JPH10191037A - Image processor, image processing method and storage medium storing program readable by computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To limit the situation of executing an image quality low order conversion processing to all colors, to minimize the decline of image quality and to make the image quality decline inconspicuous by successively low-order converting the image quality of image information for the respective colors to be plotted and controlling the execution of the low order conversion processing of the image quality of the succeeding image information for the respective colors every time of the processing. SOLUTION: A control code and data from a computer 3000 are received by an input part 108, converted to bit map objects corresponding to a program described in a program ROM 103 and held in a data RAM 109. When plotting advances, the bit map objects are increased, the memory capacity of the data RAM 109 gets closer to a limit and the plotting by page division becomes impossible. When the RAM 109 can not secure a plotting memory for one page any more, a low order conversion part 112 performs the low order conversion processing from an yellow plane where degradation is inconspicuous in terms of visual characteristics based on the order of a low order conversion procedure description part 111.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer that can receive output information including a page object for color printing from a higher-level device and develop a bitmap image in a drawing memory. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing various programs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, in an image processing apparatus of this kind, for example, an apparatus for performing image processing (drawing development processing) based on print information input to a printer engine, the resolution of image information has been increased and multi-valued, and page In order to develop an object into a bitmap image, the amount of memory deemed necessary increases, and the processing time required for the development increases.

Therefore, conventionally, image information is developed with a small memory, and pages are divided in order to speed up processing.
A method has been used in which a bitmap image of the next area is generated using a bitmap image drawing waiting time developed from image information.

However, even in this method, there is a limit in the capacity of a page memory for processing a page object. For this reason, if the drawing memory cannot be secured, the process of lowering the resolution or gradation is performed on all the planes of the bitmap object generated with the high-resolution and multi-valued information, thereby performing the low-level conversion of the pixels. By generating bitmap objects for low resolution and low gradation, image information requires less memory,
A method of guaranteeing printing was used.

[0005]

However, in the conventional low-level conversion processing, in order to reduce the memory required for image information, a bitmap object generated from high-resolution, multi-valued information is used. Since processing for lowering the resolution and gradation is performed on all the planes, the resolution is significantly reduced, and there is a problem that the quality of the entire image must be degraded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the first to fifteenth inventions according to the present invention to provide a method for drawing color information to be inputted for each color. By controlling the image quality reduction processing state of image information,
An image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of limiting image quality degradation of an output image based on input color output information to the entire image and generating image information for obtaining a color image in which the image quality degradation is not conspicuous An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for analyzing input color output information and rendering image information for each color for an output unit. A conversion unit for sequentially lowering the image quality of another image information, and a control unit for controlling execution of a subsequent low-level conversion process for each color by the conversion unit for each low-level conversion for each color by the conversion unit. It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the conversion means sequentially lowers the resolution of image information for each color to be rendered.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the conversion means sequentially lower-converts the gradation of image information for each color to be rendered.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the conversion means sequentially converts the resolution and the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing process to lower order.

A fifth invention according to the present invention has a determining means for determining whether or not a storage area for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on the color output information, wherein the control means comprises: Based on the result of the determination by the determining means, for each low-level conversion for each color performed by the converting means, execution of the subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color by the converting means is controlled.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in an image processing method for analyzing input color output information and rendering image information for each color to an output unit, the image quality of the image information for each color to be rendered is provided. A low-order conversion step of sequentially converting
A limiting step for limiting the subsequent low-level conversion process for each color for each low-level conversion for each color.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step, the resolution of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process is sequentially reduced to a lower order.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step, the gradation of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process is sequentially converted to a low order.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step, the resolution and the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing process are sequentially converted to lower order.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a judging step of judging whether a storage area for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on the color output information,
Based on the result of the determination, for each low-level conversion for each color in the conversion step, execution of the subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color is limited by the limiting step.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for analyzing input color output information and controlling a drawing process of image data for each color for an output unit. The computer includes a conversion step of sequentially performing low-level conversion on the image quality of the image information of each color to be drawn, and a limiting step of limiting the execution of subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color for each low-level conversion for each color. A readable program is stored in a storage medium.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, in the conversion step, the resolution of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process is sequentially reduced to a lower order.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step, the gradation of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process is sequentially converted to low order.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step, the resolution and the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing process are sequentially converted to lower order.

