JP5402239B2 - Profile adjustment method, profile adjustment program, and profile adjustment apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a profile adjustment method, a profile adjustment program, and a profile adjustment apparatus. The present invention particularly relates to a profile adjustment method, a profile adjustment program, and a profile adjustment apparatus that adjust a color conversion profile used for color conversion processing of image data.

  When a color image is transmitted between digital processing devices such as a personal computer, a printer, and a digital camera, it is necessary to adjust the color of the image data in consideration of the characteristic color space characteristics of each device. A color conversion profile having a lookup table is used for adjusting the color of the image data.

  As a technique related to this, image processing apparatuses as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 below have been proposed from the viewpoint of reflecting user preferences in a color conversion profile. The image processing apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 include color adjustment means that can perform color adjustment on an image, an adjusted image after color adjustment, and an original image on which color adjustment is performed. Color correction information creating means for creating color correction information for correcting the original image into an adjusted image based on the original image. According to such a configuration, since the color of another image is corrected based on the color correction information, the user can print a large number of images according to the image.

  However, in the above image processing apparatus, images provided from the same input device are printed according to the user's image. However, if the input / output device changes, the user manually adjusts the color conversion profile again. There is a problem that must be done. Therefore, it is desired to automate the adjustment of the color conversion profile to reduce the work burden on the user when adjusting the color conversion profile.

  In addition, when considering automating the adjustment of the color conversion profile, the color conversion profile adjustment operation requires skill for the purpose of removing color turbidity in the image or preventing color blur caused by the color gamut difference of the device. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to automate advanced adjustment of the color conversion profile.

JP 2004-304537 A JP 2004-304538 A JP 2004-304539 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a profile adjustment method, a profile adjustment program, and a profile adjustment apparatus that can reduce a user's workload when adjusting a color conversion profile by automating advanced adjustment of the color conversion profile. Is to provide.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A profile adjustment method for adjusting a color conversion profile used for color conversion processing of image data, wherein a converted color obtained by color-converting an adjustment target color using the first color conversion profile Based on the information about the color obtained in the process of adjustment by the user, a category that reflects the user's intention when the color after the conversion is adjusted is determined from a plurality of categories set in advance regarding the adjustment contents. Step (a), step (b) for storing the category information indicating the category determined in step (a) and the adjustment target color information indicating the adjustment target color in association with each other in the storage means, Adjusting the second color conversion profile based on the category information and the adjustment target color information stored in the storage unit ( Profile adjustment method characterized by comprising) and, the.

  (2) The step (c) corresponds to the step (c1) for calling the category information and the color information to be adjusted stored in the storage means, and the category information called in the step (c1). Applying the calculation method to obtain a target color to be obtained when the color to be adjusted indicated by the color information to be adjusted is converted using the second color conversion profile (c2); And (c3) adjusting the second color conversion profile so that the target color is obtained by color-converting the adjustment target color using the second color conversion profile. The profile adjustment method according to (1) above.

(3) The step (a) includes a step (a1) for determining whether or not a density of at least one color component constituting the color adjusted by the user is 0%, and the step (a1) Determining that the category reflecting the user's intention is a first category when the density of the at least one color component is determined to be 0%, the step (a2). If the category is determined to be the first category in step (c), the color in the color after conversion obtained by color-converting the adjustment target color using the second color conversion profile in the step (c). The profile adjustment method according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the second color conversion profile is adjusted so that the concentration of the component becomes 0%.

(4) The step (a) includes a step (a3) for determining whether or not the density of at least one color component constituting the color adjusted by the user is 100%, and the step (a3) (C) determining that the category reflecting the user's intention is a second category when the density of the at least one color component is determined to be 100%, the step (a4). When the category is determined to be the second category in step (c), the color in the converted color obtained by color-converting the adjustment target color using the second color conversion profile in the step (c). The said 2nd color conversion profile is adjusted so that the density | concentration of a component may be 100%, Any one of said (1)-(3) characterized by the above-mentioned. Profile adjustment method.

(5) The step (a) includes a step (a5) for determining whether a density of at least one color component constituting the color after conversion is within a predetermined range, and the step (a5) (C) determining that the category reflecting the user's intention is a third category when it is determined that the density of at least one color component is within the predetermined range, and (a6) ), When the category is determined to be the third category, in step (c), the density of the color component in the color adjusted by the user in step (a) and the color to be adjusted are predetermined. The difference between the density of the color component in the color after adjustment of the adjacent colors at the adjustment interval is that the color to be adjusted is color-converted using the second color conversion profile. As is also maintained for the resulting color, profile adjustment method according to any one of the second color conversion profile is characterized in that it is adjusted (1) to (4).

(6) The step (a) determines whether or not the saturation of the color value of the color to be adjusted and the saturation of the color value of the color after adjustment by the user are equal to or less than a predetermined value (a7) And when the saturation of the color value of the color to be adjusted and the saturation of the color value of the color after the adjustment are determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined value in step (a7), the intention of the user is reflected. And (a8) determining the category to be a fourth category, and when the category is determined to be the fourth category in the step (a8), in the step (c), the second category The color value of the color after conversion obtained by color-converting the color to be adjusted using a color conversion profile is the same as the color value of the color after adjustment by the user in the step (a). Profile adjustment process according to any one of the above second color conversion profile is characterized in that it is adjusted (1) to (5).

  (7) The colors after the conversion are represented by four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The profile adjustment method according to any one of the above.

  (8) The profile adjustment method according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first and second color conversion profiles include a lookup table.

