JP2005123790A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To configure an image processing apparatus that digitizes and captures a faded image, restores the image to the original image, and prints it.
In a reception block, a faded image is converted into image data by a flatbed scanner and is taken in, and the color fading characteristic data of a reference table is obtained from fading factor data input to input units 75, 76 and 77 displayed on a display 8. The fading correction system restores the image data to the pre-fading image data based on the fading characteristic data and the elapsed time input by the slide switch 78 displayed on the display 8 and transmits the image data to the print block. To achieve printing.
[Selection] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a scanner that converts a multicolor image printed on a medium into image data and captures the image data from the scanner, and a restoration unit that restores image data before fading from the image data from the scanner. .

  As a background art provided with a restoring means for restoring image data to a state before fading, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, color separation is performed based on image data, and when it is determined that the image is sepia or tint is sepia from the color balance and tint, the color balance or tint is restored. In this way, the parameters are set and the reverse correction is performed to reproduce the color at the beginning of image formation. Further, this Patent Document 1 also describes that the white color of the peripheral portion of a photographic print is read to determine whether or not fading has occurred, and parameters for fading correction are set.

  As a background art provided with a restoring means for restoring image data, there is one described in Patent Document 2. In this Patent Document 2, an image of a silver salt film on which a date is imprinted is converted into image data, the date is read, and image processing is performed on the image data according to this date. The point that the initial image is reproduced by performing image processing according to fading according to the saved period is described, and the gradation characteristics of the image is taken according to the date, and the gradation characteristics conversion processing based on the statistics Is described in that the degree of fading is statistically calculated for the stored period, image processing is performed when digitizing the image, and fading correction can be performed by performing gradation characteristic conversion processing. Points are listed.

JP 2002-287270 A (paragraph numbers [0192] to [0194]) JP 2001-331781 A (paragraph numbers [0025], [0027], [0043] to [0045])

  Considering the fading phenomenon of images printed on photographic papers and papers, images printed on silver-salt type photographic papers are affected by a small amount of developing solution remaining in the photographic paper, ultraviolet rays and oxygen in the air. It is known that fading progresses with time due to the influence of ozone and ozone. In recent years, in order to easily print image data taken with a digital camera, an ink jet printer using dye-based ink is often used. However, while ink jet printers using dye-based inks can be printed with photographic image quality, it has been known that printed images are significantly more discolored than silver salt photographic paper.

  The recognition that images printed with ink-jet printers that use dye-based inks fade is low. For example, after printing image data taken with a digital camera, the printed material is an album like a conventional photo. Ordinarily, the image data of the digital camera is erased after it is pasted on the frame or displayed in a frame and decorated in the room. In such usage, the original image cannot be printed even if it notices that the image has faded over time from this print, and some people want to print the image before the fade from the faded image. It was.

  Therefore, considering that the original image is restored by the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 1 describes that fading correction is performed using a parameter. Although there is a description that it is set so as to restore the taste, it is not clear what kind of structure the parameter is, and it is difficult to set a parameter for restoring the original image. Further, considering that the original image is restored by the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the image is restored based on the date when the image was taken in Patent Document 2, it cannot be handled if there is no date. Is. In addition, although this Patent Document 2 describes that the gradation characteristics are taken and gradation characteristics are converted based on the statistics, the color fading is the type of print paper, the type of pigment, the storage environment, the elapsed time from printing. It can be imagined that it is difficult to perform proper restoration.

  In addition, when considering the fading of images printed with dye-based ink, fading due to light irradiation is an important factor, and the type of ink (including the types recognized by the manufacturer name and brand name) is also fading. There are important factors, and a technique for restoring a faded image to an appropriate image based on these factors is desired.

  An object of the present invention is to rationally configure an image processing apparatus that easily restores image data that is as close to the original image as possible after taking a faded image as digitized image data.

  A feature of the present invention is that image processing includes a scanner that converts a multicolor image printed on a medium into image data and captures the image data, and a restoration unit that restores image data before fading from the image data from the scanner. The apparatus includes an input unit for inputting fading factor data, and the restoration unit includes a reference table including fading characteristic data that defines a fading degree based on the fading factor data for a plurality of types of pigments used in the printing. The image data fetched from the scanner based on the fading degree is specified by specifying the fading degree of each pigment based on the reference table by inputting the fading factor data via the input unit. The restoration means restores the image data before fading.

