JP3658123B2 - Image processing method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus for performing image processing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional image processing apparatus typified by a printer apparatus that forms an image based on color image data that is generally input, an RGB value that is a color signal in a monitor or the like is input to perform color processing on the signal, and the printer To CMYK signals which are output color signals.
[0003]
In a color printer or the like, color reproduction is performed by subtractively mixing the inks of the CMYK signals obtained by the signal conversion described above.
[0004]
Here, a conventional example of image processing for converting RGB multilevel data as image data into CMYK binary data as an output image of a printer will be described.
[0005]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a flow of image processing in the conventional image processing unit 13. Of the input data analyzed by the analysis unit 11, the image data is sent to the image processing unit 13. In the figure, reference numeral 131 denotes a color processing unit 131 that forms an image processing unit. In the color processing unit 131, first, the adjustment color conversion unit 191 performs color processing, which will be described later. Next, the RGB → CMYK conversion unit 192 performs processing. This process converts RGB multilevel signals to CMYK multilevel signals, and includes known processes such as color matching (matching), luminance density conversion, and masking.
[0006]
In other words, the processing is to convert a luminance signal such as RGB that is an original image into a density signal such as CMYK that is a signal for printer processing.
[0007]
The CMYK multilevel signal is then converted into a HalfTone signal that is convenient for the printer to perform printing in the HalfToning unit 193. In the present invention, a binary signal will be described below as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a multi-value signal such as a 4-value, 8-value, 256-value signal. The signal processed by the Half Toning unit 193 is sent to the subsequent printing unit and printed.
[0008]
In many cases, the color of the printed image is different from the desired color. Various factors are involved in this, but as an example, when the color processing parameters in the above-described RGB → CMYK conversion unit 192 are designed due to aged deterioration, environmental changes, etc. The phenomenon occurs. As another example, even if the original print result is obtained, it may be different from the user's favorite color. Conventionally, there has been provided means for performing color adjustment as described below assuming such a case.
[0009]
Conventional color adjustment is performed as conversion from RGB multivalue to RGB multivalue in the adjustment color conversion unit 191 in FIG. First, an adjustment value is set in the setting unit 15, and the adjustment value is stored in the color adjustment parameter storage unit 194. The adjustment color conversion unit 191 performs color conversion using the color adjustment parameter. An example of a conventional setting unit 15 is shown in FIG.
[0010]
In FIG. 4, color adjustment is performed at the RGB signal level, and reference numeral 181 denotes a setting screen displayed on a display device such as a monitor. Reference numeral 182 denotes a slide bar for adjusting RED, and the user moves the button 183 left and right on the slide bar using a pointing device such as a mouse. Reference numeral 184 denotes a position where the button 183 is placed in the initial state, and no adjustment is performed. In the case of FIG. 4, the RED component is weakened as the button 183 is moved to the left, and the RED component is adjusted more strongly as the button 183 is moved to the right. Similarly, 185 and 186 are slide bars and buttons for adjusting GREEN, and 187 and 188 are slide bars and buttons for adjusting BLUE, respectively.
[0011]
The adjustment values set for the input RGB multi-value signal by R, G, and B in the setting unit 15 are stored in the color adjustment parameter storage unit 194. The adjustment color conversion unit 191 performs color conversion using the color adjustment parameter. For example, when the setting is made to weaken the RED multilevel signal, a linear conversion table that weakens the RED component according to the setting is created, and the processing is performed using the table. I won't go into details. The conventional example in which the image processing unit 13 inputs image data and performs color adjustment when forming data for output to the printing unit has been described with reference to FIGS.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described technique has the following problems.
[0013]
As described above, color adjustment means when the color in the printed image is different from the desired color due to external factors such as aging and environmental changes, and internal factors such as being different from the user's favorite color As an example, there is a means for setting the RGB multi-valued signal, which is the input signal, with a slide bar for each of R, G, and B, in the previous stage of conversion from RGB to CMYK in color processing.
[0014]
In such an adjustment means, it is difficult for not only general users without color knowledge but also users with color knowledge to obtain a desired color by individually operating the input signals RGB, It takes a lot of trial and error.
[0015]
In other words, it is necessary to repeat the process of adjusting RGB to obtain a desired color for the print result, then performing printing again, further adjusting RGB, and then printing again. In addition, since the color adjustment is performed with the intensity balance of RGB in the adjustment, color tone and brightness are adjusted at the same time. Even if an adjustment value close to completion is obtained to some extent, it is possible to slightly adjust any of RGB. There is a bad effect such as color and brightness are lost.
