JPH09284579A - Color signal processor and copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a printing operation to properly process the image signals and to satisfactorily show the color tone, etc., of the corresponding image regardless of the 3-input or 4-input of the image signals which are used for a certain print output device. SOLUTION: When a printing operation is carried out by a certain print output device based on the image signal consisting of four color signals X, Y, Z and W which are used for another print output device, the conversion or correction of colors are carried out in five blocks 12-1 to 12-5 according to the gradation levels of the signal W. Then the signals X', Y' and Z' or X', Y', Z" and W' are successively outputted through the interpolation operations performed between the signal W and the output signals C1 to C5 of those blocks, and the print operation is carried out based on the signals X' to Z' or X' to W'.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color signal processing device and a copying machine using this device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of this type of color conversion device, the one shown in FIG. 1 has been known. That is, the color conversion device shown in the figure converts signals of R, G, and B colors obtained by color-separating an original image and the like into signals of C, M, and Y, which are three primary colors of subtractive color mixing. Then, based on these signals, a print device such as an inkjet printer can perform print output to obtain a color print image.

Signal processing circuits 101, 102 shown in FIG.
103 generates output color signals C, M, Y based on the input three primary color signals R, G, B, respectively. For example, each of the signal processing circuits 101, 102, and 103 executes an operation including a so-called masking operation such as the following expression.

Circuit 101: C = A ₁₁ × R + A ₁₂ × G + A ₁₃ × B Circuit 102: C = A ₂₁ × R + A ₂₂ × G + A ₂₃ × B Circuit 103: C = A ₃₁ × R + A ₃₂ × G + A ₃₃ × B where , A _ij (i, j = 1, 2, 3) are coefficients determined according to the characteristics of an output device such as a printer.

As another example of the color conversion device, the calculation result is stored in advance in a table memory instead of performing the above-described product-sum calculation using the signal processing circuits 101, 102 and 103 shown in FIG. In addition, a method has also been proposed in which the calculation results of the values of the input signals R, G, B are read out from the table and output. However, in this case, if the input signal is represented by 8 bits for each color, a storage area corresponding to (2 ⁸ ) ³ kinds of addresses (that is, 16 million or more) is required, which is not realistic from the viewpoint of memory size. Absent.

On the other hand, as another conventional example, FIG.
The following are known. Here, the input signals R,
The G and B signals are divided into upper bit data (Ru, Gu, Bu) and lower bit data (R1, G1, B1) by the upper and lower bit divider 110, and the table memory 11
3 stores only the operation result for the higher-order bit data (Ru, Gu, Bu). Then, the output signal C'from the table memory 113 for this higher-order bit data is subjected to an interpolation operation using the lower-order bit data (R1, G1, B1) in the interpolation circuit 115 to obtain the final output signal C. be able to.

With the above structure, the table memory should have a storage area corresponding to a number of addresses corresponding to the number of upper bits of the input signals R, G, B. . For example, if the upper bits are 3 bits for each color, (2 ³ ) ³ different addresses (ie 51
It is only necessary to have a storage area corresponding to (2 addresses), and it is possible to greatly reduce the storage area required for the table.

Since the signal C'output from the above table 113 is actually subjected to interpolation calculation, not only the signal corresponding to the address indicated by the upper bit data (Ru, Gu, Bu) but also each signal Ru. , Gu, Bu and the other seven addresses represented by a combination of the signals obtained by adding “1” to these values, for example, signals corresponding to neighboring addresses. Further, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration for generating the signal C among the color signals C, M and Y, and the other signals M and Y are similarly configured.

[0009]

In the conventional example described above, the apparatus is generally configured such that the input color separation signal is basically represented by three colors of R, G and B. is there. However, with the recent spread of image editing computers and the reduction in price of color printers, the color originals produced by a computer are printed as a color configuration before the actual printing plate making is output by the color printer and the color tint at the time of printing is changed. The demand for confirming is increasing.

