JPH09121290A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably obtain a desired outputted image by performing the setting of the detailed image processing condition according to the taste and the processing condition of a user and the use purpose of an image, etc. SOLUTION: In an image processing circuit 28, a picture adjusting processing setting the highlight density and the shadow density of C, M and Y image information to preliminarily set reference values is performed according to the image processing condition set by the instructions of a prescanning and finish information, further, processings such as a gradation processing and a color collection processing, etc., are performed, the image information of network % data is made and the information is outputted to a storage device 18. Thus, an arbitrary highlight and shadow balance can be set according to the taste of a user and a printing condition if an outputted image is a film version, etc., and the optimum image processing condition according to the user can be set, and a desired outputted image can be stably obtained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technical field of an image processing apparatus for setting an image processing condition for obtaining an output image of desired finishing information from an image read photoelectrically.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in the field of printing and plate making, a document image is photoelectrically read, the read image information is electrically processed, and the processed image is processed for the purpose of streamlining work processes and improving image quality. 2. Description of the Related Art Image reading and reproducing systems are widely used in which a film photosensitive material is scanned and exposed according to information to form a film plate.

Such an image reading / reproducing system basically comprises a reading device for photoelectrically reading a document image, an image processing device for processing image information, and a recording device for outputting an image. Among them, the image processing apparatus performs a pre-scan for reading a document image roughly before reading for image recording, sets reading conditions such as a magnification and a trimming range, and also uses a design means to design a pattern. Image processing conditions are set by instructing the output image finish information according to the output image information such as "beautiful skin", "beautiful sky", "beautiful highlights", and "beautiful green". After that, reading for obtaining an output image, that is, main scanning is performed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11157/1992).
5 and 6-291998).

That is, in the image reading / reproducing system, first, a prescan is performed, image processing conditions are set based on the image information (image characteristic value) obtained by the prescan and an instruction of finishing information, and then a main scan is performed. Then, the image information obtained by the main scan is processed according to the previously set image processing conditions, and the film photosensitive material is exposed according to the processed image information to obtain an output image.

[0005]

As described above, in the image reading / reproducing system, the image processing condition is set from the image information by the prescan and the finish instruction, and the image information is processed and the image is recorded according to the image processing condition. As a result, the target output image is obtained, but in some cases, the desired image may not be obtained in some cases.

That is, in the conventional image reading / reproducing system, the image processing condition is uniquely set from the prescan image information and the instruction of the finishing information, so that any user is the same if both are the same. Forming an image of. However, the preference of the obtained image may differ for each user, and it is difficult for the conventional device in which the image processing condition is uniquely determined to correspond to the various preferences of each user, and it is difficult to obtain a satisfying image. Sometimes you can't get it. In addition, a normal printed matter can be obtained by creating a printing plate based on a film plate created by an image reading and reproducing system and performing printing, but printing conditions, more specifically, ink,
Since the paper, the printing machine, etc. differ depending on the user, it is difficult to obtain the exact same image even if the same film plate is used, and an appropriate printed matter may not be obtained depending on the printing conditions.

On the other hand, in the conventional image reading / reproducing system,
As described above, the finish information of the output image, such as "Beautiful skin" and "Beautiful sky", can be designated, but the preferable finish information of the image depends on the design. For example, some people prefer beautiful reddish skin, but some people like fair skin, and adults and infants have different desirable skin colors. Also, the blue sky and the sunset sky are completely different in color and density.
However, in the conventional system, it is not possible to obtain an output image according to such a detailed request, and in some cases, a desired image may not be obtained even though the finishing information is instructed.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is possible to set fine image processing conditions according to the user's preference, processing conditions, image applications, etc. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device that can stably obtain a desired output image.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is an image processing for performing image processing on image information obtained by photoelectrically reading a document image and outputting the image information. A device for displaying the original image, an instruction unit for instructing finish information of an output image obtained from the image information, and an image processing condition according to the instruction of the image information and the finish information by the instructing unit. (EN) An image processing apparatus comprising: a processing condition setting means for determining the above, and a balance setting means for arbitrarily setting the balance of the three primary colors of highlight and shadow of image information to be output.

