JP6394247B2 - Image processing apparatus and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for generating image data for output using input image data.

  Conventionally, data representing an image in a page description language has been used as image data. Image data representing an image in a page description language includes, for example, a drawing command representing the image. A data format that represents an image using a drawing command is also called a vector format. The vector format data is used for various purposes, for example, generation of image data for outputting (for example, printing or displaying) an image. Patent Document 1 proposes the following processing as image processing for printing. That is, the image processing apparatus interprets data included in a page description file such as a PDF file, renders objects in the data into a bitmap, renders all objects on the paper, and then prints the image. Here, the objects are rendered in layer order.

JP-A-11-105368 JP2013-161227A JP 2000-22938 A

  However, when the image processing apparatus generates image data by interpreting a drawing command, there are cases where appropriate image data cannot be generated. For example, when the drawing command includes a command that is not implemented in the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus may not be able to generate appropriate image data. In that case, for example, the printing process is not executed as a printing error, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

  The present disclosure discloses a technique capable of generating appropriate image data.

For example, the present disclosure discloses the following modes and application examples.
[Aspect 1]
An image processing apparatus,
Vector data representing an input image, which is vector data including a drawing command for drawing an object and parameters used for drawing the object by the drawing command, is received from an external device. A first receiver;
A conversion unit for converting the vector data into raster type first type raster data;
A second receiver for receiving, from the external device, the second type of raster data in the raster format representing the input image;
A generating unit that generates output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image using at least one of the first type raster data and the second type raster data;
With
The generator is
Among the vector data, a drawing command included in the specific vector data in the vector format for drawing a specific object in the input image is a command in which a corresponding process is implemented in the conversion unit. The first type of raster data is adopted as the output data when the first condition is satisfied,
When the second condition including that the drawing command included in the specific vector data is a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is not implemented is satisfied, Selecting and adopting raster format specific raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image, and generating the output data by combining the specific raster data with the first type of raster data;
Image processing device.
[Aspect 2]
An image processing apparatus,
Vector data representing an input image, which is vector data including a drawing command for drawing an object and parameters used for drawing the object by the drawing command, is received from an external device. A first receiver;
A conversion unit for converting the vector data into raster type first type raster data;
A second receiver for receiving, from the external device, the second type of raster data in the raster format representing the input image;
A generating unit that generates output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image using at least one of the first type raster data and the second type raster data;
With
The converting unit rasterizes the vector-specific specific vector data for rendering the specific object in the input image, among the vector data, thereby generating first attention raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image Produces
The generator is
A first focused raster image represented by the first focused raster data and a second focused raster data represented by second focused raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image among the second type of raster data. When the first condition including that the image satisfies a predetermined similarity condition is satisfied, the first type of raster data is employed as the output data,
When the second condition including that the first attention raster image and the second attention raster image do not satisfy the similarity condition is satisfied, the second attention raster data is selected from the second type of raster data And generating the output data by synthesizing the second raster data of interest with the first type of raster data.
Image processing device.

Application Example 1 An image processing apparatus, which is first type input image data representing an input image, and a drawing command for drawing an object and parameters used for drawing the object by the drawing command A first acquisition unit for acquiring the first type of input image data including vector format data, and a second type of input image data representing the input image, the vector format data being included A second acquisition unit that acquires the second type of input image data including raster format data, and at least one of the first type of input image data and the second type of input image data, A generation unit that generates output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image, and the generation unit includes a specific object in the input image among the first type of input image data. When the first condition including that the vector-format specific vector data for drawing the object is interpretable is satisfied, a portion corresponding to the specific object in the output data is used by using the specific vector data. Generating a raster format corresponding to the specific object in the input image out of the second type of input image data when a second condition including that the specific vector data cannot be interpreted is satisfied An image processing apparatus that generates a portion corresponding to the specific object in the output data using raster data.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress generation of inappropriate output data without properly processing vector-format data for drawing a specific object.

Application Example 2 In the image processing apparatus according to Application Example 1, the first condition includes that the specific vector data is interpretable and satisfies a predetermined drawable condition, and includes the first condition. The two conditions include image processing including that the specific vector data is not interpretable, or that the specific vector data is interpretable but does not satisfy the drawable condition. apparatus.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately suppress generation of inappropriate output data without appropriately processing vector-format data for drawing a specific object.

[Application Example 3] In the image processing apparatus according to Application Example 2, the generation unit rasterizes the specific vector data of the first type of input image data to correspond to the specific object. When raster data is generated and the specific raster data is referred to as second target raster data, the first condition is that (A) the specific vector data is interpretable and the drawable condition is satisfied; B) The specific vector data is interpretable and does not satisfy the drawable condition, and is represented by the first focused raster image represented by the first focused raster data and the second focused raster data. The second target raster image includes satisfying any one of the predetermined similarity conditions, and the second condition includes: (C) Constant vector data cannot be interpreted, and (D) the specific vector data is interpretable and does not satisfy the drawable condition, and the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image are An image processing apparatus comprising: not satisfying the similarity condition.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately suppress generation of inappropriate output data without appropriately processing vector-format data for drawing a specific object.

Application Example 4 In the image processing apparatus according to Application Example 1, the generation unit first focuses on the specific object by rasterizing the specific vector data of the first type of input image data. When raster data is generated and the specific raster data is referred to as second target raster data, the first condition is that the specific vector data can be interpreted, and the first condition is represented by the first target raster data. The attention raster image and the second attention raster image represented by the second attention raster data include satisfying a predetermined similarity condition, and the second condition is that the specific vector data cannot be interpreted. And the first vector raster image and the second vector raster image do not satisfy the similarity condition while the specific vector data can be interpreted. It includes either is satisfied, the image processing apparatus.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately suppress generation of inappropriate output data without appropriately processing vector-format data for drawing a specific object.

Application Example 5 An image processing apparatus, which is first type input image data representing an input image, and a drawing command for drawing an object and parameters used for drawing the object by the drawing command A first acquisition unit for acquiring the first type of input image data including vector format data, and a second type of input image data representing the input image, the vector format data being included A second acquisition unit that acquires the second type of input image data including raster format data, and at least one of the first type of input image data and the second type of input image data, A generation unit that generates output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image, and the generation unit includes a specific object in the input image among the first type of input image data. Rasterizing the specific vector data in the vector format for drawing the image to generate first focused raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image, and the generating unit displays the first focused raster data by the first focused raster data. The first focused raster image to be displayed and the second focused raster image represented by the second focused raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image among the second type of input image data are determined in advance. When the first condition including satisfying the similar condition is satisfied, a portion corresponding to the specific object in the output data is generated using the first attention raster data, and the first attention raster image The second focused raster image when a second condition including that the second focused raster image does not satisfy the similarity condition is satisfied Generating the part corresponding to the specific object among the output data using the chromatography data, the image processing apparatus.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress generation of inappropriate output data without properly processing vector-format data for drawing a specific object.

