JPH09326938A - Image processing unit and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain preview of an image outputted by an output device that takes a revision content into account even when output conditions of the output device such as density and color balance are revised. SOLUTION: An output device setting section 7 sets output conditions of an output device. Then received image data are processed by a color correction section 10 based on the set output conditions, an input characteristic of an input device being an input source of the received image data and an output characteristic of the output device being an output destination and the processed image data are displayed on a monitor 6.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention holds an input / output characteristic of a plurality of types of input / output devices for inputting / outputting image data as a database, and processes the input image data based on the database. The present invention relates to a device and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, color matching is performed between image data input by an input device such as a monitor and a scanner and image data output by an output device such as a color inkjet printer based on the image data. In addition, data (hereinafter referred to as profile data) describing the input / output characteristics of various input / output devices is held as a database. Then, in the actual image processing such as color matching, the image to be processed between the input image data and the output image data is used by using the input / output profile data corresponding to these input / output devices. Processing systems are known.

In such an image processing system, there is known a preview system for confirming on a monitor how a document created by an application running on an information processing device is output on an output device. Has been. However, in such a preview system, it was possible to check in advance on the monitor how the documents, tables, images, etc. that compose the document are arranged and output on the output device, but the document is output. There were few devices that could confirm what color and density were output.

Therefore, the output profile data describing the output characteristics of the output device is provided with preview data indicating information such as color and density in advance, and a preview system for performing a preview by using this data is realized. An image processing system has been devised. Hereinafter, FIG.
The configuration of the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus that realizes the conventional image processing system will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing section of a conventional image processing apparatus. In the figure, 1 is a color correction unit that reads input profile data and output profile data describing the characteristics of an input / output device, and determines what color the image data having an RGB value depending on the input device is at the output device. The image data obtained from the simulation result is output to the monitor 6.

Reference numeral 2 denotes an input profile reading section, which receives an input device type indicating which input device is selected from among a plurality of types of input devices connected to the system. The input profile data describing the input characteristics of the corresponding input device is read from the input profile storage unit 4. Reference numeral 3 denotes an output profile reading unit, which outputs output profile data in which output characteristics corresponding to the type of output device that indicates which output device among a plurality of types of output devices connected to the system is output. It is read from the output profile storage unit 5.

An input profile storage unit 4 stores a plurality of input profile data describing the input characteristics of various input devices connected in advance to the system. In addition, 1 corresponding to the input device connected to the system by the input profile reading unit 2
One input profile data is read. An output profile storage unit 5 stores a plurality of output profile data describing output characteristics according to various settings of various output devices connected in advance to the system. Further, the output profile reading unit 3 reads one output profile data corresponding to the output device connected to the system and various settings.

A monitor 6 displays an image based on the image data output from the color correction section 1. It should be noted that each of the constituent elements of the image processing unit of the image processing apparatus includes a CPU and an R.
The above-described image processing is executed by being controlled by a control unit (not shown) including an AM and a ROM.

Next, the detailed configuration of the color correction unit 1 included in the image processing apparatus for realizing the conventional image processing system and the processing to be executed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a color correction unit included in a conventional image processing apparatus. First, the image data having RGB values depending on the input device is the color space conversion unit 1.
Input to a. In the color space conversion unit 1a, R that depends on the input device using the input profile data is used.
Color space that does not depend on input device for GB value, that is, XY in profile connection space (PCS)
It is converted into a Z value, and the converted XYZ value is input to the output device simulation unit 1b.

Then, the output device simulating section 1b
, The XYZ values depend on the output device R'G '
Once converted to B'value. Furthermore, the converted R'G '
The B'value is converted to an X'Y'Z 'value in PCS, and the converted X'Y'Z' value is input to the color space conversion unit 1c. The data necessary for the processing in the output device simulation section 1b is described in the output profile data in advance.

Then, in the color space conversion unit 1c, X '
The Y'Z 'value is converted into an R "G" B "value depending on the input device again using the input profile data, and the converted R" G "B" value is input to the monitor 6. Then, the image according to the R "G" B "values is displayed on the monitor 6.