A second aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus for performing image processing on image information obtained by photoelectrically reading a document image and outputting the image information, and display means for displaying the document image. And an instructing means for instructing after selecting finish information of an output image obtained from the original image from a plurality of types of higher-order items, and further selecting from a plurality of types of lower-order items included in the selected higher-order item, and the image information. And an image processing condition setting unit that sets an image processing condition according to an instruction of finishing information from the instruction unit.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, further, means for specifying a position in the image displayed on the display means for instructing finish information by the instructing means. Preferably.

[0012]

The image processing apparatus of the present invention automatically sets the processing condition of the image information from the image information obtained by the prescan and the finish information instructed according to the target output image (auto setup). )
In the first mode, the balance (highlight / shadow balance) of the three primary colors of highlight (the brightest part) and shadow (the darkest part) that greatly affects the output image, for example, if the output image is a film plate Since it is a halftone dot image, the highlight and shadow halftone percentages of the C, M and Y film plates can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, highlight / shadow balance can be arbitrarily set according to the user's preference and the printing conditions if the output image is a film version.
Optimal image processing conditions can be set according to the user, and a desired output image can be stably obtained. Moreover, since the highlight / shadow balance is set according to the user, it is not necessary to change the setting each time image processing is performed, and operability is not adversely affected.

On the other hand, a second aspect of the present invention is a similar image processing apparatus, which gives an instruction of finishing information according to a pattern.
It can be done in more detail. Specifically, if the instruction of "beautiful skin" is issued as the higher order finishing instruction, for example, "beautiful skin 1 (normal skin color)""beautiful skin 2 (reddish) is given as the lower order instruction. "Skin color)" or the like can be selected and instructed. Therefore, in addition to the instruction of finishing information according to the pattern or the like which is usually performed, the finishing instruction according to the use or preference of the output image can be performed, and the desired output image can be surely obtained.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an image reading / reproducing system using the image processing apparatus of the present invention. This image reading / reproducing system 10 (hereinafter referred to as system 10)
R for images carried on transparent or reflective originals
(Red), G (green) and B (blue) are separated into three primary colors and photoelectrically read, the obtained electric signal is used as an image signal for image processing, and film exposure is performed according to the obtained image information. Material is exposed to C (cyan) plate, M (magenta)
Plate, Y (yellow) plate, or K (black) plate
It forms and outputs one or four film plates.

This system 10 is basically a reflection original scanner 12 which photoelectrically reads an image of a reflection original such as a printed matter or a photograph, and a reflection original scanner which photoelectrically reads an image of a transparent original such as a reversal film. 12 and the transparent original scanner 14 which outputs the electric signal obtained by performing the predetermined image processing by using the obtained electric signal as an image signal, and the transparent original scanner 14 is operated, and the image read by the transparent original scanner 14 (press Can image)
And a recording device 18 for outputting a film plate by scanning and exposing the film photosensitive material in accordance with image information output from the transparent original scanner 14.
It is composed of

The reflection original scanner 12 is a known image reading device that photoelectrically reads an image of a reflection original, and includes, for example, a light source extending in one direction, a slit extending in the same direction, and a reflection original. Are relatively scanned in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the slit to obtain reflected light carrying an image of the original, and the reflected light is applied to a line sensor such as a CCD sensor corresponding to each of R, G and B. The image is formed, photoelectrically read, and output to the transparent original scanner 14.

The transparent original scanner 14 has an image reading section 22 for overall control, a preprocessing circuit 26, and an image processing circuit 28. Further, these and the reflection original scanner 12 are mutually connected by a bus 30.

The image reading unit 22 is a known image reading device that photoelectrically reads an image of a transparent original by slit scanning or surface exposure, and for example, the reflection original scanner 12 described above.
Slit light carrying an image of a transmissive original is obtained by slit scanning similar to the above, and C corresponding to each of R, G and B is obtained.
An image is formed on a line sensor such as a CD sensor, read, and output.

The preprocessing circuit 26 includes a reflection original scanner 12
Alternatively, preprocessing before performing image processing is performed on the image information output from the image reading unit 22. The preprocessing circuit 26 includes an image buffer 32 for temporarily recording image information and a color conversion LUT for performing a predetermined color conversion.
The storage unit 34 is connected.

The image processing circuit 28 performs predetermined image processing according to preset image processing conditions and outputs it as output image information to the recording device 18. This image processing circuit 28
Is connected to an image processing condition correction circuit 36 that corrects image processing conditions (image processing condition setting = auto setup). Further, the image processing condition correction circuit 36 stores a setup parameter serving as an image processing condition. The parameter storage unit 38 is connected to a gradation curve (tone curve) that serves as a reference for gradation processing, and a gradation LUT storage unit 40 that stores, as a lookup table, ideal halftone dot data according to an instruction of finish information.

