JP6772696B2 - Image processing device, display device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device and a display device.

Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which an image can be visually recognized only under a specific environment.
For example, Patent Document 1 includes a display unit for displaying an image, an image generation unit for generating an image to be displayed on the display unit, and an optical element for transmitting or blocking an image displayed on the display unit. The image generation unit generates a regular image and a concealment image, transmits the image data of the regular image and the concealment image to the display unit so that the regular image and the concealment image are combined, and the optical element is normal. A system in which an image is transmitted, a concealment image is blocked, and a concealment image is an image in which a regular image is inverted in an inversion section divided into a predetermined number of pixels at least in the horizontal or vertical direction. Are listed.

JP-A-2015-187700

It is desirable that an image that is desired to be shown or viewed but is difficult to see can be visually recognized even if it is not in a special environment such as wearing special glasses.
An object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of making an image difficult to see and making it visible even in a special environment.

The invention according to claim 1 is an acquisition means for acquiring a target image to be visually recognized by a viewer, a reception means for receiving the degree of visibility of the target image, and the degree received by the reception means. An image changing means for changing the target image and an output means for outputting an output of an image corresponding to the changed image changed by the image changing means are provided, and the image changing means is provided by the viewer. This is an image processing device that changes the degree of visibility so as to change depending on the positional relationship with the output when the output is visually recognized.
The invention according to claim 2 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modified image is obtained by changing the shape or density of the target image.
The invention according to claim 3 is claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an image processing means for processing the target image or the modified image changed by the image changing means so as to have the degree received by the receiving means. Image processing device.
The invention according to claim 4 further includes an image compositing means for synthesizing a reference image as a base and a modified image modified by the image modifying means or a processed image processed by the image processing means, and the output means The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output product of the composite image synthesized by the image compositing means is output.
The invention according to claim 5, wherein the image combining means is an image processing apparatus according to claim 4 for synthesizing after inverting the gradation of the modified image or the processed image.
The invention according to claim 6 further comprises a suggestion image giving means for giving a suggestion image suggesting a condition for making the target image visible to the composite image synthesized by the image compositing means. Image processing device.
The invention according to claim 7 is for displaying a target image display unit that displays a target image that is an image that one wants to show to another person or oneself wants to see but is difficult to see, and a target image display unit for making the target image difficult to see . A display device including a reception unit that accepts a designation of the degree of visibility and an output image display unit that displays a modified image in which the target image is changed so as to have the degree received by the reception unit as an output image. is there.
The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the output image display unit displays a processed image obtained by processing the target image or the modified image so as to have the degree received by the reception unit. It is a display device of.
The invention according to claim 9 is the display device according to claim 8, wherein the output image display unit displays a composite image in which a base reference image and the modified image or the processed image are combined. ..

According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to make it difficult for the viewer to visually recognize the target image, and to make it visible even if it is not in a special environment.
According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to easily output an output product of an image that is difficult to see but can be seen even in a special environment.
According to the invention of claim 3, the degree of visibility can be adjusted with high accuracy.
According to the invention of claim 4, the degree of visibility can be easily adjusted with high accuracy.
According to the invention of claim 5, the degree of visibility can be reduced with high accuracy.
According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to easily grasp the conditions under which the viewer can see.
According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to easily specify the degree of visibility and confirm the image in which the degree of visibility is adjusted.
According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to easily confirm the processed image in which the degree of visibility is adjusted.
According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to easily confirm the composite image in which the degree of visibility is adjusted.