  (9) The profile adjustment method according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first and second color conversion profiles are ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles.

  (10) The first color conversion profile is adjusted with respect to a plurality of the adjustment target colors, and the profile adjustment method may include the adjustment of the plurality of adjustment target colors before the step (c). The method further comprises a step (d) of accepting a selection made by the user for an adjustment target color applied to the adjustment of the second color conversion profile, and the adjustment selected in the step (d) in the step (c) (1) to (9), wherein the second color conversion profile is adjusted based on the adjustment target color information indicating the target color and category information associated with the adjustment target color information. The profile adjustment method according to any one of the above.

  (11) Before the step (c), the method further includes a step (e) of accepting a change by the user with respect to the category information associated with the color information to be adjusted. In the step (c), the step Any one of the above (1) to (10), wherein the second color conversion profile is adjusted based on the category information changed in (e) and the adjustment target color information. The profile adjustment method described in 1.

(12) A profile adjustment program executed by a profile adjustment device that adjusts a color conversion profile used for color conversion processing of image data, by converting the color to be adjusted using the first color conversion profile Based on the information about the color obtained in the process of adjusting the obtained converted color by the user, the user 's color when the converted color is adjusted from among a plurality of categories set in advance regarding the adjustment content . The procedure (a) for determining the category reflecting the intention, the category information indicating the category determined in the procedure (a), and the adjustment target color information indicating the adjustment target color are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit. Based on the procedure (b) and the category information and the adjustment target color information stored in the storage means, the second color conversion program And Step (c) adjusting the Airu, the profile adjustment program for causing execute the profile adjustment device.

  (13) A computer-readable recording medium on which the profile adjustment program according to (12) is recorded.

(14) A profile adjustment device that adjusts a color conversion profile used for color conversion processing of image data, wherein a color after conversion obtained by performing color conversion on a color to be adjusted using the first color conversion profile Based on the information about the color obtained in the process of adjustment by the user, a category that reflects the user's intention when the color after the conversion is adjusted is determined from a plurality of categories set in advance regarding the adjustment contents. Determining means, category information indicating the category determined by the determining means, and storage means for storing the adjustment target color information indicating the adjustment target color in association with each other, and the category stored in the storage means Adjusting means for adjusting the second color conversion profile based on the information and the color information to be adjusted. Airu adjusting device.

  According to the present invention, the category information indicating the adjustment contents of the user in the process of adjusting the first color conversion profile and the adjustment target color information are stored in the storage unit, and based on the stored category information and adjustment target color information. Thus, since the second color conversion profile is adjusted, the adjustment of the second color conversion profile can be automated. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user when adjusting the color conversion profile.

  Further, according to the present invention, the user's adjustment contents for the color to be adjusted are categorized and stored in the storage means, so that the second color conversion profile can be adjusted based on the category information. That is, advanced adjustment close to the user's intention can be realized.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of PC shown by FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the content of the hard disk of PC shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the device link profile creation screen displayed on the display of PC shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the 1st profile adjustment process performed in PC shown by FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the adjustment content preservation | save process shown by step S103 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the 2nd profile adjustment process performed in PC shown by FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the adjustment content selection screen displayed on the display of PC shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the adjustment content confirmation screen displayed on the display of PC shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system according to the present embodiment includes a printer 1 and a PC 2. The printer 1 and the PC 2 are connected via a network 3 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The network 3 includes various networks such as a LAN in which computers and network devices are connected according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI, or a WAN in which LANs are connected by a dedicated line. The type and number of devices connected to the network 3 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a hard disk 14, an operation panel unit 15, a printing unit 16, and a communication interface 17, which are connected via a bus 18 for exchanging signals. Are connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 executes control of each part and various arithmetic processes according to the program. The ROM 12 stores various programs and parameters for controlling basic operations of the printer 1.

  The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The hard disk 14 is used for storing various programs and parameters, or temporarily storing image data obtained by image processing.

  The operation panel unit 15 includes elements such as a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, and a stop button, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions. The printing unit 16 prints an image based on various data on a recording material such as paper using a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process. The printing unit 16 prints an image using toners of four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K).

  The communication interface 17 is an interface for connecting to a network and communicating with other devices on the network, and standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI are used.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the PC 2 as the profile adjusting device includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a hard disk 24, a display 25, an input device 26, and a communication interface 27, which are connected via a bus 28 for exchanging signals. Are connected to each other. Note that, among the above-described units of the PC 2, descriptions of portions having functions similar to those of the above-described units of the printer 1 are omitted in order to avoid redundant description.

  The hard disk 24 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The display 25 is a CRT or LCD, for example, and displays various information. The input device 26 is a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to perform various inputs.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the contents of the hard disk of the PC shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the hard disk 24 of the PC 2 has areas for storing programs corresponding to the adjustment content recording unit, the category determination unit, the adjustment content calling unit, and the application condition determination unit. The adjustment content recording unit records the user's adjustment content at the adjustment point of the device link profile. The category determination unit determines a category to which the user's adjustment content belongs from among a plurality of categories set in advance regarding the adjustment content. The adjustment content calling unit calls the adjustment content recorded by the adjustment content recording unit. The application condition determination unit determines the called adjustment content and selects an algorithm according to the adjustment content.

  Note that the functions of the adjustment content recording unit, the category determination unit, the adjustment content call unit, and the application condition determination unit are exhibited by the CPU 21 executing the corresponding programs.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a device link profile creation screen displayed on the PC display shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the device link profile creation screen 100 includes a profile creation unit 110 and a profile adjustment unit 120. The device link profile creation screen 100 is provided with a confirmation output button 130 for confirming and outputting the contents of the device link profile and a device link profile saving button 140 for saving the device link profile.

