JP7691898B2 - IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND IMAGE PROCESSING PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

Conventionally, printing data such as images of lines, characters, figures, photographs, etc. are rasterized to generate an image for printing, and color proofing (soft proofing) is performed to check the finished state of the image on the display screen of a display device before printing out the image (see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

This soft proof allows you to proofread and check an image on the display screen without actually outputting a printout of the image, which has the advantage of reducing waste of printing resources such as printing paper and ink and shortening work time. There are also image processing devices that allow you to check an enlarged portion on the display screen of a display device (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2018-191240 A JP 2010-166113 A

Multi-size dot printing is known for inkjet printers, which use different ink dot sizes when printing. However, the conventional soft proofing technology disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 does not take into consideration displaying an image on a display screen that takes into account color changes due to multi-size dots, and when the image is enlarged, it is not possible to confirm changes due to the ink dot size or the ink color used.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an image processing device, an image processing method, and an image processing program that can display an image printed and output by multi-size dot printing accurately and in detail on the display screen of a display device.

The image processing device according to the present invention is an image processing device that displays an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, and is characterized by comprising: a first image generation unit that inputs the image data and generates print image data constituting an image for printing formed by multi-size dots; an input unit that accepts a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among the color information contained in the print image data; a second image generation unit that converts the print image data based on the selected color information accepted by the input unit based on the dot size and dot color information to generate display image data constituting an image for display composed of single-size dots; and an output unit that outputs the display image data to the display device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first image generation unit generates the print image data by referring to an input profile of the image data and an output profile of a print output device, and the second image generation unit generates the display image data by referring to a conversion table for color converting the color information according to the display profile of the display device and the dot size.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the second image generating unit converts the luminance of the color information by referring to the conversion table.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second image generating unit generates a navigation image in which the display image data constituting a plurality of split images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined regions is displayed in a reduced size, and a proof image in which one of the plurality of split images is displayed in an enlarged size.

The image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, and is characterized by comprising a first image generation step of inputting the image data and generating print image data constituting an image for printing formed by multi-size dots, an input step of accepting a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among the color information contained in the print image data, a second image generation step of color converting the print image data based on the selected color information accepted in the input step based on the dot size and dot color information to generate display image data constituting an image for display formed by single-size dots, and an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device.

The image processing program according to the present invention is an image processing program that displays an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, and is characterized by having a computer execute a first image generation step of inputting the image data and generating print image data constituting a print image formed by multi-size dots, an input step of accepting a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from the color information contained in the print image data, a second image generation step of color converting the print image data based on the selected color information accepted in the input step based on the dot size and dot color information to generate display image data constituting a display image formed by single-size dots, and an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device.

According to the present invention, images printed out by multi-size dot printing can be displayed accurately and in detail on the display screen of a display device.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image processing device. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining multi-size dots, their dot sizes, and data configurations. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table used for color conversion by the image processing device. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of conversion using a conversion table. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an image processing procedure performed by the image processing device. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display image displayed on a display screen of a display device. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a group of dots that form a part of a display image. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other examples of display images on the display screen of the display device. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other examples of display images on the display screen of the display device. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other examples of display images on the display screen of the display device. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other examples of display images on the display screen of the display device. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other examples of display images on the display screen of the display device. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the image processing procedure performed by the image processing device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen on a display screen of a display device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display image based on a print image in which corrections have been reflected.

Below, an image processing device, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Note that in the present embodiments, the arrangement, scale, dimensions, etc. of each component may be shown exaggerated or minimized, and some components may be omitted.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an image processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the functional configuration. As shown in Figure 1, the image processing device 1 of this embodiment can be configured, for example, as a RIP (Raster Image Processor) device. The image processing device 1 includes, for example, a raster image conversion unit 2, a print image data generation unit 3, a display image data generation unit 4, a storage unit 5, and an operation unit 6.

The image processing device 1 may be externally connected to a print data input unit 7 such as a print data generating device that inputs print data including image data, a display 8 as a display device, and an inkjet printer 9 as a print output device. The display 8 may be included in the operation unit 6 of the image processing device 1.