It is a figure which illustrated the schematic structure of the image formation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrated the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which exemplifies the hardware configuration of the processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrated the functional structure of the processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a reference image, a special image, and visibility control data. It is a figure which showed an example of the menu screen displayed on the display mechanism. It is a figure which showed an example of the visibility control detailed setting screen displayed on the display mechanism. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a special image, and (b) and (c) are diagrams showing an example of a special image after change. (A) is a diagram showing the relationship between the medium surface and the viewing angle θ. (B) is a schematic view of the modified special image shown in FIG. 8 (c) as viewed from the viewing angle θ. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a special image, and (b) and (c) are diagrams showing another example of the changed special image. (A) is a diagram showing an example of visibility control data, and (b) and (c) are diagrams showing an example of a special image after processing. It is a figure which shows the recording medium in which the composite image was formed. It is the schematic of the figure which looked at the recording medium shown in FIG. 12 from the viewing angle θ. It is a figure which shows the composite image when a plurality of special images are combined.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system 1”) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 having a function of copying a document, a function of generating image data of a scanned document, and a function of forming an image indicated by the image data on a recording medium.
In addition, the system 1 includes a processing device 20 that receives information input by the user and outputs information to the user.
Further, the system 1 includes a server device 30 that provides a service in response to a request from the image forming device 10 and the processing device 20.
The image forming device 10, the processing device 20, and the server device 30 are connected to a communication line 40 that connects the devices so that they can communicate with each other, and can communicate with each other via the communication line 40. The communication line 40 can be exemplified as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.
The image forming apparatus 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, and a storage unit 105 connected to the bus 101. Further, the image forming device 10 has an operation unit 106, a display device 107, an image reading unit 108, an image forming unit 109, and a communication unit 110 connected to the bus 101.

The ROM 103 stores a control program executed by the CPU 102. The CPU 102 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 103, and executes the control program using the RAM 104 as a work area. When the control program is executed by the CPU 102, each part of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by the CPU 102. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 can form, for example, form an image on a recording medium and output it, read the original to generate image data of the original, and use another apparatus via a communication line 40 (see FIG. 1). It becomes possible to communicate with.
The storage unit 105 includes a storage device, and stores, for example, data received by the communication unit 110 and data generated by the image forming device 10.

The operation unit 106 includes a plurality of operation means for accepting user operations. The operating means may be a hardware key, or may be configured by a touch panel displayed on the display device 107 and outputting a control signal according to the pressed position.
The display device 107 is, for example, a display device having a liquid crystal display, and under the control of the CPU 102, for example, displays a menu screen for operating the image forming device 10 and data related to the image forming device 10. The display device 107 functions as a user interface (UI) that outputs an instruction received from the user to the control unit realized by the CPU 102 and presents information from the control unit to the user.

The image reading unit 108 includes a platen glass (not shown), a light irradiation unit (not shown) that irradiates light to the surface to be read (image surface) of the document, and light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit to the surface to be read of the document. It is provided with a light guide unit (not shown) that guides the reflected light reflected by the surface to be read of the document, and an imaging lens (not shown) that forms an optical image of the light guided by the light guide unit. .. Further, the image reading unit 108 is composed of a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor that photoelectrically converts the light imaged by the imaging lens, and detects the formed optical image (detection unit 108). (Not shown) and an image processing unit that is electrically connected to the detection unit and to which an electric signal obtained by the detection unit is transmitted.
Then, the image reading unit 108 reads the image of the original document conveyed by the document conveying unit and the image of the original document placed on the platen glass.

The image forming unit 109 includes four image forming units (not shown) of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, which are arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Each image forming unit includes a photoconductor drum (not shown), a charger that uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum (not shown), a developer that develops and visualizes with toner (not shown), and a developer. It has a toner cartridge (not shown) for supplying toner of each color.
Further, the image forming unit 109 multiplexes an optical system unit (not shown) that irradiates the photoconductor drum with laser light and a toner image of each color formed on the photoconductor drum on an intermediate transfer belt (not shown). It is equipped with an intermediate transfer unit (not shown) for transfer. Further, the image forming unit 109 heats and applies a secondary transfer unit (not shown) for transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer unit onto the recording medium and the toner image formed on the recording medium. It is equipped with a fixing device (not shown) that presses and fixes.
The communication unit 110 is connected to the communication line 40 and functions as a communication interface (communication I / F) that communicates with another device connected to the communication line 40.
In the present specification, the material of the "recording medium" does not matter as long as it is a medium capable of forming an image. A typical example is paper, but an OHP sheet, a metal plate, or the like may be used.

The program executed by the CPU 102 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), an optical magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Can be provided at. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 may be downloaded by using a communication means such as the Internet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the processing device 20 according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the processing device 20 includes a CPU 201, a main memory 202, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 203. The CPU 201 executes various software such as an OS (Operating System) and an application. The main memory 202 is a storage area for storing various software and data used for executing the software. The HDD 203 is a storage area for storing input data for various software, output data from various software, and the like.
Further, the processing device 20 includes a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 204 for communicating with the outside, a display mechanism 205 including a video memory, a display, and the like, and a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. It includes an input device 206.