A workstation 16 is further connected to the bus 30 described above. Workstation 16
Is a CPU 20 and a video buffer 42 that perform overall control.
And a control unit 44. The control unit 44 controls the output to the display 46 connected to the workstation 16 and processes the input data of the keyboard 48 and the mouse 50. At this workstation 16, finish information is instructed, and the magnification and trimming range are given.

The recording device 18 is a printer that uses light beam scanning exposure, and, for example, scans and exposes the film photosensitive material with a light beam that is modulated according to image information from the image processing circuit 28, and performs development processing. Done, and as an output image,
The C, M, and Y, or further K film plates are output.

The system 10 basically has the above-mentioned structure, and the flow of film plate making by the system 10 is shown in FIG. First, when a document is set at a predetermined position of the image reading unit 22 (reflection document scanner 12),
Pre-scanning is performed to read the image of the original document roughly. The image information of the document read by the prescan is subjected to a predetermined process such as logarithmic conversion by the preprocessing circuit 26, stored in the image buffer 32, and sent to the workstation 16, and the image is displayed on the display 46. Is displayed. The operator can use this display 4
6, the keyboard 48 and the mouse 50 are used to set necessary reading (output) conditions such as the magnification and trimming range, and finish information is instructed. When these operations are completed, the image processing condition correction circuit 36 sets the image processing conditions according to the instructions of the image information and the finishing information obtained by the prescan. Regarding finishing information and image processing condition settings,
Details will be described later.

When the image processing conditions are set, the image reading (main scan) for forming the film plate is performed, and the image information obtained is subjected to the image processing according to the image processing conditions previously set. This is applied by the processing circuit 28, and the image (film plate) is output by the recording device 18.

FIG. 3 shows the flow from the main scan to the image output. When the start of the main scan is instructed, slit scanning of the document is performed in the image reading unit 22 (reflection document scanner 12), and the transmitted light (or reflected light) carrying the document image has three primary colors of R, G, and B. Is split into
Each is read by a CCD sensor, photoelectrically converted, output as image information, and sent to the preprocessing circuit 26. In the pre-processing circuit 26, under the action of the CPU 20, predetermined processing such as A / D conversion and logarithmic conversion is performed to perform density conversion, image information of C, M and Y densities is generated, It is stored in the image buffer 32. Then
In the pre-processing circuit 26, based on the color conversion look-up table stored in the color conversion LUT storage unit 34 and set according to the color density of the image, the predetermined C, M and Y image information is converted into the predetermined color conversion. Processing is performed to obtain image information of C, M and Y densities.

This image information is then supplied to the image processing circuit 2
8 In the image processing circuit 28, the highlight density and the shadow density of the C, M, and Y image information are set as a predetermined reference in accordance with the image processing conditions previously set from the prescan and the finish information instruction. Picture adjustment processing to set the value is performed, and further gradation processing, color correction processing,
UCR (Under Color Removal) and processing such as sharpness enhancement are performed to obtain image information of halftone dot data, which is then output to the recording device 18. In the system 10 that uses the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the highlight and shadow color balance of an output image (highlight / shadow balance) can be set arbitrarily. This will be described in detail later.

In the recording device 18, the light beam is modulated according to the image information of the dot% data output from the image processing circuit 28, and the film photosensitive material is scanned and exposed to form a dot image. Processing is performed, and then development processing is performed to output a film plate on which a halftone image is formed.

As described above, in the first aspect of the present invention, the balance of the three primary colors of highlight and shadow in the image information output from the image processing circuit 28, that is, C, M and Y in highlight and shadow Each mesh% can be set arbitrarily.

