JPH07271973A - Color image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To combine the image color of a monitor and the image color of a print as a whole and to perform a print output for which a correction is performed for the color of the specified part of the image. CONSTITUTION:In a color image processor correcting the color of color image data and outputting the data to plural different output devices, color correction parts 102 and 103 which are provided corresponding to each output device and corrects inputted color image data so that the output color from each output device may be the same are provided. Further, the processor is provided with a specified color conversion part 104 receiving the output from the each correction part 102 and performing a prescribed conversion for the prescribed color area of an inputted color image to be outputted to a prescribed output device and image output parts 105 and 108 outputting the outputs from the specified color conversion part 104 and the color correction part 103 to a prescribed output device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color image processing apparatus for outputting color image data to a display or printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a color image displayed on a monitor is left on a recording sheet, image data is converted into a video signal, or the data is transferred to a printer via a dedicated bus for printing. However, since there is a difference in the reproduced color between each device, various adaptation techniques have been considered for performing color matching between both devices.

For example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 54-38521 discloses a technique for displaying a print color on a monitor and performing a color confirmation simulation so that the color can be confirmed by the monitor before it is applied to a printing machine.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-277267, an information processing device with a monitor has become popular,
In response to an increasing demand for leaving the image itself displayed on the monitor on paper, for example, a color conversion algorithm for matching the color of the hard copy with the color of the image display is disclosed.

Further, there is a problem that the color reproduction range of the display output is different in each device and the color of the monitor cannot always be reproduced. To solve this problem, JP-A-63-1259
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2 discloses a technique for generating an image signal so that the recording device can reproduce by performing compression in the color space when the reproduction color space of a monitor and the reproduction color space of a recording device such as a printer are different in size. Disclosure.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
Although the color conversion means for matching the reproduced color of the monitor and the reproduced color of the printer is provided, in general, the white of the CRT of the monitor is bluish compared to the color of the print, so that it also affects the skin color and the like. There is a problem that if you reproduce the above as it is with a print, you will get an unnatural skin color. Further, in the color reproduction of the memory color, even if the color as it is on the monitor is printed, a satisfactory result is not always obtained.

The color image processing apparatus of the present invention has been made in view of these problems, and its purpose is to match the monitor image color with the print image color as a whole and It is an object of the present invention to provide a color image processing apparatus capable of performing a print output in which the color of a specific portion of the image is corrected.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is to provide a color image processing apparatus which corrects the color of color image data and outputs it to a plurality of different output devices. A plurality of color correction means provided corresponding to the output device and correcting the input color image data so that the output colors from the respective output devices are the same, and at least a part of the plurality of color correction means outputs. In response to this, a specific color conversion means for performing a predetermined conversion on a predetermined color region of the input color image to be output to a predetermined output device, and at least an output of the specific color conversion means is output to the predetermined output device. And output means.

In addition to the structure of the first invention, the second invention comprises a switching means for switching the output from the specific color conversion means and the output from the color correction means according to a predetermined signal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first configuration, the specific color conversion means defines a specific color specification means for specifying a specific color of a plurality of small areas in a color space and a color conversion area range. And a color conversion area designating means for designating.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, an image data input unit 101 converts input color image data into standard uniform color space data, and the converted data is color correction unit 1 (102) and color correction unit 2.
It is transferred to (103).

The color correction unit 1 (102) converts the color data by using a look-up table reference method or the like in order to match the color of the printed matter by the output device with the color represented by the other output device. A color correction unit 2 (103) is a color correction unit for a color monitor that converts the above-described color data in order to match the display color of the monitor, which is an output device, with the color displayed by another output device. Is.

The specific color conversion unit 104 converts the small area color data in the reproduction color space into arbitrarily designated color data. Further, the image output unit 1 (105) converts the standard uniform color space data into C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black) color data for the printer, and a sublimation thermal transfer method or Inkjet type color printer 10
Output to 6. 107 is a print having the image output from 106.

Further, the image output unit 2 (108) uses the standard uniform color space data to monitor R (red), G (green) and B for monitor.
It is converted to (blue) color data and output to the color monitor 109 such as CRT display or liquid crystal display. In addition, the control unit 112
Controls the above-mentioned functional units. Each operation is controlled by the control unit 112, but a detailed description of this control will be omitted.

The observer can see the illumination light 110 with his / her own eye 111.
The image of the print 107 to which is applied and the image displayed on the color monitor 109 are viewed. The "virtual view" line in the figure is based on the assumption that the image inside the device is viewed. For example, in the first embodiment, color image data created independently of this apparatus is input from outside the system, so that the observer can obtain an image of the color of the subject when the image is taken by an external camera or scanner. It is assumed that you are looking at the data input unit 101.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below. First,
For example, when RGB color image data such as NTSC is input to the image data input unit 101, it is converted into an L * a * b * data signal which is a uniform color space recommended by CIE (International Commission on Illumination). This space is a color space that reflects human visual characteristics, and the distance in the space corresponds to the color difference. Therefore, when the calculation process is performed in this space, the error can be processed uniformly without bias. The converted L * a * b * data is input to the color correction unit 1 (102) and the color correction unit 2 (103). Color correction unit 1 (102) and color correction unit 2 (10
The characteristic of the function in 3) is realized by the look-up table 201 as shown in FIG. However, the image output unit 1 (105) and the color printer (106) in FIG. 2 are configured in the same manner as in FIG.

First, L1 * of the image is set so that the input signal to the output signal of the characteristics of the look-up table 201 is 1: 1 so that it is equivalent to signal through.
Input the a1 * b1 * data into the lookup table 201. This signal is converted by the image output unit 1 (105) from the standard uniform color space data into CMYK color data for the printer, and the color printer 106 outputs the image.
The print image is exposed to the illumination light 110 and color-measured by a colorimeter (not shown), and the data L2 * a2 * b2
Get * Based on that data, the output color data is L1 * a
Create a color conversion table having the reverse transfer characteristic so that it becomes the same value as the 1 * b1 * data value. Then, when the obtained data is replaced with the data of the lookup table 201 and printed, the L2 * a2 * b2 * data of the color of the output image illuminated by the illumination light 110 becomes the L of the input image.
This is the same as the 1 * a1 * b1 * data, and the input color and output color of the image can be made the same.

The characteristic data of the look-up table 201 is previously input and placed in the color correction section 1 (102). Similarly, the color correction data of the color correction unit 2 (103) is also obtained by changing the apparatus of FIG. 2 as follows. That is, the color printer 106 shown in FIG. 2 is replaced with a device similar to the color monitor 109, and the image output unit 1 (105) is replaced by the image output unit 2 (10).
8) The color correction table for the monitor is created in the same manner as the printer by changing the same as that of 8), and the color correction unit 2 (103)
Are previously input as the lookup table data.

Returning to the original explanation, the image data input unit 1
The output color data from 01 is color-converted by the look-up table 102 having the characteristics thus created, and is transmitted to the next specific color conversion unit 104. The specific color conversion unit 104 converts a color stored in a color space that can be reproduced by the color printer 106 into a memory color or a preferable color of a person, particularly a color different from a color displayed on a display device such as the color monitor 109. Have the ability to

For example, a color close to a flesh color is converted into another designated flesh color. An example of the detailed configuration is shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 4 shows an explanatory diagram of a color reproduction space for color conversion.

In FIG. 4, the print color reproduction space area in the color space is A, the small area of the conversion target of the specific color is the small circle B, and one specific color data to be designated is in the circle here. Set to point C. In this embodiment, all the data in the small circle B is converted to the specific color C. In this case, for example, for the sake of simplicity, the data is made one-dimensional by only a *, and the condition is: conversion target color region 10 <a * <20 a
An example of performing conversion such that * = 15 will be described.

The structure of the apparatus is shown in FIG. The input color area data unit 301 stores color area data of an input color conversion target, and the data is the color correction unit 1 (10
The image signal from 2) is transferred to the comparator 302 before being input. The comparator 302 compares the input image signal data with the data from the input color area data unit 301. The specific color data unit 303 stores color data of a specific color. The stored data is transferred to the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304) before the output of the comparator 302 is input to the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304). The data selector 1 (304) with a temporary memory temporarily stores the specific color data and the image data from the image data input unit 102,
The selection of the data is switched according to the comparison result from the comparator 302.

This operation will be described below. First,
The area condition data 10 is previously stored in the input color area data section 301.
<A * <20 is input and the value of output data a * = 15 is also input to the specific color data section 303. Therefore,
When the image data is input from the image data input unit 102, the comparator 302 compares the value of a * with the condition, and if it is within the condition area, Y
The ES flag signal is set to the temporary memory data selector 1 (30
Transfer to 4). If the condition is not satisfied, a NO flag signal is transferred to the temporary memory-equipped data selector 1 (304). The data selector 1 with temporary memory 1 (304) receives this flag, and if YES, sends the specific color data a * = 15 of the specific color data section 303 to the image output section 1 (105),
If NO, the same image data as the input data of the comparator 302 is switched to the image output unit 1 (105) and transferred. The specific color conversion unit 104 has a function of such an operation.

The image output unit 1 (105) receives the data and converts it from the standard uniform color space data into CMYK for the printer.
The print color data is converted to print color data and transferred to the color printer 106. Thereafter, the color printer 106 outputs a color image on the print 107.

On the other hand, the color image data input to the color correction section 2 (103) is also processed in the same manner as the operation in the printer section. Here, color correction processing is performed so that the color of the image displayed on the color monitor 109 is the same as the color input to the image data input unit 101, and the data is output to the image output unit 2.
When the image data is transferred to (108), the standard uniform color space data is converted into RGB color data for a monitor, and the image data input to the color monitor 109 is displayed.
In the above description, the conversion color has been described as one-dimensional, but as a condition, in three-dimensional, for example, the condition: conversion target color region 10 <a * <20 and 15 <b * <25 and 60 <L * < When 70, a * = 1
5, b * = 20, L * = 65.

In the above description, the color correction unit 1 (10
2), an example of using the lookup table conversion method as the internal configuration of the color correction unit 2 (103) is given.
A general 3 × 3 matrix calculation process called masking process used in a color printer can be used as a substitute for the processing function.

