JP5845688B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, in full-color images, there is a problem that the color of input image data differs from the color of an output image such as an image printed on a recording sheet or an image displayed on a monitor screen based on the input image data. Various methods have been proposed to solve such problems. For example, as a color matching function provided by an OS (operating system) of a computer system, a color conversion table describing color characteristics of an input device or an output device is prepared, and image data is obtained by using the color conversion table of the input device. By converting to a color expression coordinate system that does not depend on the image, and further converting to the coordinate system unique to the output device using the color conversion table of the output device, the difference in color characteristics between devices is absorbed, and the output image is input. Those that reproduce the color of an image are known.

  Also, in the so-called designer and printing industry, color correction work for output images depending on human eyes is performed. In this color correction operation, digitally processed image data is taken into a computer via an input device by a user operation. Then, the user processes and edits the image data using application software on the computer, and outputs the edited image data from the output device. The final finish of the output image is confirmed visually by the user. The above processing is repeated until an output image having a color desired by the user is obtained. As described above, the process of correcting the color difference caused by the difference in the color characteristics between the devices often relies on the experience of humans who handle image data and the can. In the color correction work, it is necessary to repeat color correction, printing, and confirmation until a desired color is obtained. For this reason, it is difficult to establish a unified color conversion rule. In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, when performing color correction, a correction amount to be corrected from a color desired by the user is obtained by GUI (Graphical User Interface), and the correction amount Discloses a method for correcting a color conversion table instead of image data. In this method, since the GUI means is used, the user can specify what color the specified color is to be corrected by an intuitive operation.

  However, as described above, even when a color conversion table modified according to the user's wishes is used, when printing is performed with the color specified by the user, the recording mode, recording paper, ink used, etc. Depending on the conditions, there is a problem that the amount of ink adhering to the recording paper becomes excessive and blurring leads to image degradation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program capable of correcting a color desired by a user while preventing deterioration in image quality.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus for forming an image by ejecting a colorant onto recording paper based on image data. Receiving means for receiving a target area which is a part or all of the target area and a color correction instruction for instructing a correction color of the target area, the correction color, and the image forming apparatus of the correction color at a predetermined first resolution. The first color conversion table that associates the first output color used when forming the output image, the correction color, and the correction at the second resolution that the image forming apparatus has a higher resolution than the first resolution. Storage means for storing a second color conversion table that associates a second output color to be used when forming an output image of color, and corresponds to the correction color based on the correction color and the first resolution The first out A discharge amount specifying means for specifying a colorant discharge amount per unit area of the recording paper, which is required when forming a color output image, and comparing the colorant discharge amount with a preset allowable amount, When the colorant discharge amount is less than or equal to the allowable amount, the correction color is converted into the first output color with reference to the first color conversion table, and the colorant discharge amount is greater than the allowable amount. Color conversion means for converting the corrected color into the second output color with reference to the second color conversion table, and the color of the first output color when the colorant discharge amount is less than or equal to the allowable amount When an output image of the target area is formed at the first resolution using an agent, and the colorant discharge amount is larger than the allowable amount, the colorant of the second output color is used at the second resolution when the colorant discharge amount is larger than the allowable amount. and an image forming means for forming an output image of the target area, the discharge amount specifying hands Refers to the first color conversion table, identifies the first output color associated with the correction color, and sets the first output color, the resolution, and the colorant discharge amount that are set in advance. The colorant discharge amount is calculated from the identified first output color and the first resolution using a relational expression .

The present invention is also an image forming method executed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image by discharging a colorant onto recording paper based on image data, the image forming apparatus being designated by a user. A first color conversion table in which the correction color is associated with a first output color used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the correction color at a predetermined first resolution; and the correction color; A memory that stores a second color conversion table that associates a second output color that is used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the corrected color at a second resolution that is higher than the first resolution. A receiving step for receiving a color correction instruction for instructing a target area that is a part or all of the image data and a correction color of the target area from the user; and Correction A discharge amount specifying step of specifying a colorant discharge amount per unit area of the recording paper, which is required when forming an output image of the first output color corresponding to the correction color, based on the first resolution; The color conversion unit compares the colorant discharge amount with a predetermined allowable amount, and when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, the correction color is determined with reference to the first color conversion table. A color conversion step of converting to the first output color and converting the correction color to the second output color with reference to the second color conversion table when the colorant discharge amount is larger than the allowable amount; The image forming unit forms an output image of the target area at the first resolution using the colorant of the first output color when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, and the colorant discharge When the amount is larger than the allowable amount, the colorant of the second output color is used. Look including an image forming step of forming an output image of the target region in the second resolution Te, the discharge amount specifying step, the discharge amount specifying means, by referring to the first color conversion table, the revised color The first output color associated with the first output color, the first output color identified using the relational expression of the first output color, the resolution, and the colorant discharge amount set in advance; The colorant discharge amount is calculated from the first resolution .

The present invention also provides a first color in which a correction color designated by a user is associated with a first output color used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the correction color at a predetermined first resolution. A conversion table, the correction color, and a second output color used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the correction color at a second resolution higher than the first resolution are associated with each other. A computer having a storage means for storing a two-color conversion table; a receiving means for receiving from the user a color correction instruction that specifies a target area that is a part or all of the image data and a correction color of the target area; Based on the corrected color and the first resolution, the colorant discharge amount per unit area of the recording paper required when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the first output color corresponding to the corrected color Specific And comparing the colorant discharge amount with a preset allowable amount, and when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, refer to the first color conversion table and Color conversion for converting a corrected color into the first output color and converting the corrected color into the second output color with reference to the second color conversion table when the colorant discharge amount is larger than the allowable amount And an output image of the target area is formed at the first resolution using the colorant of the first output color when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, and the colorant discharge amount is When the amount is larger than the allowable amount , the discharge amount specifying unit is configured to function as an image forming unit that forms an output image of the target area with the second resolution using the colorant of the second output color . With reference to the color conversion table, the first output associated with the corrected color is referred to. The color is specified, and the first output color, the resolution, and the colorant discharge amount that are set in advance are used to specify the first output color and the colorant discharge amount from the first resolution. Is a program for calculating