  With this configuration, by inputting the color fading factor data from the input unit, the color fading degree of each color is specified from the color fading characteristic data for a plurality of types of dyes provided in the reference table, and the restoration means restores the image data captured by the scanner. Restore to image data. That is, at the time of fading, the density of the pixels (pixels) constituting the image is lowered, but this image is regarded as, for example, the density of the three primary color pigments of C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow). The fading phenomenon can be regarded as a decrease in the density of the dye constituting the pixel. At the time of fading, since the density of each color pigment decreases according to the fading factor data, it is possible to restore the original image data by converting the fading density data by specifying the fading degree from the fading characteristic data as in the present invention. is there. As a result, after capturing the faded image as digitized image data by taking into account factors such as light irradiation and storage environment as well as time as a fading factor, the original color can be restored by a relatively simple process. The image processing apparatus that properly restores the image data is rationally configured.

  The present invention includes an interface that displays the input unit on a display and realizes input of the fading factor data via the input unit displayed on the display, and the restoration unit captures image data captured by the scanner. And the image data restored by the restoration means may be displayed on the display.

  With this configuration, it is possible to input the color fading factor data to the input unit displayed on the display via the interface, and the image data captured by the scanner and the restored image data are output via the output unit. Since it is displayed on the display, each image data can be confirmed on the display.

  The present invention includes, as the color fading factor data, each condition of an elapsed time after an image is printed on the medium, a type of pigment of the image printed on the medium, and a storage environment of the medium on which the image is printed. The reference table may include a plurality of fading characteristic data for specifying a fading degree based on the respective conditions.

  With this configuration, the degree of fading can be specified from the fading characteristic data based on the elapsed time since the image was printed on the medium, the type of dye of the image printed on the medium, and the storage environment of the medium. . In other words, the type of pigment can be specified by the model name of each printer manufacturer, and the media storage environment is the extent to which it is exposed to light rays, such as the form pasted on an album or the form stored in a frame. The color fading degree can be accurately grasped from the color fading characteristic data obtained by combining these data and the elapsed time since printing.

  In the present invention, the reference table may include, as a default value, fading characteristic data that generalizes conditions of the type of the dye and the storage environment of the image on which the image is printed.

  With this configuration, since fading characteristic data is given as a default value without inputting fading factor data, an image that approximates the original image data can be obtained simply by inputting the elapsed time since the image was printed on the media. Data can be restored.

  In the present invention, in order to input an elapsed time as the fading factor data, a time input unit as the input unit is formed, and the time input unit includes an interface capable of continuously changing the value of the elapsed time. May be.

  With this configuration, it is possible to simulate the restored image data over time by continuously changing the elapsed time in the time input unit. When the restored image data is displayed on the display, the simulation result can be confirmed based on the display on the display.

  The image processing apparatus includes a printer driver that converts the restored image data into a data format that can be printed by the printing apparatus, and a transmission unit that transmits the image data converted by the printer driver to the printing apparatus. May be.

  With this configuration, the restored image data can be transmitted to the printing apparatus with a simple operation and printed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Entire Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, image data and order information are acquired and a reception block A for performing necessary correction processing is transmitted via the communication cable 1 from the reception block A. An ink jet printing system is configured including a print block B that prints image data on print paper P as a medium based on order information.

[Reception Block] The reception block A includes a reception device 6 that functions as an image processing device above a wagon frame 5 and a liquid crystal display 8 having a touch panel 7 formed on its display surface. A flat bed scanner FS is provided at an intermediate position in the vertical direction. On the front surface of the accepting device 6 is a semiconductor drive 9 for reading out image data stored in a semiconductor storage medium Ms made of flash memory, and an image stored in a disk storage medium Md such as a CD-R or DVD. A disk drive 10 for reading data is provided.

