Data processing device, information processing device, method and program

Abstract

To provide a recording device which prevents reduction in printing effect due to a spot color even when there is a deviation in a color value of image data in a case where the spot color is used for printing of image data.SOLUTION: A data processing device generates ink data to be used for recording on the basis of input image data. The data processing device generates ink data by using first conversion means associated with an ink color for each coordinate in a color space expressed by the image data. The first conversion means performs conversion to ink data on subtractive color mixture for first coordinates in the color space expressed by the image data, and performs conversion to ink data on a spot color different from the color of the ink of the subtractive color mixture instead of conversion to the ink data on the subtractive color mixture for second coordinates in the color space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data processing device, an information processing device, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices that use inks containing fluorescent colorants (hereafter referred to as "fluorescent ink") or inks containing metal particles (hereafter referred to as "metallic ink") are known. Hereinafter, fluorescent ink and metallic ink will be referred to as special inks. To print using special inks, it is necessary to add plate data that defines the amount of special ink to be used to the print data in addition to the normal data, or to send a special command to the printing device to instruct it to use the special ink. Furthermore, general applications often do not support special inks, making it necessary to make the special inks compatible with a variety of applications.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a printer driver is made to specify a replacement color from a normal color, and then specify a special ink to be substituted from the replacement color. The correspondence between the replacement color and the special ink is premised on a one-to-one correspondence, and lossless compression is premised on data compression.

[0004] Many applications have a color palette function to effectively create eye-catching posters and printed materials. Users can create eye-catching posters and printed materials by using special inks for text, background colors, and other areas that they want to stand out. Patent Document 2 describes a method of using metallic ink, a type of special ink, in the color palette function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-103695 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-96351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Image data to be printed may be lossy compressed using formats such as JPEG to reduce file size. When lossy compressed image data is restored, color values ​​in the image data's color space shift. If the image data is created so that spot colors are used in printing, the color value shift reduces the printing effect of the spot colors.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a data processing device, information processing device, method, and program that, when a spot color is used to print image data, prevents a reduction in the printing effect due to the spot color even if a deviation occurs in the color value of the image data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A data processing device according to the present invention comprises an input means for inputting image data, and a generation means for generating ink data to be used for printing based on the image data input by the input means, wherein the generation means generates the ink data using a first conversion means in which an ink color is associated with each coordinate in a color space represented by the image data, and the first conversion means converts a first coordinate in the color space represented by the image data into ink data corresponding to a subtractive color ink, and converts a second coordinate in the color space into ink data corresponding to a spot color ink different from the color of the subtractive color ink instead of converting it to subtractive color ink data, wherein each of the coordinates corresponds to a lattice point in the color space represented by the image data, and at least one of a plurality of coordinates adjacent to the coordinate to be converted to the spot color is the coordinate to be converted to the spot color. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when spot colors are used to print image data, even if deviations occur in the color values ​​of the image data, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the printing effect of the spot colors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inkjet printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the intensity of an excitation wavelength and the intensity of an emission wavelength. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the luminous effect and color gamut expansion effect of fluorescent ink. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a poster image. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a color gamut that can be printed using fluorescent pink and a color gamut that can be printed without using fluorescent pink. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates fluorescent spot colors within a color gamut. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between RGB values ​​of a fluorescent spot color and ink separation values. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an application screen. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process executed in the recording apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between RGB values ​​of normal colors and ink separation values. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 shows a LUT used for ink separation from RGB. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 shows a LUT used for ink separation from RGB. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a LUT used for ink separation from RGB in normal color. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between RGB and ink separation values ​​of fluorescent ink. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an area including lattice points used as fluorescent spot colors; [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process executed in the recording apparatus. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a recording head. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of nozzle rows of a print head. [Figure 22] 3 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the image processing device. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an application screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inkjet recording system as an example of an image processing system in this embodiment. The inkjet recording system in this embodiment is configured to include an image supply device 30, an image processing device 20, and an inkjet recording device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the recording device 10).

[0013] Image data supplied from an image supply device 30 such as a PC undergoes predetermined image processing in an image processing device 20, and is then sent as print data to a recording device 10, where an image is recorded by ejecting ink onto a recording medium. The image processing device 20 is an information processing device such as a host PC, tablet PC, or smartphone that allows a user to create a poster image. The predetermined image processing is performed, for example, by an application for creating a poster image that is installed in the image processing device 20.

[0014] In the image processing device 20, the main control unit 108 controls the entire image processing device 20 and is configured to include memories such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Various programs and an operating system (OS) are stored in the memory included in the main control unit 108. The operation of the image processing device 20 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU reading out programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing them. The programs include an application program for performing image processing on image data supplied from the image supply device 30 and generating print data for printing by the recording device 10.

[0015] The image processing device 20 further includes an image processing device interface (I / F) 109, an external connection interface (I / F) 113, a display unit 110, an operation unit 111, and a storage unit 140. The external connection I / F 113 is an interface for enabling data transmission and reception with the image supply device 30 and has a configuration according to the network medium. The image processing device I / F 109 is an interface for enabling data transmission and reception with the recording device 10. The image processing device 20 is connected to the recording device 10 via a communication line 114. In this embodiment, the communication line 114 is described as Ethernet as an example. However, the communication line 114 may be a USB hub, a wireless communication network using a wireless access point, or a connection using a WiFi Direct communication function. The operation unit 111 is composed of a keyboard or the like and can accept operations from a user. The display unit 110 is composed of a display, panel, or the like and can display various user interface screens. The storage unit 140 stores an application program 150 that executes the processes described below and data used in the processes.

[0016] In the recording device 10, the main control unit 101 controls the entire recording device 10 and includes memories such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Various programs are stored in the memory included in the main control unit 101. The operation of the recording device 10 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the CPU reading out the programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing them.

[0017] The recording device I / F 105 is an interface that enables data transmission and reception with the image processing device 20. The data buffer 106 is a buffer memory that holds print data sent from the image processing device 20. The recording buffer 102 is a buffer memory that holds the print data held in the data buffer 106 as raster data before transferring it to the recording head 115. When storing the data in the recording buffer 102, the main control unit 101 performs processes such as data conversion to a color space that can be printed by the recording head 115 and memory conversion that converts the data into a data array that can be ejected from the nozzles of the recording head 115.

[0018] The print head 115 is an inkjet print head having multiple print nozzles capable of ejecting ink droplets, and ejects ink droplets from each print nozzle in accordance with print data stored in the print buffer 102. In this embodiment, the print head 115 is a so-called serial print head that can move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the print medium transport direction and prints an image by reciprocating movement (scanning) and transport operation. The print head 115 is configured with print nozzle arrays for a total of five colors: four process color inks (cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K)) and a fluorescent ink (F). Note that the print head 115 does not have to be a serial print head, and may be a so-called line print head configured across the entire printing width of the print medium.

