JP6414519B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  In Patent Document 1, a color sample indicating a target color for search is obtained by colorimetry or device-independent color value designation, and the target color is stored in a color space constituted by colorimetric data for color search or If it is included in the boundary, the small color space of the combination including the target color is specified from the small color spaces composed of the colorimetric data sets for color search, and the input value range corresponding to the small color space is subdivided. Thus, it is disclosed that input data for small color space color search is created and converted to the N-color print data, and then the chart is subjected to print color measurement to obtain input data corresponding to the target color.

JP 2012-186832 A

  When correcting a specific color of the image data to match the target color, the color of the target color in the image already printed on the recording medium is measured using a dedicated colorimeter. Color correction may be performed so that a specific color of the image data is close to the target color based on the set color. As described above, when performing partial color matching of image data, a dedicated colorimeter may be required.

  An object of the present invention is to print image data on a recording medium so that the specific color in the image printed on the recording medium approaches the target color without using a dedicated colorimeter. To provide an image processing system, an image forming apparatus, and a program capable of performing color correction.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a specifying means for specifying a target color to be subjected to color correction in image data;
Reading means for reading a target image having a target color that is a target of color correction for the target color;
A calculation means for calculating a virtual input color value that is output based on a standard characteristic and that obtains the target color when read based on the standard characteristic;
Output means for outputting a color sample including a virtual input color value calculated by the calculation means and a peripheral color value in a predetermined range of the virtual input color value on a recording medium;
Extracting means for extracting a plurality of colors from a color sample on the recording medium read by the reading means;
Correction data generation for generating correction data for correcting the image data from a plurality of colors extracted by the extraction unit so that the target color specified by the specifying unit is an output color closest to the target color Means,
An image forming apparatus having

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates a virtual read color value that is obtained when the target color is output based on a standard characteristic and read based on the standard characteristic. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a target color is set from a target image read by the reading unit based on the virtual read color value.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the correction data generation unit generates correction data for correction including a peripheral color of the target color when the target color is corrected. An image forming apparatus.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image according to any one of the first to third aspects, the calculation unit sets a color included in an area designated in the target image read by the reading unit as a target color. Forming device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the designating unit designates a target color based on the drawing information of the image data.

The present invention according to claim 6 further comprises storage means for storing history information of the target color designated by the designation means,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation unit designates a target color based on history information of the target color stored in the storage unit.

  The present invention according to claim 7 further comprises presentation means for preferentially presenting a color having a high frequency specified as a target color based on history information stored in the storage means. Forming device.

The present invention according to claim 8 further includes correction means for correcting the image data based on the correction data generated by the correction data generation means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the image data corrected by the correction unit.

The present invention according to claim 9 further comprises storage means for storing correction data generated by the correction data generation means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the correction unit corrects the image data based on correction data stored in the storage unit when predetermined drawing information is included in the image data.

The present invention according to claim 10 is an acquisition means for acquiring an image and type information of the image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the correction unit corrects the image data when the type information acquired by the acquisition unit is predetermined type information.

  The present invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising setting means for setting a resolution when the target image is read by the reading means.