A fifteenth invention according to the present invention includes a judging step of judging whether or not a storage area for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on the color output information, and based on the judgment result. Thus, for each low-level conversion for each color in the conversion step, the execution of the subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color is limited by the limiting step.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The printer to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method such as an ink jet printer may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, and a host computer 3000 connected to the outside.
Input printing information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, etc., and create corresponding character patterns and form patterns according to the information, and print the image on a recording medium such as recording paper. Form. 1012 is a switch for operation and L
An operation panel 1001 including an ED display and the like is a printer control unit 1001 for controlling the entire LBP main body 1000 and analyzing character information and the like supplied from the host computer. This printer control unit 1001
Mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is applied to the rotating polygon mirror 10
At 05, the photosensitive drum 1006 is swung right and left to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006. Thus, after being developed by the developing unit 1007 distributed around the electrostatic drum 1006, it is transferred to a recording sheet.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a transport roller 1010, and a transport roller 1011. Is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. The LBP body 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a language-based control card (emulation card) can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, a 3000 host computer executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in a program ROM of a ROM 303. A CPU 301 is provided, and each device connected to the system device 304 is generally controlled by the CPU 301.

The program R in the ROM 303
The OM stores a control program of the CPU 301 and the like, and the font ROM of the ROM 303 stores font data and the like used in the above document processing.
The data ROM 03 stores various data used when performing the above-described document processing and the like. 302 is a RAM, CP
It functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of U301.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a keyboard controller (KB
In C), key input from the keyboard 311 or a pointing device (not shown) is controlled. 306 is a CRT
A CRT display (C
RT) 312 is controlled. A memory controller (MC) 307 controls access to an external memory 313 such as a hard disk (HD) storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (FD).

Reference numeral 308 denotes a printer controller (PRT)
In C), the printer 1000 is connected to the printer 1000 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 201, and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000. Note that C
The PU 301 executes, for example, a process of rasterizing the outline font in the display information RAM set on the RAM 302, and performs WYSIWY on the CRT 312.
G is possible. In addition, the CPU 301 executes CRT3
Various registered windows are opened based on a command instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like on 12 and various data processing is executed.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 102 denotes a printer CPU, a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 103 or an external memory 104.
The system controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 105 based on a control program or the like stored in the printer, and outputs output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 107 connected via the printing unit interface 106. As an image signal. Also, this ROM 103
And the like are stored.

Further, a font ROM of the ROM 103
Stores font data and the like used when generating the output information. The data ROM of the ROM 103 stores
In the case of a printer having no external memory 104 such as a hard disk, information used on the host computer is stored. The CPU 102 can perform communication processing with the host computer via the input unit 108, and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work memory, and the like of the CPU 102, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an extension board (not shown). Also, R
AM109 is an output information development area, an environment data storage area,
Used for NVRAM and the like. The access to the external memory 104 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 110. External memory 104 is optionally connected,
Stores font data, emulation programs, form data, etc. Reference numeral 108 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

Further, the present invention is not limited to one external memory as described above.
At least one or more may be provided so that a plurality of external memories storing an optional font card and a program for analyzing a printer control language of a different language system in addition to the built-in fonts can be connected. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

Before describing the data processing operation in the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described.

