JP5494541B2 - Image editing apparatus and image editing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus and an image editing program for correcting a color component density of a pixel along a character outline.

  Patent Document 1 described below describes a technique for suppressing blurring of an outline and recording high-quality characters and images without reducing the density even in a high-density portion. This technique is applied to an inkjet storage device.

JP-A-10-250119

  On the other hand, there is a demand for suppressing blurring of outlines even when full-color printing is performed by a thermal / thermal transfer method. This is because even in full-color printing, the characters are often monochromatic and black, and this black requires the most heat energy to develop color, so it is unnecessary heat for other color dots adjacent to the black dot. This is because when the energy is transmitted, the adjacent dots may be colored with an undesired color.

  However, since the color change is large in a normal full-color image, even if an undesired color is developed with such adjacent dots, such color development may not be noticeable. However, in the case where the characters are black, if the black dots are continuous, the thermal energy for color development increases, and unnecessary thermal energy transmitted to other color dots adjacent to the black dots also increases. The degree of influence on is increased. Therefore, in a full-color image in which a black character image is arranged on the background image, the background may change color along the outline of the black character, which may deteriorate the quality.

  Also, even if the character image is not black, if it is a single color, there may not be as much effect as black, but in the same way, the background may change color along the outline of the single color character and there is a risk that the quality will be degraded. .

  Although it is possible to suppress the background discoloration along the outline of the character as described above by performing energy correction on the application control to the print head of the printer, while maintaining high-speed printing by the print head of the printer. If the correction is to be performed, for example, the process of extracting the character outline must be performed in a limited time, and there is a high possibility of generating uncertain elements such as erroneous extraction.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and provides an image editing apparatus and an image editing program that can eliminate blurring of the outline of a character even when performing full color printing by a thermal / thermal transfer method. This is the issue.

  An invention made to solve this problem is an image editing apparatus, wherein the image storage area includes a first arrangement means for arranging a background image in an image storage area of a memory in which a bitmap developed image is stored, and the image storage area Second arrangement means for arranging a character image overlaid on a background image arranged on the image storage area, and a color component density of a pixel in the image storage area along a character outline of the character image arranged in the image storage area by a predetermined amount or Contour density correction means for performing density correction to be reduced at a predetermined rate, and the contour density correction means continues to the circumscribed pixel circumscribing the character outline or the circumscribed pixel and the circumscribed pixel in the circumscribed direction. The density correction is performed on one or more pixels.

  An invention made to solve this problem is an editing program, characterized by causing a computer to function as the image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

  That is, according to the present invention, in the image storage area of the memory where the bitmap-expanded image is stored, the character image is arranged so as to be superimposed on the arranged background image, but the character arranged in the image storage area of the memory is arranged. Density correction is performed to reduce the color component density of the pixels in the image storage area by a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio along the character outline of the image. Therefore, according to the present invention, blurring of the outline of characters is eliminated even when full-color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer method.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the image storage area of the memory, the density correction is performed on a circumscribed pixel circumscribing the character outline, or the circumscribed pixel and one or more pixels continuous to the circumscribed pixel in the circumscribed direction. Therefore, bleeding of the outline of the character is eliminated without degrading the quality of the character itself.

It is a flowchart figure by which the control program executed with a personal computer was represented. It is the flowchart figure by which the control program executed with the personal computer was represented. It is the flowchart figure by which the control program executed with the personal computer was represented. It is the flowchart figure by which the control program executed with the personal computer was represented. (A) shows a correction rate table, and (b) shows a correction value applicability table. It is sectional drawing of a multicolor thermal medium. It is a block diagram of the personal computer and printer. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a part (a plurality of pixels) of a bitmap image developed in an image storage area of a RAM in the personal computer is imaged with dots. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a part (a plurality of pixels) of a bitmap image developed in an image storage area of a RAM in the personal computer is imaged with dots. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a part (a plurality of pixels) of a bitmap image developed in an image storage area of a RAM in the personal computer is imaged with dots. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a part (a plurality of pixels) of a bitmap image developed in an image storage area of a RAM in the personal computer is imaged with dots. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a part (a plurality of pixels) of a bitmap image developed in an image storage area of a RAM in the personal computer is imaged with dots. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a part (a plurality of pixels) of a bitmap image developed in an image storage area of a RAM in the personal computer is imaged with dots.

[1. Multicolor thermal media]
As shown in FIG. 6, the multicolor thermal medium 1 has a substrate 2. On the base material 2, the coloring layers 3, 4, and 5 are laminated in the order of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Further, an intermediate layer 8 is laminated between the cyan, magenta, and yellow coloring layers 3, 4, and 5, respectively. An overcoat layer 9 is laminated on the yellow coloring layer 5. In the cross-sectional view of the multicolor thermal medium 1 shown in FIG. 6, in order to avoid the cross section of the multicolor thermal medium 1 from becoming complicated and difficult to see, each of the base material 2, cyan, magenta, and yellow is used. The parallel diagonal lines representing the cross sections of the color forming layers 3, 4, 5, the intermediate layer 8, and the overcoat layer 9 are omitted.