The raster image conversion unit 2 inputs print data consisting of image data such as lines, characters, figures, and photographs in formats such as PDF (Portable Document Format) and PS (PostScript: registered trademark) from the external print data input unit 7, and converts it into raster image data (CMYK data), which is image data such as TIFF images consisting of raster data.

The print image data generating unit 3 has a color conversion unit 3a and a halftone processing unit 3b, and performs various conversion processes on the image data (raster image data) from the raster image conversion unit 2 to generate print image data of multi-size dots. The print image data may be composed of not only the four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), but also six colors by adding light cyan (Lc) and light magenta (Lm) to these, eight colors by adding light black (Lk) and the special color ink orange (O) or green (G) to these, or six colors by adding white (W) and varnish (V) (clear ink) to CMYK.

The display image data generating unit 4 generates display image data for previewing from the print image data from the print image data generating unit 3. The display image data generating unit 4 also functions as an output unit that outputs image data to the display 8.

The storage unit 5 stores data such as various profiles and conversion tables, data such as display drivers and printer drivers, and various image data converted and generated by each unit. The operation unit 6 accepts operation inputs by a user of the image processing device 1 via the input unit 6a.

The color conversion unit 3a of the print image data generation unit 3 performs color conversion processing on the image data by referencing at least the input profile of the image data and the output profile of the inkjet printer 9 from the storage unit 5. Specifically, the color conversion unit 3a first performs color management processing by referring to an input profile (ICC profile) such as Japan Color (registered trademark) stored in the storage unit 5, expanding the image data (e.g., 8-bit CMYK data) into a color space of the L*a*b* color system, for example, and converting the color into the L*a*b* values of device-independent colors.

Then, the color conversion unit 3a refers to an output profile (ICC profile) that can be used with the inkjet printer 9 being used, and converts the L*a*b* values again into device-dependent color CMYK values (8-bit CMYK data).

In addition, the color conversion unit 3a can perform color calibration processing, such as generating light ink colors (Lc, Lm, Lk), generating spot ink colors (W: White/V: Varnish) for base color printing and thick printing, and adjusting the ink amount (tone curve adjustment). In this way, the color conversion unit 3a performs the so-called color matching processing in general, including color management processing and color calibration processing.

The halftone processing unit 3b of the print image data generation unit 3 performs halftone processing using an error diffusion method or the like based on the CMYK values (8-bit CMYKLcLmLkWV data) from the color conversion unit 3a, and converts them into CMYK values (2-bit CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of multi-sized dots of device-dependent colors, which are the print image data. Details of the multi-sized dot (SML) information will be described later.

The CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of the multi-sized dots output from the print image data generation unit 3 are output to the inkjet printer 9 as print data that forms raster image data of the image to be printed. Note that the image processing device 1 can obtain, for example, the ink set information contained in the output profile of the inkjet printer 9 from the inkjet printer 9.

The display image data generating unit 4 converts the CMYK values (2-bit CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of the multi-size dots output from the halftone processing unit 3b into RGB values (8-bit RGB data) of device-dependent colors that constitute the display image formed by single-size (uniform size) dots, based on the conversion table 30 (see FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 5. The display image data generating unit 4 outputs the display image data consisting of this 8-bit RGB data to the display 8. The conversion table 30 will be described in detail later.

By configuring the image processing device 1 of this embodiment in this way, it is possible to appropriately convert a print image (CMYK data) printed and output by multi-size dot printing on the inkjet printer 9 into a display image (RGB data) to be displayed on the display screen of the display 8, so that the print image can be accurately displayed on the display 8 before the actual print output, for example. This makes it possible to avoid wasting printing resources and shorten work time. The print image data generation unit 3 and display image data generation unit 4 function as a first image generation unit that generates print image data and a second image generation unit that generates facial expression image data, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the image processing device 1. As shown in FIG.
2, the image processing device 1 has, as its hardware configuration, a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a HDD (hard disk drive) 14, and an SSD (solid state drive) 15, similar to a computer. The image processing device 1 also has an input I/F (interface) 16, an output I/F (interface) 17, and a communication I/F (interface) 18. The components 11 to 18 of the image processing device 1 are connected to each other via a bus 10 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The CPU 11 controls the entire image processing device 1 by executing various programs stored in the RAM 12, ROM 13, HDD 14, SSD 15, etc., and also realizes the functions of the raster image conversion unit 2, print image data generation unit 3, and display image data generation unit 4 by executing image processing programs. The RAM 12 can be used as a working area for the CPU 11, for example, for drawing and expanding various types of image data. The ROM 13 stores the various programs, for example, in a readable manner. The HDD 14 and SSD 15 store various types of data in a readable and writeable manner, and realize the functions of the storage unit 5.

The input I/F 16 is connected to a keyboard 19a, a mouse 19b, and a touch panel 19c which function as the input section 6a of the operation section 6, and receives information associated with operation input from the user. An inkjet printer 9 may be connected to the input I/F 16. For example, a display 8 and an inkjet printer 9 are connected to the output I/F 17, and print data and monitor data are output. The touch panel 19c may be provided on the display 8. The image processing device 1 may be connected to an external device 29 via a network 28 by the communication I/F 18. The external device 29 may include, for example, other image processing devices in remote locations.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining multi-size dots, their dot sizes, and data configurations.
3A, a print image in multi-size dot printing can be composed of dots of multiple dot sizes with different dot diameters. Multi-size dots are composed of, for example, small droplets (S dots) 21, medium droplets (M dots) 22 with a diameter larger than the small droplets, and large droplets (L dots) 23 with a diameter larger than the medium droplets, and can form a high-quality print image by maximizing color expression using four colors of CMYK, for example, compared to single-size dots.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), the multi-size dot (SML) information 20 defines the S dots 21, M dots 22, and L dots 23 that make up the multi-size dots by, for example, 2-bit data representation, where the S dots 21 can be expressed as "01", the M dots 22 as "10", and the L dots 23 as "11". If there is no dot, it is expressed as "00".

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table 30 used for color conversion by the display image data generating unit 4 of the image processing device 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the conversion table 30 stores the correspondence between the CMYK values (2-bit CMYKLcLmLkWV data) representing the dot size and color information of the multi-sized dots in the printing image, and the RGB values (8-bit RGB data) of the display image of the single-sized dots that represent this.

The conversion table 30 includes color tables such as a cyan (C) table 31, a magenta (M) table 32, a yellow (Y) table 33, a black (K) table 34, a light cyan (Lc) table 35, and a light magenta (Lm) table 36. Note that color tables such as light black (Lk), white (W), varnish (V), orange (O), and green (G) may be included in the conversion table 30, although they are not shown in the figure. However, white (W) and varnish (V) are often used as independent colors without being used with other ink colors, and in that case, for example, the entire color becomes the same color (W, V). Also, varnish (V) is a clear (transparent, varnish) ink, so it may be possible to associate them with an alternative color (e.g., black) table (not shown) to make it easier to check where the dots are located.

In each of the color tables 31 to 36, the RGB values when there is no dot are expressed as values of "255, 255, 255", for example. In the cyan (C) table 31, the RGB values of the S dot 21 are expressed as values of "170, 255, 255", the RGB values of the M dot 22 are expressed as values of "85, 255, 255", and the RGB values of the L dot 23 are expressed as values of "0, 255, 255".

Similarly, the RGB values of the S dots 21, M dots 22, and L dots 23 are expressed in the magenta (M) table 32 as "255,170,255", "255,85,255", and "255,0,255", respectively; in the yellow (Y) table 33 as "255,255,170", "255,255,85", and "255,255,0", respectively; and in the black (K) table 34 as "170,170,170", "85,85,85", and "0,0,0", respectively.

In addition, in the light cyan (Lc) table 35, they are expressed as values of "234, 255, 255", "213, 255, 255", and "191, 255, 255", respectively, and in the light magenta (Lm) table 36, they are expressed as values of "255, 234, 255", "255, 213, 255", and "255, 191, 255", respectively.

By referring to the conversion table 30 configured in this way, the display image data generating unit 4 generates monitor data that represents the display image obtained by appropriately converting the output image in RGB values (8-bit RGB data). The display image data generating unit 4 may also generate the monitor data by simultaneously referring to the display profile of the display 8 stored in the storage unit 5, for example. The above-mentioned conversion table 30 is an example in which the color density of the RGB values as color information is changed to correspond to multi-size dots of each color, but it may also be one in which the luminance values of RGB are changed to correspond to multi-size dots of each color, as shown in FIG. 5.