[0012]

However, in the image processing apparatus as described above, the type of input device,
For the settings that can be prepared in advance as input / output profile data for the type of output device, it was possible to preview according to those settings. For example, the density and color balance of the image output from the output device When the output conditions desired by the user, such as taste adjustment, are set, it is impossible to preview in consideration of the set contents.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and holds the input profile data corresponding to the input device and the output profile data corresponding to the output device and the output condition, and to the color image data. When color matching processing is performed using the input profile data and the output device profile data corresponding to the set output device type and output conditions, color correction processing is performed on the color image data based on the user's manual instruction. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of previewing an image based on the color image data even in the case. According to another object, even when the output conditions of the output device such as density and color balance are changed, an image processing apparatus capable of previewing an image output by the output device in consideration of the changed contents. And its method.

[0014]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement.
That is, storage means for storing input device profile information corresponding to an input device, output device profile information corresponding to an output device and output conditions, and type of output device set with the input device profile information for color image data. And color matching processing means for performing color matching processing using the output device profile information corresponding to the output condition, and color correction processing based on a user's manual instruction for the color image data color-matched by the color matching processing means. Color correction processing means for performing the above, output means for outputting the color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing means to the image forming section, and color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing means The output device Comprising b preview conversion processing means for converting based on the preview conversion information stored in the file information, and output means for outputting the color image data converted by said conversion means on the display unit. Further, preferably, the output condition is a kind of recording agent. In addition, preferably, the type of the recording material further includes setting means for recognizing and setting the type by bidirectional communication with the output device. Also, preferably, the setting means is
The type of recording medium is set based on the user's manual instruction. Further, preferably, the types of the recording agents include a recording agent having a low dye concentration and a recording agent having a high dye concentration.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having the following configuration. That is, it is an image processing apparatus that holds the input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices that input / output image data as a database and that processes the input image data based on the database. Setting means for setting conditions, the input characteristics of the input device that is the input source of the input image data, the output characteristics of the output device that is the output destination, and the output conditions set by the setting means. And a display unit for displaying the image data processed by the processing unit.

Preferably, the output condition includes at least density adjustment and color balance adjustment. Also, preferably, the input / output characteristics held by the database are
It is held for each of the plurality of types of input / output devices. Further, preferably, the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each type of function set in the plurality of types of input / output devices.

Further, preferably, the types of functions set in the plurality of types of input / output devices include at least a recording medium, a binarization method, a resolution, and a type of recording agent. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having the following configuration. That is, it is an image processing apparatus that holds the input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices that input / output image data as a database and that processes the input image data based on the database. Setting means for setting conditions, changing means for changing the output characteristic of the output device which is the output destination of the input image data based on the output conditions set by the setting means, and the input image data Processing means for processing the input image data based on the input characteristics of the input device as the input source and the output characteristics changed by the changing means, and a display for displaying the image data processed by the processing means. And means.

Preferably, the output condition includes at least density adjustment and color balance adjustment. Also, preferably, the input / output characteristics held by the database are
It is held for each of the plurality of types of input / output devices. Further, preferably, the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each type of function set in the plurality of types of input / output devices.

Further, preferably, the types of functions set in the plurality of types of input / output devices include at least a recording medium, a binarization method, a resolution, and a type of recording agent. An image processing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a storage step of storing the input device profile information corresponding to the input device and the output device profile information corresponding to the output device and the output condition in the storage medium, and the output set with the input device profile information for the color image data. Based on a color matching processing step of performing color matching processing using the output device profile information corresponding to the type of device and output conditions, and a user's manual instruction for the color image data color-matched by the color matching processing step. A color correction processing step of performing a color correction processing; a first output step of outputting color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing step to an image forming unit; and a color corrected by the color correction processing step. Before for image data A preview transformation process step of converting, based on the preview conversion information stored in the output device profile information,
A second output step of outputting the color image data converted by the conversion processing step to a display unit. An image processing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, it is an image processing method for holding the input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices for inputting / outputting image data as a database and processing the input image data based on the database. Based on the setting step of setting conditions, the input characteristics of the input device that is the input source of the input image data, the output characteristics of the output device that is the output destination, and the output conditions set in the setting step; And a display step of displaying the image data processed in the processing step.