[2. Printer]
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the printer 101 includes a thermal head 102, a platen roller 103, a control unit 111, a head drive circuit 117, a carry motor drive circuit 118, a medium carry motor 119, and a connection interface 120. The multi-color thermal medium 1 sandwiched between the thermal head 102 and the platen roller 103 is conveyed in the conveyance direction 131 by the rotation of the platen roller 103.

  The control unit 111 includes a CPU 112, a CG-ROM 113, an EEPROM 114, a ROM 115, and a RAM 116. The CPU 112 is a central processing unit that plays a central role in various controls in the printer 101. Accordingly, the CPU 112 controls the printer 101 itself based on various control programs.

  The CG-ROM 113 is a character generator memory in which image data of characters and symbols to be printed is stored in a dot pattern in association with code data. The EEPROM 114 is a nonvolatile memory capable of writing / erasing stored contents. The ROM 115 stores various control programs and data for the printer 101. The RAM 116 is a storage device that temporarily stores the calculation results of the CPU 112 and the like. Further, the RAM 116 stores, for example, print data. The print data includes, for example, print data edited by a personal computer described later.

  A head drive circuit 117, a transport motor drive circuit 118, and a connection interface 120 are connected to the control unit 111. The head drive circuit 117 is a circuit that supplies a drive signal to the thermal head 102 based on a control signal from the CPU 112 and controls the drive state of the thermal head 102. The transport motor drive circuit 118 is a circuit that supplies a drive signal to the medium transport motor 119 based on a control signal from the CPU 112 and controls the rotation of the platen roller 103 via the drive control of the medium transport motor 119.

  The multi-color thermal medium 1 sandwiched between the thermal head 102 and the platen roller 103 is conveyed in the conveyance direction 131 while being pressed against the thermal head 102 by the platen roller 103 due to the rotation of the platen roller 103. At this time, the multicolor thermal medium 1 is pressed against the thermal head 102 on the side of the overcoat layer 9 on the yellow coloring layer 5 (see FIG. 6).

  The thermal head 102 gives thermal energy for coloring the multicolor thermal medium 1. As described above, since the overcoat layer 9 on the yellow coloring layer 5 of the multicolor thermal medium 1 is pressed against the thermal head 102, the thermal energy of the thermal head 102 is that of the multicolor thermal medium 1. It is given from the side of the overcoat layer 9 on the yellow coloring layer 5 having. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is defined that the yellow, magenta, and cyan coloring layers 5, 4, and 3 are positioned from the upper layer to the lower layer in the description order.

  At this time, the heat generation temperature and heat generation time of the thermal head 102 are determined by the control unit 111 and the head drive circuit 117 for each color of cyan, magenta, and yellow to be developed by the multicolor thermal medium 1 in one printing cycle. It is controlled according to the color development characteristics of the layers 3, 4 and 5.

  In other words, the control unit 111 and the head drive circuit 117 control the application time and the application timing of the drive voltage to the thermal head 102 in one printing cycle, so that the multicolor heat-sensitive medium 1 tries to develop color. Controls the heat generation temperature and heat generation time of the thermal head 102 in accordance with the color development characteristics of the magenta and yellow color development layers 3, 4, and 5. The connection interface 120 is for connecting the personal computer 201.

[3. Personal computer]
The personal computer 201 includes a control unit 211, an input device 216, and a connection interface 217. The control unit 211 includes a CPU 212, a ROM 213, and a RAM 214. The CPU 212 is a central processing unit that plays a central role in various controls in the personal computer 201. Therefore, the CPU 212 controls the personal computer 201 itself based on various control programs.

  The ROM 213 stores various control programs, tables, and data for the personal computer 201. The RAM 214 is a storage device that temporarily stores calculation results and the like in the CPU 212. Further, the RAM 214 has an image storage area 215 in which, for example, an image that has been bitmap-expanded is stored.

  An input device 216 and a connection interface 217 are connected to the control unit 211. Examples of the input device 216 include a keyboard and a mouse. The connection interface 217 is for connecting the printer 101.

[4. Correction table]
The ROM 213 of the personal computer 201 stores a correction rate table shown in FIG. 5A and a correction value applicability table shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, yellow is indicated by “Y”, magenta is indicated by “M”, cyan is indicated by “C”, and each density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is “0” to “0”. It is indicated by a numerical value “255”.

  The correction rate table in FIG. 5A is used when the character color is black in a control program described later. When the character color is black, the respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan are “255”, and the respective densities are the highest. Further, in the correction rate table of FIG. 5A, the correction rate of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is stored in units of%. The correction rate of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is determined depending on the type (“medium A” and “medium B”) of the multicolor thermal medium 1 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and the printer 101 (see FIG. 7). ) Type (“printer A” and “printer B”) and the coordinates A, coordinates B, and coordinates O described later.