According to this embodiment, not only is the effect that the display color of the color monitor and the color of the print output from the color printer can be obtained in the same color over the entire image, but also for an image of a certain set color. By converting to a specified specific color, and by specifying an image with a memory color such as skin color that is particularly sensitive to human eyes or green of trees and blue of the sky, you can obtain the preferable color that can be seen in printed materials such as conventional gravure. It is effective.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which a print image is output without performing a specific color conversion depending on the image, and the user can switch the use according to the manual.
This is an example in which the switching is turned on / off by an external signal, and the presence or absence of specific color conversion is controlled for each pixel unit of the print image by a fine control signal from the outside.

As the configuration, the configuration described below is modified in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. That is, in FIG. 5, the data selector 2 (501) with a temporary memory includes the output color data after the specific color conversion of the specific color conversion unit 104 and the image data before the specific color conversion input to the specific color conversion unit 104. And are temporarily stored and one of them is selected. Specific color conversion ON / OFF instruction input unit (hereinafter referred to as instruction input unit)
Reference numeral 502 is a portion where the user arbitrarily gives an instruction to switch the specific color conversion. The selection control unit 503 outputs a data selection control signal to the temporary memory-equipped data selector 2 (501). Specific color conversion ON / OFF External control signal I /
An F (hereinafter, referred to as an external control signal I / F) 504 is a signal input port for controlling ON / OFF of the specific color conversion from outside the system, and is connected so as to be input to the selection control unit 503. There is.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. First, when the image data is input from the color correction unit 1 (102) to the data selector with temporary memory 2 (501), the temporary data is recorded and held. On the other hand, the signal input to the specific color conversion unit 104 is also converted into the specific color data as described above, transferred to the data selector with temporary memory 2 (501), and the temporary data is recorded and held. The user manually gives an instruction to the instruction input unit 502 so that the user can select either of the data. Therefore, for example, if it is desired to print without the specific color conversion, the instruction input unit 502 outputs the specific color conversion as a NO flag signal to the selection control unit 503, and the selection control unit 503 receives the signal and receives the temporary memory. A control signal is output to the attached data selector 2 (501). In response to this, the data selector 2 (501) with a temporary memory sets the changeover switch inside it to the signal side of the color correction unit 1 (102) to select the data, and the image output unit 1 (105).
Transfer to. After that, the color printer 106 receives the signal in the same manner as described above and the image without specific color conversion is printed by the color printer 106. Here, if the specific color conversion is performed, the data from the specific color conversion unit 104 is selected, and the image output unit 1 (10
5) and the image with the specific color conversion is printed by the color printer 106.

Further, the same thing as that is performed by the external control signal I.
Although it is controlled through / F504, the description is omitted, and a more detailed process will be described here. For example, if the image data as shown in FIG. 6 is input to the apparatus, there is a subtle gradation color change in a certain portion D in the image, and when a simple specific color conversion is applied, the nuance of the fine color is obtained. Since it is likely to collapse, the portion is not converted, and the other image portion E of the portion is finely controlled when it is desired to perform the specific color conversion. In this case, an external device (not shown) inputs a conversion OFF control signal to the external control signal I / F 504 when the pixel data is in the region D during data transfer, and is transmitted to the selection control unit 503. Is transferred as a selection control signal to the data selector with temporary memory 2 (501). Next, the data on the signal side of the color correction unit 1 (102) is selected and output to the image output unit 1 (105). When the pixel data is in the area E, a conversion ON control signal is input to the external control signal I / F 504 and transmitted to the selection control unit 503, from which it is transferred to the temporary memory-equipped data selector 2 (501) as a selection control signal. To be done. Next, the color data after the specific color conversion is selected and output to the image output unit 1 (105).
As a result, it is possible to obtain a print image in which the specific color conversion is not performed in the area D in the image and the specific color conversion is performed in the area E in which the presence or absence of the specific color conversion is mixed due to the difference in the image portion. As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily switch the presence / absence of the specific color conversion process or select the presence / absence of the specific color conversion process in an arbitrary portion of the image.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is an embodiment in the case where it is desired to adapt a plurality of specific colors to the colors in the image, and has a configuration in which a plurality of specific color conversion units are provided.

The configuration is modified by adding the following configuration to the configuration of the first embodiment. That is, 701 is the specific color conversion unit 1, which is the same as the specific color conversion unit 104 of the first embodiment. However, in this detailed configuration, the comparator 3 of FIG.
The output of 02 is connected so that it can also be transferred to the selection control unit 704. Reference numerals 702 and 703 denote a specific color conversion unit 2 and a specific color conversion unit n, respectively. Here, it is assumed that there are (n-3) specific color conversion units from the specific color conversion unit 3 to the specific color conversion unit (n-1) although they are omitted in the drawing. A plurality of outputs from each of the specific color conversion units are connected so as to be transferred to the data selector with temporary memory 3 (705). Further, the color image data directly from the color correction unit 1 (102) is transmitted to the data selector 3 (70) with the temporary memory in order to transmit the signal of the color region where the specific color conversion is not performed.
5) is connected. The selection control unit 704 receives a plurality of outputs from the comparators of the respective specific color conversion units, selects the data to be converted, and transfers the control signal to the temporary memory-equipped data selector 3 (705). The data selector 3 with a temporary memory (705) temporarily records the output color data from the specific color conversion unit, selects the data according to the selection control signal from the selection control unit 704, and selects the image output unit 1 (105). )
Output to. Further, each specific color conversion unit has the same configuration as that of FIG. 3, and an input color area data unit 301 and a specific color data unit 303 are provided for each.

