JP2000345463A - Printing apparatus, printing data preparation apparatus and printing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing technique capable of forming a same or approximately same color without accompanying a complicated operation regardless of characteristics of fabric. SOLUTION: This printing apparatus has an image data inputting means, an indicating means for indicating an image based on inputted image data inputted by the inputting means, an image treating means for subjecting the image data to an image treatment so as to bring the color of the image displayed on the indicating means close to a desired color and a printer for printing an image on a fabric based on the image data subjected to the image treatment. A user can readily confirm the finish of printed material obtained through a post-processing on the image indicating means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink-jet color image processing technique for printing, for example, by spraying a plurality of colors of ink onto a cloth by an ink-jet method to print the cloth.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, ink-jet type printing apparatuses have rapidly become widespread as printers for industrial use, office use, and personal use because digital images can be easily colored. Under such circumstances, application to printing of an ink jet printing apparatus is expected.

[0003] By the way, as a typical example of conventional printing,
There is a silk screen printing method. This method is a method of preparing a screen plate for each color used in the original image to be printed and transferring the printing paste directly to the cloth through the screen plate for dyeing. . However,
This method requires a great deal of man-hours to produce a screen plate for each color, and also requires a large amount of cloth to be produced once since the printing paste for each color used in the original image must be prepared by dye preparation. Although it is suitable for printing on garments, for example, when printing small lots of clothing, there is a disadvantage that the cost per product is relatively increased.

In contrast to the conventional printing method, according to the ink jet printing method, the type of ink provided in the printing apparatus is controlled by a digital signal,
An image can be formed directly by mixing and forming small droplets of ink on a medium. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a screen plate or a printing paste for each color, and the man-hour can be greatly reduced.

[0005]

By the way, color formation using an ink jet is performed by using a color management system unique to a printing apparatus, and its specification is generally changed according to a medium to be printed. Never. This is because a general ink jet device assumes paper as a medium, and in the case of paper, there is no need to change the specifications in particular because characteristics such as ink coloring properties do not extremely differ depending on the paper type. It is due to.

On the other hand, in recent years, an ink jet printing apparatus capable of printing on a medium having characteristics different from that of plain paper such as OHP or glossy paper has been developed. However, regardless of whether it is OHP or glossy paper, its characteristics are substantially constant, and since no other medium to be printed is specifically supposed, the above-described ink-jet type printing apparatus includes: Only a color management system corresponding to a plurality of types of assumed media is incorporated, and it is considered that there is no particular problem in such a case.

However, according to the research results of the present inventor, when the medium to be printed is a fabric, the thickness and knitting method of the yarn forming the fabric and the yarn forming the yarn are further determined. It was found that the ink coloring properties differ depending on the thickness and the number of inks.

In order to prevent bleeding and the like, a material obtained by removing a dye from a printing paste may be applied to a fabric.
It has been found that the ink coloring properties are different depending on the conditions and the material to be formed.

Further, in the case of textile printing, color development is performed by applying heat or water to a heat roller, a steamer, or the like after printing, and it has been found that the color development varies depending on the method and conditions.

[0010] In addition, at the end of the printing process, after the color is developed, an extra material is treated by adding a surfactant or the like to water or warm water. .

That is, in the case of the conventional ink-jet printing on paper or the like, the print specifications need only be set for a plurality of types of media whose characteristics are known in advance. Even if the same type of fabric, such as canvas, is printed with the same specifications by the inkjet method, the pre-processing, the state of the fabric, the coloration method and conditions after printing, and the unnecessary content after coloration The present inventor has found that the finished color is greatly changed by an object removing step (hereinafter referred to as a washing step) or the like.

Further, since the processing for determining the ink coloring properties is unique to the company in the printing industry, it is impossible to unify such processing. Therefore, there is a fact that various products with different characteristics are on the market for each fabric manufactured by each company. It is difficult to print the same or similar colors on products having different characteristics by an inkjet system having the same specifications.

[0013] Such a defect has not been particularly apparent in the conventional silk screen manufacturing method. The reason is that, according to the silk screen manufacturing method, when forming a color, the printing paste is prepared according to the fabric, that is, since the color is determined by matching the actual product, it was not necessary to consider the characteristics of the fabric from the beginning. . On the other hand, in the case of printing by the ink jet method, since a specific color is formed by mixing inks, for example, even when the mixing ratio is constant, completely different colors are used depending on the characteristics of the fabric. May be formed.

In view of this, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 7-267673, a provisional conversion table for performing image signal conversion is set in advance, and correction information for the provisional conversion table is calculated in accordance with the type of cloth. A method is disclosed in which the provisional conversion table is corrected by using the method and the image signal is converted based on the corrected provisional conversion table.

However, in the above-described method, when printing different types of cloths, it is difficult to match the colors of reproduced images with different types of cloths.

On the other hand, even if the fabric to be printed is known in advance, setting the print specifications of the ink jet system is a complicated operation involving data replacement. It is difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to provide a printing technique capable of forming the same or similar colors without complicated work and regardless of the characteristics of the fabric. I do.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following arrangement.

(1) Means for inputting image data, display means for displaying an image based on the image data input by the input means, and changing the color of the image displayed on the display means to a desired color A textile printing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data so as to approach the image data; and a printer that prints an image on a cloth based on the image data on which the image processing has been performed.

(2) The image processing means performs a first color conversion process on the image data input by the input means in accordance with the type of the cloth, and based on the image data on which the color conversion process has been performed. Display on the display means, and further perform a conversion process on the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing means in accordance with the type of the cloth, and the printer performs the conversion process. The printing apparatus according to (1), wherein an image is printed on a cloth based on the image data.