[0016]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it enables a user to set image processing more easily.
[0017]
According to the first invention of the present application, the user can visually understand the result of image processing using a plurality of image processing parameters and the relationship between the plurality of image processing parameters. The purpose is to be able to set.
[0018]
According to the second invention of the present application, an object is to enable easy and efficient setting of image processing capable of obtaining a desired final image.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is characterized by having the following configuration in order to solve the problems of the prior art and achieve the above-described object.
[0020]
The first image processing method of the present application is a plurality of different Color adjustment Image using parameters Color adjustment step for color adjustment and color adjustment by the color adjustment step the image Depending on the display Displayed in a first display step for displaying in parallel according to the hue circle and the first display step Represents the position in the color adjustable area corresponding to each image A second display step for displaying a graphic; Each time the image displayed in the first display step is color-adjusted in the color adjustment step, in the color-adjustable area of the graphic corresponding to each image the position is Updated It is characterized by that.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023]
In each embodiment described below, a color printer is used as an example, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to a monochrome printer.
[0024]
In each embodiment, binarization processing is used as an example. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a multi-value printer using other conversion processing such as quaternarization or octarization.
[0025]
<First Embodiment>
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an analysis unit that analyzes image data such as output control command format data and image data transmitted from an application, and outputs data according to a result analyzed by the analysis unit. Development means for developing, image processing means for performing image processing on image data at the time of development by the development means, and color processing means for forming a part of the image processing means and performing color processing on the image data And a part of the image processing means, a color processing parameter switching means for switching color processing parameters used in accordance with the setting of the setting means described later in the color processing means, and a part of the image processing means, Use of image processing means for performing image processing such as enlarging / reducing and copying an image in accordance with the setting of setting means to be described later, and use of this image processing apparatus Is expanded by the setting means for setting image processing using an external input device according to the purpose of use, the setting value storing means for storing the value set by the setting means, and the expanding means. Display means for outputting the image data to an external display device, and printing means for outputting the image data developed by the development means to an external printing device.
[0026]
When the image data input from the application is analyzed by the analysis unit, when the expansion unit expands the display data, the image processing unit reduces the image data and further reduces the reduced image. The color processing parameter is expanded while being switched by the color processing parameter switching means, and displayed on an external display device by the display means.
[0027]
When performing color adjustment while viewing the display image by the setting unit, the setting unit selects one image on the display screen and switches the color processing parameter by the color processing parameter switching unit according to the operation. In the same manner, the image is expanded and displayed on the external display device by the display means.
[0028]
When printing the plurality of displayed images, the image processing means processes the image data for printing, and then uses the color processing parameter to develop the development data by the development means. Output to the printer.
[0029]
When obtaining the final print, the development unit develops the original image data using the final color processing parameters set by the setting unit, and outputs the data to an external printing apparatus by the printing unit.
[0030]
As described above, in the present embodiment, a method of selectively performing color adjustment using a copy of an image obtained by reducing an original image, color processing using different parameters for each image, and arranging them on the display screen. , A method of printing a plurality of reduced images that have been subjected to different color processing displayed on the display screen, and one of the plurality of color adjustment parameters based on the image on the display screen and the print result. A method of selecting and performing color adjustment processing on the original image. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand and easily select the color adjustment for obtaining a desired color, and can perform efficient image processing settings according to the purpose of use.
[0031]
Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail.
[0032]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033]
In FIG. 1, 1 is an image processing apparatus, 2 is an application for the user to draw and edit image data, 3 is a printing apparatus that forms a print image based on output data from the image processing apparatus, and 4 is A display device forms a display image based on output data from the image processing device, and 5 is an input device for performing various settings from the outside.
[0034]
Reference numeral 11 denotes an analysis unit 11 that analyzes image data transferred from the application 2. The analysis includes, for example, processing for converting a specific image description format of the application into image data to be processed in the image processing apparatus. Reference numeral 12 denotes a developing unit 12 that performs various processes in accordance with the analysis by the analyzing unit 11 and forms developing means for converting the output data to be used when the output unit described below outputs the data. Reference numeral 13 denotes an image processing unit 13 in the developing unit 12 for performing processing on image data. A color processing unit 131 in the image processing unit 13 forms color processing means for performing the color processing described above. Reference numeral 132 denotes a color processing parameter switching unit 132 in the image processing unit 13 for switching parameters when the color processing unit 132 performs color processing. Reference numeral 133 denotes an image processing unit 133 in the image processing unit 13 for processing the image data sent from the analysis unit 11 such as reduction, enlargement, and duplication.
