JPS59129853A - Color separating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute efficiently and easily a color separation processing stage by providing a processing unit and a picture reproducing device which can be used in common for all of various picture signals supplied from plural picture input devices. CONSTITUTION:A scanner input scanning part 2, a layout operating part 3 and an original set-up input part 4 are connected to a scanner data processor 1 through a switching circuit 5 of an input side, and a scanner output recording part 7, a layout display part 8 and an original set-up display part 9 are connected to a switching circuit 6 of an output side of the data processor 1. A color separating condition of an original given by this keyboard 10 is managed in a processing unit CPU11, and the data processor 1, etc. are controlled by this CPU11. In this state, a signal from a picture input device of the scanner input scanning part 2, etc. is processed by the data processor 1, and transferred suitably to the scanner output recording part 7, etc. In this way, the color separating processing stage can be executed efficiently and easily.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a color separation apparatus that controls in a unified manner various image input devices and output devices such as color scanners used in printing plate-making processes.

The photolithography process requires a color separation device to separate the original image to be printed to obtain printing colors. A color scanner that converts an image signal into a four-color signal suitable for print reproduction,
Printing plates compatible with four-color printing inks, solid yellow (Y), magenta (goods), cyan (C), and black (K), or photographic films for making these printing plates are created.

The functions of this color scanner and its peripheral devices can be broadly classified as follows.

(1) A so-called single-function scanner that sets up original manuscripts one by one, separates the colors, and prints them directly onto photographic film.

(2) The color-separated image data is stored in a large-capacity storage device such as a disk memory, and is controlled by a computer as appropriate along with other supplied image signals and image data including characters, etc., to create the specified layout. A so-called layout scanner that prints onto photographic film, etc.

(3) Set the color separation conditions in advance to the desired output state (printing state)
A cellar 1-up device that simulates the color scanner and sets the setup conditions for the color scanner using a color monitor.

However, in the past, these single-function color scanners, layout scanners, document set-up devices, and other devices were all used as independent devices in the photolithography process, and they did not share their functions with each other. Since there was no such thing, the usage efficiency was not good. This is because the image input mechanisms in single-function color scanners, document set-up devices, layout scanners, etc. handle multicolor image signals in different ways, so the arithmetic processing mechanism and image reproduction mechanism are
This is because it was considered impossible to design uniformly.

Moreover, conventional arithmetic processing mechanisms are mainly based on analog circuits, and setup is performed by operating potentiometers and rotary switches, resulting in low usage efficiency and poor communication between the image input mechanism and image reproduction mechanism. It was difficult to standardize.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is an arithmetic processing device and an image reproduction device that have unified design of each function in color separation and that can be shared by all of the various image signals supplied from a plurality of image input devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a color separation device that can efficiently and easily perform a color separation process using the device.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, in which a scanner data processor (1) includes a scanner input scanning section (2), a layout operation section (3), and a document setup input section (4). ) are connected via a switch circuit (5) on the input side.

A scanner output recording section (7), a layout display section (8), and a document set-up display section (9) are connected to a switch circuit (6) on the output side of the scanner data processor (1).

00) is a setup keyboard, and the color separation conditions of the original given by this keyboard αO) are managed by the arithmetic processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) (11).
The scanner data processor (1), the scanner input scanning section (2), the layout operation section (3), the document setup input section (4), the switch circuits (5), (6), the scanner output recording section (7), The layout display section (8) and document setup display section (9) are
It is controlled by a control signal from (11).

In the color separation device configured in this way, input signals from image input devices such as a scanner input scanning section (2), a layout operation section (3), and a document setup input section (4) are input to a scanner data processor (1). ), and the scanner output recording section (7) or layout display section (8)
, are appropriately transmitted to the document set-up display section (9).

The scanner input scanning unit (2) controls the magnification of the document scan according to the magnification given from the CP TJ (II).
- Rolling magnification control unit (12), document scanning unit (13) that reads the image information of the document on the drum as an electrical signal;
), an analog/digital (A/
D) It is composed of a converter a4) and a buffer memory 0 to 5) having a capacity for two lines each of the original scanning lines.

The disk memory α6) is used to temporarily store image signals for layout operations.

The layout panel (1η
, a CPU α8) that inputs setup information from the CPU (11) together with the layout command signal of this layout panel αη, a disk memo IJ (L'jl), a buffer memory (2■) for outputting multicolor image signals, and a PIFO (first-in-first-out 1-) type data buffer (2υ).

