JP4220846B2 - Color test chart and image recording control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a color test chart and an image recording control apparatus for evaluating a recorded image in an image recording apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In color printing, a color calibration operation is performed as appropriate in order to obtain a printed image with excellent color reproducibility, and a standard test chart defined by ISO12640 is widely used in this color calibration operation. A technique for performing color calibration using a test chart in which test patterns are uniquely arranged is also known (see Patent Document 1).
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-111833 A
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, although the conventional color test chart is effective for the purpose of simply evaluating changes in hue and density, it can sufficiently respond to requests for evaluation for each of various factors that affect the image quality of recorded images. is not.
[0004]
For example, the density gradation (image line ratio) of the actual recorded image changes depending on the degree of bleeding of the recording material (ink) on the recording material (paper) or penetration to the back surface. The blur and penetration characteristics vary depending on the recording material used and the type of recording material. Further, if there is a mechanical error in the recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus or the printing plate in the flat printing apparatus, the color image (pixel) for each primary color will be displaced. It is greatly influenced by individual differences. Furthermore, the amount of ink actually transferred to the recording material varies according to the change in characteristics of the recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus and the ink application apparatus in the flat printing apparatus, and the gradation for each color changes. The change in characteristics is affected by the change over time of the apparatus used.
[0005]
For this reason, in the color test chart, it is convenient to be able to evaluate each such variation factor, and this is expected to have a great effect on enhancing the reproducibility of the recorded image. Furthermore, when performing the evaluation using the color test chart, if the work can be easily performed visually, the usability is improved and the calibration work can be made more efficient.
[0006]
The present invention has been devised on the basis of such inventor's knowledge, and its main purpose is firstly to evaluate the bleeding characteristics of ink on the recording material, and secondly, to be covered. Evaluation of ink permeation characteristics with respect to recording material, third, evaluation of color image deviation caused by mechanical error of recording head for each primary color, and fourth, color tone deviation caused by change of output characteristic for each primary color It is an object of the present invention to provide a color test chart and an image recording control apparatus configured so that each evaluation operation can be easily performed visually.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve such an object, in the present invention,Different in stagesStroke ratioSo that multipleA test area recorded with primary color ink and a linear image area recorded with the same primary color ink as this test areaAnd a non-recording area that is not recorded, and a plurality of areas with different image-ratio ratios in the test area are arranged at predetermined intervals.An ink bleeding evaluation test pattern having a reference area was provided. According to this, it is possible to easily visually evaluate the ink bleeding characteristic on the recording material.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The color test chart according to the first embodiment of the present invention is:Different in stagesStroke ratioSo that multipleA test area recorded with primary color ink and a linear image area recorded with the same primary color ink as this test areaAnd a non-recording area that is not recorded, and a plurality of areas with different image-ratio ratios in the test area are arranged at predetermined intervals.An ink bleed evaluation test pattern having a reference area is provided. According to this, by confirming the gradation change of the test area with reference to the reference area, the ink bleeding characteristic can be easily evaluated visually. Since the reference region is not easily affected by ink bleeding, highly accurate evaluation is possible.
[0009]
  In this case, the test area is recorded according to a dot pattern obtained by screen processing (shading processing) so as to have a predetermined image line ratio.Is done.In addition, in an ink jet recording apparatus, since the amount of bleeding in the main scanning direction is generally larger than that in the sub scanning direction, it is preferable that the linear image line portion in the reference region extends in the main scanning direction. In addition, a configuration in which the test area and the reference area are in close contact so that visual comparison is easy is desirable.
[0010]
  In addition, since the reference area is arranged for each test area of each drawing ratio,By comparing the plurality of test areas with the reference area, it is possible to quantitatively determine the degree of gradation change in the test area.
  In addition, since a plurality of reference areas are provided by changing the image line ratio step by step, the gradation change in the test area can be confirmed with respect to the image line ratios at multiple stages, thereby enabling more detailed ink bleeding characteristics. Can be evaluated.
[0011]
  First of the present invention2In the color test chart according to the embodiment, the ink bleeding evaluation test pattern is provided for each primary color ink to be used in the configuration according to the first embodiment. According to this, the bleeding characteristic can be evaluated for each primary color ink used in process color printing.
