot 520 is newly displayed at the position of the color value P1. In addition, a solid solid frame 522 representing the first presentation range is newly displayed.

  In addition, an arrow mark 524 pointing to the color (plot 520) selected for the first time from the initial color (plot 516) is newly displayed. The arrow mark 524 may be in any form (shape, pattern, color, etc.) as long as it is a mark image representing the color selection order. For example, a number indicating the order of plotting may be displayed accompanying each plot 516, 520.

  By the way, the plot 516 that has already been displayed is changed from filling to hatching. In addition, the solid frame 518 that has already been displayed is changed from a solid line to a broken line. Thereby, the worker can identify at a glance whether the current reference color (or presentation range) or the past reference color (or presentation range) is present.

  Next, the operation of the color selection display data creation unit 90 will be described in detail. The contents already described in step S38 are omitted.

  First, returning to FIG. 8, the current reference color value acquisition unit 150 acquires the current reference color (color value) from the color chart condition determination unit 86. The current presentation range acquisition unit 152 calculates the current presentation range by acquiring the current color chart conditions (reference color, color interval, and number of patches) from the color chart condition determination unit 86.

  In addition, the past reference color value acquisition unit 154 acquires a past reference color from the data storage unit 166. The past presentation range acquisition unit 156 calculates the past presentation range by acquiring the past color chart conditions from the data storage unit 166.

  Then, the position determination unit 160 uses the color system data acquired from the color system determination unit 158 to determine the position corresponding to the three-dimensional color system in the past reference color acquired from the past reference color value acquisition unit 154. Also decide. Similarly, the position determination unit 160 uses the color system data acquired from the color system determination unit 158 to determine the position corresponding to the three-dimensional color system in the past presentation range acquired from the past presentation range acquisition unit 156. Also decide.

  The color value plot creation unit 162 then displays the color system data acquired from the color system determination unit 158, the current and past position information acquired from the position determination unit 160, and the mark image acquired from the mark image storage unit 164. And a 3D history image is created.

  Similarly, the display control unit 54 displays the history confirmation screen 500 on the display device 24.

  The display control unit 54 changes the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG. 10 to the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG. 11B. In the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG. 11B, the current color chart condition (during the second work) is visualized and displayed on the 3D history image 502. At the same time, the past color chart conditions (first work result) are displayed together as a plot 520 and a three-dimensional frame 522.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12A, it is assumed that the color value P2 selected for the second time is in the positional relationship illustrated on the three-dimensional coordinate axis 514. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, a plot 526 is newly displayed at the position of the color value P2. In addition, a solid solid frame 528 representing the second presentation range is newly displayed. In addition, an arrow mark 530 pointing to the color value (plot 526) selected the second time from the color value (plot 520) selected the first time is newly displayed.

  The operation of the color selection display data creation unit 90 for the auxiliary display is substantially the same as that already described in step S38 (second operation). However, the three-dimensional image creation unit 148 in FIG. 8 is different in that the 3D history image 502 is created based on the past color chart conditions (first and second work results) acquired from the data storage unit 166.

  The display control unit 54 changes the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG. 11B to the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG. 12B. In the history confirmation screen 500 of FIG. 12B, the current color chart condition (during the third work) is visualized and displayed on the 3D history image 502. At the same time, the color chart condition of the first work result is displayed together as a plot 516 and a three-dimensional frame 518, and the color chart condition of the second work result is displayed together as a plot 520 and a three-dimensional frame 522.

  Note that the maximum number of plots displayed is changed in accordance with the change in the input value in the text box 506. For example, when the input value is set to 1, only the current plot (plot 520 in the example of FIG. 11B; plot 526 in the example of FIG. 12B) is displayed.

  In addition, by clicking the pair of radio buttons 510 and changing the presentation range from “display” to “non-display”, mark images representing the presentation range (in the example of FIG. 12B, the three-dimensional frames 518, 522, and 528) are displayed. Disappears. Thereafter, by changing the presentation range from “non-display” to “display”, the three-dimensional frame 518 and the like are displayed again.

  Further, by clicking the pair of radio buttons 512 and changing the tracking mark from “display” to “non-display”, mark images representing the selection order (arrow marks 524 and 530 in the example of FIG. 12B) are displayed. Disappear. Further, the arrow mark 524 or the like is displayed again by changing the mark image from “non-display” to “display”.

  Further, when a predetermined position on the 3D history image 502 is indicated by a pointer (not shown), the color value of each color (plots 516, 520 and 526) and the color difference between the colors (represented by arrow marks 524 and 530) are indicated according to the indicated position. You may make it display at least 1 of a vector, length), or a presentation range (three-dimensional frame 518,522,528). Thereby, the operator can grasp the color information of the selected color patch 38 in detail by a simple operation using the mouse 30 or the like.

  Thus, the three-dimensional frames 518, 522, and 528 representing the presentation range may be displayed together with the plots 516, 520, and 526. Thereby, the worker can determine the validity of the current work content in consideration of not only the movement tendency of the plots 516, 520 and 526 but also the size of each presentation range. For example, the size of the three-dimensional frame 522 (presentation range at the second time) is smaller than the size of the three-dimensional frame 518 (presentation range at the first time), and the size of the three-dimensional frame 528 (presentation range at the third time). However, when the size is smaller than the size of the three-dimensional frame 522, it can be determined that the color selection work is proceeding smoothly in consideration of the first to third work results.

  In addition, the plots 516, 520, and 526 are displayed in different forms (shape, pattern, color, etc.) according to the color selection order (corresponding to the reference color determination order in this embodiment). Easy for the operator to grasp visually. Furthermore, the three-dimensional frames 518, 522, and 528 may be displayed in different forms according to the order of color selection.

On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows another display example of the history confirmation screen 500. For example, in the 3D history image 502, considering the positional relationship between the first plot 540, the second plot 542, the third plot 544, and the fourth plot 546, the search range of the L ^* value and the b ^* value is specified. It is understood that it was not done. In this way, the operator can know that the color selection operation is not appropriate by comparing and considering the current reference color (or presentation range) and the past reference color (or presentation range).

  Instead of the worker, the image processing device 16 may determine the validity of the work content based on a predetermined determination criterion. Further, when it is determined that the image processing apparatus 16 is not appropriate, the image processing apparatus 16 may notify the fact using various means. For example, the 3D image creation unit 148 in FIG. 8 adds a warning mark acquired from the mark image storage unit 164 to the 3D history image 502. Thereby, the display control unit 54 can display the 3D history image 502 with the warning mark on the display device 24. Examples of display warnings include message display, different color display, and blinking display.

  Further, when the presentation range by the color patch 38 exceeds the displayable range of the three-dimensional coordinate axis 514, the fact may be notified using various means. The notification means is not limited to the display means, and may adopt means for appealing in addition to vision, such as generation of a beep sound.

  The worker who has received these notifications can take various actions such as redoing the color selection work and requesting work from another person (particularly an expert).

  Next, the operator refers to the auxiliary display for supporting color selection as necessary, and determines the reference color (the determination means may be automatic or manual), the printing step of the color chart 36c, the color The patch 38 selection step is sequentially performed at least once (steps S33 to S35, S39 to S41). If the color is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step (S42). Hereinafter, during steps S31 to S41, the color value of the color patch 38 selected last (that is, the confirmed color patch 38) corresponds to the first color value (selected color value).

  Next, the first color value acquisition unit 102 acquires the selected color value as the first color value (step S42). In response to a click operation of the “OK” button 270 on the color selection screen 250 (see FIGS. 7 and 9), the first color value acquisition unit 102 receives the color chart from the color chart condition input unit 110 via the I / F 68. While acquiring the conditions, the row number 40 and the column number 42 are acquired from the identification information input unit 112. The first color value acquisition unit 102 then selects a color value (selected color value) corresponding to the color patch 38 selected last based on the reference color, the color interval, the color association, the row number 40, and the column number 42. Calculate / acquire.