In this embodiment, the specific color conversion condition is set to the first
Similar to the embodiment, condition 1: conversion target color area 10 <a * <20 a * = 15 condition 2: conversion target color area 30 <a * <40 a * = 35 :: condition n: When the conversion target color region is −10 <a * <− 05, n conditions such as a * = − 8 are set. These values are input and set in advance in the input color area data section and the specific color data section of each of the plurality of specific color conversion sections (701 to 703). By doing so, for example, the color correction unit 1 (10
If the image color data from 2) is a * = 32, it means that only Condition 2 is applicable, and the specific color conversion unit 702
Sends a flag of output signal YES of the comparator to the selection control unit 704, and the data selector 3 with temporary memory (705)
From the specific color conversion unit 2 (702) to the specific color a * = 35.
Data is transferred. However, the specific color conversion unit 1 (70
Since 1) and the specific color conversion unit n (703) do not satisfy the condition 2, the signals of these comparators are NO.
The flag signal of No. is transmitted to the selection control unit 704. The selection control unit 704 receives the signal, and only when the determination result is YES, the color data from the specific color conversion unit 2 (702) temporarily stored in the data selector with temporary memory 3 (705) is transferred to the image output unit 1 ( The control signal is output to the data selector with temporary memory 3 (705) so that it can be output to 105). This allows the data selector 3 (705) with temporary memory to
The data of * = 35 is transferred to the image output unit 1 (105). This operation is performed for each pixel of the image. Image output unit 1
Since the operation after (105) is similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment, it is omitted here.

When all the conditions are not met, the output signal of the comparator from each specific color conversion section is transmitted to the selection control section 704 as a NO flag. At this time,
Since the image color data of the color correction unit 1 (102) is transferred to and temporarily stored in the data selector 3 (705) with a temporary memory, all the selection control units 704 are set so that the color data is selected and output. When the input flag signal of is NO,
The control signal is sent to the data selector 3 with a temporary memory (705).
I will tell you.

As a result, a plurality of specific color conversions can be performed, and a large number of specific color conversions can be performed.

FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment has a configuration having a function that allows the user to arbitrarily specify the target color area before conversion and the color area for specific color conversion. The configuration of the fourth embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the first embodiment to the following configuration. That is, FIG. 3 is modified as shown in FIG. 8 as the internal configuration of the specific color conversion unit 104. As shown in the figure, the area setting section 1 (802) and the area setting section 2 (804) are set so that the values of the memory of the input color area data section 301 and the memory of the specific color data section 303 can be arbitrarily changed. In addition, an input unit 1 (801) and an input unit 2 (803) such as a keyboard are provided so that the user can specify the values of those areas, so that numerical values can be input. Further, the conversion calculation unit 805 converts the data values of the input color space and the output color space. The comparator 302 and the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304) in this figure have the same configuration as in FIG.

The operation will be described below. As shown in two examples in FIG. 9, the conversion calculation unit 805 that performs color conversion uses one-dimensional color data (FIG. 9A) to convert a certain range of color data as described in the above embodiment. Is converted into data in another range, and in the case of three-dimensional (FIG. 9B) color data, calculation is performed to convert data values in the input color space into data values in the output color space. This assumes that the conversion operation unit 805 is provided with a linear operation as a one-dimensional conversion, but a non-linear conversion in which the center of gravity is placed at a specific point is also possible. In this case, in order to perform the processing calculation with the center of gravity point, the input section 2 (803), the area setting section 2 (804), and the specific color data section (303) are provided with the function of adding the center of gravity point color value input function. . Further, as a calculation function of the conversion calculation unit 805, a function calculation expression entwined with the reciprocal of the color distance or its n-th power value is changed into a linear conversion expression for the calculation processing.
Further, in many cases, simple linear conversion cannot be performed in the conversion of two-dimensional color data or three-dimensional color data, and therefore, for example, arithmetic processing is performed with an affine conversion processing function.

Since the specific color conversion is not performed for the color data outside the designated target color range, the output flag of the comparator 302 is set to NO and the data selector 1 (30) with the temporary memory is provided.
4), the image color data from the color correction unit 1 (102) is selected by the temporary memory-equipped data selector 1 (304) and transferred to the image output unit 1 (105). The operation of the other functions such as the specific color conversion is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

As a result, the user can arbitrarily specify the specific color or the target color area, and even when the environment such as illumination light when viewing the print is changed, the corresponding conversion can be performed, and the image can be converted. It is possible to meet the general demands of the user, such as wanting to obtain a print by converting a certain image portion into a preferable color on the spot. Further, in the case of color conversion of skin color or the like, the conversion in the case of leaving a fine color nuance before conversion can be performed while slightly narrowing the input color area and trying.

FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fifth
The embodiment is an example of performing a plurality of specific color conversion processes by switching the configuration of the plurality of specific color conversion units described in the third embodiment with one specific color conversion unit.

