Calculation device and image forming device

Abstract

To easily reproduce colors when an image is formed on a recording medium. [Solution] A calculation device 10 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, an extraction unit 13, and a synthesis unit 15. The first acquisition unit 11 acquires first image data D1 representing a first image to be formed on a recording medium P. The second acquisition unit 12 acquires second image data D2 representing the surface of the recording medium P. The extraction unit 13 extracts information representing the brightness of the recording medium P from the second image data D2 to generate contrast data D3. The synthesis unit 15 synthesizes the first image data D1 and the contrast data D3 to generate synthesized image data D4 representing the formed image to be formed on the recording medium P.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computing device and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] The image processing device in Patent Document 1 reads the textile pattern to be simulated over an area equal to or larger than a predetermined area, acquires image data generated based on the read image, recognizes a periodic brightness change pattern from the acquired image data, translucently combines the periodic brightness change pattern with an image based on the print data specified as the target for processing, and simulates and presents an image that would appear if an image based on the print data were formed on the textile. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-1939 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If a periodic change pattern of brightness is not formed in the textile pattern and the periodic change pattern cannot be recognized, it is difficult to perform a simulation to reproduce the color of the image formed on the textile.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a calculation device and an image forming device that can easily reproduce the color tone when an image is formed on a recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The arithmetic device according to the present invention includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, an extraction unit, and a synthesis unit. The first acquisition unit acquires first image data representing a first image to be formed on a recording medium. The second acquisition unit acquires second image data representing the surface of the recording medium. The extraction unit extracts information representing the brightness of the recording medium from the second image data to generate contrast data. The synthesis unit synthesizes the first image data and the contrast data to generate synthesized image data representing the formed image to be formed on the recording medium.

[0007] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The control unit controls the image forming unit. The control unit includes a calculation device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily reproduce the color tone of an image formed on a recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming method including an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] First, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 1, an image reading unit 2, a control unit 5, a storage unit 5B, and an operation panel 19.

[0013] The image forming unit 1 forms an image on a recording medium P. The image forming unit 1 forms an image on the recording medium P by, for example, a so-called "electrophotographic method." The recording medium P is typically printing paper, but in the embodiment, the material is not particularly limited, and may be a cloth or resin sheet, etc. The image forming unit 1 corresponds to an example of an "image forming section."

[0014] The image reading unit 2 reads an image. The image reading unit 2 includes, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) unit, and the CIS unit reads the image.

[0015] The control unit 5 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 5B includes a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 5B stores a control program.

[0016] Operation panel 19 is disposed, for example, on the outer surface of the housing of image forming apparatus 100. Various operations for operating image forming apparatus 100 are input to operation panel 19. Operation panel 19 is, for example, a touch panel, and includes display unit 19a and operation input unit 19b.

[0017] Display unit 19a is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays an operation input screen. The operation input screen is a screen for inputting various operations. Operation input unit 19b is, for example, a touch sensor, and detects a touch position on display unit 19a. The touch position is the position where the user touches the screen of display unit 19a. Therefore, the user can input operations by touching the operation input screen displayed on display unit 19a. Note that operation panel 19 is not limited to a touch panel, and operation input unit 19b may have physical keys.

[0018] The image forming unit 1, image reading unit 2, control unit 5, and operation panel 19 are driven by DC or AC power generated by a power supply (not shown). In other words, the power supply supplies power to the image forming unit 1, image reading unit 2, control unit 5, and operation panel 19.

[0019] Next, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0020] 2, the control unit 5 includes a calculation device 10. The calculation device 10 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, an extraction unit 13, an adjustment unit 14, and a synthesis unit 15. In this embodiment, the processor of the control unit 5 executes the control program in the storage unit 5B, causing the control unit 5 to function as the calculation device 10. In detail, the processor of the control unit 5 executes the control program in the storage unit 5B, causing the control unit 5 to function as the first acquisition unit 11, the second acquisition unit 12, the extraction unit 13, the adjustment unit 14, and the synthesis unit 15.