  In addition, the second color value acquisition unit 104 acquires the color value input as the designated color as the second color value via the input screen 200 (see FIG. 6). Here, the second color value may be either device-dependent data or device-independent data.

  Finally, the image processing device 16 performs color correction of the electronic document (step S43).

  A first correction method for replacing a predetermined color value in an electronic document (print data) with an appropriate color value will be described below. After execution of step S42, the color value display data creation unit 100 acquires the first and second color values from the color value acquisition unit 62, and acquires the profile of the printing machine 18 from the memory 58 and the like. The color value display data creation unit 100 then displays various data (device-independent data and / or device-dependent data) for causing the display device 24 to display appropriate color information when performing color reproduction using the printing machine 18. Create

  Then, the display control unit 54 causes the display device 24 to display a color selection result screen 700 (including the various data) shown in FIG.

  The operator can correct the color of the electronic document while referring to the color information displayed on the result screen 700.

  In the upper part of the result screen 700, a column 702 for displaying color information (including the second color value) of the designated color input on the input screen 200 (see FIG. 6) is provided.

For example, when a spot color name (pull-down menu 218 in FIG. 6) is input, the spot color name is displayed in the small column 704. In addition, the L ^* a ^* b ^* value corresponding to the spot color name is displayed in the small column 706, the RGB value corresponding to the spot color name is displayed in the small column 708, and the CMYK value corresponding to the spot color name is small. It is displayed in the column 710. Further, the small column 712 also displays that the color value designation method is “designated by a spot color name”.

  In the lower left portion of the result screen 700, a column 714 for displaying a color value (color value of the electronic document) when the designated color is reproduced using the printing machine 18 is provided.

For example, the first color value (device-independent data) that is the selected color value, specifically, the L ^* a ^* b ^* value is displayed in one set of small columns 716, respectively.

A value obtained by converting the first color value into device-dependent data using an arbitrary profile, specifically, an RGB value is displayed in a set of small columns 718. In response to the profile selection operation from the pull-down menu 208 (see FIG. 6), the color value display data creation unit 100 converts the first color value to RGB according to the L ^* a ^* b ^* -RGB conversion table included in the profile. Convert to value. The obtained RGB values are immediately updated and displayed in a set of small fields 718. Note that the profile may be selected again by using the pull-down menu 720 attached to the right side of the small column 718.

Further, a value obtained by converting the first color value into device-dependent data using an arbitrary profile, specifically, a CMYK value is displayed in one set of small columns 722. In response to the profile selection operation from the pull-down menu 212 (see FIG. 6), the color value display data creation unit 100 converts the first color value into CMYK according to the L ^* a ^* b ^* -CMYK conversion table included in the profile. Convert to value. The obtained CMYK values are immediately updated and displayed in a set of small fields 722. Note that the profile may be selected again by using a pull-down menu 724 attached to the right side of the small column 722.

In the lower right part of the result screen 700, a column 726 for displaying the correction value of the spot color database is provided. For example, the first color value (device-independent data) that is the selected color value, specifically, the L ^* a ^* b ^* value is displayed in one set of small columns 728, respectively. Further, using the profile input in the pull-down menu 212 (see FIG. 6), a value obtained by converting the first color value into device-dependent data, specifically, a CMYK value is displayed in a set of sub-columns 730. The

  The operator acquires any of the color information displayed on the result screen 700, and corrects the color value of the electronic document using the color information. For example, the print data correction unit 108 (see FIG. 3) having a data editing function may be corrected.

Furthermore, the management information (L ^* a ^* b ^* or CMYK) of the spot color database managed by the inside of the image processing apparatus 16 or its external apparatus (for example, the database DB) may be automatically or manually updated to the correction value described above. it can. By using the updated spot color data, the color of the printed material 36 can be adjusted.