The configuration of the fifth embodiment is obtained by modifying the configuration of FIG. 3 by adding the following configuration. That is, 100
Reference numeral 1 is an input color area data group memory section for storing a plurality of input color area data, and 1002 is a specific color data group memory section for storing a plurality of specific color data. Further, the counter control unit 1003 receives the input color area data group memory section 1001, the specific color data group memory section 1002 from the input color area data group memory section 1002, and the input color area data section 301 In order to transfer the data to the data unit 303 for each pixel of the image, the address control unit 1
004 is controlled. In addition, this counter control unit 100
3 judges whether or not the condition is satisfied for n sets of input color area data for one pixel of input color data by inputting / outputting an output flag signal from the comparator 302. Further, the address control unit 1004 controls the memory address used to read the data of the data groups of the input color region data group memory unit 1001 and the specific color data group memory unit 1002 of 1 to n. Also,
A clock unit 1005 is provided to rotate the address counters 1 to n and is connected to the address control unit 1004.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. When the image data is input from the color correction unit 1 (102) to the comparator 302, a pixel trigger signal is input to the counter control unit 1003 in synchronization with the image data. In response to this, the counter control unit 1003 issues an instruction to the address control unit 1004 to rotate the address from 1 to n. Address control unit 100
4 is an input address value in sequence
01, output to the specific color data group memory unit 1002, and the input color region data group memory unit 1001 and the specific color data group memory unit 1002 respectively form a set of data used for the specific color conversion as the input color region data unit 301. The data is output to the specific color data section 303. The comparator 302 makes a comparison as to whether or not the condition is satisfied, as described above. This from 1 to n
If the comparator 302 outputs a YES flag signal to the counter control unit 1003 under the condition of being repeated, the counter control unit 1003 immediately stops its operation, and the temporary memory-equipped data selector 1 (304) outputs the above-mentioned operation. Output the same as the YES signal. When this signal is received by the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304), the specific color data in the specific color data section 303 of the set at that time is selected and the image output section 105 is selected.
Transferred to. However, when the conditions are not satisfied even when comparing up to n conditions and the YES flag signal is not transferred from the comparator 302 to the counter control unit 1003, the counter control unit 1003 outputs a NO flag signal as a temporary memory data selector. 1 (304) and the image selector 1 (304) with temporary memory transfers the image color data as it is from the color correction unit 1 (102) to the image output unit 1 (105). Subsequent data processing is the same as that described above, and is omitted here. By doing so, as compared with the third embodiment, it is possible to assemble with a small-scale circuit configuration without degrading the function, and it is easy to realize the system with low cost and a simple circuit.

FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Sixth
In the embodiment, the color of the specific color conversion is limited to the two axes in the color space,
The color conversion is performed while leaving the other 1-axis color data as it is. That is, in the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Change to the input color area data part of the biaxial color data of 101,
The specific color data section 303 is also changed to a biaxial specific color data section of the specific color data section 1102, and the remaining uniaxial color data is output as image color data from the color correction section 1 (102). The configuration is such that the data selector 1 (304) with temporary memory is connected.

This operation includes the input color area data section 1
If the conditions of the two axes in 101 are satisfied, the comparator 302 outputs a YES flag to the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304), and the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304) outputs the specific color data section 1102. Specific color data and the input image color data from the remaining one-axis color correction unit 1 (102) are transferred to the image output unit 1 (105). The other operations are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. Here, the remaining one-axis color data is output as image color data from the color correction unit 1 (102) so that the data selector 1 with a temporary memory is provided.
If the output signal to the image output unit 1 (105) connected to (304) can be synchronized, the image output unit 1 (1
However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that it is connected so as to directly output to (05). By doing so, for example, the luminance data of the image is output as it is without being subjected to the specific color conversion, and only the other two axes of the color are converted, so that the tone of the image is printed in a preferable color without changing the brightness of the entire image. There is an effect that it can be output and the image atmosphere can be left.

FIG. 12 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 7th
In the embodiment, the color of the specific color conversion is only one axis in the color space,
The color conversion is performed while leaving the other two axes of color data as they are. That is, the configuration of the sixth embodiment is modified from the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The input color area data section 301 is changed to an input color area data section 1201 for uniaxial color data, and 303 is also a uniaxial specific color data section 1
In place of 202, the remaining biaxial color data is connected to the temporary memory data selector 1 (304) so that it is output as image color data from the color correction unit 1 (102).

This operation includes the input color area data section 1
If the condition for only one axis in 201 is satisfied, the comparator 302 outputs a YES flag to the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304), and the data selector with temporary memory 1 (304).
At, the specific color data of the specific color data section 1202 and the input image color data from the remaining biaxial color correction section 1 (102) are transferred to the image output section 105. The other operations are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. As in the sixth embodiment, the remaining color data of the two axes is also used in the color correction unit 1 (102).
The image output unit 1 is connected to the data selector 1 (304) with the temporary memory so as to be output as image color data from
If the output signal to (105) can be synchronized, the configuration may be such that the image output unit 1 (105) is directly connected to output, and the configuration is not limited to this.

By doing so, for example, in the case where the color space of an image is used as luminance, hue, and saturation, the luminance and saturation are directly output without being subjected to specific color conversion, and only the hue is converted. As a result, it is possible to output the image with a preferable color tone without changing the brightness or color density of the entire image, and it is possible to print without changing the image contrast.

