JP4687361B2 - Image conversion system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a main server having a conversion instruction function for issuing a conversion instruction to the conversion processing server, a conversion processing function that performs conversion processing using a color profile and a font based on the conversion instruction, and a result converted by the conversion processing function The present invention relates to an image conversion system to which a conversion processing server having a conversion processing output function is connected.

  For example, the output display color output and displayed from the color image output monitor screen and print output section of computer-related devices such as personal computers, monitors, scanners, and printers is based on the color profile indicating the output color characteristics of each individual device. It is determined and output and displayed as a predetermined color tone.

  In the case of a monitor with an unknown profile, a color image displayed on the monitor screen of the device is directly measured using a colorimeter to create a device profile for a color image output monitor with an unknown profile. is doing.

  In addition, the color characteristics of image output means such as a color printer connected to a computer such as a personal computer are measured by directly measuring the image of the image output such as a print output (output sheet) output from the image output means using a colorimeter. To create a device profile for the image output means.

  Here, the color profile is a file in which the color characteristics of each device are expressed and described (written) by color values, and internally converted “device signal value → PCS value” and “PCS value → device signal value”. Color conversion information for conversion is installed.

  The device signal value is a CMYK value, and the density% value and PCS value of each display color of C color (cyan), M color (magenta), Y color (yellow), and K color (black) output from the device. (Profile connection space), which is a color value in a device-independent color space, such as an XYZ value or a Lab value.

  In general, the color value is defined as a Lab value. Here, the L axis is brightness, the a axis is Red hue (+ a) to Cyan hue (−a), and the b axis is Yellow hue (+ b) to Blue hue (−b). The XYZ value is (x + y + z = 1).

  This color conversion information part is composed of two primary curves (in: input value, out: output value) and a color conversion table. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of “device signal value → PCS value” conversion. The “PCS value → device signal value” conversion is a flow chart in the reverse direction.

  Hereinafter, the case of an image conversion system including a main server and a conversion processing server using this color profile will be described.

  The main server has a mechanism to activate applications including functions such as printing with a printer and display on a monitor. Image conversion is performed by sending image data from the main server or via the main server to the conversion processing server, and converting the converted image. It has a function to receive data and use it in the application.

On the other hand, the conversion processing server has a function of receiving image data from the main server, performing image conversion using a color profile, a font, and the like, and returning it to the main server. The conversion processing server has a system management function and a conversion processing function, and has a system file management area and a storage area. The system management function and the conversion processing function are virtually separated and are usually integrated as hardware. On the other hand, the system file management area and the storage area are also virtually separated, but both are a kind of memory and are usually virtually separated.

  As an operation, when image data to be converted is generated in the application of the main server, a conversion instruction is issued to the conversion processing function in the conversion processing server. Upon receiving this, the conversion processing function sends color profile and font request information to the storage area. In the storage area, the color profile and font A are sent in advance to the system file management area that the operation system of the conversion processing server has. The conversion processing function uses this color profile and font A to convert image data. When image data is received from the main server, conversion is performed using the color profile and font A in such a storage area, the obtained image is sent to the main server, and the processing of the conversion processing server ends. The main server that receives the converted image data uses the image data to operate various devices such as a printer and a monitor, or sends an image to the client server or uses it for new data processing. In this case, regardless of the main server or application, conversion processing using color profiles and fonts possessed by the operation system of the conversion processing server is performed.

The patent literature is as follows.
JP 2003-204440 A

  However, actually, the color profile used by each device is not limited to one type, and there are many cases corresponding to a plurality of color profiles. For example, in the case of a printer, the printing conditions change depending on the quality of paper actually printed. If a plurality of color profiles are provided according to the paper quality, an image can be reproduced more faithfully. Even in the case of a monitor or the like, if a plurality of color profiles are provided according to the use environment, an image can be reproduced more faithfully.

  In addition, the color profile may be upgraded. In this case as well, there is a case where each device corresponds to a plurality of color profiles because software corresponding to the old version remains.