[0019] In this embodiment, the print data sent from the image processing device 20 to the recording device 10 is assumed to be RGB data defined in the RGB color space. The main control unit 101 converts the sent RGB data into subtractive ink data (e.g., corresponding to the four colors of CMYK) for the recording device 10 or ink data containing fluorescent ink (e.g., corresponding to the five colors of CMYKF). The converted data is transferred to the print head 115. In this manner, in this embodiment, the recording device 10 also functions as a data processing device that processes data using the functions of the main control unit. The main control unit 101 then drives a carriage motor (not shown) that operates the print head 115, and further drives a transport motor that operates transport rollers to transport the recording medium. As a result, the print head 115 scans over the recording medium in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and simultaneously, the print head 115 ejects ink droplets of a predetermined color onto the recording medium to form an image.

[0020] When printing using multiple scans, the main control unit 101 performs a process to determine the scan order (scan order determination process). In the scan order determination process, to generate data corresponding to each scan, a process to thin out the image is performed on the quantized data using a mask pattern or the like. In this embodiment, the five colors of CMYKF are used as ink colors. However, to improve image quality, other ink colors, such as light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), and gray (Gy), which have lower densities, may be used. When using these ink colors, ink data corresponding to each ink color is generated. In this embodiment, light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), and gray (Gy) inks are also described as being included in subtractive color mixture inks. Furthermore, achromatic color inks, such as black (K) and gray (Gy), are also described as being included in subtractive color mixture inks.

[0021] The following description will be given taking as an example a case in which the print head 115 has five print nozzle arrays: four color inks (cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K)) and fluorescent pink (FP) ink. In addition to fluorescent pink, fluorescent red (FR), fluorescent yellow (FP), fluorescent green (FG), and fluorescent blue (FB) may also be used as fluorescent inks, or multiple fluorescent inks may be used. It is desirable to use an ink with a hue angle close to that of the chromatic subtractive ink. For example, desirable combinations include fluorescent pink, which has a hue angle close to that of magenta ink, fluorescent yellow, which has a hue angle close to that of yellow ink, and fluorescent blue, which has a hue angle close to that of cyan ink.

[0022] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the print head 115. The print head 115 includes a carriage 116, nozzle arrays 115k, 115c, 115m, 115y, and 115FP, and an optical sensor 118. The carriage 116, which carries the five nozzle arrays 115k, 115c, 115m, 115y, and 115FP and the optical sensor 118, can move back and forth along the X direction (main scanning direction) in the figure by the driving force of a carriage motor transmitted via a belt 117. While the carriage 116 moves in the X direction relative to the print medium, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle of the nozzle array in the direction of gravity (-Z direction in the figure) based on print data. This records an image for one main scan on the print medium placed on a platen 119. After one main scan is completed, the print medium is transported along the transport direction (-Y direction in the figure) a distance corresponding to the width of one main scan. By alternately repeating such main scanning and conveying operations, an image is gradually formed on the recording medium. For example, if the number of scans is eight, starting from upstream in the paper feed direction (Y direction), the first scan area is followed by the second scan area, and finally the eighth scan area is reached. While moving together with the carriage 116, the optical sensor 118 outputs a signal depending on whether or not a recording medium is present on the platen 119, and the main control unit 101 determines whether or not a recording medium is present on the platen 119 based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 118.

[0023] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the arrangement of nozzle arrays when the print head 115 is viewed from the top of the device (in the -Z direction). Five nozzle arrays are arranged in the print head 115 at different positions in the X direction. In FIG. 20, five arrays are arranged: a nozzle array 115C corresponding to C ink, a nozzle array 115M corresponding to M ink, a nozzle array 115Y corresponding to Y ink, a nozzle array 115K corresponding to K ink, and a nozzle array 115FP corresponding to FP ink. C ink is ejected from the nozzles of the nozzle array 115C. M ink is ejected from the nozzles of the nozzle array 115M. Y ink is ejected from the nozzles of the nozzle array 115Y. K ink is ejected from the nozzles of the nozzle array 115K. FP ink is ejected from the nozzle array 115FP. In each nozzle array, a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink as droplets are arranged at a predetermined pitch along the Y direction.

[0024] <Characteristics of fluorescent ink and subtractive ink> Fluorescent colorants are colorants that absorb light of an excitation wavelength from their ground state to become excited, and then emit light of an emission wavelength to return to their ground state, thereby developing color. Figure 2 is a graph showing the intensity of the excitation wavelength 201 and the intensity of the emission wavelength 202 when fluorescent pink ink is recorded on a recording medium. The horizontal axis of Figure 2 represents the wavelength of light, and the vertical axis represents the intensity. The graph in Figure 2 shows the intensity of each light detected when the wavelength of light irradiated on the recording sample and the wavelength of light received from the sample are changed.

[0025] The emission wavelength 202 represents the intensity of light received by the recording sample for each wavelength when the recording sample is irradiated with light of an exciting wavelength. FIG. 2 shows the case where a recording sample is irradiated with visible light of 480 nm. The excitation wavelength 201 represents the intensity of light received when the wavelength of the received light is fixed and the wavelength of the light irradiated to the recording sample is changed. FIG. 2 shows the case where the wavelength of the received light is fixed at 600 nm. As shown in FIG. 2, the excitation wavelength range of the fluorescent ink recorded on the recording medium overlaps with the emission wavelength range and is on the short wavelength side. Furthermore, the excitation wavelength 201 varies in intensity depending on the wavelength, with some wavelengths emitting light efficiently and others not. Furthermore, because fluorescent colorants emit light, the reflectance at the emission wavelength often exceeds 1. In this embodiment, colorants having the above characteristics are referred to as fluorescent colorants.

[0026] The emission wavelength 202 shows the case where visible light of 480 nm is irradiated, but as can be seen from the excitation wavelength 201, there is also excitation intensity at 380 nm. Therefore, fluorescent ink is usually excited by ultraviolet light (UV light) of 380 nm or less.