  According to the present invention, in the first resolution, when the colorant discharge amount required to form an image by correcting the color to the correction color designated by the user exceeds a preset allowable amount, The resolution is changed to a second resolution higher than the first resolution, and a corrected color image is formed at the second resolution after the change, so that an image of the color desired by the user is formed while preventing image deterioration such as ink bleeding. There is an effect that can be done.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the processing unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the first color conversion table 111. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the second color conversion table 112. FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining the allowable amount. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining the allowable amount. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data configuration of the first allowable amount table 121 stored in the allowable amount table storage unit 120. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing image forming processing by the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing image forming processing by the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing image forming processing by the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main configuration of hardware of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 11 is a side view of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the processing unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system 60 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the processing unit 800 of the printer 80.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a target for image formation (printing) such as image data input from the outside or image data input from the outside and stored in a hard disk drive (HDD) described later. A predetermined color conversion is performed on the image data. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a recording sheet by ejecting a colorant by an ink jet method according to the image data after color conversion. Specifically, the colorant is a plurality of colors of ink, and in the present embodiment, the ink is four colors of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). Furthermore, when forming an image, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment corrects a predetermined color in the image data to a color desired by the user in accordance with an instruction from the user. Hereinafter, a specific configuration will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the processing unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1. The processing unit 100 includes a receiving unit 101, a color conversion table storage unit 110, a discharge amount specifying unit 102, a setting information specifying unit 103, an allowable amount table storage unit 120, an allowable amount determining unit 104, and a printing mode determination. A unit 105, a notification unit 106, a color conversion unit 107, and an image forming unit 108 are provided.

  The accepting unit 101 accepts various instructions input by the user from the input device 200 of the image forming apparatus 1. The instructions input from the user include a print instruction for image data, a color correction instruction for printing, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 can perform color conversion of a plurality of profiles (types) such as sRGB and Adobe (registered trademark) RGB, and a color conversion profile designated by the user is included in a print instruction. The color conversion information shown is included.

  The color correction instruction is information for instructing correction of a part or all of the image data to be printed. The color correction instruction includes information indicating a corrected color that is a corrected color desired by the user and information indicating a target area in which the color correction to the corrected color is reflected. The target area may be a partial area in the image data or the entire image data.

  The user can specify a correction color and a target area using a user interface provided in the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, using the input device 200 such as a keyboard or a touch panel, the user directly inputs a numerical value indicating the color of the color space independent of the device as a correction color. As a device-independent color space, there is a CIE-L * a * b * color space.

  As another example in which the user specifies the correction color, the user may input a color number in a color sample book or a DIC (registered trademark) chip as the correction color using the input device 200. As another example, the user selects a desired patch from among a plurality of printed color sample patches, and uses the input device 200 to input the color identification number of the selected patch as a correction color. Also good. As another example, the user may select a desired object from objects such as skin, sky, grass, and face preset in the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, in the image forming apparatus 1, the color stored in association with the selected object is designated as the correction color.

  Further, when designating the target area, the user displays image data to be printed on the monitor 202 provided in the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the user uses the input device 200 such as a pointing device to select a desired region in the image data as a target region. As another example, the user may select an object constituting image data such as a character, a photograph, a line drawing, or a figure as a target area. As another example, the user may select an area of any color in the image data as the target area. Further, the target area may be designated by combining these methods. When the target region and the correction color are specified by the input from the user as described above, the receiving unit 101 receives a target region specified by the user and a color correction instruction including the correction color.

  The color conversion table storage unit 110 stores three color conversion tables 111 to 113. The image forming apparatus 1 has three print modes, and the three color conversion tables 111 to 113 correspond to the respective print modes. Here, the print mode will be described. The print mode is a mode related to settings when the image forming apparatus 1 forms (prints) an output image by ejecting ink (colorant) onto recording paper. The color conversion setting and resolution setting during image formation differ for each print mode.

  The first print mode is a mode for forming an image that emphasizes the overall balance of the image in order to express a natural image or the like with a good impression. The resolution at the time of image formation is the first resolution that is a normal resolution. Is set. Each of the second print mode and the third print mode is a mode for forming an image giving priority to color reproduction faithfully in colorimetry with respect to image data to be printed. The resolution at the time of image formation is set to the first resolution in the second print mode, whereas in the third print mode, the resolution is set to a second resolution higher than the first resolution. Note that the first resolution and the second resolution are values set in advance in the image forming apparatus 1, and these values are the types of recording paper used in the image forming apparatus 1 when setting the image forming apparatus 1, and the like. It is desirable to be determined according to the type of ink.

  The first print mode is a normal print mode that is set when the accepting unit 101 accepts only a print instruction and does not accept a color correction instruction. In the first print mode, color conversion of color values of image data is performed, and an image is formed based on the data after color conversion. The second print mode and the third print mode are print modes that are set when the reception unit 101 receives a color correction instruction together with a print instruction. In the second print mode and the third print mode, for the target area indicated in the color correction instruction, color conversion is performed on the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction instead of the color value of the target area of the image data. An image corresponding to the image data is formed based on the later data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the first color conversion table 111. In the first color conversion table 111, the input color and the output color are associated with each other. The input color is a color value of image data. The output color is a color value after color conversion with respect to the input color. The image forming apparatus 1 can perform color conversion of a plurality of profiles. Correspondingly, in the first color conversion table 111, a plurality of different types of profiles are provided for one input color. A plurality of associated output colors are associated. The first color conversion table 111 is a table corresponding to the first print mode. In other words, the output color stored in the first color conversion table 111 is obtained by performing color conversion that forms an image of the first resolution with an emphasis on the overall balance as described above on the input color. Is the color value to be obtained.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the second color conversion table 112. In the second color conversion table 112, the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction, the output color, and the ink (colorant) discharge amount are associated with each other. Furthermore, in the second color conversion table 112, a plurality of output colors associated with each of a plurality of different types of profiles and a plurality of ink ejection amounts associated with each of the plurality of output colors in one correction color. Are associated with each other. The output color of the second color conversion table 112 is a color value after color conversion for the correction color.

  The second color conversion table 112 is a table corresponding to the second print mode. That is, the output color stored in the second color conversion table 112 is a color conversion that forms an image of the first resolution, giving priority to color reproduction that is colorimetrically faithful to the corrected color as described above. It is a color value obtained by applying.

  The ink discharge amount is a total value of the amount of ink of each color required when the image forming apparatus 1 forms an output image. In the present embodiment, the total amount of ink per unit area of the recording paper is used as the ink discharge amount. The ink discharge amount is a value determined based on the output color and resolution. The ink discharge amount stored in the second color conversion table 112 is a value determined based on the first resolution and the corresponding output color.