An image processing method according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is, it is an image processing method for holding the input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices for inputting / outputting image data as a database and processing the input image data based on the database. A setting step of setting conditions, a changing step of changing output characteristics of an output device which is an output destination of the input image data based on the output conditions set in the setting step, and the input image data A processing step of processing the input image data based on the input characteristics of the input device which is the input source of the image and the output characteristics changed in the changing step, and a display for displaying the image data processed in the processing step. And a process. A computer-readable memory according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, it is a computer-readable memory in which a program code for image processing is stored, and is a code of a storage step of storing input device profile information corresponding to an input device and output device profile information corresponding to an output device and an output condition in a storage medium. A code of a color matching processing step for performing color matching processing on the color image data using the input device profile information, the output device profile information corresponding to the set output device type and output condition, and the color matching A code of a color correction processing step for performing color correction processing based on a user's manual instruction on the color image data subjected to the color matching processing by the processing step and the color image data subjected to the color correction processing by the color correction processing step to form an image. Department And a preview conversion processing step of converting the code of the first output step for outputting and the color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing step based on the preview conversion information stored in the output device profile information. A code and a code for the second output step of outputting the color image data converted by the conversion processing step to the display unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable memory having the following configuration. That is, a computer-readable memory storing a program code for image processing, a code of a setting step for setting an output condition of an output device, an input characteristic of an input device which is an input source of the input image data, and an output. A code of a processing step for processing the input image data based on the output characteristics of the output device and the output condition set in the setting step, and a display for displaying the image data processed in the processing step. And a process code.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable memory having the following configuration. That is, a computer-readable memory in which a program code for image processing is stored, the code of a setting step for setting the output condition of the output device, and the output characteristic of the output device which is the output destination of the input image data, Based on the code of the changing step to be changed based on the output condition set in the setting step, the input characteristic of the input device that is the input source of the input image data, and the output characteristic changed in the changing step, A code of a processing step of processing the input image data and a code of a display step of displaying the image data processed in the processing step are provided.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first and second embodiments.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a CPU, which is a RAM 11 according to various control programs stored in a ROM 112.
3, various controls of the operation unit 114, the image processing unit 115, the monitor 6, the input device 117, and the output device 118 are performed. An input device 117 inputs an image by an image reading device such as an image scanner including a CCD sensor, an external device such as a host computer, an SV camera, a video camera, and its interface. An output device 118 outputs an image by an inkjet printer, a thermal transfer printer, a dot printer, or the like. RAM
Reference numeral 113 denotes a work area and a temporary save area for data input from various control programs and the operation unit 114. 114
Denotes an operation unit, which performs setting of an output device setting unit 7 described later and input of data. An image processing unit 115 performs image processing executed in Embodiment 1 described later. Reference numeral 6 denotes a monitor, which is a processing result of the image processing unit 115 and an operation unit
The data and the like input in 4 are displayed.

Next, the detailed configuration of the image processing unit 115 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the image processing unit according to the first embodiment. In the image processing unit 115 shown in FIG. 2, the same components as those of the conventional image processing unit described with reference to FIG. 9 have the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 30 denotes an output profile reading unit, which is a type of output device indicating which output device is to be used to output from among a plurality of types of output devices connected to the system, and the type and setting of recording media that have been set. The output profile data in which the output characteristics corresponding to the output device and various settings such as the binarization method, the resolution, and the type of recording material used when outputting are described are read from the output profile storage unit 5.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a color correction unit, which is an input device 11
7. Read the input profile data describing the characteristics of the output device 118, the output profile data, and the output condition of the output device 118 set by the output device 7, and the image data having RGB values depending on the input device is output to the output device 118. Then, what kind of color and density the image data has is simulated, and the image data obtained from the simulation result is output to the monitor 6.