[0035]
A display unit 14 performs processing for displaying the processed image data and various setting screens on an external display device. Reference numeral 15 denotes a setting unit 15 that performs processing for the user of the image processing apparatus to perform setting using an external input device such as a mouse or a keyboard according to the application. In the present embodiment, the display unit 14 and the setting unit 15 graphically display an adjustment screen and an output mode setting screen on a monitor so that the user can set them. Details regarding the setting will be described later. Reference numeral 16 denotes a set value storage unit 16 for storing a set value set by the setting unit 15. Reference numeral 17 denotes a printing unit 17 that performs processing for outputting the output image data developed by the developing unit 12 to the external printing apparatus 3.
[0036]
The above-described units are controlled by a CPU (not shown) based on a program stored in a storage means (not shown) connected via a bus.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 3 is a color laser beam printer. The output image data is bitmap format data for one page, and is prepared for each of CMYK four colors. The printing unit 17 sends the image data to the printing apparatus 3, and the printing apparatus 3 uses C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and (K (black) inks, which are output inks. To form an image on the recording medium.
[0038]
FIG. 2 shows a processing flow when the image processing unit 13 inputs an image color signal from the analysis unit 11 and forms a color signal for output to the display unit 14 or the printing unit 15.
[0039]
First, the information stored in the set value storage unit 16 is referred to. Here, the information will be described.
[0040]
The information depends on the setting of the user.
[0041]
The adjustment screen displayed graphically will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an adjustment screen displayed on the external display device 4 through the display unit 14. In the figure, 911 and 910 are not used in this embodiment. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 91 denotes an adjustment area, which is hereinafter referred to as a thumbnail. The thumbnail 91 is a display of nine images arranged side by side as shown in the figure, and 92 is an image located at the center thereof, which will be described as a current image hereinafter. The current image 92 shows the result of the latest adjustment, and is always located at the center of the nine images in this embodiment. Eight images located around the current image 92 are images in which “red”, “yellow”, “yellowish green”, “green”, “light blue”, “blue”, “purple”, and “pink” are emphasized with respect to the current image 92, respectively. Yes, the image itself is a setting button. In the present embodiment, description is made using the above eight colors, but chromatic colors other than these can also be applied. Reference numeral 93 denotes an image in which green is strengthened with respect to the current image 92. For example, when the user desires an image in which green is enhanced, a button indicated by an image 93 is pressed from the input device 5 that is a pointing device represented by a mouse that is an external device, through the setting unit 15. Simultaneously with the pressing, the screen 93 becomes current and moves to the position 92. When the current image 92 is updated, the eight images in which the above eight colors are emphasized are displayed in the vicinity again with the core current image 92 as a reference. By repeating this operation, the current image 92 is set to a desired color. Reference numeral 94 denotes an indicator indicating an adjustable area in the thumbnail 91, which is hereinafter referred to as an entire map 94. Reference numeral 95 denotes a cursor 95 indicating the position currently displayed on the thumbnail 91 in the overall map. That is, nine points of the cursor 95 correspond to nine images of the thumbnail 91. Each time the thumbnail 91 is adjusted as described above, the cursor 95 moves on the entire map 94. When the cursor 95 reaches the end of the entire map 94, the thumbnail 91 cannot be adjusted in that direction.
[0042]
Reference numeral 99 denotes an address display unit 99 indicating current position information in the entire map 94. In this embodiment, the values take values of -10 to 0 to +10 respectively for x and y, and 0 and 0 as the centers correspond to the unadjusted state. Reference numeral 98 denotes an adjustment width setting unit 98 for setting an adjustment width. The cursor 95 sets a width between the current and the surrounding area.
[0043]
These will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows only the entire map portion in FIG. FIG. 10B is an example of x, y = 0, 0 and adjustment width 3 as in FIG. 9. On the other hand, FIG. 10A shows an example in which the adjustment width setting unit 103 is set to 5. That is, the distance between the current 101 that is the center of the cursor and the peripheral 102 that is, for example, green is 5 on the entire map. In this way, when adjusting the thumbnail by increasing the adjustment range from 3 to 5, the degree of adjustment performed in one action increases. Conversely, by decreasing the adjustment range, the degree of adjustment performed in one action is reduced, and fine adjustment is facilitated. FIG. 10c shows an example in which the cursor moves by adjusting the thumbnail 91. In the figure, the current 107 has moved to positions x, y = + 3, +3. The adjustment range in this case is 3.