  The data configuration of the third color conversion table 113 is the same as that of the second color conversion table 112. That is, in the third color conversion table 113, the correction color, the output color, and the ink discharge amount are associated with each other. Further, in the third color conversion table 113, a plurality of output colors associated with each of a plurality of different types of profiles and a plurality of ink ejection amounts associated with each of a plurality of output colors in one correction color. Are associated.

  The third color conversion table 113 is a table corresponding to the third print mode. In other words, the output color stored in the third color conversion table 113 is a color conversion that forms an image of the second resolution, giving priority to color reproduction faithfully in the colorimetric manner as described above with respect to the corrected color. It is a color value obtained by applying. The ink discharge amount stored in the third color conversion table 113 is a value determined based on the second resolution and the corresponding output color.

  The output color and the ink discharge amount are values that depend on the resolution at the time of image formation. Therefore, in the second print mode and the third print mode with different resolutions, even when the same color conversion is performed, the output color and the ink ejection amount for reproducing the same hue with respect to the corrected color are not necessarily limited. It is not always the same value. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the second color conversion table 112 and the third color conversion table 113 corresponding to the second print mode and the third print mode are provided separately.

  In this embodiment, the color conversion tables 111 to 113 store RGB values as output colors. However, as another example, the color conversion tables 111 to 113 have RGB values as output colors. Alternatively, the CMYK values after color conversion of the RGB values may be stored.

  The discharge amount specifying unit 102 specifies the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction when the receiving unit 101 receives a print instruction specifying image data and a profile, and further receives a color correction instruction for the image data specified in the print instruction. To do. The discharge amount specifying unit 102 specifies the ink discharge amount required for forming an output image of the output color corresponding to the correction color at the first resolution based on the first resolution and the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction. To do. Specifically, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 refers to the second color conversion table 112 in which the ink discharge amount at the first resolution is stored, and from among a plurality of ink discharge amounts associated with the correction color. The ink ejection amount associated with the profile indicated in the print instruction is specified.

  Further, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 specifies an ink discharge amount required when forming an image of an output color corresponding to the correction color at the second resolution based on the second resolution and the correction color. Specifically, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 refers to the third color conversion table 113 in which the ink discharge amount at the second resolution is stored, and from among a plurality of ink discharge amounts associated with the correction color. The ink ejection amount associated with the profile indicated in the print instruction is specified. The setting information specifying unit 103 specifies the type of recording paper and the type of ink as setting information from information set in the printer driver of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The allowable amount table storage unit 120 stores a first allowable amount table 121 and a second allowable amount table 122. Each allowable amount table 121, 122 stores an allowable amount. Here, the allowable amount is the total amount of ink of each color that can be ejected per unit area of the recording paper.

  4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the allowable amount. FIG. 4A is a diagram of the recording paper to which ink is attached as viewed from the top surface of the paper. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the recording paper to which ink is attached. As shown in FIG. 4A, when an image is formed at 600 dpi and when an image is formed at 1200 dpi, the ink droplet size (dot size) ejected onto the recording paper and the same area of the recording paper are attached. The ink amount is different. The size of the ink droplet 510 at a resolution of 1200 dpi is smaller than the size of the ink droplet 500 at a resolution of 600 dpi. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the penetration area of the ink droplet 510 in the recording paper thickness direction at a resolution of 1200 dpi is larger than the penetration area of the ink droplet 500 in the thickness direction of the recording paper at a resolution of 600 dpi. small. From the above, it can be seen that the amount of ink ejection required to satisfy the same area of the recording paper is smaller as the resolution is higher. That is, by increasing the resolution, an image can be formed with a smaller amount of ink.

  Furthermore, if the amount of ink discharged is large and the amount of ink adhering to the recording paper is excessive, bleeding occurs on the recording paper and image degradation becomes a problem. The allowable amount is the maximum value of the ink discharge amount that can form a good image without image deterioration. The allowable amount is a value determined by the resolution at the time of image formation, the type of recording paper, and the type of ink.

  The first tolerance table 121 and the second tolerance table 122 are tables corresponding to the first resolution and the second resolution, respectively, and each tolerance table 121, 122 stores an allowance at each resolution. . FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data configuration of the first allowable amount table 121 stored in the allowable amount table storage unit 120. In the first allowable amount table 121, combinations of recording paper types, ink types, and allowable amounts are associated with each other. The data configuration of the second allowable amount table 122 is the same as the data configuration of the first allowable amount table 121.

  The allowable amount determination unit 104 refers to the first allowable amount table 121 stored in the allowable amount table storage unit 120, and the recording paper type and the ink type indicated in the setting information specified by the setting information specifying unit 103. The allowable amount associated with the combination is identified. Similarly, the allowable amount determination unit 104 refers to the second allowable amount table 122 and identifies the allowable amount. The allowable amount specified with reference to the first allowable amount table 121 is the allowable amount at the first resolution, and the allowable amount specified with reference to the second allowable amount table 122 is the allowable amount at the second resolution. is there.

  As described above, since the allowable amount suitable for the setting information is stored in advance in the allowable amount table storage unit 120 for each resolution, the allowable amount determination unit 104 refers to the allowable amount table storage unit 120 by referring to the allowable amount table storage unit 120. The allowable amount suitable for the setting of the image forming apparatus 1 such as the resolution at the time of image formation, the type of recording paper, and the type of ink can be specified.

  When the receiving unit 101 receives a print instruction, the print mode determining unit 105 determines a print mode for image data to be printed. The print mode determination unit 105 sets the first print mode when the reception unit 101 does not receive a color correction instruction. When the receiving unit 101 receives a color correction instruction, the print mode determining unit 105 determines the ink discharge amount specified by the discharge amount specifying unit 102 and the first resolution or the second resolution determined by the allowable amount determining unit 104. The print mode is determined according to the comparison result. The notification unit 106 appropriately outputs information to be notified to the user via the monitor 202 in accordance with an instruction from the print mode determination unit 105.

  The color conversion unit 107 specifies a color conversion table corresponding to the print mode determined by the print mode determination unit 105 from the color conversion tables 111 to 113 stored in the color conversion table storage unit 110. When the first print mode is set, the color conversion unit 107 refers to the first color conversion table 111 and converts the color value of the image data into an output color. When the second print mode or the third print mode is set, the color conversion unit 107 refers to the second color conversion table 112 or the third color conversion table 113, respectively, and corrects the color indicated in the color correction instruction. Is converted into an output color associated with the profile indicated in the print instruction.