Specifically, for example, among the color tables 31 to 36, taking the cyan (C) table 31 as an example, it is possible to represent the RGB values of the S dot 21 "170, 255, 255" as RGB brightness "67%, 100%, 100%", the RGB values of the M dot 22 "85, 255, 255" as RGB brightness "33%, 100%, 100%", and the RGB values of the L dot 23 "0, 255, 255" as RGB brightness "0%, 100%, 100%". On the display 8, such RGB values can be interpreted as RGB brightness signals to represent colors.

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing an example of an image processing procedure by the image processing device 1, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display image displayed on the display screen of the display 8. Also, Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a group of dots that constitutes part of the display image, and Figures 9 to 13 are diagrams showing other display examples of a display image displayed on the display screen of the display 8. Note that the image processing in Figure 6 represents an example of display and printing processing in soft proofing by the image processing device 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the image processing device 1 inputs print data from the print data input unit 7 (step S100). Next, the raster image conversion unit 2 of the image processing device 1 executes a rasterization process to convert the input print data into raster image data (step S101). Next, the print image data generation unit 3 performs various conversion processes and halftone processes as described above to generate print image data of multi-size dots corresponding to S dots 21, M dots 22, and L dots 23 (step S102).

After that, an instruction is received by operation input from the user via the operation unit 6 (step S103), and if the received instruction indicates printing ("Print" in step S103), the image to be printed is printed out by the inkjet printer 9 (step S110), and the series of processes according to this flowchart is terminated.

On the other hand, if the accepted instruction indicates display ("Display" in step S103), the selection of the ink color to be displayed is further accepted by operation input from the user via the operation unit 6 (step S104). If the accepted selection of the ink color indicates mixed colors (full color) ("Mixed Color" in step S104), the display image data generating unit 4 generates mixed-color display image data corresponding to the enlarged display and reduced split display according to the multi-size dots of S dots 21, M dots 22, and L dots 23 based on the printing image data from the printing image data generating unit 3 (step S105). That is, in this step S105, for example, if the printing image data is composed of four-color data of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), display image data constituting a display image that can be expressed in CMYK mixed colors is generated.

Also, when the accepted ink color selection indicates a single color ("Single Color" in step S104), the display image data generating unit 4 generates display image data of the single color of the selected ink color corresponding to each of the above display modes according to the multi-size dots, as in the case of mixed colors (step S106). That is, in this step S106, for example, when the selected ink color is a single color of yellow (Y), display image data constituting a display image that can be expressed in a single color of Y is generated. Note that each display image data is configured to be able to draw pixels by changing the color density according to the dot size, for example, 100% for the ejection of L dots 23, 67% for the ejection of M dots 22, and 33% for the ejection of S dots 21. In this single-color display image data, for example, when a yellow (Y) ink dot is ejected, the yellow (Y) pixel may be configured to be drawn in black (K), and single colors such as cyan (C) and magenta (M) may also be configured to be drawn in black (K).

The display image data generated in steps S105 and S106 may be, for example, a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined regions. In this way, it is possible to speed up image processing (e.g., processing related to calculations and drawing) and reduce the processing load.

Then, a display image based on the generated mixed-color or single-color display image data is displayed on the display screen of the display 8 (step S107). Here, if the display image data constitutes a display image formed by a plurality of divided images as described above, the display image data may further be such that a display image corresponding to multi-size dots is enlarged as described above, or a plurality of divided images is reduced (i.e., reduced divided display). For example, the display image displayed on the display 8 in step S107 above may be displayed as shown in FIG. 7.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a preview window 40 for displaying a display image is displayed on the display screen of the display 8. The preview window 40 has, for example, a main display area 41 and a sub-display area 42. In the sub-display area 42, a navigation image 43 is displayed, which is a reduced version of the entire display image divided into a plurality of parts. When an arbitrary divided image is selected in the selection frame 44 by, for example, a user's operation via the operation unit 6 from among the plurality of divided images displayed in the navigation image 43, a proof image (not shown) in which the selected divided image is enlarged and displayed can be displayed in the main display area 41. The user can further select and specify a necessary portion in the enlargement frame 46, and by operating the enlargement menu 47 to change the magnification displayed in the magnification display window 48, an enlarged proof image 45 in which the specified portion is enlarged is displayed in the main display area 41 (step S108). The user can visually confirm the color expression by viewing this enlarged proof image 45.