Application Example 6 In the image processing apparatus according to Application Example 5, the first condition is that the specific vector data satisfies a predetermined drawing enable condition, and the first focused raster image and the first 2 focused raster images satisfying the similarity condition, and the second condition is that the specific vector data does not satisfy the drawable condition, and the specific vector data satisfies the drawable condition while the specific vector data satisfies the drawable condition. An image processing apparatus comprising: one of the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image not satisfying the similarity condition.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately suppress generation of inappropriate output data without appropriately processing vector-format data for drawing a specific object.

[Application Example 7] The image processing apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, wherein the image output apparatus is a printing apparatus, and the output data prints the input image on the printing apparatus. And the second type of input image data is data that can be used as the output data.

  According to this configuration, output data suitable for the printing apparatus can be generated.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, an image processing method and an image processing apparatus, a computer program for realizing the functions of the method or apparatus, and a recording in which the computer program is recorded. It can be realized in the form of a medium (for example, a recording medium that is not temporary).

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing system in an Example. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the image processing system 1000. It is the schematic which shows the example of the image processed by a printing process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of rasterization. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the command which can be interpreted and the command which cannot be interpreted. It is a flowchart of another Example of rasterization. It is the schematic which shows the example of the image processed in 2nd Example. It is a flowchart of another Example of rasterization. It is a table | surface which shows the example of classification | category of a command. It is a flowchart of another Example of rasterization. It is a flowchart of another Example of rasterization. It is a flowchart of another Example of rasterization.

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system in the embodiment. The image processing system 1000 includes an image processing apparatus 100 and a communication terminal 200. The image processing apparatus 100 and the communication terminal 200 are connected to a network 300 (for example, a local area network (LAN)) and can communicate with each other.

  The image processing apparatus 100 is a so-called network printer. The image processing apparatus 100 includes a processor 110, a volatile storage device 120, a nonvolatile storage device 130, a communication interface 160, and a printer unit 190.

  The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, and is, for example, a CPU. The volatile storage device 120 is, for example, a DRAM, and the nonvolatile storage device 130 is, for example, a flash memory. The nonvolatile storage device 130 stores a program 132. The processor 110 implements various functions by executing the program 132 (details will be described later). Further, the processor 110 temporarily stores various intermediate data used for execution of the program (for example, the program 132) in a storage device (for example, the volatile storage device 120 or the nonvolatile storage device 130). To do.

  The communication interface 160 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, wired LAN interface, IEEE802.11 wireless interface).

  The printer unit 190 is a device that prints an image on paper (an example of a print medium). In this embodiment, the printer unit 190 is an ink jet printing apparatus that uses cyan C, magenta M, yellow Y, and black K inks. Note that the printer unit 190 may employ a printing apparatus of another method (for example, a laser method).

  The communication terminal 200 is a tablet computer, for example. The communication terminal 200 includes a processor 210, a volatile storage device 220, a nonvolatile storage device 230, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, and a communication interface 260.

  The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, and is, for example, a CPU. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a DRAM, and the nonvolatile storage device 230 is, for example, a flash memory. The nonvolatile storage device 230 stores a program 232. The processor 210 implements various functions by executing the program 232 (details will be described later). Further, the processor 210 temporarily stores various intermediate data used for execution of the program (for example, the program 232) in a storage device (for example, the volatile storage device 220 or the nonvolatile storage device 230). To do.

  The display unit 240 is a device that displays an image, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 250 is a device that receives an operation by a user, and is, for example, a touch panel that is arranged on the display unit 240. By operating the operation unit 250, the user can input various instructions such as an image processing start instruction to be described later to the communication terminal 200.

  The communication interface 260 is an interface for communicating with other devices (for example, a wired LAN interface, an IEEE802.11 wireless interface).

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the image processing system 1000. The processing in the sequence diagram is started when the communication terminal 200 receives from the user an instruction to use a print service provided by the image processing apparatus 100. The image processing apparatus 100 prints an image using image data (referred to as input image data) received from an external device (for example, the communication terminal 200). In the drawing, as a code indicating processing, a code combining a character “S” and a number following the character “S” is used.

  The image processing apparatus 100 has a function of printing an image using image data including vector format data, and a function of printing an image using image data including raster format data without including vector format data. Has been implemented. Hereinafter, input image data including vector format data is referred to as “first type input image data” or “input vector data”. Further, input image data that does not include vector format data but includes raster format data is referred to as “second type input image data” or “input raster data”. Note that raster format image data is also referred to as bitmap data.

  The vector format data is data including a drawing command for drawing an object and parameters used for drawing the object by the drawing command. Examples of the drawing command include a command for drawing a figure such as a circle, and a command for decompressing compressed bitmap data. Examples of parameters used for drawing include parameters that determine the position and shape of a graphic such as the center position and radius of a circle, and compressed bitmap data embedded in image data. Examples of input vector data include PDF (Portable Document Format) and XPS (XML Paper Specification) image data. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 100 can use PDF image data. Hereinafter, the drawing command is also simply referred to as “command”.

  Examples of input raster data include PWG raster format (also simply referred to as “PWG”) and JPEG image data. PWG is a format proposed by the Printer Working Group (PWG) of IEEE-ISTO (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers-Industry Standards and Technology Organization). In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 100 can use PWG image data.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the user selects PDF image data as print target data and instructs the communication terminal 200 to print the print target data. The processor 210 of the communication terminal 200 (FIG. 1) performs processing for printing shown in FIG. 2 by operating according to the program 232. A function for executing processing for printing is incorporated in the operating system of the communication terminal 200. Instead, an application operating on the operating system may execute processing for printing. Further, the processor 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 operates according to the program 132, thereby executing the processing for printing shown in FIG.

  In S10, the processor 210 of the communication terminal 200 transmits print target data (here, PDF data) to the image processing apparatus 100 as input vector data. In S20, the processor 210 generates raster data by rasterizing print target data. Rasterization is a process of generating raster data by interpreting vector format data (such as a drawing command). In this embodiment, PWG data is generated as raster data. Further, the pixel density of the generated raster data may vary depending on the design of the program 232 of the communication terminal 200. In S30, the processor 210 transmits the generated raster data to the image processing apparatus 100 as input raster data. Then, the processor 210 ends the process for printing. Note that both the input vector data and the input raster data represent the same image as the image represented by the print target data (referred to as “input image”). As will be described later, the input raster data may not be used by the image processing apparatus 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 210 executes S20 and S30 only when input raster data is requested from the image processing apparatus 100. However, the processor 210 may execute S20 and S30 according to a predetermined procedure regardless of whether or not the image processing apparatus 100 uses input raster data.