[0044]
In this way, the user can explicitly know the adjustment currently being performed by using the entire map 94 and the cursor 95.
[0045]
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 96 denotes an original image before adjustment, and 97 is an image processed using the same color adjustment parameters as the current image 92.
[0046]
As described above, the thumbnail adjustment is to perform color conversion using a color adjustment parameter corresponding to one-to-one at an arbitrary position on the entire map.
[0047]
Here, the correspondence between the entire map and the color adjustment parameters will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a color space in color adjustment. That is, the adjustment first converts the color A (R, G, B) in the RGB space to the color a (r, g, b) in the rg space. This is due to the following known formula.
[0048]
r = R / (R + G + B)
g = G / (R + G + B)
b = 1-r-g
The adjustment is performed on the rg space to obtain a ′ (r ′, g ′, b ′).
[0049]
The adjustment on the rg space is an adjustment as shown in FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13A, 131 is a white indicating unadjusted. In this embodiment, “red”, “yellow”, “yellowish green”, “green”, “light blue”, “blue”, “purple”, and “pink” are used as the eight adjustment colors as described above, and these are the eight apexes shown in FIG. 13A. It corresponds to. The fact that the eight adjustment colors can be implemented in addition to the above is that the colors other than the above are used for the eight vertices. However, these colors need to be continuous in color. First, a basic adjustment point is placed on a line connecting the eight vertices and the white 131 in FIG. 13A, and then a sub-adjustment point is placed on a line connecting the basic adjustment points at the same level. As a result, a plurality of adjustment points are placed on the rg space, but the operation may be performed at equal intervals or may be weighted. For example, the 132 color adjustment parameters are calculated as 2/3 * yellow [3] + 1/3 * red [3] in the case of equal intervals on the line connecting the basic adjustment points that emphasize yellow and red by three levels.
[0050]
FIG. 13B is a diagram in which the adjustment points are associated with the entire map. That is, the adjustment points described above are simply associated with a square map, with 133 corresponding to white 131 and 132 corresponding to 134.
[0051]
As described above, the adjustment in the rg space is performed using the color adjustment parameters calculated in advance corresponding to the entire map, and a ′ (r ′, g ′, b ′) is obtained.
[0052]
Next, in FIG. 12, the a ′ (r ′, g ′, b ′) is converted into A ′ (R ′, G ′, B ′) in the RGB space by the following known formula.
[0053]
Y = 0.30R + 0.59G + 0.11B
y = 0.30r ′ + 0.59g ′ + 0.11b ′
R ′ = r ′ * Y / y ′
G ′ = g ′ * Y / y ′
B ′ = b ′ * Y / y ′
[0054]
In the present embodiment, the thumbnail adjustment performs color conversion using a lower color adjustment parameter corresponding to one-to-one at an arbitrary position on the entire map. In the present embodiment, it is described as one-to-one, but it is not always necessary to be one-to-one on the display. For example, the display may have one gap or two or more gaps internally. .
[0055]
Next, the output setting screen in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 171 denotes an image displayed on the external display device 4 through the display unit 14 in the same manner as in FIG. 9, and is one of the setting unit 15 for switching between the normal printing mode and the catalog printing mode. There is also one. That is, when the area 172 is pressed with the pointing device, the catalog print is set, and when the area is pressed again, the catalog print is canceled and the normal mode is set at the same time.
[0056]
Here, the catalog print will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining catalog printing, thumbnail adjustment, and normal printing.
[0057]
First, reference numeral 151 in FIG. 5A denotes an image printed by normal printing. The user performs adjustment using the thumbnail 156 in the adjustment display 152 described above so that the print image has a desired color. That is, a peripheral eight-color image is pressed to set a desired image as the current image 155. At this time, as described above, the adjustment is performed while comparing the unadjusted original image 153 and the current image 154. Here, the thumbnail adjustment is an adjustment on the display screen, and there are cases where the color is slightly different from actual printing. As shown in FIG. 5c, the catalog print prints nine images that have been subjected to color conversion processing using the parameters currently displayed on the thumbnail 156. Here, thumbnails and catalog prints in the present embodiment are obtained by reducing and copying the original image 151 by the image processing unit 133 described above and arranging a plurality of them. Especially in the catalog print, the original image is reduced to 1/9 or less. Then, it is processed so that it can be printed on the printing paper for printing in the normal mode. An image 158 is processed using the current parameters, and is printed using the parameters in the normal mode. Reference numeral 159 denotes an image processed using a color adjustment parameter corresponding to 156 in the thumbnail.