Generally, an original created on the assumption that it is printed is expressed by color separation signals of four colors Y, M, C, and K. Therefore, for example, when an ink jet printer is used, Y, M, and The simplest method is to prepare print heads for four colors of C and K, and give the Y, M, C, and K signals of the document as they are as drive signals for the print heads corresponding to the respective colors and output them. However, it is usual that the color of the ink used in the print head and the color of the print ink used for printing have different coloring characteristics. Therefore, as described above, the signal of the print original is used as it is for output. The color tone is different from the color tone when the same original is actually printed, and is often insufficient for use as a color proof for printing.

Then, Y, M, and
A method of adding some color correction processing to the C and K signals and outputting it to match the tint with printing is also conceivable. However, as described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. Since it is configured to handle input signals of three colors, it is not possible to process color separation signals of four colors Y, M, C and K.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately process input of color signals of more types than the types of color signals used in a print output device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a color signal processing device and a copying device that enable a print output device to perform excellent printing based on the processed signal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a color signal processing apparatus and a copying apparatus capable of appropriately processing a color signal of any system of a plurality of systems of color signals having different types of color signals. Will be done.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided:
In a color signal processing device which inputs a color signal and outputs a new color signal based on the input color signal, a predetermined value is given to each of n kinds of input color signals among n + 1 kinds (n is a natural number) of input color signals. A plurality of color signal processing blocks that perform the above processing to generate one type of color signal, each of the color signals generated from the plurality of color signal processing blocks, and the n types of input color signals among the n + 1 types of input color signals. At least one set of interpolating means for performing an interpolating operation using one type of input color signal other than the color signal to generate one type of output color signal, and outputting m types (m is a natural number) of output color signals It is characterized by doing.

In a color signal processing device for inputting a color signal and outputting a new color signal based on the input color signal, n kinds of input color signals among n + 1 kinds (n is a natural number) of input color signals A plurality of color signal processing blocks that respectively perform a predetermined process for generating one type of color signal, each of the color signals generated from the plurality of color signal processing blocks, and among the n + 1 types of input color signals. A processing circuit that performs a predetermined process on one type of input color signal other than the n types of input color signals, and, if there are n types of input color signals, controls the processing circuit to perform the predetermined process. One of the color signals generated from each of the plurality of color signal processing blocks is selected as an output color signal, and when there are n + 1 input color signals, the processing circuit is controlled to perform the predetermined processing. The plurality of colors An interpolation calculation is performed using each of the color signals generated from the processing block and one type of input color signal other than the n types of input color signals among the n + 1 types of input color signals to obtain one type of output color signal. It is characterized in that it comprises a control means for generating processing.

Further, in a copying apparatus which reads an original and prints out based on the result of the reading, it is a color signal processing apparatus which inputs a color signal and outputs a new color signal based on the input color signal. A plurality of color signal processing blocks for performing a predetermined process on n kinds of input color signals among n + 1 kinds (n is a natural number) of input color signals to generate one kind of color signal; A processing circuit that performs a predetermined process on each color signal generated from the signal processing block and one type of input color signal other than the n types of input color signals among the n + 1 types of input color signals; When there is an input color signal, the processing circuit is controlled to perform the predetermined process as a process for selecting one of the color signals generated from each of the plurality of color signal processing blocks to be an output color signal. , N + 1 species When there is the input color signal, wherein the predetermined process by controlling the processing circuit, and each of the color signals generated from the plurality of color signal processing block n + 1
Control means for performing an interpolating operation using one type of input color signal other than the n types of input color signals among the various types of input color signals to generate one type of output color signal. It is characterized by comprising a signal processing device and a printing device for printing based on an output color signal generated by the color signal processing device.

In addition, a first mode for performing color processing on color image data composed of N color components and M (M
> N) a second mode in which color processing is performed on color image data composed of color components, and an input address corresponding to the data amount of the color image data composed of the N color components is provided. A plurality of tables are provided, in the first mode, data is written in the plurality of tables so that each of the plurality of tables corresponds to a different color processing algorithm, and in the second mode, Data writing means for writing data to the plurality of tables so as to correspond to the same color processing algorithm for the plurality of tables is provided.