  The present invention according to claim 12 further comprises notification means for notifying that reproduction is not possible when the target color in the target image is outside a predetermined color range. An image forming apparatus.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the output means outputs state determination information that is a predetermined color together with the color sample to a recording medium,
The reading unit reads state determination information from the recording medium together with the color sample,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the notification unit notifies that the color cannot be reproduced when the color of the state determination information read together with the color sample is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a step of designating a target color to be subjected to color correction in image data;
Reading a target image having a target color that is a target of color correction for the target color;
Calculating a virtual input color value that is output based on a standard characteristic and that obtains the target color when read based on the standard characteristic; and
Outputting a color sample including the calculated virtual input color value and a peripheral color value in a predetermined range of the virtual input color value on a recording medium;
Extracting a plurality of colors from the color sample on the read recording medium;
Generating correction data for correcting the image data from a plurality of colors extracted so that the designated target color is the output color closest to the target color;
Is a program for causing a computer to execute.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when printing image data on a recording medium, the specific color in the image printed on the recording medium approaches the target color without using a dedicated colorimeter. Thus, an image forming apparatus capable of performing color correction of image data can be provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of setting a target color corresponding to a target color.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of correcting image data so as to maintain the continuity of the gradation of the target color and the peripheral colors of the target color.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of designating a target color in a target image.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of specifying a color included in drawing information of image data as a target color.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of specifying a target color from history information of a target color specified in the past.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preferentially presenting a color having a high frequency specified as a target color.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of outputting image data corrected so that a specific color in an image printed on a recording medium approaches a target color. it can.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of correcting image data in accordance with image data drawing information.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing correction using correction data when an image type is specific.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of setting a resolution necessary for reading a color from a target image.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of grasping that the image data cannot be corrected so that the target color approaches the target color.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of grasping that image data cannot be corrected so that the target color approaches the target color.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when printing image data on a recording medium, the specific color in the image printed on the recording medium approaches the target color without using a dedicated colorimeter. As described above, it is possible to provide a program capable of performing color correction of image data.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the electronic image data in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the color matching object designation | designated screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the target image in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of calculating the virtual reading color value of the object color in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of calculating the virtual input color value of the target color in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the color patch image data in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the color patch image in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the color matching correction confirmation screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the production | generation method of the correction parameter in one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when classification information is acquired in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the object which correct | amends by applying the correction parameter produced | generated in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which designates the object of the image data which correct | amends in one Embodiment of this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system in the present embodiment includes a terminal device 1, a target printer 2, and an image forming device 3. Further, the terminal device 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 are connected to each other via the network 4.

  The target printer 2 in the present embodiment is an expensive printer that is used, for example, by a company that prints images. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is a so-called multi-function machine used in an office or the like, and has characteristics different from the target printer. According to the target printer 2, an image including a specific color such as a corporate color can be output on paper with high quality. However, even if the same image data is printed by the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment, the same quality as the image printed by the target printer 2 cannot be ensured, and a specific color such as a corporate color is particularly faithful. It is difficult to reproduce. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment uses the image printed by the target printer 2 as the target image (target image), and specifies the image to be printed on the paper (recording medium) as the specific color in the target image. Processing is performed to bring the color closer to the target color (target color) included in the target image.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 in the image forming system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive (HDD), and a terminal device 10 and a server device 30 via a network line 40. A communication interface (IF) unit 14 for transmitting and receiving data, a user interface (UI) device 15 constituted by a touch panel and a liquid crystal display, an image reading unit 16 for reading an image such as a scanner, and a recording medium such as paper And an image output unit 17 for outputting an image. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 18.

  The CPU 11 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 by executing a predetermined process based on the print control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 realized by executing the above-described print control program.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 3 includes an image processing device 30, an image reading unit 32, and an image output unit 40. The image processing apparatus 30 includes a color matching designation unit 31, a storage unit 33, a virtual color value calculation unit 34, a color patch image generation unit 35, a color patch extraction unit 36, a correction parameter generation unit 37, A color correction unit 38 and a notification unit 39 are included.

  The color matching designation unit 31 designates a target color to be subjected to color correction in the electronic image data transmitted from the terminal device 1. In the present embodiment, the color matching correction of the electronic image data is performed so that the color of a specific portion in the electronic image data approaches the specific color included in the target image (target image) output on the paper by the target printer 2. Is specified as the target color to be used for A specific method for specifying the target color in the present embodiment will be described later.

  The image reading unit 32 reads a target image including a target color (target color) that is a correction target for the target color. In the present embodiment, the target printer 2 outputs a target image on a sheet in advance, and has a target color that is a target of color matching correction for the target color designated by the color matching designation unit 33. A specific method for setting the target color in this embodiment will be described later. The image reading unit 32 reads a color patch image described later.