(3) It has a large color conversion table for performing the first color conversion processing and storage means for storing information for performing the conversion processing, and the image processing means includes: The first color conversion processing is performed based on the first color conversion table stored in the storage type rank, and the conversion processing is performed based on the information stored in the storage unit. 2) The printing apparatus according to the above.

(4) The information includes at least one of information on the amount of ink ejected in accordance with the type of cloth, the ratio of mixing different color inks, and the density of ink. 3) The printing apparatus according to the above.

(5) The image processing means performs the first color conversion processing on the image data input by the input means based on a first color conversion table corresponding to the type of the cloth. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

(&) The printing apparatus according to (2), wherein the conversion process is a second color conversion process according to the type of the cloth.

(7) The conversion process is a second color conversion process according to the type of the cloth, and the information is a second color conversion table for performing the second color conversion process. (3) The textile printing apparatus according to (3).

(8) The printing apparatus according to (5), wherein the storage means stores the first color conversion table for each type of cloth.

(9) The printing apparatus according to (7), wherein the storage means stores the second color conversion table for each type of cloth.

(10) Transmission means for transmitting colorimetric data obtained by measuring the color of a color patch printed on the cloth by the printer, and the first color corresponding to the type of the cloth A first color conversion table for performing the conversion process; and a receiving unit for receiving information for performing the conversion process, wherein the image processing unit includes:
The first color conversion processing is performed based on the first color conversion table received by the receiving unit, and the conversion processing is performed based on the information received by the receiving unit ( 2) The printing apparatus according to the above.

(11) The information includes the amount of ink ejection according to the type of the cloth, the ratio of mixing different color inks,
And at least one of the information on the density of the ink
(10) The printing apparatus according to (10), wherein

(12) The textile printing apparatus according to (10), wherein at least one of the reception by the reception unit and the transmission by the transmission unit is performed using a public line.

(13) The conversion process is a second color conversion process according to the type of the cloth, and the information is the second color conversion process.
The textile printing apparatus according to (10), which is a second color conversion table for performing the color conversion processing of (1).

(14) The image processing means performs the first color conversion processing based on the first color conversion table corresponding to the type of cloth received by the receiving means. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 10.

(15) The image processing means performs the second color conversion processing based on the second color conversion table corresponding to the type of cloth received by the receiving means. (10) The printing device according to (1).

(16) The textile printing apparatus according to (1), wherein the printer is an ink jet printer.

(17) Receiving means for receiving data obtained by measuring the color of a color patch formed by spraying a plurality of colors of ink onto a cloth to be printed, and a cloth to be printed based on the received data. A textile printing data creating apparatus, comprising: determining means for creating ink spray data corresponding to a seed; and transmitting means for transmitting the determined ink spray data.

(18) The ink spraying data is characterized by including at least one of information on the amount of ejected ink, the ratio of mixing different color inks, and the density of the ink, suitable for the type of cloth to be printed. The textile printing data creation device according to (17).

(19) The determining means creates the ink spraying data by changing ink spraying data determined in advance according to a specific cloth type (17) or (18). ).

(20) The textile printing data according to any one of (17) to (19), wherein at least one of the reception by the reception unit and the transmission by the transmission unit is performed using a public line. Creating device.

(21) The textile printing data creating apparatus according to any one of (17) to (20), wherein the determining means creates a color conversion table corresponding to a type of cloth as the ink spray data. .

(22) The printer is an ink-jet type printer (17) to (2).
The printing apparatus according to any one of 1) to 1).

(23) A printing method comprising the steps of: inputting image data; and performing a color conversion process on the image data based on a color conversion table corresponding to a desired type of cloth. .

(24) A step of selecting a color conversion table according to the type of the desired cloth, wherein the step of performing the color conversion processing includes the step of selecting the color conversion table based on the selected color conversion table. The textile printing method according to (23), wherein a color conversion process is performed.

(25) a step of creating a color conversion table according to the type of the desired cloth; and performing the color conversion processing. (23) The textile printing method according to (23), wherein

[0044]