[0027] While the excitation and emission of fluorescent pink ink have been described above, fluorescent inks that emit light at other wavelengths may also be used in this embodiment. For example, fluorescent blue ink that emits light in the blue region (450 nm to 500 nm) may be used, or fluorescent green ink that emits light in the green region (500 nm to 565 nm) may be used. Furthermore, fluorescent yellow ink that emits light in the yellow region (565 nm to 590 nm) may be used, or fluorescent orange ink or fluorescent red ink that emits light in the red region (590 nm to 780 nm) may be used. Furthermore, fluorescent inks that combine the above may also be used. For example, fluorescent yellow ink that emits light in a region that combines the yellow and red regions may be used. Furthermore, fluorescent inks with different excitation wavelength intensities may be combined to adjust the color tone. For example, fluorescent pink that emits light in the orange region, with weak excitation in the blue region and strong excitation in the green region, may be used.

[0028] In this embodiment, non-fluorescent ink is referred to as subtractive ink. That is, ink that absorbs light of specific wavelengths when exposed to it and does not emit light is called subtractive ink. For example, subtractive ink has the spectral reflectance shown by cyan ink 203, magenta ink 204, and yellow ink 205 in FIG. 2. Note that the graph in FIG. 2 shows spectral characteristics based on the results of measurements using a method for measuring spectral reflectance. Unlike fluorescent ink, subtractive ink only absorbs light, so its reflectance does not exceed 1. In this embodiment, black ink is also included as a type of subtractive ink, but black ink does not have to be included.

[0029] Next, mixing of fluorescent ink and subtractive ink on a recording medium will be explained using FIG. 2. In this figure, at least a portion of the excitation wavelength range of the fluorescent pink ink is within the absorption wavelength range of the yellow ink. When fluorescent pink ink and yellow ink 205 are mixed, the yellow ink absorbs light in the wavelength range of the excitation wavelength 201 of the fluorescent pink ink. Therefore, the fluorescent pink ink cannot be sufficiently excited because the exciting light is absorbed by the yellow ink, and light emission is suppressed.

[0030] Furthermore, at least a portion of the emission wavelength range of the fluorescent pink ink is within the absorption wavelength range of the cyan ink. When the fluorescent pink ink is mixed with the cyan ink 203, the cyan ink absorbs light in the emission wavelength range 202 of the fluorescent pink ink. As a result, the light emitted by the fluorescent pink ink is absorbed by the cyan ink, suppressing the emission of light.

[0031] Furthermore, at least a portion of the excitation wavelength range of the fluorescent pink ink is within the absorption wavelength range of the magenta ink. When the fluorescent pink ink and magenta ink 204 are mixed, the magenta ink absorbs light in the wavelength range to which the fluorescent pink ink has a high excitation sensitivity. As a result, the fluorescent pink ink cannot be sufficiently excited, and its emission is suppressed. Furthermore, the light emitted by the fluorescent pink ink is absorbed by the magenta ink, suppressing its emission.

[0032] When fluorescent pink ink and black ink (not shown) are mixed, the black ink absorbs light in the wavelength range of the excitation wavelength 201 of the fluorescent pink ink, and also absorbs light in the wavelength range of the emission wavelength 202. As a result, the fluorescent pink ink cannot be sufficiently excited, and its emission is also suppressed.

[0033] In other words, when fluorescent pink ink and subtractive ink are mixed, the contribution of the fluorescent pink ink to color development decreases. This characteristic is also greatly affected by the relative positions of the fluorescent ink and subtractive ink on the recording medium. Compared to when an ink layer of fluorescent ink is located above an ink layer of subtractive ink, an ink layer below the ink layer of subtractive ink is more strongly influenced by the subtractive ink. As a result, the contribution of the fluorescent pink ink to color development is also smaller when the fluorescent ink is located below the subtractive ink than when the fluorescent ink is located above the subtractive ink.

[0034] <About fluorescent ink> Next, the fluorescent ink used in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, fluorescent ink is used, which is prepared by mixing a dispersion of a colorant having fluorescent properties with a solvent and an activator. The dispersion of fluorescent colorant used in this embodiment is the dispersion of a colorant having fluorescent properties described above. For example, NKW-3207E (fluorescent pink aqueous dispersion: Nippon Kinko Kagaku Co., Ltd.) or NKW-3205E (fluorescent yellow aqueous dispersion: Nippon Kinko Kagaku Co., Ltd.) is used, but any dispersion of a colorant having fluorescent properties will do.

[0035] The fluorescent colorant dispersion is dispersed into ink by combining a known solvent and an activator with the fluorescent colorant dispersion. The dispersion method for the fluorescent colorant dispersion is not particularly limited. For example, a fluorescent colorant dispersion dispersed with a surfactant or a resin-dispersed fluorescent colorant dispersion dispersed with a dispersion resin can be used. Of course, fluorescent colorant dispersions dispersed by different methods can also be used in combination. The surfactant can be anionic, nonionic, cationic, or amphoteric activator. Any water-soluble or water-dispersible resin can be used as the dispersion resin. Among these, a dispersion resin with a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, preferably 3,000 to 50,000, is particularly preferred. The solvent is preferably an aqueous medium containing, for example, water and a water-soluble organic solvent.

[0036] <Fluorescent ink printing for luminous effect and expanded color gamut> The luminous effect and color gamut expansion effect of printing using fluorescent ink will be explained using the fluorescent pink ink described with reference to FIG. 2 as an example.

[0037] Not only when fluorescent pink is used alone, but also when fluorescent pink is combined with other inks, depending on the ink combination, suppression of luminescence can be reduced, resulting in high color output, and luminescence effects and color gamut expansion effects can be achieved. Figures 3(a) to 3(c) explain the luminescence effects and color gamut expansion effects when fluorescent pink ink is used. In Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the color gamut is defined in Lab space.

[0038] Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of a printer gamut with a hue of 350 degrees. The vertical axis represents lightness in Lab space, and the horizontal axis represents saturation in Lab space. A hue of 350 degrees is approximately the same as the hue when fluorescent pink ink is printed in a single color. Color gamut 301 is the color gamut when fluorescent pink is used, and color gamut 302 is the color gamut when fluorescent pink is not used. As shown in color gamut 301, the use of fluorescent pink can expand the printable color gamut.

[0039] Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the pink color gamut at a hue of 55 degrees. Color gamut 303 is the color gamut when fluorescent pink is used, and color gamut 304 is the color gamut when fluorescent pink is not used. As shown in color gamut 303, the color gamut can be expanded by combining fluorescent pink and yellow.

[0040] Figure 3(c) is a cross-sectional view of the violet color gamut at a hue of 315 degrees. Color gamut 305 is the color gamut when fluorescent pink is used, and color gamut 306 is the color gamut when fluorescent pink is not used. As shown in color gamut 305, the color gamut can be expanded by combining fluorescent pink and cyan.

[0041] In particular, the combination with Y ink, which has the least effect of suppressing the luminescence of fluorescent pink among C ink, M ink, and Y ink, does not suppress color development, so a luminous effect and an expansion of the color gamut on the brightness side can be obtained with orange.