  The profile creation unit 110 includes a source profile setting unit 111, a destination profile setting unit 112, and a rendering intent setting unit 113. In addition, the profile creation unit 110 is provided with a device link profile calculation button 114 for calculating a device link profile based on the source profile, the destination profile, and the rendering intent.

  The source profile setting unit 111 accepts selection of a source profile by the user. The source profile setting unit 111 is provided with a selection button, and accepts selection of the source profile by the user from among a plurality of color conversion profiles displayed when the selection button is pressed (clicked).

  The destination profile setting unit 112 accepts the selection of the destination profile by the user. The destination profile setting unit 112 is provided with a selection button, and accepts selection of the destination profile by the user from among a plurality of color conversion profiles displayed when the selection button is pressed.

  The rendering intent setting unit 113 accepts selection of a rendering intent by the user. The rendering intent setting unit 113 is configured as a pull-down menu bar, and accepts selection of one rendering intent by the user from four rendering intents displayed as a pull-down menu.

  The profile adjustment unit 120 includes an adjustment point list unit 121 and a point adjustment unit 122. Further, the profile adjustment unit 120 is provided with an adjustment content reading button 123 for calling the adjustment content, and an adjustment content saving button 124 for saving the adjustment content.

  The adjustment point list unit 121 displays a list of adjustment points designated by the user. The adjustment point list unit 121 displays information regarding each adjustment point. The information regarding the adjustment point includes number information for identifying the adjustment point, color information indicating the color of the adjustment point, and the density of each of the four colors (C, M, Y, K) constituting the color of the adjustment point (each 0 Color component information indicating ˜100%).

  The point adjustment unit 122 receives an adjustment by the user for one adjustment point among the plurality of adjustment points displayed in the adjustment point list unit 121. The point adjustment unit 122 includes an adjustment point reception unit 122a, a pre-adjustment point display unit 122b, an adjustment reception unit 122c, and an after-adjustment point display unit 122d. The adjustment point receiving unit 122a receives the designation of the adjustment point by the user. The pre-adjustment point display unit 122b indicates a color value after conversion obtained by converting the adjustment point received by the adjustment point receiving unit 122a using the device link profile. The adjustment receiving unit 122c receives a fine adjustment by the user for the color after conversion displayed on the pre-adjustment point display unit 122b. The post-adjustment point display unit 122d shows the value of the color after adjustment finely adjusted by the user.

  In addition, the point adjustment unit 122 includes a radio button 122d that accepts a user setting for a range that reflects adjustment of the adjustment point, and an adjustment execution button 122e that accepts an execution instruction for processing to reflect the adjustment result in the device link profile. Is provided.

  The printer 1 and the PC 2 may each include a component other than the above components, or some of the above components may not be included.

  In the printing system of the present embodiment configured as described above, the adjustment contents of the device link profile by the user are stored, and other device link profiles are adjusted based on the stored adjustment contents. Hereinafter, the profile adjustment method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a process for saving the adjustment contents of the device link profile adjusted by the user will be described. In the following description, an example in which an ICC device link profile (that is, a CMYK-CMYK lookup table) used for color conversion processing of CMYK format image data is adjusted will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first profile adjustment process executed in the PC shown in FIG. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is stored as a program in a storage unit such as the hard disk 24 of the PC 2 and is executed by the CPU 21.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the first profile adjustment process of the present embodiment, first, a device link profile is created (step S101). In the present embodiment, a device link profile is created based on a device profile, a destination profile, and a render link intent specified by the user.

  In FIG. 5, for example, the source profile “CMYKsrc1.icc” is selected from the list of color conversion profiles displayed when the selection button of the source profile setting unit 111 is pressed. Similarly, the destination profile “CMYKdest1.icc” is selected from the list of color conversion profiles displayed when the selection button of the destination profile setting unit 112 is pressed. Next, four items of “colorimetric (relative white)”, “colorimetric (absolute white)”, “perceptual”, and “saturation” displayed as a pull-down menu in the rendering intent setting unit 113 are displayed. The rendering intent “colorimetric (relative white)” is set from the inside. The device link profile is calculated by depressing the device link profile calculation button 114. Note that the process itself of calculating the device link profile from the source profile, the destination profile, and the rendering intent is a general profile calculation process, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Subsequently, the device link profile is adjusted (step S102). In the present embodiment, first, the user adjusts the converted color obtained by color-converting the adjustment point using the device link profile created in the process shown in step S101. Then, the device link profile lookup table is adjusted so that the color adjusted by the user is directly calculated by color-converting the adjustment point using the device link profile.

  In FIG. 5, first, an empty row in the adjustment point list unit 121 is selected, and [C0, M40, Y0, K0], for example, is input as the adjustment point. When an adjustment point is input, the color after the conversion is calculated by color-converting the color of the adjustment point using the device link profile created in the process shown in step S101. In FIG. 5, [C2, M42, Y6, K0] is calculated as the color after the color conversion processing of the adjustment points [C0, M40, Y0, K0].