According to the configuration described in (1), for example, the user
Predicts the color after printing to some extent without actually performing printing consisting of multiple steps, such as a color forming step, by checking the color of the image displayed on the display as a display means based on digital image data can do.
According to the configuration described in (2), by performing image processing in accordance with the type of cloth, even when printing on various cloths, without actually performing printing including a plurality of steps such as a color forming step, The color after printing to some extent can be reliably predicted. According to the configuration described in (3), since the color conversion table and the information are stored in the storage unit, the user does not need to input data one by one and can simplify the work. According to the configuration described in (4), since the information on the print of the printer is provided, it is preferable in that the displayed image matches the color of the printed matter. According to the configuration described in (5), since the color conversion table is used according to the type of the cloth, it is possible to reliably predict the finish even if the type of the cloth is different. According to the configuration described in (6), by performing the color conversion process even when printing, it is possible to reliably predict the finish.
According to the configuration described in (7), the second printing is performed.
By performing the color conversion processing described above, it is possible to reliably predict the finish. According to the configuration described in (8), since the first color conversion table is stored for each type of cloth, input by the user is not required, and the operation can be simplified.
According to the configuration described in (9), since the second color conversion table is stored for each type of cloth, the user does not need to make any input or the like, thereby simplifying the operation. According to the configuration described in (10), the user forms a color patch on the cloth,
The color conversion table can be received only by transmitting the data obtained by measuring the color of the color patch. By using the color conversion table, a desired color can be reproduced. According to the configuration described in (11), the information includes an emission amount of ink corresponding to a type of cloth,
It is preferable to include at least one of the ratio of mixing inks of different colors and information on the density of the ink. According to the configuration described in (12), it is preferable that transmission or reception be performed quickly by using a public line for transmission by the transmission unit or reception by the reception unit. (1
According to the configuration described in 3), by performing the color conversion processing using the second conversion table according to the type of the cloth, the finish of the printed matter can be reliably predicted. According to the configuration described in (14), by performing the color conversion processing using the first conversion table according to the type of the cloth received by the receiving unit, the user needs to input the color conversion table and the like. In addition, it is possible to reliably predict the finish of the printed matter. According to the configuration described in (15), by performing the color conversion processing using the second conversion table according to the type of the cloth received by the receiving unit, the user needs to input the color conversion table and the like. In addition, it is possible to reliably predict the finish of the printed matter. According to the configuration described in (16), the printing process using the ink can be more easily performed by using the inkjet method. (1
According to the configuration described in 7), the user can form the color patch on the cloth, transmit the data obtained by measuring the color of the color patch, and receive the color conversion D table. By using the conversion table, a desired color can be reproduced. (18)
According to the configuration described in (1), it is preferable that the information includes at least one of information on an ejection amount of ink according to a type of cloth, a mixing ratio of inks of different colors, and a density of ink. According to the configuration described in (19), ink spray data corresponding to a specific cloth type is previously provided, and since the data is used after being changed, the data amount is small and the memory can be reduced and the memory can be downsized. According to the configuration described in (20), it is preferable that transmission or reception can be quickly performed by using a public line for transmission by the transmission unit or reception by the reception unit. According to the configuration described in (21), since the color conversion table is created for each cloth type as the ink spray data, the finish of the printed matter can be reliably predicted.
According to the configuration described in (22), the printing process using the ink can be more easily performed by using the ink jet system. According to the configuration described in (23),
Since the color conversion table corresponding to the type of cloth is used, it is possible to perform an accurate printing process in consideration of the color development of each cloth. According to the configuration described in (24), since the color conversion table selected according to the type of the cloth is used, it is possible to perform an accurate printing process in consideration of the coloring of each cloth. (2
According to the configuration described in 5), since the color conversion table created corresponding to the type of the cloth is used, it is possible to perform an accurate printing process in consideration of the coloring of each cloth.

[0045]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments. First, when printing on a fabric, a process of performing a pre-process on the fabric, printing an image by an inkjet method, performing a fixing (coloring) process, and further removing excess ink by a washing process is performed. Becomes

By the way, the feature of the printing by the ink jet method is that a plurality of color inks are prepared in advance, instead of preparing a dye specially for each cloth to be printed as in the conventional silk screen method, and ejecting the ink. And adjusting the mixing ratio to form various colors. In the ink jet system according to the present embodiment, a total of eight types are used for each of the four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively, for each shade.

However, since the ink absorptivity differs for each cloth, for example, in a certain kind of cloth, even if a bright color is expressed by the mixed ink, it is dark in another kind of cloth under the same conditions. Color may be represented. In clothing and the like, there are cases where it is desired to treat the same pattern with different cloth types such as ties and handkerchiefs. However, it is not preferable to use different colors for each cloth type.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a method is proposed in which the same or similar color can be formed even when the cloth types are different. First, a method of adjusting the color of an image when printed on an object to be printed based on image data will be described. Such a method has two aspects. First, a first method is a method of confirming a color displayed on a display on the assumption that an electric signal which is digital image data exists.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system for executing the first method. As shown in FIG. 1, R is determined based on the data read from the digital image data storage means.
The data is converted into GB data, and an image based on the RGB data is displayed on the display 1. The image processing means 3 is used to change the color of the image displayed on the display to the target color (the color of the final printed material that has undergone post-processing steps such as coloring and washing). For example, if the color is not the desired color, the image processing unit 3 performs tone characteristics, error conversion, and color conversion to obtain a desired color. still,
In such a case, the RGB data is converted to the corresponding YMCK data.

Image data after conversion (YMCK data)
Is transmitted from the image processing means 3 to the printer 4 of the ink jet system, and the printer 4 can print on a desired cloth. After that, a fixing process and a cleaning process are performed.

The feature of this method is that, since an image can be once expressed on the display 1, it can be easily produced without going through a color development process peculiar to printing (in general, the color tone is significantly different before and after color development in printing). Quickly and
That is, the quality of the final print can be predicted on the display 1.

In the present embodiment, the color on the display 1 and the color on the printed material (the material that has been subjected to the fixing process and the washing process) substantially match. In addition, a table for converting RGB data into YMCK data is stored in the image processing means 3 for each type of cloth, and the image processing means 3 uses a color conversion table corresponding to the type of cloth to generate RGB data. Is converted into YMCK data and transmitted to the printer 4. At this time, if the tone processing conversion, error conversion, color conversion, etc. are performed by the image processing unit 3,
The converted RGB data is converted into YMCK data. In this way, if the color conversion table is stored in advance for each type of cloth, the user can easily and quickly check the final print on the display without going through a color development process unique to printing. be able to. A method of creating a color conversion table according to the type of cloth will be described later.

By the way, the method of changing the color conversion method (changing the color conversion table) according to the type of cloth only changes the colorimetric color characteristic estimation part of the image processing. That is, "change the color conversion method". As described above, a color conversion table for associating RGB and Lab data with CMYK data is changed according to the type of cloth.

The procedure for changing the color conversion method (the procedure for creating a color conversion table according to the type of cloth) will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the color conversion method is different between the case of using YMCK and inks of other colors and the case of YMCK and its density being different (each density ink of YMCK).