[0013]
  First of the present invention3In the color test chart according to the embodiment, in the configuration according to the first embodiment, the reference region has a substantially circular outer contour and is surrounded by the test region. This makes it easy to compare the visual test area with the reference area. For example, when the outline of the reference area is a straight line, the boundary between the test area and the reference area is emphasized and recognized due to interference, which hinders visual evaluation. Becomes difficult to recognize and visual evaluation becomes easy.
[0014]
  First of the present invention4The color test chart according to the embodiment ofIn the configuration according to the first embodiment, a background area recorded with black ink and a mixed color of a plurality of primary color inks are recorded so that a plurality of different streak ratios are arranged step by step. The test area arranged in this area for each area with different stroke ratio,It is recorded on the surface of the recording material and is provided with an ink penetration evaluation test pattern for evaluating the state of penetration of the ink into the back surface. According to this, by visually confirming the recorded test pattern from the back surface of the recording material, it is possible to evaluate the ink penetration characteristics into the back surface of the recording material.
[0015]
  First of the present invention5The color test chart according to the embodiment of the4In the configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention, the test area includes:For each primary color inkA plurality of image line ratios are provided in stages. According to this, the ink penetration characteristics can be quantitatively evaluated.
[0016]
  First of the present invention6The color test chart according to the embodiment ofIn the configuration according to the first embodiment, a background region that is recorded with black ink so that a plurality of different line ratios are arranged step by step;A linear image for each primary color that is recorded in each of the plurality of primary color inks and extends in the sub-scanning directionThe lordA linear image for each primary color extending in the main scanning direction, which is recorded by each of a plurality of primary color inks, and a first test area repeatedly arranged in order in the scanning directionViceAnd a second test area arranged repeatedly in the scanning direction.In addition, the first test area and the second test area are arranged in this area for each area having a different image ratio in the background area.A test pattern for evaluating color misregistration is provided. According to this, if there is a deviation in the color image for each primary color due to the displacement of the recording head or printing plate for each color, the brightness and hue of the entire test area will change, so the color image deviation can be easily evaluated and confirmed visually. can do.
[0017]
In this case, when the linear images for each primary color are recorded shifted, the area ratio of the non-image area where the material color of the recording material (paper) appears without being colored by the ink increases and decreases, and the brightness changes. In addition, since the hue changes due to the color mixture caused by the overlap of the linear images for each primary color, the color image shift can be easily determined. In particular, the shift in the main scanning direction can be evaluated in the first test area, and the shift in the sub-scanning direction can be evaluated in the second test area.
[0018]
Also, in the test pattern in which the linear images for each primary color are closely arranged, if there is a color image shift, the material color of the recording material that does not appear originally appears, and the color changes due to color mixing, so a slight amount The brightness and color tone of the entire pattern change greatly due to the deviation of the pattern, which is suitable for precise color image deviation evaluation. Further, in a test pattern in which linear images for each primary color are arranged at intervals, a slight change does not cause a large change in brightness or hue, which is suitable for evaluation of color image deviation exceeding an allowable range. Further, when both test patterns are used in combination, the degree of deviation can be accurately determined by comparing both.
[0020]
  In addition, because the test area is arranged for each background area of each stroke ratio,The degree of change in the brightness of the test area can be evaluated in detail based on the background areas having different image line ratios.
[0021]
  First of the present invention7The color test chart according to the embodiment ofIn the configuration according to the first embodiment,A reference area recorded with black ink at a predetermined image line ratio is recorded by mixing a plurality of primary color inks so as to have substantially the same color characteristics as this reference area.Arranged at the center position of the reference areaThe central test area and the central test area and color characteristics are partially changed and recorded by mixing the primary color inks.A plurality are arranged in the reference area.A test pattern for evaluating color misregistration having a correction test area is provided. According to this, by comparing the central test area with the correction test area based on the reference area of the achromatic color, it is possible to easily visually evaluate the color tone shift caused by the change in the output characteristics of each primary color due to the recording head etc. Can be confirmed.
[0022]
In this case, the central test area has the same brightness, saturation, and hue as the color characteristics as the reference area, and the modified test area has a central characteristic that changes the saturation and hue while maintaining the brightness almost constant. In this case, if the output characteristics of each primary color change, the corrected test area will be less saturated than the central test area, and based on this, the color tone will shift. Can be determined. In addition, if multiple correction test areas are provided with different hues, it is possible to determine which color has a gradation change, and in the configuration in which multiple correction test areas are provided with different saturation, the degree of color tone deviation Can be determined quantitatively.
[0023]
In addition, a plurality of correction test areas are arranged radially around the center test area, and in these plurality of correction test areas, the saturation is changed stepwise from the center test area outward in the radial direction, and in the circumferential direction. A configuration in which the hue is changed in stages is preferable. According to this, it is possible to evaluate the hue with a shift and the degree of the shift in detail and simply. In order to facilitate visual evaluation, the reference region may be arranged so as to surround the periphery of the test region, and the outer contour of the test region may be substantially circular.
[0024]
  First of the present invention8The color test chart according to the embodiment of the7In the configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the reference areas are provided by changing the image line ratio stepwise, and the reference area is set for each reference area of each image line ratio.centerTest areaAnd the modified test areaAre arranged. According to this, more appropriate evaluation can be performed by confirming the color tone shift of the test area with respect to the image line ratios in a plurality of stages. In this case, it is preferable to set the test area for each image ratio to substantially the same brightness as the corresponding reference area.
[0025]
  First of the present invention9The image recording control device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the first to the first.8Storage means for storing the image data of the color test chart according to the embodiment, and output control means for designating an image recording apparatus and outputting the image of the color test chart. According to this, it is possible to easily visually evaluate each variation factor based on the test pattern output from the image recording apparatus.
[0026]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color proof system to which the present invention is applied. This color proof system outputs a color proof that is used for color proofing in newspaper printing. An ink jet plotter (image recording device) 1 that outputs a color proof and a page information file from an upper system are output. It has a file server 2 that receives and accumulates, and a proof server (image recording control device) 3 that takes out a paper surface information file therefrom and instructs the plotter 1 to output a color proof. These plotter 1, file server 2, and proof server 3 are connected to each other via a LAN or the like.
[0028]
The page information file received by the proof server 3 from the file server 2 is created for each version of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), and each has monochrome image data ( 1-bit TIFF) is stored, and this image data is obtained by dot processing of multi-value image data created based on character image data and color image data such as photographs constituting an article. In the proof server 3, color image data is synthesized from the binary image data extracted from the paper information file corresponding to each plate of CMYK, further converted into output data suitable for the plotter 1, and sent to the plotter 1. . The sheet information file may be the same as the sheet information file for plate making sent to the plate making apparatus for creating the printing plate, or may be created separately by the RIP for creating this.
[0029]
One page has image areas of upper margin information, articles, article advertisements, and lower margin information having different linear densities, and strip image data is created for each image area. Are stored together in a page information file (multipage TIFF) for each page. When outputting a proof, the strips of image data are unified in line density and combined to create composite image data for each sheet.
[0030]
The proof server 3 includes an image processing unit 5 that converts the strip-shaped image data extracted from the paper surface information file into a line density suitable for the plotter 1 that actually instructs output, and a plurality of converted images obtained here. And an image converter 6 that combines the strip-shaped image data to create composite image data for each paper surface.
[0031]
Further, the proof server 3 includes an input manager 7 for generating management information based on the contents of the page information file, an output manager (output control means) 8 for generating proof output instruction information for the designated plotter 1, and a predetermined number. And a test chart storage unit 9 for storing image data of the color test chart.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the proof server shown in FIG. First, when a page information file is acquired from the file server 2 in step 101, management information such as image size and resolution is acquired based on the contents of the page information file in the input manager 7 in step 102, followed by step 103. The processing unit 5 performs line density conversion processing, and the image converter 6 performs image composition processing for generating composite image data for each paper surface from the strip-shaped image data.
[0033]
Next, at step 104, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to output the test chart by adding it to the proof of the paper. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step 105 and the test chart storage unit 9 reads the test chart. A process of taking out the data and creating composite image data in which the test chart image is combined with the paper image is performed. Thereafter, in step 106, the output manager 8 issues a proof output instruction specifying the plotter 1, and in step 107, a process for causing the corresponding plotter 1 to execute proof output based on the output instruction is performed. As a result, the color test chart image is output together with the paper image by the designated plotter 1.
[0034]
FIG. 3 shows the entire test chart output by the plotter shown in FIG. The test chart 21 includes an ink bleed evaluation test pattern 22 for visually evaluating the bleed characteristics of ink as a color material, and an ink for visually evaluating the ink penetration characteristics into the recording material (paper). Test pattern 23 for penetration evaluation, test pattern 24 for color image misalignment evaluation for visual evaluation of color image misalignment due to position misalignment of the recording head for each primary color, and color tone caused by change in output characteristics of recording head for each primary color A color tone evaluation test pattern 25 for visual evaluation of the color deviation is arranged. The ink bleeding evaluation test pattern 22 is provided for each primary color ink of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black).
[0035]
Although an example in which the test chart 21 is output by the inkjet plotter 1 is shown here, it is also possible to create the test chart 21 using a printing plate for each primary color in the flat printing method. The color image misalignment evaluation test pattern 24 can evaluate the color image misalignment due to the misregistration of the printing plate. The color tone misalignment evaluation test pattern 25 can apply ink to the printing plate. It is possible to evaluate a shift in color tone due to a change in characteristics.
[0036]
Further, in this test chart 21, the difference in output characteristics between the plotters 1 can be evaluated by comparing the output from each of a plurality of plotters (image recording apparatuses) 1. Further, by comparing with the result when the same plotter 1 outputs in the past, it is possible to evaluate the change with time of the output characteristics of the plotter 1.
[0037]
In addition to this, the test chart 21 includes a test pattern 26 for visually evaluating the ink discharge status of the recording head for each color, and a ISO standard in which a number of patches (color charts) of different colors are arranged in a tile shape. A test pattern 27 and a test pattern 28 obtained by rotating the test pattern 27 by 90 degrees are arranged.
[0038]
FIG. 4 shows a test pattern for ink bleed evaluation shown in FIG. This test pattern 22 is for visually evaluating the ink bleeding characteristic on the recording material (paper), and is recorded with a predetermined primary color ink according to a dot pattern obtained by screen processing at a predetermined image line ratio. And a reference region 32 that is recorded with the same primary color ink as the test region 31 and serves as a reference when visually checking the gradation change in the density (brightness) of the test region 31. Yes.
[0039]
The test area 31 constitutes a step chart in which a plurality of objects having different line ratios are arranged side by side. Here, the line ratio changes from 100% to 0% in steps of 5%. Yes. The reference region 32 has a circular outer contour, and is surrounded by the test region 31 in such a manner that the test region 31 serves as a background, and the reference region 32 is arranged for each level of the test region 31.
[0040]
A plurality of reference areas 32 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the test area 31 having a predetermined image line ratio. Here, the first to fourth reference areas 32a having different image line ratios in stages. To 32d are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the test regions 31 arranged in the vertical direction. The image line ratios of the reference areas 32a to 32d are constant at each level of the test area 31 and are constant.
[0041]
In this test pattern 22, for each of a plurality of reference regions 32 a to 32 d arranged in the horizontal direction, the one having a visually matching brightness is selected from the plurality of test regions 31 arranged in the vertical direction and selected. By comparing the intended image line ratio of the test area 31 and the image line ratios defined in the reference areas 32a to 32d, it is possible to evaluate the gradation shift of the test area 31.
[0042]
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the test pattern shown in FIG. The reference regions 32a to 32d are arranged with predetermined intervals so that the linear image line portions have a predetermined image line ratio (filled area ratio). The first reference region 32a has an image line ratio of 16.6...% For an image line portion having a width of 1 pixel and a non-image line portion having a width of 5 pixels. The second reference region 32b has an image line ratio of 25% between the image line portion having a width of 1 pixel and the non-image line portion having a width of 3 pixels. The third reference region 32c has an image line ratio of 50% between the image line portion having a width of 3 pixels and the non-image line portion having a width of 3 pixels. The fourth reference region 32d has an image line ratio of 75% between the image line portion having a width of 2 pixels and the non-image line portion having a width of 6 pixels.
[0043]
FIG. 6 shows a further enlarged main portion of the test pattern shown in FIG. Here, the test area 31 is rasterized on the AM screen so that the image line ratio is 50%. In the reference area 32, linear image areas 34 filled with solid black (image ratio 100%) are arranged at regular intervals. Here, the image area ratio is 50% so that the entire area has an image area ratio of 50%. The non-image area with an image line ratio of 0% between the line areas 34 has the same width as the image line area 34.
