KR20100062295A

KR20100062295A - Conversion method for gray image and recording medium

Info

Publication number: KR20100062295A
Application number: KR1020080120861A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 최명렬
Original assignee: (주) 씨이엔
Priority date: 2008-12-02
Filing date: 2008-12-02
Publication date: 2010-06-10

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gray image conversion method and a recording medium therefor. The method for converting a gray image to be output to an image output means includes: (a) checking a gray level of an image output means to output a gray image converted from the color image, and (b) the color image Is displayed as two or more color areas in contact with different color information, but when converted to a gray image, a gray area to be displayed as one area including the same luminance information (or included in a preset luminance approximation range) Checking a boundary area of the gray area to be divided; and (c) the gray area to be divided; Calculating change target gray information for changing the gray information separated through the boundary region to be distinguishable within a gray level expressible through the image output means, and (d) including luminance information of the color image. The method may include converting a color image into a gray image, wherein the distinguishing gray region is distinguishable through the change target gray information.

Description

Conversion Method for Gray Image and Recording Medium

1 is a view showing a functional configuration for converting a color image to a gray image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a diagram illustrating a process of converting a color image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a gray level of a gray image to a gray level of an image output unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of converting a color image into a gray image according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating a process of converting a color image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a gray level of a gray image to a gray level of an image output unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of converting a color image into a gray image according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a diagram illustrating a process of converting a color image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a gray level of a gray image to a gray level of an image output unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

100: image input means 105: color image input unit

110: luminance information extraction unit 115: temporary gray image conversion unit

120: gray area confirmation unit 125: border area confirmation unit

130: gray conversion unit 135: the completed gray image generation unit

140: gray image output unit 145: change target gray information calculation unit

150: gray adjustment information calculation unit 155: gray level confirmation unit

160: image output means

The present invention converts a color image including one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and texts defined as color on a document into a gray image to be output to an image output means. In the method, (a) confirming the gray level for the image output means to be output the gray image converted from the color image, and (b) at least two contacted by including different color information in the color image Although it is displayed in the color gamut, when the gray image is converted into a gray area to be displayed as one area including the same (or included in the preset luminance approximation range) luminance information and the boundary area of the gray area to be divided, Confirming the gray information divided through the boundary area from the gray area to be divided; Calculating a change target gray information which is changed to be distinguishable within a gray level that can be expressed by an image output means; and (d) converting the color image to a gray image including luminance information of the color image, The gray area relates to a gray image conversion method including converting the gray area to be distinguishable through the change target gray information.

With the continuous development of information and communication technology, devices (e.g., digital cameras, camcorders, etc.) for generating images / images are continuously distributed, and images / images generated through the devices are propagated indefinitely through a communication network. Image processing tools that provide various event effects to the camera are also rapidly spreading. The image processing tools basically include a tool for converting a color image / video generated by the apparatus into a gray image / video in black and white mode.

However, when the luminance of the color values included in the color image / image is the same (or within a predetermined luminance range), the color image / image is different from the original color image / image when the color image / image is converted into a gray image / image. The problem that occurs when a gray image / video is converted is included.

For example, in the case of a color image / image photographing a flower field, when the color image / image is taken through average metering, the brightness of the flowers becomes similar, in which case the color image / image is displayed as a gray image / image. When converting to an image, the brightness of the flowers is similar to generate a gray image in which the flowers are not visually separated, and the gray image conversion is not performed as intended by the user converting the image. have.

An object of the present invention for solving the above problems is a color image including at least one of a photo, a picture, a clip art, a graphic, a graphic, a pattern, a pattern, a graph, and a text defined as a color on a document as an image output means. A method of converting a gray image to be output, the method comprising: (a) checking a gray level of an image output means to output a gray image converted from the color image, and (b) being used for the color image From the color table, the color image is represented by two or more color areas that include different color information, but when converted to a gray image, the same color information (or included within a preset luminance approximation range) is converted to one area. Confirming the displayed color couple information, and (c) gray corresponding to the luminance of the color couple information. Calculating change target gray information for changing a beam to be distinguishable within a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means; and (d) converting the color image into a gray image including luminance information of colors included in the color table. The method may include converting gray information corresponding to the color couple information to be distinguishable through the change target gray information.

As a gray image to be output to the image output means a color image including one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, graphics, figures, patterns, graphs, and text defined in color on a document according to the present invention. The converting method may include: (a) checking a gray level of an image output unit to output a gray image converted from the color image, and (b) two or more colors in contact with each other including different color information in the color image. Although it is displayed as an area, when converting to a gray image, the division target gray area displayed as one area including the same (or included in the preset luminance approximation range) luminance information and the boundary area of the division target gray area are identified. And (c) gray information divided through the boundary area from the gray area to be divided. Calculating a change target gray information which is changed to be distinguishable within a gray level that can be expressed by an unknown output means; and (d) converting the color image to a gray image including luminance information of the color image, The target gray area may be converted to be distinguishable through the change target gray information.

Meanwhile, a gray to output a color image including at least one of a photo, a picture, a clip art, a diagram, a figure, a pattern, a graph, and a text defined as a color to an image output means on a document according to the present invention. The method for converting to an image may include: (a) checking a gray level of an image output unit to which a gray image converted from the color image is to be output; and (b) using the color image from the color table used for the color image. Although it is displayed as two or more color areas adjacent to each other including different color information, when converting to a gray image, check color couple information displayed as one area including the same luminance information (or included in a preset luminance approximation range). And (c) transmitting gray information corresponding to the luminance of the color couple information through the image output means. Calculating a change target gray information that is changed to be distinguishable within a representable gray level, and (d) converting the color image to a gray image including luminance information of colors included in the color table, wherein the color couple information The gray information corresponding to may be converted to be distinguishable through the change target gray information.

In the gray image converting method according to the present invention, the change target gray information may include at least one change target gray region (or a boundary region boundary line) among gray regions included in the distinguishing gray region divided through the boundary region. A gray area to be changed included in the distinguished gray area among information for separating gray information from reference gray information by a predetermined gray separation value and unused gray information corresponding to unused color information not used in the color image; Or gray information in which gray information of a border area boundary line) is spaced apart from a reference gray information by at least a minimum gray separation value, and gray information of one or more gray areas included in the distinguished gray area separated through the border area from each other. Gray spaced apart Characterized in that it comprises one or more weight information.

In the gray image converting method according to the present invention, the change target gray information includes information for separating the gray information corresponding to the color couple information from a reference gray information by a predetermined gray separation value, and the ratio not included in the color table. Among the unused gray information corresponding to the used color information, gray information in which gray information corresponding to the color couple information is spaced apart from a reference gray information by a minimum gray separation value or more, and gray information corresponding to the color couple information are different from each other. And one or more gray separation weight information spaced apart from each other.

In the gray image converting method according to the present invention, the change target gray information includes gray information of a third gray area adjacent to the change target gray area included in the division target gray area and a constant gray separation value. It features.

The gray image converting method according to the present invention comprises the steps of checking the gray level to be adjusted corresponding to the gray image among all gray levels on the document including the color image, and adjusting the gray level to be adjusted through the image output means. And calculating gray level adjustment information for adjusting to a gray level that can be expressed.

In the gray image converting method according to the present invention, the gray level adjustment information includes information for extending the gray level to be adjusted in the gray image to a gray level expressible through the image output means, and the gray level to be adjusted in the gray image. And at least one piece of information for adjusting brightness by being spaced apart in a specific level direction, and for adjusting the gray level of the gray image to be lighter or darker based on a specific reference gray level value.

In the gray image conversion method according to the present invention, the gray level adjustment information is calculated by a formula such as {(OldGray-Low) / (High-Low)} * GrayMax + β; The Low value means the lowest gray level in the gray level to be adjusted, the High value means the highest gray level value in the gray level to be adjusted, and the GrayMax value is the total gray level on the document containing the color image. And β denotes a gray separation value for separating the adjustment target gray level with respect to a specific adjustment reference gray level.

In the gray image converting method according to the present invention, the gray area (2) to be distinguished having the same (or similar) condition as the gray area to be distinguished during the steps (b), (c) and (d) is repeated. When it is confirmed, the method further comprises calculating the change target gray information calculated under the same (or similar) condition as the change target gray information of the division target gray region 2.

On the other hand, it includes a computer-readable recording medium, characterized in that the program for executing the above-described gray image conversion method is recorded.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings and description will be described in detail the operating principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the drawings and the following description shown below are for the preferred method among various methods for effectively explaining the features of the present invention, the present invention is not limited only to the drawings and description below. In addition, in the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, terms to be described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to a user's or operator's intention or custom. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the contents throughout the present invention.

In addition, preferred embodiments of the present invention to be carried out below are provided in each system functional configuration to efficiently describe the technical components constituting the present invention, or system functions that are commonly provided in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The configuration will be omitted, and described mainly on the functional configuration to be additionally provided for the present invention. If those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, it will be able to easily understand the function of the components that are conventionally used among the omitted functional configuration not shown below, and also the configuration omitted as described above The relationship between the elements and the components added for the present invention will also be clearly understood.

In addition, the following examples will be used to appropriately modify, integrate, or separate the terminology so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may clearly understand the present invention. The present invention is by no means limited thereto.

As a result, the technical spirit of the present invention is determined by the claims, and the following examples are one means for efficiently explaining the technical spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is only.