FIG. 13 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 8th
In the embodiment, when there are a plurality of specific colors in the color space and the ranges of the respective specific color conversion areas overlap, the selection of the specific color in the area is determined by the length of the color space distance. It is an example. FIG. 14A shows the overlapping of the areas of the specific color target input space in the color space, and the areas F and G partially overlap. The centers of these regions are represented by f and g, respectively. In this embodiment, the specific color conversion is selected in the nearer area depending on which of the center f and g of the tip of the conversion target area the position of the image color data being processed in the color space is closer. I am trying to do it.

In the eighth embodiment, in the configuration of FIG. 7 of the third embodiment, the specific color conversion unit 1 (701) to the specific color conversion unit n (70) are used.
While the output of the flag signal from each comparator inside 3) is input to the selection control unit 704, the output of the flag conversion output unit 1304 is supplied to the selection control unit 704 as shown in FIG. It is configured to The color distance calculation unit 1301 calculates the color distance in the color space between the position of the color space of the image color data from the color correction unit 1 (102) and the center position of the data of the input color areas corresponding to a plurality of specific colors. Calculate The input color area data group memory unit 1302 pre-inputs and stores the center position data of the data of the input color area. The color distance determining unit 1303 receives the respective distance data from the color distance calculating unit 1301 and determines which one is closer to the center of the corresponding color area based on the magnitude of the distance data value. Further, the signal data indicating which area is selected according to the result is transmitted to the flag conversion output unit 1304. The flag conversion output unit 1304 converts the signal to a signal used as an input signal to the selection control unit 704 corresponding to the flag signal of each specific color conversion unit in FIG. 7, and transmits it to the selection control unit 704. There is.

Next, the operation will be described. Each specific color conversion operation is processed at the same time when the image color data is input from the color correction unit 1 (102) as in the third embodiment. At this time, the color distance calculation unit 1301 calculates the distance between the position in the color space of the same image color data as the data input to each unit and the center position of each region. Immediately after that, the distance data between them is transferred to the color distance determining unit 1303, the shortest distance is determined there, and the information of the corresponding area is transmitted to the flag conversion output unit 1304. Therefore, the flag conversion output unit 1304 and the selection control unit 704 transfer the selection signal to the data selector with temporary memory 3 (705), and the specific color conversion temporarily stored in the data selector with temporary memory 3 (705). The subsequent color data is selected, and the image output unit 1 (1
Data is transferred to 05). At this time, if the image color data input from the color correction unit 1 (102) does not correspond to any area, the specific color conversion is not performed as it is and the temporary memory-attached data selector 3 is used as in the above-described embodiment. (7
05) to the image output unit 1 (105). The other operations are the same as those in the third embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

In the above description, there are two input color areas corresponding to a specific color and the selection thereof is described.
In some cases, the color distance determining unit 1303 can determine the color distance in the same manner, and the present invention is not limited to this.

By doing so, even if a large number of specific colors are set so as to overlap each other, they are converted into the closer specific color in the color space, and the color of each part of the image is determined by a large number. Printed in a color close to that of.

FIG. 15 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 8th
In the embodiment, when there are a plurality of specific colors in the color space and the ranges of the respective specific color conversion areas overlap, the selection of the specific color in the area is given a priority order of the specific colors, and the order is determined according to the order. It is an embodiment configured to be determined. Figure 1
4 (b) shows the overlap of the areas of the specific color target input space in the color space, and the areas H and I partially overlap. In this embodiment, the position of the image color data being processed in the color space is selected to be the specific color conversion of the region having the higher priority among the conversion target regions. Is in the overlapping area, if the priority order H> I, the specific color conversion of the area H is selected.

The ninth embodiment differs from the structure of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in the following points. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the specific color conversion unit 1 (701) to the specific color conversion unit n (7)
03), the output of the flag signal from each comparator inside is input to the selection control unit 704,
The connection is changed so as to be input to the flag selection unit 1501, and the connection is changed so that the flag output signal from the flag selection unit 1501 is input to the data selector with temporary memory 3 (705). Flag selection unit 1501
Respectively receive flag signals from a plurality of specific color conversion units, select one of YES flag signals based on the priority order data information of the priority order data unit 1502, and output the flag signals to the selection control unit 704. . Priority data section 1
In 502, data in which a plurality of specific color conversions are prioritized in advance is stored and set. The other structure is the same as that of the third embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation of each specific color conversion is the same as in the third embodiment.
The image color data is input from 2) and processed at the same time. At this time, the data selector 3 with temporary memory (70
The color data after the specific color conversion is transferred to 5),
At the same time, the flag signals are transferred from the comparators in all the specific color conversion units to the flag selection unit 1501. Therefore, the flag selection unit 1501 compares only a plurality of YES flag signals with the information of the priority order data from the priority order data unit 1502, selects only the flag with the highest priority order among them, and sends it to the selection control unit 704. Forward. Selection control unit 70
4 receives this signal, and data selector 3 with temporary memory
A control signal is transmitted to the data selector with temporary memory 3 (705) so that the color data after the specific color conversion having a high priority corresponding to that inputted in (705) can be selected, and the data selector with temporary memory 3 is selected. In (705), the selected color data is transferred to the image output unit 1 (105). At this time, if the image color data input from the color correction unit 1 (102) does not correspond to any area, the specific color conversion is not performed as it is and the temporary memory-attached data selector 3 is used as in the above-described embodiment. (705) to the image output unit 1 (10
5) is transferred. The other operations are the same as those in the third embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

In the above description, there are two input color areas corresponding to a specific color and the selection thereof is described.
In some cases, the flag selection unit 1501 selects one of the areas based on the priority information.

