JP2012168860A - Print data creation device, print data creation method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print data creation device capable of automatically specifying a part on which clear toner is placed such as a brightness part of an image, when version data for printing is created.SOLUTION: A print data creation device includes: a memory 20 for storing data; an image input part 10 for inputting image data for printing in the memory 20; an image display part 30 for performing a display of the image data; an image division part 81 for dividing the image data into partial images according to a division number of image for brightness detection stored in the memory 20; a skewness calculation part 82 for calculating skewness from luminance data of the partial images; a threshold value determination part 83 for comparing and determining the skewness to a threshold value for brightness detection stored in the memory 20; a brightness detection part 80 for performing brightness detection on the basis of the determination result of the threshold value determination part 83; a marker automatic setting part 90 for, in partial images of which brightness is detected by the brightness detection part 80, automatically setting a marker for an area on which clear toner is placed to a part having a high luminance and setting a marker for an area on which clear toner is not placed to a part having a low luminance; and an area division part 50 for automatically performing area division on the basis of the markers.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing data creation apparatus, a data creation method, a program for executing the printing data creation method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

Adobe's Photoshop (registered trademark) is a method for creating clear data for using clear toner (transparent color toner) in production printing (printing with high-speed copying machines for the commercial printing market and in-house printing market). ) And the like, and a method of designating an area on which clear toner is placed by an area selection function prepared there.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 is for performing image display control corresponding to an image signal to an image display apparatus having a backlight for the purpose of improving gloss expression in an image display apparatus such as a large screen television or a projector. A gloss determination unit that determines whether or not there is a glossy portion of an image based on the image signal, and a control that changes the light emission intensity of the backlight based on the determination result of the gloss determination unit. There is disclosed an image processing apparatus that includes a backlight control unit that performs the control so that the backlight control unit changes the light emission intensity of the backlight so as to improve the luminance of the glossy portion of the image.

However, with the conventional method, it is only possible to confirm the area after designation, and it is possible to make fine adjustment of area designation while confirming what effect the user has when clear toner is placed on that area. There was a problem that it was difficult.
Therefore, the present applicant confirms in real time in Patent Document 2 what the effect is when the clear toner is placed on the area when the user creates clear data for using the clear toner. In order to make it easier to create clear data by making it possible to interactively modify the area where the clear toner is placed, the area is divided into areas using the watershed method and at the same time the clear toner is placed. A method of displaying with changing brightness has been proposed.
In addition, when creating clear data for users to use clear toner in production printing, the effect of clear toner on the area is calculated using a reflection model. We have proposed a method that enables real-time display according to changes in conditions such as the position and color of the light source, the position and direction of the viewpoint, and the reflectance of the toner, and at the same time interactively correct the area where the clear toner is placed. .

However, the previously proposed method has a problem that the user has to specify a portion on which clear toner such as a glossy portion of an image is placed when creating plate data for printing.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can automatically specify a portion on which clear toner such as a glossy portion of an image is placed when creating plate data for printing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing data creation device, a printing data creation method, a program for executing the printing data creation method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

To achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for holding data, image input means for inputting image data for printing to the storage means, and image display means for displaying image data. Image division means for dividing the image data into partial images according to the number of gloss detection image divisions stored in the storage means, and skewness calculation means for calculating the skewness from the luminance data of the partial images, A threshold value determination unit that determines a skewness by comparing with a gloss detection threshold value stored in the storage unit; a gloss detection unit that performs gloss detection based on a determination result of the threshold value determination unit; and the gloss detection unit. Markers that automatically set markers for areas where clear toner is to be placed on areas with high brightness, and markers for areas where clear toner is not to be placed on areas with low brightness for partial images where gloss has been detected And the dynamic setting means and the print data creation apparatus and a region dividing means for automatically performing area division based on the marker.
According to the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically designate a portion on which clear toner such as a glossy portion of an image is placed when creating plate data for printing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an area instruction input means for inputting an instruction by a user for a portion on the image where the clear toner is placed and a portion where the clear toner is not placed. According to the second embodiment, there is an effect that the user can adjust the position of the marker.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided display image enlargement / reduction means for enlarging / reducing a display image. According to the 3rd form, there exists an effect which confirmation of a fine part becomes easy.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the area instruction input unit includes a marker size changing unit that automatically changes a marker size in accordance with an enlargement / reduction ratio of a display image. According to the 4th form, there exists an effect which becomes easy to designate a fine part.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luminance changing unit that changes luminance based on a result of region division by the region dividing unit. According to the fifth aspect, there is an effect that it becomes easy to confirm in real time what kind of effect the clear toner is on.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing data creation method in a printing data creation apparatus, in which an image input unit inputs image data for printing to a storage unit, and an image dividing unit stores the storage Dividing the image data into partial images in accordance with the number of gloss detection image divisions stored in the means, a step of calculating the skewness from the luminance data of the partial image, and a threshold determination means Determining the skewness by comparing with a gloss detection threshold value stored in the storage means, the gloss detection means performing gloss detection based on the determination result of the threshold value determination means, and a marker automatic In the partial image in which the gloss is detected by the gloss detecting unit, the setting unit sets a marker for the area where the clear toner is placed on the high luminance portion, and the clear toner on the low luminance portion. A step of automatically setting the marker region which does not, the region dividing means, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: automatically performing area division based on the marker.
According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically designate a portion on which clear toner is placed such as a glossy portion of an image when creating plate data for printing.
A seventh aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the printing data creation method described in the sixth aspect.
The eighth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to the seventh aspect is recorded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically designate a portion on which clear toner is placed such as a glossy portion of an image when creating plate data for printing.