In more detail, FIG. 1 shows a color image including one or more pictures, pictures, clip arts, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and texts defined as color on a document, when converted to a gray image, and outputted. A color image is represented by two or more adjacent color areas containing different color information, but is displayed as an unclear gray area including the same (or close to a certain luminance range) luminance information converted to gray. Is a function for converting to display in a clearly distinguished gray area. Specifically, a color, including a photo, a picture, a clip art, a chart, a shape, a pattern, a graph, and a text defined in a conversion target image, Two or more adjacent color gamuts, including identical (or close to) ranges of luminance Check a boundary area of the control panel, and determine a predetermined value corresponding to the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 where the gray image is to be outputted. A method of converting the image into spaced gray information and converting the image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region is illustrated.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can refer to various embodiments of the functional configuration for converting the color image to a gray image by referring to and / or modifying the drawing 1 (eg, some components are omitted, Or subdivided or combined implementation methods), but the present invention includes all the implementation methods inferred above, and the technical features are not limited to the implementation method shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, the functional configuration for converting the color image into a gray image includes a color image input unit 105 for inputting gray conversion target color image data from the image input means 100, and gray conversion from the color image data. A luminance information extracting unit 110 for extracting luminance information for the temporary information, a temporary gray image converting unit 115 for converting the color image data into temporary gray image data through the extracted luminance information, and the color image data; Comparing the temporary gray image data, the color image data is represented by two or more adjacent color regions including different color information, but the temporary gray image data includes the same luminance information (or close to a predetermined luminance range). Separator that looks like a gray area of When the gray area checking unit 120 that checks the target gray area and the distinguishing target gray area displayed as one gray area are confirmed, the boundary areas of two color areas are identified through the color image data. A gray level checking unit 155 for checking a gray level that can be expressed through the boundary region checking unit 125 and an image output unit 160 to output the gray image among all gray levels on the document including the color image; And setting one gray area among adjacent gray areas to be separated through the boundary area as a reference gray area, setting another gray area adjacent to the reference gray area as a change target gray area, Among the gray levels that can express gray information through the image output means 160 A change target gray information calculating unit 145 for calculating a change target gray information spaced apart from the reference gray information of the reference gray area by a predetermined value, and the temporary gray image conversion unit among all gray levels on the document including the color image; Confirm the adjustment gray level corresponding to the gray image further converted by the 115 or the gray image further including the change gray information calculated by the change gray information calculator 145 in the temporary gray image. And a gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 for calculating gray level adjustment information for adjusting the adjustment target gray level to a gray level expressible through the image output means 160, and the calculated one or more change target gray information. To the gray of the gray image based on gray level adjustment information Convert (or adjust) the gray conversion unit 130 to convert the gray image generation unit 135 to generate the complete gray image data including the converted gray information, and the generated gray image Characterized in that it comprises a gray image output unit 140 for outputting to the output means (160).

An apparatus (or a program provided in a recording medium) having a functional configuration for converting the color image into a gray image includes image input means 100 for inputting color conversion target color image data, and converting the color image into a gray image. And image output means 160 for outputting gray image data converted through the functional configuration for conversion.

For example, when the apparatus having a function configuration for converting the color image into a gray image is a computer, the image input means 100 may include a storage means provided in the computer and a document recorded in a recording medium provided in the computer. It is preferable to include one or more operating means (eg, word processor program, presentation program, etc.), wherein the image output means 160, the screen output means provided in the computer, the print output means provided or connected to the computer It is preferable to comprise at least one.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the image output means 160 has a gray level that can be expressed among all gray levels on the document including the color image.

When converting the color image data into gray image data, the color image input unit 105 inputs (or loads) the gray conversion target color image data through the image input means 100, and the luminance The information extracting unit 110 detects a luminance value of a pixel (or pixel area) included in the input (or loaded) color image data and converts the color image data into gray image data (or pixel area). ) Brightness information for each star is extracted.

When the luminance information for each pixel (or pixel region) of the gray conversion target color image data is extracted, the temporary gray image converter 115 may generate the color image data through the luminance information for the extracted pixel (or pixel region). Is converted to temporary gray image data which is temporarily loaded on a memory instead of being immediately output to the image output means 160.

Here, the temporary gray image data may be different from the color image data by comparing the color image data with the temporary gray image data rather than the actual image data (which may be actual image data, of course). Although it is displayed in two or more adjacent color gamuts, the temporary gray image data includes the same (or close to a predetermined luminance range) luminance information and identifies a gray area to be displayed as one gray area, and the gray to be distinguished. It is preferable to include virtual image data for identifying the boundary region of the region.

When the color image data is converted into temporary gray image data, the gray area checking unit 120 compares the color image data and the temporary gray image data for each pixel (or pixel area) and compares different colors in the color image data. Although the information is displayed in two or more adjacent color spaces, the temporary gray image data includes luminance information that is close to a certain luminance range that is difficult to visually determine that it contains the same luminance. It is characterized in that for identifying the gray target area to be displayed as a gray area of.

If the gray area checker 120 confirms that the luminance information is included in the temporary gray image data, the luminance information is included in the temporary gray image data. When the gray area to be distinguished that is displayed like the gray area is identified, the boundary area checking unit 125 is within a certain luminance range that is difficult to visually determine that the same (or different luminance) is included on the gray image data. Image coordinate values of the distinguished gray area displayed as one gray area including luminance information) and image coordinate values displayed in two or more adjacent color areas including different color information on the color image data. The image on the gray image data It contains luminance information (or close to a certain luminance range that is difficult to visually determine that it contains different luminance), but is displayed as two or more adjacent color regions including different color information on the color image data. It is characterized in that the boundary area to be identified.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gray area checking unit 120 checks the gray area to be distinguished displayed as one gray area, and the boundary area checking unit 125 checks for the identified gray area. The checking of the boundary area is preferably repeated for pixels (or pixel areas) of the entire area of the temporary gray image data.

The gray level checking unit 155 checks the image output means 160 to output the document including the color image, and outputs the image to which the gray image is output among all gray levels on the document including the color image. The means 160 is characterized by identifying the gray levels representable.

For example, even if the total gray level on the document including the color image is 256 levels, the gray level expressible through the image output means 160 (for example, the print output means) may be confirmed in 16 steps. Depending on the performance of the means 160, it is possible to include 256 levels which are the total gray levels on the document, or to include gray levels of 256 or more levels.

The change target gray information calculator 145 sets one gray area among adjacent gray areas divided through the boundary area as a reference gray area, and sets another gray area adjacent to the reference gray area as a change target gray area. It is characterized by setting.

When the reference gray area and the change target gray area are identified, the change target gray information calculator 145 checks the reference gray information of the reference gray area, and sets the gray information of the reference gray area as a reference value. The gray information of the change target gray area may be calculated as change target gray information spaced apart from a predetermined value within the gray level expressible through the image output means 160.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the change target gray information calculator 145 may include a standard gray separation value of the change target gray region with respect to the reference gray region for each gray level that may be expressed through the image output means 160. When the gray level of the image output means 160 is confirmed by the gray level checking unit 155 and the reference gray information of the reference gray area is confirmed, the gray information of the change target gray area is determined. It is preferable to calculate the change target gray information spaced by the set standard spacing value from the reference gray information of the reference gray area.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 145 may separate the minimum gray space of the change target gray region from the reference gray region for each gray level that may be expressed through the image output means 160. Setting a value, and checking color information used in the color image and unused color information not used in the color image among all color information that can be expressed on the document, and among the color information used in the color image. Confirm reference gray information including color information corresponding to a reference gray area and luminance information corresponding to a gray level expressible through the image output means 160 corresponding to the color, and included in the unused color information. In response to a color, the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 After identifying one or more pieces of unused gray information including corresponding luminance information, the gray information of any one of the unused gray information spaced at least the minimum gray separation value is changed from the reference gray information among the identified unused gray information. It is preferable to calculate by the target gray information.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 145 separates the gray change area of the change target gray area from the reference gray area for each gray level expressible through the image output means 160. When the weight is set and the gray level of the image output means 160 is confirmed by the gray level checking unit 155, and the reference gray information of the reference gray region is confirmed, the gray information of the reference gray region is determined. By applying different gray separation weights to the gray information of the change target gray region, calculating the change gray information that separates the reference gray information of the reference gray region and the change target gray information of the change target gray region by a predetermined distance value. desirable.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 145 may identify one or more third gray areas adjacent to the change target gray area in addition to the reference gray area when calculating the change target gray information. Confirm the third gray information on the third gray area, and calculate the change target gray information such that the change target gray information has a constant gray separation value (eg, a minimum gray separation value) with the third gray information. It is desirable to.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 145 repeatedly calculates the change target gray information with respect to the entire gray image area, and in the repetition calculation process, the change target gray area to the reference. When the gray area having a condition identical to (or similar to) the gray area and the change target gray area (eg, a bar graph for setting a legend through colors) is identified, the change target gray information calculating unit 145 determines the gray area. It is preferable to calculate the change subject gray information calculated under the same (or similar) condition as the repeatedly calculated gray information.

If the change target gray information for each change target gray region included in the one or more division target gray regions is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 145, the gray converting unit 130 may include the boundary region. The border area identified by the identification unit 125 is applied to the gray area to be divided, and the gray information of the gray area to be changed among the adjacent reference gray area and the gray area to be changed which are divided through the border area is changed to the gray to be changed. Characterized in that the conversion to the change target gray information calculated by the information calculating unit 145.

The gray adjustment information calculator 150 adjusts the gray level corresponding to the temporary gray image converted by the temporary gray image converter 115 among all gray levels on the document including the color image as the adjustment target gray level. The at least one change target gray information is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 145 before the adjustment target gray level is checked. The gray level corresponding to the gray image further including the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculator 145 in the gray image may be identified as the adjustment target gray level.

When the gray level to be adjusted is confirmed, the gray adjustment information calculator 150 calculates gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160. It features.

For example, if the conversion target color image is expressed in a specific color and the adjustment target gray level is 64 levels, and the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 is 256 levels, the gray adjustment information calculator 150 ) Is preferably extended to be adjusted to the gray level of 256 levels that can be expressed through the image output means 160.

Alternatively, when the conversion target color image is represented by various colors and the adjustment target gray level is 256 levels, and the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 is 128 steps, the gray adjustment information calculator 150 ) Is preferably reduced by adjusting the gray level to be adjusted in step 256 to the gray level in step 128 that can be expressed through the image output means 160.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in calculating the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160, the gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 performs an image. In response to the gray expression method of the output means 160 to calculate the gray level adjustment information for separating the adjustment target gray level to the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 based on a specific adjustment reference gray level It is preferable.

