Image processing system, program product, and image processing method

Abstract

An image processing system includes a processor that specifies color correction of a raster image in a print instruction, and performs a process that, if a defect is likely to occur in the color-corrected image when the color correction is performed on the raster image, performs a process that the color correction of the raster image is specified in the print instruction and performs a process that the defect is likely to occur in the color-corrected image. A user is alerted of content in which a defect is generated in the color-corrected image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing system, a program product, and an image processing method. The present invention can also be applied to a program and a program product. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, an image processing apparatus is disclosed which, by a user's instruction using a driver or a utility, changes the color of characters that may be garbled on the printing apparatus side and performs printing, thereby saving the labor of checking for garbled characters.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, an image processing apparatus is disclosed which discriminates an object of an input printing job, and in the case where the discriminated object is a transparent object, performs color conversion processing in a rendering color space, and in the case of a halftone, performs color conversion processing in a device color space.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-350798

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-160476

[0006] When color correction is performed on a raster image after rasterization processing, defects sometimes occur in the color-corrected image. For example, in the case where a display object to which a transparent effect is applied exists in an image to be printed, if color correction is performed on the raster image, a color gradation difference occurs at the boundary between the area where the transparent effect is applied and the area where the transparent effect is not applied, and a defect occurs in the image. For a user, it is difficult to grasp in which case, when a display object is included in an image, if color correction is performed on the raster image, a defect occurs in the color-corrected image. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that enables a user to grasp that a defect may occur in a color-corrected image in a case where a defect may occur in the image when color correction is performed on a raster image.

[0008] The image processing system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a processor that performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is specified in a print instruction, and in a case where a defect may occur in the color-corrected image when color correction is performed on the raster image, warns the user of the content of the defect in the color-corrected image.

[0009] In the image processing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, the processor performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is specified in a print instruction, and there is a display object to which a transparent effect is applied among the display objects in the image included in the print instruction, the processor warns the user of the content of defects generated in the image after color correction.

[0010] The image processing system according to the third aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the second aspect, and further includes an image conversion unit that generates a raster image by converting an image expressed in a page description language included in a print instruction into intermediate data and performing rasterization processing on the converted intermediate data.

[0011] The processor performs the following processing:

[0012] When warning the user of the content of defects generated in the image after color correction, the processor recommends to the user to change the specification of color correction of the raster image to the specification of color correction in the intermediate data stage. If the user accepts this recommendation, the processor re-performs the process of converting the image data included in the print instruction into a raster image.

[0013] In the image processing system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the second aspect, the processor performs the following processing: when warning the user of the content of defects generated in the image after color correction, the processor recommends to the user to cancel the specification of color correction of the raster image. If the user accepts this recommendation, the processor aborts the color correction of the generated raster image.

[0014] In the image processing system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first or second aspect, the processor performs the following processing: when there is a possibility of generating defects in the image after color correction if color correction is performed on the raster image, the processor warns the user of the content of defects generated in the image after color correction by performing different processing on the display objects that may generate defects in the image after color correction from other display objects.

[0015] In the image processing system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the fifth aspect, the processor performs the following processing: the processor warns the user of the content of defects generated in the image after color correction by converting the display objects that may generate defects in the image after color correction into monochromatic display objects, or deleting the display objects other than the display objects that may generate defects in the image after color correction.

[0016] In the image processing system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first or second aspect, the processor performs the following processing: when performing color correction on a raster image, if there is a possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image, by performing different processing on the pixels in the area where defects may occur in the color-corrected image from the pixels in other areas, the user is warned of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image.

[0017] In the image processing system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the seventh aspect, the processor performs the following processing: for the pixels in the area where defects may occur in the color-corrected image, the density value of each color is changed by a preset changing method, thereby warning the user of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image.

[0018] In the image processing system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the processor performs the following processing: receiving a selection from the user on whether to give a warning about the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image, and only when the user selects to give a warning about the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image, warning the user of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image.

[0019] The program product according to the tenth aspect of the present invention records a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps:

[0020] Receiving a printing instruction; and

[0021] When color correction of a raster image is specified in the received printing instruction, if there is a possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image when performing color correction on the raster image, warning the user of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image.

[0022] The image processing method according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0023] Receiving a printing instruction; and

[0024] When color correction of a raster image is specified in the received printing instruction, if there is a possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image when performing color correction on the raster image, warning the user of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image.

[0025] Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the image processing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, when performing color correction on a raster image, if there is a possibility of defects occurring in the image, the user can be made aware of the possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image.

[0027] In the image processing system according to the second aspect of the present invention, when color correction is performed on a raster image and there is a possibility of defects in the image, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0028] In the image processing system according to the third aspect of the present invention, even when there is a possibility of defects in the color-corrected image, it is possible to suggest to the user a solution to prevent such defects in the image.

[0029] In the image processing system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when there is a possibility of defects in the color-corrected image, it is possible to suggest to the user a solution to prevent such defects in the image.

[0030] In the image processing system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by performing a process such as making a display object that may have defects in the color-corrected image more prominent than other display objects, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0031] In the image processing system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by performing a process such as making a display object that may have defects in the color-corrected image more prominent than other display objects, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0032] In the image processing system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, by performing a process such as making pixels in a region that may have defects in the color-corrected image more prominent than other pixels, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0033] In the image processing system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, by performing a process such as making pixels in a region that may have defects in the color-corrected image more prominent than other pixels, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0034] In the image processing system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the user can select whether to issue a warning about the content that may cause defects in the color-corrected image.

[0035] In the program product according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when color correction is performed on a raster image and there is a possibility of defects in the image, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0036] In the image processing method according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when color correction is performed on a raster image and there is a possibility of defects in the image, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that there may be defects in the color-corrected image. Description of the Drawings

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of an original image of a character image to which a visual effect called a projection shadow is superimposed;

[0040] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a character image to which a visual effect called a projection shadow is applied;

[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a simple display of a character image to which a visual effect called a projection shadow is applied;

[0042] Figure 5 is a diagram showing Figure 2 an example of an image when a character image with a projection shadow applied is added to the original image shown;

[0043] Figure 6 is a diagram showing Figure 5 an example of an image after color correction at the intermediate data stage for the image shown;

[0044] Figure 7 is a diagram showing Figure 5 an example of an image after color correction at the raster image stage for the image shown;

[0045] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an enlarged Figure 7 part of the image shown;

[0046] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the application area of CMYK color correction and the non-application area where CMYK color correction is not applied;

[0047] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical object of a special color;

[0048] Figure 11 is a diagram showing Figure 2 an example of an image when a hierarchical object of a special color shown in Figure 10 is overprinted on the original image shown;

[0049] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image when CMYK color correction is performed on the image overprinted with a hierarchical object of a special color;

[0050] Figure 13FIG. 0 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the print server 10 in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 14 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print server 10 in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 15 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data flow between the respective processing units in the print server 10;

[0053] Figure 16 FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the process flow of the RIP process in the RIP processing unit 33;

[0054] Figure 17 FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process flow of the drawing process in the drawing processing unit 34;

[0055] Figure 18 FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the attribute information included in the PDL data;

[0056] Figure 19 FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when suggesting a countermeasure method such that no image defect occurs on the display screen of the raster image browsing software for preview-displaying a raster image on the client terminal 20;

[0057] Figure 20 FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for warning the user of the content of a defect occurring in the color-corrected image on the client terminal 20;

[0058] Figure 21 FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when receiving a selection from the user as to whether to give a warning regarding the content of a defect occurring in the color-corrected image;

[0059] Figure 22 FIG. 36 is a diagram showing another example of a screen when receiving a selection from the user as to whether to give a warning regarding the content of a defect occurring in the color-corrected image;

[0060] Figure 23 FIG. 40 is a flowchart for explaining the process when giving a warning by extracting only the display object that is the warning target;

[0061] Figure 24 FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of the output when performing extraction display of the image defect portion;

[0062] Figure 25 FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining the process when giving a warning by repainting the display object that is the warning target with a warning color;

[0063] Figure 26This is a diagram showing an output example when the color of the display object at the image defect part is repainted with a warning color;

[0064] Figure 27 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing when giving a warning by changing the color correction of the display object of the warning target;

[0065] Figure 28 This is a diagram showing an output example when performing warning color correction on the display object at the image defect part;

[0066] Figure 29 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing when giving a warning by changing the color correction of the display object of the warning target in the raster image correction processing unit 52.

[0067] Symbol Explanation

[0068] 10 - Print server, 11 - CPU, 12 - Memory, 13 - Storage device, 14 - Communication interface, 15 - User interface device, 16 - Control bus, 20 - Client terminal, 30 - Printer, 31 - Job management department, 32 - Job data storage department, 33 - RIP processing department, 34 - Rendering processing department, 40 - Network, 41 - RIP control department, 42 - Intermediate data generation processing department, 43 - Intermediate data correction processing department, 51 - Raster image generation processing department, 52 - Raster image correction processing department, 53 - Output control department, 61 - Warning mark, 62 - Operation button. Detailed Embodiment

[0069] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As Figure 1 shown, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a print server 10, a client terminal 20, and a business printer 30 are interconnected via a network 40. The print server 10 is an image processing device or image processing system that controls the printer 30 to perform printing processing according to a printing instruction (i.e., a printing job) received from the client terminal 20. Here, a printing job described in PDL (Page Description Language) is sent from the client terminal 20 to the print server 10. Therefore, the print server 10 performs the following processing: converting the printing job described in PDL into a raster image and transmitting it to the printer 30.

[0072] Here, in the print server 10, instead of directly converting a print job into a raster image, the print job described by PDL is temporarily converted into intermediate data, and this intermediate data is converted into a raster image that can be printed by the printer 30. This intermediate data refers to data in a form that is easier to convert into a raster image than PDL data.

[0073] Then, in the image forming system as described above, sometimes the print job is not directly printed by the printer 30, but color correction or color conversion is performed to change the color values for printing. In addition, in the following description, both color correction and color conversion are included and described as color correction.

[0074] Then, in the print server 10, color correction can be performed at the intermediate data stage, and color correction can also be performed at the raster image stage. Regarding at which stage to perform color correction, it is specified when a print instruction is given from the client terminal 20 to the print server 10.

[0075] Here, in the case of performing color correction on the raster image after rasterization processing, since it can be processed using hardware, high-speed processing can be achieved. However, when converting intermediate data into a raster image, information such as the object category and color space information in the attribute information on the PDL data is lost. Therefore, in the case of performing color correction on the raster image, defects sometimes occur in the color-corrected image.

