Image forming system and image forming method
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16 claims: 16 independent, 0 dependent
- 1An acquisition means for acquiring image information including the gradation value of each pixel, and image information acquired by the acquisition means.Of the entire area of the image represented by, the gradation value of the pixels included in the image area designated as the area representing the metal surface is changed.A colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium and a transparent image superimposed on the colored image are formed based on the variable means and the information of the colored image according to the gradation value changed by the variable means. An image forming system characterized by comprising a transparent image forming means. 各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得する取得手段と、 前記取得手段が取得した画像情報によって表される画像の全領域のうち、金属の表面を表現する領域として指定された画像領域に含まれる画素の階調値を変動させる変動手段と、 前記変動手段によって変動させられた階調値に応じた有色画像の情報に基づいて、記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、 前記有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段と を備えることを特徴とする画像形成システム。
- 2eachAn acquisition means for acquiring image information including pixel gradation values and image information acquired by the acquisition means.Of the entire area of the image represented by, the gradation value of the pixels included in the image area designated as the area representing the metal surface is changed.Based on the variable means, the storage means for storing the information of the colored image according to the gradation value changed by the variable means, and the information of the colored image stored in the storage means, the colored image is stored in the recording medium. An image forming system comprising:a colored image forming means for forming and a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. 各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得する取得手段と、 前記取得手段が取得した画像情報によって表される画像の全領域のうち、金属の表面を表現する領域として指定された画像領域に含まれる画素の階調値を変動させる変動手段と、 前記変動手段によって変動させられた階調値に応じた有色画像の情報を記憶する記憶手段と、 前記記憶手段に記憶された有色画像の情報に基づいて、記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、 前記有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段と を備えることを特徴とする画像形成システム。
- 3PreviousThe variable means changes the gradation value by adding or subtracting a random numerical value that can take a value within a predetermined range to the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information. Claim 1Or 2The image forming system described in. 前記変動手段は、前記画像情報に含まれる各画素の階調値に対し、決められた範囲内の値を採り得る無作為の数値を加算又は減算することで、当該階調値を変動させる ことを特徴とする請求項1又は2に記載の画像形成システム。
- 4An acquisition means for acquiring image information including the gradation value of each pixel, andAcquired by the acquisition meansThe gradation value is changed by adding or subtracting a random numerical value that can take a value within a predetermined range to the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information.Variable means andA colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the information of the colored image according to the gradation value changed by the changing means, andWith a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image Characterized byPictureImage formation system. 各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得する取得手段と、前記取得手段が取得した画像情報に含まれる各画素の階調値に対し、決められた範囲内の値を採り得る無作為の数値を加算又は減算することで、当該階調値を変動させる変動手段と、前記変動手段によって変動させられた階調値に応じた有色画像の情報に基づいて、記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、前記有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段と を備えることを特徴とする画像形成システム。
- 5An acquisition means for acquiring image information including the gradation value of each pixel, andAcquired by the acquisition meansThe gradation value is changed by adding or subtracting a random numerical value that can take a value within a predetermined range to the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information.Variable means andA storage means for storing information on a colored image according to a gradation value changed by the change means, and a storage means.A colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the information of the colored image stored in the storage means, andWith a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image Characterized byPictureImage formation system. 各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得する取得手段と、前記取得手段が取得した画像情報に含まれる各画素の階調値に対し、決められた範囲内の値を採り得る無作為の数値を加算又は減算することで、当該階調値を変動させる変動手段と、前記変動手段によって変動させられた階調値に応じた有色画像の情報を記憶する記憶手段と、前記記憶手段に記憶された有色画像の情報に基づいて、記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、前記有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段と を備えることを特徴とする画像形成システム。
- 6PreviousThe claim is characterized in that the variable means changes the gradation value by alternately repeating the addition and subtraction of the random numerical values.In any one of 3 to 5The image forming system described. 前記変動手段は、前記無作為の数値の加算と減算とを交互に繰り返すことで、当該階調値を変動させる ことを特徴とする請求項3~5のいずれか1項に記載の画像形成システム。
- 7PreviousWhenever the length of the pixel rows arranged in a certain direction in the image represented by the image information becomes 30 micrometers to 120 micrometers, the description variation means is used with respect to the gradation values of the pixels constituting the rows.Random number1 to claim 1, wherein the gradation value is changed by adding or subtracting.6The image forming system according to any one of the above. 前記変動手段は、前記画像情報が表す画像において或る方向に並ぶ画素列の長さが30マイクロメートル乃至120マイクロメートルとなるたびに、当該列を構成する画素の階調値に対し、無作為の数値を加算又は減算することで、当該階調値を変動させる ことを特徴とする請求項1~6のいずれか1項に記載の画像形成システム。
- 8PreviousClaims 1 to 1, wherein the variation means fluctuates the gradation value of each pixel within a range of 10% to 20% of the maximum number of gradations.7The image forming system according to any one of the above. 前記変動手段は、前記各画素の階調値を、その最大階調数の10%乃至20%の範囲内で変動させる ことを特徴とする請求項1~7のいずれか1項に記載の画像形成システム。
- 9eachA claim, wherein the gradation value of each of the pixels includes a plurality of gradation values for each color, and the variation means independently changes the gradation value for each color. 1 ~8The image forming system according to any one of the above. 各々の前記画素の階調値には、複数の色別の階調値が含まれており、 前記変動手段は、前記色別の階調値をそれぞれ独立に変動させることを特徴とする請求項1~8のいずれか1項に記載の画像形成システム。
