EP0486311A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Color image processing apparatus
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1991-11-14
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2011-11-14
Abstract
Abstract An image conversion apparatus for image- converting input color image signals, and outputting the converted signals to an output apparatus, allows execution of a plurality of different color processing operations, checks if an input color image falls within a color reproduction region of the output apparatus, and changes the color conversion processing result to be output depending on whether or not the input color image falls within the color reproduction region of the output apparatus. For example, when the input color image falls within the color reproduction region of the output apparatus, color reproduction color-matched with input color image signals is performed. When the input color image falls outside the reproduction region, color reproduction is performed by color conversion processing assuring highest color reproducibility.
Inventors
- 👤 Akihiro Usami
- 👤 Ken-Ichi Ohta
- 👤 Yoshiko Horie
- 👤 Takashi Kawai
- 👤 Seita Shono
- 👤 Eiji Ohta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:51
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/46; H04N1/56; H04N1/60; H04N1/6027; H04N1/6058
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A color image processing apparatus comprising: color reproduction region storage means for storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; and conversion means for converting input color image signals obtained by reading an original image into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods depending on whether the input color image signals are within the color reproduction region stored in said color reproduction region storage means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A color image processing apparatus comprising: color reproduction region storage means for storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; and conversion means for converting input color image signals obtained by reading an original image into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods depending on whether the input color image signals are within the color reproduction region stored in said color reproduction region storage means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one method of said conversion means is conversion processing for performing compression on the color space so that an image outside the color reproduction region of said input apparatus can also have a gradation characteristic.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
43 words
The apparatus according to calim 1, wherein at least one method of said conversion means is conversion processing for performing colorimetric color-matching between an original image and an output image and an output image within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
43 words
The apparatus according to calim 1, wherein at least one method of said conversion means is conversion processing for performing colorimetric color-matching between an original image and an output image and an output image within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one method of said conversion means is conversion processing for performing enlargement on the color space, so that a color space region of an original image is widened within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus to obtain reproduction colors of an output image.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
A color image processing method comprising the steps of: storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; and converting input color image signals obtained by reading an original image into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods depending on whether the input color image signals are within the stored color reproduction region.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
A color image processing method comprising the steps of: storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; and converting input color image signals obtained by reading an original image into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods depending on whether the input color image signals are within the stored color reproduction region.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein at least one conversion method to the output color image signals is conversion processing for performing compression on the color space so that an image outside the color reproduction region of said output apparatus can also have a gradation characteristic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein at least one conversion method to the output color image signals is conversion processing for performing colorimetric color-matching between an original image and an output image within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method according to claim 5, wherein at least one conversion method to the output color image signals is conversion processing for performing enlargement on the color space, so that a color space region of an original image is widened within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus to obtain reproduction colors of an output image.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
95 words
A color image processing apparatus comprising: at least two conversion means for respectively converting input color image signals into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods; count means for checking if the color image signals converted by said conversion means fall within a reproduction range of an output apparatus, and countinb the number of pixels falling outside the reproduction range; and selection means for selecting the converted color image signals from the conversion means, corresponding to the smallest count value of said count means, of said at least two conversion means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
95 words
A color image processing apparatus comprising: at least two conversion means for respectively converting input color image signals into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods; count means for checking if the color image signals converted by said conversion means fall within a reproduction range of an output apparatus, and countinb the number of pixels falling outside the reproduction range; and selection means for selecting the converted color image signals from the conversion means, corresponding to the smallest count value of said count means, of said at least two conversion means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein in order to convert input color image signals based on an additive color proces into color image signals based on a corresponding subtractive color process, said at least two conversion means gamma-convert the input color image signals using different gamma tables, and then convert the gamma-converted signals into the color image signals based on the corresponding subtractive color process using a color conversion table.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said conversion table of said conversion means stores only data within a color reproduction region of said output apparatus.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