<When YMCK and Ink of Other Colors are Used> First, a gradation curve of each color is obtained. In this case, if at least a black gradation curve is obtained, good color conversion can be performed by a method using Lagrangian interpolation and a color conversion table including color measurement data of color patches, which will be described later, without obtaining gradation curves of other colors. Become. The method of obtaining the gradation curve is, for example, in the case of 8-bit data for each color,
Although there are 256 gradations, it is not necessary to take data of 256 points for each color, and the gradation curve may be approximated by at least three or more points having different densities (different data sizes). Next, a color patch described later is printed on a desired cloth using the gradation curve, and post-processing (coloring and washing) is performed to complete the color patch. Measure the color patch,
An LUT is created by an LUT creation program. <Y
When MCK and Inks with Different Densities are Used> First, printing is performed on a desired cloth with each of the inks having different densities, and the color after post-processing is measured. A switching point between dark ink and light ink for each color is calculated based on the color density of each color after the post-processing, the color density of the light color after the post-processing, and the color density of the medium. Next, a gradation curve of each color is obtained using this data. Also in this case, at least the black gradation curve may be obtained as described above. However, unlike the above, the approximation is poor for the gradation curve at three points,
It is preferable to approximate by points or more. Further, using this gradation curve, a color patch is completed in the same manner as described above, the color is measured, and the LUT is completed by the LUT program. When using YMCK dark and light inks and inks of colors other than YMCK, the dark and light inks are set to <YMCK
And when inks of other colors are used>
Preferably, a UT is created.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a color patch to be measured. The case where YMCK and their respective concentrations are different will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the color patch is composed of a total of 25 groups, with 25 color samples as one group, that is, 625 color samples. These groups are c = 0 to c = 25 in the horizontal direction.
It is composed of 5 columns up to 5. When c = 0, the emission amount of cyan ink is set to 0%, and when c = 255, the emission amount of cyan ink is set to 100%.

Further, these groups have k = 0 in the vertical direction.
To k = 255 in five rows. When k = 0, the emission amount of the black ink is set to 0%, and when k = 255, the emission amount of the black ink is 10%.
0%.

On the other hand, in each group, y
It is composed of five rows of color samples from = 0 to y = 255. When y = 0, the emission amount of the yellow ink is set to 0%, and when y = 255, the emission amount of the yellow ink is set to 100%.

Further, in each group, m
It is composed of five rows of color samples from = 0 to m = 255. When m = 0, the emission amount of magenta ink is set to 0%, and when m = 255, the emission amount of magenta ink is set to 100%.

That is, the color patches shown in FIG. 4 use the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks, respectively.
Each of them is formed by changing the emission amount in five steps. From y = m = c = k = 0, y = m = c = k = 255
Until the above, a state in which printing is performed while changing the emission amount and the mixing ratio of these inks is shown. The number of color patches is more preferably at least 7 or more and 312 or more. In particular, 31
With two or more, the color reproduction characteristics are dramatically improved.

Next, a description will be given of a color patch using YMCK and a color other than YMCK. For example, YM
When the colors of CKBGR are used, similar color patches are created for three types of YRM and K, MBC and K, and CGY and K. That is, in the case of YMR and K, the value of C in the diagram of FIG. As described above, the LUT is created.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a color conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, first, the host computer 20 stores in the color conversion table LUT (L) the data indicating the ink ejection amount and the ink mixing ratio that can reproduce the finally printed color on a specific cloth type.
(OK Up Table).

The host computer 20 includes, as a part of the LUT, color data of a color patch for a specific cloth type.

An LUT creation program for creating an LUT is incorporated. The part surrounded by a broken line may be an integrated personal computer. Also, only the LUT creation program is incorporated in the host computer 20 and the LUT
The UT may be hated by the personal computer 10.

The user uses the ink jet printer 40 to apply the color patch C to the cloth C desired to be printed (this cloth may or may not be the known cloth).
p is actually printed. The term "printing" as used herein refers to a product that is printed and then post-processed. In such a case, since the amount of ink absorption and the like differ depending on the thickness of the yarn weaving the cloth, the actual color of the color patch also differs.

Then, the user operates the colorimeter (for example, X-R
Each of the color patches Cp is measured by an ITE device 30 and the data is sent to the host computer 20 via a recording medium such as a public line N or a CD-R.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the host computer 20. Step S101
In, the host computer 20 acquires colorimetric data from the user. Subsequently, in step S102, the host computer 20 performs, based on the acquired data,
Create an LUT for cloth C.

Here, due to the amount of ink ejected and the mixing ratio,
The color actually printed on the cloth C desired by the user can be associated with the color. Therefore, the host computer 20
Is appropriately LU-configured using, for example, a personal computer 10 as a terminal.
While changing the T value, the LUT is customized to suit the cloth C desired by the user.
The intermediate value of the data (for example, c = 32) may be obtained by Lagrange interpolation, linear interpolation, or the like. In this case, the color reproducibility is good if the number of color patches is 312 or more in the case of YMCK. Note that such conversion can be automatically performed by any software.

Further, in step S103, the host computer 20 transmits the created LUT value to the printer 40 via the public line N or the like. The user can form an image of a desired color on a cloth desired to be printed by the printer 40 receiving the LUT value.

When only the LUT creation program is incorporated in the host computer and the LUT is incorporated in the personal computer, the configuration is as shown in FIG. The colorimetric device 30 measures the color of the color patch Cp and sends the data to the host computer via a recording medium such as a public line or a CD-R, and creates an LUT according to the flow of the flowchart described above. The created LUT data is transmitted to the personal computer 10. The user is a PC1
With 0, the printer 40 can be activated to form a desired color image on the cloth.