For example, when the image output means 160 is a print output means (for example, a printer), the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 checks the highest white level of the gray level to be adjusted as a specific adjustment reference gray level. , The highest white level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 (or the highest white gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160). It is preferable to calculate, as the gray level adjustment information, a gray separation value spaced at a white level close to the level).

Alternatively, when the image output means 160 is a screen output means (for example, an LCD monitor), the gray adjustment information calculator 150 may determine a specific adjustment reference gray level (for example, 18%) corresponding to the screen output means. Gray level adjustment, where a gray level lighter than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced to a darker gray level, and a gray level darker than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced to a lighter gray level. It is preferable to calculate with information.

Alternatively, when the image output means 160 is a presentation output means (eg, a projector output device), the gray adjustment information calculator 150 may include a specific adjustment reference gray level (eg, corresponding to the screen output means). 18% gray value), where the gray level lighter than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced apart by the lighter gray level, and the gray level that is darker than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced by the darker gray level. It is preferable to calculate by level adjustment information.

When the gray adjustment information calculator 150 calculates the gray level adjustment information by using a formula,

NewGray = {(OldGray-Low) / (High-Low)} * GrayMax + β;

Here, the low value means the lowest gray level in the gray level to be adjusted, the high value means the highest gray level value in the gray level to be adjusted, and the graymax value is the total on the document including the color image. The gray level means β, and the β means a gray separation value that spaces the gray level to be adjusted based on a specific adjustment reference gray level.

If the gray adjustment information is calculated by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150, the gray conversion unit 130 may separate the adjustment target gray level according to the gray adjustment information.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray area checking unit 120 determines the gray target area to be distinguished, the change target gray information calculator 145 calculates the change target gray information as it is. However, it is possible to omit that the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 calculates the gray adjustment information, in which case the gray conversion unit 130 is a change target calculated by the change target gray information calculation unit 145. It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through gray information.

Alternatively, when the gray area confirmation unit 120 identifies the gray target to be distinguished, the gray target information is calculated after the change target gray information calculator 145 calculates the change target gray information. After the process of calculating the gray adjustment information is performed by the unit 150 or the process of calculating the gray adjustment information by the gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 is performed, the change target gray information calculating unit 145 is performed. Calculating the change target gray information is performed, or the change target gray information calculator 145 calculates the change target gray information and the gray adjustment information calculator 150 performs the gray adjustment information. It is possible to perform all the processes to calculate the cross-linking, in this case, the gray conversion unit 130 is the change target grain Information is preferably through a gray adjustment information calculated by the change target information and the gray gray calibration information calculating unit 150 is calculated by the calculation unit 145 converts the gray of the grayscale image.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray target area is not identified by the gray area checker 120, the change target gray information calculator 145 calculates the change target gray information. It may be omitted, the process of calculating the gray adjustment information by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 may be performed, in this case, the gray conversion unit 130 is calculated by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through the gray adjustment information.

When the gray of the entire area of the gray image is converted by the gray converter 130, the completed gray image generator 135 generates complete gray image data including the converted gray information. The gray image output unit 140 outputs the generated gray image to the image output unit 160.

In more detail, FIG. 2 is a color including one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and text defined as colors on a document through the image conversion configuration shown in FIG. When the image is converted to gray and output, the color image includes two or more adjacent color areas including different color information, but includes the same luminance information as converted to gray (or close to a predetermined luminance range). To convert the gray area represented by the unclear gray area into a clearly distinguished gray area. Specifically, the photo, picture, clip art, diagram, shape, pattern, graph, and text defined in color Include the same (or close to within a certain luminance range) on the conversion target color image that contains one or more A gray level capable of identifying boundary regions of two or more adjacent color regions and expressing gray information of any one of the gray regions divided through the identified boundary regions through the image output means 160 to output the gray image. A method of converting a predetermined value into gray information spaced apart from each other and converting the same into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region is shown.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various implementation methods (e.g., for converting the color image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region by referring to and / or modifying the drawing 2) Some steps may be omitted, or the order of implementation may be changed), but the present invention includes all the implementation methods inferred, and the technical features are not limited to the implementation method shown in FIG. No.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the color image data is converted into gray image data, when the color image input unit 105 inputs (or loads) the gray conversion target color image data through the image input means 100 ( 200, the luminance information extractor 110 detects a luminance value of a pixel (or pixel region) included in the input (or loaded) color image data and converts the color image data into gray image data. Extracting luminance information for each pixel area (or pixel area) (205), the gray level checking unit 155 checks the image output means 160 to output the document containing the color image, and includes the color image The gray level that can be expressed is identified through the image output means 160 to output the gray image among the total gray levels on the document (210).

For example, even if the total gray level on the document including the color image is 256 levels, the gray level expressible through the image output means 160 (for example, the print output means) may be confirmed in 16 steps. Depending on the performance of the means 160, it is possible to include 256 levels which are all gray levels on the document, or to include gray levels of 256 or more levels.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is evident that the checking of the gray level expressible through the image output means 160 can be confirmed at the time when the gray level of the image output means 160 is required. 2 shows that the gray level of the image output means 160 is checked before the gray level of the image output means 160 is required to simultaneously express the change target gray information and the gray adjustment information calculation. Will be explained.

When the luminance information for each pixel (or pixel region) is extracted, the temporary gray image converter 115 converts the color image data into temporary gray image data through the extracted luminance information for the pixel (or pixel region). (215).

Here, the temporary gray image data may be different from the color image data by comparing the color image data with the temporary gray image data rather than the actual image data (which may be actual image data, of course). Although it is displayed in two or more adjacent color gamuts, the temporary gray image data includes the same (or close to a predetermined luminance range) luminance information to identify a gray area to be displayed as one gray area, and the gray area to be distinguished. It is preferable to include virtual image data for identifying the boundary region of the.

Thereafter, the gray area checking unit 120 compares the color image data and the temporary gray image data for each pixel (or pixel area), and displays the two or more adjacent color areas including different color information in the color image data. However, in the temporary gray image data, a distinction displayed as one gray area including luminance information included in a luminance approximation value set to a luminance that is difficult to visually determine that it contains the same luminance. The target gray area is checked (220).

If the gray area confirming unit 120 confirms that the luminance information included in the luminance approximation value range set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the temporary gray image data includes the same (or different luminance), If none is confirmed (225), the complete gray image generation unit 135 checks the temporary gray image data as complete gray image data (230), and the gray image output unit 140 images the completed gray image data. A process of outputting to the output means 160 and adjusting the gray information of the temporary gray image data to a gray level expressible through the image output means 160 to which the gray image is to be output, according to the intention of a person skilled in the art. It is preferable to carry out more.

On the other hand, as a result of the gray area checking unit 120, the luminance information included in the luminance approximation value range set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the temporary gray image data includes the same (or different luminance). When the gray area to be distinguished including one gray area is identified (225), the boundary area checking unit 125 is difficult to visually determine whether the gray area includes the same (or different luminance) on the gray image data. Two or more adjacent colors, including image coordinate values of the gray area to be distinguished displayed as one gray area including luminance information included in a luminance approximation value set to luminance of a degree, and different color information on the color image data. Compare image coordinate values displayed by area And luminance information included in the luminance approximation value range that is set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the gray image data includes the same (or different luminance), but different color information on the color image data. In operation 235, the change target gray information calculator 145 determines a reference gray area based on any gray area among adjacent gray areas divided through the boundary area. Set another gray area adjacent to the reference gray area as a change target gray area (240), check the reference gray information of the reference gray area, and use the gray information of the reference gray area as a reference value; The gray information of the gray area to be changed The image output means 160 calculates the change target gray information spaced apart from a predetermined value within the gray level that can be expressed (245).

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 145 may separate the minimum gray space of the change target gray region from the reference gray region for each gray level that may be expressed through the image output means 160. Setting a value, and checking color information used in the color image and unused color information not used in the color image among all color information that can be expressed on the document, and among the color information used in the color image. Confirm reference gray information including color information corresponding to a reference gray area and luminance information corresponding to a gray level expressible through the image output means 160 corresponding to the color, and included in the unused color information. The gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 corresponding to the color After identifying one or more pieces of unused gray information including corresponding luminance information, the gray information of any one of the unused gray information spaced at least the minimum gray separation value is changed from the reference gray information among the identified unused gray information. It is preferable to calculate by the target gray information.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 145 separates the gray of the change target gray area from the change gray area for each gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160. When the weight is set and the gray level of the image output means 160 is confirmed by the gray level checking unit 155, and the reference gray information of the reference gray region is confirmed, the gray information of the reference gray region is determined. By applying different gray separation weights to the gray information of the change target gray region, calculating the change gray information that separates the reference gray information of the reference gray region and the change target gray information of the change target gray region by a predetermined distance value. desirable.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 145 repeatedly calculates the change target gray information with respect to the entire gray image area, and in the repetition calculation process, the change target gray area to the reference. When the gray area having the same (or similar) condition as the gray area and the change target gray area (eg, a bar graph for setting a legend through colors) is identified, the change target gray information calculator 145 determines the gray area. It is preferable to calculate the change subject gray information calculated under the same (or similar) condition as the repeatedly calculated gray information.

If the change target gray information for each change target gray region included in the one or more division target gray regions is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 145 (250), the gray converting unit 130 may perform the above-mentioned change. The boundary area identified by the boundary area checking unit 125 is applied to the gray area to be divided, and the gray information of the gray area of the change target gray area among the adjacent reference gray area and the change target gray area divided through the border area is changed. The target gray information calculator 145 converts the target gray information calculated by the target gray information calculator 145 (255).

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gray area checking unit 120 checks the gray area to be distinguished displayed as one gray area, and the boundary area checking unit 125 checks the gray area. The change target gray information calculator 145 calculates the change target gray information, and the gray converter 130 converts the gray information of the change target gray region according to the change target gray information. The converting is preferably performed repeatedly for pixels (or pixel areas) of the entire area of the temporary gray image data.

If gray information is transformed (for example, one or more gray information transformations through change target gray information transformation or gray adjustment information) for pixels (or pixel regions) of the entire area of the temporary gray image data (260), The complete gray image generator 135 generates complete gray image data including a gray area including the converted gray information (265), and the gray image output unit 140 generates the completed gray image. Output to the image output means 160 (270).

3 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a gray level of a gray image according to the gray level of the image output means 160 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In more detail, FIG. 3 includes one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and text defined as colors on a document through the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 2. In the process of converting a color image into a distinguishable gray image, the gray level of the gray image is adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160, which is common in the art. Those skilled in the art may refer to and / or modify this drawing 3 to implement various methods (e.g., some steps may be omitted) for adjusting the gray level of the gray image to the gray level of the image output means 160. May be inferred, but the present invention includes all the inferred implementation methods. It becomes, to which the technical feature that is not limited to the exemplary method shown in the figure 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, a color including at least one of a photo, a picture, a clip art, a diagram, a figure, a pattern, a graph, and a text defined as a color on a document through a gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 2. The gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 may be configured to convert the image into a gray image that can be distinguished at a point in time when the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160 to output the gray image is confirmed according to the intention of the person skilled in the art. The gray level corresponding to the temporary gray image converted by the temporary gray image converter 115 among the total gray levels on the document including the color image is checked as the gray level to be adjusted. When one or more change target gray information is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 145, the gray The adjustment information calculation unit 150 confirms the gray level corresponding to the gray image further including the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculator 145 in the temporary gray image as the adjustment target gray level. (300).

If the adjustment target gray level is confirmed (305), the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 adjusts the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the adjustment target gray level to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 160. Calculate 310.

If the gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 does not calculate the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to the gray level expressible through the image output unit 160 (315), the gray conversion unit 130 preferably performs only the gray image conversion process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the gray level adjustment information for calculating the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted through the image output means 160 by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 is calculated (315), the gray conversion unit ( 130 separates the gray level of the adjustment target gray level from the gray adjustment information, and converts the gray information of the gray level of the adjustment target 320.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray area confirmation unit 120 identifies the gray target area to be distinguished, the change target gray information calculator 145 performs the change in the gray image conversion process shown in FIG. 2. The process of calculating the change target gray information is performed as it is, but it is possible to omit that the gray adjustment information calculation unit 150 calculates the gray adjustment information in FIG. 3, in which case the gray conversion unit 130 It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculator 145.

Alternatively, when the gray area confirmation unit 120 determines the gray target area to be distinguished, the change target gray information calculator 145 calculates the change target gray information in the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 2. After the process is performed, the process of calculating the gray adjustment information by the gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 in FIG. 3 is performed, or the gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 is adjusted by the gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 in FIG. After the process of calculating the information is performed, the process of calculating the change target gray information is performed by the change target gray information calculator 145 in the gray image conversion process shown in FIG. 2, or as shown in FIG. 2. The change target gray information calculator 145 calculates the change target gray information in the process of converting the gray image, In FIG. 3, the process of calculating the gray adjustment information by the gray adjustment information calculator 150 may be performed in conjunction with each other. In this case, the gray conversion unit 130 may include the change target gray information calculation unit ( It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through the change target gray information calculated by 145 and the gray adjustment information calculated by the gray adjustment information calculator 150.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray area confirmation unit 120 does not identify the gray target to be distinguished, the change target gray information calculator 145 during the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 2. The process of calculating the change target gray information is omitted, and the process of calculating the gray adjustment information by the gray adjustment information calculating unit 150 may be performed in FIG. 3. In this case, the gray conversion unit ( 130 preferably converts the gray of the gray image through the gray adjustment information calculated by the gray adjustment information calculator 150.

4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration for converting a color image to a gray image according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In more detail, Figure 4 shows a color image including one or more pictures, pictures, clip arts, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and texts defined as color on a document. A color image is represented by two or more adjacent color areas containing different color information, but is displayed as an unclear gray area including the same (or close to a certain luminance range) luminance information converted to gray. Is a function for converting to display in a clearly distinguished gray area. Specifically, a color, including a photo, a picture, a clip art, a chart, a shape, a pattern, a graph, and a text defined in a conversion target image, Two or more adjacent color zeros, including the same (or close to, within a certain luminance range) luminance Identify a boundary area of the image and convert the gray information of the boundary line corresponding to the identified boundary area to a gray value spaced apart from a predetermined value corresponding to the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460 to output the gray image. To illustrate a method of converting the image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various implementation methods (e.g., some components may be omitted) for functional configuration of converting the color image to a gray image by referring to and / or modifying the drawing 4 Or subdivided or combined implementation methods), but the present invention includes all the implementation methods inferred above, and the technical features are not limited to the implementation method shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4, the functional configuration for converting the color image into a gray image includes a color image input unit 405 for inputting gray conversion target color image data from the image input unit 400, and gray conversion from the color image data. A luminance information extractor 410 for extracting luminance information for the second image; a temporary gray image converter 415 for converting the color image data into temporary gray image data based on the extracted luminance information; Comparing the temporary gray image data, the color image data is represented by two or more adjacent color regions including different color information, but the temporary gray image data includes the same luminance information (or close to a predetermined luminance range). Separator that looks like a gray area of When the gray area checking unit 420 which checks the target gray area and the distinguishing target gray area displayed as one gray area are identified, the boundary area of two color areas is confirmed through the color image data. A gray level checker 455 for checking a gray level that can be expressed through the boundary area checker 425 and an image output means 460 to output the gray image among all gray levels on the document including the color image; And a change target gray that identifies a boundary line corresponding to the boundary region and separates a predetermined value from gray information of the target gray area among the gray levels that can express gray information of the boundary through the image output means 460. On the document containing the change target gray information calculation unit 445 and the color image calculated as information; The target gray information converted by the temporary gray image converting unit 415 among all the gray levels of, or the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculating unit 445 is further included in the temporary gray image. A gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 which checks an adjustment target gray level corresponding to the gray image, and calculates gray level adjustment information for adjusting the adjustment target gray level to a gray level that can be expressed by the image output means 460. And a gray converting unit 430 for changing (or adjusting) and converting the gray of the gray image based on the calculated one or more change target gray information to gray level adjustment information, and the converted gray information. A complete gray image generating unit 435 for generating complete gray image data, and To the finished gray image having a gray image output unit 440 to output the image output means (460) is characterized in that formed.

An apparatus (or a program provided in a recording medium) having a functional configuration for converting the color image into a gray image includes image input means 400 for inputting gray conversion target color image data, and converting the color image into a gray image. And image output means 460 for outputting the gray image data converted through the functional configuration for conversion.

For example, when the apparatus having a function configuration for converting the color image into a gray image is a computer, the image input means 400 may include a storage means provided in the computer and a document recorded in a recording medium provided in the computer. It is preferable to include one or more operating means (eg, a word processor program, a presentation program, etc.), and the image output means 460 includes screen output means provided in the computer and print output provided or connected to the computer. It is preferred to comprise at least one means.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the image output means 460 has a gray level that can be expressed among all gray levels on the document including the color image.

When converting the color image data into gray image data, the color image input unit 405 inputs (or loads) the gray conversion target color image data through the image input unit 400, and the luminance The information extracting unit 410 detects a luminance value of a pixel (or pixel region) included in the input (or loaded) color image data and converts the color image data into gray image data (or pixel region). ) Brightness information for each star is extracted.

When the luminance information for each pixel (or pixel region) of the gray conversion target color image data is extracted, the temporary gray image converter 415 may perform the color image data through the extracted luminance information for the pixel (or pixel region). Is converted to temporary gray image data which is temporarily loaded on a memory instead of being immediately output to the image output means 460.

Here, the temporary gray image data may be different from the color image data by comparing the color image data with the temporary gray image data rather than the actual image data (which may be actual image data, of course). Although it is displayed in two or more adjacent color gamuts, the temporary gray image data includes the same (or close to a predetermined luminance range) luminance information to identify a gray area to be displayed as one gray area, and the gray area to be distinguished. It is preferable to include virtual image data for confirming the boundary region of.

When the color image data is converted into temporary gray image data, the gray area checking unit 420 compares the color image data and the temporary gray image data for each pixel (or pixel area), and different colors in the color image data. Although the information is displayed in two or more adjacent color gamuts, the temporary gray image data includes luminance information included in a luminance approximation value set to a luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the temporary gray image data includes different luminance. Including a, it is characterized in that to identify the target gray area to be displayed as one gray area.

If the gray area checking unit 420 confirms that the luminance information is included in the luminance approximation value set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the temporary gray image data includes the same (or different luminance). When the gray area to be distinguished including one gray area is identified, the boundary area checking unit 425 is difficult to visually discriminate that it includes the same (or different luminance) on the gray image data. Image coordinate values of a gray area to be divided, including luminance information included in a luminance approximation value set to luminance, as one gray area, and two or more adjacent color areas including different color information on the color image data. By comparing the displayed image coordinate values, Although the gray image data includes luminance information included in the luminance approximation range set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that it contains different luminance, different color information is displayed on the color image data. And a boundary area represented by two or more adjacent color areas.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gray area checking unit 420 checks the gray area to be distinguished displayed as one gray area, and the boundary area checking unit 425 is applied to the identified gray area. The checking of the boundary area is preferably repeated for pixels (or pixel areas) of the entire area of the temporary gray image data.

The gray level checking unit 455 confirms an image output unit 460 to output a document including the color image, and outputs an image to output the gray image among all gray levels on the document including the color image. The means 460 is characterized by identifying the representable gray levels.

For example, even if the total gray level on the document including the color image is 256 levels, the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 (for example, the print output means) can be confirmed in 16 steps. Depending on the performance of the means 460, it is possible to include 256 levels which are the total gray levels on the document, or to include gray levels of 256 or more levels.

The change subject gray information calculator 445 sets a boundary region boundary line corresponding to the boundary region, checks reference gray information of the division target gray region, and uses reference gray information of the division target gray region as a reference value. The gray information of the boundary area boundary line may be calculated as the change target gray information spaced apart from a predetermined value within the gray level expressible through the image output means 460.