An output device setting section 7 inputs the output conditions of the output device 118 to the color correction section 10. still,
The output condition set by the output device setting unit 7 of the first embodiment is for setting tint adjustment such as density adjustment and color balance adjustment for an image output from the output device 118, but the output condition is not limited to this. It is possible to set the desired output conditions. Thus, the first embodiment
Then, the color matching processing is performed using the output profile data corresponding to the recording medium, the binarization method, the resolution, and the type of the recording material. For example, reproducibility is different when an image is formed using an ink having a low dye concentration as a recording material and when an image is formed using an ink having a high dye concentration. That is, the ink having a low dye concentration can prevent the grain state in the low density portion. On the other hand, in order to reproduce the predetermined density, a large amount of ink is required for the ink having a high dye density, and therefore the high density in the secondary color cannot be reproduced from the ejection amount limited by the recording medium. That is, although the low density reproducibility is good, the color reproduction range may be somewhat narrowed depending on the recording medium. On the other hand, although the ink having a high dye concentration can reproduce a high concentration, the grain state at a low concentration may be conspicuous. According to the first embodiment, since the output profile data is prepared corresponding to the type of recording agent and the type of recording medium, color matching is performed according to the difference in reproducibility such as the color reproduction range as described above. be able to.

Next, the detailed configuration of the color correction unit 10 of the first embodiment and the processing to be executed will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the color correction unit according to the first embodiment. 10a
Is a first color space conversion unit, which uses the input profile data read by the input profile reading unit 2 to convert the image data having the RGB values depending on the input device input to the color correction unit 1 into the PCS. To the image data having the XYZ values in. A monitor that displays image data created by an application running on a host computer is usually used as the input device, and the input profile data describes the characteristics of the monitor.

Reference numeral 10b denotes a second color space conversion unit, which outputs the image data having the XYZ values output from the first color space conversion unit 10a to the type and various settings of the output device read by the output profile reading unit 3. Is converted into image data having an R′G′B ′ value depending on the output device 118 by using the output profile data corresponding to. The second
The processing in the color space conversion unit 10b is actually converted into R'G'B 'values through image processing such as luminance density conversion and masking, and the data required for these processings is described in the output profile. .

Reference numeral 10c is a third color space conversion unit, which is a CMYK system which depends on the output device 118 for the image data having the R'G'B 'value output from the second color space conversion unit 10b.
Convert to image data with values. Note that the processing in the third color space conversion unit 10c is actually the processing shown in FIG. First, the R'G'B 'value is converted into a C0M0Y0K0 value by the undercolor removal / black generation unit 101c, and then C
The 0M0Y0K0 value is converted into a C1M1Y1K1 value by the density adjusting unit 102c according to the density value set by the output device setting unit 7, and the C1M1Y1K1 value is further converted into the output device setting unit 7.
In accordance with the color balance value set for each color, the color balance adjusting unit 103c converts the CMYK value. Further, since the CMYK values are values that depend on the output device 118, normally, the CMYK values are directly output to the output device 118 as indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG.

Reference numeral 10d is a fourth color space conversion unit, which uses the image data having the CMYK values output from the third color space conversion unit 10c by using the output profile data read by the output profile reading unit 3. , X'in PCS
Convert to image data having Y'Z 'value. 10e is the fifth
The image data having the X'Y'Z 'value output from the fourth color space conversion unit 10d, which is a color space conversion unit, is input using the input profile data read by the input profile reading unit 2. R "G" depending on device 117
Convert to B "value.

By the processing of the fourth color space conversion unit 10d and the fifth color space conversion unit 10e, image data on which the density adjustment or the color balance adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 is taken into consideration is displayed on the monitor 6. You can preview it with. Next, the outline of the processing executed by the color correction unit 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an outline of the processing executed by the color correction unit of the first embodiment. First, in step S501, the RG depending on the input device input.
For the image data having the B value, the input profile data of the input device 117 is used and then the first color space conversion unit 1 is used.
Image data having XYZ values in PCS is generated by being converted by 0a. In step S502, the image data having the XYZ values generated by the first color space conversion unit 10a is output using the output profile data corresponding to the type and various settings of the output device read by the output profile reading unit 30. Image data converted by the two-color space conversion unit 10b and having R′G′B ′ values depending on the output device 118 is generated.