[0058]
In FIG. 2, the information stored in the set value storage unit 16 is the address information and adjustment width information of the current image 92 in FIG. 9, and is information on whether or not it is a catalog print in FIG.
[0059]
Reference numeral 132 in FIG. 2 denotes a color adjustment parameter switching unit 132, which uses the current image address information and the adjustment width information to generate the thumbnail display image for display and the catalog print image for catalog printing. Are used to switch the address information of the current image and the surrounding eight pixels.
[0060]
As described above, the image processing unit 133 performs processing to reduce and copy the original image 151 and arrange a plurality of images. In particular, in catalog printing, the original image is reduced to 1/9 or less and printing is performed in the normal mode. Process it so that it can be printed on paper. The image processing is not performed in the normal mode. Information about the catalog print mode or the normal mode is given from the set value storage unit 16 as described above.
[0061]
The color processing unit 131 performs color processing according to the given address information, and converts the RGB multilevel signal into a CMYK binary signal. The conversion in the color processing unit 131 is called a plurality of times in order to perform image processing for nine pages at the time of the thumbnail or the catalog printing and for one page in the normal mode.
[0062]
An adjustment color conversion unit 21 converts the RGB multilevel signal input as described above into an rg space signal, performs adjustment color conversion on the rg space, and converts it into an RGB multilevel signal. A color adjustment parameter storage unit 24 stores color adjustment parameters calculated in advance corresponding to the above-described entire map, which are used for adjustment in the rg space, in association with addresses of the entire map. That is, the color adjustment parameter corresponding to the address information given from the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 is given to the adjustment color conversion unit 21.
[0063]
Reference numeral 22 denotes an RGB → CMYK conversion unit 22 for converting an RGB multilevel signal into a CMYK multilevel signal, and performs processing using known masking or LUT (Look Up Table). The processing is basically performed using parameters calculated in advance to obtain a color value match between the luminance signal and the density signal, and includes matching processing, luminance density conversion processing, etc. The details are not mentioned.
[0064]
Reference numeral 23 denotes a Half Toning unit 23 for converting a CMYK multilevel signal into a CMYK binary signal, and performs processing by a known dither method or error diffusion method.
[0065]
Here, the RGB → CMYK conversion unit 22 and the HalfToning unit 23 are processes necessary for printing, and are unnecessary processes when the thumbnails are displayed on the display device 4 via the display unit 14. The processing unit 131 basically does not perform these processes when thumbnails are used. However, depending on the configuration, the RGB → CMYK conversion unit 22 may be reversely converted from CMYK to RGB in order to match the printing and display, and the signal may be used as a display signal.
[0066]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a thumbnail, that is, an image obtained by reducing the original image is duplicated, color-processed according to nine different adjustment parameters, and arranged on the display screen. An overall map showing the absolute position is shown, and a method of selectively performing color adjustment with a pointing device using these display screens and a catalog print, that is, different color processing displayed on the display screens 9 A method of printing nine reduced images using nine different parameters similar to those on the display screen, and moving the current image to the center of the thumbnail based on the image on the display screen and the print result, A method of selecting one of the two color adjustment parameters and performing color adjustment processing on the original image using the parameter. Since, it is possible to color adjustment for obtaining a desired color sensory in understandable and selection easier for the user to obtain efficiently the best print result according to the intended use.
[0067]
<Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below.
[0068]
In the first embodiment, the entire image to be printed is configured as a color adjustment target, whereas in the second embodiment, color adjustment can be performed according to objects such as photographs, graphics, and characters that form the image. By doing so, a more detailed and accurate color adjustment can be performed.
[0069]
According to the first embodiment, the user can easily perform color adjustment for obtaining a desired color for the entire image to be printed, so that highly efficient printing processing is possible. However, in this case, the following problems occur. That is, in the first embodiment, since adjustment is performed on the entire image to be printed, for example, when a color adjustment operation is performed on a photographic image with respect to an original image in which characters and photographs are mixed, adjustment of the characters is performed. Even when it is not necessary, it is adjusted. In particular, it is desirable to output characters in black, but as described above, other colors may be mixed with black, resulting in a result that is contrary to the user's intention.