  Then, the color after the conversion is finely adjusted by the user. Specifically, the user manually adjusts the C, M, Y, and K values of the color after conversion of the adjustment points. In FIG. 5, the value [C2, M42, Y6, K0] indicating the color after conversion of the adjustment point is adjusted to the value [C0, M45, Y0, K0]. The user's intention is reflected in the fine color adjustment. For example, the color after the adjustment point conversion is adjusted so that the single color halftone dot region in the image data is maintained as the single color halftone dot region even after the color conversion process. Similarly, the color after conversion is adjusted so that the single color solid area in the image data is maintained as the single color solid area after the color conversion processing. Alternatively, the difference between the color after conversion and the surrounding color is increased so that the color shift due to the color gamut difference of the device is prevented, or the color values of important memory colors such as skin color, sky blue, plant green, etc. The converted color is adjusted so that it is maintained.

  When the fine adjustment for the color after conversion of the adjustment point is completed, the adjustment of the device link profile is executed by pressing the adjustment execution button 122e. Specifically, the device link profile look-up table is such that the color after the adjustment is finely adjusted by the user by directly converting the color of the adjustment point using the device link profile. Is adjusted.

  In FIG. 5, the device link is such that the value [C0, M45, Y0, K0] is directly calculated by color-converting the adjustment point [C0, M40, Y0, K0] using the device link profile. The profile is adjusted. At this time, from the viewpoint of preventing abrupt color change in the vicinity of the adjustment point, the influence and range of the adjustment are selected so that weak adjustment is applied in the same direction to the points around the adjustment point. Note that the process itself of adjusting the device link profile lookup table so that the color indicated by the adjustment point is converted to a finely adjusted color is a general color conversion profile adjustment process. The detailed explanation is omitted. Then, the device link profile is adjusted for a plurality of adjustment points designated by the user.

  Subsequently, the adjustment contents of the device link profile are stored (step S103). In this embodiment, the adjustment contents of the device link profile adjusted in the process shown in step S102 are stored in a storage unit such as the hard disk 24. Specifically, first, a category to which the user's adjustment content at each adjustment point belongs is determined from a plurality of categories set in advance regarding the adjustment content. Then, the category information indicating the determined category and the adjustment point information indicating the corresponding adjustment point are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk 24.

  In FIG. 5, when the adjustment content storage button 124 on the device link profile creation screen 100 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for inputting the name of the adjustment content is displayed. And after arbitrary names (for example, adjustment content 1) are given to adjustment content by user operation, category information and adjustment point information are memorize | stored in a memory | storage part. Detailed description of the adjustment content saving process shown in step S103 will be described later.

  Then, the device link profile is saved (step S104), and the process is terminated. In the present embodiment, the device link profile adjusted in the process shown in step S102 is stored in a storage unit such as the hard disk 24. Specifically, the device link profile adjusted in the process shown in step S102 is saved by depressing the device link profile save button 140. The stored device link profile is used for color conversion processing of image data.

  As described above, according to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, first, a device link profile is created and finely adjusted by the user in units of adjustment points. Prior to storing the device link profile, the adjustment contents of the device link profile by the user are stored. Specifically, the category to which the user's adjustment contents belong is determined for each adjustment point of the device link profile, and the category information and the adjustment point information are associated and stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk 24.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the adjustment content storing process shown in step S103 of FIG. In the PC 2, a category to which the user's adjustment content belongs is determined from a plurality of preset categories based on information about the color obtained in the process of adjusting the color after the adjustment point conversion. In the present embodiment, the above categories are classified into five categories: “pure color”, “solid color”, “near color gamut periphery”, “near achromatic color”, and “other”, and one for each adjustment point. Are determined.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the adjustment content saving process according to the present embodiment, first, one adjustment point is extracted (step S201). In the present embodiment, one adjustment point is extracted from a plurality of adjustment points adjusted by the user. For example, in FIG. 5, one adjustment point is extracted from two adjustment points displayed in the adjustment point list unit 121.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether one or more values of C, M, and Y after adjustment are 0% (step S202). In the present embodiment, it is determined whether one or more values of C, M, and Y after adjustment at the adjustment point extracted in the process shown in step S201 are 0%.

  When it is determined that one or more values of C, M, and Y after adjustment are 0% (step S202: YES), the category to which the adjustment content by the user belongs is determined as “pure color” (step S203). The process proceeds to step S211 and the subsequent processes. For example, in FIG. 5, the second adjustment point [C0, M40, Y0, K0] shown in the adjustment point list unit 121 is 2 of C and Y in the adjusted values [C0, M45, Y0, K0]. Since one value is 0%, it is determined that the category is “pure color”.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that one or more values of C, M, Y after adjustment are not 0% (step S202: NO), one or more values of C, M, Y, K after adjustment are 100. It is determined whether or not it is% (step S204). In the present embodiment, it is determined whether one or more values of C, M, Y, K after adjustment at the adjustment point extracted in the process shown in step S201 are 100%.

  When it is determined that one or more values of C, M, Y, and K after adjustment are 100% (step S204: YES), the category to which the adjustment content by the user belongs is determined as “solid color” (step S204). S205), the process proceeds to step S211 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that one or more values of C, M, Y, and K after adjustment are not 100% (step S204: NO), one or more values of C, M, and Y before adjustment are 90. It is determined whether or not one or more of the remaining colors is 10% or less (step S206). In the present embodiment, one or more values of C, M, and Y before adjustment by the user at the adjustment point extracted in the process shown in step S201 are 90% or more, and one or more of the remaining colors. It is determined whether the value is 10% or less.

