JPH1073978A - Device and method for processing image, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust the level of input image signal corresponding to a printer when CMYK image signal produced by an external device is entered into the printer of a color copying machine. SOLUTION: An arithmetic part 301 for color number sums all color component levels for each picture element of CMYK image signal entered from an external device 106. An arithmetic part 302 for adjustment amount compares the total of color component levels and maximum value of input levels for a printer 105. According to the result of comparison, adjustment processing part 303 outputs image signal with level less than level of input image signal into the printer 105.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and method, and a recording medium, for example, an image processing apparatus and method for adjusting the level of an input image signal according to an output destination device, and recording. It is about media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a device for visualizing and outputting a color image created by an external device such as a computer, an image forming device such as a color copying machine can be used.

[0003]

However, the above technique has the following problems.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color copying machine 100. In a normal copying operation, an original image is read by a reader 101, and an image processing section 107 processes an image signal of the original image to produce a CMYK image. An image is formed by outputting a signal to the printer 105. On the other hand, the CMYK image signal created by the external device 106 is directly input to the printer 105 of the color copying machine 100 to form an image. This method
Although the configuration is easy, it is not desirable because it has the following disadvantages.

[0005] When the printer 105 is a color electrophotographic system using toner, there is a limit on the amount of toner to be placed on recording paper, that is, the sum of C, M, Y, and K signal values, based on the capability of the printer. For example, when using a signal value of 8 bits (256 gradations) for each of CMYK, the total sum of the C, M, Y, and K signal values is guaranteed up to 690; However, when the CMYK signal input from the external device 106 is directly sent to the printer 105, the CMYK signal having the maximum value (255) is
When a signal is input, the sum of the signal values becomes 1,020, far exceeding 690. If a CMYK signal exceeding the capability is input to the printer 105, toner scatters due to transfer failure or fixing failure, and the quality of the output image is degraded.

If the level of the input image signal is adjusted according to the output destination device, a color image different in color from the color image desired by the user may be output.

In the following description, the amount of toner placed on a recording sheet based on the processing capacity of a printer is shown.
The sum of the C, M, Y, and K signal values is calculated as "Maximum input level of printer"
It may be called.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and to provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of adjusting the level of an input image signal according to an output destination apparatus.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording medium.

An image processing apparatus and method for performing color correction on density data composed of a plurality of color component data and transferring the color-corrected image data to an image forming apparatus for forming a multi-valued image, and recording. It is another object to provide a medium.

In the case where the level of an input image signal is adjusted in accordance with an output destination apparatus, an image processing apparatus and method capable of alerting a user to adjust the signal level, a method thereof, and a recording medium are provided. To provide for other purposes.

[0011]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus for adjusting the level of an input image signal according to a device to which the image signal is output, and sums the levels of the respective color components of the input image signal. Calculating means, a generating means for generating a warning signal when the sum obtained by the calculating means exceeds the processing capacity of the output destination device, and a sum of the sum obtained by the calculating means and the output destination device. Control means for adjusting the level of the input image signal based on processing capability.

An image processing apparatus for outputting an input image signal to any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, comprising: arithmetic means for summing the levels of respective color components of the input image signal; A generating unit that generates a warning signal when the sum exceeds the processing capability of the plurality of image forming apparatuses; and an output destination of an image signal from the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the sum obtained by the arithmetic unit. Control means for selecting and adjusting the level of the input image signal based on the processing capability of the selected output destination device.

An image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for adjusting the level of an input image signal according to a device to which the image signal is output, and sums the levels of the respective color components of the input image signal. And a generating step of generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the calculating step exceeds the processing capacity of the output destination device.

An image processing method for adjusting the level of an input image signal according to a device to which the image signal is output, comprising: an operation step of summing the levels of respective color components of the input image signal; A generating step of generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the step exceeds the processing capability of the output destination device; and the input image based on the total obtained in the calculation step and the processing capability of the output destination device. And a control step of adjusting the level of the signal.

An image processing method for outputting an input image signal to any of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, comprising: a calculating step of summing the levels of respective color components of the input image signal;
A generating step of generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the calculating step exceeds the processing capacity of the plurality of image forming apparatuses; and an image forming step based on the sum obtained in the calculating step. A control step of selecting a signal output destination and adjusting a level of the input image signal based on the processing capability of the selected output destination device.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018]

First Embodiment FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a color copying machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
Components that are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

First, in a normal copying operation, a reader
The RGB image signal of the original image output from 101 is subjected to input masking processing in input masking section 102 of image processing section 107, logarithmically converted in logarithmic conversion section 103, and converted into a CMY image signal. This CMY signal is output to the UCR output masking section 104
The under color removal and output masking processing are performed in the step S <b> 1, and the result is output to the printer 105 as a CMYK image signal.

