Image processing system and program

Abstract

To make a user grasp that there is a possibility that a defect may occur in the image when color correction is applied to a raster image.SOLUTION: An intermediate data generation processing part 42, when color correction is specified for a raster image in a print job and executing color correction on the raster image may result in a defect in the color-corrected image, warns a user by saving information indicating that defects may occur in the color-corrected images as attribute information in the intermediate data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image processing device that reduces the labor required for inspecting for garbled characters by allowing the user to give instructions using a driver or utility to change the color of characters that may be garbled on the printing device and print them.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses an image processing device that identifies objects in an input print job, and if the identified object is a transparent object, performs color conversion processing in a rendering color space, and if it is a gradation, performs color conversion processing in a device color space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-350798 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-160476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When color correction is performed on a raster image after rasterization processing, defects may occur in the color-corrected image. For example, if the image to be printed contains a display object to which a transparency effect is applied, performing color correction on the raster image will result in a color difference at the boundary between the area to which the transparency effect is applied and the area to which the transparency effect is not applied, resulting in a defect in the image. It is difficult for users to understand what display objects are included in the image and whether performing color correction on the raster image will result in a defect in the color-corrected image.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device that can make a user aware that, when color correction is performed on a raster image and defects may occur in the image, defects may occur in the image after color correction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image processing system of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a processor, and when color correction for a raster image is specified in a print instruction and performing color correction on the raster image may result in defects in the color-corrected image, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image.

[0008] In a second aspect of the image processing system of the present disclosure, in the image processing system of the first aspect, if color correction for a raster image is specified in a print instruction and a display object to which a transparency effect has been applied exists in an image included in the print instruction, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction.

[0009] An image processing system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the image processing system according to the second aspect, further comprising an image conversion unit that converts an image expressed in a page description language included in the print instruction into intermediate data and performs a rasterization process on the converted intermediate data to generate a raster image; The processor: When warning the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction, the system proposes to the user that the designation of color correction for the raster image be changed to the designation of color correction at the stage of intermediate data, and if the user accepts the proposal, the system re-executes the process of converting the image data included in the print instruction into a raster image.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the image processing system of the present disclosure is the image processing system of the second aspect, wherein when the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction, it suggests to the user that the color correction specification for the raster image be canceled, and if the user accepts the suggestion, it stops the color correction for the generated raster image.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the image processing system of the present disclosure, in the image processing system of the first aspect, if performing color correction on a raster image may result in defects in the color-corrected image, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing processing on display objects that may result in defects in the color-corrected image differently from that performed on other display objects.

[0012] An image processing system of a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the image processing system of the fifth aspect, wherein the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by converting display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image into display objects of a single color, or by deleting display objects other than display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image.

[0013] In a seventh aspect of the image processing system of the present disclosure, in the image processing system of the first aspect, if performing color correction on a raster image may result in defects in the color-corrected image, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing different processing on pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image than on pixels in other areas.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the image processing system of the present disclosure is the image processing system of the seventh aspect, wherein the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by changing the density values for each color of pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image using a pre-set change method.

[0015] In a ninth aspect of the image processing system of the present disclosure, in the image processing system of the first aspect, the processor accepts a choice from the user as to whether or not to issue a warning that defects will occur in the color-corrected image, and warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image only if the user selects to issue a warning that defects will occur in the color-corrected image.

[0016] A program according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes: receiving a print instruction; When color correction for a raster image is specified in the accepted print instruction and color correction is executed on the raster image, there is a possibility that defects will occur in the image after color correction, and a step of warning a user that defects will occur in the image after color correction is executed is executed by the computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the image processing system of the first aspect of the present disclosure, when color correction is performed on a raster image and defects may occur in the image, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the image after color correction.

[0018] According to the image processing system of the second aspect of the present disclosure, when color correction is performed on a raster image and defects may occur in the image, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the image after color correction.

[0019] According to the image processing system of the third aspect of the present disclosure, even if there is a possibility that defects will occur in the image after color correction, it is possible to suggest to the user a solution that will prevent such image defects from occurring.

[0020] According to the image processing system of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, even if there is a possibility that defects will occur in the image after color correction, it is possible to suggest to the user a solution that will prevent such image defects from occurring.

[0021] According to the image processing system of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, by performing processing to make display objects that may have defects in the color-corrected image stand out from other display objects, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0022] According to the image processing system of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, by performing processing to make a display object that may have a defect in the color-corrected image stand out from other display objects, it is possible to make a user aware that a defect may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect of the image processing system of the present disclosure, by performing processing to make pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image stand out from other pixels, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0024] According to the image processing system of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, by performing processing to make pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image stand out from other pixels, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0025] According to the image processing system of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the user can select whether or not to issue a warning that a defect will occur in the image after color correction.