  When it is determined that one or more values of C, M, and Y before adjustment are 90% or more and one or more values of the remaining colors are 10% or less (step S206: YES). The category to which the adjustment contents by the user belong is determined to be “near the color gamut periphery” (step S207), and the process proceeds to step S211 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that one or more values of C, M, and Y before adjustment are 90% or more and one or more values of the remaining colors are not 10% or less (step S206: NO) Then, it is determined whether the saturation C * of the adjustment point and the color value of the color after adjustment is 10 or less (step S208). In the present embodiment, it is determined whether the saturation C * of the adjustment point extracted in the process shown in step S201 and the color value of the color after adjustment is 10 or less.

  When it is determined that the saturation C * of the adjustment point and the color value of the color after adjustment is 10 or less (step S208: YES), the category to which the adjustment content by the user belongs is determined as “achromatic color vicinity” (step S208). S209), the process proceeds to step S211 and the subsequent steps. In the category “near achromatic”, so-called gray and colors close to gray are classified.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the saturation C * of the adjustment point and the color value of the color after adjustment is not less than 10 (step S208: NO), the category to which the adjustment content by the user belongs is determined as “other” (step). S210). In the present embodiment, the adjustment content of the adjustment point extracted in the process shown in step S201 is classified into the category “others” as not belonging to any of the above four categories.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the determination process for all the adjustment points has been completed (step S211). In the present embodiment, for example, it is determined whether or not the categories of all adjustment points displayed in the adjustment point list part 121 of FIG. 5 have been determined.

  When it is determined that all the adjustment points have not been determined (step S211: NO), the processing from step S201 is repeated until the determination of all the adjustment points is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that all adjustment points have been determined (step S211: YES), the process ends.

  As described above, according to the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the category to which the adjustment content belongs for each adjustment point based on the information about the color obtained in the process of adjusting the color after conversion of the adjustment point by the user. Is determined. The category information indicating the determined category is stored in a storage unit such as the hard disk 24 in association with the adjustment point information indicating the adjustment point. Then, when other device link profiles are adjusted, the category information and adjustment point information stored in the hard disk 24 are called, and an algorithm corresponding to the category information is applied to adjust other device link profile adjustment points. Is adjusted. Hereinafter, processing for adjusting other device link profiles will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the second profile adjustment processing executed in the PC shown in FIG. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is stored as a program in a storage unit such as the hard disk 24 of the PC 2 and is executed by the CPU 21.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the second profile adjustment process of the present embodiment, first, a device link profile is created (step S301). In the present embodiment, similar to the processing shown in step S101 of FIG. 6, a new device profile, destination profile, and render link intent specified by the user are displayed on the device link profile creation screen 100 shown in FIG. Based on this, a new device link profile is created.

  Subsequently, an adjustment content call instruction is accepted (step S302). In the present embodiment, an adjustment call instruction for adjustment contents by the user is accepted for adjustment of the device link profile created in the process shown in step S301. In FIG. 5, the adjustment content reading button 123 is pressed to accept an adjustment content call instruction.

  Subsequently, a list of adjustment contents is displayed (step S303). In the present embodiment, a list of adjustment contents saved in the process shown in step 103 of FIG. 6 is displayed. Specifically, an adjustment content selection screen 200 showing a list of adjustment contents is displayed on the display 25.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment content selection screen displayed on the display of the PC shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the adjustment content selection screen 200 displays two adjustment contents, “adjustment content 1.aaa” and “adjustment content 2.aaa”.

  Subsequently, selection of adjustment contents is accepted (step S304). In the present embodiment, the user selects one adjustment content from the adjustment content list displayed in the process shown in step S303. In FIG. 9, for example, “adjustment content 1.aaa” is selected by the user.

  Subsequently, an adjustment content confirmation screen is displayed (step S305). In the present embodiment, an adjustment content confirmation screen 300 showing the details of the selection content selected in the process shown in step S304 is displayed on the display 25.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment content confirmation screen displayed on the display of the PC shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the adjustment content confirmation screen 300 includes an adjustment source profile information unit 310 and a profile adjustment information unit 320. The adjustment content confirmation screen 300 includes an adjustment content application button 330 and a cancel button 340.

  The adjustment source profile information unit 310 displays the name of the source profile, the name of the destination profile, and the rendering intent setting that are the basis of the device link profile created by the process in which “adjustment content 1.aaa” is saved. doing.

  The profile adjustment information unit 320 includes an adjustment point list unit 321 and a point adjustment information unit 322. The adjustment point list unit 321 displays a list of adjustment points in the original device link profile. The adjustment point list unit 321 displays information regarding each adjustment point. The information regarding the adjustment point includes number information for identifying the adjustment point, color information indicating the color of the adjustment point, and the densities of the four colors (C, M, Y, K) constituting the color of the adjustment point (each of 0 to 0). 100%) color component information, application condition information indicating application conditions corresponding to adjustment points, and application information indicating whether or not adjustment points can be applied.

  The application condition information is information related to the adaptation condition corresponding to the category information determined in the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and the above-described “pure color”, “solid color”, “near color gamut”, “near achromatic color” ”And“ Other ”include five application conditions of“ pure color hold ”,“ solid color hold ”,“ adjacent difference emphasis ”,“ color value emphasis ”, and“ adjustment width emphasis ”. . The application condition information is displayed in a menu bar format, and is configured so that the user can change the application condition. The application information is displayed in a check button format, and is configured so that the user can change the applicability.

  The point adjustment information part 322 shows information regarding each adjustment point displayed in the adjustment point list part 321.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a change in application condition has been accepted (step S306). When the user thinks that the adjustment content needs to be changed, for example, the check box of the first adjustment point [C5, M10, Y40, K0] is changed from ON to OFF, or the second adjustment point [C0, M40, The application condition of “Y0, K0] is changed from“ pure color retention ”to“ color value emphasis ”. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the change of the application condition based on such user operation is accepted.

  When it is determined that the change of the application condition has been accepted (step S306: YES), the application condition is changed (step S307), and the processes after step S306 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the change of the application condition has not been accepted (step S306: NO), it is determined whether or not the adjustment content application instruction has been accepted (step S308). In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not an application instruction for instructing adjustment of the device link profile based on the adjustment content selected in the process shown in step S304 is received. Specifically, by determining whether or not the adjustment content application button 330 has been pressed, it is determined whether or not an adjustment content application instruction has been received.

  When it is determined that the adjustment content application instruction has not been received (step S308: NO), the processes in and after step S306 are repeated until the adjustment content application instruction is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the adjustment content application instruction has been received (step S308: YES), the adjustment content is applied (step S309). In the present embodiment, the new device link profile created in the process shown in step S301 is adjusted for each adjustment point displayed in the adjustment point list section 321 of the adjustment content confirmation screen 300.

  Specifically, first, the adjustment points displayed in the adjustment point list unit 321 are read and converted using the device link profile created in the process shown in step S301. Then, the color after adjustment point conversion is adjusted according to an algorithm selected in accordance with the adjustment point application condition information.

  For example, in FIG. 10, the color after conversion obtained by color-converting the first adjustment point [C5, M10, Y40, K0] using the new device link profile is applied to the application condition “color value emphasis”. It is adjusted according to the corresponding algorithm. Further, the converted color obtained by color-converting the second adjustment point [C0, M40, Y0, K0] using the new device link profile is in accordance with an algorithm corresponding to the application condition “pure color retention”. Adjusted. That is, the converted color of each adjustment point in the new device link profile is adjusted based on the category information reflecting the user's intention when the original device link profile is adjusted. The specific contents of the algorithm selected according to the application condition information will be described later.

  Then, the device link profile is adjusted so that the color after adjustment is directly calculated by color-converting the color of the adjustment point using the new device link profile.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not device link profile adjustment has been accepted (step S310). When the user thinks that further fine adjustment of the device link profile is necessary, for example, on the device link profile creation screen 100 shown in FIG. 5, the color after the conversion of the first and second adjustment points is adjusted, The device link profile is adjusted by inputting a new adjustment point.

  When it is determined that the device link profile adjustment has been accepted (step S310: YES), the device link profile is adjusted (step S311), and the processing from step S310 onward is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the adjustment of the device link profile has not been accepted (step S310: NO), it is determined whether an instruction to save the adjustment content has been accepted (step S312). For example, when the application condition is changed in the process shown in step S307 or the device link profile is adjusted in the process shown in step S311, an instruction to save the adjustment content is accepted. In FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not an adjustment content storage instruction has been received by determining whether or not the adjustment content storage button 124 has been pressed.

  If it is determined that an instruction to save the adjustment contents has been accepted (step S312: YES), the adjustment contents of the device link profile are saved (step S313). The adjustment content saving process shown in step S313 is the same as the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to save the adjustment contents has not been accepted (step S312: NO), the device link profile is saved (step S314), and the process is terminated. In the present embodiment, assuming that the device link profile save button 140 on the device link profile creation screen 100 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, a new device link profile to which the adjustment content is applied in the process shown in step S305 is the hard disk 24 or the like. Is stored in the storage unit.

  As described above, according to the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the previous adjustment content is called when a new device link profile is adjusted, and is applied to the new device link profile adjustment. As a result, the adjustment of the new device link profile is automated, and the user's workload when adjusting the new device link profile is reduced.

  Hereinafter, in the adjustment content application process shown in step S309 of FIG. 8, an algorithm applied in accordance with adjustment point application condition information for color adjustment after conversion of the adjustment point will be described.

<Pure color retention>
In the application condition “pure color hold” corresponding to the category “pure color”, the color after adjustment point conversion is adjusted so that the pure color is held. Specifically, first, among the four colors (C, M, Y, K) of the adjustment points in the stored adjustment content, a new device link profile is used for a color whose value after adjustment is 0%. The converted value of the adjusted adjustment point is adjusted to 0%. Furthermore, when there is a color whose adjusted value in the stored adjustment content is 100%, for the color whose adjusted value is 100%, after the adjustment point conversion using the new device link profile The value is adjusted to 100%. For the remaining colors, after the conversion, the difference between the values before and after adjustment in the saved adjustment contents is the difference between the values before and after adjustment for the color after adjustment point conversion using the new device link profile. The value of is adjusted.

  Then, the new device link profile lookup table is adjusted so that the adjusted color is directly calculated by color-converting the adjustment point using the new device link profile.

  For example, for the adjustment point [C0, M40, Y0, K0], the value before adjustment in the stored adjustment content is [C2, M42, Y6, K0], and the value after adjustment by the user is [C0, M45, Y0, K0], and the difference between these values is [C-2, M + 3, Y-6, K0]. On the other hand, it is assumed that a value obtained by color-converting the adjustment point [C0, M40, Y0, K0] using a new device link profile profile is [C5, M42, Y2, K0]. In this case, the values of the three colors are maintained at 0% for C, Y, and K, and [M + 3] is maintained for M. Therefore, the adjusted value is [C0, M45, Y0, K0]. .

  Then, the color of the adjustment point [C0, M40, Y0, K0] is converted using the new device link profile so that the value [C0, M45, Y0, K0] is directly calculated. The device link profile lookup table is adjusted.