Although color conversion of an actual image cannot be performed unless various steps are calculated, in this embodiment, color conversion for each cloth can be easily performed only by converting the contents of the LUT. That's how it works.

Further, as described above, in order to create an LUT, data that has been inherently measured must be calculated. However, according to the present embodiment, each user performs up to the color measurement of the fabric. However, the data can be transferred to the host computer 20 using the communication function, and the data can be calculated there, so that the calculation for color conversion can be easily and inexpensively performed without each user having an expensive computer. Things. Further, on the host computer 20 side,
This is convenient because information on color conversion can be provided without acquiring information on cloth (for example, user-specific processing).

Further, in the second method shown in FIG. 2, first, the digital image data is virtually matched with the display 1, and finally the colorimetric data of the object to be printed and the color data of the digital image data are converted. It is to match. For example, an image forming software, photoshop (adob)
e) is digital image data with no definition,
It is possible to virtually display RGB and Lab values. A desired color can be expressed by matching the virtual value with the colorimetric data of the final print.

According to the present embodiment, the color of the image on the display 1 is slightly different from the color of the final print image, but the printed matter can be made to match the virtual RGB and Lab values. The user can confirm the actual color by using another means (for example, a color chart such as scotdic).

Further, according to the present embodiment, a virtual lookup table (L) which is a virtual color conversion table
UT) is created and fixed, and color conversion can be achieved by changing virtual RGB or Lab data on the digital image data side. For example, a virtual value, for example, a Lab value of the image data read from the digital image data storage means 2 is displayed on the display 1. Then, the user selects a desired color sample from the color patches printed on the desired type of cloth (subjected to the fixing process and the washing process), and confirms the Lab value of the selected color sample. Then, the Lab value of the image data is changed by the image processing means 3 so that the Lab value of the image data becomes the same as the Lab value of the selected color sample. And Lab
The image data based on the image data whose value has been changed is transmitted to the printer 4 and printed on a desired cloth by the printer 4.

According to this, the LUT according to the type of cloth
(Color conversion table) There is no need to create or measure colors, and virtual RGB and Lab values are input by the true colors (human eyes) obtained by the color chart and the colors are reproduced. Time and man-hours can be greatly reduced.

Next, a case where the virtual color conversion table (LUT) described with reference to FIG. 2 is used will be described.

For example, when a user wants to print a cloth, first, individual digital image data (for example, Lab value) is known on the cloth by an ink jet apparatus using a virtual color conversion table. Is printed, colored and washed to create a color chart (color sample).

Next, the user selects a desired color from the color sample. Then, the user obtains digital image data (for example, Lab value) of this color. The user pastes this digital image data on the data (color) of the image to be designed (printed). That is, the image data to be printed is changed to digital image data such as Lab values of a desired color on the color chart. In this way, the user can easily perform a desired color on the cloth to be printed without changing the color conversion table.

The number of color charts in a color chart whose color digital data is known is preferably set to 600 or more, preferably 700 to 3000. Here, the color chart whose color digital data is known refers to a color chart after color conversion processing is performed using the color chart.

Further, the human eye generally has a low discriminating ability for bright colors and dark colors. Therefore, in a color chart in which digital data of the color is known, the digital data is defined by RGB. And the gradation is 0
When divided into 255 signals, 0 to 100 and / or
Alternatively, it is preferable that the range of data of 200 to 255 is formed by signals at intervals wider than other ranges.

In particular, 0-100 and / or 200-25
Preferably, the range of 5 data is formed by signals at intervals of 20 or more, and the other range is formed by signals at intervals of 15 or less.

Similarly, in a color chart patch whose digital data of the color is known, the digital data is La
b, the L value ranges from 0 to 100,
The value range of 0 to 30 is formed by values of intervals of 10 or more, the a value and / or b value is defined by the range of -120 to 120, and is formed by values of intervals of 20 or more. Is preferred.

Furthermore, in image processing, the amount of ink has been limited only by color in the past, but according to the present inventors, it has been found that bleeding is also an important factor in textile printing. For example, it is better to set the maximum ink amount high for fabrics with high ink absorbency, such as canvas fabrics, while it is better to set the maximum ink amount low for fabrics with high ink absorbency, such as silk fabrics. Is good. Therefore, by inputting the information on the LUT, it is possible to perform printing that is more desired by the user.
Specifically, the adjustment of the bleed amount can be achieved by limiting the maximum amount of ink per unit area.
In such a case, the host computer 20 is connected to the printer 40.
It is preferable to provide a function for limiting the maximum ink emission amount based on the information from.

For example, the user can measure the amount of bleeding of the color patch and send it to the host computer to determine an appropriate amount of bleeding. Further, when the maximum ink amount is adjusted, it is preferable that the ΔE value be equal to or less than 3 as compared with the case where the maximum ink amount is not adjusted, since there is generally no difference seen by human eyes.

According to the study of the present invention, depending on the cloth, as shown in FIG. 6, the color density does not linearly increase as the maximum ink amount per unit area increases, but the color density is inverted. all right. It was also found that bleeding occurred with the amount of ink where the color density was inverted.

That is, conventionally, if the user increases the ink amount, the color density is expected to increase, and the ink amount is increased to increase the color density. However, in fact, it was point B and it was found that a desired density could not be obtained.

In the present embodiment, data for limiting the maximum ink amount is input to the LUT itself.