In a normal copying operation, the level of the image signal is
Since the UCR amount and the masking coefficient are determined so as to fall within the processing capacity of the printer 105, an image signal of a level exceeding the processing capacity of the printer 105 is not input to the printer 105.

Next, an image forming operation based on a CMYK image signal input from the external device 106 will be described. The CMYK image signal input from the external device 106 is adjusted to a signal level within the processing capability of the printer 105 by the signal adjustment unit 201,
Output to the printer 105. Therefore, no matter what CMYK signal is input from the external device 106, a signal of a level within its processing capability is input to the printer 105.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the signal adjustment unit 201.

The number-of-colors calculating section 301 calculates, for each pixel, the total number of colors, which is information indicating the magnitude of the level of the CMYK signal sent from the external device 106. That is, assuming that the sum of the signal values sent from the external device 106 is Sum_In, the sum Color_In of the number of colors calculated by the color number calculation unit 301 is
If each color is an 8-bit signal, it is defined by the following equation. Color_In = Sum_In / 255… (1)

The adjustment amount calculation unit 302 determines how much the CMYK signal value sent from the external device 106 should be adjusted,
It is required to be able to fall within the processing capacity range of 5. If the maximum input level of the printer is divided by 255 in the case of 8 bits for each color, an index indicating the processing capability of the printer is used as an index indicating the processing capacity of the printer. If this is set as the maximum number of colors Color_Lim (for example, 2.7 colors), the adjustment amount calculation unit 302 calculates Limit amount to adjust (adjustment amount) Lim
Is as follows: Lim = Color_Lim / Color_In… (2)

Of course, the level of the input image signal does not exceed the maximum color number Color_Lim of the processing capability of the printer (Color_In ≦ Co
In the case of (lor_Lim), there is no need to limit, so do not limit as Lim = 1.0.

The adjustment processing unit 303 converts the input image signal into a signal within the processing capability of the printer 105 by the following equation based on the limit amount Lim. C '= C × Lim M' = M × Lim… (3) Y '= Y × Lim K' = K × Lim

According to this processing, the color balance of the input image signal can be maintained. For example, when all of the input image signals are 255, the total number of input colors Col
Since or_In is 4.0 colors and exceeds the maximum number of colors 2.7 of the printer 105, the color number adjustment amount Lim is 2.7 / 4.0 = 0.675.
Then, the adjustment processing unit 303 limits the input image signals to 255 × 0.675 = 172 at the maximum.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number of colors of the input image signal is limited to slightly less than 2.7 colors, which falls within the processing capability of the printer 105, and which does not cause a transfer failure or a fixing failure, and provides a good output image signal. Therefore, the capability of the image forming apparatus (color copier 100) can be used to the maximum.

Further, since the pixels below the limit amount are faithfully reproduced without any limitation, when there are many pixels below the limit amount, the image represented by the input image signal can be faithfully reproduced.

Since the printer 105 forms an image in CMYK plane-sequentially, if the printer 105 has a page memory for each CMYK, the above operation is performed together with a normal copying operation and an image forming operation based on an input image signal. A color image can be formed by performing the operation once, but if a page memory is not provided, the above operation is repeated four times to form a color image.

In the above description, the color number adjustment amount is set for each input.
Although the example of obtaining Lim has been described, the level of the input image signal can be limited using a table in which a combination of the input value and the output value of the adjustment processing unit 303 is recorded in advance.

[0032]

[Second Embodiment] An image processing apparatus and method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, in the present embodiment, for a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment,
The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the method of limiting the signal level for each pixel has been described, but another method will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the signal adjustment unit 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The maximum signal value determination unit 401 determines the maximum signal value at which each of the CMYK signal values becomes maximum in the entire input image. The number-of-colors calculating section 301 calculates the total number of colors, Color_In, from the maximum signal values Cmax, Mmax, Ymax, and Kmax output from the maximum signal value determining section 401. The total number of colors, Color_In, is defined by the following equation if the signal is an 8-bit signal for each color. Color_In = Sum_In / 255… (4) Sum_In = Cmax + Mmax + Ymax + Kmax… (5)

The adjustment amount calculation unit 302 obtains the limit amount Lim according to the equation (2), as in the first embodiment.
As in the first embodiment, the input image signal is converted into a signal within the processing capability of the printer 105 by the equation (3) based on the adjustment amount Lim. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the adjustment processing unit 303
Temporarily stores at least one page of the CMYK image signal sent from the external device 106 in the memory 303a, and performs conversion on all the stored CMYK image signals using one limited amount Lim.