[0042] Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show only the case where only one fluorescent ink color, fluorescent pink, is used, but if two fluorescent ink colors, fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow, are used, the color gamut expansion of Figure 3(b) will be even wider and a luminous effect will be obtained. Also, the color gamuts in Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show the color gamut when irradiated with visible light, but as mentioned above, the luminous effect of the fluorescent ink can be further obtained by irradiating it with light that includes ultraviolet light (UV light).

[0043] <Poster images using fluorescent ink and fluorescent spot colors> A poster image using fluorescent ink will be described using Figures 4 and 5. For example, the poster image shown in Figure 4 includes a background portion 401, graphic portions 402 and 403, and a text portion 404. Next, the colors used to print the poster image in Figure 4 will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 3(a). Colors 501, 502, 503, and 504 are colors that fall within the color gamut that can be printed without using fluorescent pink, and colors 505 and 506 are colors that fall within the color gamut that can be printed using fluorescent pink.

[0044] Assume that background 401 is printed using color 501, and figure 402 is printed using color 502. In normal printing without using fluorescent pink, figure 403 is printed using color 503, and text 404 is printed using color 504. On the other hand, in printing using fluorescent pink, figure 403 is printed using color 505, and text 404 is printed using color 506. Colors 505 and 506 are colors that cannot be printed without using fluorescent pink, and compared to colors 501 and 502, they can be printed as brighter, more vivid colors due to the luminous effect of fluorescent ink. This makes it possible to create a poster image in which figure 403 and text 404 stand out as eye-catching accents. In this embodiment, colors that can be used as eye-catching accents using fluorescent ink, such as colors 505 and 506, are called fluorescent spot colors. In fluorescent spot colors, the luminous effect of the fluorescent ink is enhanced by irradiating ultraviolet light (UV light) in addition to normal visible light, allowing for the creation of a more eye-catching poster image.

[0045] This paper explains how to create a poster image using fluorescent ink in an application that handles RGB data.

[0046] Because applications can process RGB values, in this embodiment, the RGB values ​​to be specified as a color palette within the application are determined in advance for the ink separations of fluorescent spot colors for the recording device 10. The application defines colors as a color palette so that specific colors can be easily read and used. In this embodiment, the RGB values ​​to be specified for fluorescent spot colors are also determined in advance, making it possible to use multiple combinations, including fluorescent spot colors, as a color palette.

[0047] For simplicity's sake, let us assume the following three fluorescent spot colors as an example. Fluorescent spot color 1 is a color printed with an ink separation of (C, M, Y, K, FP) = (0, 0, 0, 0, 100%). Similarly, fluorescent spot color 2 is a color printed with an ink separation of (C, M, Y, K, FP) = (0, 0, 0, 0, 75%), and fluorescent spot color 3 is a color printed with an ink separation of (C, M, Y, K, FP) = (0, 0, 0, 0, 50%). In FIG. 6, color 601 represents the output of fluorescent spot color 1, color 602 represents the output of fluorescent spot color 2, and color 603 represents the output of fluorescent spot color 3. As shown in FIG. 6, colors 601 to 603 cannot be reproduced without using fluorescent pink. By using colors 601 to 603 (fluorescent spot colors 1 to 3), a user can create an eye-catching poster image.

[0048] In this embodiment, the RGB values ​​specified for printing fluorescent spot colors 1 to 3 are determined in advance as shown in Fig. 7. The correspondence between the RGB values ​​of the fluorescent spot colors and the ink separations as shown in Fig. 7 is determined in common between the image processing device 20 and the recording device 10. In this embodiment, since the fluorescent spot colors are defined as RGB values, the user can easily specify the fluorescent spot colors as a color palette within the application.

[0049] Although the fluorescent pink ink has been described as a single color, if the fluorescent pink ink's luminous effect can be achieved by combining it with other inks, it can also be used as a fluorescent spot color. For example, it is possible to use the output of a combination of fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow as a fluorescent spot color. Furthermore, even if the recording device 10 is equipped with only one fluorescent ink color, fluorescent pink, the same color development effect and color gamut expansion effect can be achieved by combining fluorescent pink and yellow.

[0050] <Explanation of image processing device> 8, an application program 150 (hereinafter simply referred to as application 150) is stored in storage unit 140. Storage unit 140 also stores color conversion data 141 for fluorescent spot colors, conversion data 142 for normal colors, a plurality of fluorescent spot color palette data 143 set within application 150, and normal color palette data 144.

[0051] The application 150 is a program for realizing an image editing function and is used, for example, to create a poster image such as that shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the application 150 has a fluorescent spot color selection and display function for selecting a fluorescent spot color to be reproduced on a printed matter when print data is printed by the recording device 10. In this embodiment, RGB values ​​are defined for the fluorescent spot color, so that it is possible to execute operations similar to those of a normal color palette that is not a fluorescent spot color. To realize the fluorescent spot color selection and display function, the application 150 has an image display unit 151, a fluorescent spot color palette unit 152, a normal color palette unit 153, an image area selection and display unit 154, a print data creation unit 155, and a user interface unit 160.

[0052] When the application 150 is launched, the user interface unit 160 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen based on display data generated by the image display unit 151, the fluorescent spot color palette unit 152, the normal color palette unit 153, and the image area selection display unit 154. For example, the screen 901 in FIG. 9 is displayed by the user interface unit 160. The application 150 can receive a print instruction to print an edited image from a user via a GUI provided by the user interface unit 160, such as the screen 901. Upon receiving the print instruction from the user, the application 150 generates print data using the print data generation unit 155. In this embodiment, the print data is generated using lossy compression such as JPEG to reduce the data size. Furthermore, if edited image data is saved as needed, data reduction using lossy compression such as JPEG may also be performed. In this case, the saved data is used as print data. The print data generated by the print data generation unit 155 is transmitted to the recording device 10 via the image processing device I / F 109.

[0053] The process of creating a poster image using fluorescent spot colors as shown in FIG. 4 using application 150 will be described.

[0054] 9 is a diagram showing a UI screen of application 150. Screen 901 includes an image display section 902 that displays a poster image created and edited by application 150. Image display section 902 is displayed based on display data created by image display section 151 of application 150. FIG. 9 shows how the poster image shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on image display section 902.

[0055] The screen 901 also includes a fluorescent spot color palette section 903 for accepting the selection of a fluorescent spot color, and a normal color palette section 904 for accepting the selection of a normal color other than the fluorescent spot color. The fluorescent spot color palette section 903 is displayed based on display data created by the fluorescent spot color palette display section 152. The normal color palette section 904 is displayed based on display data created by the normal color palette display section 153.