Here, the boundary region boundary line is preferably displayed as an anti-aliased pixel line on the pixel region of any one of the gray regions represented by the one gray region.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 445 sets a standard gray separation value of the boundary region boundary line for each gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460. When the gray level of the image output means 460 is confirmed by the gray level checking unit 455, and the reference gray information of the gray area to be divided is confirmed, the gray information of the boundary area boundary line is converted to the gray level of the gray area to be separated. It is preferable to calculate the change target gray information spaced apart from the reference gray information by the set standard separation value.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 445 sets a minimum gray separation value of the boundary region boundary line for each gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460. Check color information used in the color image and unused color information not used in the color image among all color information expressible on the document, and correspond to the gray area to be distinguished among the color information used in the color image. Check reference gray information including color information corresponding to the color information and luminance information corresponding to the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 in response to the color, and correspond to the color included in the unused color information. The luminance information corresponding to the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 is included. After determining one or more pieces of unused gray information, the gray information of any one of the unused gray information spaced at least the minimum gray separation value from the reference gray information among the identified unused gray information is calculated as the change target gray information. It is desirable to.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 445 sets the gray separation weight of the boundary region boundary line for each gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460. When the gray level of the image output means 460 is confirmed by the gray level checking unit 455, and the reference gray information of the gray area to be divided is confirmed, the gray information of the gray area to be divided and the boundary area boundary line are determined. By applying different gray spacing weights to gray information, it is preferable to calculate reference gray information of the division target gray region and change target gray information of the boundary region boundary line as change target gray information spaced apart by a predetermined spacing value.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 445 identifies one or more third gray areas adjacent to the boundary area boundary line in addition to the division target gray area in calculating the change target gray information. Confirm the third gray information on the third gray area, and calculate the change target gray information such that the change target gray information has a constant gray separation value (eg, a minimum gray separation value) with the third gray information. It is desirable to.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 445 repeatedly calculates the change target gray information with respect to the entire gray image area, and if the change target gray information is the same as the division target gray area in the repetition calculation process. When a gray area (eg, a bar graph that sets a legend through color) having a condition (or similar) is identified, the change target gray information calculator 445 calculates the same (or similar) condition. It is preferable to calculate the changed target gray information as the gray information repeatedly calculated.

If the change target gray information for one or more boundary region boundary lines is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 445, the gray converting unit 430 may check the boundary identified by the boundary region checking unit 425. An area is applied to the gray target area, and the gray information of the boundary area boundary line is converted into the gray target information calculated by the change target gray information calculator 445.

The gray adjustment information calculator 450 adjusts the gray level corresponding to the temporary gray image converted by the temporary gray image converter 415 among the total gray levels on the document including the color image as the adjustment target gray level. The at least one change target gray information is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 445 before the adjustment target gray level is checked. The gray level corresponding to the gray image further including the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculator 445 in the gray image may be identified as the adjustment target gray level.

When the gray level to be adjusted is confirmed, the gray adjustment information calculator 450 calculates gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed by the image output means 460. It features.

For example, if the conversion target color image is expressed in a specific color and the adjustment target gray level is 64 levels, and the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460 is 256 steps, the gray adjustment information calculator 450 ) Is preferably adjusted to be adjusted to the gray level of 256 levels that can be expressed through the image output means 460.

Alternatively, when the conversion target color image is expressed in various colors and the adjustment target gray level is 256 levels, and the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460 is 128 steps, the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 ) Is preferably reduced by adjusting the gray level to be adjusted in 256 steps to the gray level in 128 steps that can be expressed through the image output means 460.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in calculating gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460, the gray adjustment information calculating unit 450 performs an image. Corresponding to the gray expression method of the output means 460 to calculate the gray level adjustment information for separating the adjustment target gray level according to the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 based on a specific adjustment reference gray level It is preferable.

For example, when the image output means 460 is a print output means (for example, a printer), the gray adjustment information calculator 450 checks the highest white level of the gray level to be adjusted as a specific adjustment reference gray level. , The highest white level expressible through the image output means 460 (or the highest white expressible through the image output means 460) of the checked adjustment gray level (= highest white gray level of the gray level to be adjusted). It is preferable to calculate, as the gray level adjustment information, a gray separation value spaced at a white level close to the level).

Alternatively, when the image output means 460 is a screen output means (for example, an LCD monitor), the gray adjustment information calculator 450 may determine a specific adjustment reference gray level (for example, 18%) corresponding to the screen output means. Gray level), where the gray level lighter than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced to a darker gray level, and the gray level value is spaced apart from the adjustment reference gray level to a lighter gray level. It is preferable to calculate by adjustment information.

Alternatively, when the image output means 460 is a presentation output means (for example, a projector output device), the gray adjustment information calculator 450 may include a specific adjustment reference gray level (for example, corresponding to the screen output means). 18% gray value), where the gray level lighter than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced apart by the lighter gray level, and the gray level that is darker than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced by the darker gray level. It is preferable to calculate by level adjustment information.

When the gray adjustment information calculator 450 calculates the gray level adjustment information by using a formula,

NewGray = {(OldGray-Low) / (High-Low)} * GrayMax + β;

If the gray adjustment information is calculated by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450, the gray conversion unit 430 may separate the adjustment target gray level according to the gray adjustment information.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray area confirmation unit 420 determines the target gray area, the change target gray information calculator 445 calculates the change target gray information as it is. However, it is possible to omit that the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 calculates the gray adjustment information, in which case, the gray conversion unit 430 is a change target calculated by the change target gray information calculation unit 445. It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through gray information.

Alternatively, when the gray area identification unit 420 determines the gray area to be divided, the gray adjustment information is calculated after the change target gray information calculation unit 445 calculates the change target gray information. The change target gray information calculator 445 is performed by the unit 450 to calculate the gray adjustment information, or after the gray adjustment information calculator 450 calculates the gray adjustment information. ) Is performed to calculate the change target gray information, or the change target gray information calculator 445 calculates the change target gray information, and the gray adjustment information calculator 450 adjusts the gray. The process of calculating the information can be performed in conjunction with each other, in which case the gray conversion unit 430 is the change target grain Information is preferably through a gray adjustment information calculated by the calculating unit 445 changes the target gray-scale information and the gray calibration information calculating unit 450 is calculated by converting the gray of the grayscale image.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray area confirmation unit 420 does not identify the target gray area, the change target gray information calculator 445 calculates the change target gray information. It may be omitted, the process of calculating the gray adjustment information by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 may be performed, in which case the gray conversion unit 430 is calculated by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through the gray adjustment information.

When gray for the entire area of the gray image is converted by the gray converting unit 430, the completed gray image generating unit 435 generates complete gray image data including the converted gray information. The gray image output unit 440 may output the generated gray image to the image output unit 460.

In more detail, FIG. 5 is a color including one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and text defined as colors on a document through the image conversion configuration shown in FIG. 4. When the image is converted to gray and output, the color image includes two or more adjacent color areas including different color information, but includes the same luminance information as converted to gray (or close to a predetermined luminance range). A process of converting a gray area represented by an unclear gray area into a clearly distinguished gray area, specifically a color-defined photo, picture, clip art, diagram, shape, pattern, graph, or text. Include the same (or close to within a certain luminance range) on the color image to be converted that includes one or more Check a boundary area of two or more adjacent color areas, and determine a predetermined value corresponding to the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 to output the gray image to the gray information of the boundary line corresponding to the identified boundary area. A method of converting the image into spaced gray information and converting the image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region is illustrated.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various methods (e.g., for converting the color image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region by referring to and / or modifying the drawing 5) Some steps may be omitted, or the order of implementation may be changed), but the present invention includes all the implementation methods inferred, and the technical features are not limited to the implementation method shown in FIG. No.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the color image data is converted to gray image data, when the color image input unit 405 inputs (or loads) the gray conversion target color image data through the image input unit 400 ( 500), the luminance information extractor 410 detects a luminance value of a pixel (or pixel region) included in the input (or loaded) color image data and converts the color image data into gray image data After extracting luminance information for each pixel area (505), the gray level checker 455 checks the image output means 460 to output the document including the color image, and includes the color image. The gray level expressible through the image output means 460 to output the gray image among the total gray levels on the document is checked (510).

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is apparent that the process of confirming the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 may be confirmed at a point in time when the gray level of the image output means 460 is required. 5 shows that the gray level of the image output means 460 is checked before the gray level of the image output means 460 is required to simultaneously express the change target gray information and the gray adjustment information calculation. Will be explained.

When the luminance information for each pixel (or pixel region) is extracted, the temporary gray image converter 415 converts the color image data into temporary gray image data through the extracted luminance information for the pixel (or pixel region). (515).

Thereafter, the gray area checking unit 420 compares the color image data and the temporary gray image data for each pixel (or pixel area) and displays the two or more adjacent color areas including different color information in the color image data. However, in the temporary gray image data, a distinction displayed as one gray area including luminance information included in a luminance approximation value set to a luminance that is difficult to visually determine that it contains the same luminance. The target gray area is checked (520).

If the gray area check unit 420 confirms that the luminance information included in the luminance approximation value range set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the temporary gray image data includes the same (or different luminance), If none is confirmed (525), the complete gray image generation unit 435 identifies the temporary gray image data as complete gray image data (530), and the gray image output unit 440 images the completed gray image data. Output processing to the output means 460 (570), and adjusts the gray information for the temporary gray image data to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460 to be output the gray image according to the intention of the skilled person It is desirable to carry out the procedure further.