  The storage unit 33 stores target image data read by the image reading unit 31. The storage unit 33 stores (stores) correction parameters generated by a correction parameter generation unit 37 described later.

  The virtual color value calculation unit 34 calculates a virtual input color value that is output based on the standard characteristics and that allows the target color to be obtained when read based on the standard characteristics. A specific method for calculating the virtual input color value in the present embodiment will be described later.

  The color patch image generation unit 35 generates color patch image (color sample) data including the virtual input color value calculated by the virtual color value calculation unit 34 and peripheral colors in a predetermined range of the virtual input color value. . In this embodiment, the image output unit 40 outputs the color patch image data generated by the color patch generation unit 35 to a sheet (recording medium). A specific description of the color patch image in the present embodiment will be described later.

  The color patch extraction unit 36 extracts a plurality of colors from the color patch image on the paper read by the image reading unit 32.

  The correction parameter generation unit 37 extracts a color patch based on the plurality of colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 so that the target color specified by the color matching specification unit 31 is the output color closest to the target color. A correction parameter for correcting the electronic image data is generated from the plurality of colors extracted by the unit. A specific method for generating correction parameters will be described later.

  The color correction unit 38 corrects the electronic image data based on the correction parameter generated by the correction parameter generation unit 37.

  The notification unit 39 notifies that it cannot be reproduced when the target color in the target image is outside the predetermined color range. In the present embodiment, when the target color in the target image is outside the reproducible color range of the image forming apparatus 3, the fact that the target color cannot be reproduced is notified via a display unit (not shown).

  The image output unit 40 outputs the electronic image data corrected by the color correction unit 38 to a sheet. The image output unit 40 outputs the color patch image data generated by the color patch image generation unit 35 to a sheet.

[Specify target color]
Next, an example of a method for specifying the target color in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  First, the image processing device 30 acquires electronic image data as shown in FIG. 4 from the terminal device 1 via the network 4. Further, the target printer 2 outputs a target image described later on a sheet in advance.

  Then, the color matching designation unit 31 analyzes the acquired electronic image data and extracts an object (drawing information) included in the electronic image data. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the electronic image data includes three objects 50 to 52.

  Next, the color matching designation unit 31 displays a color matching target designation screen as shown in FIG. 5 via a display unit (not shown) for the extracted objects 50 to 52. In the present embodiment, each object is composed of colors expressed by RGB (red, green, blue) values. For example, the object 50 has a value (255, 0, 0), the object 51 has a value (0, 255, 0), and the object 52 has a value (0, 0, 255). In the present embodiment, the color matching designation unit 31 designates a target color based on the extracted electronic image data objects 50 to 52.

  In the present embodiment, the color matching designation unit 31 is a case where the object 50 to 52 displayed on the color matching target designation screen is output by an output device having different characteristics such as a corporate color. Select the object whose color you want to keep constant when output to paper. Specifically, the color matching designation unit 31 designates an object of a color to be subjected to color matching correction among the objects 50 to 52 displayed via the display unit by a user operation on an operation unit (not shown). To do. For example, when the color of the object 50 is designated as the color matching target color, the color matching designation is performed by selecting the object 50 on the color matching target screen and pressing the OK button as shown in FIG. The unit 31 specifies the color of the object 50 as the target color.

  In the color matching target designation screen, when the history information of the target color designated in the past by the color matching designation unit 31 is stored in the storage unit 33 and the color matching target designation screen is displayed, the color matching designation unit 31 preferentially presents a color with a high frequency specified as the target color based on the history information stored in the storage unit 33 (presentation means), and the user designates the presented color. Also good.

  For example, each time a target color is specified, the color matching specification unit 31 associates the color specified as the target color and the frequency at which the color is specified, and causes the storage unit 33 to store the information as history information. When the image forming apparatus 3 accepts new electronic image data, the color matching designation unit 31 refers to the history information stored in the storage unit 33, and in the new electronic image data, When a color that matches the color specified as the color is included, the frequency that is specified as the target color is high among the colors that match the target color in the past on the color matching target specification screen Prioritize color and display at the top.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic image data is analyzed and the color of the object 50 is designated as the color matching target color by the user's operation. However, the object is determined in advance in the extracted electronic image data object. If the specified object exists, the color of the object may be designated as the target color.

  In this embodiment, the electronic image data is analyzed to extract an object included in the electronic image data. However, a color included in a region designated in the electronic image data is set as a target color. You may do it. For example, the user may directly specify the area of the electronic image data and specify the color included in the specified area as the target color.

[Target color setting]
Next, a specific method for setting the target color in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the image reading unit 32 reads a target image that has been output in advance by a target printer 2 as shown in FIG.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 calculates a virtual output color value that is a color value when the target color is output by a virtual output device having standard characteristics. For example, assuming that the input color value (sRGB value) of the target color is output by a virtual output device having standard characteristics, CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) based on the standard characteristics Calculate the value. Note that the standard characteristic is an average of the characteristics of each produced device. For example, the virtual output device having standard characteristics in the present embodiment is a virtual output device having an average characteristic of output characteristics of each produced output device.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 reads the virtual output color value of the target color output by the virtual output device using a virtual reading device having standard characteristics. A virtual read color value that is a value is calculated. For example, assuming that the virtual output color value (CMYK value) of the target color has been read by a virtual reading device having standard characteristics, and converted into L * a * b values, the standard characteristics are obtained. Based on this, a virtual read color value (dRGB value) is calculated.

  That is, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 in the present embodiment calculates a virtual read color value that is obtained when the target color is output based on the standard characteristics and read based on the standard characteristics. .

  Then, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 sets a target color from the read target image based on the virtual read color value of the target color. In the present embodiment, among the colors included in the target image, the color closest to the virtual read color value of the target color is set as the target color.

  For example, the RGB value of the specified target color is (255, 0, 0), and the RGB value of the virtual read color value calculated based on the standard characteristics of the virtual output device and the virtual read device is (180, 45, 60), the virtual color value calculation unit 34 converts the RGB values (180, 45, 60) of the virtual read color value out of the colors included in the target image read by the image reading unit 32. Set the closest color as the target color. In the present embodiment, in the target image as shown in FIG. 6 read by the image reading unit 32, the colors included in the area 60 surrounded by the thick line are RGB values (180, 45, 60) of the virtual read color values. ), It is set as a target color that is a reference for color matching of the target color. In the present embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the RGB value of the color in the region 60 is (180, 50, 50).

  In the present embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the color closest to the virtual read color value among the colors included in the target image is set as the target color. However, when the target color is set, the read target image is set. May be displayed via a display unit (not shown), and among the colors included in the target image, the color included in the designated area may be set as the target color. For example, when the target image area 60 is designated by a user operation, the color matching designation unit 31 may set the color in the designated area 60 as the target color.

[Calculation of virtual input color value]
Next, a method for calculating the virtual input color value of the target color in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 converts the color value (dRGB value) of the set target color into an L * a * b value.

  Next, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 calculates what color (CMYK value) is read by the virtual reading device and the target color becomes the converted L * a * b value. In the present embodiment, a virtual output color value (CMYK value) is calculated based on the standard characteristics of the virtual reading device so that the target color becomes the converted L * a * b value.

  Then, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 calculates what kind of input image color value is output from the virtual output device to obtain the virtual output color value (CMYK value) calculated from the target color. In the present embodiment, a virtual input color value (sRGB value) that is a virtual output color value (CMYK value) calculated from the target color is calculated based on the standard characteristics of the virtual output device.

  In other words, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 according to the present embodiment calculates a virtual input color value that is output based on the standard characteristics and can obtain the target color when read based on the standard characteristics. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 first converts the RGB values (180, 50, 50) of the set target color into L * a * b values. Next, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 calculates a virtual output color value (CMYK value) from which the L * a * b value obtained by converting the target color is obtained when read by the virtual reading device. Then, the virtual color value calculation unit 34 calculates RGB values (241, 8, 12) of virtual input color values for outputting virtual output color values (CMYK values) by the virtual output device.