By doing so, even if a large number of specific colors are set so as to overlap with each other, the conversion is performed with emphasis on the specified specific color, resulting in a particularly strong bias. It is also possible to set the color, and it is possible to print in the color of the image having many predetermined color portions.

The technical idea of the following constitution is derived from the above-mentioned specific embodiments.

(1) Correct the color of color image data,
In a color image processing device for outputting to a plurality of different output devices, a plurality of color corrections provided corresponding to the respective output devices and correcting the input color image data so that the output colors from the respective output devices become the same. Means for receiving at least a part of outputs from the plurality of color correction means and performing a predetermined conversion on a predetermined color region of the input color image to be output to a predetermined output device; and at least the specific color conversion means. An output device for outputting the output of the specific color conversion device to the predetermined output device.

(2) The color image processing apparatus according to (1), further comprising switching means for switching the output from the specific color conversion means and the output from the color correction means according to a predetermined signal.

(3) The specific color conversion means comprises a specific color specification means for specifying the predetermined color area and a color conversion area specification means for specifying the color area after conversion by the specific color conversion means. The color image processing device according to any one of configurations (1) and (2).

(4) The color image processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the color conversion area designating means has a designating means for designating a predetermined point as a color area after conversion of the predetermined color area.

(5) The color image processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the color conversion area designating means has a designating means for designating a predetermined area as a color area after conversion of the predetermined color area.

(6) The color image processing according to any one of the configurations (1) and (2), wherein the specific color conversion means converts the color data of the predetermined color area into one point of designated color data. apparatus.

(7) The color image according to any one of the configurations (1) and (2), in which the specific color conversion means converts the color data of the predetermined color area into the color data of the predetermined color area. Processing equipment.

(8) The specific color conversion means has post-conversion color data storage means for storing the predetermined converted color areas corresponding to the plurality of predetermined color areas, and stores the color data to be converted. Any one of the configurations (1) to (7) for performing conversion so that the color data to be converted is converted into the color area stored in the converted color data storage means according to the color area.
The color image processing device described in 1.

(9) The color image processing apparatus according to any one of the configurations (1) to (7), which has the specific color conversion means corresponding to each of the plurality of predetermined color regions.

(10) The color image processing apparatus according to any one of the configurations (1) to (9), wherein the specific color conversion unit has a unit that converts all three-axis data in a color space.

(11) In any one of the configurations (1) to (9), the specific color conversion means has a means for converting one axis data in the color space into the other two axis data without conversion. The described color image processing device.

(12) In the configuration (1) to (9), the specific color conversion means has a means for converting the two-axis data in the color space into the other one-axis data without conversion. The described color image processing device.

(13) The specific color conversion means calculates a distance between the color data to be converted and the plurality of predetermined color areas when the plurality of predetermined color areas overlap each other, and the converted color. The color image processing device according to (8) or (9), which is configured by a unit that determines the selection of a region according to the distance.

(14) The specific color conversion means stores a priority order of the plurality of predetermined color areas when a plurality of the predetermined color areas overlap each other, and selects the converted color area. The color image processing device according to (8) or (9), which is configured by a means for determining based on the priority order stored in the storage means.

The operations and effects of the above-mentioned configurations (1) to (13) are as follows.

Structure (1) Operation: In order to make the output colors of the color image data by the respective output devices the same, color conversion is performed by the color correction means having the inverse characteristic for each device. At a subsequent stage, the specific color conversion means converts the specific color into a predetermined output device, and the processed signals are output to the output device.

Effect: As described above, the color correction means and the specific color means are provided, and after the output colors from the respective output devices are converted so as to be the same, the color conversion is performed on the color in the predetermined color region. Therefore, it is possible to convert the color of at least a part of the area of the color image into the designated color while maintaining the color consistency of the output images to the plurality of output devices.

Structure (2) Operation: A function is provided between the color correction means and the output means for each device to select whether or not the specific color means is inserted, and the switching is performed by the internal instruction means. It is performed by external control means.

Effect: The presence / absence of the specific color conversion process can be arbitrarily switched, and the presence / absence of the specific color conversion process can be selected in an arbitrary image portion in the image.

Structure (3) Operation: The specified color area is specified by the specific color specifying means, and the converted color area is specified by the color conversion area specifying means.

Effect: The predetermined color area and the color area after conversion can be arbitrarily designated.

Structure (4) Operation: The color data after conversion is converted into one point by the color conversion area designating means.

Effect: Since the color data after conversion can be set to a fixed value that is arbitrarily set, it can be unified and output in any color tone.

Structure (5) Operation: The color conversion area designating means converts data of a predetermined color area into another designated area.

Effect: Since the area of the converted color data can be arbitrarily set, it is possible to give an arbitrary and gradually varied expression to the converted color data.

Structure (6) Operation: The output color area of the specific color area is processed and output by the specific color conversion means for converting the color of only one specific color.

Effect: Since the color data after the specific color conversion can be made constant, the image can be uniformly output in a predetermined color tone.

Structure (7) Operation: While the positional relationship of the input color area of the specific color area is linear or non-linear, the color data of the output color area of the specific color is processed and output by the specific color conversion means. .