  The image forming unit 108 uses the output color after color conversion by the color conversion unit 107 to form an output image determined by the print mode determination unit 105 and set in the print mode. Specifically, when the first print mode is set, the image forming unit 108 discharges the ink of the output color obtained from the image data onto the recording paper, thereby the first corresponding to the image data. A resolution image is formed. When the second print mode is set, the image forming unit 108 ejects the output color ink obtained from the correction color indicated by the color correction instruction by the color conversion unit 107 onto the recording paper, thereby generating an image. A first resolution image corresponding to the target area of data is formed. When the third print mode is set, the image forming unit 108 uses the output color ink obtained from the corrected color by the color conversion unit 107 and uses the second resolution corresponding to the target area of the image data. Form an image.

  6 to 8 are flowcharts showing image forming processing by the image forming apparatus 1. First, the receiving unit 101 receives a print instruction specifying image data and a profile (step S100). Here, the information specifying the profile corresponds to the color conversion information.

  If the accepting unit 101 does not accept the color correction instruction together with the print instruction (No at Step S101), the print mode determining unit 105 determines the print mode for all the areas of the image data as the first print mode (Step S101). S102). Next, the color conversion unit 107 refers to the first color conversion table 111 corresponding to the first print mode, and outputs each color value of the image data, that is, the input color, associated with the profile indicated in the print instruction. The color is converted into a color (step S103). Next, the image forming unit 108 forms an image of the first resolution corresponding to the image data using the output color ink obtained by the color conversion unit 107 (step S104). Thus, the image forming process when there is no color correction instruction is completed.

  On the other hand, when the reception unit 101 receives a color correction instruction in step S101 (step S101, Yes), the setting information specifying unit 103 specifies setting information (step S110). Next, the allowable amount determination unit 104 refers to the first allowable amount table 121 and the second allowable amount table 122 stored in the allowable amount table storage unit 120 and sets the setting information specified by the setting information specifying unit 103, That is, the allowable amount associated with the type of recording paper and the type of ink is specified (step S111). That is, the allowable amount determination unit 104 specifies the allowable amount in the first resolution and the allowable amount in the second resolution.

  Then, the following processing is repeated until the print mode for all the target areas indicated in the color correction instruction is determined (step S112). That is, when the print mode for all the target areas has not been determined (No in step S112), first, the ejection amount specifying unit 102 first sets the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction and the profile indicated in the print instruction, Based on one resolution, the ink ejection amount at the first resolution is specified (step S113). Specifically, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 refers to the second color conversion table 112 in which the ink discharge amount at the first resolution is stored, and a plurality of inks associated with the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction. Among the discharge amounts, the ink discharge amount associated with the profile indicated in the print instruction is specified.

  Next, the print mode determination unit 105 compares the allowable amount at the first resolution determined by the allowable amount determination unit 104 with the ink discharge amount at the first resolution specified by the discharge amount specifying unit 102. If the ink discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount (step S114, Yes), the print mode determination unit 105 determines the print mode of the target area to be the second print mode of the first resolution (step S115), and step S112. Proceed to As described above, when the ink discharge amount at the first resolution specified by the discharge amount specifying unit 102 is equal to or less than the allowable amount at the first resolution, the print mode determination unit 105 performs the image formation at the first resolution. The two print modes are determined as print modes for the target area.

  On the other hand, when the ink discharge amount at the first resolution is larger than the allowable amount at the first resolution in step S114 (No in step S114), the discharge amount specifying unit 102 specifies the correction color and the print instruction indicated in the color correction instruction. The ink discharge amount at the second resolution is specified based on the profile shown in FIG. 5 and the second resolution (step S120). Specifically, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 refers to the third color conversion table 113 in which the ink discharge amount at the second resolution is stored, and a plurality of inks associated with the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction. Among the discharge amounts, the ink discharge amount associated with the profile indicated in the print instruction is specified.

  Next, the print mode determination unit 105 compares the allowable amount at the second resolution determined by the allowable amount determination unit 104 with the ink discharge amount at the second resolution specified by the discharge amount specifying unit 102. If the ink ejection amount at the second resolution is less than or equal to the allowable amount at the second resolution (step S121, Yes), the print mode determination unit 105 determines the print mode of the target area as the third print mode (step S122). ), And proceeds to step S112. As described above, when the ink discharge amount at the second resolution specified by the discharge amount specifying unit 102 is equal to or less than the allowable amount at the second resolution, the print mode determination unit 105 performs the image formation at the second resolution. Three print modes are determined as print modes for the target area.

  The third print mode is set to a higher resolution than the second print mode. For this reason, the amount of ink ejection required to form an output color image corresponding to the same correction color can be reduced. Therefore, even if the ink discharge amount exceeds the allowable amount in the second print mode, the ink discharge amount may be suppressed to the allowable amount or less in the third print mode with higher resolution. In such a case, the print mode determination unit 105 according to the present embodiment sets the third print mode with a higher resolution.

  If the ink discharge amount exceeds the allowable amount, it may be possible to correct the image so that the ink discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount. However, when the image is corrected, it may be color-converted to a color different from the correction color specified by the user. This achieves the original purpose of forming an image with the correction color specified by the user. I can't. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the first resolution exceeds the allowable amount, if the second resolution is less than the allowable amount, the higher-resolution first image is displayed. By setting the second resolution third print mode, it is possible to form an image with a correction color as desired by the user while preventing image deterioration by reducing the ink ejection amount.

  In step S121, when the ink discharge amount is larger than the allowable amount (step S121, No), the notification unit 106 notifies the user that printing with the correction color cannot be performed (step S130). Specifically, a notification screen indicating that printing with the corrected color cannot be performed is displayed on the monitor 202.

  In response to this, in accordance with the input from the user, the accepting unit 101 has accepted an instruction to permit printing in a color different from the correction color and to perform printing in a color close to the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction. In that case (step S131, Yes, step S132, Yes), the print mode determination unit 105 determines the print mode of the target area to be the third print mode (step S133), and proceeds to step S112. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 1 can form an output image having an output color that is relatively close to the correction color, although the ink discharge amount exceeds the allowable amount at the second resolution.

  Further, in accordance with the input from the user, the accepting unit 101 accepts an instruction that permits printing in a color different from the correction color and does not perform color correction to a color close to the correction color indicated in the color correction instruction. In that case (step S131, Yes, step S132, No), the print mode determination unit 105 determines the print mode of the target area to be the first print mode (step S134). As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can form an output image subjected to natural color conversion without impairing the image quality, although it cannot reflect the corrected color.