For example, radio buttons 49a, 49b, 49c are provided below the preview window 40 for selecting the ink color of the proof image from, for example, "Color," "White," and "Varnish." These radio buttons 49a to 49c are not limited to "Color," "White," and "Varnish," and are not limited to being provided below the preview window 40. Also, for example, to the right of the radio buttons 49a to 49c, a pull-down menu 49d is provided for selecting the ink color to be displayed in the main display area 41 based on the ink set information. This pull-down menu 49d is also not limited to being provided to the right of the radio buttons 49a to 49c.

The "Color" radio button 49a can be selected when displaying a proof image of CMYK colors (basic color inks: CMYK) when the display image data constitutes a display image capable of being displayed in a CMYK mixed color, for example. In addition, the "Color" radio button 49a can be selected when displaying a proof image in which light ink colors (light color inks: LcLmLk), special colors (special color inks: O, G), etc. are appropriately combined depending on the configuration of the display image data. The "White" radio button 49b and the "Varnish" radio button 49c can be selected when displaying a proof image composed of white (W) color (special color ink) and varnish (V) color (special color ink), respectively.

Although not shown in the figure, the pull-down menu 49d displays ink colors based on the ink set information associated with the print image data and carried over to the display image data. The pull-down menu 49d may also display ink colors based on the ink set information acquired by the image processing device 1 from the inkjet printer 9. The pull-down menu 49d may display options for the ink colors displayed in the preview window 40, such as "Color," "Cyan," "Magenta," "Yellow," "Black," and "Cyan + Black."

Here, the ink set information differs depending on the manufacturer and type of the inkjet printer 9, and examples include (a) a KCMY set, (b) a KCMYLcLm set, (c) a KCMYLcLmLkO set, and (d) a KCMYWWVV set.

When the ink set of the inkjet printer 9 is the KCMY set (a), the pull-down menu 49d displays the options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", and "Yellow". When the ink set is the KCMYLcLm set (b), the pull-down menu 49d displays the options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "Light Cyan", and "Light Magenta". When the ink set is the KCMYLcLmLkO set (c), the pull-down menu 49d displays the options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "Light Cyan", "Light Magenta", "Light Black", and "Orange". When the ink set is the KCMYWWVV set (d), the pull-down menu 49d displays the options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "White", and "Varnish".

When the "Color" option is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, proof images of all the ink colors that make up the display image are displayed in the main display area 41. When the options "Cyan," "Magenta," "Yellow," and "Black," or an option displayed as "Cyan + Black," are selected, the main display area 41 displays a proof image of the selected single color that makes up the display image, or, in the case of a combination, a proof image that can switch between the colors one by one (for example, by switching between colors at a predetermined interval), or a proof image that can display each color simultaneously.

For example, in step S105, mixed-color display image data is generated, and in step S107, a mixed-color display image based on this mixed-color display image data is displayed. When the designated portion is enlarged and displayed in step S108, when the "Color" radio button 49a is selected, proof images of all the ink colors that make up the display image are displayed in the main display area 41. If, for example, the "Color" option is selected from the pull-down menu 49d, the mixed-color proof image is displayed as is, but if a single color or color combination included in the mixed color (for example, an option displayed as "cyan" or an option displayed as "cyan" + "magenta" + "yellow") is selected, a proof image of that single ink color or a proof image of the ink colors of the color combination as described above is displayed in the main display area 41 (step S109).

Note that if monochrome display image data is generated in step S106 and a monochrome display image is displayed in step S107, regardless of whether the designated portion is enlarged in step S108, when any one of the "Color" radio button 49a, "White" radio button 49b, and "Varnish" radio button 49c is selected, the monochrome proof image is displayed in the main display area 41, and the pull-down menu 49d may be grayed out and unselectable.