[0056] The fluorescent spot color palette section 903 displays the fluorescent spot colors defined in Fig. 7, for example, the above-mentioned fluorescent spot colors 1 to 3. The correspondence table shown in Fig. 7 is stored in the storage section 140 as color conversion data 141 for fluorescent spot colors. The fluorescent spot color palette section 903 is a color palette defined by RGB values ​​as shown in Fig. 7. The fluorescent spot color palette data created by the fluorescent spot color palette section 903 is stored in the storage section 140 as the fluorescent spot color palette 143.

[0057] The normal color palette section 904 displays the normal colors defined in FIG. 11. The correspondence table in FIG. 11 defines the correspondence between RGB values ​​and ink separation for normal colors. The correspondence table in FIG. 11 is stored in the storage section 140 as color conversion data 142 for normal colors. The normal color palette section 904 is a color palette defined with RGB values ​​equivalent to those installed in the OS standard paint application and other general-purpose applications. The color palette data created by the normal color palette section 904 is stored in the storage section 140 as the normal color palette 144.

[0058] The selection area setting unit 905 can accept an instruction to select and display at least a partial image area of ​​the poster image displayed on the image display unit 902. The print button 906 is a button that can accept an instruction to print edited image data. When the print instruction is accepted, print data is created by the print data creation unit 155. The cancel button 907 is a button that can accept an instruction to cancel processing on the screen 901.

[0059] As described above, the storage unit 140 stores not only the fluorescent spot color palette data but also the fluorescent spot color color conversion data 141. Therefore, when the user selects a fluorescent spot color palette in the fluorescent spot color palette section 904, the ink separation and colorimetric values ​​may be displayed, or colors may be reflected in a preview image based on the colorimetric values.

[0060] When application 150 is launched, it starts creating a poster image. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the process executed in recording device 10 until print data is generated by application 150. The process in Fig. 22 is realized, for example, by the CPU of main control unit 108 reading and executing a program stored in ROM.

[0061] In S2201, the main control unit 108 creates a poster image in response to a user operation. The poster image may be created based on a template prepared in advance in the application 150, or may be created from scratch. The poster image creation function may be a function that can be realized by a general application, and, for example, text, figures, and images can be arbitrarily arranged. Here, the poster image includes a background 401, a figure 402, a figure 403, and text 404. The user interface unit 160 displays the created poster image on the image display unit 902.

[0062] In S2202, the main control unit 108 accepts the selection of colors to be used in the poster image. The colors to be used in the background 401 and the figure 402 are selected from the normal color palette unit 904. Meanwhile, the color to be used in the figure 403 is assumed to be fluorescent spot color 1 selected from the fluorescent spot color palette unit 903. When fluorescent spot color 1 is selected, the figure 403 is filled with RGB=(255, 0, 255) as defined in the correspondence table of FIG. 7. The color to be used in the text 404 is assumed to be fluorescent spot color 2 selected from the fluorescent spot color palette unit 903. When fluorescent spot color 2 is selected, the text 404 is filled with RGB=(255, 64, 255) as defined in the correspondence table of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the fluorescent spot color palette is defined in advance using RGB values, as shown in FIG. 7, and therefore the created poster image data can be described using only RGB values. Therefore, if you are using an application that can process RGB values, you can use the RGB values ​​specified for the fluorescent spot color to fill in the text or figures you want to output in the fluorescent spot color using the color palette function.

[0063] In S2203, the main control unit 108 accepts pressing (print instruction) of the print button 906. Upon accepting pressing of the print button 906, in S2204 the main control unit 108 lossy compresses the RGB data representing the poster image using JPEG or the like, and transmits the compressed data to the recording device 10 as print data.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the printing process executed in the recording device 10. The process in Fig. 10 is realized, for example, by the CPU of the main control unit 101 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

[0065] In S1001, the main control unit 101 inputs print data created by the image processing device 20 via the recording device I / F 105. Here, the input print data is RGB data defined by RGB values, and has been lossy compressed using JPEG or the like. In S1002, the main control unit 101 restores the input print data. Here, when restoring the lossy compressed data, the RGB values ​​may become misaligned.

[0066] In S1003, the main control unit 101 separates the restored print data (RGB data) into ink colors used in the recording device 10. For example, the RGB data is separated into 16-bit gradation data (density data) for each of C, M, Y, K, FP, and FY (ink color separation). This generates a 16-bit gray image for three channels (three colors). In the ink color separation process, interpolation is performed by referencing a lookup table (LUT) stored in advance in a ROM or the like. In this embodiment, conversion of spot color RGB values ​​and ink separation into C, M, Y, K, FP, and FY is performed using an LUT, which will be described later. The LUT interpolation may be performed using a known method such as cubic interpolation or tetrahedral interpolation.

[0067] In S1004, the main control unit 101 performs quantization processing on the gradation data corresponding to each ink color, converting it into quantized data of several bits. For example, when quantizing to three values, the gradation data is converted into 2-bit data of levels 0 to 2.

[0068] In S1005, the main control unit 101 performs index expansion processing. Specifically, one dot arrangement pattern is identified from among multiple dot arrangement patterns that define the number and positions of dots to be printed in each pixel, depending on the level obtained in S1004. In this case, the dot arrangement table may be configured to vary the number of dots to be printed in an area corresponding to each pixel depending on the level value, or may be configured to vary the size of the dots depending on the level value.

[0069] In S1006, the main control unit 101 drives the print head 115 and the paper feed / discharge motor control unit 104 based on the output data that has undergone index development processing to print an image on the print medium, and the processing of FIG. 10 ends.

[0070] The LUT used in S1003 will be explained. For simplicity, the explanation will be given using the 5-Grid LUT shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is an LUT used for ink separation from RGB to C, M, Y, K, FP, and FY (hereinafter also referred to as CMYKFPFY), and as shown in Fig. 13, for example, the correspondence between the ink separation C, M, Y, K, FP, and FY is assigned to the RGB values, which are grid points.

[0071] The creation of the LUTs in Figures 12 and 13 will now be described. First, an LUT for ink separation from RGB to CMYK, which does not use fluorescent pink and outputs normal colors, as shown in Figure 14, is created. The LUT creation method here can be a known method. The LUT created at this time is specified with FP and FY set to 0, as shown in Figure 14.

[0072] Next, the LUT in FIG. 14 is modified so that the LUT can output fluorescent spot colors. The LUT modification in FIG. 14 uses a correspondence table between RGB and ink separation, such as that shown in FIG. 15. The correspondence table in FIG. 15 defines a predetermined correspondence relationship between RGB and fluorescent inks FP and FY. In the correspondence table in FIG. 15, the FP and FY values ​​are defined for each spot color on the R=255 plane in the RGB color space.