- 10PreviousThe colored image forming means and the transparent image forming means include an image holder, an exposure means for exposing the surface of the image holder to form an electrostatic latent image, and electrostatics formed on the surface of the image holder. A developing means for developing a latent image with a colored developer and a transparent developer, a transfer means for transferring an image developed by the developing means to the recording medium, and an image transferred by the transfer means are fixed to the recording medium. Claim 1 to be provided with a fixing means for forming the image.9Image formation system in any one of the items. 前記有色画像形成手段及び透明画像形成手段は、 像保持体と、 前記像保持体の表面を露光して静電潜像を形成する露光手段と、 前記像保持体の表面に形成された静電潜像を有色現像剤及び透明現像剤によって現像する現像手段と、 前記現像手段によって現像された画像を前記記録媒体に転写する転写手段と、 前記転写手段によって転写された画像を前記記録媒体に定着させる定着手段と を備えることを特徴とする請求項1~9のいずれか1項に画像形成システム。
- 11PreviousThe fixing means are an endless belt member that conveys the recording medium, a pressurizing and heating means that pressurizes and heats the recording medium conveyed by the belt member, and a pressurizing and heating means that pressurizes and heats the recording medium. The claim is characterized by comprising a cooling means for cooling the heated recording medium and a peeling means for peeling the recording medium cooled by the cooling means from the belt member.10The image forming system described. 前記定着手段は、 前記記録媒体を搬送する無端のベルト部材と、 前記ベルト部材によって搬送される記録媒体に対して加圧及び加熱を行う加圧加熱手段と、 前記加圧加熱手段によって加圧及び加熱された記録媒体を冷却する冷却手段と、 前記冷却手段によって冷却された記録媒体を前記ベルト部材から剥離する剥離手段と を備えることを特徴とする請求項10記載の画像形成システム。
- 12PreviousWhen the image transferred by the transfer means is fixed to the recording medium, the fixing means has a glossiness when the recording medium after the image is fixed is irradiated with light having an incident angle of 60 °. A claim characterized in that a fixing process is performed so that the value is 70 or more.11The image forming system described. 前記定着手段は、前記転写手段によって転写された画像を前記記録媒体に定着させるときに、当該画像が定着された後の記録媒体に対して入射角60°の光が照射されたときの光沢度が70以上となるような定着処理を行う ことを特徴とする請求項11記載の画像形成システム。
- 13An acquisition means for acquiring image information including the gradation value of each pixel, andOf the entire area of the image represented by the image information acquired by the acquisition means, the variable means for varying the gradation value of the pixels included in the image area designated as the area expressing the metal surface.A colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the image information whose gradation value is changed by the changing means, and a transparent image for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. An output means for outputting to an image forming system having a forming meansAn image processing device comprising. 各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得する取得手段と、前記取得手段が取得した画像情報によって表される画像の全領域のうち、金属の表面を表現する領域として指定された画像領域に含まれる画素の階調値を変動させる変動手段と、前記変動手段によって階調値が変動させられた前記画像情報を、当該画像情報に基づいて記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、当該有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段とを有する画像形成システムに対して出力する出力手段とを備えることを特徴とする画像処理装置。
- 14An acquisition means for acquiring image information including the gradation value of each pixel, andFluctuations that fluctuate the gradation value by adding or subtracting a random numerical value that can take a value within a predetermined range to the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information acquired by the acquisition means. Means andA colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the image information whose gradation value is changed by the changing means, and a transparent image for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. An output means for outputting to an image forming system having a forming meansAn image processing device comprising. 各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得する取得手段と、前記取得手段が取得した画像情報に含まれる各画素の階調値に対し、決められた範囲内の値を採り得る無作為の数値を加算又は減算することで、当該階調値を変動させる変動手段と、前記変動手段によって階調値が変動させられた前記画像情報を、当該画像情報に基づいて記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、当該有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段とを有する画像形成システムに対して出力する出力手段とを備えることを特徴とする画像処理装置。
- 15On the computerSteps to acquire image information including the gradation value of each pixel,Of the entire area of the image represented by the acquired image information, the step of changing the gradation value of the pixels included in the image area designated as the area expressing the metal surface, andA colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the image information whose gradation value is varied, and a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. Steps to output to the image formation system you haveA program to execute. コンピュータに、各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得するステップと、取得した画像情報によって表される画像の全領域のうち、金属の表面を表現する領域として指定された画像領域に含まれる画素の階調値を変動させるステップと、階調値が変動させられた前記画像情報を、当該画像情報に基づいて記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、当該有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段とを有する画像形成システムに対して出力するステップとを実行させるためのプログラム。
- 16On the computerSteps to acquire image information including the gradation value of each pixel,A step of varying the gradation value by adding or subtracting a random numerical value that can take a value within a predetermined range to the gradation value of each pixel included in the acquired image information.A colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the image information whose gradation value is varied, and a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. Steps to output to the image formation system you haveA program to execute. コンピュータに、各画素の階調値を含む画像情報を取得するステップと、取得した画像情報に含まれる各画素の階調値に対し、決められた範囲内の値を採り得る無作為の数値を加算又は減算することで、当該階調値を変動させるステップと、階調値が変動させられた前記画像情報を、当該画像情報に基づいて記録媒体に有色画像を形成する有色画像形成手段と、当該有色画像に重ねられる透明画像を形成する透明画像形成手段とを有する画像形成システムに対して出力するステップとを実行させるためのプログラム。
Independent claims16
43 paragraphs, as filed
The present invention relates to a technique for improving the image quality of an image formed by an image forming apparatus.