[0044]
FIG. 7 shows a blur that occurs in actual recording in the test pattern shown in FIG. Here, the blurred portion is shown in gray. In the test area 31, blotting occurs at the top, bottom, left, and right of the halftone dot, the halftone dot is thick and the coating area is increased. In the reference area 32, the linear image line portion 34 extending in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) is not affected by the left-right direction blur. The change in the image line ratio due to blurring is small, which is effective as a criterion for blurring.
[0045]
In the case of an ink jet recording apparatus, there is a tendency that a lot of bleeding occurs in the main scanning direction. In FIG. 7, the bleeding portion is about 50% in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction) per pixel and the vertical direction (sub scanning direction). In this case, the configuration in which the image line portion 34 extends in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) with a large blurring ratio is effective. However, if the blur has no directionality, the image line portion is illustrated. The direction of 34 may be either the left-right direction or the up-down direction.
[0046]
FIG. 8 shows the ink penetration evaluation test pattern and the color image deviation evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. The ink penetration evaluation test pattern 23 is for visually evaluating the characteristics of ink penetration (back through) to the back surface of the recording material (paper). The color image misregistration evaluation test pattern 24 is a recording for each primary color. The positional deviation of the head is evaluated visually.
[0047]
Here, the first and second types of test patterns 41 and 42 are arranged as the test pattern 24 for evaluating color image misalignment. Between the test patterns 41 and 42, a test pattern 43 having a comparison area 46 having a circular outer contour recorded in black by mixing primary colors with 100% of each color of CMY is disposed.
[0048]
These test patterns 23, 41, 42, and 43 share a background area 44 recorded with black ink at a predetermined line ratio, and this background area 44 has different line ratios in stages. A plurality of step charts arranged side by side are configured, and test patterns 23, 41, 42, and 43 are arranged for each background region 44 of each drawing ratio. Here, in the background area 44, the image line ratio changes in steps of 5% from 100% to 0%.
[0049]
FIG. 9 shows the concept of the ink penetration evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. The test area 47 of the ink penetration evaluation test pattern 23 has a circular outline, and is recorded in gray (achromatic color) by mixing primary colors with the same line ratio for each primary color of CMY. The image line ratio changes in steps of 5% from 100% to 0%.
[0050]
In this test area 47, when recording is performed on the surface of the recording material (paper) with the required ink as shown in (A), the total amount of ink transferred to the paper increases according to the image line ratio. The higher the image density, the greater the amount of ink permeation. Therefore, as shown in (B), the image formed on the back surface of the recording material (paper) by the permeation of ink appears more clearly as the image line ratio is higher. For this reason, the ink permeation characteristics of the recording material (paper) can be compared and evaluated by the value of the minimum image line ratio at which an image can be visually recognized on the back surface.
[0051]
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the first color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. The first test pattern 41 for evaluating color image misalignment is a first test region 51 in which linear images for each primary color that are recorded by a plurality of primary color inks and that extend in the sub-scanning direction are repeatedly arranged in order in the main scanning direction. And a second test region 52 in which linear images for each primary color recorded in the main scanning direction and recorded by each of a plurality of primary color inks are repeatedly arranged in order in the sub-scanning direction.
[0052]
The first and second test areas 51 and 52 each have a semicircular outer contour that is symmetrical to the left and right, and have a circular outer contour as a whole, and the periphery is recorded with black ink at a predetermined image line ratio. The background area 44 is covered. As described above, the background area 44 has a plurality of different streaks in a stepwise manner, and the first and second test areas 51 and 52 are the same for each level of the background area 42. Things are arranged.
[0053]
FIG. 11 is a further enlarged view of the main part of the first color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. In the first test area 51, the linear images 54c, 54m, 54y for the respective primary colors of CMY extend in the sub-scanning direction (vertical direction), and in the second test area, the linear images 54c, 54m, 54y are the main. The linear images 54c, 54m, and 54y extend in the scanning direction (lateral direction), and are recorded at predetermined intervals. Here, both the linear image and the width of the interval are set to one pixel.
[0054]
FIG. 12 shows an example of the color image shift in the first color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. Here, there is a shift of one pixel in M in the main scanning direction and in the sub-scanning direction, and the linear image 54m made of M ink is in contact with the adjacent C linear image 54c. In this case, there is no significant change in the overall impression of the pattern visually.