[0073] Using the correspondence relationship between RGB and output ink separation defined in advance as shown in FIG. 15, the RGB values ​​of the grid points defined as spot colors are replaced with the CMYKFPFY values ​​for spot color output defined in FIG. 15. For example, in the LUT of FIG. 14, CMYKFPFY=(0,0,25,0,0,0) is defined for RGB=(255,255,192). Here, in the correspondence table of FIG. 15, CMYKFPFY=(0,0,0,0,0,25) is defined for RGB=(255,255,192). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the ink separation for RGB(255,255,192) is replaced with CMYKFPFY=(0,0,0,0,0,25).

[0074] Similarly, although not shown in FIG. 14, CMYKFPFY=(0,100,0,0,0,0) is defined for RGB=(255,0,255). Here, in the correspondence table of FIG. 15, CMYKFPFY=(0,0,0,0,100,0) is defined for RGB=(255,0,255). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the ink separation for RGB=(255,0,255) is converted to CMYKFPFY=(0,0,0,0,100,0). The fluorescent spot color palette 143 stored in the storage unit 140 of the image processing device 20 corresponds to the relationship between the RGB values ​​and the CMYKFPFY values ​​in the LUTs of FIGS. 12 and 13, in which the values ​​have been converted as described above in the recording device 10.

[0075] As described above, the LUT used in S1003 is created. Note that in this embodiment, the RGB values ​​specified for the fluorescent spot color are the RGB values ​​of the grid points of the LUT. In this way, when RGB values ​​specified for the fluorescent spot color are input as print data, simple control of ink separation can be achieved by outputting the CMYKFPFY values ​​corresponding to the RGB values.

[0076] As an effect of this embodiment, first, the influence of RGB value deviation due to lossy compression such as JPEG by the print data creation unit 155 of the application 150 will be described below. As described above, it is assumed that the figure 403 in FIG. 9 is filled with spot color 5, RGB (255, 0, 255). Due to lossy compression by JPEG, the RGB values ​​of spot color 5 restored in S1002 may be shifted, for example, to RGB (255, 5, 255). Similarly, it is assumed that the character 404 is filled with spot color 10, RGB (255, 64, 255). Due to lossy compression by JPEG, the RGB values ​​restored in S1002 may be shifted, for example, to RGB (255, 58, 255).

[0077] According to this embodiment, even if the RGB values ​​deviate from the defined values ​​of the fluorescent spot color, ink separation is performed by interpolation calculation using the LUTs in Figures 12 and 13 in S1003. For simplicity of explanation, the explanation will be given in two dimensions as shown in Figure 16.

[0078] FIG. 16 shows the outermost surface extracted from the LUT in FIG. 12, where RGB is (255,0,0), (255,0,255), (255,255,0), (255,255,255).

[0079] Lattice point 1501 has RGB=(255,0,0), lattice point 1502 has RGB=(255,0,64), lattice point 1503 has RGB=(255,64,0), and lattice point 1504 has RGB=(255,64,64). Lattice point 1501 matches fluorescent spot color 1, 1502 matches fluorescent spot color 2, 1503 matches fluorescent spot color 6, and 1504 matches fluorescent spot color 7. The ink decomposition of the fluorescent spot in this case is as shown in FIG.

[0080] Suppose that the user specifies spot color 7, RGB=(255,64,64), on application 150, but the RGB values ​​shift due to lossy compression such as JPEG, resulting in color 1505 (RGB=(255,48,50)).

[0081] In this embodiment, when cubic interpolation is used for the interpolation calculation, R=255, so the ink separation of color 1505 is determined based on the four colors of the square containing the RGB value to be calculated. The four colors (lattice points 1501, 1502, 1503, and 1504) required to calculate color 1505 are all determined as fluorescent spot colors and are separated into fluorescent inks. Therefore, the ink separation of color 1505 calculated by the interpolation calculation is CMYKFPFY=(0,0,0,0,78.1%,76.6%), resulting in fluorescent ink separation. In other words, grid points adjacent to the grid point corresponding to the fluorescent spot color are also positioned as fluorescent spot colors. This ensures that the fluorescent spot color can be properly colored even if the RGB values ​​specifying the fluorescent spot color are misaligned due to lossy compression. While the above description assumes the use of cubic interpolation, tetrahedral interpolation uses three grid points encompassing color 1505 in FIG. 16 , and even in this case, the fluorescent spot color can still be colored.

[0082] For comparison, we will now explain the case where an LUT is used in which grid points adjacent to a fluorescent spot color are ink-separated as normal colors, and grid points corresponding to the fluorescent spot color are not arranged contiguously. Here, we assume that the fluorescent spot color is defined as shown in FIG. 16. For simplicity, only the part with RGB=(255,64,64) is considered to be the fluorescent spot color. As mentioned above, we assume that the RGB values ​​have shifted due to lossy compression such as JPEG, resulting in color 1505 (RGB=(255,48,50)). In this case, the ink separation of color 1505 is determined based on the four colors of the square containing the RGB value to be calculated. Of the four colors (grid points 1501, 1502, 1503, and 1504) required to calculate color 1505, only grid point 1504 is the fluorescent spot color, and the other three are normal colors. The ink separation of color 1505 calculated by interpolation is CMYKFPFY = (0, 25%, 21.9%, 0, 56.3%, 59.6%), resulting in a high content of M ink and Y ink. It can also be seen that the amount of FP and FY inks is reduced compared to the results of this embodiment. As a result, the mixing of M ink weakens the luminous effect of the fluorescent ink. In other words, if the only grid points adjacent to a fluorescent spot color grid point are normal colors, the luminous effect will be weakened.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, an LUT that is arranged as a fluorescent spot color is used for at least one grid point adjacent to the coordinates of a grid point corresponding to a fluorescent spot color. This makes it possible to perform printing that properly realizes the color development of the fluorescent spot color even if the RGB values ​​that specify the fluorescent spot color are shifted due to lossy compression such as JPEG.

[0084] [Second embodiment] The following describes the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a combination of fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow was described. However, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the combination of fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow is not limited to this, and other ink color combinations that can achieve a color gamut expansion effect may also be used. For example, an output that combines fluorescent pink and yellow may be used as a fluorescent spot color.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the fluorescent spot color grid points were assigned to the outermost surface of the fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow combination, with RGB coordinates of (255,0,0), (255,0,255), (255,255,0), and (255,255,255). Fluorescent spot colors can also be achieved with other color combinations, such as fluorescent pink and fluorescent blue, or fluorescent yellow and fluorescent green. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the color gamut expansion effect of fluorescent ink is influenced by the luminous effect of fluorescent ink. Therefore, the luminous effect is large in bright color gamuts but not so large in dark color gamuts. Therefore, in this embodiment, the grid points used as fluorescent spot colors are assigned to the following three regions in the LUT shown in FIG. 18:

[0086] The outermost surface has RGB values ​​of (255,0,0), (255,0,255), (255,255,0), (255,255,255).

[0087] The outermost surface has RGB values ​​of (0,255,0), (255,255,0), (0,255,255), (255,255,255).

[0088] The outermost surface has RGB values ​​of (0,0,255), (255,0,0), (0,255,255), and (255,255,255).

[0089] Alternatively, grid points within a further limited area within each surface may be used as the fluorescent spot color. For example, grid points within an area spanning each surface of RGB=(255,0,255)(255,25,0)(0,255,255), with the maximum brightness RGB=(255,255,255) at its center, may be used as the fluorescent spot color.

[0090] [Third embodiment] The following describes the differences between this embodiment and the first and second embodiments. In the first embodiment, printing using fluorescent spot colors was described. However, in addition to printing using fluorescent spot colors, there are also cases where printing using only normal colors without using fluorescent spot colors is performed. In this embodiment, the user can switch between these printing methods on the application screen.

[0091] In this embodiment, the screen 901 in FIG. 9 may be provided with two print buttons 906, a fluorescent spot color print button and a normal color print button, so that the user can select one. Alternatively, when the print button 906 is pressed, a screen may be displayed in which the fluorescent spot color print button and the normal color print button can be selected, as shown in FIG. 23 . Furthermore, if no colors in the fluorescent spot color palette are used in the poster image created on the screen 901, the fluorescent spot color print button may be displayed in gray, or the like, so that it cannot be selected. In this case, normal color printing is determined. The selection of fluorescent spot color printing or normal color printing is included in a print command and transmitted to the recording device 10 together with the print data. Furthermore, even if normal color printing is determined as described above, information indicating normal color printing may be included in the print command and transmitted to the recording device 10 together with the print data, in addition to the user's selection.

[0092] 19 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the recording device 10. This is realized by the CPU of the main control unit 101 reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it.

[0093] S1001 and S1002 are the same as those in S1001 and S1002 in Fig. 10, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. Once the input print data is restored in S1002, the process proceeds to S1801.

[0094] In S1801, the main control unit 101 determines whether fluorescent spot color printing is to be performed. For example, the main control unit 101 determines whether spot color printing is to be performed based on the selection result of fluorescent spot color printing or normal color printing included in the print command described above. If it is determined that fluorescent spot color printing is to be performed, the process proceeds to S1802. In S1802, the process of S1003 in FIG. 10 is executed. That is, ink separation is performed using the LUTs in FIGS. 12 and 13. On the other hand, if it is determined that fluorescent spot color printing is not to be performed, in S1803, the main control unit 101 performs ink separation using the LUT for normal color printing. The LUT for normal color printing is an LUT that does not include ink separation into fluorescent inks, such as one that associates RGB values ​​with CMYK values. After S1802 and S1803, the process proceeds to S1004. S1004 to S1006 are the same as the description of S1004 to S1006 in FIG. 10, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0095] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to execute processing in which the LUT is switched between fluorescent spot color printing and normal color printing. In the processing of FIG. 18, the selection result of fluorescent spot color printing or normal color printing is transmitted to the recording device 10, for example, for each job. Furthermore, information on whether or not to use fluorescent spot colors for each color palette may be included in the print command and transmitted to the recording device 10.

[0096] The main control unit 101 may be provided separately from the recording device 10 and the image processing device 20 and disposed between the recording device 10 and the image processing device 20. Alternatively, a data processing device that executes the steps from S1003 in FIG. 10 onwards to convert the RGB data transmitted from the image processing device 20 into subtractive ink data for the recording device 10 or ink data containing fluorescent ink may be provided separately from the recording device 10 and the image processing device 20 and disposed between the recording device 10 and the image processing device 20. Each of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Also, each of the above-described embodiments can be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0097] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following data processing device, information processing device, method, and program. (Item 1) an input means for inputting image data; a generating means for generating ink data to be used for recording based on the image data input by the input means; Equipped with the generating means generates the ink data using a first converting means in which ink colors are associated with each coordinate in the color space represented by the image data; the first conversion means converts a first coordinate in a color space represented by the image data into ink data corresponding to subtractive color mixture ink, and converts a second coordinate in the color space into ink data corresponding to a spot color ink different in color from the subtractive color mixture ink instead of converting the second coordinate into subtractive color mixture ink data; each of the coordinates corresponds to a lattice point in a color space represented by the image data, and at least one of the plurality of coordinates adjacent to the coordinate to be converted into the spot color is the coordinate to be converted into the spot color; A data processing device characterized by: (Item 2) 2. The data processing device according to item 1, wherein a part of the area on the color space represented by the image data is configured with coordinates that are converted into the spot color. (Item 3) 3. The data processing device according to item 2, wherein the partial area on the color space represented by the image data is an area including the coordinates of maximum brightness in the color space. (Item 4) the generating means generates the ink data using a second converting means different from the first converting means, each coordinate to be converted into the ink data by the second conversion means is a coordinate to be converted into the subtractive color ink data, and does not include a coordinate to be converted into the spot color ink data; 4. The data processing device according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) 5. The data processing device according to item 4, wherein the first conversion means and the second conversion means are lookup tables. (Item 6) 6. The data processing device according to item 5, wherein the lookup table serving as the first conversion means is created based on the lookup table serving as the second conversion means. (Item 7) a table in which the spot colors are associated with predetermined coordinates in a color space represented by the image data, the lookup table serving as the first conversion means is created by replacing the subtractive color mixture corresponding to the predetermined coordinates among the coordinates of the lookup table serving as the second conversion means with the spot color; 7. The data processing device according to item 6, (Item 8) a receiving means for receiving a command instructing recording; the generating means generates the ink data by switching between the first converting means and the second converting means in response to the command received by the receiving means. 8. The data processing device according to any one of items 5 to 7. (Item 9) 9. The data processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the image data input by the input means is lossy compressed data. (Item 10) Further, a restoration means for restoring the lossy compressed data is provided, the generating means generates the ink data using the data restored by the restoring means. 10. The data processing device according to item 9, (Item 11) 11. The data processing device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the subtractive colors include at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. (Item 12) 12. The data processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the spot color includes a fluorescent color. (Item 13) 13. The data processing device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the color space represented by the image data is an RGB color space. (Item 14) 14. The data processing device according to any one of items 1 to 13, further comprising a recording unit that records an image on a recording medium based on the ink data generated by the generation unit. (Item 15) generating means for generating image data using a color palette; a transmitting means for transmitting the image data generated by the generating means to a recording device; Equipped with the color palette includes a subtractive color palette and a spot color palette; the subtractive color mixture and the spot color are defined in a color space represented by the image data; the spot color is associated with the coordinates of the color space represented by the image data instead of the subtractive color mixture corresponding to the coordinates; 1. An information processing device comprising: (Item 16) The image data generated by the generating means is further compressed by a compression means, the transmitting means transmits the image data lossily compressed by the compressing means to the recording device; 16. The information processing device according to item 15, (Item 17) 17. The information processing device according to item 15 or 16, wherein the subtractive colors include at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. (Item 18) 18. The information processing device according to any one of items 15 to 17, wherein the spot color includes a fluorescent color. (Item 19) 19. The information processing device according to any one of items 15 to 18, wherein the color space represented by the image data is an RGB color space. (Item 20) an input step of inputting image data; a generating step of generating ink data to be used for recording based on the image data input in the input step; and In the generating step, the ink data is generated using a first conversion means in which ink colors are associated with each coordinate in the color space represented by the image data; the first conversion means converts a first coordinate in a color space represented by the image data into ink data corresponding to subtractive color mixture ink, and converts a second coordinate in the color space into ink data corresponding to a spot color ink different in color from the subtractive color mixture ink instead of converting the second coordinate into subtractive color mixture ink data; each of the coordinates corresponds to a lattice point in a color space represented by the image data, and at least one of the plurality of coordinates adjacent to the coordinate to be converted into the spot color is the coordinate to be converted into the spot color; A method characterized by: (Item 21) a generating step of generating image data using a color palette; a transmitting step of transmitting the image data generated in the generating step to a recording device; and the color palette includes a subtractive color palette and a spot color palette; the subtractive color mixture and the spot color are defined in a color space represented by the image data; the spot color is associated with the coordinates of the color space represented by the image data instead of the subtractive color mixture corresponding to the coordinates; A method characterized by: (Item 22) Item 21. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to Item 20. (Item 23) Item 22. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to Item 21.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10 Recording device: 20 Image processing device: 101, 108 Main control unit: 110 Display unit: 140 Memory unit

Claims

1. An input means for inputting image data; a generating means for generating ink data for forming an image on a recording medium using first conversion data in which ink colors are associated with each coordinate in a color space corresponding to the image data; Equipped with The coordinates of the color space corresponding to the image data include first coordinates to which color values ​​converted to ink data corresponding to subtractive ink are assigned, and second coordinates to which color values ​​converted to ink data corresponding to a spot color ink different from the color of the subtractive ink are assigned. the first conversion data is data for converting a color value of the first coordinate into ink data corresponding to the subtractive ink and for converting a color value of the second coordinate into ink data corresponding to the spot color ink; At least one of the plurality of coordinates adjacent to the second coordinate is the second coordinate.

23. A data processing device comprising:

2. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of an area on a color space corresponding to the image data is configured by the second coordinates.

3. 3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the partial area on the color space corresponding to the image data is an area including the coordinates of maximum brightness in the color space.

4. the generating means generates the ink data using second conversion data different from the first conversion data, the coordinates of the color values ​​converted into the ink data by the second conversion data are coordinates where the color values ​​are converted into the subtractive ink data, and do not include coordinates where the color values ​​are converted into the ink data of the spot color; 2. The data processing device according to claim 1.

5. 5. The data processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first conversion data and the second conversion data are lookup tables.

6. 6. The data processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the lookup table serving as the first conversion data is created based on a lookup table serving as the second conversion data.

7. a lookup table in which the spot color is associated with a predetermined coordinate in a color space corresponding to the image data, the subtractive color mixing corresponding to the predetermined coordinates among the coordinates of the lookup table as the second conversion data is replaced with the spot color, thereby creating a lookup table as the first conversion data; 7. A data processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. Further comprising a receiving means for receiving a command instructing formation of the image, the generating means generates the ink data by switching between the first converted data and the second converted data in response to the command received by the receiving means.

8. A data processing device according to claim 5, wherein the data processing device is a data processing device having a plurality of inputs.

9. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data input by said input means is lossy compressed data.

10. A restoration unit for restoring the lossy compressed data, the generating means generates the ink data using the data restored by the restoring means.

10. A data processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subtractive colors include at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

12. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spot color includes a fluorescent color.

13. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a color space corresponding to the image data is an RGB color space.

14. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls formation of an image on the recording medium based on the ink data generated by the generation unit.

15. The data processing device of claim 1, wherein the spot color includes a metallic color.

16. A generating means for generating image data using a color palette; a transmission means for transmitting the image data generated by the generation means to a recording device; Equipped with the color palette includes a subtractive color palette and a spot color palette; the subtractive color mixture and the spot color are defined in a color space represented by the image data; The spot color is associated with the coordinates of the color space represented by the image data instead of subtractive color mixing corresponding to the coordinates.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

17. The image data generated by the generating means is further compressed by a compression means, the transmission means transmits the image data lossily compressed by the compression means to the recording device; 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16,

18. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the subtractive color mixture includes at least one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

19. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the spot color includes a fluorescent color.

20. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the color space represented by the image data is an RGB color space.

21. an input step of inputting image data; a generating step of generating ink data for forming an image on a recording medium using first conversion data in which ink colors are associated with each coordinate in a color space corresponding to the image data; having The coordinates of the color space corresponding to the image data include first coordinates to which color values ​​converted to ink data corresponding to subtractive ink are assigned, and second coordinates to which color values ​​converted to ink data corresponding to a spot color ink different from the color of the subtractive ink are assigned. the first conversion data is data for converting a color value of the first coordinate into ink data corresponding to the subtractive ink and for converting a color value of the second coordinate into ink data corresponding to the spot color ink; At least one of the plurality of coordinates adjacent to the second coordinate is the second coordinate. A method comprising:

22. A generating step of generating image data using a color palette; a transmission step of transmitting the image data generated in the generation step to a recording device; having the color palette includes a subtractive color palette and a spot color palette; the subtractive color mixture and the spot color are defined in a color space represented by the image data; The spot color is associated with the coordinates of the color space represented by the image data instead of subtractive color mixing corresponding to the coordinates. A method comprising:

23. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to claim 21.

24. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to claim 22.

Images