For example, with reference to FIG. 4, k = 255, y = 255, m = 255, c
= 255 portion is the point B in FIG. 6, and k = 192, y = 192, m = 192, and c = 19 of the same hue.
If the colorimetric data of the two parts is point A in FIG. 6, k = 192, y = 192, m
= 192, c = 192 is the maximum value to create an LUT. As a result, the bleeding can be reduced, and the reversal of the density with respect to the ink amount can also be reduced.
High quality printing is possible. Also, the work efficiency of the user is improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, when inks having different densities are used, information on the switching point between the dark ink and the light ink can be included in the LUT. According to the research of the present inventors, it has been found that changing the switching point between the dark color ink and the light color ink changes the color developability for each cloth type. Table 1 is a diagram showing test results when the switching point between the dark color ink and the light color ink is changed for each cloth type.

[0091]

[Table 1]

In Table 1, the symbols in the WARPS column indicate the diameter and the number of yarns in one direction, and the symbols in the WOOFS column indicate the diameter and the number of yarns in the direction transverse to one direction. Details are not described below because they are well known to those skilled in the art. Here, as a result of comparing Example 1 and Example 2, it was found that the continuity of the image was improved by adjusting the switching point between the dark ink and the light ink in the same cloth type.

[0093] If a program for executing the above-described method is recorded on a recording medium, the above-described method can be executed on another computer via the recording medium. Further, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet system, but is applicable to all systems in which a plurality of types of inks are mixed for printing.

The following is another embodiment of the present invention.

(!) First image processing for converting digital image data so as to correspond to or close to a color displayed on a display;
A second image processing for converting the final print, which has passed through a printing process for printing, coloring and washing, to correspond to or close to the color of the final print. According to this configuration, the second image processing is performed with priority. This makes it possible to represent a color that matches or is closer to the desired color in the final print.

(2) A printing method in which a plurality of color inks are ejected onto a cloth based on a color conversion table to form an image on the cloth, wherein the color conversion is performed in accordance with the type of cloth to be printed. A printing method including a step of changing the contents of a table. This configuration is characterized in that a set color conversion table is not corrected and used in accordance with the type of cloth, but is created in accordance with the type of cloth. With this configuration, high-quality printing can be performed. Also, for example,
It is preferable to create a color conversion table for each type of cloth. For example, if the color conversion table specifies the emission amount of ink for printing a specific color, etc., by changing the contents of the color conversion table, the same or similar value can be obtained for an arbitrary cloth type. Color can be formed. In addition, the cloth type here refers to a cloth having a different thickness, a different knitting method, or a different thickness or the number of yarns from which a yarn is formed. If the material such as yarn is different, it is necessary to change the type of ink used for printing. For example, a disperse dye is polyester or acetate, a reactive dye is cotton,
Hemp, rayon, and in the case of acid dyes, silk, nylon,
It is wool. When printing of two or more types of materials is possible as described above, the concept of a cloth type is included.

(3) A printing method in which a plurality of colors of ink are ejected onto a cloth to form an image on the cloth, and the amount of ink to be ejected and the ink of a different color are used in accordance with the type of the cloth to be printed. A printing method in which at least one of the mixing ratios is changed. As a result, the same or similar colors can be formed even with different types of fabrics, thereby enabling high-quality printing. Therefore, a provisional conversion table for converting an image signal is set in advance in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
A method is disclosed in which correction information for a provisional conversion table is calculated according to the type of cloth, the provisional conversion table is corrected based on the correction information, and an image signal is converted based on the corrected provisional conversion table.

However, in the above method, when printing different types of fabrics, it is difficult to position the color of the reproduction range in different types of fabrics.

(4) The printing method according to (2) or (3), wherein the ink has an aberration y with respect to the cloth by an ink jet method. That is, the above (2) or (3)
Particularly, it is suitable for printing by an ink jet method.

(5) A method of creating a color conversion table for converting colors to be printed for different types of cloth, the method being used for printing a cloth using at least one kind of ink including black. Determining the tone curve of the ink, measuring the color of at least seven or more types of color patches printed on cloth using the ink and having different colors, and measuring the tone curve of the ink. Creating a color conversion table for each cloth type based on the color of the color patch. By this method, if a color conversion table that defines, for example, the amount of ink emission is created for each cloth type, a color conversion table corresponding to the cloth type to be printed can be appropriately selected, and a desired color can be obtained in such a cloth. Can be reproduced, thereby enabling high-quality printing. In particular, preferably, the colors of at least 312 or more color patches having different colors are measured.

(6) A method for preparing a color conversion table for converting colors to be printed for different types of cloth, including a step of measuring the color densities of inks having different densities, including at least black. A step of obtaining a gradation curve of the ink when the cloth is printed by using one or more kinds of inks; and a step of calculating the color of at least seven or more kinds of color patches different in color printed on the cloth by using the ink. Measuring, based on the measured color density of the ink, the gradation curve of the ink, and the measured color of the color patch,
Creating a color conversion table. According to this method, if a color conversion table that defines, for example, the emission amount of ink is created for each cloth type, the color conversion table corresponding to the cloth type to be printed can be appropriately selected, and the desired color conversion table can be obtained for such a cloth. Color can be reproduced,
This enables high quality printing. Note that the step of measuring the color density of each of the inks having different densities includes printing on a fabric without going through color management,
This is a step of measuring the color density after washing and drying. In particular,
Preferably, the colors of at least 312 or more color patches having different colors are measured.

(7) The printing method according to (5) or (6), wherein the ink has an aberration of y with respect to the cloth by an ink jet method. That is, the above (5) or (6)
Particularly, it is suitable for printing by an ink jet method.