In the system 10, for example, by inputting a personal identification number, a command, etc., with the keyboard 48 of the workstation 16, a display 46 is displayed.
The display shown in FIG. 4 is made and the balance setting mode for setting the C, M and Y halftone percentages is entered. In this state,
The keyboard 48 and the mouse 50 are used to set the respective mesh percentages of C, M and Y in highlight (HL) and shadow (SD). When the setting is completed, the mouse 50 is used to instruct "registration" to issue a registration instruction, the newly set highlight / shadow balance is registered, and the display 46 returns to the normal screen. By performing this operation, subsequent image processing is performed according to the newly set / registered highlight / shadow balance. In addition, the highlights when "Beautiful highlights" is instructed and the instructed point is set in the finishing instructions described later, and the shadows when "Beautiful shadows" is instructed are set and registered. Aligned to highlights and shadows. The registered highlight / shadow balance is stored in the gradation LUT storage unit 40.

As described above, conventionally, the image processing condition is uniquely set from the prescan image information and the finish information instruction. Therefore, if they are the same, the same image is always formed. . However, images often have different preferences for each user, and conventional devices cannot handle this. Further, in the case of the film plate created by the system 10 of the illustrated example, the user creates a printing plate from the created film plate and performs printing, but the printing conditions such as ink, paper, and printing machine differ for each user. Therefore, even if the same film plate is used, the obtained printed matter is different, and an appropriate printed matter may not be obtained. On the other hand, in the system 10 using the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the highlight / shadow balance that greatly affects the image can be arbitrarily set according to the user.
According to the user's preference, printing conditions, etc., the optimum image processing suitable for the user is always performed, and the optimum film plate can be stably obtained. Moreover, since the highlight / shadow balance is set and registered according to the user, it is not necessary to change the setting each time image processing is performed, and operability is not adversely affected.

This highlight / shadow balance setting is performed by an apparatus (system) using the image processing apparatus of the present invention.
May be performed at the time of shipping or installation, or when the printing conditions of the user are changed, or the like, accordingly. In any case, once set, there is no need to change this setting as long as the printing conditions and the like do not change.

Next, the instruction of the finishing information and the setting of the image processing conditions, which were mentioned above in the explanation of the film plate making using the flowchart of FIG. 2, will be explained. As described above, the image processing condition is set from the instructions of the image information and the finishing information of the original image obtained by the prescan.
The image information of the original image obtained by the prescan is subjected to substantially the same processing as the image information of the main scan in the preprocessing circuit 26 and stored in the image buffer 32, the image characteristic value is calculated, and the image is Displayed on the display 46. As the image characteristic value, the number of pixels in an arbitrary density of the density histogram obtained by the pre-scan, the average density of the entire image, the average density or the maximum density of each divided area (for example, 1/2, 1/4, etc.), The average concentration, maximum concentration, etc. for each of C, M and Y (or R, G and B) are exemplified, and one or more is used.

In parallel with the calculation of the image characteristic value, the operator gives an instruction of finishing information in order to prepare a film plate according to the purpose (that is, to obtain a predetermined printed matter). The image processing condition is set from the characteristic value and the finish information instruction), and the gradation process, the color correction process, the UCR, the sharpness enhancement and the like described above are performed according to the image processing condition. Note that the finishing information is not necessarily instructed, and in that case, the image processing condition is set only from the image characteristic value.

When the pre-scan is performed, the display 46 displays the finish information as well as the original image as shown in FIG. The finishing information is divided into, for example, a brightness instruction and a finishing instruction, and in the apparatus of the illustrated example, the brightness instruction is “bright”, “slightly bright”, “dark”, “slightly dark” and “slightly copied”. 5 items of finishing information are displayed, and any one of them can be instructed. On the other hand, in the finishing instruction, “A: skin / gray”, “B:
"Highlight", "C: Shadow", "D: Sky", "E:
Five items of "green" are displayed, and one or more can be designated, and the operator designates them by the mouse 50 or the keyboard 48 according to the design.

Here, in the system 10 utilizing the second aspect of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the finishing instruction A
Each item of E to E is set as an upper item, and lower items are set for each item, and an arbitrary finishing instruction can be given. That is, in the illustrated example, “D. "Sky" is specified, which means "no instruction", "beautiful sky 1",
The sub-items of "Beautiful sky 2" and "Beautiful sky 3" are displayed. Here, for example, "beautiful sky 1" corresponds to a normal blue sky, "beautiful sky 2" corresponds to a slightly reddish sky, and "beautiful sky 3" corresponds to a sunset sky. Selects these according to the use of the design or the output image. When "no instruction" is specified, "D. The "empty" instruction is canceled. Further, if necessary, by selecting "pointing point setting", it is possible to instruct which position (area) to be made beautiful (where to be the reference of finishing instruction) by the mouse 50 or the like.