[0076] For example, in the case where there is an object with a transparency effect applied in the image to be printed, if color correction is performed on the raster image, a color step difference occurs at the boundary between the area with the transparency effect applied and the area without the transparency effect applied, resulting in defects in the image.

[0077] On the other hand, in the case of performing color correction on the intermediate data, accurate attribute information in the PDL data can be used for processing, so accurate color reproduction can be achieved. However, since color correction processing needs to be performed for each display object (or drawing object) in the PDL data, sometimes the processing time becomes long.

[0078] Therefore, in order to shorten the processing time, color correction needs to be performed at the raster image stage as much as possible. However, for the user, it is difficult to grasp in which case the image contains which display objects, if color correction is performed on the raster image, defects will occur in the color-corrected image.

[0079] Therefore, in the print server 10 of the present embodiment, by performing control as described below, in the case where defects may occur in the image if color correction is performed on the raster image, the user can be made aware that defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0080] First, before describing the image forming system of the present embodiment, a specific example of a case where image defects occur when color correction is performed on a raster image will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0081] For example, a character image to which a visual effect called a drop shadow is applied is superimposed on a Figure 2 In addition, the actual image uses a photo image or a complex image using various colors, but in this embodiment, in order to simplify the description, the original image is used. Figure 2 The following describes a case where the simple image shown is used as the original image.

[0082] The character image to which such a shadow projection is applied is shown in FIG. Figure 3 Drop shadows are a visual effect for characters or graphics that creates a shadow-like effect around the outline of the object. When drop shadows are applied to characters or graphics, a fading shadow-like layer appears around them, making them appear to float above the displayed object behind them.

[0083] However, if you apply a drop shadow to characters or graphics, Figure 3 As shown, the shadow of the character or graphic is generated by layers, thereby setting the application area of the transparent effect around the character or graphic.

[0084] In addition, in fact, Figure 3 The character image with the shadow cast applied is superimposed on the original image, but considering the ease of description on the drawing, the following description uses Figure 4 The simple display shown is explained.

[0085] Will Figure 2 An example of an image in which a character image with a shadow cast is added to the original image shown is shown in FIG. Figure 5 . refer to Figure 5 , it can be seen that Figure 2 A portion of the original image shown has a character string "ABC" added to it with a drop shadow applied.

[0086] Then, the Figure 5 The image shown is an example of an image after color correction at the intermediate data stage. Figure 6 When color correction is performed at the intermediate data stage, color correction is performed for each display object, so it can be seen that the overall color value changes without causing image defects.

[0087] In contrast, Figure 5 The image shown is an example of an image after color correction at the raster image stage. Figure 7In addition, the raster image becomes data composed of color values corresponding to the colors of colorants such as toner like CMYK. Therefore, color correction at the raster image stage is sometimes referred to as CMYK color correction.

[0088] Reference Figure 7 , it can be seen that if CMYK color correction is performed at the raster image stage, a color step difference occurs between the character image area to which the projected shadow is applied and the other areas, resulting in an image defect. Enlarge Figure 7 A diagram of a part of the image shown is shown in Figure 8 Reference Figure 8 , it can be seen more clearly that around a string such as "ABC" to which the projected shadow is applied, a color step difference occurs where the color value changes sharply.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 , the reason for the occurrence of such a color step difference will be explained. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the application area of CMYK color correction and the non-application area where CMYK color correction is not applied. A specified area including the character image to which the projected shadow is applied becomes an area with a transparent effect applied by setting a hierarchical shadow. Then, the area with the transparent effect applied is set as an area outside the object of CMYK color correction. Therefore, referring to Figure 9 , it can be seen that a specified area including the character image to which the projected shadow is applied becomes a non-application area of CMYK color correction.

[0090] Then, even when color correction is performed at the raster image stage, color correction is not performed in the non-application area of CMYK color correction. Therefore, at the boundary between the application area of CMYK color correction and the non-application area of CMYK color correction, the color value changes sharply, resulting in a color step difference.

[0091] Moreover, referring to Figures 10 to 12 , another specific example when image defects occur if color correction is performed on the raster image will be explained.

[0092] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical object of a special color. The hierarchical object of the special color is a display object used in cases such as setting a border for a photo image. Then, the hierarchical object of the special color becomes a shape like a circular hole is set in the center of a rectangle, and becomes a shape where the background image can be seen. Therefore, by overprinting the hierarchical object of the special color on the photo image, an effect like adding a circular border to the photo image can be obtained. Here, the central side area in the circular area of the hierarchical object of the special color becomes an area where there is nothing, and the background image appears directly even when overprinting is performed. However, in this Figure 10In this case, the outer region of the circle shown by the dashed line becomes an image with a gently varying gradient and is the region to which the transparency effect is applied. As a result, in Figure 10 the hierarchical object of the special color shown, the inner region of the dashed circle becomes the region to which CMYK color correction is applied, while the outer region of the dashed circle becomes the region to which CMYK color correction is not applied.

[0093] When the hierarchical object of the special color shown in Figure 2 is overprinted on the original image shown in Figure 10 , an example of the image is illustrated in Figure 11 .