[0055]
FIG. 13 shows an example of a color image shift in the first color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. Here, M has a shift of 2 pixels in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and Y has a shift of 2 pixels in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and each of the CMY linear images 54c, 54m, 54y overlap each other, and in this part, black due to the mixed color of CMY appears. Further, the overlap of the straight line images 54c, 54m, and 54y increases the area of the non-image area where the material color of the recording material (paper) appears, and the brightness of the entire pattern increases.
[0056]
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the second color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a further enlarged view of the main part of the second color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. Similar to the first color image deviation evaluation test pattern 25, the second color image deviation evaluation test pattern 26 is a first image in which linear images for each primary color in the sub-scanning direction are repeatedly arranged in order in the main scanning direction. Test area 61 and a second test area 62 in which linear images for each primary color in the main scanning direction are repeatedly arranged in order in the sub-scanning direction. Unlike 41, here, linear images 64c, 64m, and 64y for each primary color are closely recorded.
[0057]
FIG. 16 shows an example of a color image shift in the second color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. Here, there is a displacement of one pixel in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction in M, and in the first test area 61, the M and Y linear images 64m and 64y overlap each other and R due to the mixed color of M and Y. (Red) appears. In the second test area 62, the C and M linear images 64c and 64m overlap each other, and B (blue) due to the mixed color of C and M appears. Further, the area where the material color of the recording material (paper) appears increases due to the overlap between the linear images 64c and 64m, and the brightness of the entire pattern increases.
[0058]
FIG. 17 shows an example of color image shift in the second color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. Here, there is a shift of 1 pixel in the main scanning direction and 2 pixels in the sub-scanning direction for C, and there is also a shift of 1 pixel in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction for Y. The straight line images 64c, 64m, and 64y overlap each other, and black due to the mixed color of C, M, and Y appears. In addition, the area where the material color of the recording material (paper) appears due to the overlapping of the linear images 64c, 64m, and 64y further increases, and the brightness of the entire pattern further increases.
[0059]
FIG. 18 shows the color misregistration evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. The test pattern 25 is used for visual evaluation of a color tone shift caused by a change in output characteristics of the recording head for each primary color. The reference area 71 recorded with black ink and the same brightness and color as the reference area 71 are used. A central test area 72 that is recorded in black by color mixture with the same C, M, and Y image line ratios so that the degree and hue are the same, and the saturation and hue with the same brightness as the central test area 72 And a correction test area 73 recorded by a mixed color of C, M, and Y. Both the reference area 71 and the test areas 72 and 73 have a circular outer contour, and the reference area 71 is disposed so as to surround the test areas 72 and 73.
[0060]
Here, a plurality of test patterns 25a, 25b, and 25c having different image line ratios of the reference region 71 are arranged side by side. The test areas 72 and 73 in the test patterns 25a, 25b, and 25c are set to the same brightness as the reference areas 71 corresponding thereto.
[0061]
FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the color tone evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. A plurality of correction test areas 73 are radially arranged around a center test area 72 located at the center of the reference area 71. In the plurality of correction test areas 73, the central test area 72 is maintained in a state where the brightness is kept constant. The saturation is changed stepwise in the radial direction, and the hue is changed stepwise in the circumferential direction.
[0062]
Here, the correction test areas 73 are arranged in six directions, and the saturation is changed stepwise for a total of six hues of CMY and RGB. For example, in the hue of Y, the Y component value is gradually increased in the order of the correction test area (Y1) and the correction test area (Y2) arranged radially outward from the central test area (O), The other color component values are relatively small in order to keep the lightness constant. In this test pattern 26, for example, if the correction test area (Y1) has the lowest saturation and is optimal, it can be determined that the Y ink amount is insufficient and the density is low.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the ink bleed characteristic on the recording material can be easily evaluated visually by the ink bleed evaluation test pattern, and the ink permeable evaluation test pattern can be used for recording. Easily evaluate the ink penetration characteristics into the backside of the material, and use the test pattern for color image misalignment evaluation to easily evaluate color image misalignment caused by print head mechanical errors. In addition, the test for evaluating color misalignment can be used to easily evaluate the color misalignment caused by the change in the output characteristics of each primary color, improving the reproducibility of recorded images and performing calibration work. A great effect can be obtained in improving efficiency.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color proof system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the proof server shown in FIG.