On the other hand, as a result of the gray area checking unit 420, the luminance information included in the luminance approximation value range set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the temporary gray image data includes the same (or different luminance). When the gray area to be distinguished including one gray area is identified (525), the boundary area checking unit 425 is difficult to visually determine whether the gray area includes the same (or different luminance) on the gray image data. Two or more adjacent colors, including image coordinate values of the gray area to be distinguished displayed as one gray area including luminance information included in a luminance approximation value set to luminance of a degree, and different color information on the color image data. Compare image coordinate values displayed by area And luminance information included in the luminance approximation value range that is set to the luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the gray image data includes the same (or different luminance), but different color information on the color image data. Check a boundary region represented by two or more adjacent color regions, including 535, and the change target gray information calculator 445 sets a boundary region boundary line corresponding to the boundary region, The reference gray information is checked (540), and the gray value of the boundary region boundary line is set as a reference value based on the reference gray information of the gray area to be divided within the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460. 545 is calculated as spaced change target gray information.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 445 sets a minimum gray separation value of the boundary region boundary line for each gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460. Check color information used in the color image and unused color information not used in the color image among all color information expressible on the document, and correspond to the gray area to be distinguished among the color information used in the color image. Check reference gray information including color information corresponding to the color information and luminance information corresponding to the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 in response to the color, and correspond to the color included in the unused color information. Luminance information corresponding to the gray level expressible through the image output means 460 is obtained. After determining one or more pieces of unused gray information, the gray information of any one of the unused gray information spaced at least the minimum gray separation value from the reference gray information among the identified unused gray information is calculated as the change target gray information. It is desirable to.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 445 calculates one or more third gray areas adjacent to the boundary area boundary line other than the division target gray area in calculating the change target gray information. Confirm the third gray information on the third gray area, and change the gray target information so that the change gray information has a constant gray separation value (eg, a minimum gray separation value) from the third gray information. It is preferable to calculate.

If the change target gray information for one or more boundary region boundary lines is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 445 (550), the gray converting unit 430 is confirmed by the boundary region checker 425. The changed boundary area is applied to the division target gray area, and the gray information of the boundary area boundary line is converted into the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculation unit 445 (555).

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gray area checking unit 420 checks the gray area to be displayed as one gray area, and the boundary area checking unit 425 is applied to the identified gray area. The change target gray information calculator 445 calculates the change target gray information, and the gray converter 430 selects the gray information of the change target gray region according to the change target gray information. The converting is preferably performed repeatedly for pixels (or pixel areas) of the entire area of the temporary gray image data.

If gray information is transformed (for example, one or more gray information conversions through change target gray information conversion or gray adjustment information) for pixels (or pixel areas) of the entire area of the temporary gray image data (560), The complete gray image generator 435 generates complete gray image data including a gray area including the converted gray information (565), and the gray image output unit 440 converts the generated gray image. Output to the image output means 460 (570).

6 is a view showing a process of adjusting the gray level of the gray image to the gray level of the image output means 460 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In more detail, FIG. 6 includes one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and text defined as colors on a document through the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 5. In the process of converting a color image into a distinguishable gray image, the gray level of the gray image is adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460, which is common in the art. Those skilled in the art may refer to and / or modify this drawing 6 to implement various methods (e.g., some steps may be omitted) for adjusting the gray level of the gray image to the gray level of the image output means 460. May be inferred, but the present invention includes all the inferred implementation methods. It becomes, to which the technical feature that is not limited to the exemplary method shown in the figure 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, a color including at least one of a photo, a picture, a clip art, a diagram, a figure, a pattern, a graph, and text defined as a color on a document through a gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 5. The gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 may be configured to convert the image into a gray image that can be distinguished at a point in time when the gray level that can be expressed is confirmed through the image output means 460 to output the gray image. The gray level corresponding to the temporary gray image converted by the temporary gray image converter 415 among the entire gray levels on the document including the color image is checked as the gray level to be adjusted, and if the gray level is checked before the gray level to be adjusted, When one or more change target gray information is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 445, the gray The adjustment information calculation unit 450 confirms the gray level corresponding to the gray image further including the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculation unit 445 in the temporary gray image as the adjustment target gray level. (600).

If the adjustment target gray level is confirmed (605), the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 adjusts the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the adjustment target gray level to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460. Calculate (610).

Alternatively, when the conversion target color image is expressed in various colors and the adjustment target gray level is 256 levels, and the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 460 is 128 steps, the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 ) Is preferably reduced by adjusting the 256 levels of the adjustment target gray levels to the 128 levels of gray levels that can be expressed through the image output means 460.

Alternatively, when the image output means 460 is a screen output means (for example, an LCD monitor), the gray adjustment information calculator 450 may determine a specific adjustment reference gray level (for example, 18%) corresponding to the screen output means. Gray level adjustment, where a gray level lighter than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced to a darker gray level, and a gray level darker than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced to a lighter gray level. It is preferable to calculate with information.

If the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output unit 460 is not calculated (615), the gray conversion unit 430 preferably performs only the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 5.

On the other hand, when the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted by the gray level information calculating unit 450 to a gray level expressible through the image output unit 460 is calculated (615), the gray conversion unit ( In operation 620, the gray level of the adjustment target gray level is transformed by separating the gray level of the adjustment target according to the gray adjustment information (620).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray area confirmation unit 420 identifies the gray target area to be distinguished, the change target gray information calculator 445 performs the change in the gray image conversion process shown in FIG. 5. The process of calculating change target gray information is performed as it is, but in FIG. 6, the gray adjustment information calculator 450 may calculate the gray adjustment information, and in this case, the gray converter 430 It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculator 445.

Alternatively, when the gray area identification unit 420 determines the gray area to be divided, the change target gray information calculator 445 calculates the change target gray information in the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 5. 6, the gray adjustment information calculator 450 calculates the gray adjustment information, or the gray adjustment information calculator 450 adjusts the gray in FIG. 6. After the information calculating process is performed, the change target gray information calculating unit 445 calculates the change target gray information in the gray image conversion process shown in FIG. 5, or as shown in FIG. 5. The change target gray information calculator 445 calculates the change target gray information in the process of converting the gray image, In FIG. 6, the gray adjustment information calculator 450 may calculate the gray adjustment information in a mutually linked manner. In this case, the gray converter 430 may be configured to change the gray information calculator (eg, the change target gray information calculator). It is preferable to convert the gray of the gray image through the change target gray information calculated by 445 and the gray adjustment information calculated by the gray adjustment information calculator 450.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the gray area confirmation unit 420 does not identify the gray area to be distinguished, the change target gray information calculation unit 445 during the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 5. The process of calculating the change target gray information may be omitted, and the process of calculating the gray adjustment information by the gray adjustment information calculation unit 450 may be performed in FIG. 6. In this case, the gray conversion unit ( 430 may convert the gray of the gray image through the gray adjustment information calculated by the gray adjustment information calculator 450.

7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration for converting a color image into a gray image according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In more detail, FIG. 7 illustrates a method of converting a color image including one or more pictures, pictures, clip arts, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and texts defined as colors on a document into a gray image and outputting the gray image. A color image is represented by two or more adjacent color areas containing different color information, but is displayed as an unclear gray area including the same (or close to a certain luminance range) luminance information converted to gray. To convert the image to a clearly distinguished gray area. Specifically, a color image to be converted includes one or more photos, pictures, clipart, charts, shapes, patterns, graphs, and text defined in color. Check the color table including the color information to be used, and on the conversion target color image Identify boundary regions of two or more adjacent color regions including the same (or close to within a predetermined luminance range), identify one or more distinguished color couple information corresponding to the identified boundary region on the color table, and identify Gray spaced apart from a predetermined value corresponding to the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760 to output the gray image to the gray information corresponding to any one of two or more color information included in the target color couple information A method of converting the image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region is illustrated.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various implementation methods (e.g., some components are omitted) for the functional configuration of converting the color image to a gray image by referring to and / or modifying the drawing 7 Or subdivided or combined implementation methods), but the present invention includes all the implementation methods inferred above, and the technical features are not limited to the implementation method shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 7, the functional configuration for converting the color image into a gray image includes a color image input unit 710 for inputting gray conversion target color image data from the image input means 705, and each pixel from the color image data. A conversion target color table including a luminance information extractor 715 for extracting luminance information for each color area (or color gamut) and color information used by the conversion target color image data among all color information on a document including the color image; A color table checking unit 720 for checking a boundary region of two or more adjacent color regions including the same (or close to within a predetermined luminance range) on the color image to be converted, and checking the identified region on the color table. Identify the color couples to identify the color target information for the segmentation target corresponding to the boundary area 725 and a gray level checking unit 755 for checking a gray level that can be expressed through image output means 760 in which the gray image is to be output among all gray levels on the document including the color image, and the division target. The reference color information and the change target color information among two or more color informations included in the color couple information are checked, and the gray level corresponding to the change target color information is expressed through the image output means 760. A change target gray information calculator 745 that calculates a predetermined value from the gray information corresponding to the color information as change target gray information, and the temporary gray image converting unit of all gray levels on the document including the color image; The temporary gray image converted by, or the change target in the temporary gray image Check the gray level to be adjusted corresponding to the gray image further including the change target gray information calculated by the ray information calculation unit 745, and the gray to be expressed through the image output means 760. A gray conversion table calculation unit 750 for calculating gray level adjustment information to be adjusted to a level, and a gray conversion table 700 based on luminance information corresponding to the color information included in the color table, wherein the change target color is generated; In accordance with the gray conversion table generating unit 730 and the gray conversion table 700 to generate a gray conversion table 700 further includes a gray target table corresponding to the change target gray information and gray level adjustment information corresponding to the information; Generating gray image data by converting color information included in the color image into gray information; Provided with a ray image generating unit 735 and the outputting a gray image generated by the image output means (760) gray image output unit 740 is characterized in that formed.

An apparatus (or a program provided in a recording medium) having a functional configuration for converting the color image into a gray image includes image input means 705 for inputting gray conversion target color image data, and converting the color image into a gray image. And image output means 760 for outputting the gray image data converted through the functional configuration for conversion.

For example, when the apparatus having a function configuration for converting the color image into a gray image is a computer, the image input means 705 includes a storage means provided in the computer and a document recorded in a recording medium provided in the computer. It is preferable to include one or more operating means (eg, a word processor program, a presentation program, etc.), and the image output means 760 may include screen output means provided in the computer and print output means provided or connected to the computer. It is preferable to comprise at least one.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the image output means 760 has a gray level that can be expressed among all gray levels on the document including the color image.