  If it is determined in step S131 that permission for printing with a color different from the correction color is not received from the user (No in step S131), the image forming apparatus 1 stops the image forming process, that is, printing (step S135). , The process ends. Note that if the output image of the corrected color can be formed with an ink discharge amount that is less than the allowable amount by changing the type of recording paper or ink used for image formation, the notification unit 106 notifies the user of that fact. It is good also as notifying.

  When the print mode is determined for all the target areas indicated in the color correction instruction in step S112 (step S112, Yes), the print mode determination unit 105 then prints the print mode for the area without the color correction instruction. Is determined as the first print mode (step S140). Next, the color conversion unit 107 specifies a color conversion table corresponding to the print mode set for each area of the image data from the color conversion tables 111 to 113 stored in the color conversion table storage unit 110. Then, referring to the specified color conversion table, the color value of each area or the color value of the corrected color is color-converted to an output value associated with the profile indicated in the print instruction (step S141).

  Specifically, the color conversion unit 107 refers to the first color conversion table 111 in the first print mode for an area without a color correction instruction, and associates it with an input color that is a color value of image data. Color conversion to output color. The color conversion unit 107 refers to the second color conversion table 112 for the area set to the second print mode among the target areas related to the color correction instruction, and sets the color to the output color associated with the correction color. Convert. The color conversion unit 107 refers to the third color conversion table 113 for the area set in the third print mode among the areas related to the color correction instruction, and performs color conversion to the output color associated with the correction color. To do. The color conversion unit 107 refers to the first color conversion table 111 for an area set in the first print mode among the areas related to the color correction instruction, and the output color associated with the input color of the image data. Convert color to.

  Next, the image forming unit 108 forms an image in the print mode determined by the above processing (step S142). Specifically, the image forming unit 108 uses the ink of each color corresponding to the output color obtained by the color conversion unit 107 at the first resolution for the areas set in the first print mode and the second print mode. Are ejected onto a recording sheet to form an output image corresponding to the image data. The image forming unit 108 discharges ink corresponding to the output color obtained by the color conversion unit 107 to the recording paper at the second resolution for the region set in the third printing mode, and corresponds to the image data. An output image is formed. Thus, the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 1 is completed.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when a color correction instruction for a correction color is received for a predetermined target area and color correction is performed on the correction color at the first resolution, the image is displayed. When the ink discharge amount at the time of formation exceeds the allowable amount, an image is formed at a second resolution that is higher in resolution than the first resolution in the target region. Thereby, it is possible to form an image of a color desired by the user while preventing image deterioration such as ink bleeding. In addition, since the resolution can be changed in units of target areas rather than the entire image data, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the image quality of the output image.

  In the image forming process of the present embodiment, when a color correction instruction is accepted, the color conversion and the image forming process are performed after determining the print mode for all target areas indicated in the color correction instruction. However, instead of this, every time the print mode is determined, color conversion or image formation processing may be performed in units of target areas.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which a controller 210 and an engine unit (Engine) 260 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus. The controller 210 is a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 260 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a 1-drum color plotter, a 4-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 260 includes an image processing unit such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine unit such as a plotter.

  The controller 210 includes a CPU 211, a north bridge (NB) 213, a system memory (MEM-P) 212, a south bridge (SB) 214, a local memory (MEM-C) 217, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 216 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 218, and the North Bridge (NB) 213 and the ASIC 216 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 215. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 212b.

  The CPU 211 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral, and has a chip set including the NB 213, the MEM-P 212, and the SB 214, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 213 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 211 to the MEM-P 212, SB 214, and the AGP bus 215, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 212, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 212 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a printer drawing memory, and the like, and includes a ROM 212a and a RAM 212b. The ROM 212a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 212b is a writable and readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like. In the RAM 212b, tables for color correction (first to third color conversion tables 111 to 113, first and second allowable amount tables 121 and 122) are temporarily read.

  The SB 214 is a bridge for connecting the NB 213 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 214 is connected to the NB 213 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 216 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 215, the PCI bus, the HDD 218, and the MEM-C 217. The ASIC 216 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 216, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 217, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data using hardware logic. (Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 260 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 216 is connected to an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 230, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 240, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics 13) interface via a PCI bus. The monitor 202 is directly connected to the ASIC 216.

  The MEM-C 217 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer, and the HDD 218 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. The HDD 218 further stores a table for color correction (first to third color conversion tables 111 to 113, first and second allowable amount tables 121 and 122).

  The AGP 215 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing. The AGP 215 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 212 with high throughput. .

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main configuration of hardware related to image formation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 is a print that includes a carriage movable in the main scanning direction, a print head including an ink jet head mounted on the carriage, a sub tank that supplies ink to the print head, and the like inside the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The mechanism unit 2 is housed, and a paper feed cassette 4 (or applicable to a paper feed tray) on which a large number of recording papers 3 can be loaded from the front side is detachably attached to the lower part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the manual tray 5 for manually feeding the recording paper 3 can be opened, the recording paper 3 fed from the paper feed cassette 4 or the manual tray 5 is taken in, and the printing mechanism section After a required image is printed in step 2, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 6 mounted on the rear side.

  The printing mechanism unit 2 holds the carriage 13 slidably in the main scanning direction (in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 11) with the main guide rod 11 and the sub guide rod 12, and the carriage 13 has yellow (Y) and cyan. (C), a magenta (M), and a black (K) print head 14 composed of an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets of each color is arranged in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction with a plurality of ink discharge ports, and the ink droplet discharge direction Is attached facing down. A sub tank 15 for supplying ink of each color to the print head 14 is mounted on the carriage 13.

  The sub tank 15 has an atmosphere port communicating with the atmosphere above, a supply port for supplying ink to the inkjet head below, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink inside, and a porous body filled with ink. The ink supplied to the inkjet head is maintained at a slight negative pressure by the capillary force of the porous body. The capacity of the sub-tank 15 in the present embodiment is the minimum necessary size to reduce the weight of the carriage 13 as the printer speed increases. Accordingly, when the ink in the sub tank 15 is reduced, the ink needs to be replenished.

