Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program

Abstract

To correctly display an image that is printed out by multi-size dot printing in detail on a display screen of a display device.SOLUTION: An image processing device for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device comprises: a first image generation unit which generates printing image data constituting a printing image formed with multi-size dots by inputting image data; an input unit which receives selection of color information on colors displayed on the display screen out of color information included in the printing image data; a second image generation unit which generates display image data constituting a display image formed with single size dots by performing color conversion of the printing image data based on the selected color information received by the input unit on the basis of the dot size and the color information on the dot; and an output unit which outputs the display image data to the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, color calibration (soft proofing) has been performed to rasterize print data such as images of lines, characters, figures, photographs, etc. to generate a print image and check the finished state of the image on the display screen of a display device before printing out the image (see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

[0003] According to this soft proofing, it is possible to perform calibration and confirmation work of an image on a display screen without actually outputting a printed matter of the image, so that it is possible to save waste of printing resources such as printing paper and ink and shorten the working time. There are advantages such as Also, there is an image processing apparatus capable of checking an enlarged portion on the display screen of a display device (see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an inkjet printer, multi-size dot printing is known in which the dot size of ink is properly used for printing. However, in the soft proofing of the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, it is not considered to display an image on a display screen taking into account the color change due to multi-size dots, and when enlarged, the dot size of ink or the change due to the color of ink used cannot be confirmed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program that can accurately and in detail display an image printed and output by multi-size dot printing on a display screen of a display device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that displays an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, and includes: a first image generation unit that inputs the image data and generates print image data that constitutes a print image formed by multi-size dots; an input unit that receives a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen among the color information included in the print image data; a second image generation unit that generates display image data that constitutes a display image formed by single-size dots by performing color conversion on the print image data based on the selected color information received by the input unit based on dot size and dot color information; and an output unit that outputs the display image data to the display device.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first image generation unit generates the print image data with reference to an input profile of the image data and an output profile of a print output device, and the second image generation unit generates the display image data with reference to a display profile of the display device and a conversion table for color-converting the color information according to the dot size.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second image generation unit converts the luminance of the color information with reference to the conversion table.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the second image generation unit generates a navigation image in which display image data that constitutes a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined regions is reduced and displayed, and a proof image in which one of the plurality of divided images is enlarged and displayed.

[0011] The image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device. The method includes: a first image generation step of inputting the image data to generate print image data constituting a print image formed by multi-size dots; an input step of receiving a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen among the color information included in the print image data; a second image generation step of color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on dot size and dot color information to generate display image data constituting a display image formed by single-size dots; and an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device.

[0012] The image processing program according to the present invention is an image processing program for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device. The program causes a computer to execute: a first image generation step of inputting the image data to generate print image data constituting a print image formed by multi-size dots; an input step of receiving a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen among the color information included in the print image data; a second image generation step of color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on dot size and dot color information to generate display image data constituting a display image formed by single-size dots; and an output step of outputting the display image data to the display device.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, an image printed and output by multi-size dot printing can be accurately and detailedly displayed on the display screen of the display device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention. In the present embodiment, when the arrangement, scale, dimensions, etc. of each component are shown exaggerated or minimized, and some components may be omitted.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a functional configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can be configured as, for example, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) apparatus. The image processing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a raster image conversion unit 2, a print image data generation unit 3, a display image data generation unit 4, a storage unit 5, and an operation unit 6.

[0017] Note that a print data input unit 7 such as a print data generation apparatus that inputs print data including image data, a display 8 as a display device, and an inkjet printer 9 as a print output device, etc. can be connected to the outside of the image processing apparatus 1. Note that the display 8 may be included in the operation unit 6 of the image processing apparatus 1.

[0018] The raster image conversion unit 2 inputs print data composed of image data such as lines, characters, graphics, and photographs such as PDF (Portable Document Format) and PS (PostScript: registered trademark) from an external print data input unit 7, and converts it into raster image data (CMYK data) which is image data such as a TIFF image composed of raster data.

[0019] The printing image data generation unit 3 includes a color conversion unit 3a and a halftone processing unit 3b, and performs various conversion processes on the image data (raster image data) from the raster image conversion unit 2 to generate printing image data with multi-size dots. Note that the printing image data may be composed of not only four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), but also six colors with light cyan (Lc) and light magenta (Lm) added thereto, eight colors with light black (Lk) and orange (O) or green (G) of spot color ink added thereto, or six-color data with white (W) and varnish (V) (clear ink) added to CMYK.