92 words
The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said color conversion table of said conversion means adds, to the image signals, a code capable of discriminating whether or not the input color image signals fall within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus when said conversion means outputs the image signals, and said count means checks based on the code from said conversion means whether or not the color image signals converted by said conversion means fall within the reproduction range, and counts the number of pixels falling outside the reproduction range.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said color conversion table of said conversion means adds a code to a pixel signal falling outside the reproduction range of said output apparatus upon color conversion, and said count means counts the number of pixel signals added with the code by said conversion means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
71 words
A color image processing method comprising the steps of: converting input color image signals into output color image signals by at least two kinds of conversion methods; checking if the converted color image signals fall within a reproduction range of an output apparatus, and counting the number of pixels falling outside the reproduction range; and selecting the converted color image signals by the conversion method corresponding to the smallest count value.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
71 words
A color image processing method comprising the steps of: converting input color image signals into output color image signals by at least two kinds of conversion methods; checking if the converted color image signals fall within a reproduction range of an output apparatus, and counting the number of pixels falling outside the reproduction range; and selecting the converted color image signals by the conversion method corresponding to the smallest count value.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method according to claim 14, wherein said at least two conversion methods are methods of converting input color image signals based on an additive color process into color image signals based on a corresponding subtractive color process.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
119 words
A color image processing apparatus comprising: at least two conversion means for respectively converting input color image signals into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods; color reproduction region storage means for storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; count means for checking in units of pixels whether or not the input color image signals fall within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus stored in said color reproduction region storage means, and counting the number of pixels falling outside the color reproduction region; and selection means for selecting an optimal one of said at least two conversion means according to the count result from said count means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
119 words
A color image processing apparatus comprising: at least two conversion means for respectively converting input color image signals into output color image signals by at least two kinds of methods; color reproduction region storage means for storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; count means for checking in units of pixels whether or not the input color image signals fall within the color reproduction region of said output apparatus stored in said color reproduction region storage means, and counting the number of pixels falling outside the color reproduction region; and selection means for selecting an optimal one of said at least two conversion means according to the count result from said count means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said conversion means include at least: first conversion means for compressing the color space to reproduce the input color image signals; and second conversion means for executing color reproduction processing color-matched with the input color image signals.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
82 words
The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said output apparatus permanently visually presents a color image by mixing colors of toners or inks, said color reproduction region storage means stores the color reproduction region defined by mixing the colors of the toners or inks of said output apparatus on a color space coordinate system, and said selection means selects said second conversion means when the input color image signals exceed the color reproduction region stored in said color reproduction region storage means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each of said conversion means converts input color image signals based on an additive color process into color image signals based on a corresponding subtractive color process.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
118 words
A color image processing method comprising: conversion means for converting input color image signals into output color image signals respectively by at least two kinds of methods, and said method comprising the steps of: storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; checking in units of pixels whether or not the input color image signals fall within the stored color reproduction region of said output apparatus, and counting the number of pixels falling outside the color reproduction region; and converting the input color image signals into the corresponding output color image signals by an optimal one of the conversion methods according to the count result, and outputting the converted output color image signals.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
118 words
A color image processing method comprising: conversion means for converting input color image signals into output color image signals respectively by at least two kinds of methods, and said method comprising the steps of: storing a color reproduction region of an output apparatus on a color space; checking in units of pixels whether or not the input color image signals fall within the stored color reproduction region of said output apparatus, and counting the number of pixels falling outside the color reproduction region; and converting the input color image signals into the corresponding output color image signals by an optimal one of the conversion methods according to the count result, and outputting the converted output color image signals.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein the conversion methods of converting the input color image signals into the corresponding output color image signals include at least: a first conversion method of compressing the colorspace to reproduce the input color image signals; and a second conversion method of executing color reproduction processing color-matched with the input color image signals.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method according to claim 20, wherein said output apparatus is an apparatus for permanently visually presenting a color image by mixing colors of toners or inks, and the stored color reproduction region is a color reproduction region defined by mixing the colors of the toners or inks of said output apparatus on a color space coordinate system.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
209 words
A color image processing apparatus for processing input color image signals, and recording/outputting the processed color image signals to an image output apparatus as a corresponding color image, comprising: at least two kinds of signal processing means for executing color conversion processing by different methods, so that the input color image signals can be output by said image output apparatus; storage means for storing chromaticity data within a color reproduction range, which can be recorded/output by said image output apparatus; comparison means for comparing the chromaticity data stored in said storage means with chromaticity data of the input color image signals; calculation means for obtaining a value corresponding to a smallest color difference between the two chromaticity data upon comparison by said comparison means in units of input color image signals; maximum value detection means for detecting a maximum value of the color differences obtained by said calculation means; and selection means for selecting an optimal one of said signal processing means according to the maximum value detected by said maximum value detection means, wherein the input color image signals are color-converted by the signal processing means selected by said selection means, and the converted signals are output to said image output apparatus as a corresponding recorded/output color image.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
209 words
A color image processing apparatus for processing input color image signals, and recording/outputting the processed color image signals to an image output apparatus as a corresponding color image, comprising: at least two kinds of signal processing means for executing color conversion processing by different methods, so that the input color image signals can be output by said image output apparatus; storage means for storing chromaticity data within a color reproduction range, which can be recorded/output by said image output apparatus; comparison means for comparing the chromaticity data stored in said storage means with chromaticity data of the input color image signals; calculation means for obtaining a value corresponding to a smallest color difference between the two chromaticity data upon comparison by said comparison means in units of input color image signals; maximum value detection means for detecting a maximum value of the color differences obtained by said calculation means; and selection means for selecting an optimal one of said signal processing means according to the maximum value detected by said maximum value detection means, wherein the input color image signals are color-converted by the signal processing means selected by said selection means, and the converted signals are output to said image output apparatus as a corresponding recorded/output color image.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said signal processing means execute color conversion processing using at least two kinds of density conversion means, and masking coefficients corresponding to said at least two kinds of density conversion means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein each of said signal processing means prestores a density conversion table in the density conversion means, and the masking coefficients, and executes the color conversion processing by looking up the storage contents.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
132 words
A color image processing apparatus for converting input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals, comprising: first detection means for detecting the number of different colors using at least some of input color image signals; conversion means for converting the input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals respectively by at least two kinds of methods; second detection means for detecting the numbers of different colors of the output color image signals converted by said conversion means in units of methods; difference calculation means for calculating differences between the numbers of colors detected by said second and first detection means; and selection means for selecting the color image signals converted by the method of said conversion means corresponding to the smallest difference calculated by said difference calculation means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
132 words
A color image processing apparatus for converting input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals, comprising: first detection means for detecting the number of different colors using at least some of input color image signals; conversion means for converting the input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals respectively by at least two kinds of methods; second detection means for detecting the numbers of different colors of the output color image signals converted by said conversion means in units of methods; difference calculation means for calculating differences between the numbers of colors detected by said second and first detection means; and selection means for selecting the color image signals converted by the method of said conversion means corresponding to the smallest difference calculated by said difference calculation means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the input color image signals are input color image signals based on an additive color process, and the output color image signals are output color image signals based on a subtractive color process.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
127 words
A color image processing method in a color image processing apparatus for converting input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals, comprising the steps of: detecting the number of different colors using at least some of input color image signals; converting the input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals respectively by at least two kinds of methods, and detecting the numbers of different colors of the converted output color image signals in units of conversion methods; calculating differences between the numbers of colors of the converted output color image signals and the number of different colors of the input color image signals in units of conversion methods; and selecting the color image signals converted by the method corresponding to the smallest difference.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
127 words
A color image processing method in a color image processing apparatus for converting input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals, comprising the steps of: detecting the number of different colors using at least some of input color image signals; converting the input color image signals into corresponding output color image signals respectively by at least two kinds of methods, and detecting the numbers of different colors of the converted output color image signals in units of conversion methods; calculating differences between the numbers of colors of the converted output color image signals and the number of different colors of the input color image signals in units of conversion methods; and selecting the color image signals converted by the method corresponding to the smallest difference.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 28, wherein the input color image signals are input color image signals based on an additive color process, and the output color image signals are output color image signals based on a subtractive color process.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
168 words
An image processing apparatus for processing input color image signals, and recording/outputting the processed color image signals to an image output apparatus as a corresponding color image, comprising: at least two kinds of signal processing means for executing color conversion processing of the input color image signals by different methods; storage means for storing chromaticity data within a color reproduction range, which can be recorded/output by said image output apparatus; chromaticity difference calculation means for calculating differences between the chromaticity data stored in said storage means and chromaticity data of the input color image signals; and selection means for obtaining the smallest chromaticity differences calculated by said chromaticity difference calculation means in units of input color image signals, and selecting an optimal one of said signal processing means according to a maximum value of the obtained chromaticity differences, wherein the input color image signals are color-converted by the signal processing means selected by said selection means, and the converted image signals are output to said image output apparatus.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
168 words
An image processing apparatus for processing input color image signals, and recording/outputting the processed color image signals to an image output apparatus as a corresponding color image, comprising: at least two kinds of signal processing means for executing color conversion processing of the input color image signals by different methods; storage means for storing chromaticity data within a color reproduction range, which can be recorded/output by said image output apparatus; chromaticity difference calculation means for calculating differences between the chromaticity data stored in said storage means and chromaticity data of the input color image signals; and selection means for obtaining the smallest chromaticity differences calculated by said chromaticity difference calculation means in units of input color image signals, and selecting an optimal one of said signal processing means according to a maximum value of the obtained chromaticity differences, wherein the input color image signals are color-converted by the signal processing means selected by said selection means, and the converted image signals are output to said image output apparatus.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
86 words
A color image copying apparatus comprising: means for supporting an original; means for scanning the original and converting a plurality of color component signals; means for processing the color component signals and outputting color reproduction signals; means for reproducing a color image in accordance with the color reproduction signals; means for discriminating whether said original is a color image reproduced by said reproducing means; wherein said processing means changes color processing of the color component signals in accordance with the discrimination result of said discriminating means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
86 words
A color image copying apparatus comprising: means for supporting an original; means for scanning the original and converting a plurality of color component signals; means for processing the color component signals and outputting color reproduction signals; means for reproducing a color image in accordance with the color reproduction signals; means for discriminating whether said original is a color image reproduced by said reproducing means; wherein said processing means changes color processing of the color component signals in accordance with the discrimination result of said discriminating means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein when the original is discriminated as a color image reproduced by said reproducing means, compression of the color reproduction signals on the color reproduction region is not performed.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said discriminating means perform discrimination based on the color space region of said color component signals and the color reproduction region of said reproducing means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
90 words
A color image copying apparatus comprising: means for supporting an original; means for scanning the original and converting a plurality of color component signals; means for processing the color component signals and outputting color reproduction signals; means for reproducing a color image in accordance with the color reproduction signals; means for discriminating whether said original is a color image reproduced by said reproducing means; wherein said discriminating means performs discrimination in first scanning of said scanning means and said reproducing means performs reproduction in second scanning of said scanning means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
90 words
A color image copying apparatus comprising: means for supporting an original; means for scanning the original and converting a plurality of color component signals; means for processing the color component signals and outputting color reproduction signals; means for reproducing a color image in accordance with the color reproduction signals; means for discriminating whether said original is a color image reproduced by said reproducing means; wherein said discriminating means performs discrimination in first scanning of said scanning means and said reproducing means performs reproduction in second scanning of said scanning means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein when the original is discriminated as a color image reproduced by said reproducing means, compression of the color reproduction signals on the color reproduction region is not performed.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said discriminating means perform discrimination based on the color space region of said color component signals and the color reproduction region of said reproducing means.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
59 words
A method or apparatus for reproducing a colour image, wherein colour may only be printed within a limited colour space, characterised by mapping input colours under a first predefined function if some calculated colours are outside said colour space, and mapping input colours under a second predefined function if all of said calculated colours are within said colour space.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
59 words
A method or apparatus for reproducing a colour image, wherein colour may only be printed within a limited colour space, characterised by mapping input colours under a first predefined function if some calculated colours are outside said colour space, and mapping input colours under a second predefined function if all of said calculated colours are within said colour space.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.