In order to form an image expressing the color of a metal surface (hereinafter referred to as "metallic color"), a method of incorporating a colorant containing a metal powder into a toner is known. Further, as in Patent Document 1, flaky fish scales are contained in the coloring material, and as in Patent Document 2, a flaky pigment in which a thin layer made of titanium dioxide is coated on a flaky inorganic crystalline substrate is used as a coloring agent. A technique for expressing a metallic color by using a toner blended in is also known.<patcit num="1"><text>Special Fair 6-73029 Gazette</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-23974</text></patcit>
<p> An object of the present invention is to obtain an image closer to an image of a printed matter (hereinafter referred to as "metallic image") obtained by an ink containing metal powder without using a material such as metal powder, fish scale or scaly pigment. It is to provide possible technology.</p>
<p> In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes an acquisition means for acquiring image information including a gradation value of each pixel and an image information acquired by the acquisition means.<u style="single">Of the entire area of the image represented by, the gradation value of the pixels included in the image area designated as the area representing the metal surface is changed.</u>A colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium and a transparent image superimposed on the colored image are formed based on the variable means and the information of the colored image according to the gradation value changed by the variable means. An image forming system including a transparent image forming means for<u style="single">Is</u>.. The invention according to claim 2 is<u style="single">Of the acquisition means for acquiring the image information including the gradation value of each pixel and the entire area of the image represented by the image information acquired by the acquisition means, the image area designated as the area expressing the metal surface. A fluctuating means that fluctuates the gradation value of the included pixels, a storage means that stores color image information according to the gradation value fluctuated by the fluctuating means, and information of the colored image stored in the storage means. The image forming system is characterized by comprising a colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium and a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image.</u>.. The invention according to claim 3 is<u style="single">In the configuration according to claim 1, the variable means adds or subtracts a random numerical value that can take a value within a predetermined range to the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information. Change the gradation value</u>.. The invention according to claim 4 is<u style="single">An acquisition means for acquiring image information including the gradation value of each pixel, and a random value capable of taking a value within a predetermined range for the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information acquired by the acquisition means. By adding or subtracting numerical values, a colored image is formed on the recording medium based on the information of the variable means for varying the gradation value and the colored image according to the gradation value varied by the varying means. An image forming system including a colored image forming means and a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image.</u>.. The invention according to claim 5<u style="single">An acquisition means for acquiring image information including the gradation value of each pixel, and a random value capable of taking a value within a predetermined range for the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information acquired by the acquisition means. A variable means that fluctuates the gradation value by adding or subtracting a numerical value, a storage means that stores information of a colored image according to the gradation value fluctuated by the variable means, and a storage means that stores the information in the storage means. An image forming system comprising: a colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the information of the colored image, and a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. Is</u>.. Claim<u style="single">6</u>The invention according to claim<u style="single">Any one of 3 to 5</u>In the configuration described in the above, the variable means changes the gradation value by alternately repeating the addition and subtraction of the random numerical values. Claim<u style="single">7</u>The invention according to claim 1 to claim 1.<u style="single">6</u>In the configuration according to any one of the above items, the variable means constitutes the row each time the length of the pixel rows arranged in a certain direction in the image represented by the image information is 30 micrometers to 120 micrometers. For the gradation value of the pixel to be<u style="single">Random number</u>Is added or subtracted to change the gradation value. Claim<u style="single">8</u>The invention according to claim 1 to claim 1.<u style="single">7</u>In the configuration according to any one of the above items, the variable means changes the gradation value of each pixel within a range of 10% to 20% of the maximum number of gradations. Claim<u style="single">9</u>The invention according to claim 1 to claim 1.<u style="single">8</u>In the configuration according to any one of the above items, the gradation value of each of the pixels includes a plurality of gradation values for each color, and the variable means has the gradation value for each color. Fluctuate independently. Claim<u style="single">10</u>The invention according to claim 1 to claim 1.<u style="single">9</u>In the configuration according to any one of the above, the colored image forming means and the transparent image forming means include an image holder, an exposure means for exposing the surface of the image holder to form an electrostatic latent image, and the above. A developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image holder with a colored developer and a transparent developer, a transfer means for transferring an image developed by the developing means to the recording medium, and the transfer means. It is provided with a fixing means for fixing the image transferred by the above on the recording medium. Claim 1<u style="single">1</u>The invention according to claim<u style="single">10</u>In the configuration described, the fixing means includes an endless belt member that conveys the recording medium, a pressure heating means that pressurizes and heats the recording medium conveyed by the belt member, and the pressurization heating. It includes a cooling means for cooling the recording medium pressurized and heated by the means, and a peeling means for peeling the recording medium cooled by the cooling means from the belt member. Claim 1<u style="single">2</u>The invention according to claim<u style="single">11</u>In the configuration described, when the fixing means fixes the image transferred by the transfer means on the recording medium, the recording medium after the image is fixed is irradiated with light having an incident angle of 60 °. The fixing process is performed so that the glossiness at the time is 70 or more.<u style="single">The invention according to claim 13 expresses a metal surface among an acquisition means for acquiring image information including a gradation value of each pixel and an entire region of an image represented by the image information acquired by the acquisition means. A variable means for varying the gradation value of pixels included in an image region designated as an area and the image information whose gradation value is varied by the varying means are displayed on a recording medium as a colored image based on the image information. It is an image processing apparatus including a colored image forming means for forming an image and an output means for outputting to an image forming system having a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. ..</u><u style="single">The invention according to claim 14 is within a predetermined range with respect to the acquisition means for acquiring the image information including the gradation value of each pixel and the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information acquired by the acquisition means. The variable means for varying the gradation value by adding or subtracting a random numerical value capable of taking the value of, and the image information whose gradation value is varied by the varying means are based on the image information. It is characterized by including a colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium and an output means for outputting to an image forming system having a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image. It is an image processing device.</u><u style="single">The invention according to claim 15 is a step of acquiring image information including a gradation value of each pixel in a computer, and a region representing a metal surface among all regions of an image represented by the acquired image information. A colored image forming means for forming a colored image on a recording medium based on the step of changing the gradation value of the pixels included in the designated image area and the image information in which the gradation value is changed. This is a program for executing a step of outputting to an image forming system having a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image.</u><u style="single">The invention according to claim 16 is a step of acquiring image information including a gradation value of each pixel in a computer, and a value within a predetermined range with respect to the gradation value of each pixel included in the acquired image information. By adding or subtracting a random numerical value that can be taken, the step of changing the gradation value and the image information in which the gradation value is changed are transferred to a recording medium with a colored image based on the image information. This is a program for executing a step of outputting to an image forming system having a colored image forming means for forming and a transparent image forming means for forming a transparent image superimposed on the colored image.</u></p>