  The processor 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) receives (acquires) input vector data in S100. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image processed in the printing process. The upper image IMi in the figure indicates an input image (referred to as “input image IMi”). In the example of FIG. 3, the input image IMi represents three objects O1, O2, and O3 arranged separately from each other on the background Bg.

  In S110 of FIG. 2, the processor 110 divides the region of the input image IMi represented by the input vector data into a plurality of bands, and selects an unprocessed band as a target band. In the example of FIG. 3, the input image IMi is divided into four bands B1, B2, B3, and B4. In this embodiment, the processor 110 divides the area of the input image IMi into a plurality of rectangular areas arranged in the vertical direction. One rectangular area corresponds to one band. One band includes a plurality of pixel lines extending in the horizontal direction. The processor 110 selects one unprocessed band as a target band in order from the top.

  In S120 of FIG. 2, the processor 110 performs rasterization of the band of interest. In S120, rasterized image data (referred to as band raster data of interest) having a predetermined pixel density (referred to as processing pixel density) for printing by the printer unit 190 is generated by rasterization. In this embodiment, the generated band raster data is RGB image data including color values of red R, green G, and blue B components (for example, 256 gradation values from 0 to 255) for each pixel. is there. Details of the rasterization will be described later.

  In S <b> 130, the processor 110 converts the color values of a plurality of pixels of the target band raster data from RGB gradation values to CMYK gradation values corresponding to the color components of the printing ink. The correspondence between RGB and CMYK is defined in advance by a lookup table (not shown) stored in advance in the nonvolatile storage device 230. The processor 110 performs color conversion with reference to this lookup table.

  In S140, the processor 110 performs halftone processing using the color-converted data. As halftone processing, processing according to a so-called error diffusion method is performed. Instead, a method using a dither matrix may be employed. Print data for causing the printer unit 190 to print the image of the band of interest is generated by the halftone process.

  In S150, the processor 110 supplies the print data to the printer unit 190, and causes the printer unit 190 to print the image of the band of interest.

  In S160, the processor 110 determines whether or not the processing for all the bands has been completed. When an unprocessed band remains (S160: No), the processor 110 moves to S110 and executes an unprocessed band process. When the processing for all the bands is completed (S160: Yes), the printing of the entire input image is completed, and the processing in FIG. 2 ends.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of rasterization (FIG. 2: S120). In S200, the processor 110 rasterizes the portion corresponding to the target band of the input vector data with the processing pixel density. In the example of FIG. 3, rasterization of one band of interest among the four bands B1 to B4 of the input image IMi is performed.

  A first raster image IMv shown on the left side of the middle stage in FIG. 4 shows an image represented by raster data generated by rasterizing input vector data. The first raster image IMv represents three objects O1, O2, and O3x. The two objects O1 and O2 are the same as the objects O1 and O2 in the input image IMi, respectively. The third object O3x does not correctly represent the third object O3 of the input image IMi (in the example of FIG. 3, the third object O3x is blank). Such inappropriate rasterization occurs, for example, when a command for drawing the third object O3 includes a command that cannot be interpreted by the processor 110.

  FIG. 5 is a table showing examples of commands that can be interpreted and commands that cannot be interpreted. In this embodiment, the two commands “/ JBIG2Decode” and “/ JPXDecode” cannot be interpreted. Of the commands that can be included in the input vector data, all the remaining commands except those that cannot be interpreted are interpretable. In the present embodiment, commands in which processing corresponding to commands are implemented in the image processing apparatus 100 (here, the program 132) of FIG. 1 are classified as interpretable commands. Commands that do not implement processing according to commands are classified as commands that cannot be interpreted. Conventionally, when input vector data including such an uninterpretable command is received, the image processing apparatus notifies the user of a printing error and does not execute the printing process.

  “/ JBIG2Decode” is a command for decompressing bitmap data compressed by the JBIG2 method. “/ JPXDecode” is a command for expanding bitmap data compressed in the JPEG2000 format. In the present embodiment, these commands cannot be interpreted because they are not implemented in the program 132. Therefore, when the command for drawing an object includes at least one of “/ JBIG2Decode” and “/ JPXDecode”, the processor 110 cannot rasterize the object. In the example of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the command of the third object O3 includes “/ JPXDecode”.

  In S210 of FIG. 4, the processor 110 identifies zero or more object regions included in the band of interest by analyzing a command included in the input vector data. The object area is an area representing an object. The processor 110 refers to the parameters of another command that specifies the position, height, and width of the region representing the object, regardless of whether the command to draw the object includes an uninterpretable command or not. The object area can be specified. In S220, an unprocessed object area is selected as a target object area from the identified object areas.

  In S230, the processor 110 determines whether or not all of the commands for drawing the object in the target object area (referred to as “target command”) can be interpreted. For example, when the target object area is included in the areas representing the objects O1 and O2 in FIG. 3, the determination result in S230 is “Yes”. If the determination result is “Yes”, in S250, the processor 110 selects input vector data as input image data to be used for generating print data of the object region of interest. That is, the processor 110 uses the data corresponding to the target object region in the raster data generated by rasterizing the input vector data as the data corresponding to the target object region in the target band raster data generated in the processing of FIG. (Referred to as first attention raster data). The first attention raster data is raster data generated by rasterization according to the attention command. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the first target raster data is adopted as data corresponding to the object area representing the objects O1 and O2 among the target band raster data generated by the processing of FIG. Then, the process proceeds to S290.

  When the command of interest includes one or more commands that cannot be interpreted, the determination result in S230 is “No”. For example, when the target object area is an area representing the third object O3 of FIG. 3, the determination result is “No”. If the determination result is “No”, in S <b> 270, the processor 110 requests the input raster data from the communication terminal 200 and acquires the input raster data from the communication terminal 200.

  In the present embodiment, the processor 210 of the communication terminal 200 proceeds through S20 and S30 in FIG. 2 for each band. That is, when the rasterization of one band is completed, the processor 210 transmits the generated raster data to the image processing apparatus 100 without waiting for the completion of the rasterization of the next band. Accordingly, the processor 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 does not wait for the entire generation of the input raster data to be completed, and the data corresponding to the target object region in the target band in the input raster data (referred to as second target raster data). The process can proceed in response to the acquisition of.