Similarly, if "A: skin / gray", then "no instruction", "beautiful skin 1" (normal skin color),
"Beautiful skin 2" (slightly reddish skin color), "Beautiful skin 3"
If each item (slightly fair skin tones), “Align to gray” (gray balance), “Make closer to gray” (half-correction of “Align to gray”) is “B: Highlight” , "No instruction", "Beautiful" (no instruction point setting; highlighting is taken, there is an instruction point setting; align with the registered high ride balance) and "a little beautiful" (similar to "beautiful", but If the item is “C: Shadow”, then “No instruction”, “Beautiful” (align with the registered shadow balance), “Slightly beautiful” (similar to “Beautiful”) However, the correction amount is half that); if "E: green", then "no instruction", "beautiful green 1" (normal green), "beautiful green 2" (slightly dark green), Each item of "Beautiful Green 3" (slightly green) is; Each is illustrated.

In the present invention, corresponding to each instruction, the color balance of C, M and Y for realizing each color (skin, gray, sky, green, highlight, shadow) at various densities is supported. The ideal halftone dot data (space curves of C, M, and Y) to be stored is stored in the gradation LUT storage unit 40, and, as described above, highlight / shadow balance (one point in the space of C, M, and Y). ), A value according to the user is set and registered in the gradation LUT storage unit 40, and according to the instructed item, the dot% data of the film plate to be output is arranged in a predetermined color balance C, M.
The image processing conditions are set so as to obtain the ideal halftone dot data of Y and Y. Therefore, in addition to the conventional finish instruction according to the design or the like, the finish instruction according to the application, preference, etc. of the film plate can be performed, and the desired output image can be reliably obtained.

An example of a method of setting image processing conditions when "beautiful skin 1" is designated as the finish information will be described below with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. When the prescan is performed as described above, the display shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, and at the same time, the image processing condition correction circuit 36 causes the gradation LU to change.
Initial setup parameters (image processing conditions) for correcting the standard gradation curve stored in the T storage unit 40 are set from the above-mentioned image characteristic values and stored in the parameter storage unit 38 (step (S) 1 ). Almost in parallel with this, the operator selects and instructs “A: skin / gray”, and further instructs “beautiful skin 1” (S
2) If necessary, one or more pointing points (indicated by x in the figure) are set by the mouse 50 (S3). When the designated point is not set, the preprocessing circuit 26 determines which position the skin is in the image based on the image information obtained by the prescan.

Next, the image processing condition correction circuit 36 corrects the gradation curve with the initial setup parameters, and calculates each dot% data from the density data of C, M and Y at the designated points (S4).

On the other hand, the image processing condition correction circuit 36 reads out the ideal halftone dot data corresponding to the instructed "Beautiful skin 1" from the gradation LUT storage unit 40, and the ideal halftone dot data closest to the instructed dot% data. Points on the dot% data, that is, target dot% data are calculated (S5). Here, the ideal halftone dot data corresponding to "beautiful skin 1" is defined as the data on the surface α surrounded by the points a ₁ , a ₂ and a ₃ in FIG. That is, the halftone dot data corresponding to the densities of C, M and Y of the i-th designated point are c _i and m, respectively.
_{For i} and y _i , if the closest point on the ideal mesh% data is (c _j , m _j , y _j ), the following equation (1)
The halftone dot% data that minimizes the index r _i indicated by is the target halftone dot% data, and thus c _j , m _j, and y _j are the target halftone dot data. r _i ² = (c _i −c _j ) ² + (m _i −m _j ) ² + (y _i −y _j ) ² (1) c _i , m _i , y _i : of the i-th designated point Net% data c _j , m _j , y _j : Ideal net% data

The surface area shown by the dotted line in FIG.
This is the ideal net% data corresponding to "Beautiful skin 2" (slightly reddish skin color). As described above, in the system 10 according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, ideal halftone dot% data corresponding to each finishing instruction is stored in the gradation LUT storage unit 40. Therefore, "Beautiful skin 2" as finishing information
, The halftone dot data defined by the dotted line is read from the gradation LUT storage unit 40,
A similar operation is performed with this as a target.