<Solid color retention>
In the application condition “solid color retention” corresponding to the category “solid color”, the color after adjustment point conversion is adjusted so that the solid color is retained. Specifically, among the four colors of the adjustment points in the stored adjustment content, the value after the adjustment point conversion using the new device link profile is 100% for the color whose value after the adjustment is 100%. Adjusted to For the remaining colors, after the conversion, the difference between the values before and after adjustment in the saved adjustment contents is the difference between the values before and after adjustment for the color after adjustment point conversion using the new device link profile. The value of is adjusted.

  Then, the new device link profile lookup table is adjusted so that the adjusted color is directly calculated by color-converting the adjustment point using the new device link profile.

  For example, for the adjustment point [C100, M40, Y20, K20], the value before adjustment in the stored adjustment content is [C96, M42, Y16, K15], and the value after adjustment by the user is [C100, M41, Y14, K13], and the difference between these values is [C + 4, M-1, Y-2, K-2]. On the other hand, it is assumed that the value obtained by color-converting the adjustment point [C100, M40, Y20, K20] using the new device link profile is [C93, M42, Y12, K10]. In this case, since the value for C is maintained at 100% and [M-1, Y-2, K-2] is maintained for M, Y, and K, the adjusted values are [C100, M41. , Y10, K8].

  Then, the color of the adjustment point [C100, M40, Y20, K20] is converted using the new device link profile so that the value [C100, M41, Y10, K8] is directly calculated. The device link profile lookup table is adjusted.

<Adjacent difference emphasis>
In the application condition “Adjacent difference emphasis” corresponding to the category “Near color gamut”, the color after adjustment point conversion is adjusted so that the difference (device value or color value) from the adjacent adjustment point is maintained. The Specifically, among the three colors (C, M, Y) of the adjustment point in the stored adjustment content, the adjusted value of the adjustment point and the adjustment for the maximum color whose adjusted value is not 100% The converted value of the adjustment point using the new device link profile is adjusted so that the difference from the adjusted value of the adjacent point adjacent to the point at a predetermined interval is maintained. For the remaining colors, after the conversion, the difference between the values before and after adjustment in the saved adjustment contents is the difference between the values before and after adjustment for the color after adjustment point conversion using the new device link profile. The value of is adjusted. The adjacent point refers to a point obtained by increasing only the maximum color value that is not 100% of C, M, and Y of the adjustment points by one increment (for example, 5%) in the lookup table. If there are a plurality of maximum colors that are not 100%, one color is selected according to the priority order of C, M, and Y. For example, if the adjustment point is [C90, M45, Y10, K0], the adjacent point is [C95, M45, Y10, K0].

  For example, for the adjustment point [C90, M60, Y5, K5], the value before adjustment in the stored adjustment content is [C95, M62, Y6, K5], and the value after adjustment by the user is [C87, M61, Y5, K4], and the difference between these values is [C-8, M-1, Y-1, K-1]. In addition, the adjusted value of the adjacent point [C95, M60, Y5, K5] is [C94, M62, Y7, K6], and the difference between the adjusted C value and the adjustment point is [C-7]. ]. On the other hand, when color conversion is performed on the adjustment point [C90, M60, Y5, K5] using a new device link profile, the converted value before adjustment is [C96, M63, Y8, K7], and the adjacent points It is assumed that the value is [C97, M65, Y8, K8]. In this case, since the difference [C-7] between C and the adjacent point [C97] is maintained for C, and [M-1, Y-1, K-1] is maintained for M, Y, and K, The adjusted value is [C90, M62, Y7, K6].

  Then, the color of the adjustment point [C90, M60, Y5, K5] is converted using the new device link profile so that the value [C90, M62, Y7, K6] is directly calculated. The device link profile lookup table is adjusted.

<Focus on color values>
In the application condition “color value emphasis” corresponding to the category “near achromatic color”, the color after adjustment point conversion is adjusted so that the adjusted color value is maintained. Specifically, the new device link profile is adjusted such that the adjusted color value for the new device link profile is the same as the adjusted color value for the original device link profile.

<Hold adjustment width>
In the application condition “maintain adjustment width” corresponding to the category “others”, the color after adjustment point conversion is adjusted so that the adjustment width is maintained. Specifically, the new device link profile is adjusted such that the difference between values before and after adjustment for the new device link profile is the same as the difference between values before and after adjustment for the original device link profile.

  As described above, according to the profile adjustment method of the present embodiment, the category to which the adjustment content belongs is determined when saving the user's adjustment content. Then, when the other device link profile is adjusted, the color after the color conversion processing of each adjustment point is adjusted according to the algorithm selected according to the category. Therefore, different adjustments can be made for each adjustment point, and advanced adjustment close to the user's intention is realized.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the color conversion profile of the CMYK-CMYK lookup table is adjusted. However, the color conversion profile is not limited to the CMYK-CMYK lookup table, but may be an RGB-CMYK lookup table. In this case, adjustment points are displayed in RGB. Alternatively, the color conversion profile may be an ICC device profile (that is, a PCS-CMYK lookup table). In this case, there is no source profile and the adjustment point is PCS.

  The means and method for performing various processes in the profile adjustment apparatus according to the present embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk and a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is normally transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the device as one function of the profile adjustment device.

1 Printer 11, 21 CPU,
12,22 ROM,
13,23 RAM,
14, 24 hard disk,
15 Operation panel section,
16 Printing department,
17, 27 Communication interface,
18, 28 bus,
2 PC,
25 display,
26 input devices,
3 network,
100 Device link profile creation screen,
200 Adjustment content selection screen,
300 Adjustment content confirmation screen.