[0026] According to the program of the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, when color correction is performed on a raster image and defects may occur in the image, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the image after color correction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an original image onto which a character image to which a visual effect called a drop shadow is applied is superimposed. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a character image to which a visual effect called a drop shadow is applied. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a simplified representation of a character image to which a visual effect called a drop shadow is applied. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which a character image to which a drop shadow is applied is added to the original image shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image after color correction is performed on the image shown in FIG. 5 at the intermediate data stage. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image after color correction is performed on the image shown in FIG. 5 at the raster image stage. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the image shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an application area of CMYK color correction and an application area where CMYK color correction is not applied. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a spot color gradation object. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which the spot color gradation object shown in FIG. 10 is overprinted on the original image shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which CMYK color correction is performed on an image in which a spot color gradation object is overprinted. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a print server 10 in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a print server 10 in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 2 is a diagram showing the flow of data between processing units in the print server 10. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of RIP processing in the RIP processor 33. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of drawing processing in a drawing processing unit 34. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of attribute information included in PDL data. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in which a countermeasure to prevent image defects from occurring is proposed on the display screen of raster image viewer software for previewing raster images on the client terminal 20. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the client terminal 20 when warning the user that a defect will occur in the image after color correction. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a selection is received from a user as to whether or not to issue a warning that a defect will occur in an image after color correction. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a screen when a selection is received from a user as to whether or not to issue a warning that a defect will occur in an image after color correction. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process for issuing a warning by extracting only display objects that are the target of the warning. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an output when an image defect portion is extracted and displayed. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for issuing a warning by repainting a display object that is a target of a warning in a warning color. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an output when the color of a display object at an image defect location is changed to a warning color. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for issuing a warning by changing color correction of a display object that is the target of the warning. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an output when a warning color correction is performed on a display object of an image defect portion. [Figure 29]10 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the case where a warning is issued by changing color correction of a display object that is the target of the warning in the raster image correction processing unit 52. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] 1, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration in which a print server 10, a client terminal 20, and a commercial printer 30 are interconnected via a network 40. The print server 10 is an image processing device or an image processing system that controls the printer 30 to execute a print process based on a print job, which is a print instruction received from the client terminal 20. Here, a print job written in PDL (Page Description Language) is sent from the client terminal 20 to the print server 10. Therefore, the print server 10 converts the print job written in PDL into a raster image and transfers it to the printer 30.

[0031] Here, the print server 10 does not directly convert the print job into a raster image, but first converts the print job written in PDL into intermediate data, and then converts this intermediate data into a raster image that can be printed by the printer 30. This intermediate data is data in a format that is easier to convert into a raster image than PDL data.

[0032] In the image forming system described above, there are cases where a print job is not printed as is by the printer 30, but is printed by changing color values through color correction or color conversion. In the following explanation, both color correction and color conversion will be referred to as color correction.

[0033] The print server 10 is also capable of performing color correction at the intermediate data stage, and at the raster image stage. The stage at which color correction is to be performed is specified when a print instruction is sent from the client terminal 20 to the print server 10.

[0034] Here, when color correction is performed on a raster image after rasterization, hardware processing is possible, enabling high-speed processing. However, when intermediate data is converted into a raster image, attribute information in the PDL data, such as object type and color space information, is lost. Therefore, when color correction is performed on a raster image, defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0035] For example, if the image to be printed contains an object to which a transparency effect has been applied, performing color correction on the raster image will result in a color difference at the boundary between the area to which the transparency effect has been applied and the area to which the transparency effect has not been applied, resulting in defects in the image.

[0036] On the other hand, when color correction is performed on intermediate data, accurate color reproduction is possible because accurate attribute information in the PDL data can be used for processing. However, color correction must be performed for each display object (or drawing object) in the PDL data, which can result in long processing times.

[0037] Therefore, in order to shorten the processing time, it is necessary to perform color correction at the raster image stage as much as possible. However, it is difficult for the user to grasp what display objects are included in the image and whether performing color correction on the raster image will cause defects in the color-corrected image.

[0038] Therefore, in the print server 10 of this embodiment, by performing the control described below, if there is a possibility that defects will occur in the image when color correction is performed on a raster image, the user is made aware that there is a possibility that defects will occur in the image after color correction.

[0039] Before describing the image forming system of this embodiment, a specific example of an image defect occurring when color correction is performed on a raster image will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] For example, a case will be described in which a character image to which a visual effect called a drop shadow is applied is superimposed on an original image such as that shown in Fig. 2. Note that, although an actual image may be a photographic image or a complex image using various colors, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, a simple image such as that shown in Fig. 2 will be used as the original image.