When converting the color image data into gray image data, the color image input unit 710 inputs (or loads) the gray conversion target color image data through the image input means 705, and the luminance The information extracting unit 715 detects a luminance value of a pixel (or color area) included in the input (or loaded) color image data and converts the color image data into gray image data (or color area). ) Brightness information for each star is extracted.

The color table checking unit 720 checks the color information used by the conversion target color image data from a color table including all color information on the document including the color image, and converts the conversion target color image data. Characterized in that the conversion target color table including the color information to be used.

When the luminance information for each pixel (or color region) of the gray conversion target color image data is extracted, the color couple checker 725 may generate luminance information for each extracted pixel (or color region) and each pixel (or color region). Compared to each other's color information by comparing the color information on the color image data including the different color information, but the luminance information for each pixel (or color region) corresponding to the color information for each pixel (or color region) is the same (or And at least one color couple information including at least two color information included in a luminance approximation value set to a luminance that is difficult to visually determine that it contains different luminance.

Here, the color couple information is a luminance set to a luminance that is difficult to visually determine that the luminance information among the color values included in the color image data based on the conversion target color table includes the same (or different luminance). It is preferable to include two or more color values included in the approximation range, and the luminance included in the luminance approximation range set to a luminance that is difficult to visually determine that they contain the same (or different luminance) on the color palette. It is preferable that color values are included but not included in the color image.

The gray level checking unit 755 checks an image output unit 760 to output a document including the color image, and outputs an image to output the gray image among all gray levels on the document including the color image. The means 760 is characterized by identifying the gray levels representable.

For example, even if the total gray level on the document including the color image is 256 levels, the gray level expressible through the image output means 760 (for example, the print output means) may be confirmed in 16 steps. Depending on the performance of the means 760, it is possible to include 256 levels which are all gray levels on the document, or to include gray levels of 256 or more levels.

If one or more color couples information including two or more color informations including the same (or included in the luminance approximation range set to brightness of a degree that is difficult to visually determine that they contain different luminances) is identified, the change target gray information The calculation unit 745 may identify the reference color information and the change target color information among two or more color informations included in the target color couple information. When the reference color information and the change target color information are confirmed, The change target gray information calculator 745 may generate a predetermined value from the gray information corresponding to the reference color information among the gray levels that may express the gray information corresponding to the change target color information through the image output means 760. It is characterized by calculating with the change target gray information spaced apart.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the change target gray information calculator 745 may change the change target color information of the gray information corresponding to the reference color information for each gray level that may be expressed through the image output unit 760. A standard gray spacing value of gray information corresponding to is set. The gray level of the image output means 760 is confirmed by the gray level checking unit 755, and reference gray information corresponding to the reference color information is determined. When it is confirmed, it is preferable to calculate change target gray information corresponding to the change target color information as change target gray information spaced apart from the reference gray information by the set standard spacing value.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 745 may change the reference gray information corresponding to the reference color information for each gray level expressible through the image output means 760. Setting a minimum gray separation value for the change target gray information corresponding to the target color information, checking unused color information not included in the conversion target color table, and corresponding to the reference color information; Check the reference gray information including the luminance information corresponding to the gray level expressible through the 760, and correspond to the gray level expressible through the image output means 760 corresponding to the color included in the unused color information. Confirm the at least one unused gray information including the luminance information The gray-scale information from the non-use it is desirable to output from the reference gray-scale information by any change to one of the gray-scale information target gray-scale information of the non-used more than the minimum gray-scale information spaced apart gray value.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 745 separates the gray of the change target color information with respect to the reference color information for each gray level expressible through the image output means 760. When the weight is set and the gray level of the image output means 760 is confirmed by the gray level checking unit 755 and the reference gray information corresponding to the reference color information is confirmed, the reference of the reference color information It is preferable to calculate the gray target information and the change target gray information corresponding to the gray information and the change target color information by applying different gray spacing weights as the change target gray information that separates the reference gray information and the change target gray information by a predetermined spacing value. .

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 745 calculates the change target gray information, in addition to the color gamut corresponding to the reference color information, the color gamut corresponding to the change target color information. Identify one or more third color spaces adjacent to the third color area, and verify third gray information about the third color area, wherein the change target gray information is constant with the third gray information (eg, a minimum gray spaced value). It is preferable to calculate the change target gray information to

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 745 repeatedly calculates the change target gray information for the entire gray image area, and if the change target gray information is identical to the color couple information in the repetition calculation process ( Or color couple information (eg, a bar graph for setting a legend through colors) having a condition, the change target gray information calculator 745 is calculated under the same (or similar) conditions. It is preferable to calculate the change target gray information as the gray information repeatedly calculated.

If the change target gray information for one or more color couple information is calculated by the change target gray information calculator 745, the gray conversion table generator 730 corresponds to the color information included in the color table. The gray conversion table 700 is generated based on the luminance information, and the gray conversion table 700 further includes gray information corresponding to the change target gray information corresponding to the change target color information.

The gray adjustment information calculation unit 750 checks the gray level corresponding to the temporary gray image converted by the temporary gray image conversion unit among all gray levels on the document including the color image as the adjustment target gray level. The at least one change target gray information is calculated by the change target gray information calculation unit 745 before the adjustment target gray level is checked, and the gray adjustment information calculation unit 750 may generate the temporary gray image. The gray level corresponding to the gray image further including the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculation unit 745 is identified as the adjustment target gray level.

When the adjustment target gray level is confirmed, the gray adjustment information calculation unit 750 calculates gray level adjustment information for adjusting the adjustment target gray level to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760. It features.

For example, if the conversion target color image is expressed in a specific color and the adjustment target gray level is 64 levels, and the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760 is 256 levels, the gray adjustment information calculation unit 750. ) Is preferably extended to be adjusted according to the gray level of 256 levels that can be expressed through the image output means 760.

Alternatively, when the conversion target color image is expressed in various colors and the gray level to be adjusted is 256 levels, and the gray level expressible through the image output means 760 is 128 steps, the gray adjustment information calculation unit 750. ), It is preferable to reduce and adjust the gray level to be adjusted in step 256 to match the gray level in step 128 that can be expressed through the image output means 760.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in calculating gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760, the gray adjustment information calculating unit 750 may generate an image. In response to the gray representation method of the output means 760, the gray level adjustment information for calculating the gray level adjustment information for separating the adjustment target gray level to the gray level expressible through the image output means 760 based on a specific adjustment reference gray level is calculated. It is preferable.

For example, when the image output means 760 is a print output means (for example, a printer), the gray adjustment information calculator 750 checks the highest white level of the gray level to be adjusted as a specific adjustment reference gray level. , The highest white level that can be expressed through the image output means 760 (or the highest white level that can be expressed through the image output means 760). It is preferable to calculate, as the gray level adjustment information, a gray separation value spaced at a white level close to the level).

Alternatively, when the image output means 760 is a screen output means (eg, an LCD monitor), the gray adjustment information calculator 750 may determine a specific adjustment reference gray level (eg, 18%) corresponding to the screen output means. Gray level adjustment, where a gray level lighter than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced to a darker gray level, and a gray level darker than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced to a lighter gray level. It is preferable to calculate with information.

Alternatively, when the image output means 760 is a presentation output means (eg, a projector output device), the gray adjustment information calculator 750 may include a specific adjustment reference gray level corresponding to the screen output means (eg, 18% gray value), where the gray level lighter than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced apart by the lighter gray level, and the gray level that is darker than the adjustment reference gray level is spaced by the darker gray level. It is preferable to calculate by level adjustment information.

When the gray adjustment information calculation unit 750 calculates the gray level adjustment information by using a formula,

NewGray = {(OldGray-Low) / (High-Low)} * GrayMax + β;

If the gray adjustment information is calculated by the gray adjustment information calculator 750, the gray conversion table generator 730 may convert the gray conversion table based on the luminance information corresponding to the color information included in the color table. Generate the gray conversion table 700, which further includes gray information corresponding to the gray adjustment information.

The gray conversion table 700 further includes luminance information corresponding to color information included in the color table, and gray information corresponding to the conversion target gray information and gray adjustment information by the gray conversion table generation unit 730. When generated, the gray image generator 735 generates gray image data by converting color information included in the color image into gray information according to the gray conversion table 700. The output unit 740 may output the generated gray image data to the image output unit 760.

In more detail, FIG. 8 illustrates a process of converting a color image including one or more pictures, pictures, clip arts, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and texts defined as color on a document into a gray image and outputting the gray image. A color image is represented by two or more adjacent color areas containing different color information, but is displayed as an unclear gray area including the same (or close to a certain luminance range) luminance information converted to gray. To convert the image to a clearly distinguished gray area. Specifically, a color image to be converted includes one or more photos, pictures, clipart, charts, shapes, patterns, graphs, and text defined in color. Check the color table including the color information to be used, and on the conversion target color image Identify boundary regions of two or more adjacent color regions, including one or more luminances, and identify one or more distinguished color couple information corresponding to the identified boundary regions on the color table; Gray spaced apart from a predetermined value corresponding to the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760 to output the gray image to the gray information corresponding to any one of two or more color information included in the target color couple information A method of converting the image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region is illustrated.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various implementation methods (e.g., for converting the color image into a gray image including a distinguishable gray region by referring to and / or modifying the drawing 8) Some steps may be omitted, or the order of implementation may be changed), but the present invention includes all the implementation methods inferred, and the technical features are not limited to the implementation method shown in FIG. No.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the color image data is converted into gray image data, when the color image input unit 710 inputs (or loads) the gray conversion target color image data through the image input unit 705 ( 800, the luminance information extractor 715 detects a luminance value of a pixel (or pixel region) included in the input (or loaded) color image data and converts the color image data into gray image data. Extracting luminance information for each pixel (or pixel region) (805), the gray level check unit 755 checks the image output means 760 to output a document containing the color image, and includes the color image The image output means 760 to output the gray image of the entire gray level on the document is identified through the image display means 760 (810).