Further, FIG. 3 can be regarded as a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the server device 30. That is, the server device 30 includes a CPU 201, a main memory 202, an HDD 203, a communication I / F 204, a display mechanism 205, and an input device 206.

The program executed by the CPU 201 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), an optical magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Can be provided at. Further, the processing device 20 and the server device 30 may be made to download using a communication means such as the Internet.

The processing device 20 according to the present embodiment has a function of adjusting the degree of visibility of a special image, which is an image that one wants to show to another person or oneself wants to see but is difficult to see, according to a user's request. Have. The processing device 20 adjusts the degree of visibility of the special image by synthesizing the image obtained by changing or processing the special image and the reference image as a base.
The configuration that realizes the function of adjusting the degree of visibility will be described in detail below.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the processing device 20.
The processing device 20 has a display unit 21 for displaying an image on the display mechanism 205, an acquisition unit 22 for acquiring information such as a special image which is an image to be visually recognized, and a modified special image acquired by the acquisition unit 22. It includes an image changing unit 23 that generates a special image, and an image processing unit 24 as an example of an image processing means that processes the changed special image generated by the image changing unit 23 to generate a processed special image. The image processing unit 24 processes the special image after processing using the visibility control data described later.

The processing device 20 further comprises an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the base reference image and the modified special image generated by the image changing unit 23 or the processed special image as an example of the processed image generated by the image processing unit 24. As an example, the image synthesizing unit 25 and the image output unit 26 for outputting the composite image synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 25 are provided.
Further, the processing device 20 includes a suggestion image giving unit 27 as an example of a suggestion image giving means for giving suggestion information suggesting a condition that allows the user to visually recognize the special image as a suggestion image, and a finally completed completed image. It is provided with a file generation unit 28 for generating the above file.
The CPU 201 stores the display unit 21, the acquisition unit 22, the image change unit 23, the image processing unit 24, the image composition unit 25, the image output unit 26, the suggestion image addition unit 27, and the file generation unit 28 in the main memory 202 or the HDD 203. It is realized by executing the specified control program.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a reference image, a special image, and visibility control data.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the reference image is a texture image that gives a feeling of material that a person feels when touching something, such as the feel, texture, and comfort of textiles and paper, and is filled with an arbitrary color. It can be exemplified that it is a natural image such as a filled image or a flower.
A special image is an image that you want to show to others or that you want to see, but you want to make it difficult to see. It can be exemplified that the special image is a character or a figure. As shown in FIG. 5B, the characters can be exemplified as a message conveying gratitude or the like, or a logo such as a company name or a product name. The figure can be exemplified as a company logo.
It can be exemplified that the visibility control data is a texture having a texture and a feeling of touch on the surface of an object, a pattern such as a striped pattern, and a natural image such as a flower.
The reference image, the special image, and the visibility control data may be stored in the HDD 203 or may be stored in the server device 30.

(Display unit 21)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the display mechanism 205.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a visibility control detailed setting screen displayed on the display mechanism 205.
The display unit 21 causes the display mechanism 205 to display the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 and the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7.

The menu screen shown in FIG. 6 includes a screen 61 for designating a reference image, a screen 62 for designating a special image, and a screen 63 for designating visibility control data, which can be easily viewed by the user. A visibility control slider screen 64 for designating the degree of sexiness is displayed. Further, on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6, a preview screen 65 of the completed image, an icon 66 for shifting to the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7, and a file of the image displayed on the preview screen are displayed. An icon 67 for generation is displayed.

The visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7 includes a visibility control slider screen 71 for the user to easily specify the degree of visibility, and a detailed setting screen 72 for the user to set the degree of visibility in detail. And a selection icon 73 for selecting whether to use the visibility control slider screen 71 or the detailed setting screen 72 are displayed. Further, on the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7, a preview screen 74 of the completed image, an icon 75 for shifting to the menu screen shown in FIG. 6, and a file of the image displayed on the preview screen 74 are displayed. The icon 76 for generating the above is displayed.
On the visibility control detailed setting screen, it is possible to specify the image height (Y described later), the angle (viewing angle θ described later), the shading, the viewpoint, the time, the age, and the like. The viewpoint specifies from which direction the special image is viewed. For example, it is possible to specify from the bottom, from the top, from the left, from the right, from the diagonally lower left, and the like.