[0094] Referring to Figure 11 , it can be seen that only the image in the central region of the original image appears as a circle, and the image in the other regions becomes an image as if covered by the hierarchical object of the special color. When color correction is performed on the image shown in Figure 11 at the intermediate data stage, the same color correction is performed on all visually recognizable regions without causing image defects such as color gradation differences. However, when CMYK color correction is performed on the image shown in ​ at the raster image stage, color gradation differences will occur as in the case described above, resulting in image defects.

[0095] An example of the image when CMYK color correction is performed on the image overprinted with the hierarchical object of the special color is illustrated in ​ . Referring to ​ , it can be seen that color gradation differences occur at the boundary between the region where CMYK color correction is applied and the region where it is not applied.

[0096] Next, the hardware configuration of the print server 10 in the image forming system of the present embodiment is shown in ​ .

[0097] As shown in ​ , the print server 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (abbreviated as IF.) 14 for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices via a network 40, and a user interface (abbreviated as UI.) device 15 including a touch panel or a liquid crystal display and a keyboard. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 16.

[0098] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the print server 10 by executing prescribed processing according to a control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is described that the CPU 11 reads and executes the control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13, but it is not limited thereto. The control program may also be provided in a manner recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be provided in a manner recorded in an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM, or in a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. Further, the control program may be acquired from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication interface 14. Moreover, the control program may be provided, for example, as a separate application software, or may be assembled as a function of the print server 10 into the software of each device.

[0099] ​ It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the print server 10 realized by executing the above control program.

[0100] As ​ shown, the print server 10 of the present embodiment includes a job management unit 31, a job data storage unit 32, a RIP (Raster Image Processing) processing unit 33, a rendering processing unit 34, and an intermediate data storage unit 35.

[0101] Then, the RIP processing unit 33 is composed of a RIP control unit 41, an intermediate data generation processing unit 42, and an intermediate data correction processing unit 43. And the rendering processing unit 34 is composed of a raster image generation processing unit 51, a raster image correction processing unit 52, and an output control unit 53.

[0102] The job management unit 31 receives print job data described in a PDL such as PDF (Portable Document Format) from the client terminal 20 and stores it in the job data storage unit 32. And the job management unit 31 receives various instructions for the print job received from the client terminal 20. Then, when the job management unit 31 receives a new print job, it gives a RIP instruction for the print job to the RIP processing unit 33.

[0103] The RIP control unit 41 controls the operation of the RIP processing unit 33. When it receives a RIP instruction from the job management unit 31, it gives a RIP instruction to the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 to convert the print job data into intermediate data. Further, the RIP control unit 41 gives a rasterization instruction to the rendering processing unit 34 to perform rasterization processing on the intermediate data converted by the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 and convert it into a raster image.

[0104] When the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 receives a RIP instruction from the RIP control unit 41, it responds to the RIP instruction and performs the following processing: It acquires the print job data from the job data storage unit 32 according to the RIP instruction from the RIP control unit 41 and converts the acquired print job data into intermediate data.

[0105] The intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs the indicated color correction on the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation processing unit 42. The intermediate data after color correction by the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 is stored in the intermediate data storage unit 35 via the intermediate data generation processing unit 42.

[0106] The raster image generation processing unit 51 performs the following processing: According to the rasterization instruction from the RIP control unit 41, it acquires the intermediate data from the intermediate data storage unit 35 and converts the acquired intermediate data into a raster image.

[0107] The raster image correction processing unit 52 performs the indicated color correction on the raster image generated by the raster image generation processing unit 51.

[0108] The output control unit 53 transmits the raster image data after color correction by the raster image correction processing unit 52 to the printer 30 as printable print data.

[0109] In addition, an image conversion unit is composed of the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 that converts an image expressed by PDL included in a print job into intermediate data and the raster image generation processing unit 51 that generates a raster image by performing rasterization processing on the converted intermediate data.

[0110] The data flow between the respective processing units in the print server 10 described above is shown in ​ .

[0111] First, the PDL data, i.e., the print job, input from the client terminal 20 is converted into intermediate data in the intermediate data generation processing unit 42. Then, color correction is performed on this intermediate data in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43. The color-corrected intermediate data is converted into a raster image and a TAG image representing the attributes of each pixel constituting the raster image in the raster image generation processing unit 51. Finally, the raster image correction processing unit 52 processes the raster image and the TAG image input from the raster image generation processing unit 51 and outputs them as print data that can be printed by the printer 30.

[0112] As ​ shown, in the case of performing color correction on the printed image, color correction can also be performed at the intermediate data stage in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43, and it can also be configured to perform color correction at the raster image stage in the raster image correction processing unit 52.

[0113] In addition, regarding whether to perform color correction on the image to be printed and at which stage to perform color correction in the case of performing color correction, it is specified when a print instruction is given from the client terminal 20 to the print server 10.

[0114] Here, as described above, in the case of performing color correction on the raster image in the raster image correction processing unit 52, since the processing can be performed using hardware, high-speed processing can be achieved. However, when converting intermediate data into a raster image, information such as the object category and color space information in the attribute information on the PDL data is lost. Therefore, in the case of performing color correction on the raster image, defects may sometimes occur in the color-corrected image.

[0115] On the other hand, in the case of performing color correction on the intermediate data in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43, processing can be performed using the accurate attribute information in the PDL data, so accurate color reproduction can be achieved. However, since color correction processing needs to be performed for each display object in the PDL data, the processing time sometimes becomes long.