[0041] An example of a text image with such a drop shadow applied is shown in Figure 3. Drop shadow is a visual effect applied to text and shapes, and refers to a function that creates the appearance of a shadow falling beside the outline of the object to which it is applied. When a drop shadow is applied to text or shapes, a soft, shadow-like gradient appears around them, making them appear to stand out against the displayed object behind them.

[0042] However, when a drop shadow is applied to text or a shape, the shadow of the text or shape is generated using a gradient, as shown in Figure 3, and an area where a transparent effect is applied is set around the text or shape.

[0043] In reality, a character image with a drop shadow applied as shown in Figure 3 is superimposed on the original image, but in consideration of ease of representation on the drawing, the following explanation will use the simplified representation shown in Figure 4.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an example of an image in which a character image with a drop shadow applied has been added to the original image shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 5, we can see that the character string "ABC" with a drop shadow applied has been added to part of the original image shown in Figure 2.

[0045] Figure 6 shows an example of the image after color correction was performed on the image shown in Figure 5 at the intermediate data stage. When color correction is performed on the intermediate data stage, color correction is performed for each display object, so it can be seen that the overall color values change without any image defects occurring.

[0046] In contrast, Figure 7 shows an example of the image after color correction at the raster image stage has been performed on the image shown in Figure 5. Note that raster images are data composed of color values corresponding to the colors of color materials such as toner, such as CMYK. For this reason, color correction at the raster image stage is sometimes called CMYK color correction.

[0047] Referring to Figure 7, it can be seen that when CMYK color correction is performed on a raster image, a color step occurs between the area of the character image to which the drop shadow is applied and the rest of the area, resulting in an image defect. Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the image shown in Figure 7. Referring to Figure 8, it can be seen more clearly that a color step, where the color value changes suddenly, has occurred around the character string "ABC" to which the drop shadow is applied.

[0048] The reason why such color differences occur will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an area where CMYK color correction is applied and an area where CMYK color correction is not applied. A certain area including a text image to which a drop shadow is applied is an area to which a transparency effect is applied because a shadow with a gradation is set. The area to which the transparency effect is applied is set as an area outside the scope of CMYK color correction. Therefore, referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that a certain area including a text image to which a drop shadow is applied is an area to which CMYK color correction is not applied.

[0049] Even if color correction is performed at the raster image stage, color correction is not performed in areas where CMYK color correction is not applied. As a result, color values change suddenly at the boundary between areas where CMYK color correction is applied and areas where CMYK color correction is not applied, resulting in color differences.

[0050] Furthermore, another specific example of a case where an image defect occurs when color correction is performed on a raster image will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0051] FIG. 10 shows an example of a spot color gradient object. This spot color gradient object is a display object used to frame a photographic image. This spot color gradient object is shaped like a rectangle with a circular hole in the middle, allowing the background image to be seen. Therefore, by overprinting this spot color gradient object on a photographic image, it is possible to create the effect of adding a circular frame to the photographic image. The central area of the circular area of the spot color gradient object is empty, allowing the background image to be seen even when overprinted. However, the area outside the dotted circle in FIG. 10 contains a gradual gradient image, where a transparency effect is applied. As a result, in the spot color gradient object shown in FIG. 10, the area inside the dotted circle is the area to which CMYK color correction is applied, while the area outside the dotted circle is the area to which CMYK color correction is not applied.

[0052] FIG. 11 shows an example of an image in which the spot color gradation object shown in FIG. 10 is overprinted on the original image shown in FIG.

[0053] Referring to Figure 11, it can be seen that only the image in the central region of the original image appears circular, and the other regions are covered with a spot-color gradation object. If color correction is performed on the intermediate data of the image shown in Figure 11, the same color correction is performed on all visible regions, and image defects such as color gaps do not occur. However, if CMYK color correction is performed on the image shown in Figure 11 at the raster image stage, color gaps will appear, similar to the case described above, resulting in image defects.

[0054] An example of an image in which CMYK color correction has been performed on an image in which a spot color gradation object has been overprinted is shown in Fig. 12. Referring to Fig. 12, it can be seen that a color step has occurred at the boundary between the area where CMYK color correction has been applied and the area where it has not been applied.

[0055] Next, the hardware configuration of the print server 10 in the image forming system of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0056] 13, the print server 10 has 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 liquid crystal display and a keyboard. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 16.

[0057] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the print server 10 by executing predetermined processes based on a control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing the control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13, but this is not limiting. The control program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. The control program may also be acquired from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication interface 14. The control program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device of the print server 10 as a function of the print server 10.

[0058] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print server 10 realized by executing the above control program.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 14, the print server 10 of this embodiment includes a job management unit 31, a job data storage unit 32, a RIP (Raster Image Processing) processing unit 33, a drawing processing unit 34, and an intermediate data storage unit 35.

[0060] The RIP processing unit 33 is made up of a RIP control unit 41, an intermediate data generation processing unit 42, and an intermediate data correction processing unit 43. The drawing processing unit 34 is made up of a raster image generation processing unit 51, a raster image correction processing unit 52, and an output control unit 53.

[0061] The job management unit 31 receives print job data written in a PDL such as PDF (Portable Document Format) from the client terminal 20 and stores the data in the job data storage unit 32. The job management unit 31 also receives various instructions for the print job received from the client terminal 20. When the job management unit 31 receives a new print job, it issues a RIP instruction for the print job to the RIP processing unit 33.

[0062] The RIP control unit 41 controls the operation of the RIP processing unit 33, and when it receives a RIP instruction from the job management unit 31, it issues a RIP instruction to the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 to convert the print job data into intermediate data. The RIP control unit 41 also issues a rasterization instruction to the drawing processing unit 34 to rasterize the intermediate data converted by the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 and convert it into a raster image.

[0063] When the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 receives a RIP instruction from the RIP control unit 41, it responds to this RIP instruction, and acquires print job data from the job data storage unit 32 based on the RIP instruction from the RIP control unit 41, and performs processing to convert the acquired print job data into intermediate data.

[0064] The intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs instructed 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.

[0065] The raster image generation processing unit 51 acquires intermediate data from the intermediate data storage unit 35 based on a rasterization instruction from the RIP control unit 41, and executes processing to convert the acquired intermediate data into a raster image.

[0066] The raster image correction processing unit 52 executes instructed color correction on the raster image generated by the raster image generation processing unit 51 .

[0067] The output control unit 53 transfers the raster image data that has been color corrected by the raster image correction processing unit 52 to the printer 30 as printable print data.

[0068] The image conversion unit is composed of an intermediate data generation processing unit 42 that converts an image expressed in PDL included in the print job into intermediate data, and a raster image generation processing unit 51 that generates a raster image by performing a rasterization process on the converted intermediate data.

[0069] FIG. 15 shows the flow of data between the processing units in the print server 10 described above.

[0070] First, the print job, which is PDL data input from the client terminal 20, is converted into intermediate data by the intermediate data generation processing unit 42. Then, this intermediate data is color corrected by the intermediate data correction processing unit 43. The color-corrected intermediate data is converted into a raster image and a TAG image that represents the attributes of each pixel that makes up the raster image by the raster image generation processing unit 51. Finally, the raster image correction processing unit 52 processes the raster image and 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.

[0071] When performing color correction on an image to be printed as shown in Figure 15, color correction can be performed at the intermediate data stage in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43, or color correction can be performed at the raster image stage in the raster image correction processing unit 52.

[0072] Whether or not to perform color correction on the image to be printed, and if so, at what stage the color correction should be performed, are specified when a print instruction is given from the client terminal 20 to the print server 10.

[0073] As explained above, when color correction is performed on a raster image in the raster image correction processing unit 52, hardware processing is possible, enabling high-speed processing. However, when the intermediate data is converted into a raster image, attribute information in the PDL data, such as object type and color space information, is lost. Therefore, when color correction is performed on a raster image, defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0074] On the other hand, when color correction is performed on the intermediate data in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43, accurate color reproduction is possible because accurate attribute information in the PDL data can be used for processing. However, since color correction processing must be performed for each display object in the PDL data, the processing time may be long.

[0075] Next, the flow of the RIP process in the RIP processor 33 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0076] First, in step S101, when the RIP control unit 41 receives a RIP instruction for a certain print job from the job management unit 31, it acquires setting information for the print job for which the RIP instruction has been received.

[0077] Next, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 acquires print job data for one page from the job data storage unit 32 in step S102.

[0078] Then, in step S103, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 acquires the setting information for that page, and in step S104, generates intermediate data for that page based on the acquired setting information.

[0079] If color correction at the intermediate data stage is specified, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 then performs color correction on the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 in step S105.

[0080] Thereafter, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 stores the color-corrected intermediate data in the intermediate data storage unit 35 in step S106.

[0081] Finally, in step S107, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 determines whether or not there is print job data for the next page, and if there is data for the next page, repeats the processes of steps S102 to S106. 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 process.

[0082] Next, the flow of the drawing process in the drawing processing unit 34 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0083] First, in step S201, when the raster image generation processing unit 51 receives an instruction to rasterize a certain print job from the RIP control unit 41, it acquires setting information for the print job for which the rasterization instruction has been received.

[0084] Next, in step S202, the raster image generation processing unit 51 acquires intermediate data for one page from the intermediate data storage unit .

[0085] Then, in step S203, the raster image generation processing unit 51 acquires the setting information for that page, and in step S204, generates a raster image for that page based on the acquired setting information.

[0086] If color correction at the raster image stage is specified, the raster image correction processing unit 52 then executes color correction on the raster image generated by the raster image generation processing unit 51 in step S205.

[0087] Thereafter, the output control unit 53 transfers the color-corrected raster image to the printer 30 in step S206.

[0088] Finally, in step S207, raster image generation processing unit 51 determines whether or not there is print job data for the next page, and if there is data for the next page, repeats the processes of steps S202 to S206. If it is determined in step S207 that there is no print job data for the next page, raster image generation processing unit 51 ends the process.

[0089] By executing the above-described processing, the print server 10 converts the print job data received from the client terminal 20 into a raster image and transfers it to the printer 30, thereby controlling the execution of printing processing based on the print job.

[0090] Here, various attribute information is included in the print job data written in PDL format (sometimes simply referred to as PDL data) that the print server 10 receives from the client terminal 20. An example of the attribute information included in this PDL data is shown in FIG.

[0091] 18, PDL data includes color space information (or color space information), object type information, spot color information, color correction application information, etc. It can be seen that the color space information includes information indicating the representation format in which each pixel value of the image is defined, as well as information called "Transparent" indicating a transparency attribute. The object type information includes information indicating the type of the display object, such as fill, line, character, image, or gradation.

[0092] When converting PDL data into intermediate data, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 can refer to such attribute information to determine whether or not performing color correction on a raster image is likely to result in defects in the color-corrected image.

[0093] Then, when the warning function is enabled based on an operation from the client terminal 20, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 identifies display objects that may cause defects in the image when color correction is performed on the raster image in the raster image correction processing unit 52, and stores information indicating the identified display objects as attribute information in the intermediate data.

[0094] Specifically, if color correction for a raster image is specified in a print job and performing color correction on the raster image may result in defects in the color-corrected image, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 warns the user by saving the fact that defects will occur in the color-corrected image as attribute information in the intermediate data.

[0095] For example, if performing color correction on a raster image is likely to cause defects in the color-corrected image based on attribute information stored in the intermediate data indicating that image defects may occur, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing processing different from that for other display objects on display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image.

[0096] Specifically, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by converting display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image into display objects of a single color, for example, a warning color such as red, or by deleting display objects other than the display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image.

[0097] In addition, if performing color correction on a raster image may result in defects in the color-corrected image, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 may warn the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing different processing on pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image than on pixels in other areas.

[0098] For example, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by changing the density value of each color of pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image using a preset change method, such as making the density value extremely bright or extremely dark.

[0099] It should be noted that color correction for issuing such a warning to the user may be performed in the raster image correction processing unit 52 instead of in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 .

[0100] In this case, the raster image generation processing unit 51 generates a raster image and a TAG image including information for identifying pixels where image defects may occur, based on information indicating the possibility of image defects stored as attribute information in the intermediate data. The raster image correction processing unit 52 then identifies pixels where image defects may occur based on this TAG image, and issues a warning to the user by making color correction for the identified pixels different from that for other pixels to make them stand out.

[0101] Here, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 may receive a choice from the user as to whether or not to issue a warning that defects will occur in the image after color correction, and may warn the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction only if the user selects to issue a warning that defects will occur in the image after color correction.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of the conditions under which the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 determines that performing color correction on a raster image may result in defects in the color-corrected image.

[0103] A transparency effect is applied to a display object to which a drop shadow effect is applied as shown in FIG. 3 and a spot color gradation object as shown in FIG. 10, and information indicating the transparency attribute is included in the color space information.

[0104] Therefore, if color correction for a raster image is specified in a print job and a display object to which a transparency effect has been applied exists among the display objects in the image included in this print job, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 determines that defects will occur in the image after color correction, and warns the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction.

[0105] In addition, when performing color correction on a raster image, there is a possibility that defects will occur in the image after color correction, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 may not only simply issue a warning to the user, but may also suggest a method of dealing with the problem so that such image defects do not occur.

[0106] For example, an example of a display screen in which such a proposal is made on the display screen of raster image viewer software for previewing raster images on the client terminal 20 is shown in FIG.

[0107] For example, when warning the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 suggests to the user that the color correction specification for the raster image be changed to a color correction specification at the intermediate data stage by displaying the suggestion on the client terminal 20 via the RIP control unit 41 and the job management unit 31. In the display screen example of FIG. 19, it can be seen that an option is shown that reads, "Change the color correction specification for the raster image to a color correction specification at the intermediate data stage." If the user selects this option and accepts this suggestion, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 converts the image data included in the print job back into intermediate data, and then performs color correction in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43, thereby re-executing the process of converting the image data included in the print job into a raster image.

[0108] Alternatively, when warning the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image, the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 may suggest to the user that they cancel the designation of color correction for the raster image by displaying a message on the client terminal 20 via the RIP control unit 41 and job management unit 31. In the example display screen of FIG. 19, it can be seen that an option "Cancel designation of color correction for raster image" is displayed. If the user selects this option and accepts this suggestion, the color correction for the generated raster image is canceled.

[0109] Next, Figure 20 shows an example of a 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, that a defect will occur in the image after color correction.

[0110] 20, in a job list showing the status of multiple print jobs, a warning mark 61 is displayed in the information column for a print job with the job name "abcdefghij.pdf." This warning mark 61 is a display icon that warns the user that if color correction is performed with the current settings, defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0111] Next, examples of screens when the intermediate data generation processing unit 42 accepts from the user a choice of whether or not to issue a warning that defects will occur in the color-corrected image are shown in Figures 21 and 22. Both Figures 21 and 22 are examples of display screens of the raster image viewer software described above.

[0112] 21, the preview display screen of the raster image on the client terminal 20 displays a message saying "There is a possibility of incorrect rendering due to color correction," warning the user and asking, "Do you want to display a warning?" If the user selects "Yes" on this display screen, warning processing such as replacing the display object with a warning color where an image defect may occur is executed. Note that if the user selects "No" on this display screen, normal image processing is executed without any special processing, and printing is executed.

[0113] That is, the user is warned that defects will occur in the color-corrected image only if the user selects to be warned that defects will occur in the color-corrected image.

[0114] In addition, the display screen example shown in Figure 22 shows a case where an operation button 62 for switching whether or not to issue a warning is provided on the display screen of the raster image viewer software, and the user is allowed to select whether or not to issue a warning.

[0115] Next, a detailed description will be given of a specific process for warning the user that performing color correction at the raster image stage will cause defects in the color-corrected image.

[0116] First, the flowchart in FIG. 23 shows a process for issuing a warning by extracting only the display object to be warned.

[0117] The flowchart in Fig. 23 shows an overview of the intermediate data correction process shown in step S105 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 16. However, the flowchart in Fig. 23 omits the process of converting PDL data into intermediate data, and only shows the process for a display object that is the target of a warning.

[0118] 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 or not there is a possibility of an image defect occurring based on attribute information included in the intermediate data.

[0119] If it is determined in step S302 that there is no possibility of an image defect occurring, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs color correction and the like required on the acquired display object and outputs it in step S304.

[0120] If it is determined in step S302 that an image defect may occur, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines in step S303 whether the acquired display object is a display object that should be warned.

[0121] If it is determined in step S303 that the acquired display object is a display object to be warned, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs color correction and the like necessary on the acquired display object and outputs it in step S304.

[0122] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S303 that the acquired display object is not a display object to be warned about, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 discards the acquired display object in step S305.

[0123] Then, in step S306, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines whether or not there is a next display object, and ends the processing if it determines that there is no next display object.

[0124] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S306 that there is a next display object, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 repeats the processes of steps S301 to S305.

[0125] If there is a possibility that an image defect will occur as a result of executing such processing, only the display object to be warned about will be output, and the other display objects will be discarded.

[0126] An example of output when such image defect locations are extracted and displayed is shown in Fig. 24. Referring to Fig. 24, only the display object for the character string "ABC," which is likely to cause an image defect if color correction is performed at the raster image stage, is output, and the other display objects are deleted. By outputting such an image, the user can recognize that an image defect may occur if printing is performed with the current settings, and that the cause of this defect is the display object for the character string "ABC."

[0127] Next, the flowchart in FIG. 25 shows a process for issuing a warning by repainting a display object that is the target of the warning in a warning color.

[0128] The flowchart in Fig. 25 also shows an overview of the intermediate data correction process shown in step S105 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 16. However, the flowchart in Fig. 25 also omits the process of converting PDL data into intermediate data, and only shows the process for the display object that is the target of a warning.

[0129] In the flowchart of FIG. 25, only the parts that are different from the flowchart explained in FIG. 23 will be explained.

[0130] In FIG. 25 , when the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines in step S302 that an image defect may occur and determines in step S303 that the acquired display object is a display object that is subject to a warning, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 repaints the acquired display object by converting it into a preset warning color in step S401.

[0131] An example of output when the color of the display object at such an image defect location is changed to a warning color is shown in Fig. 26. Referring to Fig. 26, an example is shown in which a display object for the character string "ABC," which may cause an image defect if color correction is performed at the raster image stage, is output filled in red. By outputting such an image, the user can recognize that an image defect may occur if printing is performed with the current settings, and that the cause of this defect is the display object for the character string "ABC."

[0132] Next, the flowchart in FIG. 27 shows a process for issuing a warning by changing the color correction of a display object that is the target of the warning.

[0133] The flowchart in Fig. 27 also shows an overview of the intermediate data correction process shown in step S105 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 16. However, the flowchart in Fig. 27 also omits the process of converting PDL data into intermediate data, and only shows the process for the display object that is the target of a warning.

[0134] 27, only the parts that are different from the flowcharts described in FIGS. 23 and 25 will be described.

[0135] 27 , if the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines in step S302 that an image defect may occur and determines in step S303 that the acquired display object is a display object that is subject to a warning, then in step S501 the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs a predetermined warning color correction on the acquired display object and outputs the result. For example, the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs special warning color correction, such as halving the density value of the warning object. Note that if the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines in step S302 that there is no possibility of an image defect occurring or if the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 determines in step S303 that the acquired display object is not a warning object, then in step S502 the intermediate data correction processing unit 43 performs normal color correction on the acquired display object and outputs the result.

[0136] An example of output when warning color correction is performed on a display object at such an image defect location is shown in Fig. 28. Referring to Fig. 28, the output is shown as having been subjected to color correction that makes the brightness of the display object for the character string "ABC," which may cause an image defect if color correction is performed at the raster image stage, changed drastically to make it more noticeable. By seeing this image output, the user can recognize that an image defect may occur if printing is performed with the current settings, and that the cause of this defect is the display object for the character string "ABC."

[0137] 23, 25, and 27 described above all relate to cases where processing for issuing a warning is executed in the intermediate data correction processing unit 43. In contrast, the flowchart shown in Fig. 29 illustrates processing for issuing a warning by changing the color correction of the display object that is the target of the warning in the raster image correction processing unit 52.

[0138] 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 and determines whether or not there is a possibility of an image defect occurring.

[0139] If it is determined in step S602 that there is no possibility of an image defect occurring, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs normal color correction on the selected pixels in step S605 and outputs the result.

[0140] If it is determined in step S602 that an image defect may occur, the raster image correction processing unit 52 determines in step S603 whether the selected pixel is a pixel that should be warned, with reference to the TAG image.

[0141] If it is determined in step S603 that the selected pixel is a pixel to be warned, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs color correction for a warning on the selected pixel and outputs the result in step S604.

[0142] If it is determined in step S603 that the selected pixel is not a pixel to be warned, the raster image correction processing unit 52 performs normal color correction on the selected pixel in step S605 and outputs the result.

[0143] Then, in step S606, the raster image correction processing unit 52 determines whether or not there is a next pixel to be processed, and if it determines that there is not a next pixel, ends the processing.

[0144] Furthermore, if the raster image correction processing unit 52 determines in step S606 that there is a next pixel, it repeats the processes of steps S601 to S605.

[0145] If there is a possibility that an image defect may occur as a result of performing such processing, the raster image correction processing unit 52 will perform color correction for the pixels that are subject to the warning at the raster image stage in order to display a warning.

[0146] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0147] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0148] In this embodiment, the term "system" includes both a system made up of multiple devices and a system made up of a single device.

[0149] [Note] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0150] (((1))) a processor; When color correction for a raster image is specified in the print instruction and performing color correction on the raster image is likely to cause defects in the color-corrected image, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image. Image processing system.

[0151] (((2))) When color correction for a raster image is specified in a print instruction and a display object to which a transparency effect is applied exists in a display object in the image included in the print instruction, the processor warns a user that defects will occur in the image after color correction. The image processing system according to (((1))).

[0152] (((3))) an image conversion unit that converts an image expressed in a page description language included in the print instruction into intermediate data and generates a raster image by performing a rasterization process on the converted intermediate data; The processor: When warning the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction, the system proposes to the user that the color correction designation for the raster image be changed to a designation for color correction at the intermediate data stage, and if the user accepts the proposal, the system re-executes the process of converting the image data included in the print instruction into a raster image. The image processing system according to (((2))).

[0153] (((4))) The processor: When warning the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction, the method suggests to the user that the user cancels the designation of color correction for the raster image, and if the user accepts the suggestion, stops the color correction for the generated raster image. The image processing system according to (((2))).

[0154] (((5))) When performing color correction on a raster image, there is a possibility that defects will occur in the color-corrected image, and the processor warns a user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing processing different from that for other display objects on display objects that are likely to cause defects in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0155] (((6))) the processor converts display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image into display objects of a single color, or deletes display objects other than the display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image, thereby warning a user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to (((5))).

[0156] (((7))) If there is a possibility that defects will occur in the color-corrected image when color correction is performed on the raster image, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing processing different from that for pixels in other areas on pixels in areas where defects will occur in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to (((1))) or (((2))).

[0157] (((8))) the processor changes the density values of the pixels in the area where defects may occur in the color-corrected image by a preset change method, thereby warning the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to (((7))).

[0158] (((9))) the processor receives a selection from a user as to whether or not to issue a warning that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image, and issues a warning to the user that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image only when the user selects to issue a warning that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image; An image processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))).

[0159] (((10))) receiving a print instruction; a step of warning a user that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image when color correction for the raster image is specified in the accepted print instruction and performing color correction on the raster image may result in the defect occurring in the color-corrected image; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0160] The effects of the configuration described above will be described below.

[0161] According to the image processing system (((1))), when color correction is performed on a raster image and defects are likely to occur in the image, it is possible to make the user aware of the possibility of defects occurring in the image after color correction.

[0162] According to the image processing system (((2))), when color correction is performed on a raster image and there is a possibility that defects will occur in the image, it is possible to make the user aware of the possibility that defects will occur in the image after color correction.

[0163] According to the image processing system (((3))), even if there is a possibility that defects may occur in the image after color correction, it is possible to propose to the user a solution that will prevent such image defects from occurring.

[0164] According to the image processing system (((4))), even if there is a possibility that defects may occur in the image after color correction, it is possible to propose to the user a solution that will prevent such image defects from occurring.

[0165] According to the image processing system (((5))), by performing processing to make a display object that may have a defect in the color-corrected image stand out from other display objects, it is possible to make the user aware that a defect may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0166] According to the image processing system (((6))), by performing processing to make a display object that may have a defect in the color-corrected image stand out from other display objects, it is possible to make the user aware that a defect may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0167] According to the image processing system (((7))), by performing processing to make pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image stand out from other pixels, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0168] According to the image processing system (((8))), by performing processing to make pixels in areas where defects may occur in the color-corrected image stand out from other pixels, it is possible to make the user aware that defects may occur in the color-corrected image.

[0169] According to the image processing system of (((9))), the user can select whether or not to issue a warning that defects will occur in the image after color correction.

[0170] According to the program (((10))), when color correction of a raster image may cause defects in the image, it is possible to make the user aware of the possibility of defects occurring in the image after color correction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 10 Print Server 11 CPU 12 Memory 13 Storage device 14 Communication Interface 15 User Interface Device 16 Control Bus 20 Client Terminals 30 Printers 31 Job Management Department 32 Job data storage unit 33 RIP processing section 34 Drawing processing unit 40 Network 41 RIP control section 42 Intermediate data generation processing unit 43 Intermediate data correction processing section 51 Raster image generation processing unit 52 Raster image correction processing unit 53 Output control section 61 Warning Mark 62 Operation buttons

Claims

1. a processor; When color correction for a raster image is specified in the print instruction and performing color correction on the raster image is likely to cause defects in the color-corrected image, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image. Image processing system.

2. When color correction for a raster image is specified in a print instruction and a display object to which a transparency effect is applied exists in a display object in the image included in the print instruction, the processor warns a user that defects will occur in the image after color correction. The image processing system according to claim 1 .

3. an image conversion unit that converts an image expressed in a page description language included in the print instruction into intermediate data and performs a rasterization process on the converted intermediate data to generate a raster image; The processor: When warning the user that defects will occur in the image after color correction, the system proposes to the user that the color correction designation for the raster image be changed to a designation for color correction at the intermediate data stage, and if the user accepts the proposal, the system re-executes the process of converting the image data included in the print instruction into a raster image. The image processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: When warning the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image, the method suggests to the user that the user cancels the designation of color correction for the raster image, and if the user accepts the suggestion, the method stops the color correction for the generated raster image. The image processing system according to claim 2 .

5. When performing color correction on a raster image, there is a possibility that defects will occur in the color-corrected image, and the processor warns a user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing processing different from that for other display objects on display objects that are likely to cause defects in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to claim 1 .

6. the processor converts display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image into display objects of a single color, or deletes display objects other than the display objects that may cause defects in the color-corrected image, thereby warning a user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to claim 5 .

7. If there is a possibility that defects will occur in the color-corrected image when color correction is performed on the raster image, the processor warns the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image by performing processing different from that for pixels in other areas on pixels in areas where defects will occur in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to claim 1 .

8. the processor changes the density values of the pixels in the area where defects may occur in the color-corrected image by a preset change method, thereby warning the user that defects will occur in the color-corrected image. The image processing system according to claim 7 .

9. the processor receives a selection from a user as to whether or not to issue a warning that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image, and issues a warning to the user that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image only when the user selects to issue a warning that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image; The image processing system according to claim 1 .

10. receiving a print instruction; a step of warning a user that a defect will occur in the color-corrected image when color correction for the raster image is specified in the accepted print instruction and performing color correction on the raster image may result in the defect occurring in the color-corrected image; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images