(Acquisition unit 22)
The acquisition unit 22 acquires the designated reference image, special image, and visibility control data via the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 and the input device 206 displayed on the display mechanism 205. Further, the acquisition unit 22 acquires the degree of visibility specified by the user via the visibility control slider and the input device 206 on the menu screen displayed on the display mechanism 205. Further, the acquisition unit 22 acquires the image height, angle, shading, viewpoint, time, and age specified via the visibility control detailed setting screen and the input device 206 displayed on the display mechanism 205 and shown in FIG. 7. To do.

(Image change unit 23)
The image changing unit 23 changes the special image so that the changed special image (changed special image) can be combined with the reference image. The image changing unit 23 adjusts to the degree of visibility specified by the user via the visibility control slider on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 or the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7 acquired by the acquisition unit 22. Process the special image based on. That is, the image changing unit 23 changes so that the lower the degree of visibility selected by the user, the more difficult it is to understand the special image. On the other hand, the image changing unit 23 changes so that the higher the degree of visibility selected by the user, the less difficult it is to understand the special image.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a special image, and FIGS. 8B and 8C are diagrams showing an example of the changed special image.
The special image 81 shown in FIG. 8A is the character “Thank you always”, and is the display screen of the display mechanism 205 on which the special image 81 is displayed or the surface of the recording medium (hereinafter, the display screen and the recording medium). The height (character height) of the special image 81 is Y (for example, 2 cm) when the surface of the special image 81 is viewed at a right angle (sometimes referred to as a “medium surface”).

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the relationship between the medium surface and the viewing angle θ. FIG. 9B is a schematic view of the modified special image 81c shown in FIG. 8C as viewed from the viewing angle θ.
8 (b) and 8 (c) are views showing the modified special images 81b and 81c in which the visibility of the special image 81 (“Thank you always”) is reduced. The modified special images 81b and 81c shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (c) are images obtained by enlarging the special image 81 shown in FIG. 8 (a) in the character height direction (width direction (width direction ()). The character arrangement direction) is the same). Let Yb (Yc) be the height (character height) of the modified special image 81b (81c) on the medium surface, and θ be the viewing angle which is the angle in the direction of viewing the medium surface with respect to the direction Z perpendicular to the medium surface. , Yb × cosθ = Y (Yc × cosθ = Y), and Yb = Y / cosθ (Yc = Y / cosθ). In other words, the height (character height) of the special image 81b (81c) after the height Yb (Yc) is changed on the medium surface is Y when viewed in the viewing angle θ direction. Assuming that the user can easily see the special image 81 (highest visibility) when the height (character height) of the special image 81 is Y, it is special after the height Yb (Yc) on the medium surface is changed. The viewing angle θ at which the image 81b (81c) is most easily visible (highest visibility) is θ = cos ^-1 (Y / Yb) (θ = cos ^-1 (Y / Yc)). The smaller the viewing angle θ, the easier it is to see (higher visibility). On the other hand, the larger the viewing angle θ, the more difficult it is to see (the visibility is low). Note that FIG. 8B shows the changed special image 81b when the viewing angle θ is 45 °, and FIG. 8C shows the changed special image 81c when the viewing angle θ is 75 °. Shown. FIG. 9B shows a schematic view of the modified special image 81c formed on the recording medium P when viewed at a viewing angle θ = 75 °.

The modified special images 81b and 81c shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (c) are images obtained by enlarging the special image 81 shown in FIG. 8 (a) in the character height direction. The part 23 may be reduced in the character height direction, or may be enlarged or reduced in the width direction (character arrangement direction). Further, the image changing unit 23 may change the special image 81 by using trapezoidal change or perspective.