  The flat bed scanner FS includes a main body 11 and a platen cover 12 supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 11. The main body 11 has a scanning table 13 made of transparent glass, and is disposed below the scanning table 13. The scanning head 14 is provided. The scanning head 14 includes a number of photoelectric conversion elements such as CCDs in the main scanning direction and a light source, and operates in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, thereby scanning objects placed on the scanning table 13. An image of an object is captured as image data obtained by color separation of the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

[Print Block] In the print block B, two magazine accommodating portions Ba and Ba are arranged at the lower part of the casing 15, and a printing part Bb for printing image data on the print paper P is arranged at the upper part of the casing 15. ing. Further, a cartridge setting portion Bc is arranged on the side portion of the housing 15, and a sorting portion 17 to which a relatively small print paper P is sent out via the lateral feed belt 16 on the upper surface portion of the housing 15 is large. And a rack plate 18 for receiving the size of the printed paper P.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the two magazine housing portions Ba, Ba are provided with a drawer 20 that can be opened and closed by a sliding operation integral with the front wall body 15 </ b> A, and a roll held by the magazine 21 with respect to the drawer 20. It is configured to accommodate the printed paper P in the form of a sheet. The print section Bb includes a print head H inside an openable / closable wall body 15B in which a window section 22 made of a transparent resin plate is formed. The print head H sprays ink onto the print paper P to generate an image. Print. The cartridge set portion Bc is configured such that a plurality of ink cartridges 23 can be inserted into and removed from the inside of a wall body 15C that can be swingably opened and closed around a vertically oriented axis. The plurality of ink cartridges 23 enclose black (K), light black (LK), cyan (C), magenta (M), light cyan (LC), light magenta (LM), and yellow (Y) ink. 7 types of resin tanks.

[Paper Conveying Structure] As shown in FIG. 4, when printing image data on the printed paper P, the roll-shaped printed paper P accommodated in one of the two magazine accommodating portions Ba and Ba is used as a pressure roller. The paper is conveyed to the printing unit Bb by the front conveyance unit U1 of the mold, the image data is printed by the print head H of the printing unit Bb, and the printed paper P printed in this way is cut into a print size by the cutter unit U2. Thereafter, the reversing unit U3 reverses the front and back, and the reversing unit U3 is fed to the lateral feed belt 16 or the rack plate 18 on the upper surface of the casing by a pressure roller type rear transport unit U4.

  More specifically, a roll-shaped print paper P is exchanged together with the magazine 21 with respect to the two magazine storage portions Ba, Ba, and the magazine 21 has a roll-shaped print stored therein. An electric motor (not shown) for applying a rotational force to the paper P is provided. The front transport unit U1 is configured by a transport system for transporting the print paper P in the magazine housing section Ba, and the magazine 21 is configured to be replaceable with respect to the magazine housing section Ba. The magazine 21 is provided with a code plate 24 for identifying the type of the magazine 21, and the magazine housing portion Ba is provided with a code sensor 25 as identification means for acquiring identification information of the code plate 24. The code sensor 25 may be a receiver provided with an optical sensor that optically acquires information on the code plate 24, or a code plate 24 that uses an electromagnetic signal to be sent out like an RF tag. It is possible to apply what is provided.

  The print unit Bb includes a pressure-type conveyance roller 26 that conveys the print paper P, a guide plate 27 that guides the back side of the print paper P, and the print head H. The print head H is configured to be operable in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the print paper P by a guide rail 28 and an endless belt type driving mechanism 29 that reciprocates the print head H. .

  The cutter unit U2 includes a fixed blade 30 and a movable blade 31, a cut position sensor CS having a reflective optical sensor, and a discharge roller 32 that feeds out the print paper P. Then, the print paper P is cut based on the cut mark m detected by the cut position sensor CS, and the cut print paper P is discharged by the discharge roller 32. When the image data is printed by the printing unit Bb, as shown in FIG. 3, the image is printed in the region G with the interval d, and the cut mark m is displayed in the region with the interval d. When cutting is performed by the cutter unit U2, an image that is slightly wider than the interval d on the basis of the detection result of the cut position sensor CS can be removed based on the detection result of the cut position sensor CS. The cutting operation is performed so as not to leave a margin around.

  The reversing unit U3 includes a pair of pressure rollers 33 for pressure-bonding the print paper P, a conveyance drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the pair of pressure rollers 33 in both forward and reverse directions, and the pair of pressure rollers 33. And a reversing mechanism that rotates the roller 90 degrees around the axis of the roller. Then, after the print paper P fed from the front end side from the cutter unit U2 is further transported by the pressure roller 33 and transported to the position for transporting the rear end side, the unit is rotated by 90 degrees as shown by the arrow in FIG. Thereafter, the pressure roller 33 is reversed to operate to feed the print paper P from the rear end side to the rear transport unit U4.