According to the above configuration, the n + 1 kinds of input color signals are input to a plurality of color signal processing blocks, and predetermined processing such as color conversion or color correction is performed, for example, in the other one.
This is performed according to the gradation value of the input color signal of one kind, and the interpolation calculation is performed based on the color signal generated respectively and the other input color signal of one kind, so that finally n + 1 kinds of input It is possible to obtain n kinds of new output color signals corresponding to the color signal values.

Further, the above-described processing and the processing of performing predetermined processing such as color conversion or color correction on n kinds of input color signals to finally obtain m kinds of output color signals It can be switched according to the number of signal types.

Further, since the number of kinds of color components is different from each other in the first and second modes, the table contents of different color processing algorithms can be set.
Even if the number of types of color components to be input is different, the processing modes corresponding to the respective types can be appropriately executed.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a color signal processing circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The figure shows a configuration in which output color signals C1 to CN are obtained for three input color signals X, Y, Z, and output color signal CS is obtained for four input color signals.

First, a mode in which the color separation signals X, Y, Z of three colors are input as an 8-bit input signal will be described.

Each color signal X, Y, Z is input in parallel to each of N color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N. The color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N are processing blocks for performing well-known color signal processing such as the conventional example shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, and are applied to the input color signals X, Y and Z, respectively. To output output color signals C1, C2, ..., CN. Then, these output signals C1 to CN are input to the interpolation circuit 14.

In the above three input mode, the processing of the fourth input color signal W is not performed. That is, the CPU 15 sends a control signal indicating that it is in the 3-input mode to each color signal processing block 1.
2-1 to 12-N and the interpolation circuit 14. As a result, in the color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N, the parameters required for color signal processing in the 3-input mode are read from the storage device (not shown) and set. Further, since the interpolation circuit 14 is required only in the 4-input mode as will be described later, it is set so as not to operate in the 3-input mode. Therefore, in the 3-input mode, the interpolation circuit 14 outputs C1 to CN output from the processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N as they are.

Next, the case of the 4-input mode in which the four color signals X, Y, Z and the color signal W are inputted as the 8-bit input signal will be described.

Similar to the above, the three input color signals X, Y and Z are given as input signals to the color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N and output the output signals C1 to CN, respectively. On the other hand, the fourth color signal W is directly input to the interpolation circuit 14. That is, in the 4-input mode, the CPU 15
4 for each of the color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N
Parameters necessary for color signal processing in the input mode are read from a storage device (not shown) and set. Further, for the interpolation period 14, in the 4-input mode, the interpolation calculation is performed using the N output signals from the color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N and the fourth color signal W as described later. It is set to generate one output signal CS. In this case, the interpolation circuit 14 outputs only the output signal CS as the interpolation result, and does not generate the above-mentioned signals C2 to CN.

The operation described above with reference to FIG. 3 will be described below by taking a specific color copying machine as an example.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an apparatus using the color signal processing apparatus of this embodiment described above. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the copying apparatus.

In the figure, an image scanner unit 201 reads an original and performs image processing such as the color conversion described above. A printer unit 202 prints out an image corresponding to the original image read by the image scanner 201 in full color.

In the image scanner 201, the original 2
Reference numeral 04 is placed on the original platen glass (hereinafter referred to as platen) 203 while being pressed by the mirror surface pressure plate 200. The original 204 is illuminated by a lamp 205, and its reflected light is reflected by mirrors 206, 207, 208 and a lens 209.
Via a 3-line solid-state image sensor (hereinafter CC
D) Form an image on 210. As a result, red (R), green (G), blue (B) as full color information
The two image signals of are sent to the signal processing unit 211.