1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
An image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes an image input unit 10, a memory (storage means) 20, an image display unit 30, an area instruction input unit 40, an area dividing unit 50, a luminance changing unit 60, and original data. A creation unit 70, a gloss detection unit 80, an automatic marker setting unit 90, and a control unit 100 are provided.
Further, the image display unit 30 includes an enlargement / reduction unit 31. The area instruction input unit 40 includes a marker size changing unit 41. The gloss detecting unit 80 includes an image dividing unit 81, a skewness calculating unit 82, and a threshold determining unit 83.
The image input unit 10 reads image data for printing from a file or the like into the memory 20.
The memory 20 holds image data, region division data, luminance data, gloss detection image division number, gloss detection threshold, enlargement / reduction ratio data, marker position data, marker size data, and the like.

The image display unit 30 displays image data for printing, image data whose luminance has been changed after area division, and the like. For example, a PC display screen.
The enlargement / reduction unit 31 enlarges or reduces the display image displayed on the image display unit 30.
The area instruction input unit 40 is, for example, a mouse, and inputs an instruction by the user on a portion where the clear toner is placed on the image displayed on the image display unit 30 and a portion where the clear toner is not placed. For example, a white circle marker is displayed by left-clicking the mouse on a portion where the clear toner is placed, and a red circle marker is displayed by right-clicking the mouse on a portion where the clear toner is not placed.
The marker size changing unit 41 automatically changes the marker size according to the enlargement / reduction ratio of the display image displayed on the image display unit 30. For example, the marker size is automatically changed so that the displayed size of the marker does not change even when the display image is enlarged or reduced by the following formula: marker size after enlargement / reduction = original marker size / enlargement / reduction ratio.
The area dividing unit 50 performs area division semi-automatically based on a user instruction. For example, the area division can be semi-automatically realized by enlarging the area from the marker specified by the user using the Watershed algorithm or the like. Details of the Watershed algorithm are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4046920.
The luminance changing unit 60 changes the luminance of the portion on which the clear toner is to be placed as a result of the area division.

Based on the luminance change result in the luminance changing unit 60, the original data creating unit 70 creates original data for displaying in real time what effect the clear toner is on.
Specifically, in order to change only the luminance without changing the color, for each pixel of the image data of the portion on which the clear toner is placed, the RGB data format is converted into the YCrCb format and then the Y component which is the luminance component.
y = 255- (255-y) * r
(However, y is a luminance value, 0 ≦ y ≦ 255, r is 0 <r <1, for example, r = 0.5.) After the luminance is changed, YCrCb format This can be realized by returning from the RGB data format to the RGB data format. The original data may be created by the brightness changing unit 60.
The image division unit 81 of the gloss detection unit 80 divides the image data into partial images according to the number of gloss detection image divisions in the memory 20. The skewness calculation unit 82 calculates the skewness from the luminance data of the partial image. The threshold determination unit 83 performs gloss detection by comparing the skewness with the gloss detection threshold in the memory.
The marker automatic setting unit 90 includes a marker for a region where clear toner is placed on a portion with high luminance and a marker for a region where clear toner is not placed on a portion with low luminance, for the partial image determined to be glossy by the gloss detection unit 80. Is set automatically.
The control unit 100 controls each functional block of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The processing shown below can be realized by the control unit 100 controlling each unit.
First, in step S1, the control unit 100 performs control for reading image data for printing from a file or the like onto the memory 20. Next, in step S2, control is performed to display the original image on the image display unit 30 such as a display. In the subsequent step S3, the image data is divided into partial images according to the number of gloss detection image divisions in the memory 20. For example, the vertical and horizontal directions are divided into 8 × 8.