<p> According to the invention of claim 1, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided,<u style="single">In the image area designated as the area representing the surface of the metal</u>An image closer to a metallic image containing metal powder can be obtained. According to the invention of claim 2.<u style="single">It is possible to repeatedly use the information of colored images with varying gradation values.</u>.. Claim 3<u style="single">Person in charge</u>According to the invention<u style="single">Compared with the case where this configuration is not provided, the gradation value can be easily changed by image processing.</u>.. Claim 4<u style="single">Person in charge</u>According to the invention, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided,<u style="single">The gradation value can be easily changed by image processing, and an image closer to a metallic image containing metal powder can be obtained.</u><u style="single">According to the invention of claim 5, the gradation value can be easily changed by image processing, and the information of the colored image in which the gradation value is changed can be repeatedly used.</u> Claim<u style="single">6</u>To<u style="single">Person in charge</u>According to the invention, for example, the higher side or the higher side than the gradation value of the image acquired by the acquisition means, as compared with the case where only addition or subtraction is repeated without repeating addition and subtraction alternately. The gradation value can be changed without being biased toward the lower side, and an image closer to the metallic image can be obtained. Claim<u style="single">7</u>To<u style="single">Person in charge</u>According to the invention, since the length of the pixel array is closer to the size of the metal powder contained in the metallic image as compared with the case where the length of the pixel array is outside the range of this configuration, it is the same as that of the metallic image. It is easy to see that it contains metal powder. Claim<u style="single">8</u>To<u style="single">Person in charge</u>According to the invention, the diffused reflection due to the metal powder seen in the metallic image can be more reproduced. Claim<u style="single">9</u>According to the invention according to the above, it is possible to give a variation in color as compared with a case where the gradation value for each color is not independently varied, and an image closer to a metallic image can be obtained. Claim<u style="single">10</u>According to the invention according to the above, it is possible to obtain an image closer to a metallic image without causing transfer defects that occur when an image is formed by an electrophotographic method using a toner containing a metal powder. Claim 1<u style="single">1</u>According to the invention according to the above, it is possible to reproduce a gloss closer to a smooth surface of a metal as compared with the case where this configuration is not used. Claim 1<u style="single">2</u>According to the invention according to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce a gloss closer to the smooth surface of the metal as compared with the case where the glossiness is outside the range of this configuration.<u style="single">According to the invention of claim 13, an image closer to a metallic image containing metal powder can be obtained in the image region designated as the region expressing the surface of the metal as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.</u><u style="single">According to the invention of claim 14, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the gradation value can be easily changed by image processing, and an image closer to a metallic image containing metal powder can be obtained.</u><u style="single">According to the invention of claim 15, an image closer to a metallic image containing metal powder can be obtained in an image region designated as a region expressing a metal surface as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.</u><u style="single">According to the invention of claim 16, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the gradation value can be easily changed by image processing, and an image closer to a metallic image containing metal powder can be obtained.</u></p>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 30, an operation unit 40, an image forming unit 50, and an image processing unit 60. The control unit 10 is an arithmetic unit equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and the CPU executes an image storage device 100 by executing a program stored in the ROM. Control the operation of each part. Storage unit 20 is HDD (Hard Disk) It is a storage device such as Drive) and stores various information used for image formation. The communication unit 30 is an interface device for exchanging image information with external devices such as a digital still camera, a personal computer, and a scanner. The control unit 10 acquires image information including three color components of, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) from these external devices via the communication unit 30. This image information is hereinafter referred to as "RGB format image information". The operation unit 40 is an input device provided with a touch panel, displays various information related to image formation, and receives instructions from the user. The image forming unit 50 forms an image corresponding to the image information input via the communication unit 30 on the recording sheet. This recording sheet includes so-called plain paper made of pulp fibers, paper in which the surface of a base material made of pulp fibers is coated with a resin or the like, and materials other than paper.
Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the structure of the image forming unit 50. As shown in the figure, the image forming unit 50 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 501, a plurality of paper transport rolls 502, an exposure device 503, transfer units 504T, 504Y, 504M, 504C, 504K, and an intermediate transfer belt. It includes a 505, a plurality of belt transfer rolls 506, a secondary transfer roll 507, a backup roll 508, a first fixing device 509, a transfer switching mechanism 510, and a second fixing device 511. The alternate long and short dash line shown in the figure indicates the transport route of the recording sheet.
Each of the paper feed trays 501 accommodates a recording sheet of a predetermined type and size, and sends out the recording sheet at a timing instructed by the control unit 10. The paper transport roll 502 transports the recording sheet fed from the paper feed tray 501 to the transfer region formed by the secondary transfer roll 507 and the backup roll 508.
The exposure device 503 is provided with a laser emission source, a polygon mirror, and the like, and irradiates the transfer units 504T, 504Y, 504M, 504C, and 504K with laser light according to the image information. The transfer units 504T, 504Y, 504M, 504C, and 504K are a transparent (T) developer (transparent toner) and colored development of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. An image is formed by an agent (colored toner) and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 505. The transparent toner is a toner that does not contain a coloring material. For example, it is a low molecular weight polyester resin with SiO2 (silicon dioxide) or TiO2 (titanium dioxide) added externally. The toner image developed by the transparent toner becomes transparent on the recording sheet, and gives a glossy feeling as if the metal surface gives off. The transfer units 504T, 504Y, 504M, 504C, and 504K differ only in the toner used, and there is no significant difference in their configurations. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of them in these descriptions, the alphabet at the end of the code indicating the color of the toner is omitted and referred to as "transfer unit 504".
Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the transfer unit 504. As shown in the figure, the transfer unit 504 includes a photoconductor drum 5041, a roller charger 5042, a developer 5043, a primary transfer roll 5044, a drum cleaner 5045, and a static eliminator 5046. The photoconductor drum 5041 is an image holder having a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer, and is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the drawing by a drive unit (not shown). The roller charger 5042 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 5041. The surface of the charged photoconductor drum 5041 is exposed by the exposure device 503 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 5043 accommodates toner of any color of T, Y, M, C, or K, and causes a predetermined potential difference (development bias) with the surface of the photoconductor drum 5041. The toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 5041 due to this potential difference, and the toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 5041. The primary transfer roll 5044 creates a predetermined potential difference at a position where the intermediate transfer belt 505 faces the photoconductor drum 5041, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 505 by this potential difference. The drum cleaner 5045 removes the untransferred toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 5041 after the transfer of the toner image. The static elimination device 5046 eliminates static electricity on the surface of the photoconductor drum 5041.
Now, we return to the explanation in Fig. 2. The intermediate transfer belt 505 is an endless belt member, and the belt transport roll 506 stretches the intermediate transfer belt 505. At least one of the belt transport rolls 506 has a drive unit, and the intermediate transfer belt 505 is orbitably moved in the direction of arrow B in the drawing. At this time, the belt transport roll 506 having no drive unit rotates in accordance with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 505. When the intermediate transfer belt 505 orbits in the direction of arrow B in the drawing, the toner image transferred by the transfer unit 504 moves to the transfer region formed by the secondary transfer roll 507 and the backup roll 508. ..
The secondary transfer roll 507 and the backup roll 508 generate a predetermined potential difference at a position where the intermediate transfer belt 505 faces the recording sheet, and the toner image is transferred to the recording sheet by this potential difference. The first fixing device 509 includes a heating roll 5091 and a pressure roll 5092, and the toner image transferred to the recording sheet is fixed to the recording sheet by heating and pressurizing the recording sheet with these roll members.
The transport switching mechanism 510 has a function of switching the transport direction of the recording sheet. In this transport switching mechanism 510, the transport direction of the recording sheet that needs to be fixed by the second fixing device 511 is set to the direction of the arrow R in the drawing, while the fixing process by the second fixing device 511 is required. Set the transport direction of the recording sheet to the direction of arrow L in the figure.
The second fixing device 511 includes a fixing belt 5111, a driving roll 5112, a pressure roll 5113, a heating roll 5114, a heat sink 5115, and a peeling roll 5116. The fixing belt 5111 is an endless belt member having a smooth surface. The drive roll 5112 is rotated by a drive unit (not shown) to orbit the fixing belt 5111 in the direction of arrow C in the drawing. The pressurizing roll 5113 sandwiches the recording sheet facing the fixing belt 5111 and pressurizes the recording sheet. The heating roll 5114 is a roll member having a heat source inside, and heat is applied to the recording sheet via the fixing belt 5111. The heat sink 5115 is a cooling device provided in close contact with the fixing belt 5111, and cools the recording sheet heated by the heating roll 5114. The peeling roll 5116 stretches the fixing belt 5111. At the position of the release roll 5116, the recording sheet is separated from the fixing belt 5111 by its own rigidity and discharged to the output tray outside the apparatus.
Under this configuration, the second fixing device 511 heats and pressurizes the recording sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the first fixing device 509 again, cools and discharges the recording sheet while pressing it against the surface of the fixing belt 5111. To do. As a result, the surface of the toner image on the surface of the recording sheet becomes smooth as if the surface of the fixing belt 5111 was copied.
The configuration of the image forming unit 50 is as described above. Here, returning to FIG. 1, the image processing unit 60 will be described. The image processing unit 60 is provided with an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and a memory for executing predetermined image processing, and the image forming unit 50 is based on the image information in RGB format acquired via the communication unit 30. Generate image information in a processable format. The image information in a format that can be processed by the image forming unit 50 is a set of color information representing a toner image of each color of T, Y, M, C, and K. The RGB format image information acquired via the communication unit 30 includes an image area designated in advance as an area for expressing the surface of the metal. This image area is hereinafter referred to as a "metallic area". This metallic area is an area designated by, for example, the operation of the operation unit 40 by the user when the image information in RGB format is generated by the external device. The metallic area is represented by labeling information such that "1" is labeled in the metallic area and "0" is labeled in the other image areas.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the image processing unit 60. In the figure, when the RGB format image information acquired via the communication unit 30 is supplied to the image processing unit 60, the image processing unit 60 determines the RGB format image information as necessary. Perform the preprocessing of (step SA1). The pre-processing referred to here includes, for example, smoothing processing for removing noise included in image information, white balance correction, shading correction, and the like.
Subsequently, the image processing unit 60 performs a color conversion process for converting the color space of the image information from the RGB format to the YMCK color space (step SA2). Specifically, the image processing unit 60 applies the look-up table stored in the storage unit 20 or the memory to the RGB format image information to calculate the color components of the three colors Y, M, and C. After that, it is a process of calculating the color component of K by performing a well-known undercolor removal process (UCR process). By this color conversion process, image information in RGB format can be converted into image information composed of four color components of Y, M, C and K (hereinafter referred to as "image information in YMCK format"). The color components included in the image information in the YMCK format represent the gradation values of each color toner.
Subsequently, the image processing unit 60 refers to the labeling information corresponding to the metallic region included in the image information in the RGB format, and extracts the image information corresponding to the metallic region from the image information in the YMCK format (step). SA3). Next, the image processing unit 60 adds or subtracts a random number to the gradation value of each pixel of Y, M, C, and K included in the metallic region, and repeatedly changes the gradation value of each pixel to high and low. Perform variable processing (step SA4). Random numbers are added / subtracted in order to simulate diffuse reflection caused by metal powder. Hereinafter, this variation processing will be described more specifically.
FIG. 5 is a diagram in which the gradation values of a plurality of pixels included in the metallic region are continuously expressed in the main scanning direction. The "main scanning direction" refers to the scanning direction of the exposure light by the exposure apparatus 503, and the "sub-scanning direction" is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the position of each pixel continuous in the main scanning direction, and the vertical axis represents the gradation value of each of these pixels. The image processing unit 60 extracts pixel sequences (hereinafter referred to as pixel groups) having a length L (μm) forming a sequence extending in the main scanning direction from the metallic region before the fluctuation processing shown in FIG. .. In the present embodiment, a random value added or subtracted from the gradation value is used as a random number generated by a predetermined random number generation algorithm, and this is assigned to each pixel group.
In the present embodiment, the row length L of each pixel group is 50 μm to 80 μm. The range in which the maximum value of the random number can be taken is 5% to 10% of the maximum number of gradations of the pixel. For example, when the gradation value of each pixel is represented by 8 bits, the maximum number of gradations is "256", so the maximum value of the random number of the gradation value in the metallic region is 256 x 5% "13". , 256 x 10% "26". The image processing unit 60 sets the maximum value within the range of "13" to "26", sequentially generates random numbers within the range of the maximum value, and assigns them to each pixel group. Then, the image processing unit 60 alternately repeats addition / subtraction of the assigned random numbers with respect to the gradation value included in each pixel group. For example, when the maximum value of random numbers is set to "26", that is, 10% of the maximum number of gradations of pixels, the image processing unit 60 generates, for example, 0,21,16,0,26 ... as random numbers. To do. In this case, due to the variation processing, the gradation value of each pixel included in the leftmost region b1 of FIG. 5 (b) becomes "p0 + 0", and the gradation value of each pixel included in the region b2 to the right of it is It becomes "p0-21", the gradation value of each pixel included in the area b3 becomes "p0 + 16", the gradation value of each pixel included in the area b4 becomes "p0-0", and it is included in the area b5. The gradation value of each pixel is "p0 + 26". As a result, the gradation value of each pixel before the variation processing of the metallic region is constant at p = p0, but after the variation processing, every time the length in the main scanning direction becomes L (μm), The gradation value p will repeatedly fluctuate between high and low. In this case, the maximum fluctuation width W of the gradation value of each pixel is the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value changed by the fluctuation processing, so 26- (-26) = 52, that is, the maximum number of gradations of the pixel. 20% of. When the maximum value of the random number is set to "13" (5% of the maximum number of gradations of the pixel), the maximum fluctuation width W of the gradation value of each pixel is 10% of the maximum number of gradations of the pixel.
As described above, the image processing unit 60 performs the variation processing by independently varying the gradation values of Y, M, C, and K included in the metallic region for each color. Here, "variating the gradation value for each color independently" means generating random numbers for each color of Y, M, C, and K, and using different random numbers for each of the Y, M, C, and K. , It means that the gradation value of each color is changed. At this time, the length L of the row of the pixel group may be the same for each color or may be different for each color. The image processing unit 60 performs halftone processing on each color information of T, Y, M, C, and K constituting the image information after the variation processing, and binarizes the color information (step SA5). Then, the image processing unit 60 generates image information in which the transparent toner is arranged at the position of the metallic region extracted in step SA3, and outputs the image information together with the image information binarized in step SA5 (step SA6). When the image forming unit 50 receives these image information, it forms a colored toner image and a transparent toner image based on the image information, and superimposes them on a recording sheet and transfers them (step SA7). After the toner image is fixed by the first fixing device 509 of the image forming unit 50, the recording sheet is further cooled while being pressed against the surface of the fixing belt 5111 by the second fixing device 511, and the toner image is again formed. It is fixed (step SA8). The recording sheet on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the paper ejection tray.
In this way, by repeatedly changing the density of the colored toner (the coverage of the toner on the recording sheet per unit area) that forms the image in the metallic region, the rough feeling (diffuse reflection feeling) due to the metal powder contained in the metallic image can be obtained. Express. In addition, the colored toner image is covered with transparent toner to express the glossiness peculiar to metal. This makes it possible to represent a pseudo metallic image.
(Experimental example) The inventors experimentally formed an image by the method as described above and verified the result. In this experiment, toners of each color of Y, M, C, and K of ApeosPort-II C7500 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. were used as colored toners. The average particle size of these toners was 7 μm. Further, as the transparent toner, a toner having an average particle size of 7 μm was used, which was prepared by using a resin obtained by partially modifying the toner resin manufacturing process for ApeosPort-II C7500 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. In addition, as the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 2, the ApeosPort-II C7500 manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. is partially modified so that an image can be formed with five types of toners, Y, M, C, K, and T. The device used was used. The recording sheet is mirror-coated platinum paper (256 g / m) manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd.<sup>2</sup>) Was used. As the second fixing device 511, a belt fixing machine (corresponding to the second fixing device 511) for cooling peeling treatment for the DocuCentre Color f450 multi-copy machine manufactured by Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. was used. The fixing conditions are a fixing temperature of 140 ° C and a recording sheet transfer speed of 54 mm / s. In this experiment, an evaluation image expressed in gold with a distribution of C; 5%, M; 10%, Y; 50%, and T; 100% was formed by the above image forming apparatus. In the variation processing, random numbers within 8% of the maximum number of gradations of the YMCK format image information were used. That is, the fluctuation width W is 8 + 8 = 16% of the number of gradations of the image information in the YMCK format. A BYK Gardner micro-tri-gloss was used to measure the glossiness. When the glossiness was measured according to the JIS Z8741 mirror glossiness-measurement method, the glossiness when the evaluation image transferred to the recording sheet was irradiated with light at an incident angle of 60 ° was 80.
(a) Experiment in which the length of the image sequence is changed In FIG. 6, the upper row shows the length L of the row of pixel groups, and the lower row shows the evaluation results when the variation processing is performed on each pixel group extracted based on the length L. As an evaluation method, each evaluator was asked to select one of the evaluation points classified into four stages as shown below. Figure 6 shows the average value of the scores evaluated by these 10 evaluators as the evaluation results. (a-1) If it seems that the same metal powder as the metallic image (image containing metal powder) is contained, the evaluation score is 4 points. (a-2) If it seems that metal powder similar to the metallic image is contained, the evaluation score is 3 points. (a-3) If it does not look like it contains metal powder as in the metallic image, the evaluation score is 2 points. (a-4) If it does not look like it contains metal powder as in the metallic image, the evaluation score is 1 point. From this experimental result, if the length L of the pixel group is set within the range of 30 μm to 120 μm, the average value of the points is 2.5 points or more, and it is easy to see that the metal powder similar to the metallic image is contained. In particular, when the length L was set within the range of 50 μm to 80 μm, the average value became 3.0 or more, and it was found that the metal powder more similar to the metallic image was contained.
(b) Experiment with varying gloss Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the experimental results when the glossiness is changed by changing the fixing conditions. In FIG. 7, the upper row shows the glossiness when the evaluation image is irradiated with light having an incident angle of 60 °, and the lower row shows the evaluation results for each glossiness. As an evaluation method, each evaluator was asked to select one of the evaluation points classified into four stages as shown below. FIG. 7 shows the average value of the scores evaluated by these 10 evaluators as the evaluation result. In this experiment, the column length L of the image group was set to 50 μm, and the fluctuation width W was set to 16%. (b-1) If the same luster as the smooth surface of metal is felt, the evaluation score is 4 points. (b-2) If it is inferior to the smooth surface of metal but glossy, the evaluation score is 3 points. (b-3) If the luster such as the smooth surface of metal is not felt so much, the evaluation score is 2 points. (b-4) If no luster such as the smooth surface of metal is felt, the evaluation score is 1 point. From this experimental result, if the glossiness is at least 70, the average value of the points is 2.5 or more, and it is possible to reproduce the gloss closer to the smooth surface of the metal, and the higher the gloss on the toner image surface, the more effective it is. It turned out.