The above operation (S4) is performed on each designated point, and the obtained dot% data and target dot% data are averaged, respectively, and averaged for each of C, M and Y. The net% data of the designated point and the target net% data are obtained. Next, the magnitude comparison of both halftone dot% data is performed. For example, when the average value of Y halftone dot data of the designated point is smaller than the average value of the target halftone dot data, the middle separation of the Y gradation curve (intermediate part, The setup parameter of MS) is increased by a certain amount, and vice versa. The same operation is performed for C and M, and the corrected setup parameter is stored in the parameter storage unit 38 (S6).

Then, the gradation curve is corrected using the corrected setup parameter, and the dot% data of the designated point is calculated again in the same manner as in S4 (S).
7).

The image processing condition modification circuit 36 then proceeds to obtain the net% obtained using the modified setup parameters.
The data is evaluated (S8). That is, for example, if it is Y, let f _{y be} an evaluation function that indicates how far the halftone dot data of Y of the designated point before changing the setup parameter of the MS is from the target halftone dot data as a whole, and M
_Letting f _{ya be} the same evaluation function after changing the setup parameter of S, each evaluation function is expressed by the following equations (2) and (3).

[0045]

(Equation 1) In the above formula, n: number of designated points y _i : halftone data of y before MS correction of i-th designated point y _i0 : target net% data of Y of i-th designated point w _i : i-th designated Point weighting factor y _ia : Halftone data of y after MS correction of i-th designated point r _iy : Index of y before MS correction of i-th designated point r _iya : After MS correction of i-th designated point Index of y

In the above equation, the weighting coefficient w
Is for correcting the deviation when the hue of the support point set by the operator is different, and is automatically set so as to eliminate this deviation.

Then, the evaluation functions f _y and f _ya obtained by the above equations (2) and (3) are compared to evaluate the halftone _dot percentage. Here, if f _y > f _ya , the net% of Y of the designated point
Since the data is close to the target network% data, it is determined that the correction of the MS setup parameter is valid, and this setup parameter is newly added to the parameter storage unit 3.
8 and perform operations S6 to S8, and conversely f _y <f
If it is _ya , the Y dot% data of the designated point is far from the target dot% data, so it is determined that the MS setup parameter has been corrected too much, and the correction amount is changed to, for example, 1/2. Then, the operations of S6 to S8 are performed.

Similarly, for M and C, the setup parameters (halftone dot data) are determined and corrected using the same method as the evaluation functions f _y and f _ya . The correction operation of the setup parameters of the MS from S6 to S8 is repeatedly performed, and C, M and Y
When all become the target mesh% data, the setting of the setup parameters for the gradation curve MS is completed.

Similarly, setup parameters for highlight separation (HS) and shadow separation (SS) are set, and setup of the gradation curve setup parameters is completed.

Next, it is judged whether or not the finishing instruction is "beautiful skin" (S9). If the result is "beautiful skin", C,
Fine adjustment is performed for each color of M and Y. Since the flesh color is mainly composed of Y and R, only the image data (pixels) determined to be the R hue in a predetermined area is extracted from the image information obtained by the prescan, and the image is extracted. Correct the C, M and Y densities (dot% data) of the data (S1
0), the same operation as S7 to S8 is repeated (S11
~ S12), the setup parameters of the color correction are set.

On the other hand, when "Align to Gray" is selected as the finishing instruction, the same operation is performed except for the correction operation (S9 to S12) of the color correction from the setting of the setup parameters in "Beautiful Skin 1". By doing so, the setup parameters can be set. The ideal halftone dot percentage data corresponding to the finishing instruction of "align to gray" is, for example, point b _{1 in} FIG.
It is defined as the data on the line β connecting ~ b ₂ . Therefore, if there is an instruction to “approach to gray”, for example, if the specified point is (c _i , m _i , y _i ), the target net% of “align to gray” is obtained. (C _j ,
The intermediate point x between (m _j , y _j ) becomes the target net% data.

When "beautiful sky" is selected as the finishing instruction, the setup parameters can be set in the same manner as "beautiful skin 1". Here, the ideal net% data corresponding to the finishing instruction of "beautiful sky 1" is
As an example, on the line connecting points c ₁ and c ₂ in FIG.
It is defined as data on the plane γ surrounded by ₂ , c ₃ , and c ₄ . Also, "Beautiful Sky 2" (a slightly reddish sky)
The ideal halftone dot data corresponding to the finishing instruction is defined as the data of the area indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 9 that includes the above-mentioned "beautiful sky 1" halftone dot data.