[0070]
As described above, ideally, it is desirable to configure so that color adjustment can be set and processed according to photographs, graphics, and characters that are objects constituting the image. The second embodiment is configured to realize these.
[0071]
That is, in the first embodiment, the user cannot select an adjustment target in the setting unit 15, whereas in the second embodiment, the user selects an adjustment target such as a photo, graphics, or text in the setting unit 15. Color adjustment for each object is possible by providing a method, a method for storing the adjustment value for each object in the set value storage unit 16, and a method for switching the color adjustment parameter for each object in the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132. It is a structure.
[0072]
Accordingly, the basic configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, but it is more possible to perform color adjustment for each object within the image processing apparatus. The point which is provided with the color adjustment means according to a user's objective, and its control method differ.
[0073]
Hereinafter, a different part from 1st Embodiment mentioned above is demonstrated.
[0074]
FIG. 9 is an adjustment screen displayed on the external display device 4 via the display unit 14. In the figure, the point of adding 911 is different from the first embodiment. Reference numeral 911 denotes a field for setting a color adjustment target, and there are three selectors: photo, graphics, and text. Only one of the selectors can be selected. That is, as shown in 910, when a photograph is selected, no other object can be selected. Here, when the adjustment target is switched in FIG. 9, the adjustment is performed only on the currently selected target object in the 91 thumbnail and 96, 97 screens.
[0075]
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In FIG. 6, data analysis is first performed in step s61. This is performed by the analysis unit 11 in FIG. 2, and also performs processing such as data classification for performing color processing according to the objects constituting the image. Next, in step s62, it is determined whether or not the process is a catalog print. This is performed based on the information stored in the set value storage unit 16 in FIG. 2 as in the first embodiment described above. If it is a catalog print in s62, image processing is performed in step s63. This is performed in the image processing unit 133 in FIG. 2, but the content is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0076]
In the subsequent steps, color parameter selection is performed. As described above, this is performed in the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 based on the address information and adjustment width information of the current image 92 in FIG. 9 stored for each object, which is stored in the setting value storage unit 16 in FIG. That is, the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 generates a thumbnail display image for display and a catalog print image for catalog printing. The address information of the peripheral 8 images is switched.
[0077]
That is, in step s64 in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not one page of image data has been processed. If not completed, it is determined in step s65 whether or not the analysis data is an image object. If it is an image, the current address information and adjustment width information for the image object are displayed by the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 as described above in step s66. Based on the above, address information that is a color adjustment parameter is derived.
[0078]
If the image is not an image in step s65, it is determined in step s67 whether or not the analysis data is a graphics object. In the case of graphics, similarly, address information for graphics is derived in step s68. If not graphics in step s67, text address information is derived in step s69. In step s610, the adjustment color conversion unit 21 in FIG. 2 performs adjustment color conversion. This process is called for each object constituting the image, and is processed by the adjustment color conversion unit 21 using the color adjustment parameter in the color adjustment parameter storage unit 24 based on the address information which is the color processing parameter. The The next steps s611 and s612 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0079]
If it is determined in step s64 that the processing of one page of image data has been completed, it is determined in step s613 whether or not catalog printing has been completed. If it is finished, the process is finished. If not, the process returns to step s64.
[0080]
In step s62, if it is not a catalog print, the process proceeds to step s614 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing during normal printing, which is similar to the processing performed nine times during catalog printing, and will not be described here.
[0081]
In the second embodiment, a method in which a user sets color adjustment according to an object in the setting unit 15 described above, a method in which a setting value storage unit 16 stores adjustment values for each object, and color adjustment parameter switching. Processing other than the method of switching the color adjustment parameters for each object in the unit 132 is the same as the processing described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0082]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, a method for a user to select an adjustment target such as a photograph, graphics, and text, a method for storing an adjustment value for each object, and a color adjustment parameter for each object By providing a switching method, a structure that enables color adjustment for each object is provided, so that the user can perform more detailed color adjustment and obtain an optimum output result.
[0083]
<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail.
[0084]
In the second embodiment, the embodiment in the case of performing color adjustment for each object has been described, but the third embodiment will be described as another embodiment for obtaining the same effect.
[0085]
In the second embodiment, in the method in which the user sets the color adjustment according to the object in the setting unit 15, one of the adjustment targets is selected from photographs, graphics, and characters, and the adjustment value for each object is set. In contrast to the structure, in the third embodiment, an object to which one adjustment is applied is selected.
[0086]
That is, in the second embodiment, detailed settings can be made because adjustment settings can be made for each object. However, there is a disadvantage in that the operation is complicated, for example, the adjustment target needs to be switched as needed. In the third embodiment, an object-aware adjustment is possible, and an easy-to-understand setting method is provided.
[0087]
Accordingly, the basic configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, but the operability of the user is further enhanced in the image processing apparatus. The point provided with a setting means and its control method differ.
[0088]
Hereinafter, a different part from 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.
[0089]
FIG. 11 is an adjustment screen displayed on the external display device 4 via the display unit 14. In the figure, a portion indicated by 111 is different from that of the second embodiment. Reference numeral 111 denotes a field for setting a color adjustment target, which includes three selectors for adjusting a photograph, adjusting graphics, and adjusting characters. A plurality of the selectors can be selected. That is, it is a selector for selecting to which object the current adjustment is applied. In this case, in this embodiment, the color adjustment is not performed on the non-target object.
[0090]
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0091]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart when image processing is performed in the color processing unit 131 of the image processing unit 13 shown in FIG. First, in step s81, it is determined whether or not an image (photograph) is an adjustment target by the selection in FIG. This is based on the information stored in the set value storage unit 16. If it is an adjustment target, adjustment color conversion of the image object is performed in step s82. The color adjustment parameter in this case is set in the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132. The information is possessed for each object in the second embodiment, but in the third embodiment, there is only one type as described above. Accordingly, the color adjustment parameter switching unit 132 only switches setting of nine parameters for thumbnail and catalog printing. If it is determined in step s81 that the image is not an adjustment target, color adjustment is not performed on the image, and the process proceeds to step s83. In steps s83 to s86, graphics and text are processed in the same manner.
[0092]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, since a structure to select a plurality of targets to apply one adjustment from photos, graphics, and characters, it is possible to make adjustments with the user aware of the object, An easy-to-understand setting method can be provided, and an efficient and optimal output result can be obtained.
[0093]
The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by causing the system or apparatus to read the program from the storage medium, the system or apparatus operates in a predetermined method.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for the user to set image processing.
[0095]
According to the first invention of the present application, the user can visually understand the result of image processing using a plurality of image processing parameters and the relationship between the plurality of image processing parameters. Can be set.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a processing flow of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of conventional color adjustment according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a catalog print according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of image processing in the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of image processing in the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of image processing in the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating thumbnails in a setting unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an entire map and a cursor in thumbnails according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an adjustment target in a setting unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a change in color space in color adjustment according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a relationship between an rg space for color adjustment and an entire map in the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of conventional color processing according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image processing device
11 Analysis Department
12 Development department
13 Image processing unit
14 Display section
15 Setting section
16 Set value storage
17 Printing department

Claims (8)

A color adjustment step for color-adjusting the image using a plurality of different color adjustment parameters ;
A first display step of displaying the images color-adjusted in the color adjustment step in parallel according to the hue circle on the display unit ;
A second display step for displaying a graphic representing a position in the color adjustable region corresponding to each image displayed in the first display step;
Each time the image displayed in the first display step is color-adjusted by the color adjustment step, the position of the graphic corresponding to each image in the color-adjustable area is updated. Image processing method. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the view form is a two-dimensional plane. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the color adjustment corrects a color balance. 4. The image processing method according to claim 3, wherein image data color-adjusted based on the color adjustment parameter is output to an image forming apparatus. The color adjustment parameter can be set for each type of image,
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the color adjustment is performed by determining a type of an input image and performing color adjustment based on a color adjustment parameter corresponding to the determination result. 6. The image processing method according to claim 5 , wherein a user instruction for selecting an image type for which the set color adjustment parameter is valid is input.   2. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the images displayed in parallel in the first display step are formed on a recording medium by an image forming apparatus. Color adjustment means for color-adjusting the image using a plurality of different color adjustment parameters ;
First display means for displaying the images color-adjusted by the color adjustment means in parallel on the display unit according to the hue circle;
Second display means for displaying a graphic representing a position in the color adjustable region corresponding to each image displayed by the first display means;
Each time the image displayed on the first display means is color-adjusted by the color adjustment means, the position of the graphic corresponding to each image in the color-adjustable area is updated. Image processing device.

Images