In addition, when the options displayed in the pull-down menu 49d are wide-ranging or when multiple ink color options are available, the ink color may be selected, for example, by a check box (not shown) instead of or in addition to the pull-down menu 49d. A "Print" button (not shown) may be provided in the preview window 40. By pressing the "Print" button to execute printing, the contents of the proof image viewed in the preview window 40 can be printed and checked. In this way, the user can view the ink color display together with the enlarged proof image 45, check whether the nuances of the color expression are as intended, and end the series of processes according to this flowchart. The order of the processes in steps S108 and S109 may be reversed.

Images printed using large inkjet printers usually have a very large amount of image data, so the image processing device 1 of this embodiment automatically calculates and determines the number of divisions appropriate for the image, and displays the divisions in a reduced size based on the determined number of divisions, thereby making the target image data easier to handle and speeding up processing.

For example, when printing an image with a print size of 1,615 mm x 1,142.2 mm at a print resolution of 720 dpi x 720 dpi, the pixel size of the entire image will be 16,838 x 11,906, so if the number of divisions is set to 108 (12 x 9), the pixel size per division will be 1,403 x 1,322. Also, by creating data for the entire screen regardless of whether or not divided data is displayed, you can smoothly enlarge the image of the selected part, and by increasing the magnification ratio, you can easily display the dots of the selected part.

In the enlarged proof image 45, the dot size on the display screen of the display 8 is constant, but as described above, the RGB brightness is changed for each color, i.e., as shown in FIG. 8, for example, the S dots 21 are relatively bright, the L dots 23 are relatively dark, and the M dots 22 are displayed at an intermediate brightness, thereby appropriately expressing the differences in dot size in the image to be printed. By visually checking the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in this way, the user can easily and simply check whether the intended color expression in the image to be printed is actually being reproduced, for example, in accordance with changes due to the dot size of the ink.

In addition to the color representation resulting from changes in ink dot size, it is also possible to confirm color representation resulting from changes in the ink color used. For example, in a print image, in a pixel where multiple ink colors (e.g., CMY) are ejected simultaneously, the color representation may be indistinguishable from the color representation using black (K) ink. That is, in the conversion table 30 corresponding to the brightness values described above, the RGB brightness of the L dot 23 in the black (K) table 34 is "0%, 0%, 0%."

On the other hand, the RGB luminance of the L dot 23 in the cyan (C) table 31 is "0%, 100%, 100%", the RGB luminance of the L dot 23 in the magenta (M) table 32 is "100%, 0%, 100%", and the RGB luminance of the L dot 23 in the yellow (Y) table 33 is "100%, 100%, 0%". The dot color representation of a pixel where these three colors are ejected simultaneously is RGB luminance of "0%, 0%, 0%", making it difficult to distinguish from the L dot 23 of black (K) ink.

In general, when expressing the color black, the color expression of the image for display displayed on the display screen may differ from the color expression of the image for printing actually printed out due to differences in the density of black, etc., when expressing black using black (K) ink and black using a combination of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) inks. In the image processing device 1 of this embodiment, such changes in color expression due to the colors of ink used can also be confirmed on the display screen of the display 8.

Below, an example based on display image data of a mixture of CMYK colors will be described. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, for a divided image selected in a selection frame 44 and selected and specified in an enlargement frame 46 in a navigation image 43 displayed in a mixture of CMYK colors, when the "Color" radio button 49a is selected and "Color" is selected in a pull-down menu 49d, the dot color representation of the pixels of the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 in step S109 above is displayed in a mixture of CMYK colors.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, when "Black" is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, the navigation image 43 and the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 are displayed only in pixel dot color representation using a monochrome ink color of black (K) with an RGB brightness of "0%, 0%, 0%" (dots of other ink colors are not displayed).

Similarly, when "cyan", "magenta" or "yellow" is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, as shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13, respectively, the navigation image 43 and the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 are displayed only as pixel dot colors represented by the monochrome ink colors of cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) with RGB brightness of "0%, 0%, 0%" (dots of other ink colors are not displayed similarly). Note that for the ink colors of cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y), in addition to the above, pixel dot colors may be represented by a predetermined brightness signal according to each ink color, and dots of other ink colors may not be displayed.