  In this embodiment, the input raster data is compressed (for example, pack bits compression). Therefore, in S272, the processor 110 decompresses the acquired second attention raster data. If the input raster data is not compressed, S272 can be omitted. In this embodiment, the pixel density of the input raster data generated by the communication terminal 200 is not necessarily the same as the processing pixel density for printing by the printer unit 190. If the pixel density of the input raster data is different from the processing pixel density, the processor 110 performs a process of changing the pixel density of the second target raster data to the processing pixel density (for example, enlargement or reduction of the image) in S272, What is necessary is just to produce | generate the 2nd attention raster data of a process pixel density.

  The second raster image IMr on the right side of the middle stage of FIG. 3 shows an image represented by the input raster data. The second raster image IMr represents the three objects O1, O2, and O3, like the input image IMi.

  In S280 of FIG. 4, the processor 110 selects input raster data as input image data to be used for generating print data of the object region of interest. That is, the processor 110 uses the second attention raster data (that is, the data corresponding to the attention object area in the input raster data) as the data corresponding to the attention object area in the attention band raster data generated by the processing of FIG. Is adopted. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the second target raster data is adopted as the data corresponding to the object region representing the third object O3 among the target band raster data generated by the processing of FIG. Then, the process proceeds to S290.

  In S290, the processor 110 determines whether or not the processing of all the object areas in the band of interest has been completed. If an unprocessed object area remains (S290: No), the processor 110 moves to S220 and executes an unprocessed object area.

  When the processing of all the object areas is completed (S290: Yes), in S295, the processor 110 combines the first or second attention raster data selected in S250 and S280 to generate the attention band raster data. Generate. Then, the process of FIG. 4 ends, and the process proceeds to S130 of FIG.

  The output image IMo in the lower part of FIG. 3 shows an image (same as the image represented by the print data) represented by the band raster data of interest generated sequentially. The output image IMo represents three objects O1, O2, and O3, like the input image IMi. Of the object areas of the first raster image IMv and the second raster image IMr in the middle in the figure, the object area surrounded by a double line indicates an area used for generating the output image IMo. In the example of FIG. 3, of the data representing the output image IMo (target band raster data), the data corresponding to the regions representing the objects O1 and O2 is data representing the objects O1 and O2 of the first raster image IMv (that is, , Raster data generated by rasterizing input vector data) is employed. Further, data representing the third object O3 of the second raster image IMr (that is, input raster data) is employed as data corresponding to the region representing the third object O3 in the data representing the output image IMo.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the attention command for drawing the object in the attention object area can be interpreted (FIG. 4: S230: Yes), the processor 110 uses the attention command to print out the print data. A part corresponding to the target object region is generated (FIG. 4: S250, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). Further, when the attention command includes a command that cannot be interpreted (S230: No), the processor 110 does not stop the generation of the print data and outputs the second attention raster data corresponding to the attention object region in the input raster data. Using this, a portion corresponding to the object area of interest is generated in the print data (FIG. 4: S280, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). Accordingly, even when the command of interest includes a command that cannot be interpreted, it is possible to suppress problems such as the object represented by the print data being different from the object of the input image and the cancellation of printing.

  Further, the image quality of the input raster data generated by the communication terminal 200 can change depending on the processing capability of the communication terminal 200. For example, when the processing capability of the communication terminal 200 is low, input raster data with low image quality may be generated. For example, there is a case where the input raster data generated by the communication terminal 200 has a pixel density lower than the processing pixel density and the input raster data in which the edge of the object is blurred is generated. Here, if the image processing apparatus 100 prints an image using input raster data without using input vector data, a low-quality image may be printed. In this embodiment, when a specific condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, the attention command can be interpreted), the processor 110 uses the first attention raster data generated by the rasterization processing by the processor 110, and therefore communication. Regardless of the processing capability of the terminal 200, high-quality print data can be generated by utilizing the processing capability of the image processing apparatus 100 (here, the processor 110).

  In this embodiment, when all commands of all objects can be interpreted, the processor 110 does not request the input raster data from the communication terminal 200, and does not use the input raster data. Generate. In this case, the communication terminal 200 does not execute S20 and S30 in FIG.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another embodiment of rasterization. There are two differences from the embodiment of FIG. The first difference is that the processing of obtaining input raster data (S203, S272, S272 in FIG. 4) is omitted, and before the condition determination for selecting one of the input vector data and the input raster data. S206) is being executed. The second difference is that S230 for condition determination is replaced with processing (S264, S266) for performing condition determination using similar conditions. The other processes in FIG. 6 are the same as the processes in FIG. Of the steps in FIG. 6, the same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The rasterization in FIG. 6 is applied to S120 in FIG. The hardware configuration of an image processing system that executes image processing is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 6, S203 and S206 are executed between S200 and S210. In S <b> 203, the processor 110 (FIG. 1) requests input raster data from the communication terminal 200, and acquires input raster data (particularly data corresponding to a target band in the input raster data) from the communication terminal 200. In S206, the processor 110 decompresses the acquired raster data of the band of interest. If the input raster data is not compressed, S206 can be omitted. Note that S200 may be executed between S203 and S206, or may be executed after S206. Further, S210 may be executed between S203 and S206, or between S200 and S203.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image processed in the second embodiment. The upper image IMi2 in the figure shows the input image IMi2. This input image IMi2 represents three objects O1, O2a, and O3a. There are two differences from the input image IMi in FIG. The first difference is that the second object O2a represents an image obtained by superimposing a plurality of elements (for example, characters, rectangles, circles, etc.) according to the opacity of each element. The second difference is that the third object O3a is appropriately rendered by rasterization by the image processing apparatus 100, like the first object O1.

  A first raster image IMv2 on the left side in the middle of FIG. 7 shows an image represented by raster data generated by rasterizing input vector data. The first raster image IMv2 represents three objects O1, O2ax, and O3a. The two objects O1 and O3a are the same as the objects O1 and O3a of the input image IMi2. The second object O2ax is slightly different from the second object O2a of the input image IMi2. Specifically, the color of the portion where a plurality of elements overlap is set to a color different from the color of the input image IMi2. Such improper rasterization may occur due to a calculation error when, for example, a command for drawing the second object O2a represents an overlap by a complicated calculation formula.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the command for drawing the second object O2a includes “/ SMask”. “/ SMask” is also called a soft mask, and is a command for setting an opacity level that can be changed according to a position in an image. “/ SMask” is used when a plurality of elements are overlapped according to the opacity of each element. Various calculation formulas using opacity can be used as calculation formulas for color values of regions where a plurality of elements overlap (such calculation formulas are also called blend modes). Such a calculation formula can be specified by using a drawing command for specifying the calculation formula. Here, when a complicated calculation formula is specified, an inappropriate color value may be calculated due to a calculation error.