The image changing unit 23 can exemplify changing the special image so that the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of each image of the reference image and the changed special image is the same. When the number of pixels of the changed special image and the number of pixels of the reference image are made the same, the image changing unit 23 does not need to repeatedly arrange, enlarge or reduce the special image of a predetermined size. Cut the number of pixels. Further, when the special image of a predetermined size is repeatedly arranged, the image changing unit 23 aligns the center position of the reference image with the center position of the repeatedly arranged special image. ..

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a special image, and FIGS. 10B and 10C are diagrams showing another example of the modified special image.
The image changing unit 23 may change the density and color of the special image to be changed as a special image. For example, the image changing unit 23 changes so that the lower the degree of visibility selected by the user, the lower the density of the changed special image. In FIG. 10B, the density is changed to be lower than the density of the special image 81 shown in FIG. 10A in order to make the visibility lower than that of the special image 81 shown in FIG. 10A. The rear special image 81c is shown. In FIG. 10 (c), in order to make the visibility lower than that of the modified special image 81c shown in FIG. 10 (b), the density is set from the density of the modified special image 81c shown in FIG. 10 (b). The modified special image 81d is also shown.

The image changing unit 23 may be changed as a special image by changing the shape of the special image and changing the density of the special image. That is, the image changing unit 23 uses the special image based on the degree of visibility selected by the user via the visibility control slider on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 or the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7. The modified special image may be generated by changing the special image by combining the change in the shape of the slider and the change in the density of the special image.

Further, the image changing unit 23 may change the special image based on the image height, angle, shading, and viewpoint input to the detailed setting screen 72 on the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7. .. For example, when the image height is 2 cm, the angle is 75 °, and the viewpoint is specified from the bottom as in the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7, the image changing unit 23 is displayed from the bottom. The special image is changed so that a special image having an image height of 2 cm can be seen when viewed at a viewing angle of 75 °.

(Image processing unit 24)
When the user specifies the visibility control data, the image processing unit 24 is designated via the visibility control slider on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 or the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7. The modified special image is processed using the visibility control data so that the visibility is adjusted according to the degree of visibility. That is, the image processing unit 24 processes the changed special image so that the lower the degree of visibility selected by the user, the more difficult it is to understand the special image. On the other hand, the image processing unit 24 processes the changed special image so that the higher the degree of visibility selected by the user, the less difficult it is to understand the special image.

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of visibility control data, and FIGS. 11B and 11C are diagrams showing an example of a special image after processing.
FIG. 11B is modified using the visibility control data (texture) shown in FIG. 11A in order to make the visibility lower than that of the modified special image 81c shown in FIG. 8C. The processed special image 81e obtained by processing the post-special image 81c is shown. FIG. 11 (c) is modified by using the visibility control data (texture) shown in FIG. 11 (a) in order to make the visibility lower than that of the processed special image 81e shown in FIG. 11 (b). The processed special image 81f obtained by processing the post-special image 81c is shown.

The image processing unit 24 becomes a special image after processing according to time and age specified by the user via the visibility control detailed setting screen and the input device 206 displayed on the display mechanism 205 and shown in FIG. 7. You may process the special image after changing to.
It is considered that the older the person is, the more difficult it is to see. For example, when the specified age is older than the predetermined age, the processing for the special image is performed more than when the specified age is less than the predetermined age. Reduce the amount to make the special image easier to see. For example, the processed special image 81e shown in FIG. 11 (b) is an image when the designated age is equal to or higher than a predetermined age, and the processed special image 81f shown in FIG. 11 (c) is , It is an image when the designated age is less than a predetermined age.

Further, the image processing unit 24 becomes more difficult to visually recognize as the degree of processing for the special image becomes larger. Therefore, the longer the time specified on the time designation screen, the larger the amount of processing for the special image becomes, making it difficult to visually recognize the special image. .. For example, the post-processed special image 81f shown in FIG. 11 (c) is an image when the designated time is several minutes, and the post-processed special image 81e shown in FIG. 11 (b) is designated. It is an image when the time is several seconds.

In addition, the image processing unit 24 makes it possible to specify the visual environment (brightness (day, night, inside the room, outside the room, etc.), time zone) and the characteristics of the viewer (color blind person). , The processing amount may be adjusted.