According to the present embodiment, the adjustment processing unit 303
It is necessary to provide a page memory 303a for temporarily storing at least one page of input image signals, but one
Since the signal level is limited by Lim over the entire input image stored in the page memory 303a, the signal level can be limited while maintaining the gradation of the input image, and the gradation of the input image can be maintained. Image can be output.

[0038]

[Third Embodiment] An image processing apparatus and method according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, in the present embodiment, for a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment,
The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a color copying machine 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
In a normal copying operation, correction according to the gradation characteristics of the printer 105 is performed on the image signal input from the UCR output masking unit 104.

In the image forming operation based on the image signal input from the external device 106, the input image signal is stored in the page memory 505, and the adjustment determination unit 504 determines whether the signal value is within the capability of the printer 105. . The gradation table selection unit 502 stores a gradation table suitable for the input image signal based on the output of the adjustment determination unit 504 (for example, the maximum value of the sum of the levels of the respective color components for each pixel) in a gradation table memory. 503 is selected and set in the gradation correction unit 501. After the gradation table is set, the page memory 50
The image signal is read from 5, and the signal level is corrected by the gradation correction unit 501. As a result, the input image signal is output to the printer 105 after being adjusted by the gradation correction unit 501 to a signal value within the processing capability of the printer 105.

In the following, in order to simplify the description, in a normal copying operation, it is not necessary to perform the correction according to the gradation characteristics of the printer 105, that is, the gradation correction table is represented by reference numeral 601 in FIG. Description will be made assuming a case of a linear characteristic.

First, the adjustment determination unit 504 calculates the sum Sam_In of the image signals sent from the external device 106. Sam_In = C + M + Y + K… (6)

Next, the adjustment determining unit 504 determines how much the input image signal should be adjusted to fall within the processing capability range of the printer 105. If the maximum input level of the printer is used as an index of the maximum signal value in the capability range of the printer and this is Prn_Lim (for example, 689 as an 8-bit signal for each color), the adjustment amount Lim
Can be obtained by the following equation. Lim = Prn_Lim / Sum_In… (7)

The gradation table selection unit 502 temporarily stores the adjustment amount Lim for each pixel in the memory 502a, and converts the input image signal into a range within the processing capability of the printer 105 based on, for example, the minimum value of the adjustment amount Lim. The gradation table to be used is selected from the gradation table memory 503. For example, when the input CMYK image signals are all 255, the adjustment amount Lim
Is from the maximum signal value 689 of the processing capacity range of the printer 105,
Lim = 689/1020 = 0.675. In other words, a gradation table having a γ (slope) of 0.675 indicated by reference numeral 602 in FIG. 6 is selected. When the adjustment amount Lim is equal to or greater than 1.0, there is no need to limit, so that a gradation table with γ (slope) indicated by reference numeral 601 in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be expected, and as a means for adjusting the level of the image signal input from the external device 106,
By using the tone correction unit 501 provided in the color copying machine 100, the object of adjusting the level of the input image signal in accordance with the output destination device at a relatively low cost can be achieved.

When the image processing unit 107 has a page memory, the page memory can be used instead of the page memory 505, and the page memory 505 becomes unnecessary.

Further, the gradation table selector 5 shown in FIG.
02, the gradation table memory 503 and the adjustment determination unit 504 are connected to an external device.
It can be given to 106. In this way, the external device 106 determines whether or not the level of the image signal to be printed is a signal value within the range of the processing capability of the printer 105, and, based on the determination result, a gradation suitable for the image signal. After the table is selected and set in the gradation correction unit 501, the image signal can be output to the color copying machine 100. In this case, the page memory 505 is unnecessary.

[0048]

[Fourth Embodiment] An image processing apparatus and method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, in the present embodiment, for a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment,
The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

In the fourth embodiment according to the present invention, the signal adjusting unit 2
01 is realized by software, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a signal adjustment process according to the fourth embodiment, showing an example of a procedure for limiting a signal level for each pixel.