  A second raster image IMr2 on the right side in the middle of FIG. 7 shows an image represented by the input raster data. The second raster image IMr2 represents the three objects O1, O2a, and O3a, like the input image IMi2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 110 determines whether or not the first raster image IMv2 has been appropriately rasterized using the degree of difference between the first raster image IMv2 and the second raster image IMr2.

  Specifically, after the target object region is selected in S220 of FIG. 6, in S264, the processor 110 is expressed by the first target raster image represented by the first target raster data and the second target raster data. The second attention raster image is compared to calculate the degree of difference between the first attention raster image and the second attention raster image. Here, the first target raster data is data corresponding to the target object region in the raster data generated by rasterizing the input vector data. That is, the first attention raster data is raster data generated by rasterizing the attention command. The second target raster data is data corresponding to the target object area in the input raster data.

  In this embodiment, as the degree of difference, the degree of difference in the shape of the histogram of the color values of red R, green G, and blue B is employed. Specifically, the processor 110 creates three histograms of three color values of red R, green G, and blue B for each of the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image. The processor 110 compares the frequency of the same color value in the histogram of the same color component between the two target raster images, and calculates the absolute value of the frequency difference. The processor 110 calculates the total value by adding together the absolute values of the frequency differences of all the color values in the histogram. A total value of zero indicates that the shape of the distribution is the same between the two histograms. The smaller the total value, the smaller the difference in distribution shape between the two histograms. That is, when the two target raster images are similar, the total value is small. The processor 110 calculates the sum of the three total values of the three color components as the degree of difference between the two target raster images. For example, when the target object region represents the first object O1 (FIG. 7), the first object O1 of the first raster image IMv2 and the first object O1 of the second raster image IMr2 are similar, so The degree of is small. In that case, there is a high possibility that the first object O1 in the first raster image IMv2 has been appropriately rasterized. When the target object region represents the second object O2a, there is a difference between the second object O2ax of the first raster image IMv2 and the second object O2a of the second raster image IMr2, and thus the degree of difference is large. In that case, there is a high possibility that the second object O2ax in the first raster image IMv2 has not been properly rasterized. When the target object region represents the third object O3a, the third object O3a of the first raster image IMv2 and the third object O3a of the second raster image IMr2 are similar, and thus the degree of difference is small. It can be said that the degree of such difference indicates the degree of similarity between two images.

  In S266 of FIG. 6, the processor 110 determines whether or not the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image satisfy a predetermined similarity condition. In the present embodiment, the similarity condition is that the degree of difference calculated in S264 is smaller than a predetermined similarity threshold. If the similar condition is satisfied (S266: Yes), the processor 110 selects input vector data in S250, and the process proceeds to S290. If the similarity condition is not satisfied (S266: No), the processor 110 selects input raster data in S280, and the process proceeds to S290. The processing after S290 is the same as the embodiment of FIG.

  An output image IMo2 in the lower part of FIG. 7 shows an image (same as the image represented by the print data) represented by the band raster data that is generated sequentially. The output image IMo2 represents three objects O1, O2a, and O3a, like the input image IMi2. In the example of FIG. 7, the data corresponding to the region representing the first object O1 and the third object O3a in the data representing the output image IMo2 (target band raster data) is the first object of the first raster image IMv2. Data representing O1 and the third object O3a (that is, raster data generated by rasterizing input vector data) is employed. In addition, data representing the second object O2a of the second raster image IMr2 (that is, input raster data) is adopted as data corresponding to the region representing the second object O2a in the target band raster data.

  As described above, when the first target raster image and the second target raster image satisfy the similarity condition (S266: Yes), the processor 110 converts the portion corresponding to the target object region in the print data to the first target raster image. It is generated using data (FIG. 6: S250, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). The first attention raster data is data generated by rasterizing the attention command included in the input vector data. Therefore, the processor 110 can generate high-quality print data by utilizing the rasterization processing capability of the processor 110.

  When the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image do not satisfy the similarity condition (S266: No), the processor 110 uses the second focused raster data for a portion corresponding to the focused object area in the print data. (FIG. 6: S280, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). The second focused raster data is a portion corresponding to the focused object area in the input raster data. Therefore, even when the processor 110 cannot properly process the command of interest, the processor 110 can suppress problems such as that the object represented by the print data is different from the object of the input image and printing stop.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another embodiment of rasterization. The only difference from the embodiment of FIG. 4 is that S240, S260, S262, S264, and S266 that can be executed when the determination result of S230 is “Yes” are added. The other processes in FIG. 8 are the same as the processes in FIG. Of the steps in FIG. 8, the same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The rasterization of FIG. 8 is applied to S120 of FIG. The hardware configuration of an image processing system that executes image processing is the same as that shown in FIG.

  If the command of interest can be interpreted (S230: Yes), in S240, the processor 110 determines whether or not the command of interest satisfies a drawable condition. FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of command classification. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 5, the interpretable commands are further classified into commands that can be drawn and commands that may not be able to correctly draw elements. Hereinafter, a drawable command is also referred to as a “drawable command”. In addition, a command that may not be able to correctly draw an element, that is, a command that has not been determined whether or not the element can be correctly drawn is also referred to as an “indefinite command”. In this embodiment, “/ SMask”, “/ Group”, and “/ ICCBased” are interpretable and uncertain commands. Commands that cannot be interpreted are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. Of the interpretable commands, all the remaining commands except for the indeterminate command can be drawn.

  “/ SMask” is a command for setting the opacity as described above. “/ Group” is a command that defines a continuously overlapping group when a plurality of elements are overlapped. “/ ICCBased” is a command for performing color conversion in accordance with the ICC profile. In this embodiment, these commands can be interpreted, but are unconfirmed commands. For example, when “/ SMask” is used, an inappropriate color value may be calculated due to a complicated calculation formula as described in FIG. Similarly, when “/ Group” is used, the calculation formula of the color value of a portion where a plurality of elements overlap may be complicated, and an inappropriate color value may be calculated. When “/ ICCBased” is used, the printer unit 190 may not be able to print some colors in the color space defined by the ICC profile.

  In the present embodiment, the drawable condition determined in S240 of FIG. 8 is that all the attention commands can be drawn. For example, when the target object area is included in the area representing the first object O1 of FIG. 7, the determination result in S240 is “Yes”. If the determination result is “Yes”, the processor 110 moves to S250. The processing following S250 is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG.

  If the command of interest includes an unconfirmed command, the command of interest does not satisfy the drawing enable condition (S240: No). For example, when the target object area is included in the area representing the second object O2a in FIG. 7, the determination result is “No”. If the determination result is “No”, the processor 110 acquires input raster data (particularly, second attention raster data corresponding to the object of interest area) in S260, and decompresses the input raster data in S262. These S260 and S262 are the same as S270 and S272 in FIG. 4, respectively.