参考文献：Motoyoshi, I., Nishida, S., Sharan, L. & Adelson, E.H. (2007). Image statistics and the perception of surface qualities. Nature, 447, 206-209
Next, in step S4, the control unit 100 sets the first partial image as a processing target, and in subsequent step S5, calculates the skewness from the luminance data of the partial image. The skewness can be calculated, for example, by the following mathematical formula.

Reference: Motoyoshi, I., Nishida, S., Sharan, L. & Adelson, EH (2007). Image statistics and the perception of surface qualities. Nature, 447, 206-209

Next, in step S6, the control unit 100 compares the calculated skewness with the gloss detection threshold value in the memory, and determines that the partial image is glossy if it is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value. As the gloss detection threshold, for example, 1.0 is designated in advance by the user.
If it is determined in step S6 that gloss is present, in step S7, a marker for a region where clear toner is to be placed on a portion with high brightness and a marker for a region where clear toner is not placed on a portion with low brightness are automatically selected. Set to.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that there is no gloss, the process of step S7 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S8.
In step S8, it is determined whether or not all of the divided partial images have been processed. If processing of all the partial images has been completed, the process proceeds to step S10.
If it is determined in step S8 that the processing of all the partial images has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S9, and in step S9, the partial image is set as a processing target. After that, the process returns to step S5 to repeat the process.
In step S10, the control unit 100 performs region division based on the marker setting. For example, the region is divided by enlarging the region from the marker using the Watershed algorithm or the like.

Next, the control part 100 performs a brightness | luminance change process in step S11. The brightness change process changes the brightness of the area where clear toner is placed as a result of area division, and creates original data to display in real time what effect the clear toner will have when placed To do. In subsequent step S12, control for displaying an image for region designation on the image display unit 30 such as a display is performed.
Next, in step S13, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has designated a marker on the area designation image. For example, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the left click button of the mouse on the portion where the clear toner is to be placed, and has operated the right click button of the mouse on the portion where the user is not to place the clear toner. Multiple markers can be specified.

If it is determined in step S13 that the user has designated the marker, a marker is created with the size of the saved marker size data in step S14. For example, control is performed to display a white ◯ marker on the portion where the clear toner is placed, and a red ◯ marker on the portion where the clear toner is not placed, and then the process proceeds to step S18.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the user has not designated the marker, it is determined in step S15 whether or not the user has instructed to enlarge or reduce the display screen. For example, when the user turns the mouse wheel to the back, the zoom is instructed.

Next, when it is determined in step S15 that the user has instructed the enlargement / reduction of the display screen, the control unit 100 enlarges / reduces the image by the instructed amount in step S16. Thereafter, in step S17, the marker size is automatically changed according to the enlargement / reduction ratio and stored. For example, by changing the scaled marker size = original marker size / scaling ratio, the marker size is automatically set so that the displayed size of the marker does not change even if the display image is scaled Change to
If it is determined in step S15 that the user has not instructed enlargement / reduction of the display screen, the process proceeds to step S18.

Next, in step S18, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has instructed termination. The user's end instruction can be given, for example, by pressing an end button in another control window. If termination is instructed in step S18, the process exits from the loop.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the user has not instructed termination, the process proceeds to step S19, and in step S19, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed area division. The user can instruct area division, for example, by pressing an area division button in another control window.
If it is determined in step S19 that the user has instructed area division, the process proceeds to step S20 to execute area division processing.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the user has not instructed area division, the process returns to step S12.

In step S20, the region is divided semi-automatically based on a user instruction. For example, the area division can be semi-automatically realized by enlarging the area from the marker specified by the user using the Watershed algorithm or the like.
Here, “semi-automatic” refers to “semi-automatic” when there is an area instruction input from the user, and “full-automatic” when the area is divided without input of an area instruction from the user.
Next, the control part 100 performs a brightness change process in step S21. The brightness change process changes the brightness of the area where clear toner is placed as a result of area division, and creates original data to display in real time what effect the clear toner will have when placed To do.
After the brightness changing process in step S21, the process returns to step S12 to display the area division result, and the user confirms in real time what effect the clear toner has on the area to which the clear toner is to be placed. Modifications can be made interactively by adding more markers.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a glossy portion by comparing the skewness of the histogram of the luminance component of the image signal with the threshold when creating plate data for printing. If it is determined that there is a glossy part, a marker for areas where clear toner is to be placed on areas with high brightness and a marker for areas where clear toner is not to be placed on areas with low brightness are automatically set. Is executed to automatically extract a portion on the clear toner such as a glossy portion of the image. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically designate a portion on which clear toner such as a glossy portion of an image is placed when creating plate data for printing.

