JP4946541B2 - Color conversion processing program, color conversion processing device, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a color conversion processing program, a color conversion processing device, and an image forming system.

  In recent years, in the printing industry, with the widespread use of digital cameras, higher functionality of graphic applications, higher performance of PCs, etc., submissions using RGB data are increasing.

  Generally, the color gamut by CMYK of printers and printers is narrower than the RGB color gamut, and vivid colors close to RGB primary colors cannot be reproduced by CMYK. For this reason, the color tone of an output image may differ from what a user desires.

  Even when the environment for opening the RGB data cannot be assumed, the color space to be applied differs depending on the selection of the profile in the graphic application, so that the color tone of the output image may differ from that desired by the user.

  For this reason, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, a technique in which a photographer embeds a desired color reproduction policy in an image data as an embedded profile has become mainstream.

Patent Document 2 describes that a flexible color conversion process is realized by embedding a profile for each object and allowing a user to select whether to use an embedded profile.
“RGB Image Operation Guidebook 2004 for Print Submissions,” [online], February 1, 2004, Japan Advertising Photographers Association, [February 9, 2007 Search], Internet <http: // www. apa-japan. com / download / index. html> JP 2003-58354 A

  However, when the embedded profile is used, if the color conversion table is created every time the embedded profile is read, it takes a long processing time for color conversion. This problem is expected to become more prominent as attractive manuscripts containing many objects progress in the future.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce processing time when performing color conversion using an embedded profile.

The color conversion processing program of the present invention includes a creation step for creating a color conversion table based on an embedding profile and a destination profile embedded in an image object, and at least the color conversion table created by the creation step is included in the embedding profile. Included in the storage step of storing in the storage unit in association with the header information and the color conversion information, the acquisition step of acquiring the color conversion table stored in the storage unit, and the embedded profile embedded in the input image object It judged that the header information, whether or not the header information corresponding to the color conversion table stored in the storage unit match, if not matched, included in embedded profile embedded in the input image object Color conversion information and storage A determination step for further determining whether or not the color conversion information associated with the existing color conversion table matches, header information included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object, and a storage unit If the header information associated with the color conversion table stored in the file matches, the color conversion included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object and the color conversion stored in the storage unit When the color conversion information associated with the table matches, an application step that applies the color conversion table stored in the storage unit as the color conversion table for the image information of the input image object, and the application step applies Color conversion is performed on the image information of the input image object using the specified color conversion table. Characterized in that to execute the Hare and the color conversion step, to the computer.

In addition, the color conversion processing apparatus of the present invention includes a creating unit that creates a color conversion table based on an embedding profile and a destination profile embedded in an image object, and at least the color conversion table created by the creating unit as an embedding profile. A storage unit that stores the header information and the color conversion information included in the storage unit in association with each other, an acquisition unit that acquires a color conversion table stored in the storage unit, and an embedded profile embedded in the input image object. and header information included, it is determined whether or not the header information corresponding to the color conversion table stored in the storage unit match, if they do not match, the embedded embedded in the input image object profile Color conversion information contained in and the colors stored in the storage Determination means for further determining whether or not the color conversion information associated with the conversion table matches, header information included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object, and storage unit When the header information associated with the color conversion table matches, the color conversion included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object and the color conversion table stored in the storage unit are associated with each other. An application unit that applies the color conversion table stored in the storage unit as the color conversion table for the image information of the input image object, and the color conversion table applied by the application unit when the color conversion information matches Color conversion means for performing color conversion on the image information of the image object input using The features.

The image forming system according to the present invention includes a creating unit that creates a color conversion table based on an embedding profile embedded in an image object and a profile of the image forming unit, and at least the embedding profile of the color conversion table created by the creating unit. Storage means for storing in the storage unit in association with the header information and color conversion information included in the image, acquisition means for acquiring a color conversion table stored in the storage unit, and an embedded profile embedded in the input image object The header information included in the image and the header information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit are determined to match. The color conversion information included in the profile and the color changes stored in the storage Determination means for further determining whether or not the color conversion information associated with the table matches, header information included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object, and colors stored in the storage unit When the header information associated with the conversion table matches, the color conversion included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object and the color conversion table stored in the storage unit When the color conversion information matches, an application unit that applies the color conversion table stored in the storage unit as a color conversion table for the image information of the input image object, and a color conversion table applied by the application unit Color conversion means for performing color conversion on image information of an image object input using the It said image forming means for forming an image based on image information color conversion is performed Ri, and having a.

  According to the present invention, since an existing color conversion table can be used effectively, it is possible to shorten the processing time for color conversion.