[0020] The display image data generation unit 4 generates display image data for preview from the printing image data from the printing image data generation unit 3. Then, the display image data generation unit 4 also functions as an output unit that outputs the image data to the display 8.

[0021] The storage unit 5 stores data such as various profiles and conversion tables, data such as a display driver and a printer driver, and various image data converted and generated by each unit. The operation unit 6 receives operation inputs by the user of the image processing apparatus 1 via the input unit 6a.

[0022] The color conversion unit 3a of the printing image data generation unit 3 performs color conversion processing on the image data with reference to at least the input profile of the image data and the output profile of the inkjet printer 9 from the storage unit 5. Specifically, the color conversion unit 3a first performs color management processing by referring to an input profile (ICC profile) such as Japan Color (registered trademark) stored in the storage unit 5, and expands the image data (for example, 8-bit_CMYK data) into a color space of, for example, the L*a*b* color system, and performs color conversion on the L*a*b* values of the device-independent color.

[0023] Then, the color conversion unit 3a refers to an output profile (ICC profile) that can be used for the inkjet printer 9 to be used, and re-converts the L*a*b* values into CMYK values (8-bit_CMYK data) of device-dependent color.

[0024] In addition, as color calibration processing, the color conversion unit 3a can execute generation of light ink colors (Lc, Lm, Lk), generation of special ink colors (W: White / V: Varnish) for undercolor printing and thick ink printing, adjustment of ink amount (tone curve adjustment), etc. Thus, the color conversion unit 3a executes general color matching processing including color management processing and color calibration processing.

[0025] The halftone processing unit 3b of the print image data generation unit 3 performs halftone processing on the basis of the CMYK values (8-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) from the color conversion unit 3a using an error diffusion method or the like, and converts them into CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of multi-sized dots of device-dependent color which are print image data. Details of the multi-sized dot (SML) information will be described later.

[0026] The CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of the multi-sized dots output from the print image data generation unit 3 are output to the inkjet printer 9 as print data for forming raster image data of the print image. Note that, for example, information on ink sets included in the output profile of the inkjet printer 9 can be acquired by the image processing apparatus 1 from the inkjet printer 9.

[0027] The display image data generation unit 4 converts the CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) of the multi-size dots output from the halftone processing unit 3b into RGB values (8-bit_RGB data) of device-dependent colors that constitute the display image formed by single-size (uniform size) dots based on the conversion table 30 (see FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 5. The display image data generation unit 4 outputs the display image data consisting of this 8-bit_RGB data to the display 8. The details of the conversion table 30 will be described later.

[0028] With the image processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the print image (CMYK data) printed and output by the inkjet printer 9 by multi-size dot printing can be appropriately converted into the display image (RGB data) displayed on the display screen of the display 8. Therefore, for example, before actual print output, it is possible to accurately display the print image on the display 8. As a result, it is possible to save waste of printing resources and shorten the working time. Note that the print image data generation unit 3 and the display image data generation unit 4 function as a first image generation unit that generates print image data and a second image generation unit that generates expression image data, respectively.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 1 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, an HDD (hard disk drive) 14, and an SSD (solid state drive) 15, similar to a computer. The image processing apparatus 1 also includes an input I / F (interface) 16, an output I / F (interface) 17, and a communication I / F (interface) 18. Each component 11 to 18 of the image processing apparatus 1 is connected to each other via a bus 10 so as to be communicable.

[0030] The CPU 11 controls the entire image processing apparatus 1 by executing various programs stored in the RAM 12, ROM 13, HDD 14, SSD 15, etc., and realizes the functions of the raster image conversion unit 2, the print image data generation unit 3, and the display image data generation unit 4 by executing the image processing program. The RAM 12 can be used, for example, as a work area for the CPU 11 for processes such as drawing and expanding various image data. The ROM 13 stores the various programs in a readable manner, for example. The HDD 14 and SSD 15 read and write various data and realize the function of the storage unit 5.