(c) Experiment with varying width Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the experimental results when the fluctuation width (amplitude) is changed. In FIG. 8, the upper part is the fluctuation width W (%), and the lower part is the evaluation result when the fluctuation processing is performed with the fluctuation width. As an evaluation method, each evaluator was made to select one of the evaluation points classified into the stages as shown below. Figure 8 shows the average value of the scores evaluated by these 10 evaluators as the evaluation results. In this experiment, the length L of the row of the image group was set to 50 μm. Further, the fixing was performed under the same fixing conditions as in the experiment (a), and the glossiness was 80 when irradiated with light having an incident angle of 60 °. (c-1) If the diffused reflection due to the metal powder as seen in the metallic image is reproduced very well, the evaluation score is 4 points. (c-2) If the diffused reflection due to the metal powder as seen in the metallic image is reproduced to some extent, the evaluation score is 3 points. (c-3) If the diffused reflection due to the metal powder as seen in the metallic image is not reproduced very well, the evaluation point is set to 2 points. (c-4) If the diffused reflection due to the metal powder as seen in the metallic image is not reproduced at all, the evaluation point is set to 1 point. From this experimental result, if the fluctuation range W is set within the range of 10% to 20%, the average value of the points will be 2.5 points or more, and it is possible to better reproduce the diffused reflection due to the metal powder seen in the metallic image. understood.
(2) Second embodiment Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the image processing unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 100. The image processing unit 60 executes a predetermined preprocessing on the image information acquired from the control unit 10 (step SB1), and performs a color conversion process for converting the color space of the RGB format image information into the YMCK color space (step SB1). Step SB2). Subsequently, the image processing unit 60 extracts a metallic region from the image represented by the image information in the YMCK format (step SB3). The processing by the image processing unit 60 in the processing steps SB1 to SB3 is the same as the processing steps SA1 to SA3 of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Subsequently, the image processing unit 60 executes the variation processing. In the present embodiment, the variation processing is executed by replacing the metallic region with another image (replacement image) prepared in advance. Hereinafter, the variation processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the image processing unit 60 reads out the replacement image information representing the replacement image from the storage unit 20 (step SB4). This replacement image may be an image obtained by capturing the surface of various metals themselves prepared as samples in advance using a digital still camera or the like, or the image processing unit 60 may be the same as in the first embodiment. The image may be generated by varying the gradation value of each pixel by the method. When this replacement image is, for example, an captured image as described above, since the surface of the actual metal itself is imaged in this replacement image, the gradation values of adjacent pixels are shown in FIG. 5 (b). As you can see, it fluctuates repeatedly from high to low. The storage unit 20 stores a plurality of different types of replacement image information according to the combination of the gradation values of Y, M, C, and K, and the image processing unit 60 corresponds to the gradation value of the metallic region. Read the replacement image information. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a replacement image G represented by a certain replacement image information. The replacement image G has a rectangular area having the same size as the recording sheet, and the size of the image area is large enough to form an image on the recording sheet.
Subsequently, the image processing unit 60 specifies an image area of the replacement image information corresponding to the same position as the metallic area extracted from the image information in the YMCK format (step SB5). FIG. 10B shows an example of the image region specified in the replacement image G, and in this example, the case where the image region S corresponding to the character large is specified is shown.
Next, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), the image processing unit 60 cuts out the image information included in the image area S specified from the replacement image information (step SB6), and replaces the cut out image area with the metallic area. (Step SB7). The processing in the processing steps SB4 to SB7 described above is the variable processing in the present embodiment. When a plurality of metallic colors are included in the image, the image processing unit 60 executes the above-described processing steps SB4 to SB7 for each metallic area.
As described above, when the image processing unit 60 performs variation processing on the metallic region, halftone processing is performed on the color information corresponding to the colored toner, and the color information is binarized (step SB8). , The image information that can be processed by the image forming unit 50 is output to the image forming unit 50 (step SB9). When the image forming unit 50 receives the image information, the image forming unit 50 transfers the colored toner image to the recording sheet according to the image information, and transfers the transparent toner image on the recording sheet (step SB10). Then, the image forming unit 50 fixes the toner image (step SB11). The processing by the image processing unit 60 in the processing steps SB8 to SB11 is the same as the processing steps SA5 to SA8 of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
(3) Modification example The above embodiment may be modified as follows. Specifically, for example, the following modifications can be mentioned. Each of these modifications can be combined as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the example of the image processing unit 60 built in the image forming apparatus 100 has been described, but the image processing unit 60 is not limited to that incorporated in the image forming apparatus 100, for example. It may be realized by a computer device connected to the image forming device via a communication means such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a LAN (Local Area Network). In this case, the computer device performs variation processing on the metallic region of the image information to generate color information corresponding to the colored developer, and this color information and the color on the recording sheet to which the developer is transferred are colored. The color information corresponding to the transparent developing agent, which is superimposed and transferred on the developing agent, is output to an image forming apparatus, a recording medium of an information processing apparatus, or the like. That is, each configuration included in the image forming apparatus 100 described in the embodiment may be distributed and mounted in a plurality of apparatus. Therefore, the present invention relates to an image forming system realized by one or a plurality of devices.
In the above-described embodiment, the image processing unit 60 performs variation processing on the image information in the YMCK format recognized by the image forming unit 50 to form the image, but the image information in the RGB format is subjected to the variation processing. You may do it. For example, in the case of the first embodiment, when the preprocessing of step SA1 is performed, the image processing unit 60 adds / subtracts a random number to the gradation value of each pixel included in the metallic region of the image information in RGB format. (SA3,4). Then, the image processing unit 60 converts this image information into image information in the YMCK format, and executes the processing steps from step SA5 onward. Further, in the case of the second embodiment, when the replacement image information represented by the color components of R, G, and B is stored in the storage unit 20 and the preprocessing in step SB1 is performed, the image processing unit 60 is in RGB. Performs variable processing to replace the metallic area of the image information in the format with a replacement image (SB3 to SB7). Then, the image processing unit 60 converts this into image information in the YMCK format, and subsequently executes the processing steps of step SB8 and subsequent steps. Even if the color space is converted after performing the variation processing in this way, an image with density variation is formed in the same manner as when the variation processing is performed after performing the color space. However, it is possible to express metallic colors. Further, even when the color spaces are different or the image forming unit forms a multicolored image, the image processing unit executes variation processing on the image information corresponding to each color to give density variation. , Can express metallic colors.