(Image composition unit 25)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a recording medium P on which the composite image 82 is formed.
Further, the image synthesizing unit 25 is designated when the reference image, the special image, and the visibility control data are designated via the menu screen and the input device 206 displayed on the display mechanism 205 in FIG. The combined reference image and the processed special image processed by the image processing unit 24 are combined to generate a composite image 82.
When synthesizing the reference image and the processed special image, the image synthesizing unit 25 may invert the gradation of the processed special image before synthesizing. For example, the gradation is inverted rather than synthesizing the characters of the special image after processing as black (so-called negative / positive inversion (high density part (for example, black character) and low density part (for example, white part) are inverted)). Since it is more difficult to visually recognize the images after they are combined, the image composition unit 25 may invert the gradation of the special image after processing according to the specified degree of visibility and then combine the images (with the reference image). It is good to invert the signal of the special image after processing before compositing). This makes it possible to reduce the visibility without impairing the design of the reference image. In the composite image 82 shown in FIG. 12, a special image in which the characters "Thank you always" are repeatedly arranged in the width direction (character arrangement direction) is enlarged in the character height direction. The image is an image in which the gradation-inverted image of the special image after processing processed using the visibility control data (texture) shown in FIG. 11A and the reference image are combined.

Further, in the image synthesizing unit 25, when the reference image and the special image are designated via the menu screen and the input device 206 displayed on the display mechanism 205 and shown in FIG. 6, the visibility control data is not designated. Is to generate a composite image by synthesizing the designated reference image and the changed special image changed by the image changing unit 23.
When synthesizing the reference image and the changed special image, the image synthesizing unit 25 may invert the gradation of the changed special image before synthesizing. This makes it possible to reduce the visibility without impairing the design of the reference image.

The image synthesizing unit 25 may determine whether or not to invert the gradation of the processed special image or the changed special image according to the special image. For example, when the special image is a natural image, the gradation may not be inverted.

(Image output unit 26)
When the user specifies the degree of visibility via the visibility control slider and the input device 206 on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 displayed on the display mechanism 205, the image output unit 26 is the image composition unit 25. Outputs the composite image synthesized by the above to the preview screen 65 on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 as a preview for checking visibility. In other words, the image output unit 26 outputs the reference image and the modified special image changed by the image changing unit 23 or the processed special image processed by the image processing unit 24 on the preview screen 65.

Further, the image output unit 26 specifies the image height, angle, shading, viewpoint, time, age, etc. via the visibility control detailed setting screen and the input device 206 displayed on the display mechanism 205 as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the composite image synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 25 is output to the preview screen 74 on the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7 as a preview for checking visibility. In other words, the image output unit 26 outputs the reference image and the modified special image changed by the image changing unit 23 or the processed special image processed by the image processing unit 24 on the preview screen 74.

When displaying the preview image for visibility confirmation on the preview screen 65 or the preview screen 74, the image output unit 26 has icons described as “+” and “-” for enlarging or reducing the displayed composite image. , It is preferable to display an icon or the like on which an arrow indicating the direction in which the composite image is rotated is described.

(Suggested image giving section 27)
The suggestion image giving unit 27 gives the suggestion information suggesting the conditions under which the user can visually recognize the special image as the suggestion image 83 (see FIG. 12) to the composite image. The suggestion image giving unit 27 is a composite image due to the user designating the degree of visibility via the visibility control slider and the input device 206 on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 displayed on the display mechanism 205. Is generated, the image changing unit 23 grasps the suggestion information based on the parameters used when generating the special image after the change, and generates the suggestion image.
The suggestion image giving unit 27 specifies parameters such as image height, angle, shading, viewpoint, time, and age via the visibility control detailed setting screen and the input device 206 displayed on the display mechanism 205 and shown in FIG. 7. When a composite image is generated due to the above, the suggestion information is grasped based on the specified parameter and the suggestion image is generated.

As the suggestion image, it can be exemplified that the special image is an image showing a visible condition. For example, an image of character information indicating the viewing direction such as "Look from below!" Or "Look at 75 ° tilt!" As shown in FIG. 12, and characters indicating a visual environment such as "Look in a dark place!" It can be exemplified that it is an image of information. Further, the suggestion image may be only a figure with character information (for example, an arrow pointing from the bottom to the top) or a figure.
The suggestion image giving unit 27 may use the suggestion information specified by the user via the display mechanism 205 or the input device 206 as the suggestion image.