  The post-conveying unit U4 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 34 that convey the print paper P, and a path switch for sending the print paper P conveyed by the conveying roller 34 to either the lateral feed belt 16 or the rack plate 18. A mechanism (not shown) is provided.

[Ink supply system] The ink stored in the ink cartridge 23 set in the cartridge setting portion Bc is stored in the reserve tank 36 (see FIG. 2), and a flexible pipe (not shown) is provided from the reserve tank 36. )) To the print head H. Thus, by storing the ink from the ink cartridge 23 in the reserve tank 36, the ink cartridge 23 can be replaced without interrupting the printing process.

[Control System] The print block control system can be shown as shown in FIG. That is, the receiving device 6 of the receiving block A includes a microprocessor (CPU), and the touch panel 7, display 8, semiconductor drive 9, disk for accessing information to the microprocessor (CPU) via a data bus. Drive 10, semiconductor memory RAM / ROM, hard disk HD, I / O interface 40, communication interface 41, operation system 42 made of software so as to realize processing by a microprocessor (CPU), manual correction system 43, A fading correction system 44 as restoration means, a reference table 44T for giving fading characteristic data to the fading correction system 44, and a printer driver 45 are provided, and further, the flatbed scanner is connected via the I / O interface 40. Information from the FS to form input and output system to be accessed to form a signal system for accessing information to the print block B via the communication interface 41.

  The print block B includes a microprocessor (CPU), and the front transport unit U1, the printing unit Bb, the cutter unit U2, and the reversing unit U3 that access information to the microprocessor (CPU) via a data bus. , A rear transport unit U4, a semiconductor memory RAM / ROM, a hard disk HD, a code sensor 25, a cut position sensor CS, a communication interface 51, and a paper transport means made of software so as to realize processing by a microprocessor (CPU) 52, a print control unit 53, a paper remaining amount managing unit 54, and an ink remaining amount managing unit 55.

[Printing from Acceptance Processing Form / Data] In the accepting device 6 of the accepting block A, the operation system 42 displays necessary information on the display 8, and the operator touches the touch panel 7 based on the display. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) that realizes processing desired by the operator by performing operations is provided.

  More specifically, in the initial state, the operation system 42 displays the "print from data" selection switch SW1 and the "print to print" selection switch SW2 on the display 8 as shown in FIG. . When operated by bringing a finger or the like into contact with the “print from data” selection switch SW1, the image data of the storage media Ms and Md is taken in via the semiconductor drive 9 or the disk drive 10 and the image data is printed. When a process of printing on the paper P is realized and the selection switch SW2 of “print to print” is operated, a printed matter (such as a photographic paper on which an image is printed or a printed matter) is printed by the flatbed scanner FS. A process of converting an image into image data and taking it in and printing the image data on the print paper P is realized.

  After the operator operates the “print from data” selection switch SW1 by touching it with a finger or the like, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the operation system 42 takes in the image data of the storage media Ms and Md. Necessary guidance is displayed on the display 8, and the operator performs necessary operations in accordance with the display, so that image data is captured via the semiconductor drive 9 or the disk drive 10, and a plurality of captured image data (multiple frames) exist. If so, the operation system 42 lists each image data and displays it on the display 8 (steps # 101 and # 102).

  When the operator selects a print target from the image data displayed on the display 8 as described above, the operation system 42 further requests the input of the print size and the number of prints, and acquires the input information as order information. In addition, if correction is necessary, a correction processing screen (not shown) is displayed by operating the switches displayed on the display 8, and processing required by the operator is performed. Can be executed (steps # 104 and # 105). After that, the print process is ready to be executed, and the operator performs a confirmation operation so that the printer driver 45 converts the image data converted into image data printable in the print block B and the order information into the print block B. The data is transmitted and print processing is realized (step # 106).

  The correction processing in the state where the correction processing screen is displayed is realized by the manual correction system 43, and the display form on the display 8 is not shown in the drawing, but in the processing in “print to print” described later. A screen similar to the manual correction (see FIG. 13) is displayed, and color balance, brightness, and contrast can be processed in this screen.

  The image data acquired by the semiconductor drive 9 and the disk drive 10 has a structure in which 8-bit density data (so-called full color) is given to the three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The printer driver 45 supplies the three primary color data to the black (K), light black (LK), cyan (C), magenta (M), light cyan (LC), light magenta (LM), yellow ( A process of color separation into print data having a structure in which 8-bit density data is provided corresponding to seven colors of Y) is realized.

  In the print block B, based on the image data and order data (print size data, print number data) transmitted from the receiving block A, the paper transport unit 52 and the print control unit 53 are connected to the front transport unit. By controlling U1, print unit Bb, cutter unit U2, reversing unit U3, and rear transport unit U4, the print paper P is pulled out from the magazine housing unit Bb, and image data is printed on the print paper P. A basic processing form is set such that processing for cutting to a print size is performed, and processing for sending to the sorting unit 17 or the rack plate 18 is sequentially executed. The print head H has a performance capable of switching the size of the ink droplets to a plurality of types by adjusting the driving power. When printing based on the image data, the print head H is based on the gradation of the image data. One that can express gradation corresponding to image data by adjusting the number of ink droplets per pixel and the size of the ink droplets is used.

[Print to Print] After the operator operates the “Print to Print” selection switch SW2, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the operation system 42 performs scanning by the flatbed scanner FS and captures the image. In a state where the data is displayed on the display 8, the operation system 42 obtains input of the print size and the number of prints and obtains it as order information (Steps # 201 and # 202).

  Further, when performing scanning, as shown in FIG. 11, guidance on a message “Please execute scanning” and an animation showing an outline of the operation of the flatbed scanner FS is displayed on the display 8. After the printed material such as papers on which the image is printed on the flat bed scanner FS is properly set on the scanning table 13, the image of the printed material is displayed after the “OK” switch in the screen is operated. It is captured as image data by the scanner FS.

  In order to obtain the order information, as shown in FIG. 12, the operation system 42 displays the order screen 60, displays the image data taken in the display section 60A of the order screen 60, and “print”. Please enter the size and number of prints "message, display the print size data and print size input sections 60B and 60C, ask for the input of order information, and ask for the possibility of correction When the correction is not performed, the “NO” switch 61 is operated, and when the correction is performed, the “YES” switch 62 is operated.

  When the above-described “YES” switch is operated (step # 203), correction processing can be performed, and a processing screen 65 for performing this correction processing is displayed on the display 8 (step # 204).

  In step # 204, the manual correction system 43 displays the manual correction page 66 as the processing screen 65 as shown in FIG. 13 (the manual correction tab 66T is selected), and the image display of this processing screen 65 is displayed. The image data captured by the flatbed scanner FS is displayed on the section 67. The processing screen 65 displays a color balance adjustment unit 68, a brightness adjustment unit 69, and a contrast adjustment unit 70. When each of them is operated, the correction result is reflected in the image display unit 67, and the correction state is visually confirmed. It can be confirmed. As a correction process, a processing form may be set so that hue, brightness, and saturation correction, level correction, and gamma correction can be performed.

  If the image data captured by the flatbed scanner FS is confirmed by the image display unit 67 and correction is not required, the “OK” switch is operated. If correction is required, the correction is required. By operating the “OK” switch after performing the above, the print process can be executed, and when the operator performs a confirmation operation, the printer driver 45 converts the image data into printable image data in the print block B. Data and order information are transmitted to the print block B to implement the print process (steps # 205 and # 207). The processing in step # 207 and the communication interface 41 constitute a transmission means.

  When the fading correction tab 72T displayed on the processing screen 65 is selected, the fading correction screen 72 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed, and the fading correction routine (steps # 206 and # 300) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is performed. Executed. This fading correction routine (# 300 step) assumes processing for restoring an image printed by an ink jet printer on the print paper P (media), but is printed on a silver salt type photographic paper. The present invention can also be applied to the restoration of images printed on magazines and images printed on magazines.

  In step # 300, the fading correction system 44 displays the fading correction screen 72 on the display 8, displays original image data on the original image display unit 73, and restores image data on the restoration image display unit 74. Are displayed on the fading correction screen 72 as three types of input boxes 75, 76, 77 including “media”, “ink”, and “storage environment”, and “elapsed time”. An input slide switch 78 (an example of a time input unit) is displayed, and a correction option switch 79 is further displayed (steps # 301 and # 302).

  The fading factor data excluding the “elapsed time” is not limited to three types, but may be input of four or more types of information in order to obtain highly accurate restoration, and the input is complicated. In order to avoid this, two types of information that are large as a cause of fading, or one type of information may be requested. Further, in addition to what is displayed on the display 8, the input unit can be configured by using a keyboard and dedicated switches. In particular, in the present invention, it is possible to use only “elapsed time” as the color fading factor data. In this case, a reference table 44T corresponding to a specific ink or highly versatile is set as a specified value.

  The three types of input boxes 75, 76, and 77 including "media", "ink", and "storage environment" are set with default data that generalizes the color fading factor data. A drop-down list is displayed by touching a finger, and necessary data can be selected and input from the list. It is also possible to realize fading correction by setting only the elapsed time based on this default data, or by inputting data in some input boxes (step # 302).

  More specifically, the input box 75 for inputting the “media” fading factor data is an input unit for specifying the type of print paper, and can be glossy paper (can be entered for each manufacturer name), semi-glossy paper. (It is possible to input for each manufacturer name) and the like, and glossy paper is set as default data. Further, in the input box 76 for inputting the “ink” fading factor data, data for determining whether it is a dye system or a pigment system is input. The model name with the largest number of sales is set in the default data. Further, in the input box 77 for inputting the “storage environment” fading factor data, data indicating the storage environment of the printed material is input, and this indicates that the printed material was in an environment exposed to light. Basically, “outside”, “picture frame” indicating that the subject was in an environment that was not exposed to strong light but was exposed to the air, and “album” indicating that the subject was less susceptible to the effects of light and air. One of the kinds of environments can be selected, and “frame” is set as default data. This figure shows a drop-down list in the input box 77 for inputting the fading factor data of the “storage environment”.

  The slide switch 78 for inputting the “elapsed time” functions as an interface capable of continuously changing the value of the elapsed time by performing a sliding operation in the horizontal direction with a finger in contact with the slide switch 78. By performing a slide operation, it is possible to easily input an increased or decreased elapsed time after the image is printed. A display box 78A in which the input elapsed time is a year, and a display box 78B in which the time is a unit. It is configured to be able to confirm from.

  The fading correction system 44 is configured to be provided with a plurality of fading characteristics data defining a fading degree over time based on the three types of fading factor data from the reference table 44T. The fading characteristic data is based on the result of the fading test based on the three types of fading factor data, and an example of the fading characteristic data can be shown as shown in FIG.

  In other words, as is apparent from the figure, the phenomenon in which the printed image fades is caused by each of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) constituting the pixel (pixel) of the image. It can be understood as a phenomenon in which the residual ratio of the dye decreases with time, and the fading characteristics of the C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) dyes over time. The data is the fading characteristic data. By defining the fading characteristic data in this way, the original image data can be restored from the fading image data, no matter how the image data is fading. Further, when performing restoration, processing for converting the remaining ratio of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) pigments to 100% is executed.

  That is, when the original image data is restored from the faded image data, the fading characteristic data is extracted from the reference table 44T based on the three types of fading factor data, and the fading degree (D ) Is specified, the image data is restored from the degree of fading (D) of each color, and displayed on the restored image display unit 74 (steps # 303 to # 305).

  When the restoration state is confirmed by the image data displayed on the restoration image display unit 74, the printing is executed in the same manner as the above-described manual correction process by operating the “OK” switch (# 306, step # 307).

  When it is determined that further correction is necessary from the image data displayed on the restored image display unit 74, a dialog box 80 is displayed as shown in FIG. 14 by operating the correction option switch 79. In this dialog box 80, correction similar to that shown on the manual correction screen can be performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when printing from a printed material, an operation is performed in which an image printed on the printed material is captured as image data converted into a digital signal by the flatbed scanner FS. 8 with the fading correction screen 72 displayed, enter the necessary data into the three input boxes 75, 76, 77 consisting of “media”, “ink”, and “storage environment”, and enter “elapsed time”. By simply operating the slide switch 78, the image data in a state where the lost pigment is restored can be generated based on the fading characteristic data from the reference table 44T, and the restored image data is restored to the restored image display unit. Since it can be confirmed at 74, printing can be realized by determining whether printing is possible.

  In particular, when there is no data corresponding to the drop-down list, or when the printer model or the like is unknown, there are three types of input boxes 75, 76 including “media”, “ink”, and “storage environment”. In the case where appropriate data cannot be input to 77, it is possible to restore the image data based on the default data, and further, proper restoration is not performed from the image data displayed on the restored image display unit 74. If it is determined that the color balance, brightness, and contrast are arbitrarily adjusted by operating the correction option switch 79, appropriate image data can be generated, and printing can be performed from this image data. .

[Another embodiment]
The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the embodiment described above.

(A) In the above embodiment, necessary information is displayed on the display 8 on which the touch panel 7 is formed, and operation information is input in a form in which a finger or the like is brought into contact with the screen of the display 8. Using a general-purpose computer, the necessary data can be input to the three input boxes 75, 76, and 77 consisting of “media”, “ink”, and “storage environment” using a keyboard and a mouse. It is also possible to configure the image processing apparatus so that the slide switch 78 for inputting “time” is operated using a mouse or the like.

(B) If the shooting date data is displayed on the print paper on which the image has been printed in order to input the elapsed time since the image was printed, the shooting date is captured in an OCR and the elapsed time It is possible to set. In addition, when the manufacturer that manufactures the printing apparatus manufactures the image processing apparatus of the present invention, in order to achieve fading correction, the print date is printed with a barcode or irradiated with ultraviolet rays or the like. It is also possible to print the print date with an invisible code such that the information can be read with, and automatically set the elapsed time from the print date based on these codes.

(C) The present invention relates to a processing system for obtaining an elapsed time after an image is printed based on the degree of fading of the white border when restoring the original image from an image such as a photograph with a white border formed. May be configured.

(D) A spin button having a button for increasing the elapsed time and a button for decreasing the elapsed time in place of the slide switch 78 described in the embodiment for inputting the elapsed time after the image is printed. By displaying switches on the display 8 for displaying on the display, increasing the elapsed time at a set interval, or displaying switches for performing a decrease process, the restored image display unit 74 can be easily input. It is also possible to configure so that the operator's awareness can be concentrated on the image data displayed on the screen.

(E) Further, in this embodiment, an ink jet type is used as the printer block B. However, it is also possible to configure the system so as to print the image data restored in the silver salt type printing apparatus. is there.

Overall side view of the printing system Perspective view of print block Diagram showing print area and cut mark of image Schematic diagram showing the print paper transport path of the print block Block diagram of control system Graph showing fading characteristics data Flowchart of "Print from data" routine Flowchart of “Print to Print” routine Flow chart of fading correction routine The figure which shows the selection switch which is indicated on the display Figure showing the guidance displayed on the display Diagram showing the order screen Diagram showing the processing screen with the manual correction tab selected The figure which shows the processing screen where the fading correction tab is selected

Explanation of symbols

8 Display 44 Restoring means 44T Reference table 75, 76, 77 Input unit 78 Time input unit FS Scanner

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus comprising: a scanner that converts and captures multicolor images printed on a medium into image data; and a restoration unit that restores pre-fading image data from the image data from the scanner,
An input unit for inputting fading factor data is provided, and the restoration unit includes a reference table including fading characteristic data that defines a fading degree based on the fading factor data for a plurality of types of dyes used in the printing. And
By inputting the fading factor data through the input unit, the fading degree of each pigment is specified based on the reference table, and the restoration means restores the image data captured from the scanner based on the fading degree. An image processing apparatus that restores image data before fading.   The input unit is displayed on a display, and an interface for realizing the input of the fading factor data via the input unit displayed on the display is provided, and the restoration unit includes the image data captured by the scanner and the restoration The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data restored by the means is displayed on the display.   The fading factor data includes each condition of an elapsed time since an image is printed on a medium, a type of pigment of an image printed on the medium, and a storage environment of the medium on which the image is printed, and the reference table The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fading characteristics data that specifies a fading degree based on each of the conditions.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reference table includes, as a default value, fading characteristic data that generalizes conditions of the type of the dye and the storage environment of the image on which the image is printed.   In order to input the elapsed time as the fading factor data, a time input unit as the input unit is formed, and this time input unit is configured with an interface capable of continuously changing the value of the elapsed time. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.   The image processing apparatus includes a printer driver that converts the restored image data into a data format that can be printed by the printing apparatus, and transmission means that transmits the image data converted by the printer driver to the printing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5.

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