  Further, as a second correction method, a method of correcting the color conversion table provided in the profile may be employed. Specifically, the profile correction unit 106 receives the first color value that is the color value of the designated color and the second color value that is selected and obtained as the color closest to the designated color from the color value obtaining unit 62. get. Then, the profile correction unit 106 corrects the profile by correcting the color conversion table so as to perform color adjustment based on the difference amount between the first and second color values.

  As described above, the fine adjustment of the color of the printed matter 36 is completed (step S3).

  As described above, when the step of determining the reference color, the step of printing the color chart 36c, and the step of selecting the color patch 38 having a color close to the designated color are sequentially executed at least once, each color of the selected color patch 38 is selected. Are displayed as plots 516, 520, and 526 in a three-dimensional color system. The worker can visually recognize the color search range in the current color chart 36c based on the relative positional relationship in the three-dimensional color system of each color selected most recently or in the past, and has poor printing knowledge. Even so, it can be grasped intuitively. Thereby, the worker can perform the color adjustment work while confirming the validity of the current work content regardless of the skill level. In other words, the operator can efficiently select a color close to the designated color without spending unnecessary work man-hours under appropriate adjustment work.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can change freely in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

  In this embodiment, display / non-display of the history confirmation screen 500 can be selected in accordance with the click operation of the icon 294. However, during the color selection work, it may be always displayed on the screen of the display device 24. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 18 is configured to be an inkjet system, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the effects of the present invention can be obtained even with an electrophotography, a thermal system, or the like. The output form is not limited to hard copy, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to soft copy, that is, an image display device (or various display methods).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing system 16 ... Image processing device 18 ... Printing machine 20 ... Colorimeter 22 ... Main body 24 ... Display device 26 ... Input device 34 ... Media 36 ... Printed matter 36c ... Color chart 38 ... Color patch 50 ... RIP processing part 52 ... Control unit 54 ... Display control unit 56 ... Print control unit 58 ... Memory 60 ... Color selection support processing unit 62 ... Color value acquisition unit 64 ... Print color adjustment unit 86 ... Color chart condition determination unit 88 ... Chart print data creation unit 90 ... Color selection display data creation unit 100 ... Color value display data creation unit 102 ... First color value acquisition unit 104 ... Second color value acquisition unit 106 ... Profile correction unit 108 ... Print data correction unit 110 ... Color chart condition input unit 112 ... Identification information input unit 114 ... display state setting unit 140 ... simulated image creation unit 142 ... gradation image creation unit 144 ... image superposition unit 1 8 ... 3D image creation unit 150 ... Current reference color value acquisition unit 152 ... Current presentation range acquisition unit 154 ... Past reference color value acquisition unit 156 ... Past presentation range acquisition unit 158 ... Color system determination unit 160 ... Position determination unit 162 ... Color value plot creation unit 200 ... Input screen 250 ... Color selection screen 252 ... Chart simulation image 254, 256, 258 ... Color bar 260, 300 ... Patch image 264 ... Setting column 500 ... History confirmation screen 502 ... 3D history image 504 ... Setting field 514 ... Three-dimensional coordinate axes 516, 520, 526, 540, 542, 544, 546 ... Plot 518, 522, 528 ... Solid frame 524, 530 ... Arrow mark

Claims (13)