  For example, at the coordinate A, if the type of the printer 101 (see FIG. 7 above) is “printer A” and the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1 (see FIG. 6 above and FIG. 7) is “medium A”, The correction rates of the yellow, magenta, and cyan components are 5%, 10%, and 20%. Hereinafter, similarly, the correction rates of the yellow, magenta, and cyan components are the types of the multi-color thermal medium 1 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), the types of the printer 101 (see FIG. 7), and later. It is read from the correction factor table of FIG. 5A via the coordinates A, coordinates B, and coordinates O.

  The correction value applicability table in FIG. 5B is used when it is determined whether or not to apply a correction value in a control program described later. In the correction value applicability table shown in FIG. 5B, the yellow, magenta, and cyan components are stored as numerical values (absolute values) from “0” to “255” as limit values. For example, for the colors indicated by “30”, “125”, and “230” for the respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan, “30” that is the density of yellow is the correction value applicability table shown in FIG. 5B. Therefore, the correction value cannot be applied in the control program to be described later.

[5. Correction control]
Next, operations up to print data transmission executed by the personal computer 201 will be described. The control program represented by the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 to 4 is stored in the ROM 213 and executed by the CPU 212.

  As shown in FIG. 1, first, initialization is performed in S11. Here, the type of the printer 101 connected to the personal computer 201 and the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1 of the printer 101 are acquired. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S12. In S12, it is determined whether or not there is a background change. This determination is made based on a signal from the input device 216. If there is a background change (S12: YES), the process proceeds to S13.

  In S13, background pasting is performed. More specifically, in this process, the background image is arranged in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214 while being bitmap-expanded. Thereafter, the process returns to S12 described above, and the processes after S12 are repeated.

  On the other hand, in S12 mentioned above, when there is no background change (S12: NO), it progresses to S14. In S14, it is determined whether or not there is a character input. This determination is made based on a signal from the input device 216. If there is a character input (S14: YES), the process proceeds to S15.

  In S15, character pasting is performed. More specifically, in this process, the character image is overwritten and placed on the background image arranged in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214 while being developed on the bitmap. Thereafter, the process returns to S12 described above, and the processes after S12 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no character input in S14 described above (S14: NO), the process proceeds to S16. In S16, it is determined whether or not to print. This determination is made based on a signal from the input device 216. Here, when not printing (S16: NO), the other process of S19 is performed. Thereafter, the process returns to S12 described above, and the processes after S12 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when printing (S16: YES), the process proceeds to S17. In S17, print data processing is performed. In the print data processing, as shown in FIG. 2, first, in S31, the image is converted from RGB to YMC. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S32.

  Here, RGB is a kind of color expression method, in which red is indicated by “R”, green is indicated by “G”, and blue is indicated by “B”. Specifically, the density of the blue component of the image is converted to the density of the yellow component by “Y = 255-B”, and the density of the green component of the image is set to “M = 255-G”. The density of the red component of the image is converted to the density of the cyan component by “C = 255-R”.

  In S32, it is determined whether there is a character object. In this process, in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214, if a character image is arranged, it is determined that there is a character object, and if no character image is arranged, it is determined that there is no character object. If there is no character object (S32: NO), the process proceeds to S18 in FIG. On the other hand, if there is a character object (S32: YES), the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline are extracted.

  This extraction process will be specifically described. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the character image arranged while being bitmap-expanded in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214 is black. In this case, a numerical value indicating black is stored in the pixel of the character image. As described above, the numerical value indicating black is a numerical value in which each density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is “255”. When pixels of such a bitmap image are imaged with dots, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the upper portion 302 of “A” that is the character image 301 is enlarged, the character image 301 is “ Each pixel 401 corresponding to the character “A” itself is represented by a black dot.

  FIG. 9 to FIG. 13 to be described later are also images in which the pixels of the bitmap image are imaged with dots, and the upper portion 302 (see FIG. 8) of “A” that is the character image 301 and its surroundings are enlarged. It is. In the following description, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 in which pixels of a bitmap image are imaged with dots. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the coordinates of one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” are extracted as the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline.

  When the extraction is performed, a correction process in S35 described later is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S36. In S36, it is determined whether or not all the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline have been extracted. Specifically, for example, when the character image 301 is “A” as shown in FIG. 8, the coordinates of all the pixels 401 a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” are displayed. If it has been extracted, it is determined that all the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline have been extracted. On the other hand, if the coordinates of all the pixels 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” have not been extracted, it is determined that all the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline have not been extracted.

  Here, when not all the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline are extracted (S36: NO), the process returns to S34 described above, and the processes after S34 are repeated. On the other hand, when all the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline are extracted (S36: YES), the process returns to FIG. 1 and proceeds to S18 described later.

  Next, the color correction process of S35 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The color correction processing in S35 includes the color correction processing shown in FIG. 3 and the color correction processing shown in FIG. First, the color correction process shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The color correction process shown in FIG. 3 is executed in consideration of the conveyance direction 131 of the multicolor thermal medium 1. That is, in the color correction process shown in FIG. 3, first, in S101, the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) of the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character are extracted.