In the printer 1000, a data RAM 10 used as a work memory for processing image data
In the case where low-level conversion processing occurs due to the shortage of data items 9, data used in a work memory for image data processing is based on the order of the low-level conversion procedure description unit 111 that describes from which plane to start processing. Until the RAM 109 is secured, the low-level conversion unit 112 performs resolution and gradation deterioration processing one by one to guarantee printing.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to fifth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, input color output information is analyzed to render color-specific image information for an output unit (in this embodiment, the printing unit 107 but may be a display device). In the image processing apparatus for processing, a conversion unit (low-order conversion unit 112) for sequentially converting the image quality of the image information of each color to be rendered into a low order, and the conversion unit following the conversion unit for each low-level conversion by the conversion unit. Control means for controlling the execution of the low-level conversion process for each color (the CPU 102
03 by executing the control program stored in it)
Since the CPU 102 sequentially controls the low-level conversion of the image quality of the image information for each color to be rendered by the low-level conversion unit 112, the situation in which the image quality low-level conversion processing is performed on all the colors is reduced to reduce the image quality. Is minimized, and image information for obtaining a color image in which image quality deterioration is not conspicuous can be generated.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the low-order conversion unit 112 sequentially lower-converts the resolution of image information for each color to be rendered, so that the situation in which the low-resolution conversion process is performed on all colors is limited. It is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which a decrease in resolution is not noticeable while minimizing the decrease.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the low-level conversion section 112 sequentially lower-converts the gradation of image information for each color to be rendered, thereby limiting the situation in which the low-level conversion processing is performed on all colors. Thus, it is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the gradation is not conspicuous.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the low-level conversion unit 112 sequentially performs low-level conversion on the resolution and gradation of the image information for each color to be rendered, so that the low-level conversion processing is performed on all colors. It is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the resolution and the gradation are not conspicuous by limiting the situation and minimizing the deterioration of the resolution and the gradation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not a storage area (drawing memory, which is secured on the RAM 109) for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on color output information. Means (CPU 102 is ROM
The CPU 102 executes the control program stored in the RAM 103 to make a determination.
9 based on the result of the determination as to whether or not it can be secured on the low-order conversion unit 112,
Since the execution of the low-order conversion process for each subsequent color 12 is controlled, the image quality of each color image information to be drawn by the conversion unit is sequentially converted to the low order until the drawing memory can be secured. In this case, it is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the image quality is not conspicuous, by limiting the situation to be applied to the color of the image and minimizing the deterioration of the image quality.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step. The control code and data transmitted from the host computer 3000 are received by the input unit 108, and the data RAM 109 is converted into a bitmap object according to the program described in the program ROM 103 and stored in the data RAM 109. .

In step (1), when several bitmap objects are stored, drawing by page division becomes impossible due to the limitation of the drawing memory capacity, and drawing of one page is performed. Memory R
If it cannot be obtained from the AM 109, low-level conversion processing of the bitmap object occurs. by this,
The processing is switched to processing for guaranteeing printing, and a drawing memory for one page of low resolution is secured. Then, in step (2), one plane on which low-level conversion processing is to be performed is selected based on the order of the low-level conversion procedure description unit 111 in which plane to perform processing is described. Here, due to visual characteristics,
By starting from a yellow plane where deterioration is not conspicuous, and finally processing a black plane that is often used for characters requiring high resolution, visual deterioration can be minimized. As an example, it is assumed that processing is performed in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

However, it is needless to say that this low-level conversion procedure is not limited to this, and various procedures can be considered.

In step (3), a process for lowering the resolution of the yellow plane selected in step (2) is performed, and the process proceeds to step (4), where the memory required for drawing in the process in step (3) is used. Judge whether or not is secured,
When it is determined that it is secured, the process proceeds to step (5).

On the other hand, in step (4), if it is not secured, the process returns to step (2), and again according to the low-order conversion procedure,
The next magenta plane is selected and the same processing is performed. As described above, the resolution deterioration processing is performed for each plane until the memory required for drawing is secured.

Then, in step (5), a low-resolution bitmap object having a sufficient drawing memory is created.

Thereafter, the generation of the low-resolution bitmap object is continued, and when the control code for ending the page is sent to the host computer 3000, all the bitmap objects are drawn in the drawing memory.
Further, the data in the drawing memory is stored in the printing unit interface 1.
06, and transmitted to the printer engine 107.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which low-resolution processing is performed on planes that are sequentially selected based on the conversion processing procedure. Control may be performed such that a gradation reduction process is performed on sequentially selected planes to secure a drawing memory. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step. The control code and data transmitted from the host computer 3000 are received by the input unit 108, and the data RAM 109 is converted into a bitmap object according to the program described in the program ROM 103 and stored in the data RAM 109. .

In step (1), when some bitmap objects are stored, drawing by page division becomes impossible due to the limitation of the drawing memory capacity, and drawing for one page is performed. Memory R
If it cannot be obtained from the AM 109, low-level conversion processing of the bitmap object occurs. by this,
The processing is switched to processing for guaranteeing printing, and a drawing memory for one page of low resolution is secured. Then, in step (2), one plane on which low-level conversion processing is to be performed is selected based on the order of the low-level conversion procedure description unit 111 in which plane to perform processing is described. Here, for data that requires a resolution such as a character, the visual degradation is reduced by degrading the gradation instead of the resolution.