After determining a reference color and printing a color chart including a plurality of color patches composed of the reference color or the vicinity thereof, at least one color patch having a color close to a designated color to be reproduced on the printed matter, A color selection support method for allowing an operator to select from a color chart,
Determining step of variably determining a presentation range of colors by the plurality of color patches with the reference color, the printing step for printing the color chart, and a selection step of selecting a color color patch close to the designated color at least twice When running sequentially,
A color selection support method comprising: a display step of simultaneously displaying at least two presentation range marks representing the presentation ranges determined sequentially in a three-dimensional graph composed of three types of color components . The color selection support method according to claim 1,
Wherein in the display step, the color selection support method and displaying together with previous SL presents a range marked plots mark indicating the color of sequentially selected color patches in the selection step. The color selection support method according to claim 2 ,
In the display step, the presentation range mark and / or the plot mark are displayed in different forms according to the selection order in the selection step . The color selection support method according to claim 2 or 3,
In the determining step, the number of the color patches or the color interval between the color patches is variably determined . The color selection support method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
In the display step, a selection order mark representing the selection order of each color is displayed together with the presentation range mark . The color selection support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
An instruction step for indicating a position on the three-dimensional graph ;
In the display step, at least one of a color value of each color selected in the selection step and a color difference between the colors is further displayed according to the designated position on the three-dimensional graph. Characteristic color selection support method. The color value acquisition which acquires the selection color value which is a color value according to the color patch selected as the color nearest to the said designated color using the color selection support method of any one of Claims 1-6 A color value acquisition method comprising steps. A first color value that is a color value corresponding to a color patch selected as a color closest to the designated color is obtained using the color selection support method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . An acquisition step;
A second acquisition step of acquiring a second color value that is a color value of the designated color;
An image processing method comprising: a color adjustment step of performing color adjustment of the printed material to be printed based on the acquired first color value and the second color value. After determining a reference color and printing a color chart including a plurality of color patches composed of the reference color or the vicinity thereof, at least one color patch having a color close to a designated color to be reproduced on the printed matter, A color selection support device for allowing an operator to select from among color charts,
A color chart condition determining unit that variably determines a display range of colors by the plurality of color patches together with the reference color;
A print control unit for instructing printing of the color chart corresponding to the reference color and the presentation range;
An identification information input unit for inputting identification information related to a color patch of a color close to the specified color selected from the color chart;
When the reference color and the presentation range are determined by the color chart condition determination unit, the color chart is printed by an instruction from the print control unit, and the identification information is input by the identification information input unit at least twice. A color selection support device, comprising: a display unit that simultaneously displays at least two presentation range marks representing the presentation ranges determined sequentially in a three-dimensional graph composed of three types of color components . The color selection support device according to claim 9 ,
A color value acquisition unit that acquires a selected color value that is a color value according to a color patch selected as a color closest to the specified color;
Wherein the display unit, a color selection support device according to claim further that that displays color information regarding to said selected color value acquired by the color value acquisition portion. The color selection support device according to claim 10 , wherein
Using a profile of a printing press for printing the printed matter, further comprising a data conversion unit for converting the selected color value into device-dependent data of the printing press;
The color selection support apparatus, wherein the display unit further displays the device-dependent data converted by the data conversion unit. The color selection support device according to claim 9 ,
A first color value acquisition unit that acquires a first color value that is a color value corresponding to a color patch selected as a color closest to the specified color;
A second color value acquisition unit that acquires a second color value that is a color value of the specified color;
Based on the acquired first and second color value by the first and second color value acquiring unit, a color characterized by having a print color adjustment unit that performs color adjustment of the printed matter to be printed Selection support device. After determining a reference color and printing a color chart including a plurality of color patches composed of the reference color or the vicinity thereof, at least one color patch having a color close to a designated color to be reproduced on the printed matter, A color selection support program for allowing an operator to select from a color chart,
Computer
A color chart condition determining unit that variably determines a display range of colors by the plurality of color patches together with the reference color ;
Print control unit for instructing the printing of the color chart corresponding to the previous SL reference color and the presentation range,
Before SL selected from a color chart, the identification information input unit for inputting identification information on the color patch of a color close to the designated color,
Determination of the reference color and the presentation range by the color chart condition determiner, the printing printing of the color chart by an instruction from the control unit, and the identification information input unit and the identifier input the case of sequentially executed at least twice the information by Color selection support characterized by functioning as a display control unit for simultaneously displaying at least two presentation range marks representing the presentation range determined sequentially in a three-dimensional graph composed of three kinds of color components program.

Images