  After acquiring the second focused raster data, the processor 110 determines whether or not the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image satisfy the similarity condition (S264, S266). S264 and S266 for determination are the same as S264 and S266 of FIG.

  If the similar condition is satisfied (S266: Yes), the processor 110 moves to S250. The processing following S250 is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. If the similarity condition is not satisfied, the processor 110 moves to S280. The processing subsequent to S280 is the same as the embodiment in FIG.

  As described above, when the attention command is interpretable and satisfies the drawable condition (S230: Yes, S240: Yes), the processor 110 uses the attention command (that is, the first attention raster data) to print data. A portion corresponding to the target object region is generated (FIG. 8: S250, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). Therefore, the processor 110 can generate high-quality print data by utilizing the rasterization processing capability of the processor 110.

  Further, when the attention command is interpretable and does not satisfy the drawable conditions (S230: Yes, S240: No), and the first attention raster image and the second attention raster image satisfy the similarity condition (S266: Yes), the processor 110 generates a portion corresponding to the target object region in the print data using the target command (that is, the first target raster data) (FIG. 8: S250, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). . As described above, even when the attention command does not satisfy the drawable condition, if the first attention raster image obtained by rasterizing the attention command represents an appropriate image, the first attention raster data is Used. Therefore, the processor 110 can generate high-quality print data by utilizing the rasterization processing capability of the processor 110. For example, if the command for rendering the second object O2a in FIG. 7 can be appropriately rasterized, the processor 110 generates a portion corresponding to the second object O2a in the print data by rasterizing the input vector data. Generate by using raster data.

  If the attention command includes a command that cannot be interpreted (S230: No), the processor 110 uses the second attention raster data corresponding to the attention object area in the input raster data, and uses the second object raster area in the print data. (FIG. 8: S280, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). Therefore, even when the command of interest includes a command that cannot be interpreted, it is possible to suppress problems such as the object represented by the print data being different from the object of the input image and printing cancellation.

  Further, when the attention command can be interpreted, the drawing enabling condition is not satisfied (S230: Yes, S240: No), and the first attention raster image and the second attention raster image do not satisfy the similarity condition (S266: No) The processor 110 uses the second attention raster data to generate a portion corresponding to the attention object area in the print data (FIG. 8: S280, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). Therefore, even when the processor 110 cannot properly process the command of interest, the processor 110 can suppress problems such as that the object represented by the print data is different from the object of the input image and printing stop.

  Note that a terminal that supplies only input vector data to the image processing apparatus 100 may be used as a communication terminal, which does not include a function for generating input raster data. In this case, the processor 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 may generate print data using raster data generated by rasterizing input vector data without using input raster data. When the input vector data includes a command that cannot be interpreted, the processor 110 may leave the object area represented by the command that cannot be interpreted blank. When the input vector data includes an unconfirmed command, the processor 110 may generate print data using raster data obtained by rasterizing the unconfirmed command. In this way, it is possible to suppress missing objects from the printed image. On the other hand, when both the input raster data and the input vector data can be used as in the present embodiment, the processor 110 inputs when the result of the rasterization of the indeterminate command is inappropriate (S266: No). Since raster data is used, generation of inappropriate print data can be suppressed.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of another embodiment of rasterization. The only difference from the embodiment of FIG. 8 is that the processing (S260, S262, S264, S266) for determining the similarity condition is omitted. If the determination result in S240 is “No”, the process proceeds to S270. The other processes in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes in FIG. Of the steps in FIG. 10, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The rasterization in FIG. 10 is applied to S120 in FIG. The hardware configuration of an image processing system that executes image processing is the same as that shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the processing in the following two cases is the same as that in the embodiment of FIG.
(First case) Processing when the command of interest is interpretable and satisfies the drawable condition (S230: Yes, S240: Yes).
(Second case) Processing when the command of interest includes a command that cannot be interpreted (S230: No).
Therefore, as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, in the first case, the processor 110 can generate high-quality print data by utilizing the rasterization processing capability of the processor 110. In the second case, the processor 110 uses the input raster data to change the object represented by the print data as the object of the input image even if the command of interest includes a command that cannot be interpreted. It is possible to suppress problems such as differences and cancellation of printing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the attention command is interpretable but does not satisfy the drawing enabling condition (S230: Yes, S240: No), the processor 110 corresponds to the attention object area of the input raster data. 2. Using the attention raster data, a portion corresponding to the attention object area in the print data is generated (FIG. 10: S280, S295, FIG. 2: S130, S140). Therefore, when there is a possibility that the command of interest cannot be correctly rasterized, the processor 110 uses the input raster data to suppress problems such as the object represented by the print data being different from the object of the input image and printing cancellation. it can.

E. Example 5:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another embodiment of rasterization. The only difference from the embodiment of FIG. 8 is that S240 for determining the drawing enabling condition is omitted. If the determination result in S230 is “Yes”, the process proceeds to S260. Other processes in FIG. 11 are the same as the processes in FIG. Of the steps in FIG. 11, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The rasterization in FIG. 11 is applied to S120 in FIG. The hardware configuration of an image processing system that executes image processing is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, when the command of interest includes a command that cannot be interpreted (S230: No), the second raster data of the input raster data is used as in the embodiment of FIGS. . Therefore, even when the attention command includes a command that cannot be interpreted, the processor 110 can suppress problems such as an object represented by the print data being different from the object of the input image and printing cancellation.

  If the attention command can be interpreted (S230: Yes), as in S260 to S266 in the embodiment of FIG. 8, print data for the attention object region is generated depending on whether or not the similar condition is satisfied. The target raster data to be used is selected. Accordingly, when the first focused raster image obtained by rasterizing the focused command represents an appropriate image (S266: Yes), high-quality print data can be generated by using the first focused raster data. If the first focused raster image obtained by rasterizing the focused command does not represent an appropriate image (S266: No), the object represented by the print data is input by using the second focused raster data. It is possible to suppress problems such as being different from an image object and canceling printing.

F. Example 6:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of another embodiment of rasterization. The only difference from the embodiment of FIG. 11 is that S230 for determining whether or not the command of interest can be interpreted is replaced with S240 for determining the drawable condition. If the determination result in S240 is “Yes”, the process proceeds to S260. If the determination result in S240 is “No”, the process proceeds to S270. Other processes in FIG. 12 are the same as the processes in FIG. Of the steps in FIG. 12, the same steps as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The rasterization in FIG. 12 is applied to S120 in FIG. The hardware configuration of an image processing system that executes image processing is the same as that shown in FIG.