Claims (14)

A profile adjustment method for adjusting a color conversion profile used for color conversion processing of image data,
Based on the information about the color obtained in the process of adjusting the color after conversion obtained by color-converting the color to be adjusted using the first color conversion profile, a plurality of preset values related to the adjustment contents A step (a) of determining a category reflecting the user's intention when adjusting the color after the conversion from among the categories;
(B) storing the category information indicating the category determined in the step (a) and the adjustment target color information indicating the adjustment target color in association with each other in a storage unit;
A step (c) of adjusting a second color conversion profile based on the category information and the adjustment target color information stored in the storage unit;
A profile adjustment method characterized by comprising: The step (c)
Calling the category information and the adjustment target color information stored in the storage means (c1);
Obtained when the calculation method corresponding to the category information called in the step (c1) is applied and the adjustment target color indicated by the adjustment target color information is color-converted using the second color conversion profile. Determining a target color to be performed (c2);
(C3) adjusting the second color conversion profile so that the target color can be obtained by color-converting the color to be adjusted using the second color conversion profile. The profile adjustment method according to claim 1. The step (a)
Determining whether the density of at least one color component constituting the color after adjustment by the user is 0% (a1);
(C) determining that the category reflecting the user's intention is a first category when the density of the at least one color component is determined to be 0% in the step (a1). ,
When the category is determined to be the first category in the step (a2), the post-conversion obtained by color-converting the adjustment target color using the second color conversion profile in the step (c) 3. The profile adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the second color conversion profile is adjusted so that the density of the color component in the color of 0 is 0%. The step (a)
Determining whether the density of at least one color component constituting the color adjusted by the user is 100%; (a3);
And (a4) determining, when the density of the at least one color component is 100% in the step (a3), the category reflecting the user's intention as a second category. ,
When the category is determined to be the second category in the step (a4), the post-conversion obtained by color-converting the adjustment target color using the second color conversion profile in the step (c) 4. The profile adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the second color conversion profile is adjusted such that the density of the color component in the color is 100%. 5. The step (a)
Determining whether the density of at least one color component constituting the converted color is within a predetermined range; (a5);
A step (a6) of determining the category reflecting the user's intention as a third category when the density of the at least one color component is determined to be within the predetermined range in the step (a5); Have
When the category is determined to be the third category in the step (a6), the density of the color component in the color adjusted by the user in the step (a) and the adjustment target in the step (c) Regarding the color obtained by converting the color to be adjusted using the second color conversion profile, the difference between the density of the color component after adjustment of the color adjacent to the color at a predetermined adjustment interval 5. The profile adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the second color conversion profile is adjusted so as to be maintained. The step (a)
Determining whether the saturation of the color value of the color to be adjusted and the saturation of the color value of the color after adjustment by the user are equal to or less than a predetermined value;
When it is determined in step (a7) that the saturation of the color value of the color to be adjusted and the saturation of the color value of the color after adjustment are not more than the predetermined value, the category reflecting the user's intention A step (a8) for determining as a fourth category,
When the category is determined to be the fourth category in the step (a8), a post-conversion obtained by color-converting the adjustment target color using the second color conversion profile in the step (c). 6. The second color conversion profile is adjusted so that the color value of the color of the second color is the same as the color value of the color after the adjustment by the user in the step (a). The profile adjustment method according to any one of the above.   The color after the conversion is indicated by four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Profile adjustment method.   The profile adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second color conversion profiles include a lookup table.   The profile adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second color conversion profiles are ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles. The first color conversion profile is adjusted for a plurality of the adjustment target colors,
The profile adjustment method is performed before the step (c).
A step (d) of accepting selection by the user of an adjustment target color to be applied to adjustment of the second color conversion profile from among the plurality of adjustment target colors;
In the step (c), the second color conversion is performed based on the adjustment target color information indicating the adjustment target color selected in the step (d) and category information associated with the adjustment target color information. The profile adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the profile is adjusted. Before the step (c), the method further includes a step (e) of accepting a change by the user with respect to the category information associated with the color information to be adjusted.
The step (c) includes adjusting the second color conversion profile based on the category information changed in the step (e) and the adjustment target color information. The profile adjustment method according to any one of 10. A profile adjustment program executed by a profile adjustment device for adjusting a color conversion profile used for color conversion processing of image data,
Based on the information about the color obtained in the process of adjusting the color after conversion obtained by color-converting the color to be adjusted using the first color conversion profile, a plurality of preset values related to the adjustment contents A step (a) of determining a category that reflects the user's intention when the color after the conversion is adjusted from the categories;
A procedure (b) for storing the category information indicating the category determined in the procedure (a) and the adjustment target color information indicating the adjustment target color in a storage unit in association with each other;
A step (c) of adjusting a second color conversion profile based on the category information and the adjustment target color information stored in the storage unit;
Is executed by the profile adjustment apparatus.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the profile adjustment program of Claim 12. A profile adjustment device for adjusting a color conversion profile used for color conversion processing of image data,
Based on the information about the color obtained in the process of adjusting the color after conversion obtained by color-converting the color to be adjusted using the first color conversion profile, a plurality of preset values related to the adjustment contents A determination unit that determines a category that reflects the user's intention when the color after the conversion is adjusted from among the categories;
Storage means for associating and storing category information indicating the category determined by the determination means and adjustment target color information indicating the adjustment target color;
Adjusting means for adjusting a second color conversion profile based on the category information and the adjustment target color information stored in the storage means;
A profile adjusting apparatus comprising: