JPH088649B2 - Color print signal generator - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Technical Field The present invention is applicable to a large amount of multi-color printing by an inkjet method or a thermal transfer method using three colors of Y (Yellow), M (Magenta), and C (Cyan). The present invention relates to a color print creating apparatus for creating a color print signal of the above.

(B) Background of the Invention A typical conventional printing method for making a hard copy of an image displayed on a color monitor is to convert R, G, B data of each pixel of a color display screen into B, G, R data and Y, Converted to Y, M, C data by utilizing the property that M and C have complementary colors respectively, and array m × m dot matrix corresponding to each color of Y, M, C for each pixel. However, the occupancy value of the matrix is determined so that (m × m + 1) ³ multicolor expression can be performed. However, since the conversion from R, G, B data to Y, M, C data was performed only by using the complementary color relationship, the actual colors on the color monitor and the colors on the hard copy are equivalent. Deviation occurs, especially in the blue system (Green, Ma
genta, Cyan) had the drawback that the color became very dark. Therefore, the applicant previously filed Japanese Patent Application No. 58-210200.
Printing of a color printer that converts R, G, B data to Y, M, C data, then corrects the converted data, and makes it possible to print more naturally even if the occupied value of the matrix is small. Suggested a method.

(C) Object of the Invention An object of the present invention is to correct Y, M, and C data and to print more naturally even if the occupied value of the matrix is small. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a color print signal producing apparatus capable of arbitrarily producing an appropriate color print signal suitable for the printing apparatus of any type.

(D) Configuration and Effect of the Invention The present invention relates to an input signal processing circuit for receiving a video signal and outputting R, G, B data for matrix calculation, and a matrix calculation of the R, G, B data for Y, Matrix calculation means for converting to M, C occupied value data, and for each pixel, the number of bits corresponding to the Y, M, C occupied value data are arranged for each Y, M, C of each pixel. A matrix memory that is distributed and written in all areas of the storage area, an image processing unit that appropriately adjusts the Y, M, and C occupied value data through a filter or the like, and the number of dots per line of the printing machine and enlargement / reduction data. Means for receiving input of print specification data including magnification data; output data of the image processing means or the Y, M, C occupation value data, the number of dots for one line of the data, and the number of dots for one line of the printing machine. After matching the number of dots of Output pixel size calculation means for converting the data into data suitable for the size according to the print specification data by performing processing such as enlarging and reducing. The data is input, and based on the specification data, Y, M, C occupation value data or data obtained by appropriately adjusting the data can be converted so as to fit to an arbitrary size.

According to the present invention configured as described above, even if the number of dots of one line in the matrix group and the number of dots of one line of the printing machine are different, the number of dots of one line in the matrix group is determined by the printing machine. Since the data can be converted so as to match the number of 1-line dots, it is possible to perform color printing according to the ability of the printing machine, whatever the printing machine is connected to. Further, since it is possible to input enlargement / reduction data or the like, there is an advantage that the printing state can be arbitrarily set in various forms. Furthermore, since writing of the Y, M, and C occupied value data corresponding bits to the matrix memory is performed so as to be distributed over the entire area, more natural printing can be performed even if the occupied value is small.

(E) Embodiment (Y, M, C data creation principle) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the Y, M, C data creation principle implemented by the color print signal creation device according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, an example in which the video information on the display screen is converted into Y, M, C data will be described.

Color image data M (i, j) at column i and row j of display screen C
Is M'comprised of Y, M, C data by the data conversion means 10.
Converted to (i, j) data. The conversion method is first R,
G, B data is converted into Y, M, C data by the following equation (1) for all pixels.