[Generate color patch image data]
Next, a specific example of the color patch image in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The color patch image generation unit 35 according to the present embodiment is a peripheral color within the predetermined range of the virtual input color value of the target color, with the virtual input color value of the target color calculated by the virtual color value calculation unit 34 as the center. Color patch image (color sample) data including Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the virtual input color values around the virtual input color values with the virtual input color values (241, 8, 12) of the target color calculated by the virtual color value calculation unit 34 as the center reference color are used. The color patch image data including the color values of is generated. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, as the color values around the virtual input color value, a color whose brightness is changed from the reference color in the vertical direction is arranged, and the saturation and hue from the reference color in the horizontal direction. The color patch image data in which the changed color is arranged is generated.

  For example, in the left-right direction of the color patch image data of FIG. 9, from the virtual input color value in the left-right direction, such as 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% in order from the left. A color whose saturation is changed is arranged.

  Further, in the right direction from the center of the color patch image data of FIG. 9, among the RGB values of the virtual input color value, for example, a color whose hue has been changed by increasing the value of B is arranged, and left from the center. In the direction, the color whose hue is changed from the virtual input color value in the left-right direction is arranged such that the color whose hue is changed by increasing the value of G among the RGB values of the virtual input color value is arranged. Is placed.

  Further, in the vertical direction of the color patch image data of FIG. 9, the color whose brightness is changed from the virtual input color value in the vertical direction, such as 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% in order from the top. Is placed.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the RGB values of the reference colors (virtual input color values) in the color patch image data are (241, 8, 12), the lightness is 60%, and the saturation is 50. % Is described.

  The storage unit 33 stores the generated color patch image data.

[Generate correction parameters]
Next, a specific method for generating correction parameters in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the image output unit 40 outputs a color patch image on a sheet based on the color patch image data generated by the color patch image generation unit 35. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the image output unit 40 displays cyan 100% as the state determination image (state determination information) 70, magenta 100% as the state determination image 71, and yellow 100 as the state determination image 72. % Image is output. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that images of cyan 100%, magenta 100%, and yellow 100% are output as the state determination images 70 to 72, but the color of the state determination image can be changed as appropriate. It is.

  Next, the image reading unit 32 reads the state determination images 70 to 72 together with the color patch image output to the sheet by the image output unit 40.

  And the notification part 39 notifies that it cannot reproduce, when the color of the state determination images 70-72 read with the color patch image is below a predetermined threshold value. For example, when the G value is 220 or less and the B value is 220 or less in the RGB values obtained when 100% cyan of the state determination image 70 is read, the image output unit 40 performs the normal state. Since the cyan density may be output at a low level, the notification unit 39 notifies that cyan cannot be reproduced via a display unit (not shown). Similarly, the state determination images 71 and 72 are also notified that they cannot be reproduced when the RGB values of the read colors are equal to or less than the threshold value.

  Next, the color patch extraction unit 36 extracts a plurality of colors from the color patch image read by the image reading unit 32. Note that the color patch image in the present embodiment is output based on the characteristics of the image output unit 40 and is read based on the characteristics of the image reading unit 32, so that these characteristics are not standard characteristics. There is a possibility that the color of the color patch image data generated by the color patch image generation unit 35 and the color extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 are different.

  Next, the correction parameter generation unit 37 specifies the color closest to the target color among the colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36. In the present embodiment, the correction parameter generation unit 37 identifies the color closest to the RGB value (180, 50, 50) of the target color among the colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36. In the present embodiment, the correction parameter generation unit 37 sets the color having the smallest difference value from the RGB values of the target color among the plurality of colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 as the target color. The description will be made assuming that the colors are close, but the present invention is not limited to such a method.