It should be noted that the lamp 205 and the mirror 206 are at a predetermined speed v, and the mirrors 207 and 208 are at half the speed thereof, in the direction perpendicular to the electrical scanning (main scanning) direction of the CCD 210 which is a line sensor. The entire surface of the document is scanned (sub-scanning) by mechanically moving to.
Here, the original 204 is 40 in both main scanning and sub-scanning.
Reading is performed at a resolution of 0 dpi.

The signal processing unit 211 comprises the color conversion device shown in FIG. 3, whereby the image signals (R, G, B) obtained by reading are subjected to the above-mentioned processing and magenta (M). ), Cyan (C), yellow (Y),
Each signal of black (Bk) is generated, and the printer unit 202
Can be sent to It should be noted that one component of M, C, Y, and Bk is sent to the printer unit 202 for each original scanning by the image scanner 201, and the printing based on one original is completed by a total of four original scanning. . In this case, in the description of the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is provided for each of the output color signals C, M, Y, but instead, the contents of the table memory are scanned three times. It may be configured to sequentially rewrite M output, C output, and Y output. In addition, the Bk color signal is obtained by the above-described C, M,
It is generally obtained by the processing of undercolor removal and black plate generation based on the Y signal, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to such a configuration as well. BK is generated similarly to Y, M, and C.

The M, C, Y and Bk image signals sent from the image scanner unit 201 are supplied to the laser driver 2.
12 is sent. The laser driver 212 modulates and drives the semiconductor laser 213 according to the transmitted image signal. The laser light scans the photosensitive drum 217 via the polygon mirror 214, the f-θ lens 215, and the mirror 216. Here, as with reading, writing is performed with a resolution of 400 dpi in both main scanning and sub-scanning.

A rotary developing device 218 includes a magenta developing unit 219, a cyan developing unit 220, and a yellow developing unit 22.
1, a black developing device 222, and four developing portions alternately contact the photosensitive drum 217 to develop electrostatic development formed on the photosensitive drum with toner. Reference numeral 223 denotes a transfer drum, which winds the paper supplied from the paper cassette 224 or 225 around the transfer drum 223, and transfers the image developed on the photosensitive drum to the paper. In this way, after the four colors of M, C, Y and Bk are transferred in sequence,
The paper sheet passes through the fixing unit 226, and after the toner is fixed on the paper sheet, the paper sheet is ejected.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing details of the configuration of the signal processing section 211 shown in FIG.

Signals R, G and B obtained by reading an original with the CCD 210 are A / D conversion circuit 302.
Are converted into digital signals respectively and are corrected by the shading correction circuit 303 with respect to uneven light amount of the document illumination lamp and sensitivity variation of the CCD sensor 210.

The color signal processing circuit 304 is the circuit described with reference to FIG. 3, and is a color conversion circuit for converting the input color separated signal into the output color separated signal. The input color signals X, Y, Z shown in FIG.
This corresponds to the R, G, B signals processed in 03. Then, the color signal processing circuit 304 corresponding to the three-input mode, as described with reference to FIG.
, C2, ..., CN are generated.

As will be described later, the selector 305 selects C
One of the signals C1 to CN is selected according to an instruction from the PU 306, and the selected signal C is sent to the printer unit 202.

On the other hand, the color signal processing circuit 304 can also be supplied with color separated image signals from a host computer and an image memory not shown in FIG. 4 via an external interface. Reference numeral 308 is the host computer, 309 is an interface circuit for exchanging data in order to write the color separated image signal from the host computer 308 to the image memory, and 310 is an image memory for storing one screen of image data. The interface circuit 309 and the image memory 310 may be inside the signal processing unit 211 of the color copying machine shown in FIG. 4, or may be outside and connected to the signal processing unit 211 by a signal line not shown in FIG. You may do it.

The data in the image memory 310 is sent as a color signal to the color signal processing section 304 for each pixel in synchronization with an image clock (not shown). In this case, when the transferred signals are the color signals X, Y and Z of three colors,
It may be the color signals X, Y, Z, and W of the color.