  This extraction process will be specifically described. Here, in S34 of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 12, the coordinates of one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” are extracted as the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline. Explain the case. In this case, the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) of one circumscribed pixel 401b is extracted from the two circumscribed pixels 401b circumscribing one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A”.

  When the extraction is performed, the process proceeds to S102. In S <b> 102, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (Xn−1, Yn) have the character outline coordinates O (Xo, Yo). In other words, it is adjacent to the circumscribed pixel 401b of the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S101 in the direction opposite to the transport direction 131 (upstream side) of the multicolor thermal medium 111 and corresponds to the outline of the character. Whether or not there is one pixel 401a to be determined is determined. That is, if there is one pixel 401a corresponding to the character outline, it is determined that the coordinate (Xn-1, Yn) has the character outline coordinate O (Xo, Yo), and one pixel 401a corresponding to the character outline is obtained. Otherwise, it is determined that the coordinates (Xn-1, Yn) do not have the character outline coordinates O (Xo, Yo).

  Here, if the coordinates (Xn-1, Yn) include the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline (S102: YES), the process proceeds to S103. In S103, the coordinates B (Xn + 1, Yn) of the pixels circumscribing the circumscribed pixels are extracted. This extraction process will be described in detail. The circumscribed pixel 401b at the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S101 is moved in the transport direction 131 of the multicolor thermal medium 111 as shown in FIG. Then, the coordinates B (Xn + 1, Yn) of the adjacent pixel 401c are extracted.

  When the extraction is performed, the process proceeds to S104. In S104, the background image pixel located at the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S101 is extracted, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. In FIG. 12, a pixel located at the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S101 is extracted from the two circumscribed pixels 401b, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S105, each correction factor for coordinate A is acquired from the correction factor table shown in FIG. At this time, correction rates of yellow, magenta, and cyan are acquired based on the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1 and the type of the printer 101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S106.

  In S106, each density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is corrected for the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) located at the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S104. Specifically, the correction is performed based on the correction ratios of yellow, magenta, and cyan acquired in S105. For example, when the yellow, magenta, and cyan correction factors acquired in S105 are “5%”, “10%”, and “20%”, they are positioned at the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S104. The respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan included in the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) to be calculated are calculated by multiplying the respective correction factors “5%”, “10%”, and “20%”. However, the correction of S106 is not performed again for the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) for which the correction of S106 has been performed once.

  When such correction is made, the process proceeds to S107. In S107, the background image pixel located at the coordinates B (Xn + 1, Yn) extracted in S103 is extracted, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. In FIG. 12, a pixel 401c circumscribing in the transport direction 131 of the multi-color thermal medium 111 is extracted from the pixel 401b having the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S101, and the extracted pixel 401c is yellow, magenta, or cyan. The concentration of each component is obtained. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S108.

  In S108, each correction factor for coordinate B is acquired from the correction factor table shown in FIG. At this time, correction rates of yellow, magenta, and cyan are acquired based on the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1 and the type of the printer 101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S109.

  In S109, the density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is corrected for the background image pixel (pixel 401c in FIG. 12) located at the coordinates B (Xn + 1, Yn) extracted in S107. Specifically, the correction is performed based on the yellow, magenta, and cyan correction factors acquired in S108. For example, when the correction factors of yellow, magenta, and cyan acquired in S108 are “4%”, “7%”, and “16%”, the position is at the coordinate B (Xn + 1, Yn) extracted in S107. The yellow, magenta, and cyan densities of the background image pixels (pixel 401c in FIG. 12) are calculated by multiplying the correction factors “4%”, “7%”, and “16%”, respectively. Is done. However, the correction of S109 is not performed again for the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401c) for which the correction of S109 has been performed once. After such correction is made, the process proceeds to S110 described later.

  On the other hand, in S102 described above, when the coordinates (Xn-1, Yn) do not have the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline (S102: NO), the process proceeds to S111. In S111, the background image pixel located at the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S101 is extracted, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. In FIG. 12, a pixel located at the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S101 is extracted from the two circumscribed pixels 401b, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to S112.

  In S112, each correction factor for coordinate A is acquired from the correction factor table shown in FIG. At this time, correction rates of yellow, magenta, and cyan are acquired based on the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1 and the type of the printer 101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S113.

  In S113, each density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is corrected for the pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) of the background image located at the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S111. Specifically, the correction is performed using the yellow, magenta, and cyan correction factors acquired in S112. For example, when the correction rates of yellow, magenta, and cyan acquired in S112 are “5%”, “10%”, and “20%”, the position is at the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S111. The respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan included in the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) to be calculated are calculated by multiplying the respective correction factors “5%”, “10%”, and “20%”. However, the correction of S113 is not performed again for the pixels of the background image (circumscribed pixel 401b) for which the correction of S113 has been performed once. After such correction is made, the process proceeds to S110.