  As described above, since the reference color in the color patch image is calculated from the target color based on the virtual output device and the virtual reading device having standard characteristics, the image output unit 40 and the image reading unit If the 32 characteristics are standard, the RGB values of the reference color and the RGB values of the target color extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 match. Therefore, the reference color extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 is specified as the color closest to the target color. However, if the characteristics of the image output unit 40 and the image reading unit 32 are not standard, the reference color may not match the target color, so that a plurality of colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 may be used. Among them, the color closest to the target color is searched.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the RGB value of the reference color does not match the RGB value of the target color due to the device characteristics of the image output unit 40 and the image reading unit 32.

  For example, the correction parameter generation unit 37 has the RGB value of the peripheral color A (182, 55, 42) among the plurality of colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the peripheral color A, not the reference color, is specified as the color closest to the RGB value (180, 50, 50) of the target color.

  Then, the correction parameter generation unit 37 displays a color matching correction confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 11 via a display unit (not shown), and generates a correction parameter when the OK button is pressed.

  In the present embodiment, the correction parameter generation unit 37 approaches the color used when the designated target color is the closest to the target color among the colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36. A correction parameter for correcting the electronic image data is generated.

  For example, the correction parameter generation unit 37 refers to the color patch image data generated by the color patch image generation unit 35 stored in the storage unit 33 and uses the color patch image used when outputting the color patch image. A color corresponding to the peripheral color A is specified in the data. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the RGB values (245, 13, 12) of the color corresponding to the peripheral color A are specified in the color patch image data.

  The correction parameter generation unit 37 is used when outputting the color closest to the target color among the plurality of colors in which the RGB value (255, 0, 0) of the target color is extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36. The electronic image data is corrected so as to approach the color, and a correction parameter for correcting the peripheral color of the target color is generated.

  Specifically, when the target color and the peripheral colors of the target color are arranged in a color space as shown in FIG. 11A before correction, as shown in FIG. As the RGB value (255, 0, 0) of the target color approaches the RGB value (245, 13, 12) of the color patch image data corresponding to the peripheral color A closest to the target color, the target color is corrected. At the same time, a correction parameter for correcting the peripheral color of the target color is generated. In addition, the correction parameter generation unit 37 stores the generated correction parameter in the storage unit 33.

  In the present embodiment, since the color patch image is output to the paper based on the characteristics of the image output unit 40, the electronic image corrected to approach the color of the color patch image data that is the input color value of the color patch image. When the data is output to the paper by the image output unit 40 as in the case of the color patch image, an image having a color close to the color of the color patch image is output.

  When the RGB value of the reference color extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 matches the RGB value of the target color, the correction parameter generation unit 37 selects the color of the color patch image data whose target color corresponds to the reference color. A correction parameter that approaches (virtual input color value of the target color) is generated.

  Then, the color correction unit 38 performs color matching correction of the electronic image data based on the correction parameter generated by the correction parameter generation unit 37. The color correction unit 38 may correct the entire electronic image data based on the correction parameter generated by the correction parameter generation unit 37, or only the color of the object 50 specified on the color matching target screen. You may make it perform correction | amendment which changes.

  For example, when color matching correction is performed only for a specific region including a corporate color such as a company logo in electronic image data, the color correction unit 38 specifies the correction parameter based on the correction parameter generated by the correction parameter generation unit 37. You may make it perform the color matching correction | amendment of this area | region.

  Next, the processing flow of the image forming apparatus 3 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in the image forming apparatus 3, image quality adjustment such as gradation correction and setup for setting the output mode and the like to a standard state are performed (step S101).

  Next, the color matching designation unit 31 designates a target color for color matching correction (step S102).

  Then, the image reading unit 32 reads a target image having a target color for color matching correction (step S103).

  Then, the color matching designation unit 31 sets a target color from the read target image (step S104). In addition, the notification unit 39 notifies that the color cannot be reproduced when the set target color is out of the reproducible color range of the image forming apparatus 3.

  Next, the virtual input color value calculation unit 34 calculates a virtual input color value of the set target color (step S105).