(8) Receiving means for receiving data obtained by measuring the color of a color patch formed by spraying a plurality of colors of ink onto a cloth to be printed, and a cloth to be printed based on the received data. A textile printing data creating apparatus, comprising: a determining unit that creates ink spray data corresponding to a seed; and a transmitting unit that transmits the determined ink spray data. According to this apparatus, for example, a user forms a color patch on a cloth desired to be printed, and only transmits data obtained by measuring the color of the color patch, the ink spray data created and transmitted by the textile data creating apparatus. Can be received, and by using such ink spray data, it becomes possible to reproduce a desired color on a desired cloth.

(9) The printing according to (8), wherein the ink spraying data includes at least one of information on the amount of ejected ink, the ratio of mixing inks of different colors, and the density of ink suitable for the type of cloth to be printed. Data creation device.

(10) The printing means of (8) or (9), wherein the determining means creates the ink spraying data by changing ink spraying data determined in advance according to a specific cloth type. apparatus. This allows
This is preferable because such preparation can be performed quickly.

(11) The textile printing data producing apparatus according to any one of (8) to (19), wherein at least one of the reception by the reception unit and the transmission by the transmission unit is performed using a public line. This is preferable because transmission or reception can be performed quickly.

(12) The ink is subjected to the aberration y by the ink jet method with respect to the cloth (8) to (1).
Printing method 1). That is, the above (8) to (11) are:
Particularly, it is suitable for printing by an ink jet method.

(13) A printing method for forming a desired color on a different cloth by printing, wherein a color patch whose digital color data is known is printed on the cloth using a virtual color conversion table. Developing a color and removing an excess pigment; selecting a desired color from the colors of the color patches; and converting the color data of the digital image data to be printed to the digital data of the desired color. Or a step of changing the digital data to coincident digital data. Thereby, the user can easily perform a desired color on the cloth to be printed without changing the color conversion table.

(14) In the printing method of (13), the number of color charts in a color chart in which digital data of the color is known is preferably 700 or more and 3000 or less.

Generally, human eyes have a low discriminating ability for bright colors and dark colors. (15) Digital data of the colors in a known color chart
The digital data is defined by RGB and the gradation is 0
If the signal is divided into ~ 255 signals, 0 ~ 100 and
(14) The printing method according to (14), wherein the data range of 200 to 255 is formed by signals having a wider interval than other ranges. Thereby, high-quality printing with preferable color reproduction in accordance with the characteristics of the human eye can be performed.

(16) 0-100 and / or 200-2
The printing method of (15), wherein the range of 55 data is formed by signals at intervals of 20 or more, and the other range is formed by signals at intervals of 15 or less.

(17) In a color chart in which digital data of the color is known, the digital data is defined by Lab, the L value is in the range of 0 to 100, and 0 to 3
The range of values of 0 is formed by values at intervals of 10 or more,
The printing method according to (15), wherein the a value and / or b value is defined in the range of -120 to 120, and is formed with a value of 20 or more, is preferred.

(18) A printing apparatus having a function of adjusting the maximum amount of ink ejected per unit area according to the type of cloth. For example, with respect to a fabric having a high ink absorbency such as a canvas, it is possible to set the maximum ink amount to a high value and to set according to the type of the fabric, thereby performing high-quality printing. Note that the maximum amount of ink to be emitted may be the maximum amount of ink that adheres to the cloth. Further, it is preferable to realize the device (15) by including information for adjusting the maximum amount of ink ejected per unit area in the color conversion table. Thus, the operator does not need to adjust the emission amount by himself, and can perform the adjustment automatically. Furthermore, if the information for automatically adjusting the maximum amount of ink ejected per unit area is included when creating the color conversion table, work efficiency can be improved.

(19) When the maximum ink amount is adjusted, ΔE is smaller than when the maximum ink amount is not adjusted.
The printing apparatus according to (18), wherein the value is 3 or less. This is preferable because there is generally no difference seen by human eyes.

(20) A means for obtaining a gradation curve calculated from the adjusted maximum ink amount and preparing a color conversion table to be printed according to a different cloth type from the gradation curve (18) Alternatively, the printing apparatus described in (19) is preferable.

(21) The printing apparatus according to any one of (18) to (20), wherein the maximum amount of the ink is determined based on a bleed amount of the ink ejected to the cloth to be printed.

(22) The printing method according to (5) or (6), wherein the ink is subjected to an aberration y on the cloth by an ink jet system. That is, the above (19) to (21)
Is particularly suitable for printing by an ink jet method.

(23) Based on the digital image data,
Display means for displaying an image, processing means for performing image processing on the digital image data so as to bring the color of the image displayed by the display means closer to a desired color, and processing the digital image data on which the image processing has been performed. And a printing means for printing an image on a predetermined cloth based on the printing. According to this configuration, for example, the user can confirm the color of the image displayed on the display as the display unit based on the digital image data, without actually performing the printing including a plurality of steps such as the coloring step. The color after printing can be expected to some extent.

(24) Based on the digital image data,
Display means for displaying first information relating to the color of the image; acquiring means for acquiring second information relating to the color of the image printed on a predetermined cloth based on the digital image data; and displaying the desired color in the image. A printing device having a modifying means for modifying the first information based on the second information so as to be formed. According to this configuration, for example, the RGB values and Lab values (first information) displayed on the display are
The color can be modified based on the colorimetric data (second information) of the color of the image printed on the predetermined cloth, whereby a desired color can be formed on the predetermined cloth.