  In S110, it is determined whether all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character have been extracted. This determination process will be specifically described. Here, in S34 of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 12, the coordinates of one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” are extracted as the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline. Explain the case. In this case, if the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) of both circumscribed pixels 401b out of the two circumscribed pixels 401b circumscribing one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” are extracted, If all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character are determined to be extracted, and only the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) of one circumscribed pixel 401b are extracted, all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character are not extracted. It is judged.

  Here, when all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character have not been extracted (S110: NO), the process returns to S101, and the processes after S101 are repeated. On the other hand, when all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character are extracted (S110: YES), the process proceeds to S18 in FIG.

  In S18, print data transmission is performed. More specifically, in this process, the bitmap image edited and acquired by the above correction is transmitted as print data to the printer 101 together with the print command, and the transmitted print data is stored in the RAM 116 of the printer 101. . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a bitmap image edited and acquired by the corrections in S106, S109, and S113 of the color correction process shown in FIG. 3, and a part of the bitmap image is displayed. FIG. Thereafter, the process returns to S12 of FIG. 1 and the processes after S12 are repeated. At this time, the printer 101 performs full-color printing of the transmitted print data on the multicolor thermal medium 1.

  Next, the color correction process shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The color correction process shown in FIG. 4 is executed when the color of the background image is light. In the color correction process shown in FIG. 4, first, in S201, the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) of the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character are extracted.

  This extraction process will be specifically described. Here, in S34 of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 9, the coordinates of one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” are extracted as the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline. Explain the case. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) of one circumscribed pixel 401b out of the two circumscribed pixels 401b circumscribing one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A”. ) Is extracted.

  When the extraction is performed, the process proceeds to S202. In S202, the background image pixel located at the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S201 is extracted, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. In FIG. 10, a pixel located at the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S201 is extracted from the two circumscribed pixels 401b, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to S203.

  In S203, each correction factor for coordinate A is acquired from the correction factor table shown in FIG. At this time, correction rates of yellow, magenta, and cyan are acquired based on the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1 and the type of the printer 101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S204.

  In S204, it is determined whether or not the correction value can be applied. This determination is made based on the correction value applicability table shown in FIG. That is, for the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) located at the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S201, the density of yellow is greater than “72” and the density of magenta is greater than “100”. If the density of cyan is greater than “127”, it is determined that the correction value can be applied. On the other hand, if the density of yellow is “72” or less, the density of magenta is “100” or less, or the density of cyan is “127” or less, it is determined that the correction value cannot be applied. If the correction value can be applied (S204: YES), the process proceeds to S205.

  In S205, each density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is corrected for the pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) of the background image located at the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S201. Specifically, the correction is performed using the yellow, magenta, and cyan correction factors acquired in S203. For example, when the yellow, magenta, and cyan correction factors acquired in S203 are “5%”, “10%”, and “20%”, the position is at the coordinate A (Xn, Yn) extracted in S201. The respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan included in the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) to be calculated are calculated by multiplying the respective correction factors “5%”, “10%”, and “20%”. However, the correction of S205 is not performed again for the background image pixel (circumscribed pixel 401b) for which the correction of S205 has been performed once. After such correction is made, the process proceeds to S206 described later.

  On the other hand, when the correction value cannot be applied in S204 (S204: NO), the process proceeds to S207. In S207, one pixel 401a located at the coordinate O (Xo, Yo) extracted in S34 of FIG. 2 and corresponding to the outline of the character is extracted, and each of the yellow, magenta, and cyan components of the extracted pixel is extracted. A concentration is obtained. In FIG. 10, one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” is extracted, and the density of each component of yellow, magenta, and cyan is obtained for the extracted pixel. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S208.

  In S208, each correction factor for coordinate O is acquired from the correction factor table shown in FIG. At this time, correction rates of yellow, magenta, and cyan are acquired based on the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1 and the type of the printer 101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S209.

  In S209, each density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is corrected for one pixel 401a located at the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) extracted in S207 and corresponding to the outline of the character. Specifically, the correction is performed based on the correction ratios of yellow, magenta, and cyan acquired in S208. For example, when the correction factors of yellow, magenta, and cyan acquired in S208 are “10%”, “15%”, and “25%”, the position is at the coordinate O (Xo, Yo) extracted in S207. In addition, the respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan included in one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character are calculated by multiplying each correction factor by “10%”, “15%”, and “25%”. The However, the correction of S209 is not performed again for the pixel of the character image (one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character) for which the correction of S209 has been performed once. After such correction is made, the process proceeds to S206.

  In S206, it is determined whether all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character have been extracted. This determination process will be specifically described. Here, in S34 of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 9, the coordinates of one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A” are extracted as the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline. Explain the case. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, among the two circumscribed pixels 401b circumscribing one pixel 401a corresponding to the outline of the character “A”, the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) of both circumscribed pixels 401b are included. ) Is extracted, it is determined that all of the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character have been extracted. If only the coordinates A (Xn, Yn) of one circumscribed pixel 401b are extracted, the circumscribing of the outline of the character is performed. It is determined that not all pixels to be extracted have been extracted.

  Here, when all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character have not been extracted (S206: NO), the process returns to S201, and the processes after S201 are repeated. On the other hand, when all the pixels circumscribing the outline of the character have been extracted (S206: YES), the process proceeds to S18 in FIG.

  In S18, print data transmission is performed. More specifically, in this process, the bitmap image edited and acquired by the above correction is transmitted as print data to the printer 101 together with the print command, and the transmitted print data is stored in the RAM 116 of the printer 101. . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a bitmap image edited and acquired by the correction in S205 and S209 of the color correction process shown in FIG. 4, and a part of the bitmap image is shown. FIG. Thereafter, the process returns to S12 of FIG. 1 and the processes after S12 are repeated. At this time, the printer 101 performs full-color printing of the transmitted print data on the multicolor thermal medium 1.

[6. Summary]
That is, in the personal computer 201 according to the present embodiment, a character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) is superimposed on the arranged background image in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214 where the bitmap-expanded image is stored. Arranged (S13, S15). Further, along the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) arranged in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214, the respective color component densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan included in the pixels of the image storage area 215 are Based on the correction rate table shown in FIG. 5A, density correction is performed at a predetermined rate (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209). Therefore, in this embodiment, even when full-color printing by the thermal / thermal transfer method is performed by the printer 101, bleeding of the outline of the character is eliminated.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214 of the personal computer 201, the circumscribed pixel 401b on the background image circumscribing the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) or the circumscribed pixel Since the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205) is performed on the pixel 401c on the background image that is continuous to the 401b and its circumscribed pixel 401b in the circumscribing direction, the quality of the character itself is degraded. And blurring of the outline of the character is eliminated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, one circumscribed pixel 401b on the background image that circumscribes the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) is extracted in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214 of the personal computer 201. When the circumscribed pixel 401b of the extraction satisfies a predetermined condition (S204: YES), the density correction of S205 is performed on the circumscribed pixel 401b of the extraction, and from the extraction of S201 to S205. Image editing up to the above density correction is performed on all the circumscribed pixels 401b circumscribing the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) and on the background image (S206, S36). Therefore, in the present embodiment, only when the circumscribed pixel 401b of the extraction satisfies the predetermined condition (S204: YES), the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) is applied to the background image of the outer portion. Thus, the density correction in S205 is performed.

  The density correction in S205 may be performed on the extracted circumscribed pixel 401b and one or more pixels on the background image that are continuous with the extracted circumscribed pixel 401b in the circumscribed direction.

  On the other hand, when the extracted circumscribed pixel 401b does not satisfy the predetermined condition (S204: NO), the extracted circumscribed pixel 401b is circumscribed and constitutes the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8). The density correction of S209 is performed on one contour pixel 401a to be performed, that is, on the character contour of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the extracted circumscribed pixel 401b does not satisfy the predetermined condition (S204: NO), the blurring of the outline of the character is eliminated without making the character itself fat.

  In this regard, when the background image arranged in the image storage area 215 of the RAM 214 included in the personal computer 201 is light in color, it may not be possible to perform correction to reduce the necessary density amount on the background image. Therefore, in such a case, it is effective to perform density correction on the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8).

  The density correction of S209 is circumscribed by the extracted circumscribed pixel 401b, and also circumscribes one contour pixel 401a constituting the character contour of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) and the contour pixel 401a. May be performed on one or more pixels continuous in the opposite direction, that is, on the inner part from the character outline of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8).

  Further, in the multi-color thermal medium 1 in which full-color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer method, the energy required for color development differs depending on the primary colors yellow, magenta, and cyan. In such a case, the degree of influence of the energy on the circumscribed pixel 401b and the contour pixel 401a by yellow, magenta, and cyan of the primary colors constituting the color of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) also. Each is different. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is the character image (as shown in the correction rate table shown in FIG. 5A). In FIG. 8, the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, and S209) corresponding to the degree of influence is set for each of the primary colors yellow, magenta, and cyan constituting the color 301). Thus, the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is accurately performed for blurring of the outline of the character. Thereby, for example, in the case where the blur of the outline of the character is larger than that of cyan, the blur of the outline of the character can be prevented by performing correction to lower the density of cyan.

  Further, in the multi-color thermal medium 1 in which full-color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer system, primary colors that require a small amount of energy for color development (in this embodiment, color development is performed in the order of yellow, magenta, and cyan). The smaller the required energy), the easier it is to develop color due to heat storage, and the degree of influence of the energy of the heat storage on the circumscribed pixel 401b and the contour pixel 401a is also different. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is colored as in the correction rate table shown in FIG. The smaller the required energy, the larger the primary color, that is, the greater the order in which yellow, magenta, and cyan are written, and the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) corresponding to the degree of influence is performed. Corrections (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) are accurately performed for blurring of the outline of the character.

  In addition, in the multicolor thermal medium 1 in which full color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer method, the color developing layer located in the multicolor thermal medium 1 is a lower primary color (in this embodiment, yellow, magenta, and cyan are described. As the color developing layer becomes the lower layer in order, adjacent dots are more likely to develop color due to heat transfer, and the degree of influence of the heat transfer energy on the circumscribed pixel 401b and the contour pixel 401a is greater. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is the multicolor thermal sensitivity as shown in the correction rate table shown in FIG. The color developing layer located in the medium 1 is larger in the lower primary colors, that is, in the order of yellow, magenta, and cyan, and the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) according to the degree of influence is performed. Thus, the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is accurately performed for blurring of the outline of the character.

  Further, in the multicolor thermal medium 1 in which full-color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer method, the energy required for color development differs depending on the type of the multicolor thermal medium 1. In such a case, depending on the type of the multi-color thermal medium 1, the degree of influence of the energy on the circumscribed pixel 401b and the contour pixel 401a is also different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is a multicolor thermal medium as in the correction rate table shown in FIG. The density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) corresponding to the influence degree is set by setting for each type (in the present embodiment, “medium A” and “medium B”). Thus, the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is accurately performed for blurring of the outline of the character.

  Further, regarding the multi-color thermal medium 1 on which full-color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer system, the characteristics such as the energy efficiency of the thermal head 102 differ depending on the type of the printer 101 that performs printing on the multi-color thermal medium 1. In such a case, depending on the type of the printer 101, the degree of influence of the characteristics on the circumscribed pixel 401b and the contour pixel 401a is also different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is a multicolor thermal medium as in the correction rate table shown in FIG. 1 is set for each type of printer 101 that performs printing (in this embodiment, “printer A” and “printer B”), and the density correction (S106, S109, S113) according to the degree of influence is set. , S205, and S209), the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, and S209) is accurately performed for blurring of the outline of the character.

  Further, in the multi-color thermal medium 1 in which full-color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer method, the outline of the character is blurred depending on the relationship between the transport direction 131 of the multi-color thermal medium 1 and the direction in which the circumscribed pixel 401b is circumscribed. The possible range is different. In such a case, the degree of influence of the relationship on the circumscribed pixel 401b and the contour pixel 401a is also different. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of pixels used in the color correction processing (S35) in which the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is performed depends on the circumscribing direction and the multicolor thermal medium. Since the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) corresponding to the degree of influence is performed by making the difference depending on the relationship with one transport direction 131, the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205) is performed. , S209) is accurately performed for blurring of the outline of the character.

  For example, in the color correction process (S35) shown in FIG. 3, when the coordinates (Xn-1, Yn) have the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline (S102: YES), the processes of S106 and S109 are performed. The density correction is performed, and the number of pixels used in the color correction process (S35) shown in FIG. 3 is two. The two pixels used are a circumscribed pixel 401b on the background image, and a pixel 401c on the background image adjacent to the circumscribed pixel 401b in the direction opposite to the transport direction 131 (upstream side) of the multicolor thermal medium 1. It is. On the other hand, when the coordinates (Xn−1, Yn) do not have the coordinates O (Xo, Yo) of the character outline (S102: NO), the above-described density correction of S113 is performed and is shown in FIG. The number of pixels used in the color correction process (S35) is one. The one pixel used is a circumscribed pixel 401b on the background image.

  Further, in the color correction process (S35) shown in FIG. 4, when the correction value can be applied (S204: YES), the density correction in S205 is performed, and the color correction process shown in FIG. The number of pixels used in (S35) is one. The one pixel used is a circumscribed pixel 401b on the background image. On the other hand, when the correction value cannot be applied (S204: NO), the density correction of S209 is performed, and the number of pixels used in the color correction process (S35) shown in FIG. Is one. The one pixel used is a contour pixel 401a on a character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8).

  The predetermined ratio used in the color correction process (S35) in which the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is performed is defined as the direction in which the multicolor thermal medium 1 is conveyed and the circumscribed pixel 401b is circumscribed. The above-described density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) according to the degree of influence may be performed.

[7. Others]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.
For example, in the multi-color thermal medium 1 in which full-color printing is performed by the thermal / thermal transfer method, the energy required for color development by yellow, magenta, and cyan is different. In this case, depending on the color of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8), the degree of influence of the energy on the circumscribed pixel 401b and the contour pixel 401a varies. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is the character image as shown in the correction rate table shown in FIG. This corresponds to the case where (301 in FIG. 8) is black. On the other hand, since the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) is black, the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) corresponding to the degree of influence is performed, and the density correction (S106, S109). , S113, S205, and S209) are accurately performed for blurring of the outline of the character.

  However, the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) is changed depending on the color of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8), so that it depends on the degree of influence. The density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209) may be performed.

  For example, when the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) is dark brown, the densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan are “255”, “255”, and “64”, respectively. Here, when the correction ratios of yellow, magenta, and cyan acquired from the correction ratio table shown in FIG. 5A are “5%”, “10%”, and “20%”, the dark brown density / By multiplying the acquired correction factors by the black density, yellow, magenta, and cyan correction factors are newly acquired.