  Hereinafter, although this embodiment is described based on a drawing, it is an example and is not limited to this embodiment.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. The image forming system 1 includes a PC (personal computer) 10 and a printer 20. The PC 10 corresponds to the color conversion processing device of the present invention. The printer 20 corresponds to the image forming unit of the present invention.

  The PC 10 includes a CPU 12, a ROM 12, a RAM 14, an HD (hard disk) 15, an input unit 16 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit 17 such as a liquid crystal monitor and a CRT monitor, a communication unit 18, and the like. It is connected.

  The HD 15 includes an application program for creating image data, a color conversion processing program for performing color conversion processing of the created image data, a program such as a RIP program for developing the color converted image data into raster image data, In addition, data such as a source profile and a destination profile are stored in advance. The HD 15 stores a color conversion table and the like created in the color conversion process. The HD 15 corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention.

  The CPU 11 corresponds to the computer of the present invention and functions as a creation unit, a storage unit, an acquisition unit, a determination unit, an application unit, and a color conversion unit of the present invention by executing processing based on a color conversion processing program. .

  The image data created using the application program is color-converted by the color conversion processing program, developed into raster image data by the RIP program, output to the printer 20 via the communication unit 18, and image formation by the printer 20. Is done.

(Overview of color conversion processing)
<Creation of color conversion table>
FIG. 2 is a basic conceptual diagram of creating a color conversion table according to the present embodiment.

  The image object constituting the image data has an embedded profile in addition to image information (image, figure, text block, etc.). The embedding profile includes header information and color conversion information.

Header information includes, for example, profile file name, production company name, producer, production date, color system name (L ^* a ^* b ^* , XYZ, etc.), target device type (input device, display device, etc.), etc. Contains information.

The color conversion information is, for example, correspondence information between RGB values and L ^* a ^* b ^* values, correspondence information between RGB values and XYZ values, and the like.

  On the other hand, the destination profile (in this embodiment, the profile of the printer 20) includes header information and color conversion information in the same manner as the embedded profile.

  A color conversion table is created by performing calculation using the color conversion information of the embedded profile and the color conversion information of the destination profile. The created color conversion table is stored in the HD 15 in association with the header information, color conversion information, and the like of the embedded profile.

<Application of color conversion table>
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of applying a color conversion table to an image object according to the present embodiment. As an example, a case of a job including four image objects G1 to G4 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the image objects G1 to G4 has an embedded profile including header information and color conversion information, and image information. The destination profile includes header information and color conversion information.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that the image objects G1 to G4 and the destination profile have the following information as shown in FIG.

  The image object G1 is (header information: 1, color conversion information: A, image information: A), the image object G2 is (header information: 1, color conversion information: A, image information: B), and the image object G3 is (header Information: 2, Color conversion information: B, Image information: C), Image object G4 has (Header information: 3, Color conversion information: B, Image information: D). The destination profile has (header information: 0, color conversion information: D).

  A procedure for applying the color conversion table to the image objects G1 to G4 will be described below. It is assumed that there is no existing color conversion table.

  First, the color conversion table is applied to the image object G1.

  A color conversion table: AD is created from the color conversion information: A of the image object G1 and the color conversion information: D of the destination profile (procedure 1). Then, the color conversion table: AD is applied as a color conversion table for the image object G1 (procedure 2).

  Further, the color conversion table: AD is associated with the header information: 1 and the color conversion information: A of the image object G1, that is, (header information: 1, color conversion information: A, color conversion table: AD) and the pair. Save to HD15 in the state.

  Next, the color conversion table is applied to the image object G2.

  At this time, since the color conversion table AD having the same header information 1 as the header information 1 of the image object G2 is present in the HD 15 (created and stored in step 1), the color conversion table AD is used. And applied as a color conversion table for the image object G2 (procedure 3).

  Next, the color conversion table is applied to the image object G3.

  At this time, since there is no color conversion table having the same header information or color conversion information as the header information: 2 or color conversion information: B of the image object G3, a new color conversion table is created. A color conversion table: BD is created from the color conversion information: B of the image object G3 and the color conversion information: D of the destination profile (procedure 4). Then, the color conversion table: BD is applied as a color conversion table for the image object G3 (procedure 5).

  Further, the color conversion table: BD is associated with the header information: 2 and the color conversion information: B of the image object G3, ie, (header information: 2, color conversion information: B, color conversion table: BD). In this state, it is stored in HD15.

  Next, the color conversion table is applied to the image object G4.

  At this time, since the color conversion table: BD having the same color conversion information: B as the color conversion information: B of the image object G4 exists in the HD 15 (created and stored in step 4), the color conversion table BD is It is used as a color conversion table for the image object G4 (procedure 6).

  That is, if a color conversion table having the same header information or color conversion information exists in the HD 15, the color conversion table is used.

  Using the color conversion table applied to each of the image objects G1 to G4, color conversion is performed on the image information of each of the image objects G1 to G4.

  As described above, in applying the color conversion table to the image objects G1 to G4, conventionally, it is necessary to create a color conversion table for each image object, that is, four color conversion tables. The creation of the color conversion table has been completed. As a result, the processing time for color conversion can be shortened.

(Profile settings)
FIG. 4 is an example of a profile setting screen according to the present embodiment. The profile setting screen is displayed on the display unit 17 when the user activates the color conversion processing program and performs a predetermined operation with the input unit 16.

  The profile setting screen shown in FIG. 4 includes setting fields for “source profile” and “destination profile”.

  In the “Source profile” setting column, a drop-down list box for selecting a profile and a check box for setting “Use embedded profile” are provided for each source profile of “CMYK”, “RGB”, and “Gray”. Have. To use the embedded profile preferentially, check this check box.

  The setting column of “Destination Profile” has a drop-down list box for selecting “Profile” and “Rendering Intent” for determining a mapping method. In addition, there is a check box for setting “Keep Black” that reproduces an object with only a K signal in K single color without using CMY colors and “Muddy removal” that does not mix other colors with each CMYK single color. The selection of “profile” and “rendering intent”, and the settings of “black plate retention” and “turbidity removal” can be performed independently for each “Photo” and “Graphics & Text”.

  When the user inputs from the input unit 16 to the profile setting screen displayed on the display unit 17, “source profile” and “destination profile” are set. For example, in the present embodiment, “use of embedded profile” is set in the “RGB” item of “source profile”, and the profile of the printer 20 is selected in the selection of “profile” of “destination profile”.

(Color conversion process flow)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of color conversion processing according to this embodiment. When the CPU 11 of the PC 10 executes processing based on the color conversion processing program stored in the HD 15, the color conversion processing is performed. It is assumed that image data has already been created using an application program and that the image data has been opened on the color conversion processing program. Further, it is assumed that a profile is set and “use of embedded profile” is set.

  First, the CPU 11 extracts one image object from the image data (step S1).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not an embedded profile exists in the image object (step S2).

  If it is determined that an embedded profile exists (step S2; Yes), the CPU 11 acquires a header information group associated with the color conversion table stored in the HD 15 (step S3).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the same header information as the embedded profile header information exists in the header information group acquired in step S3 (step S4: determination step of the present invention). The identity of the header information is determined by, for example, whether all pieces of information included in the header information match.

  If it is determined that the same header information as the header information of the embedded profile exists in the header information group acquired in step S3 (step S4; Yes), the process proceeds to step S7 (acquisition step of the present invention), and the CPU 11 A color conversion table corresponding to the information is acquired. Then, it progresses to step S11.

  If it is determined that the same header information as the header information of the embedding profile does not exist in the header information group acquired in step S3 (step S4; No), the CPU 11 is associated with the color conversion table stored in the HD 15. A color conversion information group is acquired (step S5).

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the same color conversion information as the color conversion information of the embedding profile exists in the color conversion information group acquired in step S5 (step S6: determination step of the present invention). The identity of the color conversion information is determined by, for example, whether or not the correspondence relationship between the RGB values and the L ^* a ^* b ^* values is the same for all data.

  If it is determined that the same color conversion information as the color conversion information of the embedded profile is present in the color conversion information group acquired in step S5 (step S6; Yes), the process proceeds to step S7 (acquisition step of the present invention), and the CPU 11 The color conversion table corresponding to the color conversion information is acquired. Then, it progresses to step S11.

  If it is determined that the same color conversion information as the color conversion information of the embedded profile does not exist in the color conversion information group acquired in step S5 (step S6; No), the CPU 11 uses the embedded profile and the destination profile. A color conversion table is created by calculation (step S8: creation step of the present invention), and the created color conversion table is stored in the HD 15 in association with the header information and color conversion information of the embedded profile (step S9: present invention). Saving step). Then, it progresses to step S11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that no embedded profile exists (step S2; No), a color conversion table is created by performing calculations using the source profile and destination profile set on the profile setting screen shown in FIG. (Step S10). Then, it progresses to step S11. Note that the color conversion table created after step S10 may be stored in the HD 15 in association with the header information and color conversion information of the set source profile.

  Next, in step S11, the CPU 11 applies the color conversion table acquired in step S7, the color conversion table created in step S8, or the color conversion table created in step S10 (application step of the present invention). The image information of the image object is color-converted using the color conversion table (color conversion step of the present invention).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether there is another image object (step S12).

  If it is determined that another image object exists (step S12; Yes), the process returns to step S1.

  If it is determined that there is no other image object (step S12; No), the flow ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the color conversion table is applied to each image object, the header information or the color conversion information of the embedded profile of the image object is associated with the existing color conversion table. When the header information or the color conversion information matches, the existing color conversion table is used. Thereby, the processing time regarding color conversion can be shortened.

  In particular, the present invention is very effective when K plate retention, turbidity removal, and the like are set and the color conversion table creation calculation method is complicated, or when a job in which a large number of embedding profiles are embedded is processed.

  In addition, as in this embodiment, if the determination whether or not an existing color conversion table exists is performed using not only the header information but also the color conversion information, the header information such as the manufacturer and the production date / time differs. That have the same color conversion information can be detected without leaking.

  As described above, the description content in the above embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The following modifications are possible.

  In this embodiment, when the created color conversion table is stored, the header information and the color conversion information of the embedded profile are stored in association with each other. For example, in a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are assumed to be connected, the destination information is further stored. Nation profile header information and color conversion information are also stored. When determining the identity of the header information and the identity of the color conversion information, the determination is made in consideration of the header information and the color conversion information of the destination profile. This is because if there is no such information, the color conversion table created with which image forming apparatus cannot be identified, and the color conversion table created with another image forming apparatus may be applied. Because there is.

  In the image forming system of the present embodiment, the printer 20 is shown as an output device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable when a printing machine, DDCP (Direct Digital Color Proofing), monitor, or the like is used as the output device. The invention can be applied.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is a basic conceptual diagram of color conversion table creation concerning this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of application of a color conversion table to an image object according to the present embodiment. It is an example of the profile setting screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the color conversion process which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image Forming System 10 Personal Computer 11 CPU
15 HD
20 Printer

Claims (4)

A creation step for creating a color conversion table based on an embedded profile and a destination profile embedded in an image object;
A storage step of storing in the storage unit the color conversion table created by the creation step in association with at least header information and color conversion information included in the embedded profile;
An acquisition step of acquiring a color conversion table stored in the storage unit;
And header information contained in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object, whether or not the header information corresponding to the color conversion table stored in the storage unit match, if they do not match Determination to further determine whether or not the color conversion information included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object matches the color conversion information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit Steps,
When the header information included in the embedding profile embedded in the input image object matches the header information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit, and embedded in the input image object When the color conversion included in the embedded profile matches the color conversion information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit, the color conversion table stored in the storage unit is input An application step for applying as a color conversion table for image information of an image object;
A color conversion step for performing color conversion on the image information of the image object input using the color conversion table applied in the application step;
A color conversion processing program for causing a computer to execute the above. The color conversion processing program according to claim 1 , wherein the storage step stores the color conversion table created in the creation step in a storage unit in association with information included in a destination profile. Creating means for creating a color conversion table based on an embedded profile and a destination profile embedded in an image object;
Storage means for storing the color conversion table created by the creation means in association with at least header information and color conversion information included in the embedding profile in a storage unit;
Acquisition means for acquiring a color conversion table stored in the storage unit;
And header information contained in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object, whether or not the header information corresponding to the color conversion table stored in the storage unit match, if they do not match Determination to further determine whether or not the color conversion information included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object matches the color conversion information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit Means,
When the header information included in the embedding profile embedded in the input image object matches the header information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit, and embedded in the input image object When the color conversion included in the embedded profile matches the color conversion information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit, the color conversion table stored in the storage unit is input Applying means for applying as a color conversion table for image information of an image object;
Color conversion means for performing color conversion on image information of an image object input using the color conversion table applied by the application means;
A color conversion processing apparatus comprising: Creating means for creating a color conversion table based on the embedding profile embedded in the image object and the profile of the image forming means;
Storage means for storing the color conversion table created by the creation means in association with at least header information and color conversion information included in the embedding profile in a storage unit;
Acquisition means for acquiring a color conversion table stored in the storage unit;
And header information contained in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object, whether or not the header information corresponding to the color conversion table stored in the storage unit match, if they do not match Determination to further determine whether or not the color conversion information included in the embedded profile embedded in the input image object matches the color conversion information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit Means,
When the header information included in the embedding profile embedded in the input image object matches the header information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit, and embedded in the input image object When the color conversion included in the embedded profile matches the color conversion information associated with the color conversion table stored in the storage unit, the color conversion table stored in the storage unit is input Applying means for applying as a color conversion table for image information of an image object;
Color conversion means for performing color conversion on image information of an image object input using the color conversion table applied by the application means;
An image forming system comprising: the image forming unit that forms an image based on image information that has been color-converted by the color converting unit.

Images