3 is a diagram showing an entire test chart output by the plotter shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a test pattern for ink bleed evaluation shown in FIG. 3;
5 is a partially enlarged view showing the test pattern shown in FIG.
6 is an enlarged view showing the main part of the test pattern shown in FIG.
7 is a diagram simulating bleeding that occurs in actual recording in the test pattern shown in FIG. 6;
8 is a diagram showing a test pattern for evaluating ink penetration and a test pattern for evaluating color image misalignment shown in FIG. 3;
9 is a view showing the concept of the test pattern for ink penetration evaluation shown in FIG.
10 is an enlarged view of the first color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG.
11 is a diagram further enlarging the main part of the first color image misregistration evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. 10;
12 is a diagram showing an example of color image shift in the first color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG.
13 is a diagram showing an example of color image misalignment in the first color image misalignment evaluation test pattern shown in FIG.
14 is an enlarged view showing a second color image shift evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. 8. FIG.
15 is a diagram further enlarging a main part of the second color image misalignment evaluation test pattern shown in FIG. 14;
16 is a diagram showing an example of color image misalignment in the second color image misalignment evaluation test pattern shown in FIG.
17 is a diagram showing an example of color image misalignment in the second color image misalignment evaluation test pattern shown in FIG.
18 is a diagram showing a test for evaluating color misalignment shown in FIG. 3;
19 is an enlarged view of the color misregistration evaluation test pattern shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Plotter (image recording device)
3 Proof server (image recording control device)
8 Output manager (output control means)
9 Test chart storage
21 Test chart
22 Test pattern for ink bleed evaluation
23 Test pattern for ink penetration evaluation
24, 41, 42 Test pattern for evaluating color misregistration
25 Test pattern for evaluating color deviation
31 Test area
32 ・ 32a ～ 32d Reference area
34 Stroke section
44 Background area
51 First test area
52 Second Test Area
54c ・ 54m ・ 54y Straight line image
61 First test area
62 Second test area
64c / 64m / 64y straight line image
71 Reference area
72 Central test area
73 Correction Test Area

Claims (9)

A test area recorded with the primary color ink so that a plurality of different line ratios are arranged in stages, a linear image area recorded with the same primary color ink as the test area, and a non-image area not recorded And an ink bleed evaluation test pattern having a plurality of reference areas arranged at predetermined intervals in each of the areas of different image area ratios of the test area. Characteristic color test chart.     The color test chart according to claim 1, wherein the ink bleeding evaluation test pattern is provided for each primary color ink to be used.     The color test chart according to claim 1, wherein the reference area has a substantially circular outer contour and is surrounded by the test area. A background area recorded with black ink and a mixed color of a plurality of primary color inks are recorded so that a plurality of different line ratios are arranged step by step. 2. The color according to claim 1, further comprising an ink penetration evaluation test pattern that is recorded on the surface of the recording material and that evaluates the state of penetration of the ink into the back surface. Test chart. The color test chart according to claim 4 , wherein a plurality of the test areas are provided by changing the image line ratio of each primary color ink stepwise. A background area recorded with black ink so that a plurality of different line ratios are arranged step by step, and a linear image for each primary color recorded in each of the plurality of primary color inks and extending in the sub-scanning direction in the main scanning direction It possesses a first test area repeatedly arranged in this order, and a second test area repeatedly arranged linear images of each primary color extending in the main scanning direction to be recorded by each of the plurality of primary color inks in order the sub scanning direction The first test area and the second test area further include a test pattern for color image misalignment evaluation arranged in each area having a different image ratio of the background area. The color test chart according to claim 1 . A reference area recorded with black ink at a predetermined image line ratio, and a center test recorded with a mixture of a plurality of primary color inks and arranged at the center position of the reference area so as to have substantially the same color characteristics as the reference area and the region, further, further comprising a color tone deviation evaluating test pattern and a corrected test area which is more disposed to the reference area is recorded by mixing the primary colors ink the central test region and the color characteristics by changing a part The color test chart according to claim 1 . The reference region, a plurality provided by changing the image area ratio stepwise, according to claim 7, characterized in that the central test region and the correction test area are arranged in each reference area of Kakuesen Ratio Color test chart. Storage means for storing image data of a color test chart according to any one of claims 1 to 8, by specifying the image recording apparatus further comprising an output control means for outputting an image of the color test chart A characteristic image recording control apparatus.

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