  Then, the color patch image generation unit 35 generates color patch image data including the virtual input color value and the peripheral color value of the virtual input color value, and the image output 40 outputs the color patch image on the sheet (step S106). ).

  Next, the image reading unit 32 reads the output color patch image (step S107).

  Then, the color patch extraction unit 36 extracts a plurality of colors from the read color patch image (step S108).

  Next, the correction parameter generation unit 37 generates electronic image data from a plurality of colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36 so that the target color specified by the color matching specification unit 31 is an output color closest to the target color. The color correction unit 38 performs color matching correction of the electronic image data based on the generated correction parameter (step S109).

  Finally, the image output unit 40 outputs an image on a sheet based on the electronic image data corrected by the color correction unit 38 (step S110).

  In the present embodiment, the color correction unit 38 has been described as correcting the color of the object 50 specified on the color matching target specifying screen or the entire electronic image data. However, the generated correction parameter is applied. It may be possible to specify the type of object for which color correction is performed. In this case, the color correction unit 38 acquires an image and type information of the image from the electronic image data (acquisition means), and corrects the electronic image data when the acquired type information is predetermined type information. You may make it do.

  For example, after specifying the object 50 on the color matching target designation screen in FIG. 5 via the display unit (not shown), the color matching designation unit 31 further displays the color to be designated as the target color as shown in FIG. A screen for selecting “do not apply”, “only target object”, “only characters and figures”, and “all” as objects is displayed. In FIG. 14, a case where the designated object 50 is a “logo” will be described. Here, when “not applicable” is selected, the color correction unit 38 does not perform correction on any object included in the electronic image data, as shown in FIG.

  When “only target object” is selected, the color correcting unit 38 corrects only the object 50 (logo) specified on the color matching target specifying screen, as shown in FIG. In addition, when “only characters and figures” is selected, the color correction unit 38, as shown in FIG. 15, in the acquired type information, the types of “graphics (painting, other)” and “text” Correction is performed on the object having information and the object 50 (logo) designated on the color matching target designation screen. Note that an object whose type information is “logo” is easily recognized as “graphics” data when the user sees an object of “logo” displayed on the screen. Even when “only characters and figures” is selected, correction is performed on an object whose type information is “logo”.

  Further, when “all” is selected, the color correcting unit 38 corrects not only the specified object 50 but also all the objects included in the electronic image data as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it has been described that only the electronic image data received from the terminal device 1 is corrected. However, after the object 50 is designated on the color matching target designation screen, it is further illustrated in FIG. A screen for designating image data to be corrected is displayed, the generated correction parameters are stored, and the stored correction parameters are applied when the image forming apparatus 3 receives the image data. Thus, it may be possible to specify whether or not to correct image data and what kind of image data to correct. For example, when “Do not apply” is selected on the screen of FIG. 16, the color correction unit 38 does not correct the current electronic image data. When “only this job” is selected, the color correction unit 38 corrects only the electronic image data received from the terminal device 1 as in the above embodiment. When “only job including this object” is selected, the color correction unit 38 receives not only the electronic image data received from the terminal device 1 but also the image data including the object 50 in the future. In such a case, the image data is corrected using the stored correction parameters. In addition, when “all” is selected, the color correction unit 38 determines that all the image data received by the image forming apparatus 3 will include a color that is the same as the object 50 or within a predetermined range in the future. The image data is corrected using the stored correction parameters.

  Further, when specifying the target color, the color matching specification unit 31 may specify a color within a predetermined range of the specified color as the target color. For example, the color matching specification unit 31 sets a range of each RGB color value ± 10 in advance, and when a color of (255, 0, 0) is specified, in the electronic image data, R is 245 to 255, G May be designated as the target color when a color in the range of 0 to 10 and B is in the range of 0 to 10 is included.