For example, even if the total gray level on the document including the color image is 256 levels, the gray level expressible through the image output means 760 (for example, the print output means) can be confirmed in 16 steps. Depending on the performance of the means 760, it is possible to include 256 levels which are all gray levels on the document, or to include gray levels of 256 or more levels.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is apparent that the process of confirming the gray level expressible through the image output means 760 can be confirmed at the time when the gray level of the image output means 760 is required. 8 shows that the gray level of the image output means 760 is checked before the gray level of the image output means 760 is required in order to simultaneously express the change target gray information calculation and the gray adjustment information calculation. Will be explained.

When the luminance information for each pixel (or pixel region) is extracted, the color table checking unit 720 may use a color used by the conversion target color image data from a color table including all color information on a document including the color image. Check the information, and confirm a conversion target color table including color information used by the conversion target color image data (815), and the color couple checker 725 displays the luminance for each extracted pixel (or color gamut). Information and color information for each pixel (or color area) are compared and compared on the color image data to include different color information, but the pixels (or color areas) corresponding to the color information for each pixel (or color area) ) Brightness that is difficult to visually determine that the brightness information of each star has the same (or different brightness) In operation 820, one or more color couple information including two or more color informations included in the set luminance approximation range are checked.

If none of the color couple information is confirmed (825), the gray image generator 735 converts the color image data into gray image data through luminance information for each pixel (or color region) corresponding to the color table ( In operation 830, the gray conversion table generation unit 730 generates a gray conversion table 700 based on luminance information corresponding to the color information included in the color table, in operation 830. The color information is converted into gray information through a 700 to generate a gray image (860), and the gray image output unit 740 outputs the generated gray image data to the image output means 760 (865). Image output means 760 to output the gray image to the gray information of the temporary gray image data according to the intention of a person skilled in the art. Is represented further performs a process for adjusting the available gray levels through are preferred.

On the other hand, if one or more color couple information is confirmed (825), the change target gray information calculator 745 checks the reference color information and the change target color information among two or more color information included in the distinguished color couple information ( 835, and calculates gray information corresponding to the change target color information as change target gray information spaced apart from a gray value corresponding to the reference color information among gray levels expressible through the image output unit 760. (840).

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the change target gray information calculator 745 may change the reference gray information corresponding to the reference color information for each gray level expressible through the image output means 760. Setting a minimum gray separation value for the change target gray information corresponding to the target color information, checking unused color information not included in the conversion target color table, and corresponding to the reference color information; The reference gray information including the luminance information corresponding to the gray level that can be expressed through the 760 is checked, and corresponding to the color included in the unused color information, the gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760. Confirm the one or more unused gray information including corresponding luminance information, and then The gray-scale information from the non-use it is desirable to output from the reference gray-scale information by any change to one of the gray-scale information target gray-scale information of the non-used more than the minimum gray-scale information spaced apart gray value.

If the change target gray information is calculated (845), the gray conversion table generator 730 generates the gray conversion table 700 based on the luminance information corresponding to the color information included in the color table, but the change is performed. Generate a gray conversion table 700 further comprising gray information corresponding to the change target gray information corresponding to target color information (850), and if the gray conversion table 700 is generated (855), the gray conversion The unit converts the color information into gray information through the gray conversion table 700 to generate a gray image (860), and the gray image output unit 740 converts the generated gray image data into image output means 760. The output is processed (865).

9 is a view showing a process of adjusting the gray level of the gray image to the gray level of the image output means 760 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In more detail, FIG. 9 includes one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, and texts defined as colors on a document through the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 8. In the process of converting a color image into a distinguishable gray image, the gray level of the gray image is adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760, which is common in the art. Those skilled in the art may refer to and / or modify this drawing 9 to implement various methods (e.g., some steps may be omitted) for adjusting the gray level of the gray image to the gray level of the image output means 760. May be inferred, but the present invention includes all the inferred implementation methods. It becomes, to which the technical feature that is not limited to the exemplary method shown in the figure 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, a color including at least one of a photo, a picture, a clip art, a diagram, a figure, a pattern, a graph, and text defined as a color on a document through a gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 8. The gray adjustment information calculation unit 750 may be configured to convert the image into a gray image that can be distinguished at a point in time when the gray level that can be expressed is confirmed through the image output means 760 to output the gray image. The gray level corresponding to the temporary gray image converted by the temporary gray image converting unit among the entire gray levels on the document including the color image is checked as the gray level to be adjusted, and if the gray to be changed before checking the gray level to be adjusted, When at least one change subject gray information is calculated by the information calculating unit 745, the gray The information information calculating unit 750 confirms the gray level corresponding to the gray image further including the change target gray information calculated by the change target gray information calculating unit 745 in the temporary gray image as the adjustment target gray level. (900).

If the adjustment target gray level is confirmed (905), the gray adjustment information calculation unit 750 adjusts the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the adjustment target gray level to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760. Calculate (910).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in calculating gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to a gray level that can be expressed through the image output means 760, the gray adjustment information calculating unit 750 may generate an image. In response to the gray representation method of the output means 760, the gray level adjustment information for calculating the gray level adjustment information that spaces the adjustment target gray level according to the gray level expressible through the image output means 760 based on a specific adjustment reference gray level is calculated. It is preferable.

If the gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted by the gray adjustment information calculator 750 to a gray level expressible through the image output means 760 is not calculated (915), the gray conversion unit It is preferable to perform only the gray image conversion process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted by the gray adjustment information calculator 750 to a gray level expressible through the image output means 760 is calculated (915), the gray conversion table is generated. The unit 730 generates a gray conversion table 700 based on the luminance information corresponding to the color information included in the color table, and further includes gray information corresponding to the gray adjustment information. In operation 920, the color image is converted into a gray image through the gray conversion table 700 and output through the image output means 760 through the gray image conversion process illustrated in FIG. 8.

According to the present invention, when converting a color image including one or more pictures, drawings, clipart, diagrams, figures, patterns, graphs, texts defined in color on a document into a gray image and outputting the image to the image output means, the color An image is displayed in two or more adjacent color spaces containing different color information, but it is converted to gray to prevent gray distortion that is displayed in an unclear gray area including the same (or close to a certain luminance range) luminance information. And the gray level corresponding to the color image is small, or the gray level of the image output means is small, and the gray distortion of the gray region becomes unclear, and the gray image output use of the image output means is effective. This has the advantage of optimizing and converting gray images to suit.

Claims

The method for converting a color image including one or more pictures, pictures, clipart, graphics, figures, patterns, graphs, and texts defined as colors on a document into a gray image to be output by the image output means. In

(a) checking a gray level of the image output means to output the gray image converted from the color image;

(b) In the color image, two or more color areas are displayed in contact with each other by including different color information. However, when converting to a gray image, the same color information is included in one area including the same luminance information (or included in a preset luminance approximation range). Identifying a displayed division gray area and a boundary area of the division gray area;

(c) calculating change target gray information for changing the gray information divided through the boundary area in the division target gray area to be distinguishable within a gray level expressible through the image output means; And

(d) converting the color image to a gray image including luminance information of the color image, and converting the distinguished gray area to be distinguishable through the change target gray information; How to convert gray image.

(b) From the color table used for the color image, the color image is represented by two or more color regions in contact with each other including different color information, but when converted to a gray image, the same (or within the preset luminance approximation range) Identifying color couple information displayed as one region including luminance information;

(c) calculating change target gray information for changing gray information corresponding to the luminance of the color couple information to be distinguishable within a gray level expressible through the image output means; And

(d) converting the color image to a gray image including luminance information of colors included in the color table, and converting gray information corresponding to the color couple information to be distinguishable through the change target gray information; Gray image conversion method comprising a.

The method of claim 1, wherein the change target gray information,

Information for separating the gray information of one of the gray areas to be changed (or a border area boundary line) among the gray areas included in the gray area to be divided by the border area from the reference gray information by a predetermined gray space value;

The minimum gray space value of the gray information of the changeable gray area (or boundary area boundary line) included in the gray area to be divided among the unused gray information corresponding to the unused color information not used in the color image, from the reference gray information. More than spaced gray information,

And at least one gray separation weight information for separating gray information of at least one gray area included in the distinguished gray area separated by the boundary area into different gray information.

The method according to claim 2, wherein the change target gray information,

Information for separating the gray information corresponding to the color couple information from a reference gray information by a predetermined gray separation value,

Gray information in which gray information corresponding to the color couple information is spaced apart from a reference gray information by a minimum gray separation value among the unused gray information corresponding to the unused color information not included in the color table,

And at least one gray separation weight information for separating the gray information corresponding to the color couple information into different gray information.

The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change target gray information,

And gray information of a third gray area adjacent to the change target gray area included in the division target gray area and a predetermined gray spacing value.

The method according to claim 1 or 2,

Identifying a gray level to be adjusted corresponding to the gray image among all gray levels on the document including the color image;

And calculating gray level adjustment information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted to a gray level expressible through the image output means.

The method of claim 6, wherein the gray level adjustment information,

Information for extending the gray level to be adjusted in the gray image to a gray level expressible through the image output means,

Information for adjusting the brightness by separating the gray level to be adjusted in the gray image in a specific level direction,

And at least one information for adjusting the gray level to be adjusted of the gray image to be lighter or darker based on a specific reference gray level value.

The gray level adjustment information according to claim 1,

{(OldGray-Low) / (High-Low)} * GrayMax + β;

Here, the low value means the lowest gray level in the gray level to be adjusted, the high value means the highest gray level value in the gray level to be adjusted, and the graymax value is the total on the document including the color image. A gray level, wherein β denotes a gray separation value for separating the gray level to be adjusted based on a specific adjustment reference gray level.

The method according to claim 1 or 2,

While repeating the steps (b), (c), and (d), if the distinguishing gray area 2 having the same condition (or similar) as the distinguishing gray area is identified, the same (or similar) And calculating the change target gray information calculated under one condition as change target gray information of the division target gray region (2).

A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method of claim 1 or 2 or 6 or 7.