[0021] The first acquisition unit 11 acquires first image data D1 indicating a first image to be formed on the recording medium P. For example, the first image data D1 is stored in the storage unit 5B. In this case, the first acquisition unit 11 reads the first image data D1 from the storage unit 5B. The first acquisition unit 11 also communicates with a terminal device, such as a PC, connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication port (not shown) or the like, and receives the first image data D1 from the terminal device. The first image data D1 includes a plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels in the first image data D1 has a pixel parameter. The pixel parameter is, for example, an RGB value.

[0022] The second acquisition unit 12 acquires second image data D2 that indicates the surface of the recording medium P. Typically, the second image data D2 is generated by the image reading unit 2 reading the surface of the recording medium P. Each of the multiple pixels in the second image data D2 has pixel parameters. The pixel parameters are, for example, RGB values.

[0023] The extraction unit 13 extracts information indicating the brightness of the recording medium P from the second image data D2 to generate contrast data D3.

[0024] The combining unit 15 combines the first image data D1 and the contrast data D3 to generate combined image data D4 that indicates the image to be formed on the recording medium P.

[0025] In this embodiment, contrast data D3 indicating the brightness of the recording medium P can be easily generated based on an image showing the surface of the recording medium P. By combining the contrast data D3 with the first image data D1, it is possible to easily reproduce the color tone when an image corresponding to the first image data is formed on a recording medium having a surface on which the brightness indicated by the contrast data D3 is formed.

[0026] Specifically, the extraction unit 13 converts the RGB values ​​into a luminance value Y based on the following formula (1) for each pixel included in the second image data D2 to generate the contrast data D3. In formula (1), Y(x, y) represents the luminance value Y at pixel coordinates (x, y). R(x, y) represents the R (red) value among the RGB values ​​at pixel coordinates (x, y). G(x, y) represents the G (green) value among the RGB values ​​at pixel coordinates (x, y). B(x, y) represents the B (blue) value among the RGB values ​​at pixel coordinates (x, y). In this way, by converting the RGB values ​​indicating color into luminance values ​​Y indicating brightness, color information is removed from the pixel parameters, making it easy to convert them into information indicating the brightness of the pixel.

[0027]

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[0028] Furthermore, the extraction unit 13 calculates the average value Y of the luminance values ​​Y of all pixels for the calculated luminance value Y of each pixel. ave Specifically, the extraction unit 13 offsets the calculated luminance value Y for each pixel by calculating the average value Y of the luminance values ​​Y of all pixels based on the following formula (2): ave In equation (2), I(x, y) is the average value Y of the luminance value Y at pixel coordinates (x, y). ave Shows the difference from.

[0029]

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[0030] In this embodiment, the sum of the differences I(x, y) for each pixel in the contrast data D3 is 0. In other words, the contrast data D3 can be considered to be an AC component whose average amplitude is zero.

[0031] When the extraction unit 13 generates the contrast data D3, the synthesis unit 15 synthesizes the contrast data D3 with the first image data D1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 11. Specifically, the synthesis unit 15 converts the RGB values ​​into luminance values ​​for each pixel included in the first image data D1. Next, the synthesis unit 15 adds the difference I(x, y) of the pixel having the corresponding pixel coordinates in the contrast data D3 to each converted luminance value. For example, the synthesis unit 15 generates synthesized image data D4 by converting the luminance value after adding the difference I(x, y) into an RGB value.

[0032] For example, the control unit 5 controls the display unit 19a to display an image corresponding to the composite image data D4. Generally, the characteristics of the output color of the image forming unit 1 when forming an image on the recording medium P are specified by a profile (hereinafter referred to as an ICC profile) that complies with the specifications of the ICC (International Color Consortium). Therefore, if the ICC profile differs, the color of the image formed on the recording medium P will also differ. Therefore, in order to reproduce and display the color of the image formed on the recording medium P by the image forming unit 1 on the display unit 19a, it is necessary to adjust the color of the composite image data D4 according to the ICC profile. The image forming unit 1 is an example of an output device.

[0033] In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 14 adjusts the color of the first image data D1 in accordance with the characteristics of the image forming unit 1. This generates image data that reproduces the color of an image corresponding to the first image data D1 when it is formed by the image forming unit 1. As a result, it becomes possible to display, for example, an image on the display unit 19a or the like that reproduces the color of an image formed by the image forming unit 1.

[0034] Specifically, the ICC profile is stored in storage unit 5B. When first acquisition unit 11 acquires first image data D1, adjustment unit 14 references the ICC profile in storage unit 5B and increases or decreases the RGB values ​​of each pixel of the first image data D1. Hereinafter, the first image data D1 whose RGB values ​​have been adjusted by adjustment unit 14 will be referred to as first image data D10 to distinguish it from the first image data D1.

[0035] The combining unit 15 combines the first image data D10 and the contrast data D3. In combining the first image data D10 and the contrast data D3, the combining unit 15 identifies a white luminance value Yw representing "white" in the first image data D10 based on the ICC profile. The combining unit 15 increases or decreases each difference I(x, y) in the contrast data D3 depending on the difference between the identified white luminance value Yw and the luminance value Y of the second image data D2, which is the contrast data D3 before offset. Specifically, the combining unit 15 adjusts the difference I(x, y) so that the greater the difference between the white luminance value Yw and the luminance value Y, the smaller the difference I(x, y).

[0036] As described above, the difference I(x, y) in the contrast data D3 indicates brightness. Therefore, the darker the color, in other words, the smaller the brightness value, the less noticeable the brightness becomes. Therefore, by adjusting the contrast data D3 based on the difference from the white brightness value Yw, the color change due to brightness becomes more noticeable in bright pixels that are close to white, while the color change due to brightness becomes less noticeable in pixels that are close to black.

[0037] In this embodiment, the luminance value of each pixel of the composite image data D4 obtained when the contrast data D3 with the adjusted difference I(x, y) and the first image data D10 are combined by the combining unit 15 is calculated using the following formula (3).

[0038]

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[0039] In formula (3), Y D4 (x, y) indicates the luminance value of each pixel of the composite image data D4. D1 (x, y) indicates the luminance value of each pixel of the first image data D10.

[0040] When adjusting the difference I(x, y) of the contrast data D3, the synthesis unit 15 may change the adjustment amount of each difference I(x, y) according to each difference I(x, y) of the contrast data D3, as shown in the following formula (4). This makes it possible to further emphasize the light and dark (contrast) of the synthesized image data D4.

[0041]

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[0042] In equation (4), "α" is a coefficient. That is, "α" indicates the gain for the difference I(x, y) of the contrast data D3. In other words, the brightness (contrast) of the composite image data D4 is controlled by the gain for the difference I(x, y) of the contrast data D3.

[0043] Furthermore, when adjusting the difference I(x,y) of the contrast data D3, the synthesis unit 15 may change the adjustment amount of each difference I(x,y) by increasing or decreasing a predetermined value of each difference I(x,y) of the contrast data D3, as shown in the following formula (5). This allows the overall brightness of the synthesized image data D4 to be adjusted.

[0044]

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[0045] In equation (5), "β" is a constant. That is, "β" represents an offset for the difference I(x, y) of the contrast data D3. In other words, the brightness of the composite image data D4 is controlled by the offset amount for the difference I(x, y) of the contrast data D3.

[0046] Next, an image forming method including an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an image forming method including an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] For example, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the operation input unit 19b receives an instruction to form an image on a recording medium P, the calculation device 10 (control unit 5) acquires first image data D1 indicating the image to be formed on the recording medium P (step S11).