  Further, setting means for setting the resolution when the target image and the color patch image are read by the image reading unit 32 may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, a correction parameter is generated so that the specified target color is close to the color of the color patch image data corresponding to the color closest to the target color among the colors extracted by the color patch extraction unit 36. However, the correction parameter generation method is not limited to this. For example, when the target color is a color located between the peripheral color A and the reference color in the color patch image as shown in FIG. 10, the color corresponding to the peripheral color A in the color patch image data is obtained by linear interpolation. An intermediate value with a color corresponding to the reference color may be calculated to generate a correction parameter that brings the designated target color closer to the intermediate value.

  In the present embodiment, each time a target color is designated, the target color is set and the correction parameter is generated. However, the correction parameter is stored in the storage unit 33, and the image forming apparatus 3 As a result of analyzing the newly received electronic image data, when a predetermined object is included, the color correction unit 38 corrects the new electronic image data based on the correction parameter stored in the storage unit 33. You may do it.

1 Terminal Device 2 Target Printer 3 Image Forming Device 4 Network 11 CPU
12 Memory 13 Storage device 14 Communication IF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 UI apparatus 16 Image reading part 17 Image output part 18 Control bus 30 Image processing apparatus 31 Color matching designation part 32 Image reading part 33 Memory | storage part 34 Virtual color value calculation part 35 Color patch image generation part 36 Color patch extraction part 37 Correction parameter Generation unit 38 Color correction unit 39 Notification unit 40 Image output unit 50, 51, 52 Object 60 Region 70, 71, 72 Image for state determination

Claims (14)

A designation means for designating a target color to be subjected to color correction in the image data;
Reading means for reading a target image having a target color that is a target of color correction for the target color;
A calculation means for calculating a virtual input color value that is output based on a standard characteristic and that obtains the target color when read based on the standard characteristic;
Output means for outputting a color sample including a virtual input color value calculated by the calculation means and a peripheral color value in a predetermined range of the virtual input color value on a recording medium;
Extracting means for extracting a plurality of colors from a color sample on the recording medium read by the reading means;
Correction data generation for generating correction data for correcting the image data from a plurality of colors extracted by the extraction unit so that the target color specified by the specifying unit is an output color closest to the target color Means,
An image forming apparatus.   The calculation means calculates a virtual read color value that is obtained when the target color is output based on a standard characteristic and is read based on the standard characteristic, and based on the virtual read color value The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a target color is set from a target image read by the reading unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction data generating unit generates correction data for correcting the target color including a peripheral color of the target color.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit sets a color included in an area designated in the target image read by the reading unit as a target color. 5.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation unit designates a target color based on drawing information of the image data. Storage means for storing history information of the target color designated by the designation means;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation unit designates a target color based on history information of the target color stored in the storage unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a presentation unit that preferentially presents a color having a high frequency specified as a target color based on history information stored in the storage unit. A correction unit that corrects the image data based on the correction data generated by the correction data generation unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the image data corrected by the correction unit. A storage means for storing the correction data generated by the correction data generation means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the correction unit corrects the image data based on correction data stored in the storage unit when predetermined drawing information is included in the image data. An acquisition means for acquiring an image and type information of the image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the correction unit corrects the image data when the type information acquired by the acquisition unit is predetermined type information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit configured to set a resolution when the target image is read by the reading unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying that reproduction is not possible when a target color in the target image is outside a predetermined color range. The output means outputs state determination information that is a predetermined color together with the color sample to a recording medium,
The reading unit reads state determination information from the recording medium together with the color sample,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the notification unit notifies that the color cannot be reproduced when the color of the state determination information read together with the color sample is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Specifying a target color to be subjected to color correction in the image data;
Reading a target image having a target color that is a target of color correction for the target color;
Calculating a virtual input color value that is output based on a standard characteristic and that obtains the target color when read based on the standard characteristic; and
Outputting a color sample including the calculated virtual input color value and a peripheral color value in a predetermined range of the virtual input color value on a recording medium;
Extracting a plurality of colors from the color sample on the read recording medium;
Generating correction data for correcting the image data from a plurality of colors extracted so that the designated target color is the output color closest to the target color;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

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