As a result, by visually checking the enlarged proof image 45, it becomes possible to easily and in detail (by appropriately selecting the desired color or color combination, etc.) as to what ink colors the dot color representation of the pixel of interest at the location selected and specified by the enlarged frame 46 in the proof image is made up of, for example, whether the black representation is made up of a single color of black (K) or a mixture of cyan + magenta + yellow (CMY), and if it is a mixture of colors, what proportions of ink colors are ejected.

According to the image processing device 1 of this embodiment, the print image for multi-size dot printing can be checked accurately and in detail by soft proofing using such a display image, so that an accurate and detailed simulation can be realized over the details such as the color expression of the print image for multi-size dot printing, the ink color used, and the layout. This not only eliminates waste of printing resources and shortens work time, but also reduces the difference between the displayed image and the printed image as much as possible, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing another example of the image processing procedure by the image processing device 1. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen on the display screen of the display 8, and Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display image based on a print image in which corrections have been reflected.
In the following description, including FIG. 14, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the image processing device 1 of this example, print data is input from the print data input unit 7 (step S200), and the raster image conversion unit 2 executes a rasterization process to convert the input print data into raster image data (step S201).

The print image data generating unit 3 then performs various conversion processes and halftone processes as described above to generate print image data of multi-size dots (step S202), accepts instructions input through the operation unit 6 (step S203), and if the accepted instruction indicates printing ("Print" in step S203), prints out the print image using the inkjet printer 9 (step S213), completing the series of processes according to this flowchart.

On the other hand, if the accepted instruction indicates display ("Display" in step S203), then the selection of the ink color is accepted by operation input (step S204), and if the selection of the ink color indicates color mixing ("Color Mixing" in step S204), the display image data generating unit 4 generates display image data of mixed colors corresponding to each display mode such as enlargement, reduction and division according to the multi-size dots described above based on the print image data (step S205).

If the ink color selection indicates a single color ("Single color" in step S204), the display image data generation unit 4 generates single-color display image data corresponding to each display mode according to the multi-size dots, as in the case of mixed colors (step S206). After that, the display image data generation unit 4 outputs each of these display image data to the display 8 before the print image is printed out by the inkjet printer 9, and displays the display image on the display 8 as described above (step S207).

The user can easily and in detail check on the display 8 whether the intended color expression, etc. is actually reproduced in the image for printing by visually checking the enlarged proof image 45, and can determine whether the image of the selected specified color displayed on the display 8 is to be printed by the inkjet printer 9 (step S208). If the image is to be printed and actually checked (step S208: "Yes"), the image data for printing of the specified color is generated (step S209), printed out to the inkjet printer 9 (step S210), and it is confirmed whether the image is to be corrected (step S211). If the image is not to be printed (step S208: "No"), the presence or absence of correction of the image is confirmed without going through steps S209 and S210 (step S211). If the image does not need to be corrected (step S211: NO), the image for printing is printed out by the inkjet printer 9 as described above (step S213), and the series of processes according to this flowchart is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the image needs to be modified (YES in step S211), the user performs various modification operations (step S212) via the operation unit 6. The modification operations in step S212 are performed, for example, using an editing screen such as the following, which is displayed on the display screen of the display 8.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, an editing window 50 for performing various correction operations to adjust the display image and reflect them in the print image is displayed on the display screen of the display 8. The editing window 50 has, for example, a main display area 51 and an editing menu selection area 52. A proof image 55 based on the display image on which correction operations etc. are performed is displayed in the main display area 51.

The edit menu selection area 52 displays multiple tabs for selecting the edit menu, such as "General," "Printer Profile," "Layout," "Color Management," "Color Adjustment," "Ink Amount Adjustment," "Spot Color Replacement," "Crop Marks," "Post-Processing," "Tiling," "Clipping & Trimming," "Step & Repeat," "Fixture Layout," "Print Notes," and "Settings List."

When the "Ink volume adjustment" tab 52a is selected in the edit menu selection area 52 as shown in the figure, an ink volume adjustment parameter display area 53 for each ink type and an adjustment interval parameter display area 54 are displayed on the left side of the main display area 51. Also, an "Update print environment" button 56a, a "Save" button 56b, a "Send to printer" button 56c, and a "Cancel" button 56d are displayed below the main display area 51. The magnification menu 57, magnification ratio display window 58, and radio buttons 59a, 59b, and 59c are the same as those in the preview window 40.

By operating the parameter display areas 53, 54 of the "Ink Amount Adjustment" tab 52a, the user can fine-tune the ink color representation (pixel dot color representation) in the proof image 55, and can reflect this modification in the image to be printed. After completing the modification operation, the process proceeds to step S202 above to generate image data to be printed that reflects the modification (step S202), and the subsequent processes are repeated.

Figure 16 shows the preview window 40 displaying an enlarged proof image 45A that has been modified in the modification operation of step S212 to slightly reduce the amount of ink ejected, for example, for black (K). This enlarged proof image 45A visually shows that the dot color expression of pixels in black (K) is suppressed, compared to the enlarged proof image 45 (see Figure 10) before modification, for example. The dot color expression of pixels can be fine-tuned by performing similar modifications for each color other than black (K). In this way, according to the image processing device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to accurately and in detail check and modify the printing image for multi-size dot printing using such soft proofing. The layout of each area 51 to 54 of the editing window 50 and each component of the buttons is not limited to the above, and can be changed as appropriate.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Image processing device 2 Raster image conversion section 3 Print image data generation section 3a Color conversion section 3b Halftone processing section 4 Display image data generation section 5 Storage section 6 Operation section 6a Input section

Claims (6)

1. An image processing device that displays an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device,
a first image generating section which receives the image data and generates print image data constituting a print image formed by multi-size dots;
an input unit that accepts a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among color information included in the print image data;
a second image generating section that converts the print image data based on the selected color information received by the input section based on the dot size and dot color information to generate display image data constituting an image for display formed by single size dots;
an output unit that outputs the display image data to the display device,
The second image generating unit is configured to convert the print image data constituting the print image formed by the multi-sized dots corresponding to the selected color information when the selected color information indicates a single color, and to generate the display image data constituting the display image formed by the single-sized dots , and to be capable of drawing the display image in black and enlarging and displaying a portion of the display image selected and designated by a user when the selected color information is any one of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
13. An image processing device comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first image generating unit generates the print image data by referring to an input profile of the image data and an output profile of a print output device. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second image generating section converts a luminance value of the color information by referring to a conversion table for converting the color information in accordance with a display profile of the display device and the dot size . The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second image generation unit generates a navigation image in which the display image data constituting a plurality of split images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined areas is displayed in a reduced form, and a proof image in which one of the plurality of split images is displayed in an enlarged form. 1. An image processing method for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, comprising:
a first image generating step of generating print image data constituting a print image formed by multi-sized dots by inputting the image data;
an input step of receiving a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among color information included in the print image data;
a second image generating step of generating display image data constituting a display image formed by single-size dots by color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on dot size and dot color information;
and an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device,
The image processing method is characterized in that the second image generation process, when the selected color information indicates a single color, converts the print image data that constitutes the print image formed by the multi-sized dots corresponding to the selected color information to generate the display image data that constitutes the display image formed by the single-sized dots, and when the selected color information is one of cyan, magenta, and yellow, draws the display image in black, and enlarges and displays a portion of the display image selected and specified by a user . An image processing program for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device,
On the computer,
a first image generating step of generating print image data by inputting the image data and constituting a print image formed by multi-sized dots;
an input step of accepting a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen from among color information included in the print image data;
a second image generating step of generating display image data constituting a display image formed by single-size dots by color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on dot size and dot color information;
an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device;
an image processing program characterized in that the second image generation process, when the selected color information indicates a single color, converts the print image data that constitutes the print image formed by the multi-sized dots corresponding to the selected color information, and generates the display image data that constitutes the display image formed by the single-sized dots, and when the selected color information is one of cyan, magenta, and yellow, draws the display image in black, and enlarges and displays a portion of the display image selected and specified by a user .

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