dY = n-dB (0≤dB <n, 0 <dY≤n) dM = n-dG (0≤dG <n, 0 <dM≤n) (1) dC = n-dR (0≤dR <N, 0 <dC ≦ n) (However, n represents the number of gradations R, G, and B that can be represented in the image data, and dB, dG, and dR represent the ratios of Y, M, and C.) When the data conversion is performed, the occupancy value conversion means 11 converts the Y, M, and C data into the matrix occupancy value. now,
When a matrix of m × m dots is made to correspond to one pixel of image data, a total of seven basic colors can be output from Y, M, and C, which are the three primary colors of printing, as shown in FIG. A maximum of (m ² +1) ³ colors can be expressed for one pixel. That is, in a matrix of m × m dots, Y, M,
Since the number of occupied values of each matrix of C is m ² +1, the theoretical number of expressed colors of (m ² +1) ³ colors can be obtained by each combination of Y, M, and C. Occupation value conversion means 11 is Y,
Each value of M and C data is converted into a matrix occupation value, and one of the (m ² +1) ³ colors is set. The conversion method is performed by the following equation (2).

mY = (dY-1) * (m 2 +1) / n mM = (dM-1) * (m 2 +1) / n ...... (2) mC = (dC-1) * (m 2 +1) / n (However, the fractional part is discarded.) The occupation value obtained by the occupation value conversion means 11 as described above is further corrected by the correction means 12.

As described above, R, G, B data is simply converted to Y, M, C data by the above equation (1), and the data is directly printed by the 3
When used as primary color data, the print color tends to be very dark, especially in the blue system. The correction means 12 is particularly for correcting the deviation in the blue system, and multiplies each Y, M, C data by a numerical value x, y, z of 1 or less, and makes the occupied value of Y, M, C a smaller value. Correct to. That is, the corrected occupation values mY ′, mM ′,
mC 'is calculated by the following equation (3).

mY ′ = mY * x (0 <x <1.0) mM ′ = mM * y (0 <y <1.0) (3) mC ′ = mC * z (0 <z <1.0) The occupied value conversion means 11 Y occupancy value obtained by the above, and the Y occupancy value, M occupancy value, C corrected by the correction means 12
The number of occupied values is set by a predetermined method in the m × m dot matrix memory MR arranged corresponding to each color of Y, M and C. The array number of m × m dot matrix memory is the total number of pixels, that is, (1 + 1) * (l2 +
Match the number in 1). Matrix memory MY (i, j), M
N (i, j) and MC (i, j) are Y, M, and C of the pixel at column i and row j, respectively.
Store the occupancy value. The occupancy value is set in each matrix memory so that the set bits are distributed over the entire matrix area. The method of dispersion may be arbitrary, but it is desirable that the bit set last time and the bit set this time face each other with a constant interval.

As described above, all the matrix memories of the memory MR are sequentially set according to the obtained occupation value so that each bit is distributed over the entire matrix area, and when that is completed, the data of the memory MR is set to Y. 1 for each of M, C
Transfer line by line to buffers BY, BM, BC. Buffer BY, BM, BC
The data stored in is the bit pattern data corresponding to the print image. This data is converted by the output pixel size calculation means, which will be described later, according to the print specification data input in advance, and is output to the printing machine connected to the color print signal generating device.

(Example of creating matrix data) Now, in the configuration of FIG. 1, n = 256 (gradation), m =
Set to 4.

In this case, if dB = 255, dG = 0, and dR = 128, then dY = 256-255 = 1 dM = 256-0 = 256 dC = 256-128 = 128 from the above equation (1). In addition, mY = (1-1) * (4 ² +1) / 256 = 0 mM = (256-1) * (4 ² +1) / 256 = 16 mC = (128-1) * according to the equation (2). (4 ² +1) / 256 = 8. Furthermore, in the equation (3), x = 0, y = 0.
7. If z = 0.5, then mY '= 0 mM' = 16 * 0.7≈11 mC '= 8 * 0.5 = 4. Therefore, the occupation values of Y, M, and C at a certain position are mY '= 0 mM' = 11 mC '= 4.

When the setting order of each bit for the matrix memory is as shown in FIG. 3, the pattern of each occupied value when the matrix occupied value is 0 to 16 is the fourth.
As shown in the figure. As is clear from this figure, the change in the occupancy pattern with respect to the increase in the matrix occupancy value is not a change in which the bits are concentrated in one place but a change in which the bits are dispersed in the entire matrix area. For example, when the matrix occupancy value increases from 1 to 2, the bit that is newly set when the matrix occupancy value increases is located away from the surroundings when the occupancy value is 1. Similarly, a bit that is newly set when the occupation value changes from 3 to 4 has an occupation value of 2 to 3
When it increases to, it is a position away from the periphery of the set bit. In this way, by sequentially setting each bit of the matrix memory according to the value of the occupation value so as to be distributed over the entire area of the matrix, the constituent colors at the end of printing for Y, M, and C can be made more natural. It can be in a different state. FIG. 5 shows the matrix structure when the occupied value of Y is 0, the occupied value of M is 16, and the occupied value of C is 8 when m = 4 (the occupied values of M and C are corrected values). It shows the state.

(Image processing) The occupation value data (corrected data) obtained by the matrix computing means is further adjusted by the image processing means through a filter or the like. The following items are included as types of image processing.

(1) Orthogonal transformation (one-dimensional, two-dimensional, forward transformation, inverse transformation), FET, WHT, HAAR transformation, differential filter in convolution domain.

(2) Registration Correlation method, SSDA method, affine transformation and parameter determination, general quadratic transformation.

(3) Enhancement and smoothing Histogram conversion, enhancement and noise removal by iteration, hysteresis smoothing, E-filter, fast media filter, edge-preserving smoothing.

(4) Restoration Inverse filter, Wiener filter, restricted least squares filter.

(5) Edge and line detection Difference type, template matching type, operator repeating type.

(6) Application of relaxation method Line enhancement, edge enhancement, noise removal.

(7) Other processing Texture analysis, area distribution, geometric feature processing,
Processing such as linear filter, regularized histogram creation, threshold processing and threshold selection, shape conversion, and quantization substitution.

Not only the numerical analysis of the image by the known image processing method as described above, but also distortion and noise, and further, the directionality of the dots that may occur on the screen when the combination of the matrix is removed are removed. It is possible to obtain clear and good gradation color image information.

(Output Pixel Size Calculation) This output pixel size calculation, which is a feature of the present invention, is applied to corrected matrix data or data obtained by image-processing the data.

 An example of the types of operations is as follows.

(1) Filter (inverse filter) If the number of dots in one line in the matrix group = a and the number of dots in one line in the printing machine = b, then when a ≧ b, use the filter coefficient of n = a / b , A ≦ b, use a filter coefficient of n = b / a.

(2) Enlargement and reduction (3) AND, OR, NOR between dots (4) Horizontal enlargement (reduction) (5) Vertical enlargement (reduction) (6) Cut (arbitrary location) (7) Mirror (8) Joining As will be described later, data necessary for performing these processes, that is, print specification data, is input from the function keys connected to the CPU.

(Specific Example of Apparatus) FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a color print signal generating apparatus of this embodiment.

A memory 2, an external memory 3, an input signal control unit 4, an output signal control unit 5, and a function key 6 are connected to the CPU 1 via buses. An A / D converter 7 is connected to the input signal control unit 4, and a D / A converter 8 is connected to the output signal control unit 5.

Video information from a TV camera or other video equipment is input to the input signal control unit 4. In this case, if the video information is a parallel signal (including PIO (Centronics signal)) or serial signal (SIO), it is directly input, and if it is an analog signal (AIO (including video signal)), A / D Input through the converter 7. The input data is subjected to the above matrix calculation by the CPU 1 and stored in the memory 2. The information stored in the memory 2 is further subjected to the above-mentioned image processing and output pixel size calculation processing by the CPU 1, and is output to the outside as a print signal via the output signal control unit 5. In this case, when the input standard of the printing device is SIO or PIO, it is directly output, and when it is AIO, it is output via the D / A converter 8.
The external memory 3 is used to store the intermediate result and the final result during the calculation.

(Operation of CPU1) FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the CPU1.

 FIG. 7 shows the main routine.

First, at step n1 (hereinafter step ni is simply referred to as ni), various initializations such as RAM clear are performed, and n
Go to 2. At n2, the input signal control unit 4 receives a video information signal. Then, the matrix operation described above is performed with n3. Further, at n4, it is judged whether or not the calculation of the matrix data of one unit is completed, and if the calculation of the unit data is completed, the process proceeds to n5. In n5, the output size calculation subroutine is called. When the output size calculation is completed, the process proceeds to n6 to output the calculated data as a print signal to the outside through the output signal control unit 5. The above process is performed for all input video signals, and then the process is terminated.

In this embodiment, the image processing step of appropriately adjusting the Y, M, C occupied value data through a filter or the like is included in the output size calculation routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the output size calculation processing routine. First, at n10, commands and other data for determining printing specifications are accepted from the function key 6. n11
Then, the input data is stored in the memory in order to analyze the content of the command. At n12 to n15, the type of the input command is determined. If the input command is an enlargement (reduction) request command, proceed to n16. If it is an image condensation request command, proceed to n17. If it is a mirror request command, proceed to n18. If it is an image processing request command, proceed to n19. move on. In n16, call the enlargement (reduction) routine. In n17, the image condensation routine is called. n
In step 18, the mirror routine is called. In n19, the image processing routine is called. When all the processing for the input command is completed, the process exits n20 and returns to the main routine.

FIG. 9A shows the enlargement (reduction) routine at n16. First calculate the enlargement (reduction) with n30. The data required to calculate this rate have already been entered by function key 6. If the command is an enlargement request command, proceed to n31 → n34, and if it is a reduction request command,
Go to n32 → n35. If the command is an enlargement (reduction) request command in any of the left, right, up, and down directions, the process proceeds from n33 to n37. If it is a cut request command, n36 → n38
Go to. In n34, b = a * n is calculated, and in n35, b = a * n
Calculates a / n. In n37, b = a * n (x, y) or b = a / n (x, y) is calculated. Then, at n40, the calculation for one line of the printing press is performed, and at n42, n40 is executed until the calculation for all the lines is completed, and the process returns. By the above processing, normal enlargement or reduction request command,
It is possible to perform output size calculation corresponding to each of the left, right, up, and down enlargement or reduction commands and the cut request command.

 FIG. 9B shows an image condensation routine.

In this routine, n50 to n52 determine whether the command is an AND request command, an OR request command, or a NOR request command, and n
The processing corresponding to each command is performed at 53 to n55. Then, at n56 and n57, all lines are calculated for each line of the printing press, and the process returns.

FIG. 9C shows the mirror routine. At first
n60 calculates the mirror position, n61 calculates the mirror pixel,
At n62, it is determined whether there is a repeat request. If there is no repeat request, it returns as it is. If there is a repeat request, the repeat operation is performed in n63 and returns.

FIG. 9D shows an image processing routine. n70
The contents of the command are judged in ~ n75, and the processing corresponding to each command is executed in n77 ~ n82 and the process returns.

By the above operation, the Y, M, and C occupation value data obtained by the matrix calculation can be automatically converted into the data conforming to the size according to the print specification data and output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a Y, M,
It is a figure explaining the principle which acquires C occupation value data. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between R, G, B data and Y, M, C data, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the order of setting bits in a matrix when m = 4. FIG. 6 is an occupation pattern diagram for matrix occupation values when the order is followed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a combined state of the matrix when m = 4. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
9A to 9D are flowcharts showing the operation of this embodiment.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A video signal for receiving matrix operation
An input signal processing circuit for outputting R, G, B data, a matrix operation means for performing matrix operation on the R, G, B data to convert it into Y, M, C occupation value data, and Y for each pixel. , M, C matrix memory in which a number of bits corresponding to the occupied value data are distributed and written in all areas of the storage area arranged for each Y, M, C of each pixel, and the Y, M, C An image processing unit that appropriately adjusts the occupation value data through a filter, a unit that receives input of print specification data including the number of 1-line dots of the printing machine and magnification data that is enlargement / reduction data, and an output of the image processing unit. After matching the data or the Y, M, C occupied value data with the number of dots for one line of the data to the number of dots for one line of the printing machine, enlarge or reduce the data. Suitable for the size according to the print specification data An output pixel size calculation means for converting into combined data, and a color print signal generation device comprising: