Color conversion program, color conversion device and color conversion method

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of converting a color space accurately and quickly.SOLUTION: A color conversion program causes a computer to execute: a first conversion step of converting a color space of image data by sequentially using an input profile 603 to which image data is input and a printer output profile 604 for outputting the image data as printing data when the image data is printed by a printer 200; and a second conversion step of converting the color space of the image data by sequentially using the printer output profile 604 and a monitor profile 607 after the conversion of the first conversion step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a color conversion program, a color conversion device, and a color conversion method. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices such as MFPs (Multi-Function Peripherals) can produce printed materials by printing on printing paper (media), such as plain paper. Softproofing is also known, in which a simulated image of the printed material is displayed on a color monitor for confirmation before the printed material is produced. Users can refer to this simulated image to check the finished color of the actual printed material. In the actual printed material, the printed areas, including images and text, and the unprinted areas are significantly affected by the background color of the printing paper. Therefore, it is preferable to create a simulation image for softproofing that takes the background color of the printing paper into consideration. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for rewriting a profile (color conversion parameters) that a display device applies to color matching (color space conversion) so that the colors reproduced by the display device in an image display are closer to the colors of the color patches reproduced by the printing device in printing. In this rewriting, colors are visually specified one by one, and the results are reflected in the profile. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-081020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example, if the printing paper is changed from plain paper to recycled paper or high-quality paper, it is necessary to acquire a printout and create a profile that involves visually specifying each color one by one. As a result, there are problems such as the time-consuming color matching.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can perform color space conversion accurately and quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the color conversion program of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute a first conversion step of converting the color space of the image data by sequentially using an input profile having color information related to colors and into which image data is input, and a printing profile having color information related to colors and outputting the image data as printing data when the image data is printed on a printing device, and a second conversion step of converting the color space of the image data after the conversion in the first conversion step by sequentially using the printing profile and a display profile having color information related to colors and outputting the image data as display data when the image data is displayed on a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, color space conversion can be performed accurately and quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing device connected to the image processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table of the relationship between media types and printer output profiles. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print image confirmation screen on which a print image to be printed by the image forming apparatus can be confirmed. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining conventional color conversion processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining color conversion processing executed by the image processing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a color conversion process executed by an image processing device to simulate a printed matter output from a printing device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a color conversion process executed by an image processing device according to a second embodiment for simulating a printed matter output from a printing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image processing device according to the first embodiment. The image processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as an information processing device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. Note that the image processing device 100 is not limited to being configured as an information processing device, and may be configured as a device that processes data to be input to a printing machine, such as a DFE (Digital Front End). As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing device 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a storage unit 104, an operation unit 105, and a display unit (display device) 106, which are communicatively connected to one another via a system bus 107. The image processing device 100 is a color conversion device capable of color conversion processing (color conversion method) that converts a color space using an input profile 603, a printer output profile (printing profile) 604, and a monitor profile (display profile) 607. The input profile 603 has color information related to color, and image data is input to the input profile 603. Furthermore, the printer output profile 604 has color information related to colors, and can output image data as print data when printing the image data on the printing device 200. The monitor profile 607 has color information related to colors, and can output image data as display data when displaying the image data on the display unit 106. Furthermore, the input profile 603, printer output profile 604, and monitor profile 607 are all used to improve color reproducibility on the printing device 200 and the display unit 106. The color information contained in the input profile 603, printer output profile 604, and monitor profile 607 will be described later.

[0011] The CPU 101 is a control unit (computer) that controls the entire image processing device 100. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory that stores application programs, parameters, and the like that do not require modification. The RAM 103 is a volatile random-access memory that is used as a work area for the CPU 101 and as a temporary storage area for various data. The storage unit 104 is, for example, an HDD or SSD, and stores various data spools, programs, information files, image data, and the like, and is used as a work area. The CPU 101 loads an operating system, application programs, and the like stored in the ROM 102, the storage unit 104, and the like into the RAM 103 and executes them. The application programs and the like are stored in the ROM 102, the storage unit 104, and the like as program codes readable by the CPU 101, for example. The application programs include, for example, a color conversion program that converts the color space of image data. The CPU 101 also functions as a means for reading image files from the storage unit 104 and acquiring image data from the image files. The CPU 101 also functions as an image processing unit that executes various image processes on image data. Specifically, the CPU 101 executes a color conversion program and functions as a color conversion unit that performs color conversion processing on image data. The CPU 101 also functions as a unit that recognizes a printing device 200 (see FIG. 2) connected to the image processing device 100. The printing device 200 is, for example, a printing device that is about to be used for printing. The CPU 101 also functions as a unit that receives, from the connected printing device 200, media information related to the printing device 200, printer output profile information associated with the media information, and a printer output profile used for color conversion processing. The CPU 101 also functions as a unit that identifies a printer output profile corresponding to the printing device 200 based on the media information, printer output profile information associated with the media information, and printer output profile acquired from the printing device 200. The CPU 101 acquires the printer output profile corresponding to the printing device 200 from the printing device 200.The CPU 101 also functions as a means for displaying an image on the display unit 106 by expanding image data, etc. read from the storage unit 104, etc., into a display memory (not shown). The CPU 101 also functions as a generation means for generating data to be used for printing. The operation unit 105 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and can accept user operations on the image processing device 100. The display unit 106 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, and can display data held in the image processing device 100, data being processed, data from outside the image processing device 100, etc.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printing device connected to the image processing device shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the printing device 200 has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage unit 204, an operation unit 205, and a printing unit 206, which are connected to each other via a system bus 207 so that they can communicate with each other. The printing device 200 and the image processing device 100 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. The printing device 200 and the image processing device 100 may also be connected via a local area network.

[0013] The CPU 201 is a control unit (computer) that controls the entire printing device 200. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores application programs, parameters, and the like that do not require modification. The RAM 203 is a volatile random-access memory that is used as a work area for the CPU 201 and as a temporary storage area for various data. The storage unit 204 is, for example, an HDD or SSD, and stores various data spools, programs, information files, image data, and the like, and is used as a work area. The CPU 201 loads and executes an operating system, application programs, and the like stored in the ROM 202, storage unit 204, and the like, into the RAM 203. The application programs and the like are stored in the ROM 202, storage unit 204, and the like as program code readable by the CPU 201, for example. The CPU 201 uses media information selected by the operation unit 205 to extract a printer output profile stored in association with the media stored in the storage unit 204, and the like. The CPU 201 also functions as a color conversion unit that performs color conversion processing in combination with an input profile and rendering intent selected by the operation unit 205. The CPU 201 also functions as a unit that causes the printing unit 206 to print an image. The operation unit 205 is, for example, an operation button, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and can accept user operations on the printing device 200. The printing unit 206 is used to print data transmitted from the image processing device 100, data held by the printing device 200, etc.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a table showing the relationship between media types and printer output profiles. In this embodiment, the printing device 200 is configured to be able to accommodate multiple types of printing paper (media), such as plain paper, glossy paper, and recycled paper. Plain paper is the most versatile of these, and is sometimes called "PPC paper." Glossy paper has a glossy surface and is suitable for photo printing, for example. Recycled paper is printing paper containing recycled paper pulp and is, for example, brownish or grayish compared to plain paper. When printing desired image data, the printing device 200 allows users to select one type of printing paper from multiple types of printing paper. As shown in FIG. 3, in the media profile list 300, a printer output profile 604 is provided for each type of printing paper used in printing with the printing device 200, i.e., for each media type. For example, when printing on recycled paper, color conversion is performed using profile 302, which is "profile 5" corresponding to recycled paper 301 in the media profile list 300, before printing. The media profile list 300 is stored in the storage unit 204 of the printing device 200. When adding a desired medium to the media profile list 300, it is possible to do so by creating and adding a printer output profile corresponding to the desired medium.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a print image confirmation screen on which a print image to be printed by an image forming apparatus can be confirmed. The print image confirmation screen 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a paper brand selection list 401a, a monitor profile list 401b, a confirmation item list 401c, an original image display area 402, and a preview image display area 403. The paper brand selection list 401a displays all media types (paper brands) registered in the media profile list 300 in a pop-up window, allowing a user to select one media type from all of these media types. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, "recycled paper" is selected in the paper brand selection list 401a. In this case, the profile 302, "profile 5," is used as the printer output profile 604 for the color conversion process. The monitor profile list 401b displays all monitor profiles 607 available for use in the color conversion process in a pop-up window, allowing a user to select one monitor profile 607 from all of these monitor profiles 607. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, "monitor calibration 20230911" is selected in the monitor profile list 401b. In the confirmation item list 401c, all items that can be confirmed for the preview image displayed in the preview image display area 403 are displayed in a pop-up, and one item can be selected from all of the items. In the configuration shown in Fig. 4, "print color" is selected in the confirmation item list 401c.

[0016] The document image display area 402 displays a preview image of the print data before color conversion. The preview image display area 403 displays a preview image of the print data after color conversion. For example, if "recycled paper" is selected in the paper brand selection list 401a and "print color" is selected in the confirmation item list 401c, a preview image of the printout obtained from the print data after color conversion when printed on recycled paper is displayed. As mentioned above, recycled paper has a brown or grayish background color. Therefore, when printing on recycled paper, the background color of the recycled paper affects the print result (printed material). In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the preview image in the preview image display area 403 reproduces print colors that are influenced by the background color of the recycled paper.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conventional color conversion process. Color conversion process 500 shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the printing device 200, and color conversion process 510 is executed by the image processing device 100. First, color conversion process 500 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, in color conversion process 500, an input profile 502 and a printer output profile 503 are used in that order. Print data (image data) 501 is input to input profile 502. The print data 501 includes, for example, image IM1 shown in FIG. 5. An "input profile" is a file for converting an image expressed in an RGB color space or a CMYK color space into an image expressed in an L*a*b* color space. In other words, an "input profile" is a lookup table in which color values ​​expressed in RGB format or CMYK format and color values ​​expressed in L*a*b* format are associated one-to-one. The L*a*b* color space is a device-independent color space that is not dependent on the model of the printing device 200, and is standardized by, for example, the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). The XYZ color space may be used instead of the L*a*b* color space. On the other hand, the RGB color space and the CMYK color space are device-dependent color spaces that are individually set for each model of the printing device 200, depending on the model of the printing device 200. When the print data 501 is input to the input profile 502, an image expressed in the RGB color space or the CMYK color space of the print data 501 is converted into an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space. Data including the L*a*b* color space obtained by the input profile 502 is input to the printer output profile 503. A "printer output profile" is a file for converting an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space into an image expressed in the CMYK color space. This printer output profile 503 converts an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space into an image expressed in the CMYK color space. If the printing paper used for printing is recycled paper, the above-mentioned "profile 5" is selected as the printer output profile 503. Then, in the printing device 200, a printout Q in which the image IM2 is printed on recycled paper is obtained as printer output 505 from the printing unit 206.Print Q reflects the background color of the recycled paper.

[0018] If data in the L*a*b* color space that exceeds the color gamut reproducible by the printing device 200 is input to the printer output profile 503, it is preferable to perform gamut mapping, which maps the colors so that they fit within the color gamut (gamut) of the printing device 200. The printer output profile 503 has multiple color conversion tables (usually three) that use the gamut mapping method. One of these color conversion tables is selected by specifying the rendering intent 504. The "rendering intent" specifies (sets) relative chromaticity preservation in order to reproduce the colors of the image IM1 itself contained in the print data 501 as accurately as possible. Then, by selecting the color conversion table in the rendering intent 504, the printer output profile 503 performs color conversion processing that subtracts (offsets) the background color of the recycled paper. This makes it possible to print on recycled paper while reproducing the colors of the image IM1 itself as accurately as possible. Furthermore, when using a printing device whose color is affected by, for example, temperature or humidity as the printing device 200, it is preferable to perform calibration so that the same color is always output. Calibration is preferably performed for each printing paper. The calibration results are then preferably fed back to the printer output profile 503. This further improves color reproducibility. Furthermore, although relative chromaticity preservation is selected in the rendering intent 504, this is not limiting. For example, it is also possible to specify that smoothness of gradation during printing or a more vivid print result be given priority over color reproduction.

[0019] Next, the color conversion process 510 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, in the color conversion process 510, an input profile 512 and a monitor profile 513 are used in this order. Print data 501 is input to the input profile 512. The same profile as the input profile 502 is specified as the input profile 512. The input profile 512 to which the print data 501 is input converts an image expressed in the RGB color space or CMYK color space of the print data 501 into an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space. Data including the L*a*b* color space obtained by the input profile 512 is input to the monitor profile 513. A "monitor profile" is a file for converting an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space into an image expressed in the RGB color space. The monitor profile 513 converts the image expressed in the L*a*b* color space into an image expressed in the RGB color space. Then, in the image processing device 100, an image IM3 is displayed as a monitor display 515 on the display unit 106. Image IM3, unlike printed matter Q, naturally does not reflect the background color of the recycled paper. Therefore, image IM3 and printed matter Q (image IM2) do not visually match in color, and it can be said that it is not desirable to use image IM3 as a preview image of printed matter Q.

[0020] When data in the L*a*b* color space that exceeds the color gamut reproducible by the image processing device 100 is input to the monitor profile 513, it is preferable to perform gamut mapping, which maps the colors so that they fit within the color gamut of the image processing device 100. The monitor profile 513 has multiple color conversion tables to which the gamut mapping method is applied. One of these color conversion tables is selected as the color conversion table by specifying the rendering intent 514.

[0021] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the color conversion process executed by the image processing device. As shown in FIG. 6, in the image processing device 100, a color conversion process (first conversion step) 600 and a color conversion process (second conversion step) 601 are executed consecutively in this order. First, the color conversion process 600 will be described. In the color conversion process 600, an input profile 603 and a printer output profile 604 are used in this order. The input profile 603 and the printer output profile 604 function as a first conversion unit that converts the color space in the color conversion process 600. Print data 602 is input to the input profile 603. The same input profile as the input profile 502 is specified as the input profile 603. The same profile as the print data 501 is used as the print data 602. Therefore, the print data 602 includes an image IM1. In the input profile 603 to which the print data 602 is input, an image expressed in the RGB color space or CMYK color space of the print data 602 is converted into an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space. Data including the L*a*b* color space obtained by the input profile 603 is input to the printer output profile 604. The same as the printer output profile 503, i.e., the above-mentioned "profile 5," is specified as the printer output profile 604. The printer output profile 604 then converts the image expressed in the L*a*b* color space into an image expressed in the CMYK color space. Note that in the processing by the printer output profile 604, one color conversion table is selected by specifying a rendering intent 605 similar to the rendering intent 504. By this color conversion processing 600, data having a CMYK color space that fits within the color gamut of the printing device 200 is generated.

[0022] Next, the color conversion process 601 executed after the color conversion process 600 will be described. In the color conversion process 6010, a printer output profile 606 and a monitor profile 607 are used in sequence. The printer output profile 606 and the monitor profile 607 function as a second conversion unit that converts the color space in the color conversion process 601. Data having a CMYK color space that fits within the color gamut of the printing device 200, generated in the color conversion process 600 using the printer output profile 606 as an input profile, is input to the printer output profile 606. The printer output profile 606 is specified to be the same as the printer output profile 604. This printer output profile 606 converts an image expressed in the CMYK color space into an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space. Generally, a profile has two functions. The first function is a first function that converts an image expressed in an RGB color space or a CMYK color space, i.e., a device-dependent color space, into an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space, i.e., a device-independent color space. The second function is the opposite of the first function, converting an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space into an image expressed in the RGB color space or the CMYK color space. The printer output profile 604 performs the second function, while the printer output profile 606 performs the first function. Whether the first function or the second function is performed is switched depending on the color space of the input data.

[0023] Data including the L*a*b* color space obtained by the printer output profile 606 is input to the monitor profile 607. This monitor profile 607 converts an image expressed in the L*a*b* color space into an image expressed in the RGB color space. Then, in the image processing device 100, image IM4 is displayed as a monitor display (display image) 609 on the display unit 106. In processing by the monitor profile 607, one color conversion table is selected by specifying a rendering intent 608 similar to the rendering intent 514. The rendering intent 608 specifies absolute chromaticity preservation. As a result, image IM4 reflects the background color of the recycled paper, as in the printed matter Q, i.e., the background color of the recycled paper is not offset. Therefore, image IM4 and the printed matter obtained when the data converted in the first conversion step is printed by the printing device 200, i.e., printed matter Q (image IM2), are visually recognized as matching in color, and it can be said that image IM4 is preferable to use as a preview image of printed matter Q. In this way, the image processing device 100 performs the color conversion process 600 and the color conversion process 601 in succession, thereby enabling accurate and rapid conversion of a color space suitable for a preview image. In this case, the media white point included in the monitor profile 607 is used as one color conversion table selected by specifying the rendering intent 608. When measuring the color of a patch printed on printing paper, the media white point includes the measured value of the white display on the display unit 106 as the media white point, even for areas where no coloring material is placed. In other words, the media white point also includes the measured value of the white display on the display unit 106 as the media white point for the monitor profile 607 that includes the measured value of the background color of the printing paper.

[0024] Using these media white points enables color conversion processing that takes the background color into account. The print data 602 that has undergone color conversion processing in this manner can be displayed on the display unit 106 with the background color of the print paper (recycled paper) reproduced with high accuracy. The background color may also be reproduced using the white point of the color conversion table, i.e., the color of the grid point (CMYK)=(0,0,0,0), as is. Furthermore, if the display unit 106 is a color monitor, there is a risk of deviation in the displayed color due to aging or other reasons. In this case, it is preferable to perform calibration to correct the deviation in the displayed color. The calibration results are then preferably fed back to the monitor profile 607. This further improves the color reproducibility on the display unit 106.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing color conversion processing executed by an image processing device to simulate a printed matter output from a printing device. The processing of each step in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is realized by CPU 101 reading a program stored in ROM 102 or storage unit 104 into RAM 103 and executing the program. As shown in Fig. 7, in step S701, CPU 101 of image processing device 100 acquires print data (image data) to be printed by printing device 200, which is stored in storage unit 104, and the processing proceeds to step S702.

[0026] In step S702, the CPU 101 acquires the input profile to be used during printing from the storage unit 204 of the printing apparatus 200, and the process proceeds to step S703.

[0027] In step S703, CPU 101 displays print image confirmation screen 400 on operation unit 105 of image processing device 100. Then, CPU 101 acquires the media type selected (specified) in paper brand selection list 401a on print image confirmation screen 400, and the process proceeds to step S704.

[0028] In step S704, the CPU 101 acquires the printer output profile corresponding to the media type acquired in step S703 from the media profile list 300 stored in advance in the storage unit 204 of the printing device 200, and the process proceeds to step S705.

[0029] In step S705, the CPU 101 acquires the rendering intent specified on the operation unit 205 of the printing apparatus 200, and the process proceeds to step S706.

[0030] In step S706, CPU 101 specifies the input profile 603 acquired in step S702 as the input profile. Furthermore, CPU 101 specifies the printer output profile 604 acquired in step S704 as the printer output profile. Furthermore, CPU 101 specifies the rendering intent 605 acquired in step S705 as the rendering intent of the printer output profile 604. Then, CPU 101 executes the color conversion process in the color conversion process 600 described above, and the process proceeds to step S707.

[0031] In step S707, the CPU 101 acquires the monitor profile corresponding to the display unit 106, which is stored in the storage unit 104, and the process proceeds to step S708.

[0032] In step S708, CPU 101 specifies the printer output profile 604 obtained in step S704 as the printer output profile that will be the input profile in color conversion processing 601. CPU 101 also specifies the monitor profile 607 obtained in step S707 as the monitor profile that will be the output profile in color conversion processing 601. CPU 101 also specifies rendering intent 605 as the rendering intent of printer output profile 604. CPU 101 then executes the color conversion processing in the color conversion processing 601 described above, and the process proceeds to step S709.

[0033] In step S709, CPU 101 stores the image to be printed obtained in the color conversion process in step S708 in storage unit 104, and the process ends.

[0034] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. Differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar details will not be described again. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that a rasterization process is performed on image data between the conversion in the first conversion process and the conversion in the second conversion process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing color conversion processing executed by an image processing device according to the second embodiment to simulate a printed product output from a printing device. As shown in FIG. 8, in step S801, the CPU 101 acquires print data to be printed by the printing device 200, which is stored in the storage unit 104, and the process proceeds to step S802. The print data here refers to data written in a page description language, and includes, for example, images such as character strings, vector lines and figures, and photographs.

[0035] In step S802, the CPU 101 acquires the input profile to be used during printing from the storage unit 204 of the printing apparatus 200, and the process proceeds to step S803.

[0036] In step S803, the CPU 101 displays the print image confirmation screen 400 on the operation unit 105 of the image processing apparatus 100. Then, the CPU 101 acquires the media type selected in the paper brand selection list 401a on the print image confirmation screen 400, and the process proceeds to step S804.

[0037] In step S804, the CPU 101 acquires the printer output profile corresponding to the media type acquired in step S803 from the media profile list 300 stored in advance in the storage unit 204 of the printing device 200, and the process proceeds to step S805.

[0038] In step S805, the CPU 101 acquires the rendering intent specified on the operation unit 205 of the printing apparatus 200, and the process proceeds to step S806.

[0039] In step S806, CPU 101 specifies the input profile 603 acquired in step S802 as the input profile. Furthermore, CPU 101 specifies the printer output profile 604 acquired in step S804 as the printer output profile. Furthermore, CPU 101 specifies the rendering intent 605 acquired in step S805 as the rendering intent of the printer output profile 604. Then, CPU 101 executes the color conversion process in the color conversion process 600 described above, and the process proceeds to step S807.

[0040] In step S807, CPU 101 performs RIP processing (rasterization processing) on ​​the data acquired in the color conversion processing in step S806 to generate a raster image (rasterization step). After execution in step S807, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0041] In step S808, the CPU 101 acquires the monitor profile corresponding to the display unit 106, which is stored in the storage unit 104, and the process proceeds to step S809.

[0042] In step S809, CPU 101 specifies the printer output profile 604 acquired in step S804 as the printer output profile 606 in color conversion processing 601. CPU 101 also specifies the monitor profile 607 acquired in step S808 as the monitor profile in color conversion processing 601, and specifies rendering intent 608 as the rendering intent for monitor profile 607. CPU 101 then executes the color conversion processing in color conversion processing 601 described above, and the process proceeds to step S810. Note that the target of the color conversion processing in step S809 is the raster image generated in step S807.

[0043] In step S810, CPU 101 stores the image to be printed obtained by the color conversion processing in step S809 in storage unit 104, and processing ends. As described above, in this embodiment, RIP processing is executed in step S807 before the color conversion processing in step S807. This allows the image of the background portion not included in the print data to be supplemented, and the supplemented portion to be subjected to color conversion processing in step S809. As a result, a preview image of the printed matter that takes into account the background color of the printing paper can be reproduced with high accuracy on display unit 106.

[0044] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention 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 storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0045] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following programs, configurations, and methods. (Program 1) A color conversion program, On the computer, a first conversion step of converting the color space of the image data by sequentially using an input profile having color information related to colors and into which image data is input, and a printing profile having color information related to colors and which outputs the image data as printing data when the image data is printed by a printing device; a second conversion step of converting the color space of the image data after the conversion in the first conversion step by sequentially using the printing profile and a display profile that has color information related to colors and outputs the image data as display data when displaying the image data on a display device. (Program 2) 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein in the first conversion step, the printing profile is used with a rendering intent set. (Program 3) 3. The color conversion program according to claim 2, wherein the rendering intent specifies relative chromaticity preservation. (Program 4) The color conversion program according to claim 3, characterized in that in the first conversion step, with the rendering intent set, the printing profile is used to perform a conversion that offsets the background color of the printing paper used for printing on the printing device. (Program 5) 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein in the second conversion step, the display profile is used in a state in which a rendering intent is set. (Program 6) 6. The color conversion program according to claim 5, wherein the rendering intent specifies absolute chromaticity preservation. (Program 7) The color conversion program according to claim 6, characterized in that in the second conversion process, by using the display profile while the rendering intent is set, a conversion is performed that does not offset the background color of the printing paper used for printing on the printing device. (Program 8) 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein in the first conversion step, the color space of the image data input to the input profile is converted using the input profile from a model-dependent color space set for each model of the printing device to a model-independent color space that is not dependent on the model of the printing device. (Program 9) 9. The color conversion program according to claim 8, wherein in the first conversion step, the color space of the image data converted with the input profile is converted from the model-independent color space to the model-dependent color space using the printing profile. (Program 10) 10. The color conversion program according to claim 9, wherein in the second conversion step, the color space of the image data converted in the first conversion step is converted from the model-dependent color space to the model-independent color space using the printing profile. (Program 11) 11. The color conversion program according to claim 10, wherein in the second conversion step, the color space of the image data converted with the printing profile is converted from the model-independent color space to a color space reproducible by the display device using the display profile. (Program 12) 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein the printing profile is provided for each type of printing paper used for printing on the printing device. (Program 13) the printing device is configured to be loaded with a plurality of types of printing paper and to be able to select one type of printing paper from the plurality of types of printing paper when printing the image data; 13. The color conversion program according to claim 12, wherein the first conversion step and the second conversion step each use the printing profile corresponding to the printing paper selected in the printing device. (Program 14) The color conversion program according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer is caused to execute a rasterization step that performs a rasterization process on the image data between the conversion in the first conversion step and the conversion in the second conversion step. (Program 15) The color conversion program according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed matter obtained when the image data converted in the first conversion step is printed on the printing device and the displayed image obtained when the image data converted in the second conversion step is displayed on the display device are visually perceived to have the same color tone. (Configuration 1) A color conversion device, an input profile having color information relating to colors and into which image data is input; a printing profile that has color information related to colors and that outputs the image data as print data when the image data is printed by a printing device; a display profile having color information relating to colors, which outputs the image data as display data when the image data is displayed on a display device; a first conversion means for converting a color space of the image data by using the input profile and the printing profile in that order; a second conversion means for converting the color space of the image data using the printing profile and the display profile in that order after the conversion by the first conversion means. (Method 2) a first conversion step of converting the color space of the image data by sequentially using an input profile having color information related to colors and into which image data is input, and a printing profile having color information related to colors and which outputs the image data as printing data when the image data is printed by a printing device; a second conversion step of converting the color space of the image data after the conversion in the first conversion step by sequentially using the printing profile and a display profile that has color information related to colors and outputs the image data as display data when displaying the image data on a display device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 100 Image processing device 106 Display section 200 Printing device 600, 601 Color conversion processing 603 Input Profile 604 Printer Output Profile 607 Monitor Profile

Claims

1. A color conversion program, On the computer, a first conversion step of converting the color space of the image data by sequentially using an input profile having color information related to colors and into which image data is input, and a printing profile having color information related to colors and which outputs the image data as printing data when the image data is printed by a printing device; a second conversion step of converting the color space of the image data after the conversion in the first conversion step by sequentially using the printing profile and a display profile that has color information related to colors and outputs the image data as display data when displaying the image data on a display device.

2. 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein in the first conversion step, the printing profile is used with a rendering intent set.

3. 3. The color conversion program according to claim 2, wherein the rendering intent specifies relative chromaticity preservation.

4. The color conversion program according to claim 3, characterized in that in the first conversion step, with the rendering intent set, the printing profile is used to perform a conversion that offsets the background color of the printing paper used for printing on the printing device.

5. 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein in the second conversion step, the display profile is used with a rendering intent set.

6. 6. The color conversion program according to claim 5, wherein the rendering intent specifies absolute chromaticity preservation.

7. The color conversion program according to claim 6, characterized in that in the second conversion step, by using the display profile while the rendering intent is set, a conversion is performed that does not offset the background color of the printing paper used for printing on the printing device.

8. 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein in the first conversion step, the color space of the image data input to the input profile is converted using the input profile from a model-dependent color space set for each model of the printing device to a model-independent color space that is not dependent on the model of the printing device.

9. 9. The color conversion program according to claim 8, wherein in the first conversion step, the color space of the image data converted using the input profile is converted from the model-independent color space to the model-dependent color space using the printing profile.

10. 10. The color conversion program according to claim 9, wherein in the second conversion step, the color space of the image data converted in the first conversion step is converted from the model-dependent color space to the model-independent color space using the printing profile.

11. 11. The color conversion program according to claim 10, wherein in the second conversion step, the color space of the image data converted using the printing profile is converted from the model-independent color space to a color space reproducible by the display device using the display profile.

12. 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein the printing profile is provided for each type of printing paper used for printing on the printing device.

13. the printing device is configured to be loaded with a plurality of types of printing paper and to be able to select one type of printing paper from the plurality of types of printing paper when printing the image data; 13. The color conversion program according to claim 12, wherein the first conversion step and the second conversion step each use the printing profile corresponding to the printing paper selected by the printing device.

14. 2. The color conversion program according to claim 1, wherein the computer is caused to execute a rasterization step of performing a rasterization process on the image data between the conversion in the first conversion step and the conversion in the second conversion step.

15. The color conversion program according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed matter obtained when the image data converted in the first conversion step is printed on the printing device and the displayed image obtained when the image data converted in the second conversion step is displayed on the display device are visually perceived to have the same color tone.

16. A color conversion device, an input profile having color information relating to colors and into which image data is input; a printing profile that has color information related to colors and that outputs the image data as print data when the image data is printed by a printing device; a display profile having color information relating to colors, which outputs the image data as display data when the image data is displayed on a display device; a first conversion means for converting a color space of the image data by using the input profile and the printing profile in that order; a second conversion means for converting the color space of the image data using the printing profile and the display profile in that order after the conversion by the first conversion means.

17. a first conversion step of converting the color space of the image data by sequentially using an input profile having color information related to colors and into which image data is input, and a printing profile having color information related to colors and which outputs the image data as printing data when the image data is printed by a printing device; a second conversion step of converting the color space of the image data using the printing profile and the display profile in that order after the conversion in the first conversion step.

Images