In step S503, the second color space conversion unit 1
The image data with R'G'B 'value generated in 0b is
Image data having CMYK values depending on the output device 118 is generated by taking into consideration the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 based on the user's manual instruction, and then converted by the third color space conversion unit 10c. It In step S504, C generated by the third color space conversion unit 10d
The image data having the MYK values is converted by the fourth color space conversion unit 10d using the preview conversion LUT in the output profile data, and X'Y'Z 'in the PCS.
Image data having a value is generated. That is, step S5
Similarly to 02, the preview conversion for generating the simulated image data can highly accurately simulate the image formed by the output device corresponding to the type of the output device and various settings. In step S505, the image data having the X'Y'Z 'value generated by the fourth color space conversion unit 10d is converted by the fifth color space conversion unit 10e after the input profile data of the input device 117 is used. R "G" B "depending on the input device 117
Image data having a value is generated.

Through the above processing, the image data having the R "G" B "value based on the input device is taken as the image data in consideration of the tint adjustment set by the output device setting section 7 based on the user's manual instruction. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the image data in which the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 is taken into consideration is generated by the color correction unit 10, so that the output device setting is performed. The image output from the output device 118 in consideration of the tint adjustment set in the unit 7 can be previewed on the monitor 6. Furthermore, a simulated image corresponding to the type of output device and various settings can be obtained. it can.

<Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 is input to the color correcting unit 1, and the density adjusting unit 102c and the color balance adjusting unit 1 are used.
By generating the image data in consideration of the tint adjustment by 03c, the image in which the tint adjustment set in the output device setting unit 7 is considered can be previewed on the monitor 6. In the second embodiment, an output profile changing unit 8 for inputting the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 and the output profile data output from the output profile reading unit 3 is newly provided to adjust the tint input. On the basis of,
The input output profile data is changed to output profile data in consideration of tint adjustment, and image data in consideration of tint adjustment is generated based on the changed output profile data. As a result, the image output from the output device 118 in which the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 is taken into consideration can be previewed on the monitor 6. Further, with such a configuration, the density adjusting unit 102c included in the third color space converting unit 10c according to the first embodiment.
And the first embodiment without the color balance adjusting unit 103c.
The same effect as can be obtained.

First, the detailed configuration of the image processing unit 115 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the image processing unit according to the second embodiment. In the image processing unit 115 shown in FIG. 6, the same components as those of the conventional image processing unit described with reference to FIG. 9 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the color correction unit 100 is the density adjustment unit 1 that constitutes the third color space conversion unit 10c described in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.
02c and the color balance adjusting unit 103c are not provided.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an output profile changing unit, which inputs the output profile data output from the output profile reading unit 3 and the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7. Then, based on the input tint adjustment, the input output profile data is changed to output profile data in consideration of tint adjustment. Next, the second embodiment
The detailed configuration of the output profile changing unit 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the output profile changing unit according to the second embodiment. A temporary profile creation unit 8a creates temporary output profile data in consideration of the tint adjustment of the output device 118 when the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 is input. The created temporary output profile data is input to the profile combination unit 8b.

Reference numeral 8b denotes a profile combining unit, which is combined when the temporary output profile data created by the temporary profile creating unit 8a and the output profile data output from the output profile reading unit 3 are input. Then, new output profile data is generated in consideration of the characteristics of the output device 118 and the tint adjustment. Then, the generated new output profile data is input to the color correction unit 100. The output profile data used in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, holds data for directly converting the XYZ values in the PCS into CMYK values depending on the output device.

Next, an outline of the processing executed by the color correction unit 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the color correction unit of the second embodiment. First, in step S801, R depending on the input device input is input.
The image data having the GB value is converted by the first color space conversion unit 10a after the input profile data of the input device 117 is used, and the image data having the XYZ value in the PCS is generated. In step S802, the output profile changing unit 8 changes the output profile data input from the output profile reading unit 3 into the output profile data in consideration of the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit. In step S803, the image data having the XYZ values generated by the first color space conversion unit 10a is converted by the second color space conversion unit 10b after the output profile data input from the output profile change unit 8 is used. Then, image data having CMYK values depending on the output device 118 is generated.

In step S805, the third color space conversion unit 1
The image data having the CMYK values generated by 0d is converted by the fourth color space conversion unit 10d after the output profile data input from the output profile change unit 8 is used, and is converted into X'Y'Z 'in the PCS. Image data having a value is generated. In step S806, the image data having the X'Y'Z 'value generated by the fourth color space conversion unit 10d is converted by the fifth color space conversion unit 10e after the input profile data of the input device 117 is used. Then, image data having an R "G" B "value depending on the input device 117 is generated.

By the above processing, the image data having the R "G" B "value in the input device is generated as the image data in which the tint adjustment set by the output device setting unit 7 is taken into consideration. As described above, according to the second embodiment, by providing the output profile changing unit that generates new output profile data in consideration of the characteristics and the tint adjustment of the output device 118, the color correction unit 100 can achieve the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. It is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment without the density adjusting unit 102c and the color balance adjusting unit 103c shown in FIG.

In the first and second embodiments, the density and color balance are described as the two output conditions that can be set for the output device according to the user's preference. However, the present invention addresses these two items. It is not limited. The information that can be used to select the input / output profile data of the input / output device also includes the type of input / output device, the type of recording medium that is set, the set binarization method, the resolution, and the type of ink. It is not limited to. Further, in the first and second embodiments, the input profile data corresponding to the input device stored in the input profile storage unit 4 is stored for each type of input device. It goes without saying that the configuration may be such that the type, the set binarization method, the resolution, and the type of ink are stored. In the first and second embodiments, when the print job is set based on the control of the CPU 111, the type of the recording material is bidirectionally communicated with the output device, the type of the recording material is recognized, and the output profile reading unit 3 is used.
It may be set to 0. Here, the output device is C
In response to the inquiry about the type of the recording agent from the PU 111, for example, the type of the attached recording head is I
The determination is made based on the D number, and the type of recording agent corresponding to the type of the recording head is returned to the CPU 111. The user manually specifies the recording medium and the resolution from the operation unit 114. By doing so, the load on the user can be reduced.

Even when the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device composed of one device (for example, copying machine, facsimile) Device). Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to store the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the program.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk,
A CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM or the like can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. It is needless to say that this also includes the case where the above) performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts. Briefly, the memory maps of FIGS. Each module shown in the example will be stored in the storage medium. That is, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11, at least a "storage module", a "color matching processing module", a "color correction processing module", a "first output module", a "preview conversion module", and a "second output module". The program code of each module of “module” may be stored in the storage medium. The "storage module" stores the input device profile information corresponding to the input device and the output device profile information corresponding to the output device and the output condition in the storage medium. The "color matching processing module" performs color matching processing on the color image data using the input device profile information and the output device profile information corresponding to the set output device type and output condition. The “color correction processing module” performs color correction processing on the color image data subjected to the color matching processing based on a user's manual instruction. The "first output module" outputs the color image data subjected to the color correction processing to the image forming unit. The "preview conversion module" converts the color-corrected color image data based on the preview conversion information stored in the output device profile information. The “second output module” outputs the converted color image data to the display unit. That is, in the first embodiment, FIG.
The program code of at least each of the "setting module", the "processing module" and the "display module" as shown in FIG.

The "setting module" sets the output condition of the output device. The “processing module” refers to the input image based on the input characteristic of the input device that is the input source of the input image data, the output characteristic of the output device that is the output destination, and the output condition set in the setting step. Process the data. The "display module" displays the processed image data.

Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, if at least the program codes of the "setting module", "change module", "processing module" and "display module" are stored in the storage medium. Good. The "setting module" sets the output condition of the output device. The "modification module" changes the output characteristics of the output device that is the output destination of the input image data,
Change based on the set output conditions. The “processing module” processes the input image data based on the input characteristics of the input device that is the input source of the input image data and the changed output characteristics. "Display module"
Displays the processed image data.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The input profile data corresponding to the input device and the output profile data corresponding to the output device and the output condition are held, and the input profile data for the color image data and the output corresponding to the type and the output condition of the set output device are held. An image processing apparatus capable of previewing an image based on the color image data even when the color correction processing based on the user's manual instruction is performed on the color image data when performing color matching processing using the device profile data And a method therefor can be provided. According to another aspect of the invention, even when the output conditions of the output device such as density and color balance are changed, an image processing apparatus capable of previewing an image output by the output device in consideration of the contents of the changes. And a method therefor can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to first and second embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a color correction unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a third color space conversion unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by a color correction unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image processing unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an output profile changing unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by a color correction unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit of a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a color correction unit included in a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of a memory map of a storage medium storing a program code for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a structure of a memory map of a storage medium which stores a program code for realizing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a structure of a memory map of a storage medium which stores a program code for realizing Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Input profile reading unit 3 Output profile reading unit 4 Input profile storage unit 5 Output profile storage unit 6 Monitor 7 Output device setting unit 8 Output profile changing unit 10, 100 Color correction unit

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. Storage means for storing input device profile information corresponding to an input device and output device profile information corresponding to an output device and an output condition, and an output set with the input device profile information for color image data. Color matching processing means for performing color matching processing using the output device profile information corresponding to the device type and output condition; and based on a user's manual instruction for the color image data color-matched by the color matching processing means. Color correction processing means for performing color correction processing; first output means for outputting the color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing means to an image forming section; and color corrected by the color correction processing means. Before for image data A preview conversion processing means for converting based on the preview conversion information stored in the output device profile information, and a second output means for outputting the color image data converted by the conversion processing means to the display unit. Image processing device. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output condition is a type of recording material. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising setting means for recognizing and setting the type of the recording material by bidirectional communication with the output device. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets the type of the recording medium based on a user's manual instruction. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the types of the recording agent include a recording agent having a low dye concentration and a recording agent having a high dye concentration. 6. An image processing apparatus for holding input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices for inputting / outputting image data as a database, and processing input image data based on the database. Setting means for setting the output condition of the device, based on the input characteristics of the input device that is the input source of the input image data and the output characteristics of the output device that is the output destination, and the output condition set by the setting means An image processing apparatus comprising: processing means for processing the input image data; and display means for displaying the image data processed by the processing means. 7. The output condition is at least density adjustment,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising color balance adjustment. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each of the plurality of types of input / output devices. 9. The input / output characteristic held by the database is held for each type of function set in the plurality of types of input / output devices.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 10. The types of functions set in the plurality of types of input / output devices are at least recording media and 2.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a value conversion method, a resolution, and a type of recording material. 11. An image processing apparatus for holding input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices for inputting / outputting image data as a database, and processing input image data based on the database, comprising: Setting means for setting an output condition of a device; changing means for changing an output characteristic of an output device which is an output destination of the input image data based on an output condition set by the setting means; Processing means for processing the input image data based on the input characteristics of the input device as the input source of the image data and the output characteristics changed by the changing means, and the image data processed by the processing means. An image processing apparatus comprising: a display unit for displaying. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the output condition includes at least density adjustment and color balance adjustment. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each of the plurality of types of input / output devices. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each type of function set in the plurality of types of input / output devices. . 15. The types of functions set in the plurality of types of input / output devices are at least recording media and 2.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a value conversion method, a resolution, and a type of recording material. 16. A storage step of storing input device profile information corresponding to an input device and output device profile information corresponding to an output device and an output condition in a storage medium, and the input device profile information and setting for color image data. A color matching processing step of performing color matching processing using the output device profile information corresponding to the type and output condition of the output device, and a user's manual for the color image data color-matched by the color matching processing step. A color correction processing step of performing a color correction processing based on an instruction; a first output step of outputting color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing step to an image forming unit; and a color correction processing by the color correction processing step. Color Image Day A preview conversion processing step for converting based on the preview conversion information stored in the output device profile information, and a second output step for outputting the color image data converted by the conversion processing step to the display unit. An image processing method comprising: 17. The image processing method according to claim 16, wherein the output condition is a type of recording material. 18. The image processing method according to claim 17, further comprising a setting step of recognizing and setting the type of the recording material by bidirectional communication with the output device. 19. The image processing method according to claim 18, wherein the setting step sets the type of the recording medium based on a user's manual instruction. 20. The image processing method according to claim 17, wherein the types of the recording agent include a recording agent having a low dye concentration and a recording agent having a high dye concentration. 21. An image processing method for holding input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices for inputting / outputting image data as a database, and processing the input image data based on the database. Based on the setting step of setting the output condition of the device, the input characteristic of the input device that is the input source of the input image data and the output characteristic of the output device that is the output destination, and the output condition set in the setting step An image processing method comprising: a processing step of processing the input image data; and a display step of displaying the image data processed in the processing step. 22. The image processing method according to claim 21, wherein the output condition includes at least density adjustment and color balance adjustment. 23. The image processing method according to claim 21, wherein the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each of the plurality of types of input / output devices. 24. The image processing method according to claim 21, wherein the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each type of function set in the plurality of types of input / output devices. . 25. The types of functions set in the plurality of types of input / output devices are at least recording media and 2.
The image processing method according to claim 24, which includes a value conversion method, a resolution, and a type of recording material. 26. An image processing method for holding input / output characteristics of a plurality of types of input / output devices for inputting / outputting image data as a database and processing the input image data based on the database. A setting step of setting an output condition of a device; a changing step of changing an output characteristic of an output device which is an output destination of the input image data based on the output condition set in the setting step; A processing step of processing the input image data based on the input characteristics of the input device that is the input source of the image data and the output characteristics changed in the changing step; and the image data processed in the processing step. An image processing method comprising: a display step of displaying. 27. The image processing method according to claim 26, wherein the output condition includes at least density adjustment and color balance adjustment. 28. The image processing method according to claim 26, wherein the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each of the plurality of types of input / output devices. 29. The image processing method according to claim 26, wherein the input / output characteristics held by the database are held for each type of function set in the plurality of types of input / output devices. . 30. The types of functions set in the plurality of types of input / output devices are at least recording media and 2.
30. The image processing method according to claim 29, which includes a value conversion method, a resolution, and a type of recording material. 31. A computer-readable memory that stores image processing program code, and stores input device profile information corresponding to an input device and output device profile information corresponding to an output device and output conditions in a storage medium. A code of a step, a code of a color matching processing step for performing color matching processing using the output device profile information corresponding to the input device profile information and the set output device type and output condition for the color image data, Color correction processing code for performing color correction processing on the color image data color-matched by the color matching processing step based on a user's manual instruction, and color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing step A code for the first output step to be output to the image forming unit, and a preview for converting the color image data color-corrected by the color correction processing step based on the preview conversion information stored in the output device profile information. A computer-readable memory comprising: a code for a conversion processing step; and a code for a second output step for outputting the color image data converted by the conversion processing step to a display unit. 32. A computer-readable memory storing a program code for image processing, the code of a setting step for setting an output condition of an output device, and an input of an input device which is an input source of the input image data. A characteristic code, an output characteristic of an output device which is an output destination, and a code of a processing step for processing the input image data based on the output condition set in the setting step, and image data processed in the processing step. A computer readable memory comprising: a display process code for displaying. 33. A computer-readable memory storing a program code for image processing, the code of a setting step for setting an output condition of an output device, and an output of an output device which is an output destination of the input image data. The characteristics of the change process code for changing the characteristics based on the output condition set in the setting step, the input characteristics of the input device that is the input source of the input image data, and the output characteristics changed in the changing step. A computer-readable memory comprising: a processing step code for processing the input image data based on the above; and a display step code for displaying the image data processed in the processing step.