Even when "Beautiful Green" is selected as the finishing instruction, the setup parameters can be set almost in the same manner as "Beautiful Skin 1". However, in the case of "beautiful green", the calculation of the target net% data of S5 in FIG. 6 is performed as follows. That is, the ideal halftone dot data corresponding to the finishing instruction of "beautiful green 1" is, for example, in the solid δ surrounded by the points d ₁ , d ₂ , d ₃ , d ₄ , d ₅ and d ₆ in FIG. Is defined as the data of. Therefore,
The point on the surface of the solid δ that is closest to the halftone dot data of the specified point set by the operator is set as the temporary target halftone dot data. Then
It is determined whether the dot% data of the specified point is outside, inside or outside the solid δ. If inside,
The net% data of the designated point is regarded as the target net% data, and the operations after S6 are not performed. If it is outside, the gradation curve setup parameter is set by setting the provisional target net% data as a target and performing the operations from S6 onward as in “Beautiful Skin 1”. In addition, the ideal net% data corresponding to the finishing instruction of "beautiful green 2" (slightly dark green) is, for example, the solid δ
Is defined as the solid data indicated by the dotted line in FIG.

When the operator gives a plurality of finishing instructions, the evaluation function of the equation (2) may be set as follows.

[0055]

(Equation 2) In the above formula (4), j: number of instructed finishing instructions n: number of designated points k _j , w _ij : weighting coefficient Y _ij : halftone data Y of Y before the MS correction of the i-th designated point Y _ij0 : Y target net% data of the i-th designated point

The evaluation function of the equation (3) may be the same. By determining the correction value of the setup parameter based on such an evaluation function, it is possible to set up the setup parameter that satisfies all of the instructed finish instructions.

After setting the image processing conditions (setup parameters) in this way, main scanning is performed as shown in FIG. 2, and gradation processing is performed according to the set image processing conditions as shown in FIG. By performing color correction processing or the like, it is possible to obtain a high-quality output image according to the instruction of the finishing information.

Although the image processing apparatus of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

[0059]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to set fine image processing conditions according to the user's preference, processing conditions, image usage, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image processing apparatus that can stably obtain a desired output image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an image reading / reproducing system using an image processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the image reading / reproducing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining image information processing in the image reading / reproducing system shown in FIG.

4 is a conceptual diagram showing a display display in a balance setting mode in the image reading / reproducing system shown in FIG.

5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display on the image reading / reproducing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining setting of setup parameters (image processing conditions) in the image reading / reproducing system shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of ideal halftone dot percentage data corresponding to a finishing instruction “beautiful skin”.

[Fig. 8] Finishing instruction "Align to gray (approach)"
5 is a graph showing an example of ideal halftone dot percentage data corresponding to.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of ideal halftone dot percentage data corresponding to a finishing instruction “beautiful sky”.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of ideal halftone dot percentage data corresponding to a finishing instruction “beautiful green”.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 (image reading / reproducing) system 12 reflective original scanner 14 transparent original scanner 16 workstation 18 recording device 20 CPU 22 image reading unit 26 preprocessing circuit 28 image processing circuit 30 bus 32 image buffer 34 color conversion LUT storage unit 36 image processing conditions Correction circuit 38 Parameter storage unit 40 Gradation LUT storage unit 42 Video buffer 44 Control unit 46 Display 48 Keyboard 50 Mouse

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for subjecting image information obtained by photoelectrically reading a document image to image processing and outputting the image information, the display unit displaying the document image, and the image processing unit being obtained from the image information. Instructing means for instructing finish information of the output image, processing condition setting means for determining image processing conditions according to the instruction of the image information and finishing information by the instructing means, and three primary colors of highlight and shadow of output image information And a balance setting unit capable of arbitrarily setting the balance of the image processing apparatus. 2. An image processing apparatus for subjecting image information obtained by photoelectrically reading a document image to image processing and outputting the image information, wherein display means for displaying the document image and output obtained from the document image. After selecting the finish information of the image from a plurality of types of higher-order items, an instruction means for further selecting from a plurality of types of lower-order items of the selected higher-order item and instructing the finish information by the image information and the direction means. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising processing condition setting means for setting image processing conditions. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image displayed on the display means.
An image processing apparatus having means for specifying a position at which the finish information is designated by the designating means.