  As in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the drawable condition is that all of the command of interest can be drawn. Therefore, if the command of interest includes an unconfirmed command, the determination result in S240 is “No”.

  In this embodiment, when the attention command satisfies the drawable condition (S240: Yes), the attention object is determined depending on whether or not the similar condition is satisfied as in S260 to S266 of the embodiments of FIGS. The raster data of interest used to generate the print data for the area is selected. Accordingly, when the first focused raster image obtained by rasterizing the focused command represents an appropriate image (S266: Yes), high-quality print data can be generated by using the first focused raster data. If the first focused raster image obtained by rasterizing the focused command does not represent an appropriate image (S266: No), the object represented by the print data is input by using the second focused raster data. It is possible to suppress problems such as being different from an image object and canceling printing.

  Further, when the attention command does not satisfy the drawable condition (S240: No), the second attention raster data of the input raster data is used, so that the object represented by the print data is different from the object of the input image. Problems such as printing cancellation can be suppressed (S280, S295).

  In the present embodiment, it is necessary that the similar condition is satisfied in order to execute S250 regardless of whether or not the attention command can be interpreted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress generation of inappropriate print data due to a defect in rasterization of the command of interest.

G. Variation:
(1) As input vector data (first type input image data), various other types of image data including vector format data including drawing commands and parameters can be used instead of PDF image data. is there. For example, image data including a drawing command unique to the image processing apparatus 100 may be employed.

  Further, as input raster data (second type input image data), various other types of image data including raster format data can be used instead of vector format data instead of PWG image data. is there. For example, image data (that is, print data) in a format that represents a halftone processed image and can be used by the printer unit 190 may be employed.

  By using such input vector data and input raster data, print data suitable for the printer unit can be generated.

(2) Various other commands can be employed as interpretable drawing commands in place of the commands described in FIG. In general, as a condition for determining whether or not an attention command can be interpreted, it is possible to adopt that all of the attention commands are included in one or more predetermined interpretable commands. is there. As the interpretable command, a command in which processing according to the command is implemented in the image processing apparatus 100 can be adopted.

(3) As described above with reference to FIG. 9, it is possible to employ that all of the commands of interest are included in one or more predetermined drawable commands as described in FIG. Instead, the processor 110 may determine whether or not the drawable condition is satisfied based on the analysis result of the drawing command.

  For example, the attention command may include a command for drawing text (referred to as “text command”), and a character string to be drawn and information for specifying a font as parameters of the text command. When the specified font data is available (for example, when the font data is stored in advance in the storage device of the image processing apparatus 100 or embedded in the input vector data), the processor 110 According to the text command, the character string can be drawn appropriately. If the data of the designated font is not available, the processor 110 can draw the character string using the available alternative font. However, when the designated font is a special font, there is a case where the character string cannot be appropriately drawn even if the substitute font is used.

  Therefore, when the command of interest includes a text command, the processor 110 determines whether or not the data of the designated font can be used. Then, the processor 110 may determine that the text command satisfies the drawable condition when the data of the designated font is available. Then, the processor 110 may determine that the text command does not satisfy the drawable condition when the data of the designated font is not available.

(4) As the similarity condition, various other conditions indicating that two focused raster images are similar can be adopted instead of the condition using the histogram. For example, the processor 110 may determine whether or not two target raster images are similar by pattern matching (that is, whether or not a similar condition is satisfied). As a determination method by pattern matching, a known method can be adopted. For example, the processor 110 extracts feature points (for example, end points and branch points of edge lines) from each target raster image and arranges them at the same position on both of the two target raster images from the extracted feature points. Feature points (referred to as “same-position feature points”) are extracted. Then, the processor 110 calculates the ratio of the total number of feature points at the same position to the total number of feature points. Here, the processor 110 may adopt as a similar condition that the calculated ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

(5) As the first condition for generating the print data using the input vector data, various other conditions can be adopted instead of the conditions of the above embodiments. For example, it may be adopted as the first condition that the command of interest is a drawable command.

  As the second condition for generating the print data using the input raster data, various other conditions can be adopted instead of the conditions of the above embodiments. For example, the fact that the command of interest includes an unconfirmed command may be adopted as the second condition.

(6) As a procedure of the printing process, various other procedures can be adopted instead of the procedures of the above-described embodiments. For example, in the processes of FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12, the processor 110 may repeat the process of one pixel line extending in the horizontal direction. Further, the processor 110 may process the entire image in a lump instead of repeating the band and pixel line processing. Further, as a method for specifying the object region (S210), a method of analyzing the input raster data may be employed instead of the method of analyzing the input vector data. As a method for specifying the object region by analyzing the raster data, a known method can be adopted. For example, the following method can be adopted. A raster image represented by raster data is divided into a plurality of processing areas (for example, rectangular areas), and the variance of the color values (for example, luminance values) of specific color components is calculated for each processing area. Then, a processing area whose variance is smaller than a predetermined threshold (referred to as “object threshold”) is classified as “background”, and a processing area whose variance is greater than or equal to the object threshold is classified as “object”. Then, one continuous area constituted by continuous processing areas classified as objects is determined as one object area.

(7) Image data generation processing using input vector data and input raster data is not limited to print data generation, and is generally applicable to generation of output data for causing an image output apparatus to output an image. is there. For example, the image output device may be an image display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) that displays an image, and the output data may be image data for causing the image display device to display an image.

(8) In the above-described embodiment, the printer unit 190 may be a device different from the image processing device 100 connected to the image processing device 100. Also, a plurality of devices (for example, computers) that can communicate with each other via a network may share the image processing function of the image processing device part by part to provide the image processing function as a whole ( A system including these devices corresponds to an image processing device).