The operation of the CPU 15 having the above configuration will be described.

First, the operation of the three-input mode for copying an original image as a normal color copying machine will be described.

At this time, the R, G, B signals obtained by reading the original as described above are input to the color signal processing circuit 304 as X, Y, Z. At this time, the color signal processing circuit 304
According to the operation of the printer unit 202, M (magenta), C
(Cyan), Y (yellow), and Bk (black) signals are sequentially generated. However, R, G, B to C,
The color conversion into M, Y, Bk differs depending on the relationship between the input image and the characteristics of the printer unit. For example, the optimum conversion parameters differ depending on whether the original image is a general print or a silver halide photograph. Also, different conversion parameters are required when, for example, it is desired to strongly reproduce redness or to change the hue of a flesh-colored document depending on the user's preference.

Therefore, the user specifies an area in the original image using an original position specifying device (not shown), and specifies the color signal processing mode for the area, for example, the original is a silver halide photograph or the redness is strengthened. To do. According to the designated mode, the CPU 15 sets the color signal processing parameters according to the mode to the color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-1 shown in FIG.
Set to 2-N. That is, in this embodiment, N different processing modes can be designated.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of designation of a color signal processing mode.

In the figure, it is assumed that 501 is a color original to be copied. Here, a region 502 is a region written in black characters, a region 503 is a colored graph region, and a region 504 is a silver salt photograph region. As the respective processing modes, the area 502 is reproduced only with the black toner, the area 503 is reproduced so as to be as vivid as possible by emphasizing the color of the document, and the area 50.
Reference numeral 4 is an area in which conversion from R, G, B to M, C, Y, K is preferably performed so that the color of the silver halide photograph original is reproduced as faithfully as possible.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an example of attribute designation for each area corresponding to the processing mode, and shows the display of the operation unit of the color copying machine (not shown). First, after designating a predetermined area in the original by the area designating device, according to the display of the screen shown in FIG. 7, it is designated using the touch panel or the like whether the designated area belongs to any of (A) to (E). To do. On the other hand, the CPU 15 sets the color signal processing parameters of the color signal processing circuit 304, which can appropriately express the image of each of the designated areas, in the color signal processing block 12-.
1 to 12-N, and the selector 305 is instructed to select the output signals C1 to CN based on the area designation in synchronization with the output timing of the color signals. For example, the signal C1 is selected in the area where the attribute (A) shown in FIG. In the area where the attribute (B) is designated, the selector is operated like signals C2, ....

In the above description, the area is specified by the user. Of course, the well-known image area separation technique is used to automatically discriminate the attributes of the original image, and the selection signal to the selector is sent in real time. Of course, it can be configured to generate.

Next, the case where the color separated image signal is directly input from the image memory (see FIG. 5) will be described.

When the color separation signals are three colors of X, Y and Z, the same as in the copy mode described above. However, the area is specified on the host computer, and the area is specified by the CPU 30.
Send to 6.

When the color separation signals are four colors of X, Y, Z and W, the operation in the four input mode different from the above three input mode is performed. In the following description, X, Y, Z, and W are C, M, Y, and C of digital originals created for printing plate making, respectively.
It is assumed that the signal is BK (hereinafter also simply referred to as K),
The signal value will be described as being represented by 8 bits from 0 to 255. In this case, C, M, Y,
When the K digital original data is used as it is as an original plate for printing by the printing plate making machine and when it is used in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the tint of each print result is made to match. Therefore, the color signal processing circuit 304 converts the input signals C, M, Y, K into new signals C ', M', Y ', K', in consideration of the color characteristics of printing and the color reproduction characteristics of the printer section. Must.