In step (3), a process of lowering the gradation is performed on the black plane selected in step (2), and the process proceeds to step (4). It is determined whether the memory has been secured. If it is determined that the memory has been secured, the process proceeds to step (5).

On the other hand, if it is not secured in step (4), the process returns to step (2), and again according to the low-order conversion procedure,
The next plane is selected and the same processing is performed. As described above, gradation deterioration processing is performed for each plane until a memory required for drawing is secured.

Then, in step (5), a low-gradation bitmap object having a sufficient drawing memory is created.

After that, the generation of the low-gradation bitmap object is continued, and when the control code for ending the page is sent to the host computer 3000, all the bitmap objects are drawn in the drawing memory. Further, the data in the drawing memory is stored in the printing unit interface 10.
6 and transmitted to the printer engine 107.

Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which low-resolution processing is performed on planes that are sequentially selected based on the conversion processing procedure. If it is not possible to secure the drawing memory, control may be performed so as to continuously perform the gradation reduction process on the planes that are sequentially selected to secure the drawing memory. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.
In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step. The control code and data transmitted from the host computer 3000 are received by the input unit 108, and the data RAM 109 is converted into a bitmap object according to the program described in the program ROM 103 and stored in the data RAM 109. .

In step (1), when some bitmap objects are stored, drawing by page division becomes impossible due to the limitation of the drawing memory capacity, and drawing for one page is performed. Memory R
If it cannot be obtained from the AM 109, low-level conversion processing of the bitmap object occurs. by this,
The processing is switched to processing for guaranteeing printing, and a drawing memory for one page of low resolution is secured. Then, in step (2), the deterioration process (low-order conversion process) is selected based on the order of the low-order conversion procedure description unit 111 in which from which plane the process is performed. For example, from a yellow plane in which deterioration is not conspicuous due to visual characteristics, or by performing a process of degrading gradation to minimize resolution deterioration of a character that is conspicuous, visual deterioration can be minimized. For example, yellow plane gradation deterioration processing, yellow plane resolution deterioration processing, magenta plane gradation deterioration processing, cyan plane gradation deterioration processing, magenta plane resolution deterioration processing, cyan plane resolution deterioration processing, black plane gradation deterioration processing, black plane An order of resolution degradation processing is conceivable. However, it goes without saying that this low-level conversion procedure is not limited to this, and various procedures can be considered.

In step (3), the low-level conversion process similarly selected is performed on the plane selected in step (2), and the process proceeds to step (4), where the memory required for drawing is obtained by the process in step (3). It is determined whether or not is secured. If it is determined that is not secured, the process returns to step (2) to perform the next deterioration process. In this way, until the memory required for drawing is secured,
Perform gradation degradation processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that it has been secured, in step (5), a bitmap object after low-level conversion processing in which a drawing memory has been secured is created. Thereafter, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed and printing is performed.

The same processing can be performed not only in the low-level conversion processing of the resolution and the gradation shown in the above embodiment, but also in the processing such as irreversible compression.

Hereinafter, correspondence between each embodiment and each step of the sixth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for analyzing input color output information and rendering image information for each color for an output unit. The conversion process (steps (2) and (3) in FIGS. 3 to 5) to be performed and the limiting process (FIGS. 3 to 5) for limiting the execution of the subsequent low-level conversion process for each color for each low-level conversion. (Step (4) to step (5)) is executed by the CPU 102 to execute the control program stored in the ROM 103 and the procedure described in the low-level conversion procedure description unit 111, so that In this case, it is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the image quality is not conspicuous, by limiting the situation to be applied to the color of the image and minimizing the deterioration of the image quality.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step (steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 3), the resolution of the image information for each color to be rendered is sequentially reduced to a lower level. Image information for obtaining a color image in which resolution is not conspicuous can be generated by limiting the situation to be applied to all colors to minimize the reduction in resolution.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step (steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 4), the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing process is sequentially converted to a low level. It is possible to restrict the situation in which the conversion process is performed on all colors, minimize the reduction in gradation, and generate image information for obtaining a color image in which gradation reduction is not conspicuous.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the conversion step (steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 5), the resolution and the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing process are sequentially converted to low order. It is possible to generate the image information for obtaining a color image in which the resolution and the gradation are not conspicuous by limiting the situation where the gradation low-level conversion processing is performed on all the colors to minimize the deterioration of the resolution and the gradation. it can.