First, in step S1, the sum MS of the CMYK image signal values sent from the external device 106 is calculated, and in step S2
Then, by comparing the sum MS with the maximum input level MP of the printer 105, it is determined whether or not the sum MS is within the processing capacity of the printer 105, and if the sum is within the processing capacity (MS ≦ MP), the processing is terminated. (Moving to the next pixel) and out of processing capacity (MS> M
If P), go to step S3.

Next, in step S3, in order to perform UCR (under color removal) again, the minimum value Min_CMY of the CMY signal is obtained. In step S4, the signal value KMS that can be turned to the black (K) component is calculated. The UCR amount is determined according to the signal value KMS, and the determined UC is determined.
In step S6, the CMYK signal is converted into a C'M'Y'K 'signal based on the R amount.

Here, a method of determining the UCR amount and signal conversion will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the K signal value is already the maximum (for example, 255) and the signal value KMS that can be turned to the black component = 0, the K remains unchanged and the CMY level is processed by the printer 105. Find the UCR amount that is within the ability. UCR = (MS-MP) / 3Min_CMY… (8)

Therefore, the adjusted CMYK signal is as follows. C '= C-Min_CMY x UCR M' = M-Min_CMY x UCR… (9) Y '= Y-Min_CMY x UCR K' = K (= 255)

As shown in FIG. 9, the signal value KMS is Min_
If it is larger than CMY, the UCR amount is calculated by the following equation. UCR = (MS-MP) / 2 Min_CMY… (10)

Therefore, the adjusted CMYK signal is as follows. C '= C-Min_CMY x UCR M' = M-Min_CMY x UCR… (11) Y '= Y-Min_CMY x UCR K' = K + Min_CMY x UCR

As shown in FIG. 10, the signal value KMS is Min.
If smaller than _CMY, the UCR amount is calculated by the following equation. UCR = (MS-MP) / (3Min_CMY-KMS… (12)

Therefore, the adjusted CMYK signal is as follows. C '= C-Min_CMY x UCR M' = M-Min_CMY x UCR… (13) Y '= Y-Min_CMY x UCR K' = 255

Normally, the level falls within the range of the processing capacity of the printer 105 up to step S6, but in the case shown in FIG. 11, the level cannot be set within the range of the processing capacity of the printer 105. Therefore, in step S7, the sum MS2 of the once processed CMYK image signal values is calculated, and in step S8
Then, by comparing the sum MS2 with the maximum input level MP of the printer 105, it is determined whether the sum MS2 is a value within the processing capacity of the printer 105, and the processing is terminated if the sum MS2 is within the processing capacity (MS2 ≦ MP). (Moving to the next pixel) and out of processing capacity (MS2
> MP), proceed to step S9.

Next, in step S9, the gradation coefficient γ = MP / MP2 is obtained. In step S10, the signal level is converted by the following equation, and the process is terminated. C "= C '× γ M" = M' × γ… (14) Y "= Y '× γ K" = K' × γ

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, processing suitable for the level of the K component in the input image signal can be performed. The level of the input image signal is
It falls within the processing capacity of 105 and can output images with good reproducibility without causing transfer failure or fixing failure. Further, since the signal level is reduced by using undercolor removal, color balance can be maintained and good color reproducibility can be obtained. Although the method of performing undercolor removal using the minimum value of CMY has been described, the invention is not limited to this, and another undercolor removal method may be used.

[0062]

[Fifth Embodiment] An image processing apparatus and method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, in the present embodiment, for a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment,
The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

In the figure, a warning generation unit 202 generates a warning signal when the signal adjustment unit 201 adjusts the level of an input image signal within the processing capability of the printer 105. The warning signal is sent to the external device 106, and a warning display indicating that the signal level is adjusted is displayed on the display unit 110 which is a monitor such as a color CRT or a color LCD.

The external device 106 outputs, for example, an image (FIG. 14) displayed on the display
When the image signal of the image is sent to the color copier 100,
When a warning signal is sent from the warning generation unit 202, a pixel whose signal level is adjusted based on the warning signal is displayed on the display unit.
It can be displayed at 110 (FIG. 15). Note that a warning message may be displayed on the display unit 110, as shown in an example in FIG.

The warning generation unit 202 not only sends a warning signal to the external device 106, but also sends a warning signal to the control unit 204. Upon receiving the warning signal, the control unit 204 controls the adjustment processing unit 303 to cause the page memory 303a to hold the adjusted image signal until instructed by the user.

The display of the warning message can also be displayed on the operation unit 203 of the main body of the color copying machine 100. That is, as long as the user can be warned that the signal level should be adjusted, the warning may be given by any configuration or method.