  Although the print heads of the respective colors are used as the print heads 14 here, a single print head having nozzles for ejecting ink droplets of the respective colors may be used. Further, the ink jet head used as the print head 14 has a piezoelectric element that pressurizes ink through a vibration plate that forms a liquid chamber wall surface with an electromechanical conversion element such as a piezoelectric element, and a heating element that generates heat when energized. The thermal type that uses the film boiling method, or the electrostatic type that pressurizes the ink by displacing the diaphragm with an electrostatic force between the diaphragm that forms the wall surface of the ink flow path and the electrode facing it is applied. Is possible. In this embodiment, a piezo ink jet head is used.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the carriage 13 is slidably fitted to the main guide rod 11 on the rear side (downstream side in the paper conveyance direction), and the slave guide rod 12 on the front side (upstream side in the paper conveyance direction). It is slidably mounted on. In order to move and scan the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction, a timing belt 20 is stretched between a driving pulley 18 and a driven pulley 19 that are rotationally driven by a main scanning motor 17. The carriage 13 is reciprocally driven by forward and reverse rotation of the main scanning motor 17.

  On the other hand, in order to convey the recording paper 3 set in the paper feeding cassette 4 to the lower side of the print head 14, a paper feeding roller 21 and a friction pad 22 for separating and feeding the recording paper 3 from the paper feeding cassette 4, and a recording paper 3, a guide roller 23 that reverses and feeds the fed recording paper 3, a transport roller 25 that is pressed against the peripheral surface of the transport roller 24, and a recording paper 3 from the transport roller 24. A leading end roller 26 for defining the feed angle is provided. The transport roller 24 is rotationally driven by a sub-scanning motor 27 through a gear train.

  A printing receiving member 29 is provided as a paper guide member for guiding the recording paper 3 fed from the transport roller 24 below the print head 14 in accordance with the movement range of the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction. A conveyance roller 31 and a spur 32 that are rotationally driven to send the recording paper 3 in the paper discharge direction are provided on the downstream side of the printing receiving member 29 in the paper conveyance direction, and the recording paper 3 is sent to the paper discharge tray 6. A paper discharge roller 33 and a spur 34, and guide members 35 and 36 that form a paper discharge path are disposed.

  When recording an image on the recording paper 3, the print head 14 is driven in response to a print signal while moving the carriage 13, thereby ejecting ink onto the stopped recording paper 3 and recording one line on the forward path. Then, after the recording sheet 3 is conveyed by a predetermined amount, the next line is recorded on the return path (hereinafter referred to as bidirectional printing).

  Then, upon receiving a recording end signal or a signal that the trailing edge of the recording paper 3 reaches the recording area, the recording operation is ended and the recording paper 3 is discharged. Note that recording on the recording paper 3 can be performed in any one direction of the round-trip path (hereinafter referred to as unidirectional printing).

  Further, at a position outside the recording area on the right end side in the movement direction of the carriage 13, a recovery device 37 constituted by recovery of defective ejection of the print head 14 and a main ink tank for supplying ink to the sub tank 15 is disposed. ing. The recovery device 37 includes a capping unit, a suction unit, a cleaning unit, and an ink supply unit. The carriage 13 is moved to the recovery device 37 side during printing standby, the print head 14 is capped by the capping means, and the ejection port portion is kept in a wet state to prevent ejection failure due to ink drying. Further, by ejecting ink that is not related to recording during recording or the like, the ink viscosity of all the ejection ports is made constant and stable ejection performance is maintained.

  In addition, when a discharge failure occurs, the discharge port of the print head 14 is sealed by the capping unit, the bubbles are sucked out together with the ink from the discharge port by the suction unit through the tube, and the ink adhered to the discharge port surface by the cleaning unit. And dust are removed, and the ejection failure is recovered. The sucked ink is discharged to a waste ink reservoir (not shown) installed at the lower part of the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus, and is absorbed and held by an ink absorber inside the waste ink reservoir.

  In addition, when the sub tank 15 runs out of ink, the ink is replenished by the recovery device 37 when the carriage 13 reaches a predetermined position. The recovery device 37 having four color ink tanks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) has a sub tank 15 and tubes for each color of Y, M, C, and K. It is directly connected via the and a constant water pressure is always applied. In addition, the recovery device 37 is provided with an ink supply nozzle and a valve. When the ink supply is required, the recovery device 37 is configured so that the valve is opened and ink flows out from the ink supply nozzle. The ink can be supplied.

  Note that the image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). For example, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. . Further, the image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (receiving unit, discharge amount specifying unit, setting information specifying unit, allowable amount determining unit, print mode determining unit, notification unit, color conversion unit). Each module is loaded onto the main storage device by the CPU (processor) reading and executing the image forming program from the ROM as actual hardware. A receiving unit, an ejection amount specifying unit, a setting information specifying unit, an allowable amount determining unit, a print mode determining unit, a notification unit, a color conversion unit, and an image forming unit are generated on the main storage device.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described by taking an example in which the image forming apparatus 1 is applied to a multifunction machine having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a printer, a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

  The ink ejection amount in the present embodiment is a value that is uniquely determined based on the output color and resolution, and the ink ejection amount can be calculated from the output color and resolution by using a predetermined relational expression. it can. Therefore, as a first modification, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 refers to the second color conversion table 112 when specifying the ink discharge amount at the first resolution, so that the first resolution corresponding to the correction color is used. The output color may be specified, and the ink discharge amount may be calculated from the specified output color and the first resolution using a relational expression. In this case, the first color conversion table 112 may not store the ink discharge amount.

  Similarly, when specifying the ink discharge amount at the second resolution, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 also specifies the output color of the second resolution corresponding to the correction color by referring to the third color conversion table 113. The ink discharge amount may be calculated from the specified output color and the second resolution by a relational expression. In this case, the third color conversion table 113 may not store the ink discharge amount.

  Further, in the second color conversion table 112 stored in the color conversion table storage unit 110 according to the present embodiment, the corrected color, a plurality of output colors corresponding to each of a plurality of profiles, and a plurality of ink ejection amounts. Are stored in association with each other. However, as a second modification, in the second color conversion table 112, only the corrected color and a plurality of output colors corresponding to each of the plurality of profiles are stored in association with each other. In addition to the color conversion table storage unit 110 that stores the second color conversion table 112, the image forming apparatus stores a discharge amount table that stores an output amount table that stores the output color and the ink discharge amount in association with each other at the first resolution. A table storage unit may be further provided. In this case, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 refers to the second color conversion table 112, specifies the output color corresponding to the correction color, and further refers to the discharge amount table in the first resolution to correspond to the specified output color. The ink discharge amount may be specified.