(File generation unit 28)
The file generation unit 28 is described as "file generation" displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 6 or 7 so that the user can see the preview for visibility confirmation and determine the displayed composite image as a completed image. When the icon 67 or the icon 76 is pressed, a composite image file is generated. At the time of file generation, the file generation unit 28 specifies the size (for example, A4) and the resolution (for example, 300 dpi), or specifies the number of pixels (for example, 4200 × 2800) and the file format (for example, TIFF or JPEG).

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the recording medium P shown in FIG. 12 as viewed from the viewing angle θ.
The image output unit 26 outputs the data of the composite image file generated by the file generation unit 28 to the image formation device 10 for printing by the image formation device 10 in response to a request from the user. FIG. 12 shows the recording medium P on which the composite image is formed by the image forming apparatus 10. Then, when the viewer looks at the recording medium P from below at the viewing angle θ (when viewed in the direction suggested by the suggestion image 83), the characters "Thank you always" appear in the width direction (as shown in FIG. 13). It is possible to visually recognize four special images arranged repeatedly in the character arrangement direction).

As described above, the processing device 20 receives the acquisition unit 22 as an example of the acquisition means for acquiring the special image as an example of the target image to be visually recognized by the viewer, and the degree of visibility of the special image. The display mechanism 205 as an example of the receiving means, the image changing unit 23 as an example of the image changing means for changing the special image so as to be received by the display mechanism 205, and the changed image changed by the image changing unit 23. Image processing including an image output unit 26 as an example of an output means for outputting an image displayed on the display mechanism 205 as an example of an output of an image (for example, a composite image) corresponding to a changed special image as an example. This is an example of a device. Then, the image changing unit 23 of the processing device 20 changes so that the degree of visibility changes depending on the positional relationship with the output object when the viewer visually recognizes the output object.
The processing device 20 configured in this way makes it difficult to visually recognize the special image, and at the same time, displays the special image according to the positional relationship with the output object when the viewer visually recognizes the output object even if it is not in a special environment. Make it visible.

Further, the display mechanism 205 has a screen 62 as an example of a target image display unit that displays a special image to be visually recognized by the viewer, and a visual recognition unit as an example of a reception unit that receives a designation of the degree of visibility of the special image. A display including a sex control slider screen 64 and a preview screen 65 as an example of an output image display unit that displays a changed image in which a special image is changed so as to be accepted by the visibility control slider screen 64 as an output image. This is an example of a device.
The display mechanism 205 configured in this way allows the user to easily specify the degree of visibility and confirm the image to which the degree of visibility has been adjusted.

In the above-described embodiment, there is only one type of special image, but the number of special images may be plural.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a composite image when a plurality of special images are combined.
As shown in FIG. 14, the composite image 14d includes, for example, a reference image 14a, one special image 14b oriented in one direction (vertical direction in FIG. 14), and another direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 14). It may be an image synthesized with another special image 14c suitable for. By combining a plurality of special images, each special image plays a role as data for controlling visibility. In the example shown in FIG. 14, one special image 14b and the other special image 14c are not changed, but at least one of the one special image 14b and the other special image 14c is changed. A composite image may be generated by compositing after being made to grow.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image synthesizing unit 25 synthesizes the reference image and the modified special image changed by the image changing unit 23 or the processed special image processed by the image processing unit 24 to form a composite image. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this aspect. The image synthesizing unit 25 may generate a composite image by synthesizing the reference image and the special image and then changing or processing the reference image.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the CPU 201 of the processing device 20 executes the control program stored in the main memory 202 or the HDD 203 to execute the display unit 21, the acquisition unit 22, the image changing unit 23, and the image processing unit. 24, an image synthesis unit 25, an image output unit 26, a suggestion image addition unit 27, and a file generation unit 28 are realized, but the mode is not particularly limited. For example, the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes a control program stored in a storage unit 105 such as a ROM 103 or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) to execute a display unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, an image changing unit 23, and image processing. A unit 24, an image composition unit 25, an image output unit 26, a suggestion image addition unit 27, and a file generation unit 28 may be realized. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a display unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, an image change unit 23, an image processing unit 24, an image composition unit 25, an image output unit 26, a suggestion image addition unit 27, and a file generation unit 28. Is also good.