The tenth aspect of the present invention includes a judging step of judging whether or not a storage area for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on the color output information (step (4) in FIGS. 3 to 5). Based on the result of the determination, the execution of the subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color is restricted by the limiting step for each low-level conversion for each color in the conversion step. In order to sequentially convert the image quality of the image information of each color to low order, in order to obtain a color image in which image quality lower order conversion processing is performed on all colors to minimize the deterioration of image quality and minimize image quality deterioration Can be generated.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for analyzing input color output information and controlling drawing processing for each color with respect to an output unit. (Steps (2) and (3) in FIGS. 3 to 5) for sequentially lowering the image quality of the image information for each color, and
A computer-readable program including a restriction step (a transition step from step (4) to step (5) in FIGS. 3 to 5) for restricting the subsequent execution of the low-level conversion process for each color is stored in a storage medium. It is stored. That is,
A program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource described below,
An embodiment in which the CPU (not shown) reads out and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conversion step of sequentially lowering the resolution of image information for each color to be rendered (see FIG. 3).
Steps (2) and (3)) are programs in which a computer-readable program is stored in a storage medium. That is, an embodiment in which a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 3 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource to be described later, and a CPU (not shown) reads and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code is also an embodiment of the present invention. It is included in the form.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer readable program is stored in a conversion step (steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 4) for sequentially lowering the gradation of image information for each color to be rendered. It is stored on a medium. That is, a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 4 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource described below,
An embodiment in which the CPU (not shown) reads out and executes the program code from a storage medium storing the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable program for performing a conversion step (steps (2) and (3) in FIG. 5) for sequentially converting the resolution and gradation of image information for each color to be rendered into a lower order. Is stored in a storage medium. That is, an embodiment in which a program code corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 5 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource to be described later, and a CPU (not shown) reads and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code is also an embodiment of the present invention. It is included in the form.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention includes a judging step for judging whether or not a storage area for drawing color-specific image information can be secured based on the color output information (step (4) in FIGS. 3 to 5). Based on the result of the determination, for each low-level conversion for each color in the conversion step, execution of the subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color is limited by the limiting step.
That is, a program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource to be described later, and a CPU (not shown) reads out and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code. This is included in the embodiment of the invention.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, 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, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

The computer executes the readout program code, not only to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment, but also to execute an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform 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 instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0085]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, in an image processing apparatus for analyzing input color output information and rendering image information for each color for an output unit, a conversion means for sequentially lowering the image quality of the image information for each color to be rendered And control means for controlling the subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color performed by the conversion means for each low-level conversion for each color performed by the conversion means, wherein the control means controls each color to be rendered by the conversion means. Since the low-level conversion of the image information of the image information is controlled in sequence, the image quality low-level conversion processing is restricted to all colors, so that the deterioration of the image quality is minimized, and an image for obtaining a color image in which the image quality deterioration is not conspicuous Information can be generated.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the conversion means sequentially converts the resolution of the image information for each color to be rendered into a low order. Image information for obtaining a color image in which the resolution is not conspicuous can be generated while minimizing the reduction in the resolution.

According to the third aspect, the conversion means sequentially converts the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing process to the low order, so that the situation where the gradation low order conversion process is applied to all the colors is restricted. Thus, it is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the decrease in gradation is not conspicuous while minimizing the decrease in gradation.

According to the fourth aspect, the conversion means sequentially converts the resolution and the gradation of the image information for each color to be rendered into a low level, so that the resolution and the gradation low level conversion processing are performed on all the colors. Image information for obtaining a color image in which the resolution and the gradation are not conspicuous can be generated by restricting the application and minimizing the deterioration of the resolution and the gradation.

According to the fifth aspect, the control means determines whether or not a storage area for drawing color-specific image information can be secured based on the color output information, based on the determination result of the determination means. For each low-level conversion for each color by the conversion unit, the execution of the low-level conversion process for each color following the conversion unit is controlled, so that the image information for each color to be drawn by the conversion unit until the drawing memory can be secured. In order to sequentially convert the image quality to a low level, it is possible to limit the situation where the image quality low level conversion processing is performed on all colors, minimize the image quality deterioration, and generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the image quality deterioration is not conspicuous. it can.