In addition, since the area instruction input unit 40 for inputting an instruction by the user for the portion where the clear toner is placed and the portion where the clear toner is not placed is provided on the image, there is an effect that the user can adjust the position of the marker.
In addition, the provision of the enlargement / reduction unit 31 that enlarges / reduces the display image has an effect of facilitating confirmation of a fine part.
In addition, since the area instruction input unit 40 includes the marker size changing unit 41 that automatically changes the marker size according to the enlargement / reduction ratio of the display image, there is an effect that it is easy to specify a fine part.
In addition, the provision of the luminance changing unit 60 that changes the luminance based on the result of the region division by the region dividing unit 50 makes it easier to check in real time what effect the clear toner has on the vehicle. effective.
The present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and the functions of the image forming apparatus according to the above-described embodiment are programmed, and the object of the present invention is achieved by executing this program. can do.

As recording media, semiconductor media (eg, ROM, nonvolatile memory card, etc.), optical media (eg, DVD, MO, MD, CD-R, etc.), magnetic media (eg, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) Either may be sufficient.
Further, the case where the operating system or the like performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the loaded program and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included. Furthermore, the case where the above-described program is loaded into a memory provided in a function expansion board or a function expansion unit, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program.
Further, when the above-described program is stored in a storage device of a server computer and downloaded from a user's computer connected via a network and distributed, or when distributed and distributed from a server computer, A storage device is also included in the recording medium of the present invention.
As described above, by recording and distributing the program having the function of the present invention on a recording medium, cost, portability, and versatility can be improved.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 10 ... Image input part, 20 ... Memory, 30 ... Image display part, 31 ... Enlarging / reducing part, 40 ... Area instruction | indication input part, 41 ... Marker size change part, 50 ... Area division part, 60 ... Luminance changing unit, 70 ... original data creating unit, 80 ... gloss detecting unit, 81 ... image dividing unit, 82 ... distortion calculating unit, 83 ... threshold determining unit, 90 ... automatic marker setting unit, 100 ... control unit

JP 2009-063694 A Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-225719

Claims (8)

Storage means for holding data;
Image input means for inputting image data for printing into the storage means;
Image display means for displaying image data;
Image dividing means for dividing the image data into partial images according to the number of gloss detection image divisions stored in the storage means;
Skewness calculation means for calculating the skewness from the luminance data of the partial image;
Threshold determination means for determining the skewness by comparing with a gloss detection threshold stored in the storage means;
Gloss detection means for performing gloss detection based on the determination result of the threshold value determination means;
Automatic marker setting for automatically setting a marker for a region where clear toner is to be placed on a portion with high brightness and a marker for a region where clear toner is not to be placed on a portion with low brightness for the partial image whose gloss is detected by the gloss detecting means Means,
Area dividing means for automatically dividing an area based on the marker;
A printing data creation device characterized by comprising:   The printing data creation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an area instruction input unit that inputs an instruction by a user for a portion on the image where the clear toner is placed and a portion where the clear toner is not placed.   3. The printing data creation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display image enlargement / reduction means for displaying the display image in an enlarged / reduced manner.   3. The printing data creation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the area instruction input unit includes a marker size changing unit that automatically changes a marker size according to a scaling ratio of a display image.   5. The printing data creation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a luminance changing unit that changes luminance based on a result of area division by the area dividing unit. A printing data creation method in a printing data creation device,
An image input means for inputting image data for printing into the storage means;
Image dividing means for dividing the image data into partial images according to the number of gloss detection image divisions stored in the storage means;
A skewness calculating means calculating a skewness from the luminance data of the partial image;
A step of determining a skewness by comparing the skewness with a gloss detection threshold stored in the storage;
A step of performing gloss detection based on a determination result of the threshold determination unit;
Marker automatic setting means automatically sets a marker for a region where clear toner is placed on a portion with high brightness and a marker for a region where clear toner is not placed on a portion with low brightness on the partial image whose gloss is detected by the gloss detection means. Step to set to
An area dividing means for automatically dividing an area based on the marker;
A method for creating data for printing.   A program for causing a computer to execute the printing data creation method according to claim 6.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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