[0031] Connected to the input I / F 16 are a keyboard 19a, a mouse 19b, and a touch panel 19c that function as the input unit 6a of the operation unit 6, and the input I / F 16 receives information accompanying operation inputs from the user. The input I / F 16 may be connected to an inkjet printer 9. Connected to the output I / F 17 are, for example, a display 8 and an inkjet printer 9, and print data and monitor data are output. The touch panel 19c may be provided on the display 8. Note that the image processing apparatus 1 can be connected to an external device 29 via a network 28 by means of the communication I / F 18. The external device 29 includes, for example, other image processing apparatuses at remote locations.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining multi-size dots and their dot sizes and data configurations. As shown in FIG. 3(a), a print image in multi-size dot printing can be composed of dots of a plurality of dot sizes with different dot diameters. The multi-size dots are composed of, for example, small droplets (S dots) 21, medium droplets (M dots) 22 with a larger diameter than the small droplets, and large droplets (L dots) 23 with a larger diameter than the medium droplets. For example, compared with color representation by single-size dots using four colors such as CMYK, it is possible to maximize and form a high-quality print image.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3(b), the multi-size dot (SML) information 20 defines the S dot 21, M dot 22, and L dot 23 that make up this multi-size dot by, for example, 2-bit data representation. The S dot 21 can be represented as "01", the M dot 22 as "10", and the L dot 23 as "11". In the case of no dot, it is represented as "00".

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table 30 used for color conversion by the display image data generation unit 4 of the image processing apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the conversion table 30 stores the correspondence between the CMYK values (2-bit_CMYKLcLmLkWV data) representing the dot size and color information of the multi-size dots of the printed image, and the RGB values (8-bit_RGB data) of the display image of the single-size dots representing this.

[0035] The conversion table 30 includes color tables for each color, such as a cyan (C) table 31, a magenta (M) table 32, a yellow (Y) table 33, a black (K) table 34, a light cyan (Lc) table 35, and a light magenta (Lm) table 36. Regarding color tables for light black (Lk), white (W), varnish (V), orange (O), green (G), etc., although not shown in the figure, they may be included in the conversion table 30. However, white (W) and varnish (V) are often used as single colors without being used together with other ink colors. For example, in that case, the whole becomes the same color (W, V). Also, since varnish (V) is a clear (transparent, varnish) ink, it may be associated with an alternative color (for example, black) table (not shown) to make it easier to confirm the position of the dot.

[0036] In the respective color tables 31 to 36, the RGB values in the case of no dots are expressed by values such as "255, 255, 255". In the cyan (C) table 31, the RGB value of the S dot 21 is expressed by the value "170, 255, 255", the RGB value of the M dot 22 is expressed by the value "85, 255, 255", and the RGB value of the L dot 23 is expressed by "0, 255, 255".

[0037] Similarly, the respective RGB values of the S dot 21, M dot 22, and L dot 23 are expressed by the values "255, 170, 255", "255, 85, 255", and "255, 0, 255" in the magenta (M) table 32, and are expressed by the values "255, 255, 170", "255, 255, 85", and "255, 255, 0" in the yellow (Y) table 33, and are expressed by the values "170, 170, 170", "85, 85, 85", and "0, 0, 0" in the black (K) table 34.

[0038] Also, in the light cyan (Lc) table 35, they are expressed by the values "234, 255, 255", "213, 255, 255", and "191, 255, 255", and in the light magenta (Lm) table 36, they are expressed by the values "255, 234, 255", "255, 213, 255", and "255, 191, 255".

[0039] By referring to the conversion table 30 configured as described above, the display image data generation unit 4 generates monitor data representing a display image obtained by appropriately converting the output image with RGB values (8-bit_RGB data). Note that the display image data generation unit 4 may also refer to, for example, the display profile of the display 8 stored in the storage unit 5 to generate the above monitor data. The above-described conversion table 30 has been exemplified as one that changes the color density of the RGB values as color information to correspond to multi-size dots of each color. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be one that changes the luminance values of RGB to correspond to multi-size dots of each color.

[0040] Specifically, for example, among the color tables 31 to 36 of each color, taking the cyan (C) table 31 as an example, the RGB value "170, 255, 255" of the S dot 21 is expressed with RGB luminance "67%, 100%, 100%", the RGB value "85, 255, 255" of the M dot 22 is expressed with RGB luminance "33%, 100%, 100%", and the RGB value "0, 255, 255" of the L dot 23 is expressed with RGB luminance "0%, 100%, 100%". In the display 8, such RGB values can be read as RGB luminance signals to represent colors.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an image processing procedure by the image processing apparatus 1, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display image on the display screen of the display 8, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a dot group constituting a part of the display image, and FIGS. 9 to 13 are diagrams showing other display examples of the display image on the display screen of the display 8. Note that the image processing in FIG. 6 represents an example of display / print processing in soft proofing by the image processing apparatus 1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the image processing apparatus 1 inputs print data from the print data input unit 7 (step S100). Next, the raster image conversion unit 2 of the image processing apparatus 1 executes a rasterization process for converting the input print data into raster image data (step S101). Next, the print image data generation unit 3 performs various conversion processes and halftone processes as described above to generate print image data of multi-size dots corresponding to the S dot 21, the M dot 22, and the L dot 23 (step S102).

[0043] Thereafter, an instruction from the user via the operation unit 6 is received (step S103). When the received instruction indicates print execution ( "Print" in step S103), the inkjet printer 9 prints out the print image (step S110), and a series of processes according to this flowchart are terminated.

[0044] On the other hand, when the received instruction indicates display ( "Display" in step S103), the operation input from the user via the operation unit 6 for selecting the ink color to be displayed is further received (step S104). When the received ink color selection indicates color mixing (full color) ( "Color mixing" in step S104), the display image data generation unit 4 generates display image data of color mixing corresponding to the enlarged display and the reduced divided display according to the multi-sized dots of the S dot 21, the M dot 22, and the L dot 23 based on the print image data from the print image data generation unit 3 (step S105). That is, in this step S105, for example, when the print image data is composed of four-color data of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), the display image data constituting a display image that can be represented by CMYK color mixing is generated.

[0045] Also, when the received ink color selection indicates single color ( "Single color" in step S104), the display image data generation unit 4 generates display image data of the selected single ink color corresponding to each of the above display modes according to the multi-sized dots, in the same manner as in the case of color mixing (step S106). That is, in this step S106, for example, when the selected ink color is a single color of yellow (Y), the display image data constituting a display image that can be represented by Y single color is generated. Each display image data is configured to be able to draw pixels by changing the color density according to the dot size, for example, 100% for the ejection of the L dot 23, 67% for the ejection of the M dot 22, and 33% for the ejection of the S dot 21. In this single-color display image data, for example, when yellow (Y) ink dots are ejected, it may be configured to be able to draw yellow (Y) pixels with black (K), and for single colors such as cyan (C) and magenta (M), it may also be configured to be able to draw with black (K).

[0046] In addition, each display image data generated in the above steps S105 and S106 may, for example, constitute a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the display image for each predetermined area. By doing so, it is possible to speed up image processing (for example, processing related to calculation and drawing) and reduce the processing load.

[0047] Thereafter, a display image based on the generated mixed-color or single-color display image data is displayed on the display screen of the display 8 (step S107). Here, when the display image data constitutes a display image formed by the above-described plurality of divided images, the display image data may further enlarge the display image corresponding to the multi-sized dots as described above, or may reduce the display of the plurality of divided images (that is, reduce and divide the display). For example, the display image displayed on the display 8 in step S107 above can be displayed as shown in FIG. 7.

[0048] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a preview window 40 for displaying a display image is displayed on the display screen of the display 8. The preview window 40 has, for example, a main display area 41 and a sub-display area 42. In the sub-display area 42, a navigation image 43 obtained by dividing and reducing the entire display image is displayed. Among the plurality of divided images displayed by this navigation image 43, for example, when an arbitrary divided image is selected by a selection frame 44 by a user operation via the operation unit 6, a proof image (not shown) obtained by enlarging the selected divided image is displayed in the main display area 41. The user can further select and specify a necessary portion with an enlargement frame 46, and change the magnification displayed in the magnification display window 48 by operating the enlargement menu 47, whereby an enlarged proof image 45 obtained by enlarging the specified portion is displayed in the main display area 41 (step S108). The user can visually recognize this enlarged proof image 45 and confirm the color representation.

[0049] Note that, for example, below the preview window 40, radio buttons 49a, 49b, and 49c are provided for selecting the ink color of the proof image from, for example, "Color", "White", and "Varnish". These radio buttons 49a to 49c are not limited to "Color", "White", and "Varnish", and are not necessarily provided below the preview window 40. Also, for example, to the right of the radio buttons 49a to 49c, a pull-down menu 49d is provided for selecting the ink color displayed in the main display area 41 based on the ink set information. This pull-down menu 49d is not limited to being provided to the right of the radio buttons 49a to 49c.

[0050] The "Color" radio button 49a can be selected, for example, when displaying a proof image in CMYK color (basic color inks: CMYK) when the display image data constitutes a display image capable of CMYK mixed color display. In addition, depending on the composition of the display image data, the "Color" radio button 49a can be selected when displaying a proof image appropriately synthesized with light ink colors (light color inks: LcLmLk), special colors (special color inks: O, G), etc. The "White" radio button 49b and the "Varnish" radio button 49c can be selected when displaying proof images composed of white (W) color (special ink) and varnish (V) color (special ink), respectively.

[0051] In the pull-down menu 49d, although not shown in the illustration, ink colors based on the information of ink sets associated with the print image data and carried over to the display image data are displayed by the pull-down. Note that in the pull-down menu 49d, ink colors based on the information of the ink sets acquired by the image processing apparatus 1 from the inkjet printer 9 may be displayed by the pull-down. In the pull-down menu 49d, for example, options of ink colors displayed in the preview window 40 such as "Color", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "Black", "Cyan + Black" may be displayed.

[0052] Here, the information of the ink sets is different for each manufacturer and type of the inkjet printer 9, and examples include (a) a set of KCMY, (b) a set of KCMYLcLm, (c) a set of KCMYLcLmLkO, (d) a set of KCMYWWVV, etc.

[0053] When the ink set of the inkjet printer 9 is the set of KCMY in (a), options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow" are displayed in the pull-down menu 49d. When the ink set is the set of KCMYLcLm in (b), options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "Light Cyan", "Light Magenta" are displayed in the pull-down menu 49d. When the ink set is the set of KCMYLcLmLkO in (c), options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "Light Cyan", "Light Magenta", "Light Black", "Orange" are displayed in the pull-down menu 49d. Further, when the ink set is the set of KCMYWWVV in (d), options of "Color", "Black", "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "White", "Burnish" are displayed in the pull-down menu 49d.

[0054] In the pull-down menu 49d, when the "Color" option is selected, proof images of all ink colors that make up the display image are displayed in the main display area 41. Also, when options such as "Cyan", "Magenta", "Yellow", "Black", or an option displayed as "Cyan + Black" are selected, a proof image of the selected single color that makes up the display image, or in the case of a combination, a proof image that can switch between each color one by one (for example, switch and display at predetermined intervals) or a proof image that can display each color simultaneously is displayed in the main display area 41.

[0055] For example, when mixed-color display image data is generated in step S105 above, a mixed-color display image based on this mixed-color display image data is displayed in step S107, and when the magnified display of the specified part is performed in step S108, when the "Color" radio button 49a is selected, proof images of all ink colors that make up the display image are displayed in the main display area 41. From here, for example, when the "Color" option is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, the mixed-color proof image is displayed as it is, but when a single color or color combination included in the mixed color (for example, an option displayed as "Cyan" or an option displayed as "Cyan" + "Magenta" + "Yellow", etc.) is selected, a proof image using the single ink color or a proof image using the ink colors of the color combination in the above manner is displayed in the main display area 41 (step S109).

[0056] Note that when single-color display image data is generated in step S106 above and a single-color display image is displayed in step S107, regardless of the magnified display of the specified part in step S108, when any one of the "Color" radio button 49a, "White" radio button 49b, and "Varnish" radio button 49c is selected, the single-color proof image is displayed in the main display area 41, and the pull-down menu 49d may be grayed out and displayed as unselectable.

[0057] Also, when there are a wide variety of options displayed in the pull-down menu 49d or when it is possible to select multiple ink color options, instead of or together with the pull-down menu 49d, for example, ink color selection may be made using check boxes (not shown). Also, a "Print" button (not shown) may be arranged in the preview window 40. By pressing the "Print" button to execute printing, the content of the proof image viewed in the preview window 40 can be printed and confirmed. In this way, the user can view the display by ink color together with the enlarged proof image 45, check whether the nuances by color expression are as intended, and end the series of processes according to this flowchart. Note that the order of steps S108 and S109 may be swapped.

[0058] Normally, for an image to be printed by a large inkjet printer, etc., the data volume of the image is also extremely large. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the appropriate number of divisions for the image is automatically calculated and determined, and by performing reduced display of the division according to the determined number of divisions, the target image data is made into a size that is easy to handle, and the processing is speeded up.

[0059] For example, when printing an image with a print size of 1,615 mm × 1,142.2 mm at a printing resolution of 720 dpi × 720 dpi, the pixel size of the entire image is 16,838 × 11,906. Therefore, when the number of divisions is set to 108 (12 × 9), the pixel size per division is 1,403 × 1,322. Also, by creating data for the entire screen regardless of the presence or absence of divided data display, enlarged display of the selected part of the image can be performed smoothly, and by increasing the magnification, the display of dots in the selected part can also be easily performed.

[0060] In the enlarged proof image 45, although the dot size on the display screen of the display 8 is constant, as described above, the RGB luminance is changed for each color, that is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the S dot 21 group is relatively bright, the L dot 23 group is relatively dark, and the M dot 22 group is displayed with a brightness in between, thereby appropriately expressing the difference in dot size in the printed image. By visually recognizing the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in this way, the user can easily and simply confirm whether the intended color expression in the printed image is actually reproduced, for example, with the change in the dot size of the ink.

[0061] In addition, not only the color expression associated with the change in the dot size of the ink but also the color expression associated with the change in the used color of the ink can be confirmed. For example, in a pixel (picture element) where a plurality of ink colors (for example, CMY) are simultaneously ejected in the printed image, it may be difficult to distinguish the color expression by the black (K) ink. That is, in the conversion table 30 corresponding to the luminance value described above, in the black (K) table 34, the RGB luminance of the L dot 23 is "0%, 0%, 0%".

[0062] On the other hand, in the cyan (C) table 31, the RGB luminance of the L dot 23 is "0%, 100%, 100%", in the magenta (M) table 32, the RGB luminance of the L dot 23 is "100%, 0%, 100%", and in the yellow (Y) table 33, the RGB luminance of the L dot 23 is "100%, 100%, 0%". Since the dot color expression of the pixel where these three colors are simultaneously ejected has an RGB luminance of "0%, 0%, 0%", it becomes difficult to distinguish it from the L dot 23 of the black (K) ink.

[0063] Generally, when expressing the color black, there may be a difference between the black represented by black (K) ink and the black represented by a combination of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks in terms of the color representation of the display image displayed on the display screen and the color representation actually printed and output by the printed image due to differences in the black density and the like. In the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, such a change in color representation due to the ink usage color is also configured to be viewable on the display screen of the display 8.

[0064] An example based on the display image data of CMYK color mixing will be described below. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, for the divided image selected by the selection frame 44 and specified by the enlargement frame 46 in the navigation image 43 displayed by CMYK mixing, when the "Color" radio button 49a is selected and "Color" is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, the dot color representation of the pixels of the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 in step S109 is displayed by CMYK mixing.

[0065] Here, as shown in FIG. 10, when "Black" is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, the navigation image 43 and the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the main display area 41 are displayed only in the dot color representation of the pixel by the single-color ink color of black (K) with the RGB luminance of "0%, 0%, 0%" (dots of other ink colors are not displayed).

[0066] Similarly, when "Cyan" is selected in the pull-down menu 49d, when "Magenta" is selected, and when "Yellow" is selected, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 respectively, the enlarged proof image 45 displayed in the navigation image 43 and the main display area 41 is only displayed in the dot color representation of the pixel by the single color of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) with RGB luminance of "0%, 0%, 0%" (dots of other ink colors are not displayed in the same way). Regarding the above cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) ink colors, in addition to those described above, the dot color representation of the pixel may be performed with a predetermined luminance signal according to each ink color, and dots of other ink colors may not be displayed.

[0067] Thereby, in the proof image, by visually recognizing the enlarged proof image 45, it is possible to easily and in detail confirm what kind of ink color the dot color representation of the target pixel at the location specified by the enlarged frame 46 is composed of, for example, whether the black representation is composed of the single color of black (K), or whether it is composed of the mixed color of cyan + magenta + yellow (CMY), and if it is a mixed color, what ratio each ink color is ejected. (Appropriately select the desired color or color combination, etc.).

[0068] According to the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the print image of the multi-size dot printing can be accurately and in detail confirmed by the soft proof using such a display image, an accurate and detailed simulation can be realized over the details such as the color representation, the ink color used, and the layout of the print image of the multi-size dot printing. Not only can the waste of printing resources be saved and the working time be shortened, but also the difference between the displayed image and the printed image can be minimized as much as possible, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another example of the image processing procedure by the image processing apparatus 1. Further, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen on the display screen of the display 8, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of a display image based on a print image in which the correction is reflected. In the following description including FIG. 14, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 14, in the image processing apparatus 1 of this example, print data is input from the print data input unit 7 (step S200), and a rasterization process for converting the input print data into raster image data is executed by the raster image conversion unit 2 (step S201).

[0071] Next, the print image data generation unit 3 generates print image data of multi-size dots by performing various conversion processes and halftone processes as described above (step S202), receives an instruction by an operation input via the operation unit 6 (step S203), and when the received instruction indicates print execution (``Print'' in step S203), the print image is printed out by the inkjet printer 9 (step S213), and a series of processes according to this flowchart are terminated.

[0072] On the other hand, when the received instruction indicates display (``Display'' in step S203), a selection of ink color by an operation input is further received (step S204), and when the selection of ink color indicates color mixing (``Color mixing'' in step S204), the display image data generation unit 4 generates display image data of color mixing corresponding to each display mode such as enlargement and reduction division according to the multi-size dots based on the print image data (step S205).

[0073] Also, when the selection of the ink color indicates a single color ("single color" in step S204), the display image data generation unit 4 generates single-color display image data corresponding to each display mode according to multi-sized dots in the same manner as in the case of color mixing (step S206). Then, before printing out the print image by the inkjet printer 9, the display image data generation unit 4 outputs these display image data to the display 8 and displays the display image on the display 8 as described above (step S207).

[0074] Then, by visually recognizing the enlarged proof image 45, the user can easily and in detail confirm on the display 8 whether the intended color representation and the like in the print image are actually reproduced. For example, the user determines whether to print the image of the selected specified color displayed on the display 8 with the inkjet printer 9 (step S208). When printing for actual confirmation ("do" in step S208), the print image data of the specified color is generated (step S209), printed out to the inkjet printer 9 (step S210), and it is confirmed whether there is any image correction (step S211). When not printing ("do not" in step S208), the presence or absence of image correction is confirmed without going through steps S209 and S210 (step S211). When no image correction is required (NO in step S211), the print image is printed out by the inkjet printer 9 as described above (step S213), and a series of processes according to this flowchart are terminated.

[0075] On the other hand, when it is confirmed that image correction is necessary (YES in step S211), the user performs various correction operations (step S212) via the operation unit 6. The correction operation in this step S212 is performed, for example, using the following editing screen displayed on the display screen of the display 8.

[0076] That is, as shown in FIG. 15, an editing window 50 for performing various correction operations for adjusting a display image and reflecting it in a print image is displayed on the display screen of the display 8. The editing window 50 has, for example, a main display area 51 and an editing menu selection area 52. In the main display area 51, a proof image 55 based on the display image on which correction operations and the like are performed is displayed.

[0077] In the editing menu selection area 52, a plurality of tabs for selecting each editing menu such as "General", "Printer Profile", "Layout", "Color Management", "Color Adjustment", "Ink Amount Adjustment", "Spot Color Replacement", "Crop Mark", "Post - processing", "Tiling", "Clipping & Trimming", "Step & Repeat", "Fixture Layout", "Print Note", "List of Settings", etc. are displayed.

[0078] Here, when the "Ink Amount Adjustment" tab 52a in the editing menu selection area 52 is selected as shown in the figure, on the left side of the main display area 51, for example, an ink amount adjustment parameter display area 53 for each ink type and an adjustment interval parameter display area 54 are displayed. Also, below the main display area 51, a "Print Environment Update" button 56a, a "Save" button 56b, a "Send to Printer" button 56c, and a "Cancel" button 56d are arranged and displayed. The zoom menu 57, the magnification display window 58, and the radio buttons 59a, 59b, 59c are the same as those in the preview window 40.

[0079] The user can finely adjust the color expression by ink (dot color expression of pixels) in the proof image 55 by operating the parameter display areas 53 and 54 of the "Ink Amount Adjustment" tab 52a, and reflect this correction in the print image. After the correction operation is completed, the process proceeds to step S202 to generate print image data reflecting the correction (step S202), and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0080] FIG. 16 shows a preview window 40 in which an enlarged proof image 45A is displayed, which is corrected in the correction operation of step S212 so that, for example, the ink ejection amount for black (K) is slightly reduced. According to this enlarged proof image 45A, it can be visually confirmed that, for example, compared with the enlarged proof image 45 (see FIG. 10) before correction, the dot color representation of pixels by black (K) is suppressed. For each color other than black (K), similar correction can be performed to finely adjust the dot color representation of pixels. Thus, according to the image processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is also possible to accurately and in detail check and correct a print image for multi-size dot printing by such soft proofing. Note that the arrangement modes of the respective regions 51 to 54 of the editing window 50 and the respective components of the buttons are not limited to those described above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0081] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1 Image processing apparatus 2 Raster image conversion unit 3 Print image data generation unit 3a Color conversion unit 3b Halftone processing unit 4 Display image data generation unit 5 Storage unit 6 Operation unit 6a Input unit

Claims

1. In an image processing apparatus that displays an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, a first image generation unit that inputs the image data and generates print image data that constitutes a print image formed by multi-size dots; an input unit that receives a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen among the color information included in the print image data; a second image generation unit that generates display image data that constitutes a display image formed by single-size dots by performing color conversion on the print image data based on the selected color information received by the input unit based on dot size and dot color information; an output unit that outputs the display image data to the display device, and when the selected color information indicates a single color, the second image generation unit converts the print image data that constitutes the print image formed by the multi-size dots corresponding to the selected color information to generate the display image data that constitutes the display image formed by the single-size dots, and when the selected color information is any one of cyan, magenta, and yellow, the display image is configured to be drawable in black and a portion selected and designated by the user of the display image can be enlarged and displayed An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The first image generation unit generates the print image data with reference to an input profile of the image data and an output profile of a print output device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The second image generation unit converts the luminance value of the color information with reference to a conversion table for color-converting the color information according to the display profile of the display device and the dot size. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The second image generation unit generates a navigation image in which display image data that constitutes a plurality of divided images obtained by dividing the display image into predetermined regions is reduced and displayed, and a proof image in which one of the plurality of divided images is enlarged and displayed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. In an image processing method for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, A first image generation step of inputting the image data and generating print image data that constitutes a print image formed by multi-size dots; An input step of receiving a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen among the color information included in the print image data; A second image generation step of color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on dot size and dot color information to generate display image data that constitutes a display image formed by single-size dots; An output step of outputting the display image data to the display device, and having: In the second image generation step, when the selected color information indicates a single color, the print image data that constitutes the print image formed by the multi-size dots corresponding to the selected color information is converted to generate the display image data that constitutes the display image formed by the single-size dots, and when the selected color information is any one of cyan, magenta, and yellow, the display image is drawn in black and a portion selected and designated by the user of the display image is enlarged and displayed An image processing method characterized by the above.

6. An image processing program for displaying an image based on input image data on a display screen of a display device, Causing a computer to Execute a first image generation step of inputting the image data and generating print image data that constitutes a print image formed by multi-size dots; An input step of receiving a selection of color information of a color to be displayed on the display screen among the color information included in the print image data; A second image generation step of color-converting the print image data based on the selected color information received in the input step based on dot size and dot color information to generate display image data that constitutes a display image formed by single-size dots; An output step of outputting the display image data to the display device, When the selected color information indicates a single color, the second image generation step converts the print image data constituting the print image formed by the multi-sized dots corresponding to the selected color information to generate the display image data constituting the display image formed by the single-sized dots. When the selected color information is any one of cyan, magenta, and yellow, the display image is drawn in black and a portion of the display image selected and designated by the user is enlarged and displayed. An image processing program characterized by the above.

Images