  The same applies to the third color conversion table 113. That is, in the third color conversion table 113, only the correction color and a plurality of output colors corresponding to the plurality of profiles are stored in association with each other, and the image forming apparatus stores the color conversion stored in the third color conversion table 113. In addition to the table storage unit 110, a discharge amount table storage unit that stores a discharge amount table that stores the output color and the ink discharge amount in the second resolution in association with each other may be further provided. In this case, the discharge amount specifying unit 102 refers to the third color conversion table 113, specifies the output color corresponding to the correction color, refers to the discharge amount table in the second resolution, and corresponds to the specified output color. What is necessary is just to specify the ink discharge amount to perform.

  The color conversion table storage unit 110 according to the present embodiment stores a first color conversion table 111 in which a plurality of output colors corresponding to a plurality of profiles are associated with one input color. As another example, the color conversion table storage unit 110 may store a plurality of tables in which one output color is associated with one input color for each profile. The same applies to the second and third color conversion tables 112 and 113. As described above, it is sufficient that the output color can be uniquely specified from the input color or the modified color and the profile by referring to the color conversion tables 111 to 113, and the data configuration of the color conversion tables 111 to 113 is limited to the embodiment. It is not a thing.

  Although the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can perform color conversion with a plurality of types of profiles, the image forming apparatus 1 may perform only color conversion with one profile instead. Good. In this case, in the first color conversion table 111, it is only necessary that one output color is associated with one input color. In the second and third color conversion tables 112 and 113, it is only necessary that one output color and one ink discharge amount are associated with one correction color. In this case, it is not necessary to specify a profile by the user, and by referring to the color conversion tables 111 to 113, the output color is uniquely specified based on the input color or the modified color.

  As a modification of the present embodiment, the setting information specifying unit 103 may acquire setting information from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 instead of the setting information of the printer driver. The image forming apparatus 1 may include a sensor that determines the type of recording paper, and the setting information specifying unit 103 may specify the type of recording paper from the determination result of the sensor.

  In the present embodiment, the allowable amount determination unit 104 determines the allowable amount based on the type of recording paper and the type of ink. However, the setting information is limited to the exemplary embodiment. is not. For example, the allowable amount determination unit 104 may determine the allowable amount based only on the type of recording paper, or may determine the allowable amount based only on the type of ink. The allowable amount determination unit 104 may determine the allowable amount based on other setting information. The allowable amount of ink includes the type of recording paper and the type of ink, the scanning speed and the number of scans of the recording head of the image forming apparatus 1, the arrangement and order of ink droplets ejected during image formation, and the adjacent ink droplets overlapping. It depends on the time until. Therefore, the allowable amount determination unit 104 may determine the allowable amount in consideration of these conditions.

  Further, as an example of a modification of the present embodiment, the allowable amount determination unit 104 refers to the allowable amount tables 121 and 122 stored in the allowable amount table storage unit 120, instead of referring to the setting information. The allowable amount may be calculated using a relational expression between setting information set in advance and the allowable amount.

(Second Embodiment)
In the image forming apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment, the resolution to be the second resolution is determined based on the setting information. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the processing unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment. The processing unit 300 further includes a resolution determination unit 330 in addition to the functional configuration of the processing unit 100 according to the first embodiment. Further, the color conversion table storage unit 310 stores a plurality of third color conversion tables 313a, 313b, 313c,. Each of the third color conversion tables is a color conversion table having a resolution higher than the first resolution and different from each other. The allowable amount table storage unit 320 stores a plurality of second allowable amount tables 322a, 322b, 322c,. Each of the second allowable amount tables is an allowable amount table at a resolution that is higher than the first resolution and different from each other.

  The resolution determining unit 330 determines a resolution value to be the second resolution based on the setting information specified by the setting information specifying unit 103. Accordingly, the discharge amount specifying unit 302 includes the third determined by the resolution determining unit 330 from among the plurality of third color conversion tables 313a, 313b, 313c,... Stored in the color conversion table storage unit 310. A third color conversion table corresponding to two resolutions is specified as a color conversion table to be referred to when specifying the discharge amount, and the ink discharge amount is specified with reference to the specified color conversion table. Similarly, the color conversion unit 307 also includes the second color determined by the resolution determination unit 330 from among the plurality of third color conversion tables 313a, 313b, 313c,... Stored in the color conversion table storage unit 310. The third color conversion table corresponding to the resolution is specified as a color conversion table to be referred to at the time of color conversion, and color conversion is performed with reference to the specified color conversion table. The image forming unit 308 forms an image with the resolution determined by the resolution determining unit 330 when the third printing mode is set.

  Further, the allowable amount determination unit 304 uses the second resolution determined by the resolution determination unit 330 from the plurality of second allowable amount tables 322a, 322b, 322c,... Stored in the allowable amount table storage unit 320. Is specified as a tolerance table to be referred to when determining the tolerance, and the tolerance is identified with reference to the identified tolerance table.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment, the resolution suitable for the setting information of the image forming apparatus 50 can be set as the second resolution. An image in which the corrected color is reproduced in a proper state can be formed.

  Other configurations and processes of the image forming apparatus 50 are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system 360 according to the third embodiment. The image forming system 360 includes a PC 70 and a printer 80 as an image forming apparatus. The PC 70 and the printer 80 are connected via a network. The PC 70 includes an HDD 73 that holds image data, an operating system that can execute a program, a central processing unit (CPU) 71 that reads and writes image data from the HDD 73, and performs operations on the data, and is necessary for the operations. A storage medium (memory) 72 that holds various data, an interface device (I / F) 74 that performs communication and data transmission / reception with an external device, and an input device 75 and a monitor 76 that function as a user interface. ing.

  In the image forming system 360, the user inputs a color correction instruction on the PC 70. The input color correction instruction is transmitted to the printer 80 via the network. The printer 80 performs image forming processing in accordance with a color correction instruction received via the network.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the processing unit 800 of the printer 80. The processing unit 800 includes a communication unit 801 instead of the reception unit 101 and the notification unit 106 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit 801 receives a print instruction and a color correction instruction from the PC 70 via the network. The communication unit 801 also transmits information to be notified to the user by the PC 70 via the network in accordance with an instruction from the print mode determination unit 105.

  As described above, in the image forming system 60, an image with appropriate color correction is formed in the printer 80 in accordance with information input from the user in the PC 70.