Then, the display unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the display device 107 to display the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 and the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7. In addition, the acquisition unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the designated reference image, special image, and visibility control data via the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 and the operation unit 106 displayed on the display device 107. Further, the acquisition unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the degree of visibility specified by the user via the visibility control slider and the operation unit 106 on the menu screen displayed on the display device 107. Further, the acquisition unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 has the image height, angle, shading, viewpoint, designated via the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7 and the operation unit 106 displayed on the display device 107. Get time and age.

Further, the image output unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays an image on the preview screen 65 on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 and the preview screen 74 on the visibility control detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 7 displayed on the display device 107. The composite image synthesized by the synthesis unit 25 is output. Then, when the icon for requesting printing displayed on the display device 107 is pressed, the image output unit 26 of the image forming device 10 is given a composite image synthesized by the image synthesis unit 25 or a suggestion image addition unit 27. The suggested image is formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit 109 and then output.

In such a case, the image forming device 10 has an acquisition unit 22 for acquiring a special image to be visually recognized by the viewer, a display device 107 for receiving the degree of visibility of the special image, and a degree received by the display device 107. Image output that outputs a recording medium as an example of an output product in which an image changing unit 23 that changes a special image and an image (for example, a composite image) corresponding to the changed special image changed by the image changing unit 23 are formed. This is an example of an image processing device including the unit 26. Then, the image changing unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 10 changes so that the degree of visibility changes depending on the positional relationship with the output material (recording medium) when the viewer visually recognizes the output material (recording medium).
The image forming apparatus 10 configured in this way makes it difficult to visually recognize the special image, and at the same time, the special image is determined by the positional relationship with the output object when the viewer visually recognizes the output object even if it is not in a special environment. Make it visible.

Further, the display device 107 of the image forming apparatus 10 has a screen 62 for displaying a special image to be visually recognized by the viewer, a visibility control slider screen 64 for receiving a designation of the degree of visibility of the special image, and visibility. This is an example of a display device including a preview screen 65 for displaying a changed image in which a special image is changed so as to be accepted by the control slider screen 64 as an output image.
The display device 107 configured in this way allows the user to easily specify the degree of visibility and confirm the image to which the degree of visibility has been adjusted.

1 ... Image forming system, 10 ... Image forming device, 20 ... Processing device, 21 ... Display unit, 22 ... Acquisition unit, 23 ... Image changing unit, 24 ... Image processing unit, 25 ... Image composition unit, 26 ... Image output unit , 27 ... Suggested image addition unit, 28 ... File generation unit, 30 ... Server device, 40 ... Communication line

Claims (9)

An acquisition means for acquiring a target image to be visually recognized by a viewer, and
A reception means that accepts the degree of visibility of the target image,
An image changing means that changes the target image so as to have the degree received by the receiving means, and
An output means for outputting an output of an image corresponding to the changed image changed by the image changing means, and an output means.
With
The image changing means is an image processing device that changes the degree of visibility according to the positional relationship with the output when the viewer visually recognizes the output. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modified image is obtained by changing the shape or density of the target image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an image processing means for processing the target image or the changed image changed by the image changing means so as to be received by the receiving means. An image compositing means for synthesizing a base reference image and a modified image changed by the image changing means or a processed image processed by the image processing means is further provided.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output means outputs an output of a composite image synthesized by the image compositing means. The image synthesizing means, the image processing apparatus according to claim 4 for synthesizing after inverting the gradation of the modified image or the processed image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a suggestion image imparting means for imparting a suggestion image suggesting a condition for making the target image visible to the composite image synthesized by the image compositing means. A target image display unit that displays a target image that is an image that you want to show to others or that you want to see but is difficult to see .
A reception unit that accepts designation of the degree of visibility to make it difficult to see the target image , and
An output image display unit that displays a modified image in which the target image is changed so as to have the degree received by the reception unit as an output image.
A display device comprising. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the output image display unit displays a processed image obtained by processing the target image or the modified image so as to have the degree received by the reception unit. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the output image display unit displays a composite image in which a base reference image and the modified image or the processed image are combined.