The user receiving the warning instructs, via the external device 106 or the operation unit 203, whether to execute the printing as it is or to cancel the printing. The control unit 204 receiving this instruction controls the adjustment processing unit 303 according to the instruction. That is, when printing is performed as it is, the image signal after the adjustment processing held in the page memory 303a is output to the printer 105, and when printing is stopped, the page memory 303a is released.

The control unit 204, which is composed of, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, controls the entire color copier 100 in accordance with a program stored in a built-in ROM, and performs various arithmetic processing using the built-in RAM as a work memory. Is to execute. The operation unit 203 is an LCD
Such as a display, a touch panel, a keyboard, etc., is used when the user instructs the operation and operating conditions of the color copying machine 100, and the operating state and the set operating conditions of the color copying machine 100 are controlled by the control unit 204. Is displayed.

FIG. 17 shows a signal adjusting section 201 and a warning generating section 202.
3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of FIG.

In the figure, a warning determination unit 311 outputs a CMYK signal sent from the external device 106 to the printer 1 based on the total number of colors Color_In calculated by the color number calculation unit 301.
It is determined whether it is within the processing capability range of 05 or not, and a warning signal is generated when a signal exceeding the processing capability range is sent. The printer capability storage unit 312 stores the processing capability information of various printers, and the processing capability information selected according to the type of the printer 105 by the control unit 204 shown in FIG.

The warning generation unit 202 having the above configuration
Is the data from the signal adjustment unit 201, specifically, the sum C of the number of colors.
Operation is possible only by receiving olor_In. Therefore, FIG.
A program for executing the flowchart shown in FIG.
The warning generation unit 202 can also be realized by causing the control unit 204 to execute the processing. In this case, the printer capability storage unit 312 may be replaced with a built-in ROM of the control unit 204.

In FIG. 18, when an image signal is input from the external device 106, the total number of colors Color_In is obtained from the number-of-colors calculating section 301 in step S21, and the Color_In obtained in step S22 and the maximum number of colors of the printer 105 are obtained. Compare with Color_Lim. If the comparison result is Color_In> Color_Lim, it is determined that the processing capability of the printer 105 is exceeded, and a warning signal is generated in step S23. Then, steps S21 to S24 are repeated until the determination of step S24 is completed for all the pixels of the image signal input from the external device 106.

When the determination of all pixels is completed, step
Proceeding to S25, it is determined whether a warning signal has been generated. If a warning signal has been generated, the process waits for an instruction from the user in step S26, and if the user instructs to stop printing, the control unit 303 controls the adjustment processing unit 303 to release the page memory 303a in step S27. If a warning signal has not been generated or if printing has been instructed by the user, the control unit 303 controls the adjustment processing unit 303 in step S28 to output the image signal held in the page memory 303a to the printer 105.

If a warning signal is generated even for one pixel, the process may proceed to step S26 to wait for a user's instruction, or the process may proceed to step S26 by limiting the number of pixels, and If the number does not reach the limit, the process may proceed to step S28. In this way, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of requesting the user even when the color of the entire image is not affected, for example, when the number of pixels whose signal levels have been adjusted is several pixels. This limit value can be set in advance,
The user can arbitrarily set the setting via the operation unit 203 or the external device 106.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to inform the user that the level of the image signal is to be adjusted, and to prevent the user from outputting a color image different in color from the color image desired by the user. Can be.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a warning signal indicating that the level is to be adjusted is output for each pixel. Therefore, an external device that has received the warning signal determines which pixel of the image based on the warning signal. It is possible to know whether the level is adjusted, and to display an image showing the pixel whose level is adjusted, if necessary.

[0078]

[Sixth Embodiment] An image processing apparatus and method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, in the present embodiment, for a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment,
The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to an apparatus such as a color copier equipped with one printer has been described. In the sixth embodiment, an external apparatus 106 is connected to a network. An image processing apparatus that adjusts the level of an image signal as necessary when transmitting a CMYK signal to a plurality of color printers, color copiers, or the like will be described. The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided, for example, as a function expansion card or a function expansion unit inserted into the external device 106.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In the figure, the warning determination unit 311 converts the CMYK signals sent from the external device 106 into a plurality of CMYK signals connected to the network 331 based on the total number of colors Color_In calculated by the number-of-colors calculation unit 301. It is determined whether it is within any of the processing capability ranges of the printer, and a warning signal is generated when a signal exceeding the processing capability range is sent. That is, the warning determination unit 311 obtains information indicating the types of the plurality of printers connected to the network 331 via the printer selection unit 321 and the network interface 313,
Based on the obtained information, the processing capability information of those printers is read from the printer capability storage unit 312, and the above determination is made.

Note that the warning judgment unit 311
If the processing capability information of the printer connected to the network 331, that is, the maximum number of colors Color_Lim can be obtained through the network interface 313 and the network interface 313, the obtained information can be stored in the printer capability storage unit 312. .

In the present embodiment, for all the pixels of the input image signal, the total number of colors for each pixel is calculated.
By comparing Color_In with the maximum number of colors of multiple printers, Color_Lim, is there a printer that does not need to adjust (1) signal level, or (2) a printer that requires minimum signal level adjustment? Printer)) is determined. Then, according to the above determination result, there are a case where the image signal is output without adjusting the signal level and a case where the signal level is adjusted so as to be within the processing capability range of the optimal printer. It is necessary to temporarily store the transmitted CMYK signal as it is in the page memory 303a.

When determining that the image signal transmitted from the external device 106 is within the processing capability of, for example, the printer 105A connected to the network 331, the warning determination unit 311 controls the printer selection unit 321. Then, an image signal whose signal level held in the page memory 303a is not adjusted is sent to the printer 105A via the network interface 313.

When the warning determining unit 311 determines that the image signal transmitted from the external device 106 exceeds the processing capability of all the printers connected to the network 331, the warning determining unit 311 performs the same processing as in the fifth embodiment. Wait for user's instruction. When the user instructs printing, the printer control unit 321 controls the network interface 313.
The image signal is sent to the printer 105B via the printer 105B, and the adjustment processing unit 303 is controlled so that the page memory 303
The level of the CMYK signal held in a is adjusted to be within the processing capability range of the printer 105B, which is the optimum printer, for example. Therefore, the image signal whose signal level has been adjusted is sent to the printer 105B. Note that the signal level may be adjusted by any of the methods described in the above embodiments.

If the image signal sent from the external device 106 is within the processing capability of all the printers connected to the network 311, the warning determination unit 311 determines that the ). That is, the printer selection unit 321 is controlled so that an image signal whose signal level held in the page memory 303a is not adjusted is sent to the printer 105C via the network interface 313.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a process executed by the warning judgment unit 311. The same steps as those shown in FIG. 18 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. I do.

In the present embodiment, in step S31,
It is determined whether or not the total number of colors Color_In obtained in step S21 is within the processing capability range of any of the plurality of printers connected to the network 331.If there is no printer whose Color_In is within the processing capability range, At step S23, a warning signal is generated. Note that the warning determination unit 311 stores the determination result of step S31 in a table allocated to a RAM or the like and uses the result as data for selecting an optimal printer.

Further, when no warning signal is generated,
That is, if there is a printer on the network 331 that can process the image signal input from the external device 106, the printer selection unit 321 is controlled in step S32 to select the printer, and in step S33 the adjustment processing unit is selected. It controls 303 to output an image signal whose signal level held in the page memory 303a is not adjusted.

When a warning signal is generated and the user instructs printing, the printer selection unit 321 is controlled in step S34 to select an optimum printer, and the adjustment processing unit 303 is controlled in step S35. Then, the signal level of the image signal held in the page memory 303a is adjusted and output according to the optimum printer.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when a plurality of color printers and color copiers are used as output devices via a network, the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be obtained. ) Find out from multiple printers a printer that can output the image signal input from an external device without adjusting the level, and (2) a printer that requires minimal adjustment of the signal level. For example, if the printer outputs an image signal whose signal level is not adjusted, and if there is no printer (1) and there is a printer (2),
An image signal whose signal level is adjusted according to the printer is output. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an image signal input from an external device can be used as it is or with minimum adjustment to a signal level by effectively using a plurality of color printers and color copiers connected to a network. The color image is sent to a color printer or a color copying machine, so that it is possible to obtain a color image of a color desired by the user or closer to the color desired.

The image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is not only connected to the external device 106 but also applicable to a printer server to which a plurality of printers are connected, for example, if the configuration shown in FIG. can do.

That is, in FIG. 21, the network 33
The image signals sent from the plurality of computers 108 via 1 are temporarily spooled in the storage unit 314 by the network interface 313. Then, normally, in the order in which they are sent, they are sent from the storage unit 314 to any of the printers 105A to 105C, and printing is executed.
Before sending the image signal read from the storage unit 314 to the printer, the image signal may be processed according to the above-described configuration and procedure. Needless to say, the warning signal generated by the warning determination unit 311 is transmitted by the network interface 313 to the computer 1 that is the source of the image signal via the network 331.
08, the user's instruction for the warning signal is returned to the network interface 313 via the network 331, and reaches the warning determination unit 311.

Note that, in the configuration shown in FIG.
Since there is the 314, if the image signal can be read out from the storage unit 314 again after the judgment processing (steps S21 to S24) by the warning judgment unit 311 is completed, the page memory 303a can be eliminated. .

[0095]

[Other Embodiments] In each of the above-described embodiments, a CMYK four-color signal has been described as an example of an image signal input from the external device 106. However, it can be applied to a CMY three-color signal. Not even.

The above-described signal adjusting unit 201 is provided in the color copier 1
Since it can be provided in a signal path different from the flow of the image signal in the normal copying operation of 00, it may be provided in either the image forming apparatus (color copying machine 100) or the external device 106, and the signal adjusting unit 201 Is prepared by itself, and the external device 106
And the color copying machine 100.

When the external device 106 is provided with the signal adjusting section 201, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment to the external device 106, Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code 106 stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
As a storage medium for supplying the program code,
For example, floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-R / W, DVD-RA
M, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M or the like can be used.

The computer as the external device 106 executes the program code read from the storage medium, thereby realizing not only the functions of the above-described embodiment but also realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment. It is needless to say that an OS (operating system) or the like running on some of them performs some or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts. Each module shown will be stored in a storage medium. That is, at least the program code of each module of “sum operation” and “signal level adjustment” may be stored in the storage medium. In addition, the program code of each module of “selection of conversion table” and “setting of conversion table”, “comparison of sum / processing capacity” and “calculation of UCR amount”, or “color correction parameter generation” and “color correction” is stored in a storage medium. May be stored.

Further, the program code of each module of "sum operation", "warning signal generation" and "signal level adjustment" or "sum operation", "warning signal generation", "output destination selection" and "signal level adjustment" is changed. What is necessary is just to store it in a storage medium.

Further, even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface, a printer, a reader, etc.), one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.) May be applied to a device consisting of:

The printer is not limited to a frame sequential printer. For example, a printer having a plurality of photosensitive drums corresponding to respective recording materials and controlling each drum to form an image may be used.

Note that in the case of this type of printer, the CM
By synchronizing the YK component signals with the image formation of each photosensitive drum, it is necessary to compensate for the shift between the photosensitive drums and form a latent image on each photosensitive drum. Therefore, this type of printer has an image memory in the printer, temporarily stores the CMYK density signal in the image memory, and independently reads each CMYK component signal from the image memory in synchronization with the image forming timing of each photosensitive drum. It has a configuration to put out.

According to each of the above embodiments, a warning is issued so as to be convenient for preventing transfer failure and fixing failure caused by the sum of the input image signals exceeding the processing capability of the printer. Scattering and the like can be prevented, and an output image with good image quality can be obtained.

[0106]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of adjusting the level of an input image signal according to an output destination apparatus, and a recording medium.

An image processing apparatus and method for performing color correction on density data composed of a plurality of color component data and transferring the color-corrected image data to an image forming apparatus for forming a multi-valued image, and recording. A medium can be provided.

Further, when adjusting the level of an input image signal according to the apparatus of an output destination, an image processing apparatus and method capable of warning a user to adjust the signal level, and a recording medium are provided. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color copying machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a signal adjustment unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a signal adjustment unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a color copying machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table set in the gradation correction unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of a signal adjustment process according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a UCR amount determination method and signal conversion;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a UCR amount determination method and signal conversion;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a UCR amount determination method and signal conversion;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining a UCR amount and signal conversion;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of a storage medium storing a program code according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image output from an external device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning displayed on a display unit of an external device based on a warning signal.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning displayed on a display unit of an external device based on a warning signal.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a signal adjustment unit and a warning generation unit;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for realizing a function of a warning generation unit by causing a control unit to execute software;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process performed by a warning determination unit;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is applied to a printer server to which a plurality of printers are connected.