  Other configurations and processing of the printer 80 are the same as those of the image forming apparatus according to the other embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 100 Processing part 101 Reception part 102 Discharge amount specific | specification part 103 Setting information specific | specification part 104 Permissible amount determination part 105 Print mode determination part 106 Notification part 107 Color conversion part 108 Image formation part 110 Color conversion table memory | storage part 120 Permissible amount Table storage unit

Japanese Patent No. 4347435

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting a colorant onto recording paper based on image data,
Receiving means for receiving a color correction instruction for instructing a target area that is a part or all of the image data and a correction color of the target area from a user;
A first color conversion table in which the correction color is associated with a first output color used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the correction color at a predetermined first resolution; A memory that stores a second color conversion table that associates a second output color that is used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the corrected color at a second resolution that is higher than the first resolution. Means,
A discharge amount for specifying a colorant discharge amount per unit area of the recording paper required when forming an output image of the first output color corresponding to the correction color based on the correction color and the first resolution Specific means,
The colorant discharge amount is compared with a preset allowable amount, and when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, the corrected color is output to the first output with reference to the first color conversion table. Color conversion means for converting the correction color into the second output color with reference to the second color conversion table when the colorant discharge amount is greater than the allowable amount,
When the colorant discharge amount is less than or equal to the allowable amount, an output image of the target area is formed at the first resolution using the colorant of the first output color, and the colorant discharge amount is the allowable amount An image forming unit that forms an output image of the target area at the second resolution using the colorant of the second output color when there are more ,
The discharge amount specifying means refers to the first color conversion table, specifies the first output color associated with the correction color, sets the first output color, the resolution, and the preset color. An image forming apparatus, wherein the colorant discharge amount is calculated from the identified first output color and the first resolution using a relational expression of a colorant discharge amount. The storage means stores a plurality of the first color conversion tables and a plurality of the second color conversion tables corresponding to a plurality of color conversion types,
The accepting means further accepts color conversion information specifying the type of color conversion;
The color conversion means refers to the first color conversion table corresponding to the type indicated in the color conversion information and the second color conversion table corresponding to the type indicated in the color conversion information. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. The storage means has the second output color and the correction used when forming an output image of the correction color at each of a plurality of the second resolutions which are higher than the first resolution and different from each other. Storing a plurality of color conversion tables associated with colors as the second color conversion table;
Setting that specifies setting information of at least one of the type of the colorant used by the image forming apparatus and the type of the recording paper on which the image forming apparatus forms an output image from information set in the image forming apparatus Information identification means;
Resolution determining means for determining a resolution to be the second resolution based on the setting information specified by the setting information specifying means;
The color conversion unit is configured to associate the second output color and the correction color to be used when forming the output image of the correction color at the second resolution determined by the resolution determination unit. Referring to a conversion table, converting the modified color into the second output color;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms the output image of the target area at the second resolution determined by the resolution determining unit. The first color conversion table associates the correction color, the first output color, and the colorant discharge amount required to form an image of the first resolution with the first output color,
4. The discharge amount specifying unit refers to the first color conversion table, and specifies the colorant discharge amount associated with the correction color. 5. The image forming apparatus described. Setting information specifying means for specifying at least one of the type of the colorant used by the image forming apparatus and the type of the recording paper on which the image forming apparatus forms an output image from information set in the image forming apparatus When,
An allowable amount determining means for determining the allowable amount based on the setting information specified by the setting information specifying means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color conversion unit compares the allowable amount determined by the allowable amount determination unit with the colorant discharge amount. The receiving unit is an image forming apparatus according to a predetermined area or a predetermined object in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that to accept the color correction instruction to the target region of the image data . The receiving unit is an image forming according to color in a color space which does not depend on the characteristics of the image forming unit to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that receiving the color correction instruction to the revised color apparatus. An image forming method that is executed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image by discharging a colorant onto recording paper based on image data,
The image forming apparatus associates a correction color designated by a user with a first output color used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the correction color at a predetermined first resolution. The color conversion table, the correction color, and the second output color used when the image forming apparatus forms the output image of the correction color at the second resolution higher than the first resolution are associated with each other. Storage means for storing a second color conversion table;
An accepting step for accepting, from a user, a color correction instruction for instructing a target area that is a part or all of the image data and a correction color of the target area;
Colorant discharge per unit area of the recording paper required when the discharge amount specifying unit forms an output image of the first output color corresponding to the correction color based on the correction color and the first resolution A discharge amount specifying step for specifying the amount;
A color conversion unit compares the colorant discharge amount with a predetermined allowable amount, and when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, the correction color is determined by referring to the first color conversion table. A color conversion step of converting the corrected color into the second output color with reference to the second color conversion table when the colorant discharge amount is greater than the allowable amount after being converted into the first output color;
The image forming unit forms an output image of the target area at the first resolution using the colorant of the first output color when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, and the colorant discharge If the amount is larger than the allowable amount, seen including an image forming step of forming an output image of the target region in the second resolution by using the second output color of the color agent,
In the discharge amount specifying step, the discharge amount specifying means refers to the first color conversion table, specifies the first output color associated with the correction color, and is set in advance. An image forming method , wherein the colorant discharge amount is calculated from the identified first output color and the first resolution using a relational expression of an output color, the resolution, and the colorant discharge amount . A first color conversion table in which a correction color designated by a user is associated with a first output color used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the correction color at a predetermined first resolution; A second color conversion table associating a color with a second output color used when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the corrected color at a second resolution higher than the first resolution. A computer having storage means for storing,
Receiving means for receiving a color correction instruction for instructing a target area that is a part or all of the image data and a correction color of the target area from a user;
Based on the correction color and the first resolution, a colorant discharge amount per unit area of the recording paper required when the image forming apparatus forms an output image of the first output color corresponding to the correction color. A discharge amount specifying means for specifying;
The colorant discharge amount is compared with a preset allowable amount, and when the colorant discharge amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, the corrected color is output to the first output with reference to the first color conversion table. Color conversion means for converting the correction color into the second output color with reference to the second color conversion table when the colorant discharge amount is greater than the allowable amount,
When the colorant discharge amount is less than or equal to the allowable amount, an output image of the target area is formed at the first resolution using the colorant of the first output color, and the colorant discharge amount is the allowable amount When the number is larger, the colorant of the second output color is used as an image forming unit that forms an output image of the target area at the second resolution ,
The discharge amount specifying means refers to the first color conversion table, specifies the first output color associated with the correction color, sets the first output color, the resolution, and the preset color. A program for calculating the colorant discharge amount from the identified first output color and the first resolution using a relational expression of the colorant discharge amount .

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