[0116] Next, referring to ​ the flowchart, the process of the RIP processing in the RIP processing unit 33 will be described.

[0117] First, in step S101, if the RIP control unit 41 receives a RIP instruction for a certain print job from the job management unit 31, it acquires the setting information of the print job for which the RIP instruction is received.

[0118] Next, in step S102, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 acquires 1-page amount of print job data from the job data storage unit 32.

[0119] Then, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 obtains the setting information of the page in step S103, and generates the intermediate data of the page according to the obtained setting information in step S104.

[0120] Then, when color correction in the intermediate data stage is specified, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs color correction on the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 in step S105.

[0121] Then, in step S106, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 stores the color-corrected intermediate data in the intermediate data storage unit 35.

[0122] Finally, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 determines in step S107 whether there is print job data for the next page. If there is data for the next page, the processing of steps S102 to S106 is repeated. If it is determined in step S107 that there is no print job data for the next page, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 ends the processing.

[0123] Next, referring to ​ the flowchart of

[0124] First, in step S201, if the raster image generation processing unit 51 receives a rasterization instruction for a certain print job from the RIP control unit 41, it obtains the setting information of the print job that has received the rasterization instruction.

[0125] Next, in step S202, the raster image generation processing unit 51 obtains one page amount of intermediate data from the intermediate data storage unit 35.

[0126] Then, the raster image generation processing unit 51 obtains the setting information of the page in step S203, and generates the raster image of the page according to the obtained setting information in step S204.

[0127] Then, when color correction in the raster image stage is specified, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs color correction on the raster image generated by the raster image generation processing unit 51 in step S205.

[0128] Then, in step S206, the output control unit 53 transmits the color-corrected raster image to the printer 30.

[0129] Finally, the raster image generation processing unit 51 determines in step S207 whether there is print job data for the next page. If there is data for the next page, the processing of steps S202 to S206 is repeated. If it is determined in step S207 that there is no print job data for the next page, the raster image generation processing unit 51 ends the processing.

[0130] By performing the processing as described above, the following control is performed in the print server 10: By converting the print job data received from the client terminal 20 into a raster image and transmitting it to the printer 30, printing processing based on the print job is executed.

[0131] Here, the print job data (sometimes simply referred to as PDL data) described in the PDL format received by the print server 10 from the client terminal 20 includes various attribute information. The attribute information included in the PDL data is exemplified in ​ .

[0132] Refer to ​ , the PDL data includes color space information (or color space information), object category information, special color information, color correction application information, etc. And it can be known that the color space information includes information indicating in what representation form each pixel value of the image is defined and information such as "Transparent" indicating the transparency attribute. And the object category information includes information indicating the category of the display object such as fill, line, character, image, and hierarchy.

[0133] When converting the PDL data into intermediate data, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 can determine whether there may be defects in the color-corrected image if color correction is performed on the raster image by referring to such attribute information.

[0134] Then, when the warning function is effectively set according to the operation from the client terminal 20, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 determines the display objects that may have defects in the image when color correction is performed on the raster image in the raster image correction processing unit 52, and holds the information indicating the determined display objects as attribute information in the intermediate data.

[0135] Specifically, when color correction of the raster image is specified in the print job, and if there may be defects in the color-corrected image when color correction is performed on the raster image, the content of the defects generated in the color-corrected image is held as attribute information in the intermediate data, thereby warning the user.

[0136] For example, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs the following processing: based on the attribute information of the content that may cause image defects held in the intermediate data, when color correction is performed on the raster image and defects may occur in the color-corrected image, by performing different processing on the display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image from other display objects, the user is warned of the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image.

[0137] Specifically, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs the following processing: by converting the display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image into monochromatic display objects of a warning color such as red, or deleting the display objects other than the display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image, the user is warned of the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image.

[0138] Moreover, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 can perform the following processing: when color correction is performed on the raster image and defects may occur in the color-corrected image, by performing different processing on the pixels in the area that may cause defects in the color-corrected image from the pixels in other areas, the user is warned of the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image.

[0139] For example, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 changes the pixels in the area that may cause defects in the color-corrected image by a preset change method such as making the density value of each color extremely bright or extremely dark, thereby warning the user of the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image.

[0140] In addition, the color correction for such warning to the user may not be performed in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43, but in the raster image correction processing unit 52.

[0141] In this case, the raster image generation processing unit 51 generates a raster image and a TAG image including information for determining the pixels that cause image defects based on the information of the content that may cause image defects held as attribute information in the intermediate data. Then, in the raster image correction processing unit 52, the pixels that may cause image defects are determined based on the TAG image, and the color correction for the determined pixels is made different from that of other pixels to make them conspicuous, thereby warning the user.

[0142] Here, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 can perform the following processing: receive from the user a selection of whether to warn of the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image, and only when the user selects to warn of the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image, warn the user of the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image.

[0143] Next, the following situation will be described: The intermediate data generation processing unit 42 determines under what conditions, if color correction is performed on the raster image, defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0144] For a display object to which a projection shadow effect is applied as shown in ​ and a hierarchical object of a special color as shown in ​ when applying a transparency effect, the information indicating the transparency attribute is included in the color space information.

[0145] Therefore, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 performs the following processing: When color correction of the raster image is specified in the printing job and there is a display object to which a transparency effect is applied among the display objects in the image included in the printing job, it is determined that defects will occur in the color-corrected image, and the user is warned about the content of the defects that will occur in the color-corrected image.

[0146] In addition, when it is possible that defects may occur in the color-corrected image if color correction is performed on the raster image, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 can not only warn the user, but also suggest a countermeasure such that such image defects will not occur.

[0147] For example, an example of the display screen when such a suggestion is made on the display screen of the raster image browsing software used to preview and display the raster image on the client terminal 20 is illustrated in ​ .

[0148] For example, when the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 warns the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the color-corrected image, it displays, via the RIP control unit 41 and the job management unit 31, the change of the specification of the color correction of the raster image to the specification of the color correction in the intermediate data stage on the client terminal 20 and suggests it to the user. In the ​ example of the display screen, an option such as "Change the specification of the color correction of the raster image to the specification of the color correction in the intermediate data stage." is shown. Then, when the user selects this option and accepts such a suggestion, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 re-executes the following processing: Converting the image data included in the printing job into intermediate data again, performing color correction in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43, and converting the image data included in the printing job into a raster image.

[0149] Or, when the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 warns the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the color-corrected image, it displays, via the RIP control unit 41 and the job management unit 31, the cancellation of the specification of the color correction of the raster image on the client terminal 20 and suggests it to the user. In ​As can be seen from the example of the display screen, an option such as "Cancel the specification of color correction for the raster image." is shown. Then, when the user selects this option and accepts such a suggestion, the color correction for the generated raster image is aborted.

[0150] Next, an example of the display screen when the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 warns the user on the client terminal 20 via the RIP control unit 41 and the job management unit 31 about the content of defects generated in the color-corrected image is illustrated in ​ .

[0151] Reference ​ , on the job list indicating the status of multiple printing jobs, for the printing job with the job name "abcdefghij.pdf", a warning mark 61 is displayed in the information column. This warning mark 61 is a display icon for warning the user that defects may occur in the color-corrected image under the current settings.

[0152] Next, an example of the screen when the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 receives the user's selection of whether to warn about the content of defects generated in the color-corrected image is illustrated in ​ , ​ . ​ , ​ are all examples of the display screen of the raster image browsing software described above.

[0153] In ​ , it can be seen that on the client terminal 20, "It may be inaccurately drawn due to color correction." is displayed on the preview display screen of the raster image, warning the user, and a question such as "Do you want to display the warning?" is made. On this display screen, when the user selects "Yes", warning processing such as replacing the display object that may have image defects with the warning color is executed. In addition, on this display screen, when the user selects "No", normal image processing is executed without special processing and the printing process is executed.

[0154] That is, only when the user selects to warn about the content of defects generated in the color-corrected image, the user is warned about the content of defects generated in the color-corrected image.

[0155] And, in ​ the example of the display screen shown, an operation button 62 for switching whether to give a warning is provided on the display screen of the raster image browsing software, and the selection of whether to give a warning is accepted by the user's operation.

[0156] Next, the details of the specific processing when warning the user about the content that if color correction is performed in the raster image stage, defects will occur in the color-corrected image will be described.

[0157] First, the processing when warning by extracting only the display object to be warned is shown in ​ the flowchart.

[0158] ​ The flowchart in ​ shows the outline of the intermediate data correction processing shown in step S105 of the flowchart shown in ​ However, in the flowchart in

[0159] the processing of converting PDL data into intermediate data is omitted, and only the processing of the display object to be warned is shown.

[0160] First, in step S301, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 acquires one display object. Then, in step S302, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines whether it is possible to generate an image defect based on the attribute information included in the intermediate data.

[0161] If it is determined in step S302 that it is impossible to generate an image defect, in step S304, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs the required color correction, etc. on the acquired display object and outputs it.

[0162] Then, if it is determined in step S302 that it is possible to generate an image defect, in step S303, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines whether the acquired display object is the display object to be warned.

[0163] If it is determined in step S303 that the acquired display object is the display object to be warned, in step S304, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs the required color correction, etc. on the acquired display object and outputs it.

[0164] And, if it is determined in step S303 that the acquired display object is not the display object to be warned, in step S305, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 discards the acquired display object.

[0165] Then, in step S306, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines whether there is a next display object, and if it is determined that there is no next display object, the processing ends.

[0166] By performing such processing, in the case where image defects may occur, only the display objects that are the warning targets are output, and other display objects are discarded.

[0167] An output example when extracting and displaying such an image defect part is illustrated in ​ . Refer to ​ , which shows the following situation: Only the display objects of strings such as "ABC" that may cause image defects if color correction is performed at the raster image stage are output, and other display objects are deleted. By outputting such an image, the user can recognize that image defects may occur if printing is performed under the current settings, and the reason is the display objects of strings such as "ABC".

[0168] Next, the processing when giving a warning by repainting the display objects of the warning targets with a warning color is illustrated in ​ 's flowchart.

[0169] ​ 's flowchart also shows the outline of the intermediate data correction processing shown in step S105 of the flowchart shown in ​ . However, in the ​ 's flowchart, the process of converting PDL data into intermediate data is also omitted, and only the processing of the display objects of the warning targets is shown.

[0170] In addition, in the ​ 's flowchart, only the parts different from the flowchart described in ​ are described.

[0171] In ​ , when it is determined in step S302 that image defects may occur and it is determined in step S303 that the acquired display object is a display object of a warning target, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 repaints by converting the acquired display object into a preset warning color in step S401.

[0172] An output example when repainting the color of the display objects of such an image defect part with a warning color is illustrated in ​ . Refer to ​ , which shows the following situation: The display objects of strings such as "ABC" that may cause image defects if color correction is performed at the raster image stage are painted red and output. By outputting such an image, the user can recognize that image defects may occur if printing is performed under the current settings, and the reason is the display objects of strings such as "ABC".

[0173] Next, the processing when giving a warning by changing the color correction of the display objects of the warning targets is illustrated in ​Flowchart of

[0174] ​ The flowchart of ​ also shows the outline of the intermediate data correction process shown in step S105 of the flowchart shown in ​ However, in the flowchart of

[0175] In addition, in ​ the flowchart of ​ 、 ​ only the parts different from the flowchart described in

[0176] In ​ when it is determined in step S302 that an image defect may occur and it is determined in step S303 that the acquired display object is a display object of a warning object, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs a preset warning color correction on the acquired display object and outputs it in step S501. For example, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs a special warning color correction such as halving the density value of the display object of the warning object. In addition, when it is determined in step S302 that an image defect is impossible to occur, or when it is determined in step S303 that the acquired display object is not a display object of a warning object, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs a normal color correction on the acquired display object and outputs it in step S502.

[0177] An output example when performing a warning color correction on the display object of such an image defect part is illustrated in ​ . Referring to ​ , the following situation is shown: The brightness of the display object of the string "ABC" that may cause an image defect if color correction is performed in the raster image stage is extremely changed to perform color correction such as making it conspicuous and output. By outputting such an image, the user can recognize that an image defect may occur if printing is performed under the current settings, and the reason is the display object of the string "ABC".

[0178] The above-described ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ flowcharts are all cases where the processing for warning is performed in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43. In contrast, ​ the flowchart shown in

[0179] First, in step S601, the raster image correction processing unit 52 selects one pixel in the raster image. Then, in step S602, the raster image correction processing unit 52 refers to the TAG image to determine whether an image defect is likely to occur.

[0180] In the case where it is determined in step S602 that an image defect is not likely to occur, in step S605, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs normal color correction on the selected pixel and outputs it.

[0181] Then, in the case where it is determined in step S602 that an image defect is likely to occur, in step S603, the raster image correction processing unit 52 refers to the TAG image to determine whether the selected pixel is a pixel to be warned about.

[0182] In the case where it is determined in step S603 that the selected pixel is a pixel to be warned about, in step S604, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs warning color correction on the selected pixel and outputs it.

[0183] And, in the case where it is determined in step S603 that the selected pixel is not a pixel to be warned about, in step S605, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs normal color correction on the selected pixel and outputs it.

[0184] Then, in step S606, the raster image correction processing unit 52 determines whether there is a next pixel to be processed, and ends the processing in the case where it is determined that there is no next pixel.

[0185] And, in the case where it is determined in step S606 that there is a next pixel, the raster image correction processing unit 52 repeats the processing of steps S601 to S605.

[0186] By performing such processing, in the case where an image defect is likely to occur, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs color correction for warning display on the pixels to be warned about at the raster image stage.

[0187] In each of the above embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (such as a CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a dedicated processor (such as a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0188] Moreover, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments can be completed not only by one processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separated positions working in cooperation. Also, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and can be changed appropriately.

[0189] The "system" in this embodiment includes both a system composed of multiple devices and a system composed of a single device.

[0190] [Supplementary Note]

[0191] Hereinafter, supplementary notes will be given to the embodiments of the present invention. (1)

[0193] An image processing system includes a processor,

[0194] and the processor performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is specified in a print instruction and there is a possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image if the color correction is performed on the raster image, the processor warns the user of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image. (2)

[0196] According to the image processing system described in (1),

[0197] the processor performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is specified in a print instruction and there is a display object with a transparency effect among the display objects in the image included in the print instruction, the processor warns the user of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image. (3)

[0199] According to the image processing system described in (2), the image processing system further includes an image conversion unit that generates a raster image by converting an image expressed in a page description language included in a print instruction into intermediate data and performing rasterization processing on the converted intermediate data.

[0200] The processor performs the following processing:

[0201] when warning the user of the content of the defects occurring in the color-corrected image, the processor recommends to the user to change the specification of color correction of the raster image to the specification of color correction at the intermediate data stage, and when the user accepts this recommendation, the processor re-performs the processing of converting the image data included in the print instruction into a raster image. (4)

[0203] According to the image processing system described in (2),

[0204] the processor performs the following processing:

[0205] When warning the user about content that causes defects in the color-corrected image, suggest to the user to cancel the designation of color correction for the raster image. If the user accepts this suggestion, abort the color correction of the generated raster image. (5)

[0207] The image processing system according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0208] The processor performs the following processing: When color correction is performed on the raster image and there is a possibility of defects in the color-corrected image, by performing different processing on the display object that may have defects in the color-corrected image from other display objects, warn the user about the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image. (6)

[0210] The image processing system according to (5), wherein

[0211] The processor performs the following processing: By converting the display object that may have defects in the color-corrected image into a monochromatic display object, or deleting display objects other than the display object that may have defects in the color-corrected image, warn the user about the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image. (7)