According to the sixth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, the image quality of the image information for each color to be drawn is sequentially converted to low order, and the execution of the subsequent low order conversion process for each color is restricted for each low order conversion for each color. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the situation in which the image quality low-level conversion process is performed on all colors, minimize the image quality degradation, and generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the image quality degradation is not noticeable.

According to the seventh and twelfth aspects of the present invention, in the conversion step, the resolution of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing processing is sequentially converted to the lower order. Thus, it is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the resolution is not noticeably reduced, while minimizing the reduction in the resolution.

According to the eighth and thirteenth aspects, in the conversion step, the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing processing is sequentially converted to the low level, so that the gradation low level conversion processing is applied to all the colors. It is possible to generate image information for obtaining a color image in which the reduction in gradation is inconspicuous by limiting the situation and minimizing the reduction in gradation.

According to the ninth and fourteenth aspects, the conversion step sequentially lowers the resolution and gradation of the image information for each color to be rendered, so that all the resolution and gradation lower conversion processing are performed. , The reduction in resolution and gradation is minimized, and image information for obtaining a color image in which the resolution and gradation are not conspicuous can be generated.

According to the tenth and fifteenth aspects, it is determined whether or not a storage area for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on the color output information. Since the execution of the subsequent low-level conversion process for each color is limited for each low-level conversion, the image quality of the image information for each color that is subjected to the drawing processing by the conversion unit is sequentially converted to the low-level until the drawing memory can be secured. It is possible to restrict the situation in which the conversion process is performed on all colors, minimize the deterioration in image quality, and generate image information for obtaining a color image in which image quality deterioration is not conspicuous.

Therefore, it is possible to limit the deterioration of the output image quality based on the input color output information from affecting the entire image.
It is possible to produce effects such as generation of image information for obtaining a color image in which image quality deterioration is not conspicuous.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 102 CPU 103 ROM 109 RAM 111 Low-level conversion procedure description section 112 Low-level conversion section

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for analyzing input color output information and rendering image information for each color for an output unit, comprising: a conversion unit for sequentially lowering the image quality of the image information for each color to be rendered; An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls execution of a low-level conversion process for each color subsequent to the conversion unit for each low-level conversion for each color by the conversion unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit sequentially lowers the resolution of image information for each color to be rendered. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit sequentially lower-converts the gradation of image information for each color to be rendered. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit sequentially converts the resolution and the gradation of the image information of each color to be subjected to the drawing process to a lower order. 5. A determination unit that determines whether a storage area for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on the color output information. On the basis of,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein for each low-level conversion for each color performed by the conversion unit, execution of the subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color by the conversion unit is controlled. 6. An image processing method for analyzing input color output information and rendering image information for each color for an output unit, comprising: a conversion step of sequentially lowering the image quality of the image information for each color to be rendered; A limiting step of limiting the subsequent low-level conversion process for each color for each low-level conversion for each color. 7. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein, in the conversion step, the resolution of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process is sequentially converted to a lower order. 8. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein, in the conversion step, the gradation of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process is sequentially converted to a low order. 9. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein in the conversion step, the resolution and the gradation of the image information for each color to be subjected to the drawing process are sequentially converted to the low order. 10. A judging step of judging whether or not a storage area for drawing image information of each color can be secured based on the color output information; and 10. The execution of subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color by the restriction step for each low-level conversion.
The image processing method according to any one of the above. 11. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for analyzing input color output information and controlling drawing processing of image data for each color with respect to an output unit, wherein the computer-readable program is provided for each color to be drawn. A computer-readable program is stored, which includes a conversion step of sequentially performing low-level conversion of the image information, and a restriction step of restricting the execution of subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color for each low-level conversion. A storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 12. The computer-readable program according to claim 11, wherein in the conversion step, the resolution of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process is sequentially converted to a lower order. Storage medium. 13. The computer-readable program according to claim 11, wherein said converting step sequentially lower-converts the gradation of image information for each color to be rendered. Storage media. 14. The computer-readable program according to claim 11, wherein said converting step sequentially lowers resolution and gradation of image information for each color to be subjected to a drawing process. Characteristic storage medium. 15. A determination step for determining whether a storage area for drawing image information for each color can be secured based on the color output information. The execution of subsequent low-level conversion processing for each color is restricted by the limiting step for each low-level conversion of
14. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to any one of 14.