Effect: Since it is possible to give a gradually varying expression to the color data after the specific color conversion, it is possible to output with a natural image quality for a photographic image or the like.

Structure (8) Operation: When converting a plurality of specific colors, one specific color conversion section switches the plurality of specific color conversions. A plurality of pieces of specific color area information are stored, and the area of the specific color area is determined by taking out the information one by one for each pixel of the image. The specific color conversion data is selected and output according to the discrimination information.

Effect: The circuit can be configured with a small scale, and the system cost can be reduced and the circuit can be easily realized.

Structure (9) Operation: When converting a plurality of specific colors, a plurality of specific color converting means are simultaneously processed and operated. A plurality of specific color area discriminations are performed simultaneously. The specific color conversion data is selected and output according to the discrimination information.

Effect: Since the dedicated specific color conversions can be individually applied in parallel at the same time, the processing can be performed at high speed.

Structure (10) Operation: A specific color region is discriminated on all three axes by means of a constitution means in which the processing target of the specific color conversion is performed on the three axes of the color space, and a predetermined 3 is obtained from the processing result. The specific color is converted to the axis color data and output.

Effect: By performing the specific color conversion on all three axes, it is possible to perform conversion within the entire color reproduction range of the output device, and fine conversion of both luminance data and color data can be performed, and the maximum color reproduction range of the output device can be achieved. Can be converted.

Structure (11) Operation: A specific color region is discriminated on two axes by a constituent means for performing the processing of the specific color conversion on only two axes of the color space, and the predetermined 2 is obtained according to the processing result. The specific color conversion is performed on the color data of only the axis and the data is output, and the remaining one-axis data is output as it is.

Effect: The brightness data of the image is output as it is without any specific color conversion, and only the other two axes of the color are converted, so that the tone of the image can be output to a preferable color without changing the brightness of the entire image. This has the effect of leaving the image atmosphere of the original picture.

Structure (12) Operation: A specific color region is discriminated on one axis by a constituent means for performing the processing of the specific color conversion on only one axis of the color space, and a predetermined 1 is obtained from the processing result. The specific color conversion is performed on the color data of only the axes and the color data is output, and the color data of the remaining two axes is output as it is.

Effect: When the color space of the image is used as luminance, hue, and saturation, the color data is output as it is without the specific color conversion for the two axes of luminance and saturation, and only the one-axis hue is specified. By performing the conversion, it is possible to output the image with a predetermined color tone without changing the brightness and color density of the entire image, and it is possible to output without changing the contrast of the image.

Structure (13) Operation: When there are a plurality of specific color designations in the color space and the ranges of the specific color conversion areas overlap, the distance between the color space position of the image color data and the center position of the plurality of specific color areas is set. The data for specific color conversion is selected and output by means for calculating the specific color and determining the selection of the specific color within the area based on the length of the color space distance.

Effect: When a large number of specific colors are set so as to overlap each other, the colors are converted into the specific color closer to the area in the overlapping color space, and the color of each part of the image is changed to the predetermined specific color. It is possible to output without bias.

Structure (14) Operation: When there are a plurality of specific color designations in the color space and the ranges of the specific color conversion regions overlap, the priority order is set in advance in the plurality of specific color regions and stored from the means. Depending on the information
By the means for discriminating and determining the selection of the specific color in the area from the information, the specific color converted color data is selected and output.

Effect: When a large number of specific colors are set so as to overlap with each other, the specific colors are prioritized, so that the specific colors having a higher priority are preferentially converted, which is intentionally biased. A specific color can be set.

[0104]

According to the present invention, the image color of the monitor and the image color of the print can be matched as a whole, and the print output in which the color of a specific portion in the image has been corrected can be obtained. become able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an actual configuration of a color correction unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a specific color conversion unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a color reproduction space for color conversion.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of input image data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of color data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating overlapping of areas of a specific color target input space in a color space.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Image data input unit, 102 ... Color correction units 1, 10
3 ... Color correction unit 2, 104 ... Specific color conversion unit, 105 ... Image output unit 1, 106 ... Color printer, 107 ... Print, 108 ... Image output unit 2, 109 ... Color monitor, 1
10 ... Illumination light, 111 ... Eyes.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G09G 5/00 510 W 9471-5G 5/02 C 9471-5G H04N 1/60 1/46 H04N 1 / 40 D 1/46 Z

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A color image processing apparatus for correcting the color of color image data and outputting to a plurality of different output apparatuses, the color image processing apparatus being provided corresponding to each output apparatus so that the output colors from each output apparatus become the same. As described above, a plurality of color correction means for correcting the input color image data, and a predetermined color area of the input color image to be output to a predetermined output device by receiving the output of at least a part of the plurality of color correction means. A color image processing device, comprising: a specific color conversion unit that performs a predetermined conversion on the image output device; and an output unit that outputs at least the output of the specific color conversion unit to the predetermined output device. 2. The color image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that switches an output from the specific color conversion unit and an output from the color correction unit according to a predetermined signal. 3. The specific color conversion means comprises specific color specification means for specifying a specific color of a plurality of small areas in a color space, and color conversion area specification means for specifying a color conversion area range. The color image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color image processing apparatus is a color image processing apparatus.