Hereinafter, color matching may be required in response to different models, individual differences, and changes with time. The method is as shown in the system block diagram of FIG. 6, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, based on predetermined color photographic image data recorded on an electronic data recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Then, using a color printer I (office printing machine) having a predetermined color profile I _F (CMYK → Lab) and stable color reproduction, a print image is printed out on a predetermined print paper and printed for reference P _O (color photographic print: CMYK) is obtained.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, a predetermined printout is printed out in a color tone with the reference print P _O (print image G _I ) printed out by the printing machine I (or color printer). A reference color profile N _F (Lab → CMYK) is created and described in the printer N (office printing press), and the printer I and the printer N are color-matched to make the printer N a reference printer.

Then, the color photograph image data recorded on the same CD-ROM (electronic data recording medium) used for the printing output of the printing press I is input to the reference printer N, and the color photograph is printed on a predetermined printing paper. by the color photographic prints P _N of the reference printed matter P _O (printed image G _I) and the same image is printed out on the basis of the image data, the printed material P _N, the reference printed matter P _O same tones and (color And printed out as a color-matched printed matter having the characteristics).

Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, a predetermined color monitor M (personal computer) is displayed so that the reference printed material P _O printed out by the printing machine I (or color printer) is displayed on the monitor in the same color tone. A reference color profile M _F (Lab → CMYK) is created and described, and the printing machine I and the monitor M are color-matched, and the monitor M is used as a reference monitor.

The color photographic image data recorded on the same CD-ROM (electronic data recording medium) used for the printing output of the printing press I is input to the reference monitor M, and the color photographic image is displayed on the monitor screen. by outputting display a color photographic image G _M of the same image as the printed material P _O for the reference on the basis of the image data, the image G _M which is the output display, the reference printed material P _O and the same hue (color characteristics) Is output and displayed as a color-matched image.

  Thus, color matching of the output display color by the reference device such as the reference printer N and the reference monitor M color-matched to the printing press I is possible. However, although a color profile was created every time this color matching was performed, in most cases, the color profile created last was used.

  In addition, the font version of each device may be different, which may result in a change in character shape. For example, even if it is specified as Taiming Dynasty, the fonts of the Taiming Dynasty installed on its output devices (computer, monitor, scanner, printer) may be different. It was usually different from the output of. Even if the meaning of the sentence is the same, the difference in the shape of the letter may be a problem in the design.

  In this case, conventionally, the color profile of each device has which color profile to use or which font to use is selected by the operation system, and the selection is made by each application. There wasn't.

  Therefore, in such a situation, the usage status of each device and the difference depending on the version cannot be reflected in each application, and there is a problem in the reproducibility of images and color characters.

  In addition, images and color character data corresponding to the color profile of the previous version other than the latest version of the color profile may be mixed, and if the individual images and color character data in that case are unified with the latest version, the whole will be dismissed. As a result, the quality of images and color character data deteriorates overall.

  In this case, the operation system has dealt with by changing the setting of which color profile of each device has or which font to use. Changing the settings was cumbersome.

In addition, there are cases where multiple conversion processing servers are used, but since each operation system is independent, which of the color profiles of each device is used or which font is used. There are cases where the setting is different, and ununiform processing due to this is likely to occur, and this confirmation is troublesome.

  In addition, color profiles and fonts generally use the same file name, and it is difficult to change the file name only to identify versions and generations of different color profiles and fonts with the same name. For example, it is common to distinguish between the Taming Dynasty and the ordinary Mincho, but the same file name is generally used while ignoring the fine character differences between the Taming Dynasty. Therefore, the operation system identifies such color profiles and font versions and generations.

  Accordingly, there has been a demand for an image conversion system that can confirm, change, or unify which color profile or font to use among the color profiles of individual devices more easily.

In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present invention is a main server having a conversion instruction function for issuing a conversion instruction to the conversion processing server, and conversion using a color profile and a font based on the conversion instruction. In an image conversion system to which a conversion processing server having a conversion processing function and a conversion processing output function for sending a result converted by the conversion processing function to the main server is connected,
When an image data conversion instruction used by various devices such as a printer connected to the client server is sent from the client server to the main server, the main server is used by the client server with respect to the conversion processing server. A registration instruction function for instructing registration of a color profile and a font corresponding to an application included in the main server , and the conversion processing server associates the color profile and font with the main server specifying information and the application based on the registration instruction from the main server. It has the function of registering fonts in the color profile font database, and the color profile and font used in the conversion processing function of the image conversion system are the color profile font data for which conversion instructions are given. Der those corresponding to the main server specific information and applications registered in the database is, the color profile is a color characteristic and, Lab value having a color conversion information for converting the device signal value and PCS value Color The image conversion system is characterized in that the output display color of each output device is measured using a colorimeter in order to realize color matching between various devices. is there.

  In the image conversion system according to the present invention, even when a plurality of main servers 1 share one conversion processing server 2, processing using an appropriate color profile or font can be performed in accordance with the main server 1. .

  Furthermore, even when the same main server 1 is used, it is possible to perform processing using an appropriate color profile and font even when the application is different.

  In addition, it is possible to register character information of a plurality of pieces of color information from one main server 1, and even in a single system, it is possible to select color information of character information in units of image conversion instructions. There is also an effect.

  For example, the output display color output and displayed from the color image output monitor screen and print output section of computer-related devices such as personal computers, monitors, scanners, and printers is based on the color profile indicating the output color characteristics of each individual device. The image is converted in order to be determined and output and displayed as a predetermined color tone.

This color profile is a file in which the color characteristics of each device are expressed and described (written) by color values, and internally converts “device signal value → PCS value” and “PCS value → device signal value”. It has color conversion information to do it. (Device signal value: CMYK value: C% (cyan), M color (magenta), Y color (yellow), K color (black) display color density% value, PCS value (profile Connection space): Color values in a device-independent color space, such as XYZ values and Lab values)
In general, the color values are expressed as Lab values [L axis; brightness, a axis; Red hue (+ a) to Cyan hue (-a), b axis; Yellow hue (+ b) to Blue hue (- b)], XYZ value [(x + y + z = 1)].

  This color conversion information part is composed of two primary curves (in: input value, out: output value) and a color conversion table. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of “device signal value → PCS value” conversion. The “PCS value → device signal value” conversion is a flow chart in the reverse direction.

  To achieve this color matching, the output display colors of each output device (computer, monitor, scanner, printer) are measured using a dedicated colorimeter, and the colorimetric values are the same. Therefore, the required device color profile depends on the measurement conditions, and a plurality of color profiles can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, a case of an image conversion system including the main server 1 and the conversion processing server 2 configured as shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  The main server 1 has a mechanism for operating an application including functions such as printing by a printer and display on a monitor. Image conversion is performed by sending image data from the main server 1 or via the main server 1 to the conversion processing server 2. Receives the converted image data and has a function to use in the application.

  On the other hand, the conversion processing server 2 has a function of receiving image data from the main server 1, performing image conversion using a color profile, a font, and the like and returning it to the main server 1. The conversion processing server 2 has a system management function 6 and a conversion processing function 3, and has a system file management area 5 and a storage area 4. The system management function 6 and the conversion processing function 3 are virtually separated, and are usually integrated as hardware. On the other hand, the system file management area 5 and the storage area 4 are also virtually separated, but both are a kind of memory and are usually virtually separated.

  As an operation, first, the main server 1 sends a registration instruction such as a color profile or a font to the system management function 6 in the conversion processing server 2 together with the application information a from the main server 1. In response to this registration instruction, the system management function 6 stores the color profile and font A as data corresponding to the main server 1 and application information a in the system file management area 5 in the conversion processing server 2. I will tell you. It is assumed that the data is also sent to the storage area 4 assuming that it is used immediately.

  Next, a case where image data to be converted occurs in the application of the main server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. A conversion instruction is issued to the conversion processing function 3 in the conversion processing server 2. Upon receiving this, the conversion processing function 3 sends the main server information A and application information a obtained from the specific information A of the main server 1 to the system file management area 5. In the system file management area 5, the main server specific information A, application information a, color profile and font A are associated, and the main server information A and the color profile and font A corresponding to the application information a are stored in the storage area 4. Send to memorize. In this case, the main server information A and the application information a may be sent directly from the conversion processing function 3 to the system file management area 5, or may pass through the storage area 4.

  Next, the conversion processing function 3 uses this color profile and font A to convert image data. The converted image data is sent to the main server 1 and the processing of the conversion processing server 2 is finished.

  The main server 1 that has received the converted image data operates the various devices such as a printer and a monitor using this image data, or sends it to the client server that has received the command.

  In this case, a case where conversion is performed when the main server 1 is the same and the application is a different application b will be described below with reference to FIG. 3. Color profiles and fonts B corresponding to the main server 1 and the application b are determined as follows. It adds to the database in the system file management area 5.

  Next, when image data to be converted is generated in the application b of the main server 1, a conversion instruction is issued to the conversion processing function 3 in the conversion processing server 2. Upon receiving this, the conversion processing function 3 sends information for specifying the main server 1 and the application b from the database in the system file management area 5 and stores the corresponding color profile and font B in the storage area 4. Using this color profile and font B, conversion processing function 3 performs conversion processing. The processing result is sent to the main server 1 and the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the case where the application a is the same in another main server 1B is described below with reference to FIG. 4, the color profile and font C corresponding to the main server 1B and application a are similarly described. Is added to the database in the system file management area 5.

  Next, when image data to be converted is generated in the application a of the other main server 1 B, a conversion instruction is issued to the conversion processing function 3 in the conversion processing server 2. Upon receiving this, the conversion processing function 3 sends information for specifying the main server 1 and the application a from the database in the system file management area 5 and stores the corresponding color profile and font C in the storage area 4. Using this color profile and font C, conversion processing function 3 performs conversion processing. The processing result is sent to the main server 1B, and this processing ends.

  When determining the color profile and font according to the application, it is possible to control the same color profile and font C to be selected according to the application even if the main server 1 or the conversion processing server 2 changes. It is.

As a result, it is possible to select individual color profiles and fonts according to the main server and application, and an appropriate image is provided according to the main server and application.

  In addition, for the sake of convenience, the system file management area 5 has been described based on the system configuration in which all the information for associating the main server 1 and the application a with the color profile and fonts has been stored. It is also possible to store only the fonts and have the association information in another area, for example, the storage area 4, for selecting, searching, and managing the main server 1 and the system application a. The color profile and font in the system file management area 5 are selected and acquired as a main body.

  It can be used in an image conversion system for realizing color matching (color transmission) between two or more devices (monitor, scanner, printer) connected to a computer. Is available.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image conversion system as an example of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image conversion system as an example of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image conversion system as an example of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image conversion system as an example of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a transition diagram for explaining color correction using a color correction curve and PCS value conversion using a color conversion table (color profile). Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the necessity to create several color profiles by the color matching of an output device.

Explanation of symbols

I ... printed matter P _N ... reference printer for profile P _O ... reference profiles M _F ... reference monitor profile N _F ... reference printer prints for printers N ... reference printer M ... reference monitor I _F ... printed material for printers see for reference Reference prints G _M output by the standard image A, b, C color profiles and fonts A, B, C Main server a, b, c Application 1 Main server 2 Conversion processing server 3 Conversion processing function 4 Storage area 5 System file management area 6 System management function

Claims (1)

A main server having a conversion instruction function that issues a conversion instruction to the conversion processing server, a conversion processing function that performs conversion processing using a color profile and a font based on the conversion instruction, and a result converted by the conversion processing function to the main server In an image conversion system to which a conversion processing server having a conversion processing output function to send is connected,
When an image data conversion instruction used by various devices such as a printer connected to the client server is sent from the client server to the main server, the main server is used by the client server with respect to the conversion processing server. A registration instruction function for instructing registration of a color profile and a font corresponding to an application included in the main server , and the conversion processing server associates the color profile and font with the main server specifying information and the application based on the registration instruction from the main server. It has the function of registering fonts in the color profile font database, and the color profile and font used in the conversion processing function of the image conversion system are the color profile font data for which conversion instructions are given. Der those corresponding to the main server specific information and applications registered in the database is, the color profile is a color characteristic and, Lab value having a color conversion information for converting the device signal value and PCS value Color An image conversion system characterized in that the output display color of each output device is measured using a colorimeter in order to realize color matching between various devices .

Images