(25) Based on the digital image data,
Display means for displaying first information relating to the color of the image; acquiring means for acquiring second information relating to the color of the image printed on a predetermined cloth based on the digital image data; and displaying the desired color in the image. A textile printing apparatus having modifying means for modifying the second information based on the first information so as to be formed. According to this configuration, for example, the colorimetric data (second information) of the color of the image printed on the predetermined cloth is modified based on the RGB value and the Lab value (first information) displayed on the display. The desired color can be formed on a given cloth.

(26) The digital image conversion method of (1),
Execute any one of the printing methods (2) to (4), any one of the color conversion table creation methods (5) to (7), or any one of the printing methods (13) to (17). Is preferably recorded on a recording medium such as a CD, an FD, or a DVD, because the program can be read as needed.

[0122]

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform appropriate color conversion on various kinds of cloth, and to form a color used in an original image to be printed with good reproducibility. . Further, by adjusting the maximum emission amount for a thin cloth or a thick cloth, a smooth image without bleeding can be formed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system that performs a first method.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system that performs a second method.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a color conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color patch.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in the host computer 20.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a relationship between a maximum ink amount per unit area and a color density.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a color conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display 2 Digital image data storage means 3 Image processing means 4, 40 Printer 10 Personal computer 20 Host computer 30 Colorimeter

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A means for inputting image data, and based on the image data input by the input means,
Display means for displaying an image; image processing means for performing image processing on the image data so as to bring a color of the image displayed on the display means close to a desired color; and the image data subjected to the image processing And a printer for printing an image on a cloth based on the printer. 2. The image processing unit performs a first color conversion process on image data input by the input unit according to a type of the cloth, and performs a first color conversion process based on the image data on which the color conversion process is performed. Displaying on the display unit, and further performing a conversion process on the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit in accordance with the type of the cloth, wherein the printer performs the conversion process on the image data. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image is printed on the cloth based on the data. 3. A method for performing the first color conversion process.
Storage means for storing a color conversion table and information for performing the conversion processing, wherein the image processing means stores the first color conversion table based on the first color conversion table stored in the storage type. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the color conversion processing is performed, and the conversion processing is performed based on the information stored in the storage unit. 4. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information includes at least one of an ejection amount of the ink according to a type of cloth, a ratio of mixing inks of different colors, and information on a density of the ink. 3. The printing apparatus according to 3. 5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first color conversion process is performed on the image data input by the input device based on a first color conversion table corresponding to the type of the cloth. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 6. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the conversion processing is a second color conversion processing according to a type of the cloth. 7. The conversion process is a second color conversion process according to the type of the cloth, and the information is a second color conversion table for performing the second color conversion process. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 8. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said storage means stores said first color conversion table for each type of cloth. 9. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the storage unit stores the second color conversion table for each type of cloth. 10. A transmitting means for transmitting colorimetric data obtained by measuring a color of a color patch printed on said cloth by said printer, and said first color conversion according to a type of said cloth. A first color conversion table for performing a process and a receiving unit for receiving information for performing the conversion process, wherein the image processing unit is configured to receive the first color received by the receiving unit. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first color conversion processing is performed based on a conversion table, and the conversion processing is performed based on the information received by the receiving unit. 11. The information according to claim 11, wherein the information includes at least one of an ejection amount of the ink according to the type of the cloth, a ratio of mixing inks of different colors, and information on the density of the ink. Item 11. The textile printing apparatus according to Item 10. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the reception of said reception unit and the transmission of said transmission unit is performed using a public line. 13. The conversion process is a second color conversion process according to the type of the cloth, and the information is a second color conversion table for performing the second color conversion process. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs the first color conversion processing based on the first color conversion table corresponding to a type of cloth received by the receiving unit. Item 11. The textile printing apparatus according to Item 10. 15. The image processing means according to claim 2, wherein said image processing means performs said second color conversion processing based on said second color conversion table corresponding to the type of cloth received by said receiving means. Item 11. The textile printing apparatus according to Item 10. 16. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer is an ink jet printer. 17. A receiving means for receiving data obtained by measuring the color of a color patch formed by spraying a plurality of colors of ink on a cloth to be printed, and a cloth type to be printed based on the received data. 1. A textile printing data creating apparatus, comprising: determining means for creating ink spray data corresponding to the above; and transmitting means for transmitting the determined ink spray data. 18. The ink spraying data according to claim 15, wherein the ink spraying data includes at least one of information on an ejection amount of ink, a mixing ratio of inks of different colors, and a density of ink suitable for a cloth type to be printed. Item 18. A textile printing data creating apparatus according to Item 17. 19. The ink spraying data according to claim 17, wherein the determining means changes the ink spraying data determined in advance according to a specific cloth type to create the ink spraying data. Printing data creation device. 20. The textile printing data creation apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the reception by the reception unit and the transmission by the transmission unit is performed using a public line. 21. The textile printing data creating apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said determining means creates a color conversion table corresponding to a type of cloth as said ink spraying data. 22. The textile printing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the printer is an inkjet printer. 23. A printing method comprising the steps of: inputting image data; and performing a color conversion process on the image data based on a color conversion table corresponding to a desired cloth type. 24. A step of selecting a color conversion table according to the type of the desired cloth, wherein the step of performing the color conversion processing includes the step of performing color conversion on the image data based on the selected color conversion table. 24. The printing method according to claim 23, wherein a conversion process is performed. 25. A step of creating a color conversion table corresponding to the type of the desired cloth, wherein the step of performing the color conversion processing includes the step of: applying the color conversion table to the image data based on the created color conversion table. The textile printing method according to claim 23, wherein a color conversion process is performed.