A processing method therefor will be described again with reference to FIG. As described above, the color signal processing blocks 12-1 to 12-N are composed of N (5 in this embodiment) blocks. The signals C, M, Y of the signals C, M, Y, K are input to each of the N color signal processing blocks. On the other hand, in each color signal processing block, a parameter required to obtain the following output signal value is C
Written by PU15. Block 1: Outputs C ', M', Y ', K'values for C, M, Y inputs when K = 0 Block 2: Outputs C', M for C, M, Y inputs when K = 64. ', Y', K 'value block 3: Output C', M ', Y', K 'value for C, M, Y input when K = 128 Block 4: C, M, when K = 192 Output C ', M', Y ', K'values for Y inputs Block 5: Outputs C', M ', Y', K'values for C, M, Y inputs when K = 255 where C ', Which of M ′, Y ′, and K ′ is to be output depends on the signal value to be sent to the printer section, C ′ when writing a cyan image, M ′ when writing a magenta image, ... In this way, the parameters are rewritten sequentially.

Note that a table memory or circuit may be provided for each type of color signal in each block without rewriting such parameters.

From the above, the following output signals are obtained as the signals C1 to C5.

C1: K of the input signals C, M, Y, K
Output signal when fixed to = 0 C2: Output signal when fixed to K = 64 among input signals C, M, Y and K C3: Fixed to K = 128 among input signals C, M, Y and K Output signal in case of fixing C4: Output signal when fixing K = 192 among input signals C, M, Y and K C5: Output in case fixing K = 255 among input signals C, M, Y and K Signal Actually, the value of the input signal K is 0, 64, 128, 19
Since a value other than 2, 255 is taken, the final output signal CC
Can be obtained by linearly interpolating C1 to C5 in the interpolation circuit 14. The interpolation formula depends on the value of K and is given by the following formula.

When 0 ≦ K <64 CC = C1 + (C2-C1) × K / 64 When 64 ≦ K <128 CC = C2 + (C3-C2) × (K−64) / 64 128 ≦ K <192 In the case of CC = C3 + (C4-C3) × (K-128) / 64 In the case of 192 ≦ K <255 CC = C4 + (C5-C4) × (K-192) / 63 The final output signal from the interpolation circuit 14 by the above. CC is obtained. The CPU 15 notifies the selector 305 (see FIG. 5) that it is in the 4-input signal mode.
Reference numeral 05 unconditionally selects the signal CC as the interpolation calculation result and sets it as the output signal C.

In the case of the 4-input mode, the area designation signal is ignored and the same color signal conversion processing is performed on the entire image area.

According to the above-described four-input mode, the output device such as a printer, which is usually connected to the color processing circuit of this embodiment, has a Y, M value which is suitable for the output color characteristics of the output device from the color processing circuit. , C, and K will be received. In addition, as described above, the configuration of the four input mode is
The configuration is such that signals of three colors of M and C are obtained, and for K, Y,
It may be obtained by undercolor removal and black generation processing based on M and C.

It is obvious that the embodiment described above can be similarly executed by using software. At this time, the color signal processing block is common to 3 inputs and 4 inputs, and since only the parameters need to be changed, the software can be effectively used.

Although any of the conventional examples shown in FIG. 1 or 2 may be used as the color signal processing block, the color signal exchange may be performed by using the three-dimensional table exchange method shown in FIG. As an advantage, arbitrary non-linear exchange is possible.

Further, it is of course possible that the parameters for color signal exchange are downloaded from the host computer.

Further, in the above embodiment, a plurality of output signals suitable for each designated area are output in response to the input of color separation signals of three colors. For example, the printer section may use M, C, Y and K. When a device capable of simultaneously printing is used, four different signals of M, C, Y, and K can be output in parallel. In this case,
In the 4-input mode in which 4 color separation signals are input,
The same procedure is repeated four times to sequentially generate M, C, Y and K outputs, during which data is temporarily stored in the frame memory.
It suffices if the output signals for the colors are obtained and then sent to the printer section.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a printing system including trial printing by a printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the printing system of this embodiment, C, M,
The original data for printing composed of each data of Y and K is stored in the hard disk 801 in advance, and the host computer 802 sends the original data stored in the hard disk 801 to the printer or the printing machine, and performs each trial. Control printing or book printing.

Before the main printing is performed by the printing machine 809, the test printing is performed by the printer 805. for that reason,
The color signal processing block 904 is provided with the color signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 3. As described above, the parameters of each block of the processing circuit are the result of printing the original document data for printing as it is on the printing machine and the printing result. Based on the color signal data obtained by processing the original data in the same processing circuit, the color tone of the result printed by the printer is set to match. The color signal processing block 804 including the color signal processing circuit set in this way has described the printing document data stored in the image memory 803 with reference to FIG.
The input mode processing is performed, C ', M', Y ', and K'signals are output sequentially or in parallel, and the printer 805 performs test printing based on this color signal data.

As a result, the operator of the printing system can check the printing result to see the printing machine 809.
The print result when actually printed can be confirmed by, and when it is desired to adjust the tint, for example, the color calibration can be performed by adjusting the correction parameter on the printing machine side.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a printer according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is capable of executing both the above-mentioned three-input mode copy mode and the above-mentioned four-input mode proof mode. Is.

In the printer of this embodiment, first, the image data transferred from the host computer 912 by the selector 900 is data consisting of R, G, B, or C, M,
It is determined whether the data consists of Y and K. Where R, G,
If it is B data, it is transferred to the image memory 902 as copy mode data, while if it is proof mode data, it is transferred to the image memory 901.

In the present embodiment, in the copy mode, the area signal generation circuit 903 does not perform the processing such as the area designation described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, and the area signal generation circuit 903 is based on the constant data stored in the image memory 902. The attribute of the original image is automatically determined, and the selection signal S indicating the area is generated. As a result, the color signal processing block 904 performs the three-input mode processing described with reference to FIG. 3 and the like, and the color signals C ′, M ′,
Y'and K'are output.

On the other hand, in the proof mode, the color signal processing block 904 determines the data C,
Based on M, Y, and K, the above-described 4-input mode processing is performed, and signals C ', M', Y ', and K'are output.

As described above, the printer of this embodiment normally performs the printing operation in the copy mode related to the input of three signals and the printing based on the original data for printing including the four signal data of C, M, Y, and K, for example. It is possible to automatically discriminate the action from the action and appropriately perform the action.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention, n
+1 type of input color signal is input to a plurality of color signal processing blocks, and predetermined processing such as color conversion or color correction is performed, for example, according to the gradation value of another type of input color signal, Interpolation is performed on the basis of the color signals respectively generated and one other type of input color signal, so that m new output color signals corresponding to n + 1 types of input color signal values are finally generated. Obtainable.

Further, the above-described processing and the processing of performing predetermined processing such as color conversion or color correction on n kinds of input color signals to finally obtain m kinds of output color signals It can be switched according to the number of signal types.

Further, the table contents of different color processing algorithms can be set for the first and second modes having different numbers of types of color components.
Even if the number of types of color components to be input is different, the processing modes corresponding to the respective types can be appropriately executed.

As a result, efficient color signal processing can be executed regardless of the number of types of input color signals, such as the color.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional example of a main part configuration of a color conversion device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another conventional example of the main configuration of the color conversion device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color processing circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an internal structure of a copying apparatus using the color processing circuit of the above embodiment in its signal processing unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram mainly showing a specific configuration of a signal processing unit in the copying apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating types of image areas of a document image printed by the copying apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an attribute selection operation for each type of image area shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system including trial printing by a printer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer capable of executing a 3-input copy mode and a 4-input proof mode in a quantitative mode according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12-1 to 12-N color signal processing block 14 interpolation circuit 15 CPU 201 image scanner unit 202 printer unit 211 signal processing unit 302 A / D conversion circuit 303 shading correction circuit 304 color signal processing circuit 305 selector 308 host computer 309 interface circuit 310 Image memory 804,904 Color signal processing block

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A color signal processing device for inputting a color signal and outputting a new color signal based on the input color signal, wherein n kinds of input color signals among n + 1 kinds (n is a natural number) of input color signals A plurality of color signal processing blocks each of which performs a predetermined process to generate one type of color signal, each of the color signals generated from the plurality of color signal processing blocks, and the n + 1 types of input color signals At least one set of interpolating means for performing an interpolating operation to generate one type of output color signal by using one type of input color signal other than the n types of input color signals, and m (m is a natural number) types A color signal processing device which outputs an output color signal. 2. The color signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the value of n is 3 and m is 3 or 4. 3. The color signal processing block according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of color signal processing blocks performs the predetermined processing by a product-sum operation of n kinds of input color signals and a predetermined coefficient. Color signal processor. 4. The color signal processing blocks each perform the predetermined processing by outputting a color signal from a table memory using n kinds of input signals as address signals. 2. The color signal processing device according to item 2. 5. A color signal processing device for inputting a color signal and outputting a new color signal based on the input color signal, wherein n kinds of input color signals among n + 1 kinds (n is a natural number) of input color signals. A plurality of color signal processing blocks each of which performs a predetermined process to generate one type of color signal, each of the color signals generated from the plurality of color signal processing blocks, and the n + 1 types of input color signals A processing circuit that performs a predetermined process on one type of input color signal other than the n types of input color signals; and, if there are n types of input color signals, control the processing circuit to perform the predetermined process. When one of the color signals generated from each of the plurality of color signal processing blocks is selected as an output color signal, and there are n + 1 types of input color signals,
By controlling the processing circuit to perform the predetermined processing, each of the color signals generated from the plurality of color signal processing blocks and the n
Control means for performing an interpolation operation using one input color signal other than the n input color signals among the +1 type input color signals to generate one output color signal. A color signal processing device characterized by the above. 6. The color signal processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the value of n is 3. 7. The color signal processing block according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of color signal processing blocks performs the predetermined processing by a product-sum operation of n kinds of input color signals and a predetermined coefficient. Color signal processor. 8. The color signal processing block according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of color signal processing blocks performs the predetermined processing by outputting a color signal from a table memory using n kinds of input signals as address signals. 6. The color signal processing device according to item 6. 9. A color signal processing apparatus for inputting a color signal and outputting a new color signal based on the input color signal in a copying apparatus which reads an original and prints out based on the result of the reading. A plurality of color signal processing blocks that respectively perform predetermined processing on n kinds of input color signals of n + 1 kinds (n is a natural number) of input color signals to generate one kind of color signal; A processing circuit that performs predetermined processing on each of the color signals generated from the signal processing block and one type of input color signal other than the n types of input color signals among the n + 1 types of input color signals; When there is an input color signal, the processing circuit is controlled so that the predetermined processing is a processing of selecting one of the color signals generated from each of the plurality of color signal processing blocks to be an output color signal, n + 1 types of input When there is a color signal,
By controlling the processing circuit to perform the predetermined processing, each of the color signals generated from the plurality of color signal processing blocks and the n
Control means for performing an interpolation operation using one input color signal other than the n input color signals among the +1 type input color signals to generate one output color signal. A copying apparatus comprising: a color signal processing device; and a printing device that prints based on an output color signal generated by the color signal processing device. 10. The copying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the value of n is 3. 11. A first mode for performing color processing on color image data composed of N color components, and a color processing for color image data composed of M (M> N) color components. A second mode, and a plurality of tables each having an input address corresponding to a data amount of the color image data composed of the N color components, and in the first mode, the plurality of tables. Data is written in the plurality of tables so that each of them corresponds to a different color processing algorithm, and in the second mode,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a data writing unit that writes data to the plurality of tables so as to correspond to the same color processing algorithm. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first mode is a copy mode. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second mode is a proof mode. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein in the first mode, color processing is changed for each of a plurality of images included in the same document.