The original set-up input section (4) is composed of a color television camera (22), a buffer memory (23), and a FIFO type data buffer (24J).

A scanner output device (7) to which image data is output via a switch circuit (6) has a buffer memo IJ-(38) for temporarily accumulating data and synchronizing it with the rotating drum.
1 and an output scanning section (39).

Furthermore, a layout display section (8) and a document cellar 1-
There is a fufupu display section (9). These will be detailed later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the scanner data processor (1). Image signals are input to this scanner data processor (1) as blue (B), green (()l, and red (angular signals)).

(25) is a chromatic and achromatic color separation circuit, and the chromatic color components YQ
, MO, and CQ are output to the color masking circuit (26), and the achromatic color component N is output to the neutral color table circuit (2η).

The color masking circuit (26) is connected to the adder circuit (2) via the color correction circuit (28), and outputs YN, MN, CN of the neutral color table circuit (271).
, KN is the color correction circuit (example output Y “2M
“, C” are added to the sharpness circuit (3
0).

These are disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 55-1 by the present applicant. ! 123,
112 to 55-142345 may be used.

Color masking circuit (26), neutral color table circuit (
27), the color correction circuit (28) mainly consists of a lookup table, and a sharpness circuit (28).
30) and CP by the C, PU line (31).
It is connected to IJ (11) and controlled by CPLI (11).

This CP[J line (31) includes a data bus, address bus, control bus, etc.

The scanner data processor configured in this way (1
), the B, G, and R signals input according to a fixed clock (usually a clock of 5 to 5 μsec) are approximately 2 μsec.
The arithmetic processing necessary for image reproduction is performed digitally with a throughput of 1.2 seconds.

Chromatic and achromatic color separation circuit (2ω, chromatic color component is Yo2
Separate into Mo and co, then color masking circuit (2
In step 6), using the color masking table created from the setup data given as the document decomposition conditions, Y' is further determined.

Converted to M' and C'. , then access the lookup table of the color correct 3f circuit (28) and calculate Y', M', C' as Y"1M", C"
is converted to

The neutral color signal N is processed by a neutral color table circuit (271) to perform gradation correction and tJ corresponding to each separation plate.
Calculation processing such as cR (undercolor removal) correction is performed and the signals are converted into signals 'yN, MN, cN, and KN for each plate.

After that, the achromatic color component and the chromatic color component are added to the adder circuit (29).
In addition, in the sharpness circuit (30), the sharpness is independently emphasized for each signal, and a YMCK signal is output.

The sharpness circuit □□□ generally has a signal processing process independent of the color separation processing calculation, for example.

The method described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56-81,40 by the present applicant can be adopted.

When the scanner data processor receives data from a plurality of input devices at the same time, the input devices are prioritized and take processing is performed in a time-sharing manner.

There may be only one circuit part that does not require take from the outside (CPU' (II)), but parts that require parameters or look-up tables may have multiple corresponding take registers or Has a lookamp table.

This method will be detailed later.

The color separation conditions required for each document to create each parameter and lookup table are, for example, conditions obtained by the document set-up device (4) and stored in the CPU (11) with the document name etc. ing. In addition, when setting up the original, the condition is that the keyboard (10)
(11), CP TJ'(II
) sends data.

By giving the magnification of the document to be color separated, you can control the speed of the motor in the sub-scanning direction of the input scanning head and the A/P in the main scanning direction.
It controls the sampling timing of the D converter (1 (a)) and also controls the switch circuits (5) and (6) on the input/output side of the scanner data processor (1).

In the original set-up input section (4), the original is scanned by a color television camera (22), and the BGR signal from the color television camera (22) is sent to the buffer memory (22) as color information.
23). Next, Buffer Memo IJ (23)
from the switch circuit (
5) is output.

Next, the image signal processing operation in the layout operation section (3) will be explained.

In order to perform layout, first the input is scanned by a scanner input scanning section (2), etc., and the disk memo IJ (1
All image takes are stored in a mass storage device such as 6).

Now, in the disk memo IJ (19), the disk pack from the disk memory 06) that has already stored predetermined image data is utilized and combined with the CPU α8).

The color monitor (32) of the layout display section (8) is used for pasting a document image into a designated area and superimposing document images on each other, which are the basics of layout operations.

That is, the display section (8) to the layerer 1 is connected to the switch circuit (6).
) receives the YMCK signal and converts it to a BGR signal.
The MCK/BG conversion circuit is connected to the color monitor (321) via a switch circuit (triple buffer memory (351).

The CPU α8) gives a read command to the current memory α, and the specific image take is first performed using the buffer memory IJ (20
) is moved to the disk memo IJ (19) in units such as one track, and based on that, the data buffer (
2I) is provided to the scanner data processor (1) at high speed via a switch circuit (5).

The image data is converted into a YMCK signal according to the setup signal by the CPU (11), and then sent to the switch circuit (
6), is stored in the buffer memory IJ (351) via the YMCK/BGFL conversion circuit (33) and the switch circuit (33).

Image data for each document is managed between the CPUQ and the CPU (11) using the name of the document.

Here, from Buffer Memo January 35) to Color Monitor (3
The image data displayed on the scanner input scanning section (2
), the number of takes of the image signal obtained by CPU (18)? In this case, when outputting from the tisf memory α to the buffer memo (January 20, 2019), we average the data for multiple pixels, or simply increase the extraction cycle, and then Switch circuit (5), scanner data processor (1), switch circuit (6), YMCK/
The signal is sent to the buffer memory (351) via the BGR conversion circuit (33) and the switch circuit (34j).

Regarding this, for example, the applicant's patent application No. 57-
It is detailed in the specification of No. 202299 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-00000).

In this way, after the image data necessary for one screen's layout is written to the buffer memo (January 3! 5), the images are combined and moved by controlling the readout onto the color monitor (321). You can create a screen with the desired layout.

Buffer memory (35) corresponding to the completed layout
The content of the layout condition is CP TJ (18)? This will be remembered. The color separation conditions for each document displayed on the color monitor (3) are displayed in the document setup input section (described later).
4) and the document set-up display section (9), the take for which the optimal conditions have been found is input to the scanner data processor (1) using the document name, and the color monitor (3) is controlled.
2) displays a predicted image (temporary duplicate image @) that simulates the image printed and duplicated according to the conditions.

In the actual layout, the processing including the compositing of images and the movement for arrangement is carried out by the CPUa8) to the layout output magnetic disk (not shown) using the BGR signal based on the above layout processing.DISCQ9) It is created by importing an image from a computer and writing it to a specified location on an output magnetic disk.

The laid out output DISC is stored in the CPU (11) as data to be provided to the scanner data processor (1) including color separation conditions.

This is the original set-up section (4), and set-up information has already been created in correspondence with the manuscript name.

If there are multiple images in one scanning line of layout output, either output them under the same color separation conditions, or use only the output time of the data processor and use multiple data resistors or look amplifiers. Use the table and switch to the one you need according to the image arrangement.

If the manuscript is a complex composition, in practical terms 1.
This can be achieved with just one color separation condition.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, a switch circuit (6
), a magnetic disk is further provided, and the take of each original from the layout operation section (3) is output to YMC.
It is also possible to sequentially store the converted data into K, for example, on a floppy disk, use it as an input to the disk memory σ9), and layout it with YMCK signals.

In this case, the image signal is made to pass through the data processor (1) during output and layout display. Even in this case, the idea of the present invention has significant advantages in the following points.

That is, layout operations such as image arrangement (assembly) and composition are performed using the BGFL signal (at this time, a scanner data processor is used), and the information is first completed. Next, YMCK conversion for each manuscript is
A scanner data processor (1) is used to create an output temporary disk. Using this disk, a layout operation section uses YMCK signals to create a laid out output disk, and finally outputs it as is to the scanner output section.

At this time, the advantage of creating complex layout processing information using BGR signals is that because the amount of data is small, disk access time can be shortened, and necessary changes can be made to conversion color separation conditions during YMCK conversion. , the advantage is great.

The image data on the layout display section (8) is obtained by converting the BGR signal from the layout operation section (3) into a YMCK signal using the scanner data processor (1), and then converting it into a YMCK signal.
The reproduced image (
The quality of permanent reproduction images can be faithfully reflected.

The document setup display section (9) shares a YMCK/BGR conversion circuit (YMCK/BGR conversion circuit) and a switch circuit (circuit) with the layout display section (8), and the buffer memory I
A color monitor is connected via J (361).

Color television camera (of the document setup input section (4))
22) photographs a document to be color separated and writes its BGR output as color information to a buffer memory (23).

From here, a multicolor image signal is supplied to a switch circuit (5) via a data buffer (24). Similar to the image data from the data buffer CD of the layout operation section (3), the image data from the document setup input section (4) is processed in the scanner data processor (1) and sent via the switch circuit (6). YMCK/BGR
It is input to the conversion circuit (33), reconverted to a BGR signal for display, and sent from the switch circuit (34!) to the buffer memory (
36) I am good at writing.

All data in the buffer memory (23) is stored in the buffer memory (23).
The image data transferred to the color monitor (3η) and reproduced on the color monitor (3η) is transferred to the setup keyboard 00 while the operator observes the displayed image.
), the CPU (11) updates the settings of the looka-ra button in the scanner data processor (1), updates the color correction, color correction, UCR correction, etc., and creates the optimal image (temporary The image is transferred repeatedly until it becomes a duplicate image.

In this way, the optimal document set-up information is determined, and this set-up information is stored together with the document name in the CPU α1), and is stored in the scanner data processor (1).
) is called and used during color separation processing performed by the scanner output recording section (7) and layout processing performed by the layout operation section (3).

Note that the sampling density in the document set-up display section (9) is normally 500 x 5 for one screen display.
It is about 00 pixels. On the other hand, scanner input scanning section (2)
Since the original scanning density is much higher than the sampling density of a color television camera (221), the output from the original set-up input section (4) from a normal color original is directly sent to the scanner output recording section (7). It is not preferable to obtain a printed film by feeding

However, in recent years, technology for using television images as printing manuscripts has been put into practical use.
It is also possible to obtain a CK signal.

For instructions on how to setup using the setup keyboard α0) and how to configure the lookup table in the scanner data processor (1),
This can be determined by how the software is created.

For example, when changing the gradation of a specific color plate, specify the color plate name and gradation correction curve from the setup keyboard 00), and use C' P U' (+1) to change the gradation according to the gradation correction curve. Scanner data processor (1
) to create a lookup table. At this time, standardized normal values are given as initial conditions for the lookup table.

Next, a method of retaining image data from the scanner input scanning section (2) to the scanner output recording section (7) according to the setup data will be explained.

In the scanner input scanning section (2), the original scanning unit 03
), the document wound around the drum is main-scanned in the rotational direction of the drum, and the scanning head is sub-scanned in the axial direction of the drum. The light source of the scanning head illuminates the document, the transmitted or reflected light is collected by a pickup lens, separated into colors by a color separation filter, and the image information of the document is converted into electrical signals by a photoelectric conversion element.

Prior to the start of scanning by the document scanning unit (+3), the CPU' (111) specifies the magnification for the document to the magnification control section (121), and also specifies the magnification of the document to the scanner data processor (121) according to the setup data.
) and set the contents of the lookup table and registers.

As for one image part number, an effective image part is generated in a burst for one rotation of the drum, and the buffer memo I
J (Mask processing is performed on the image signal input to LE9.

For magnification conversion, change the width of the output scanning line of the scanner output recording section (7)! When , the sub-scan in the input drum axis direction is
Scanning at a magnification of M is realized by performing morph control so that the input drum moves by p/M for one revolution of the input drum. In addition, in the main scanning direction, when the sampling width on the recording drum is l', r'/M
A/D conversion is performed.

Since the buffer memory α9 has a capacity for two original scanning lines each, the image data written in one line of the buffer memory α is stored when input scanning moves to the next line. While data is being written into the buffer memory (one line), the data is read out by the scanner data processor (1) and supplied as a YMCK signal to the scanner output recording section (7).

The scanner output recording section (7) includes a buffer memory (381
output scanning section G9), and a buffer memory IJ.
(3gl is also configured as a buffer memory for two lines, one line at a time.

The drum of the output scanning section (39) is also synchronized with the rotation of the input drum, and the supplied YMCK signal is transferred to the buffer memory I.
J (Delayed by one line from 381, the output scanning section (
39), and the image transfer is completed.

In this way, a color separation device in which the scanner data processor (1) is shared by each image input/output device selects an image signal from a specific image input/output device connected to the scanner data processor (1). Switch circuits (5) and (6) are provided on the input and output sides.