  In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware. Also good. For example, the function of the processor 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

  When a part or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by a computer program, the program is provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a non-temporary recording medium). be able to. The program can be used in a state where it is stored in the same or different recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) as provided. The “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a memory card or a CD-ROM, but is connected to an internal storage device in a computer such as various ROMs or a computer such as a hard disk drive. It also includes an external storage device.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example and the modification, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image processing apparatus, 110 ... Processor, 120 ... Volatile storage device, 130 ... Nonvolatile storage device, 132 ... Program, 160 ... Communication interface, 190 ... Printer 200 ... communication terminal 210 ... processor 220 ... volatile storage device 230 ... nonvolatile storage device 232 ... program 240 ... display unit 250 ... Operation unit, 260 ... communication interface, 300 ... network, 1000 ... image processing system, IMi, IMi2 ... input image, IMv, IMv2 ... first raster image, IMr, IMr2 ... Second raster image, IMo, IMo2 ... output image, O1 ... first object, O2a, O2ax ... second object, O3, O3a ... third object, Bg ... background

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus,
From an external device, a vector data representing the input image, receives the drawing commands for drawing objects, and parameters used to render the object by the drawing commands, the vector data of the vector format including A first receiver ;
A conversion unit for converting the vector data into raster type first type raster data;
A second receiver for receiving , from the external device, the second type of raster data in the raster format representing the input image;
A generating unit that generates output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image using at least one of the first type raster data and the second type raster data;
With
The generator is
Said of vector data, drawing command included in the specific vector data of the vector format for rendering a specific object in the input image, a command corresponding processing is implemented by the conversion unit The first type of raster data is adopted as the output data when the first condition is satisfied ,
The drawing command included in the specific vector data, if the second condition that includes the processing corresponding is a command not implemented is met by the conversion unit, of said second type of raster data Selecting and adopting raster format specific raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image, and generating the output data by combining the specific raster data with the first type of raster data ;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The first condition is that the drawing command included in the specific vector data is a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is implemented, and the drawing command included in the specific vector data specifies an object. Including satisfying a predetermined drawable condition indicating that it is different from an unconfirmed command that is a command for which whether or not drawing can be correctly performed is not confirmed ,
The second condition, the said drawing command included in the specified vector data, and said processing corresponding is a command not implemented by the conversion unit, the drawing command included in the specific vector data the Including not satisfying the drawable condition while being a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is implemented ,
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The conversion unit may generate the first target raster data corresponding to the specific object by rasterizing the particular vector data of the vector data,
When the specific raster data is called second attention raster data,
The first condition is:
(A) The drawing command included in the specific vector data is a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is implemented, and satisfies the drawable condition;
(B) The drawing command included in the specific vector data is a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is implemented, does not satisfy the drawing enabling condition, and is based on the first focused raster data. The first attention raster image represented and the second attention raster image represented by the second attention raster data satisfy a predetermined similarity condition;
Including that any of
The second condition is:
(C) the drawing command included in the specific vector data is a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is not implemented ;
(D) The drawing command included in the specific vector data is a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is implemented, does not satisfy the drawing enabling condition, and the first focused raster image and the The second focused raster image does not satisfy the similarity condition;
Including satisfying any of the
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The conversion unit may generate the first target raster data corresponding to the specific object by rasterizing the particular vector data of the vector data,
When the specific raster data is called second attention raster data,
The first condition is a command in which the processing corresponding to the drawing command included in the specific vector data is implemented in the conversion unit , and the first attention is represented by the first attention raster data A raster image and a second focused raster image represented by the second focused raster data satisfy a predetermined similarity condition;
The second condition is that the drawing command included in the specific vector data is a command in which the processing corresponding to the conversion unit is not implemented, and the drawing command included in the specific vector data is the conversion The first attention raster image and the second attention raster image do not satisfy the similarity condition while being a command in which the processing corresponding to the part is mounted is included. ,
Image processing device. An image processing apparatus,
From an external device, a vector data representing the input image, receives the drawing commands for drawing objects, and parameters used to render the object by the drawing commands, the vector data of the vector format including A first receiver ;
A conversion unit for converting the vector data into raster type first type raster data;
A second receiver for receiving , from the external device, the second type of raster data in the raster format representing the input image;
A generating unit that generates output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image using at least one of the first type raster data and the second type raster data;
With
The converting unit, the out of the vector data, first target raster data corresponding to a specific object in the input image by rasterizing the particular vector data of the vector format for rendering a specific object in the input image Produces
The generator is
A first focused raster image represented by the first focused raster data and a second focused raster data represented by second focused raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image among the second type of raster data. When the first condition including that the image satisfies a predetermined similarity condition is satisfied, the first type of raster data is employed as the output data,
When the second condition including that the first attention raster image and the second attention raster image do not satisfy the similarity condition is satisfied, the second attention raster data is selected from the second type of raster data And generating the output data by synthesizing the second raster data of interest with the first type of raster data .
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5,
The first condition is predetermined to indicate that the specific vector data is different from an unconfirmed command that is a command in which whether or not a drawing command included in the specific vector data can correctly draw an object is determined. Satisfying the drawable condition, and the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image satisfy the similarity condition,
The second condition is that the specific vector data does not satisfy the drawable condition, and the first focused raster image and the second focused raster image satisfy the drawable condition while the specific vector data satisfies the drawable condition. Including not satisfying any of the similar conditions,
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image output device is a printing device,
The output data is data for causing the printing apparatus to print the input image,
The second type of raster data is data usable as the output data.
Image processing device. A computer program,
From an external device, a vector data representing the input image, receives the drawing commands for drawing objects, and parameters used to render the object by the drawing commands, the vector data of the vector format including A first receiving function;
A conversion function for converting the vector data into raster type first type raster data;
A second receiving function for receiving , from the external device, the second type of raster data in the raster format representing the input image;
A generation function for generating output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image using at least one of the first type raster data and the second type raster data;
Is realized on a computer,
The generation function is
Said of vector data, drawing command included in the specific vector data of the vector format for rendering a specific object in the input image, a command corresponding processing is implemented by the conversion function The first type of raster data is adopted as the output data when the first condition is satisfied ,
Wherein said drawing command included in the specified vector data, if the second condition that includes the processing corresponding is a command not implemented is met by the conversion function, among the second type of raster data Selecting and adopting raster format specific raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image, and generating the output data by combining the specific raster data with the first type of raster data ;
Computer program. A computer program,
From an external device, a vector data representing the input image, receives the drawing commands for drawing objects, and parameters used to render the object by the drawing commands, the vector data of the vector format including A first receiving function;
A conversion function for converting the vector data into raster type first type raster data;
A second receiving function for receiving , from the external device, the second type of raster data in the raster format representing the input image;
A generation function for generating output data for causing the image output apparatus to output the input image using at least one of the first type raster data and the second type raster data;
Is realized on a computer,
The conversion function, wherein among the vector data, first target raster data corresponding to a specific object in the input image by rasterizing the particular vector data of the vector format for rendering a specific object in the input image Produces
The generation function is
A first focused raster image represented by the first focused raster data and a second focused raster data represented by second focused raster data corresponding to the specific object in the input image among the second type of raster data. When the first condition including that the image satisfies a predetermined similarity condition is satisfied, the first type of raster data is employed as the output data,
When the second condition including that the first attention raster image and the second attention raster image do not satisfy the similarity condition is satisfied, the second attention raster data is selected from the second type of raster data And generating the output data by synthesizing the second raster data of interest with the first type of raster data .
Computer program.

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