Therefore, when the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) is dark brown, if the respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan are specifically obtained, the new correction rate for yellow is 5% (= 255/255). × 5%), the new magenta correction rate is 10% (= 255/255 × 10%), and the new cyan correction rate is 5% (= 64/255 × 20%).
Even when the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8) is a color other than dark brown, the correction rates for yellow, magenta, and cyan can be newly acquired in the same manner.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the correction rate table shown in FIG. 5A is set with correction values (absolute values) of “0” to “255” instead of correction rates (%). In such a case, the determination of whether or not the correction value can be applied in S204 of FIG. 4 may be performed as follows. That is, for the color of the character image (reference numeral 301 in FIG. 8), for example, the respective densities of yellow, magenta, and cyan are “30”, “125”, and “18”, respectively, but are shown in FIG. When the correction values (absolute values) of yellow, magenta, and cyan acquired from the correction rate table are “5”, “10”, and “20”, the correction values (absolute values) are subtracted from the respective densities to obtain yellow, magenta If all the densities of cyan are positive (plus), it is determined that the correction value can be applied in S204 of FIG. 4 (S204: YES), and if any of the densities is negative (minus) For example, it is determined in S204 of FIG. 4 that the correction value cannot be applied (S204: YES). In the above case, the new density of yellow is “+25 (= 30−5)”, the new density of magenta is “+115 (= 125−10)”, and the new density of cyan is “−2 (= 18). −20) ”, it is determined in S204 of FIG. 4 that the correction value cannot be applied (S204: NO).

  In the present embodiment, instead of the predetermined ratio used in the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209), a predetermined amount is the density correction (S106, S109, S113, S205, S209). May be used. In such a case, each density of yellow, magenta, and cyan is calculated by a correction in which each predetermined amount is subtracted.

  In the present embodiment, each control program shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is downloaded to the personal computer 201 via wireless communication or wired communication, or via a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. May be.

  The control programs shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be executed by the stand-alone printer 101. However, in such a case, each table shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is stored in the ROM 115 of the printer 101.

  In the present embodiment, the character outline extraction and color correction processing are performed on the character image and the background image, and then a composite image obtained by superimposing the character image on the background image is arranged in the image storage area 215. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multicolor thermal medium 3 Cyan coloring layer 4 Magenta coloring layer 5 Yellow coloring layer 101 Printer 131 Conveying direction 201 Personal computer 214 RAM 215 Image storage area 301 Character image 401a Outline pixel 401b circumscribed pixel

Claims (11)

First arrangement means for arranging a background image in an image storage area of a memory in which a bitmap-expanded image is stored;
Second arrangement means for arranging a character image so as to overlap a background image arranged in the image storage area;
Contour density correction means for performing density correction to reduce the color component density of the pixels in the image storage area by a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio along the character outline of the character image arranged in the image storage area,
The contour density correction unit performs the density correction on a circumscribed pixel circumscribing the character outline, or one or more pixels continuous in the circumscribing direction with respect to the circumscribed pixel and the circumscribed pixel. An image editing device. An image editing apparatus according to claim 1,
The contour density correcting means is
Extracting one circumscribed pixel circumscribing the character outline;
When the extracted circumscribed pixel satisfies a predetermined condition, the density of the extracted circumscribed pixel or the extracted circumscribed pixel and one or more pixels continuous to the extracted circumscribed pixel in the circumscribed direction is determined. Make corrections
An image editing apparatus characterized in that image editing from the extraction to the density correction is performed for all circumscribed pixels circumscribing the character outline and on the background image. An image editing apparatus according to claim 2,
When the extracted circumscribed pixel does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the contour density correcting unit performs the circumscribed by the extracted circumscribed pixel and also forms one contour pixel constituting the character contour, or the contour pixel and An image editing apparatus, wherein the density correction is performed on one or more pixels that are continuous with the contour pixel in a direction opposite to the circumscribed direction. An image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image editing apparatus, wherein a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio used in the density correction is changed depending on a color of the character image. An image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
An image editing apparatus, wherein a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio used in the density correction is set for each primary color constituting the color of the character image. An image editing apparatus according to claim 5,
An image editing apparatus, wherein a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio used in the density correction is larger for a primary color having a smaller energy required for color development on a print medium. An image editing apparatus according to claim 5,
An image editing apparatus characterized in that a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio used in the density correction is larger for a primary color under which a coloring layer located in a printing medium is located. The image editing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein
An image editing apparatus, wherein a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio used in the density correction is set for each type of the print medium. An image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising:
An image editing apparatus, wherein a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio used in the density correction is set for each type of printer that performs printing on the print medium. An image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9,
An image editing apparatus, wherein a predetermined amount or a predetermined ratio and a number of pixels used in the density correction are different depending on a relationship between the circumscribed direction and a conveyance direction of the print medium.   An image editing program for causing a computer to function as the image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images