The third cause and Figure 4 are switch circuits (5) and (6)
An example of the basic configuration is shown.

In Fig. 3, input data D to the switch circuit (5)
I, D2+D3 are input data from the scanner input scanning section (2), layout operation section (3), and document setup input section (4), respectively. These input data D,,D2. D3 is normally a parallel signal with 8 Yt x 3 digital gradations, but here, it is 1
Only the processing circuit for bits is shown.

The input data D1 is input to the AND circuit (40), and the output of the AND circuit (40) becomes the output data DOUT via the OR circuit (41).The input data D2 is input to the AND circuit (42). and becomes output data I)ou'r via the OR circuit (41).The input data D is
Input to AND circuit (43) and also OR circuit (41)
becomes output data DOtlT.

(44) is an input mode register, and the priority setting signals (Pl, P2, P3') among the six types of input devices are input to this mode register (44) by the keyboard 1g00). [J (l]).

This signal indicates that the selection mode of the scanner input scanning section (2) is (1, o', o), the selection mode of the layout operation section (3) is (0, 1, o゛), and the selection mode of the document sensor 1-up input section. (4
) selection mode is (o, o').

1), where Ps, P2, and Ps are respectively,
AND circuit +40), (42), (431).The P1 output terminal is input to the inverter (45)
1 is connected to the event circuit (42), (431), and the P2 output terminal is connected to the AND circuit (4) through the inverter (4G), and input data DI, D2...
The priority of D3 is set such that Dl is set as the highest and D3 is set as the lowest.

In FIG. 4, the data to the switch circuit (6), that is, the output data from the scanner data processor (1) are AND(4η, (43J, (49
) to the scanner output recording section (7), layout display section (8), and document set-up display section (9) as data Do++DO2tDO3.

60) is an output mode register, and input is made to this mode register 60) using the keyboard (10), and the CP
Priority setting signal (POI,
PO2゜Po3) is the selection mode (1,0,0), (0
,1,0).

Generate (0, 0, 1). That is, the Pot output terminal is connected to the AND circuit (47I) and also connected to the AND circuit (48), (491) via the inverter 6υ.
and the P(12 output terminal is an AND circuit (48)
It is connected to the AND circuit (49) via the inverter (52), and the PO3 output terminal is connected to the AND circuit (49).

In this way, each of the above mode registers (44), t50
i setting signal (PI, P2.P3) and setting signal (Po1
．． Po2. By combining Po3), the input and output relationships of the switch circuits (5) and (6) can be determined.

FIG. 5 shows a look-up table and a data register of the scanner data processor (1) arranged in parallel in correspondence with each connected image input device.

The chromatic and achromatic color separation circuit (53) includes a switch circuit (54).
) through the color masking circuit (55a) (55
b') (55c), and also connects to the neutral color table circuit (57a) (
57b) (57c). Color masking circuits (55a) (55b) (55c) are color correction circuits (58a) (581)) (58c), respectively.
), and its output end is connected to one input end of an adder circuit (60) via a switch circuit (59).

Neutral color table circuits (57a) and (57b) are connected to the other input terminal of the adder circuit (60).

(57c) are connected via a switch circuit (6I).

(621 is the sharpness circuit, and the data register (62
a) (621)) (62C') and switch circuit (63
) is connected to the output end of the adder circuit (60).

Each of the above switch circuits (54) (561(59+ (6
]) (The opening/closing is controlled by the mode setting register (64), which is connected to the CPU (11) and the mode setting is performed. It looks like this.

In addition, color masking circuits (55a) (55b)
(55c), neutral color table circuit (57a) (57b
) (57c), color correction circuit (58a
) (58b) (58c), take register (62
a) (62h') (62c) shows CPI (not shown)
Data and write control signals from CP TJ (ill) are supplied via the J line (31).

In this way, if the table take and register data are created and set in advance in the scanner data processor (1) in accordance with the image signal supplied from the input device, the input side switch circuit (5) No matter which image input device the scanner data processor (1) is connected to, the supplied image signals can be processed without error.