[0048] Next, the arithmetic device 10 determines whether or not the second image data D2 has been acquired (step S12). For example, the arithmetic device 10 determines whether or not the second image data D2 is stored in the storage unit 5B. If the second image data D2 has been acquired (Yes in step S12), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0049] On the other hand, if the second image data D2 has not been acquired (No in step S12), the arithmetic device 10 requests the second image data D2 from the user via the display unit 19a (step S13).

[0050] The arithmetic device 10 (controller 5) controls the image reading unit 2 to read the surface of the recording medium P, and acquires the second image data D2 (step S14).

[0051] The calculation device 10 extracts contrast data D3 from the second image data D2. Specifically, the RGB values ​​of each pixel included in the second image data D2 are converted into luminance values ​​Y, and the average value Y of the luminance values ​​Y of all pixels is calculated. ave is offset (step S15).

[0052] The calculation device 10 refers to the memory unit 5B to obtain an ICC profile that indicates the characteristics of the image forming unit 1 (step S16), and adjusts the RGB values ​​of each pixel of the first image data D1 according to the ICC profile to generate the first image data D10 (step S17).

[0053] The calculation device 10 adjusts each difference I(x, y) of the contrast data D3 according to the difference between the white luminance value Yw indicating "white" in the first image data D10 and the luminance value Y of the second image data D2, which is the contrast data D3 before offset, so that the difference I(x, y) becomes smaller as the difference between the white luminance value Yw and the luminance value Y becomes larger (step S18).

[0054] The arithmetic unit 10 combines the generated first image data D10 with contrast data D3 obtained by adjusting the difference I(x, y) (step S19).

[0055] After generating composite image data D4 by combining the first image data D10 and the contrast data D3, the calculation device 10 (control unit 5) controls the display unit 19a to display an image corresponding to the generated composite image data D4 (step S20).

[0056] For example, when the operation input unit 19b receives an instruction to continue forming an image on the recording medium P, the calculation device 10 (control unit 5) controls the image forming unit 1 to form an image corresponding to the first image data D1 on the recording medium P (step S21).

[0057] The processes from step S11 to step S19 are an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0059] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] The present invention can be used in the field of image forming devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1: Image forming unit 5: Control section 10: Arithmetic device 11:First acquisition part 12:Second acquisition part 13:Extraction part 14:Adjustment section 15: Synthesis section 19a: Display section 100: Image forming device D1, D10: First image data D2: Second image data D3: Contrast data D4: Composite image data I :Difference P: Recording medium Y: Brightness value Yave:Average value Yw: White luminance value

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires first image data representing a first image to be formed on a recording medium; a second acquisition unit that acquires second image data that indicates the surface of the recording medium; an extracting unit that extracts information indicating the brightness of the recording medium from the second image data and generates contrast data; a combining unit that combines the first image data and the contrast data to generate combined image data that indicates an image to be formed on the recording medium; A computing device comprising:

2. The extraction unit The arithmetic unit according to claim 1 , wherein the arithmetic unit converts RGB values ​​into luminance values ​​to generate contrast data for each pixel included in the second image data.

3. an adjustment unit that adjusts the color of the first image data in accordance with the characteristics of an output device that outputs the composite image data; The arithmetic device according to claim 1 , wherein the combining unit combines the first image data, the color of which has been adjusted by the adjusting unit, with the contrast data.

4. In the synthesis of the first image data whose color has been adjusted by the adjustment unit and the contrast data, The synthesis unit 4. The calculation device according to claim 3, wherein the contrast data is adjusted so that the greater the difference between a pixel having a luminance value and a white luminance value indicating white in the first image after the color adjustment, the smaller the difference between the luminance value for each pixel and the average value of the luminance value.

5. The arithmetic device according to claim 4 , wherein the synthesis unit changes an adjustment amount of the difference in accordance with the difference in the contrast data.

6. The arithmetic device according to claim 4 , wherein the synthesis unit increases or decreases the difference of the contrast data by a predetermined value.

7. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a control unit that controls the image forming unit; Equipped with The control unit includes the arithmetic unit according to claim 1 .

Images