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for adjusting a level of an input image signal according to a device to which the image signal is output, comprising: an arithmetic unit for summing levels of respective color components of the input image signal; Generating means for generating a warning signal when the sum obtained by the means exceeds the processing capacity of the output destination device; and based on the sum obtained by the arithmetic means and the processing capacity of the output destination device, An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that adjusts a level of an input image signal. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a storage unit for storing the image signal whose level has been adjusted. 3. The control unit outputs the image signal stored in the storage unit when the warning signal is not generated, and stores the image signal according to a response to the warning signal when the warning signal is generated. 3. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein the image processing device processes the image signal stored in the means. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit generates the warning signal and outputs or does not output the image signal stored in the storage unit according to the response. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output destination device is an electrophotographic printer that forms a visible image on a recording medium based on an input image signal. The described image processing device. 6. An image processing apparatus for outputting an input image signal to any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, comprising: an arithmetic unit for summing the levels of respective color components of the input image signal; A generating unit that generates a warning signal when the sum exceeds the processing capability of the plurality of image forming apparatuses; and an output destination of an image signal from the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the sum obtained by the arithmetic unit. Control means for selecting and adjusting the level of the input image signal based on the processing capability of the selected output destination device. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit stores the input image signal in a storage unit. 8. The control unit outputs the image signal stored in the storage unit to the selected output destination device when the warning signal is not generated, and when the warning signal is generated, 8. The image processing device according to claim 7, wherein the image signal stored in the storage unit is processed according to a response to the warning signal. 9. When the warning signal is generated and the output of the image signal is instructed by the response, the control means adjusts the level of the image signal stored in the storage means and adjusts the level of the selected output destination. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus does not output the image signal when an instruction to stop outputting the image signal is issued by the response. 10. The control unit selects a device capable of processing the input image signal or a device requiring minimal adjustment of the level of the image signal from among the plurality of image forming devices. 7. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein: 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein:
11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image processing apparatus is an electrophotographic printer that is connected to a computer network and forms a visible image based on an input image signal on a recording medium. . 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic unit sums the levels of the respective color components for each pixel of the input image signal. 13. The control unit compares the sum obtained by the calculation unit with the processing capability of the output destination device, and reduces the level of the input image signal based on the comparison result. 13. The image processing device according to claim 12, wherein: 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the processing capacity is represented as a sum of levels of the respective color components at which the output destination apparatus can operate normally. 15. A detecting means for detecting a maximum value for each color component of the input image signal, wherein the calculating means sums the maximum value for each color component detected by the detecting means, Control means, the sum obtained by the calculation means;
13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processing capacity of the output destination apparatus is compared, and the level of the input image signal is reduced based on the comparison result. 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the processing capacity is represented as a sum of levels of the respective color components at which the output destination apparatus can operate normally. 17. An image processing method for adjusting a level of an input image signal according to a device to which the image signal is output, wherein: an operation step of summing up the level of each color component of the input image signal; Generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the step exceeds the processing capacity of the output destination device. 18. A recording medium on which is recorded a program code for image processing for adjusting the level of an input image signal in accordance with an apparatus to which the image signal is output, wherein the level of each color component of the input image signal is adjusted. A recording medium comprising: a code of a calculation step of summing; and a code of a generation step of generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the calculation step exceeds the processing capability of the output destination device. 19. An image processing method for adjusting a level of an input image signal according to a device to which the image signal is output, wherein: an operation step of summing the levels of respective color components of the input image signal; A generating step of generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the step exceeds the processing capacity of the output destination device; and the input image based on the sum obtained in the calculation step and the processing capacity of the output destination device. A control step of adjusting a signal level. 20. A recording medium on which a program code for image processing for adjusting a level of an input image signal according to an apparatus to which the image signal is output is recorded, wherein a level of each color component of the input image signal is adjusted. A code of a calculation step for summing, a code of a generation step for generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the calculation step exceeds the processing capacity of the output destination device, a sum of the calculation result in the calculation step and the output destination A control step of adjusting a level of the input image signal based on a processing capability of the apparatus. 21. An image processing method for outputting an input image signal to any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, comprising: an operation step of summing the levels of respective color components of the input image signal; and a summation obtained in the operation step. Generating a warning signal when the processing capability of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is exceeded, and selecting an output destination of the image signal from the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the sum obtained in the calculating step. Along with, based on the processing capacity of the selected output destination device,
Controlling the level of the input image signal. 22. A recording medium on which a program code for image processing for adjusting a level of an input image signal according to an apparatus to which the image signal is output is recorded, wherein the level of each color component of the input image signal is adjusted. Based on the code of the calculating step for summing, the code of the generating step for generating a warning signal when the sum obtained in the calculating step exceeds the processing capacity of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and based on the sum obtained in the calculating step, While selecting an output destination of the image signal from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, based on the processing capability of the selected output destination apparatus,
A code for a control step of adjusting a level of the input image signal.