[0213] The image processing system according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0214] The processor performs the following processing: When color correction is performed on the raster image and there is a possibility of defects in the color-corrected image, by performing different processing on the pixels in the area that may have defects in the color-corrected image from the pixels in other areas, warn the user about the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image. (8)

[0216] The image processing system according to (7), wherein

[0217] The processor performs the following processing: For the pixels in the area that may have defects in the color-corrected image, change the density value of each color by a preset change method, thereby warning the user about the content that causes defects in the color-corrected image. (9)

[0219] The image processing system according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein

[0220] The processor performs the following processing: receiving from the user a selection of whether to issue a warning about content that may be defective in the color-corrected image, and issuing a warning to the user about content that may be defective in the color-corrected image only when the user selects to issue a warning about content that may be defective in the color-corrected image. (10)

[0222] A program that causes a computer to execute the following steps:

[0223] Receiving a printing instruction; and

[0224] When color correction of a raster image is specified in the received printing instruction, and when there is a possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image if the raster image is color-corrected, warning the user about content that may be defective in the color-corrected image.

[0225] Hereinafter, the effects of the structure based on the appended note will be described.

[0226] According to the image processing system of (1), when there is a possibility of defects occurring in the image if the raster image is color-corrected, the user can be made aware that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0227] According to the image processing system of (2), when there is a possibility of defects occurring in the image if the raster image is color-corrected, the user can be made aware that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0228] According to the image processing system of (3), even when there is a possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image, a solution for preventing such defects in the image can be recommended to the user.

[0229] According to the image processing system of (4), even when there is a possibility of defects occurring in the color-corrected image, a solution for preventing such defects in the image can be recommended to the user.

[0230] According to the image processing system of (5), by performing processing such as making a display object that may be defective in the color-corrected image more prominent than other display objects, the user can be made aware that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0231] According to the image processing system of (6), by performing processing such as making a display object that may be defective in the color-corrected image more prominent than other display objects, the user can be made aware that there may be defects in the color-corrected image.

[0232] The image processing system according to (7) can enable a user to recognize that a defect may occur in the color-corrected image by performing a process such that pixels in a region where a defect may occur in the color-corrected image are made more conspicuous than other pixels.

[0233] The image processing system according to (8) can enable a user to recognize that a defect may occur in the color-corrected image by performing a process such that pixels in a region where a defect may occur in the color-corrected image are made more conspicuous than other pixels.

[0234] The image processing system according to (9) enables a user to select whether to issue a warning about the content of a defect occurring in the color-corrected image.

[0235] According to the program of (10), in a case where a defect may occur in an image when a raster image is color-corrected, it is possible to enable a user to recognize that a defect may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0236] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for purposes of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not comprehensively and exhaustively cover the present invention and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed forms. Obviously, various modifications and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The embodiments are selected and described in order to most readily explain the principles of the present invention and its applications. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various modified examples optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image processing system comprising a processor, the processor performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is specified in a printing instruction, and if defects are likely to occur in the image after color correction when performing color correction on the raster image, warning the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the image after color correction.

2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is specified in a printing instruction, and there is a display object to which a transparency effect is applied among the display objects in the image included in the printing instruction, warning the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the image after color correction.

3. The image processing system according to claim 2, further comprising an image conversion unit that generates a raster image by converting an image expressed in a page description language included in a printing instruction into intermediate data and performing rasterization processing on the converted intermediate data, the processor performs the following processing: when warning the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the image after color correction, suggesting to the user to change the specification of color correction of the raster image to the specification of color correction in the intermediate data stage, and when the user accepts the suggestion, re-performing the processing of converting the image data included in the printing instruction into a raster image.

4. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the processor performs the following processing: when warning the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the image after color correction, suggesting to the user to cancel the specification of color correction of the raster image, and when the user accepts the suggestion, aborting the color correction of the generated raster image.

5. The image processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is performed and if defects are likely to occur in the image after color correction, warning the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the image after color correction by performing different processing on the display objects that are likely to have defects in the image after color correction from other display objects.

6. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the processor performs the following processing: warning the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the image after color correction by converting the display objects that are likely to have defects in the image after color correction into monochromatic display objects, or deleting display objects other than the display objects that are likely to have defects in the image after color correction.

7. The image processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor performs the following processing: when color correction of a raster image is performed and if defects are likely to occur in the image after color correction, warning the user about the content of the defects that will occur in the image after color correction by performing different processing on the pixels in the area that is likely to have defects in the image after color correction from the pixels in other areas.

8. The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein The processor performs the following processing: for pixels in an area where a defect may occur in the color-corrected image, the density value of each color is changed by a preset change method, thereby warning the user of the content of the defect generated in the color-corrected image.

9. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the processor performs the following processing: receives from the user a selection of whether to warn of the content of the defect generated in the color-corrected image, and warns the user of the content of the defect generated in the color-corrected image only when the user selects to warn of the content of the defect generated in the color-corrected image.

10. A program product having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: receiving a printing instruction; and when color correction of a raster image is specified in the received printing instruction and a defect may occur in the color-corrected image if the color correction of the raster image is performed, warning the user of the content of the defect generated in the color-corrected image.

11. An image processing method, comprising the following steps: receiving a printing instruction; and when color correction of a raster image is specified in the received printing instruction and a defect may occur in the color-corrected image if the color correction of the raster image is performed, warning the user of the content of the defect generated in the color-corrected image.

Images