Takie inputs the effective image signal for one scanning line from the scanner input scanning unit (2) to the scanner data processor (1).
, and immediately after that, the Layer 1-operation section (3)
from the current memory (19) to the buffer memory (20)
When the data read out is supplied to the scanner data processor (1) via the data buffer C21), the table take and take register in the scanner data processor (1) have the structure shown in FIG. CPU
We have to rewrite starting from line (31). However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the lookup table can be stored in a specific take register in advance, and therefore, from the mode setting register (64),
Respective switch circuits (54) (56) (59)
(6υ (6 (capital)) is enough. In this way, the mode register (44
)
Layout operation section (3), document setup input section (4)
) can be processed in a time-sharing manner by giving priority to the image signals that come simultaneously from the two sources.

By using a FIFO type take buffer (2υ(24)), it is possible to easily control the timing of data transfer even when the input devices operate asynchronously.

It is also possible that these mode register (44) and mode setting register (64) are configured by a dedicated microcomputer and operated separately from the CJ'U (11).

That is, when the CPU section receives a request to use a take processor from each input section, it performs mode conversion even if the one with lower priority is in operation.

However, since it is not possible to switch at will, the highest priority is placed between outputting what has already been input processed, or where there is a good separation, for example, from a part of Layer 1, and from the scanner input section is next. When the priority is high,
The mode is switched until the processing for one scan line of layout output is completed and the data for the next scan line arrives.

For this purpose, a FIFO buffer is provided in the layout operation section (3) and the scanner input scanning section (2).

If these takes come from both without any gap between each other and the FIFO buffer overflows, the CPU 01) will stop this condition and give priority to one of the tasks, since this will be known in advance.

The control of each image input device by the mode setting described above is performed by controlling a plurality of image reproduction devices, that is, a scanner output recording unit (7), which are similarly connected via a switch circuit (6) on the output side. and Color Monique (32+ (37)
) is also performed, allowing real-time multi-processing by one scanner data processor (1).

Note that, for example, one scanner data processor (1)
However, the system can be easily expanded by connecting multiple scanner input scanning units (2) to perform color separation processing on multiple documents at the same time. Efficient use of the system can be easily realized, such as by commonly using common functional parts of devices.

Therefore, in the conventional color separation device, all necessary functions were separately incorporated into each model, but in the device of the present invention, a device having only independent [7] functional parts can be configured as needed. It is possible to make connections according to the requirements, and it is possible to reduce costs and simplify adjustment.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the scanner data processor of the same embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the input side of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the switch circuit on the output side of the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a scanner data processor that performs multi-real time processing. (1) Scanner data processor (2) Scanner input scanning section (3) Layer 1 to operation section (4) Document setup input section (5) (6) Switch circuit (7) Scanner output recording section (8) Layout Display section (9) Document center amplifier display section (10) Keyboard for setup (11) CPU (12) Magnification control section (13) Document scanning unit ←4) Analog technology converter (I5) Buffer memory α6)
Disk memory 07) Layout panel output CP
tJ (19) Disk memory (20) Buffer memory (2D FIFO data buffer (22) Color TV camera!23) Buffer memory (241 FIFO data buffer)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A plurality of types of image input devices that supply a set of color-separated image signals for each color separation color to be subjected to color tone control, and a set of color-separated images from each of the plurality of image input devices. a scanner data processor including at least one set of look-up tables for selectively accepting and applying signals and providing the desired tonal control to the set of applied color separated image signals; at least one CPTJ controlling a data processor; and a plurality of reproduction devices distributing a tone-controlled set of color separation signals and reproducing permanently or temporarily reproduced images. A color separation device featuring: (2) In response to each color-separated image signal of each of the plurality of image input devices, the look-up table and data register that performs color tone control are switched and controlled according to the priority order among the plurality of image input devices. A color separation device according to claim (1), characterized in that: (6) The scanner data processor emphasizes the contour lines of each color-separated image signal subjected to color tone control using means for appropriately emphasizing the contour lines, and then distributes the signal to any of the image reproduction devices. A color separation device according to scope item (1). (4) The plurality of image input devices and the plurality of image reproduction devices each receive or distribute each set of color separated image signals according to a predetermined priority order by the scanner data processor. Claim (1) or (1) comprises a buffer memory or a data register for transmitting and receiving each required color separation signal asynchronously with the operation of each image input device and each image reproduction device. 2)
Color separation device as described in Section. (5) One of the plurality of image input devices and the plurality of image reproduction devices is asynchronously controlled by the microprocessor of the data processor as the host 1-CPTJ, and each image input device or image reproduction device is controlled by the data processor. A color separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a processor that controls the color separation device asynchronously with the processor.