In the above-described embodiment, the image processing unit 60 executes variation processing on the image information and is exposed by the exposure device 503 according to the gradation value of the pixels included in the image information to form an image expressing a metallic color. Was there. An object of the embodiment is to express a metallic color by forming an image in which the density is repeatedly changed to high and low. Therefore, the following may be used. The image processing unit 60 outputs the image information in the YMCK format to the image forming unit 50 without executing the variation processing on the image information, and also outputs an instruction signal indicating that the density variation is generated in the metallic region. When forming an image, the exposure device 503 of the image forming unit 50 repeatedly changes the intensity of the laser beam to expose the region corresponding to the metallic region of the transfer unit 504 in response to this instruction signal. In this exposure, as in the variation processing in the first embodiment described above, the gradation value is varied every time the length is L = 30 μm to 120 μm, and the variation width of the gradation value is the maximum number of gradations of the pixel. The exposure intensity may be varied so as to be 10% to 20%. Even in this way, the formed image is given a density variation, and a metallic color can be expressed.
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the gradation values of a plurality of pixels included in the metallic region are constant (p = p0) has been described, but even if the gradation values of these pixels are not constant, the variation processing is performed. It can be executed to express metallic colors. Since the metallic color can be expressed by giving a density variation to express the rough feeling of the metal powder, the content of the image may be, for example, a gradation shape, or may include an image of a plurality of colors.
In the first embodiment described above, in the fluctuation processing, the gradation value p fluctuates every time the length of a row of adjacent pixel groups becomes L (μm), and the fluctuation width is approximately the maximum number of gradations of the pixels. The image processing unit 60 added / subtracted random numbers so as to be 10 to 20%. Although these are preferable conditions for expressing metallic colors more faithfully, the density changes even when different random numbers are added / subtracted to the gradation value for each pixel or the fluctuation range is further increased. By giving, an image expressing a metallic color can be formed. Further, it is not necessary to alternately repeat addition and subtraction once each as in the embodiment. For example, random number addition may be continued a predetermined number of times and then random number subtraction may be continued a predetermined number of times, or random numbers may be added. Whether to do or subtract may itself be determined according to a random number or at random. In the example of the numerical value of the embodiment, a random number is generated over a positive range and a negative range, such as "-26" to "+26", and this random number is added to the gradation value. May be good. Further, it may be a fluctuation process that repeatedly fluctuates the gradation value to high and low based on some standard without relying on random numbers. In any of these modes, if it is a variation process for expressing a metallic color, it is included in the meaning of "the gradation value of each pixel included in the image information is repeatedly varied to high and low" in the present invention. It shall be.
In the second embodiment described above, the case where the image region represented by the replacement image information is sufficiently larger than the metallic region has been described, but it may be smaller than the metallic region. In this case, the image processing unit 60 replaces the replacement images according to the gradation values of the pixels included in the metallic region by arranging them side by side in the metallic region. Then, at the boundary portion between the metallic region and the image region that is not the metallic region, the image processing unit 60 may cut out the image region according to the metallic region in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above. In this case, the image processing unit 60 may perform image processing that blurs the boundary portion so that the boundary portion between the plurality of replacement images placed in the metallic region is not conspicuous.
Further, as the replacement image information, the image processing unit 60 may perform the same variation processing as the first embodiment described above on the image information in the YMCK format in advance, and the image information may be stored in the storage unit 20. For example, the image processing unit 60 executes a variation process in which the gradation values of Y, M, C, and K are uniform and the gradation values of each pixel are alternately and repeatedly changed for the image information forming a rectangular area. .. This is stored in the storage unit 20 in association with the above gradation values Y, M, C, and K as replacement image information. Of course, also in this case, a plurality of replacement image information having different combinations of Y, M, C, and K is generated and stored. After that, it is replaced with a replacement image according to the gradation value of the metallic region in the same manner as in the second embodiment.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the direction in which the gradation value is changed in the variation processing is the main scanning direction, but the direction is not limited to this, and may be the sub-scanning direction or any other direction. ..
<figref num="1">It is a block diagram which roughly showed the whole structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a figure which showed the structure of the image forming part in detail.</figref><figref num="3">It is a figure which showed the structure of the transfer unit in detail.</figref><figref num="4">It is a flowchart which showed the process which is executed in the image processing part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">It is a figure which continuously expressed the gradation value of a plurality of pixels included in a metallic area in the main scanning direction.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure explaining the experimental result of the evaluation of the evaluation image according to the length L of a pixel group.</figref><figref num="7">It is a figure which shows the experimental result of the evaluation of the evaluation image according to the glossiness.</figref><figref num="8">It is a figure which shows the experimental result of the evaluation of the evaluation image according to the fluctuation width.</figref><figref num="9">It is a flowchart which showed the process which is executed in the image processing part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="10">It is a figure explaining the process of the variation processing which concerns on the same embodiment.</figref>
Code description
10 ... Control unit, 100 ... Image forming device, 20 ... Storage unit, 30 ... Communication unit, 40 ... Operation unit, 50 ... Image forming unit, 501 ... Paper feed Tray, 502 ... Paper transport roll, 503 ... Exposure device, 504 ... Transfer unit, 5041 ... Photoreceptor drum, 5042 ... Roller charger, 5043 ... Developer, 5044 .. .Primary transfer roll, 5045 ... Drum cleaner, 5046 ... Static eliminator, 505 ... Intermediate transfer belt, 506 ... Belt transfer roll, 507 ... Secondary transfer roll, 508 ... Backup roll , 5091 ... heating roll, 510 ... transport switching mechanism, 5111 ... fixing belt, 5112 ... drive roll, 5113 ... pressure roll, 5114 ... heating roll, 5115 ... heat sink , 5116 ... Peeling roll, 60 ... Image processing unit.
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2015025840A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
2 priority claims, no other members on record
Priority claims2
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007261137 | Japan | A | |
| JP20070261137 | – | – | – |
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Numbers
- Publication
- 4535112
- Publication, DOCDB
- 4535112
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP4535112B
- Application
- 261137
- Application, DOCDB
- 2007261137
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20070261137
Titles2
- Japanese
- 画像形成システム、画像処理装置およびプログラム
- English
- Image forming system, image processing equipment and programs
Classification
- CPC, 5
- G03G15/50
- G03G15/0126
- G03G2215/0132
- G03G2215/0158
- G03G2215/0624
- IPC, 3
- G03G15 00
- G03G15 01
- G06T5 00