U.S. patent application number 14/628451 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-25 for image reading apparatus and medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kiyofumi AIKAWA, Kazuya FUKUNAGA, Masaki HACHISUGA, Takashi HIRAMATSU, Michio KIKUCHI, Hideki MORIYA.
Application Number | 20160057307 14/628451 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55275578 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160057307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AIKAWA; Kiyofumi ; et
al. |
February 25, 2016 |
IMAGE READING APPARATUS AND MEDIUM
Abstract
Provided is an image reading apparatus, including a reading
portion which reads an image and generates gradation values of each
pixel, a calculation portion which calculates a coefficient group
that allows the gradation values of each pixel generated as the
reading portion reads a reference image, to be close to the
gradation values of the pixels which correspond to image data
forming the reference image, divides plural regions including an
overlapped part in which the reference images are overlapped with
each other, and calculates the coefficient group in each region,
and a correction portion which corrects the gradation values of
each pixel generated as the reading portion reads a correction
target image, and corrects the gradation values of the correction
target which correspond to the gradation values of the pixels of
the overlapped part using the coefficient group.
Inventors: |
AIKAWA; Kiyofumi; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; KIKUCHI; Michio; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
MORIYA; Hideki; (Kanagawa, JP) ; HACHISUGA;
Masaki; (Kanagawa, JP) ; HIRAMATSU; Takashi;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; FUKUNAGA; Kazuya; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
55275578 |
Appl. No.: |
14/628451 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/028 20130101;
H04N 1/00968 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/028 20060101
H04N001/028; H04N 1/00 20060101 H04N001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 25, 2014 |
JP |
2014-170635 |
Claims
1. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a reading portion which
reads an image and generates gradation values of each pixel; a
calculation portion which calculates a coefficient group that
allows the gradation values of each pixel generated as the reading
portion reads a reference image which becomes a reference of
correction, to be close to the gradation values of the pixels which
correspond to image data forming the reference image, divides a
plurality of regions including an overlapped part in which the
reference images are overlapped with each other, and calculates the
coefficient group in each region; and a correction portion which
corrects the gradation values of each pixel generated as the
reading portion reads a correction target image to be a target of
correction, and corrects the gradation values of the correction
target which correspond to the gradation values of the pixels of
the overlapped part using the coefficient group calculated by the
calculation portion in each region including the overlapped
part.
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
correction portion corrects the gradation values of the correction
target which correspond to the gradation values of the pixels of
the overlapped part, using the coefficient group calculated by the
calculation portion in each region including the overlapped part
and a weighting factor of the pixel in each region.
3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
correction portion selects any one of each coefficient group
calculated in each region by the calculation portion based on
representative values in each region of a difference between the
gradation values of each pixel generated as the reading portion
reads the reference image and the gradation values of corresponding
pixels in the image data forming the reference image, and corrects
the gradation values of the correction target using the selected
coefficient group.
4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
correction portion obtains quantiles of the differences as the
representative value of the difference in each region, and corrects
the gradation values of the correction target using the coefficient
group calculated with respect to the region having a small
quantile.
5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
correction portion obtains a maximum value of the difference as the
representative value of the difference in each region, and performs
correction using the coefficient group calculated with respect to
the region having a small maximum value.
6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
reference image is held on a medium having a curvature which
circulates at a reading position by the reading portion.
7. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, when
the medium circulates, the reading portion reads the reference
image.
8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in
the reference image, when a plurality of gradation values included
in the reference image in each region are disposed as dots inside a
color space separated by a determined boundary, a ratio of
distances from each dot to a closest dot or the boundary is less
than 2.
9. A medium, comprising: the medium has the reference image which
is used in the image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein, when a plurality of gradation values included in the
reference image in the region are disposed as dots inside a color
space separated by a determined boundary, a ratio of distances from
each dot to a closest dot or the boundary is less than 2.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35
USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-170635 filed Aug.
25, 2014.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus
and a medium.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided
an image reading apparatus, including:
[0004] a reading portion which reads an image and generates
gradation values of each pixel;
[0005] a calculation portion which calculates a coefficient group
that allows the gradation values of each pixel generated as the
reading portion reads a reference image which becomes a reference
of correction, to be close to the gradation values of the pixels
which correspond to image data forming the reference image, divides
plural regions including an overlapped part in which the reference
images are overlapped with each other, and calculates the
coefficient group in each region; and
[0006] a correction portion which corrects the gradation values of
each pixel generated as the reading portion reads a correction
target image to be a target of correction, and corrects the
gradation values of the correction target which correspond to the
gradation values of the pixels of the overlapped part using the
coefficient group calculated by the calculation portion in each
region including the overlapped part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a main configuration of an
image reading apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a view of a reading portion in FIG. 1 when viewed
in a -y direction;
[0010] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views illustrating spectral reflection
characteristics;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a movement of a guiding
plate;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating plural color charts held on a
second side surface;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of a reference
value table;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a functional configuration of
the image reading apparatus;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of plural regions
determined on the second side surface;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of a profile
table;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a weighting factor of a
position of a pixel, with respect to a region including the pixel;
and
[0018] FIGS. 11A and 11B are views illustrating a region in a
modification example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1. Exemplary Embodiment
1-1. Entire Configuration of Image Reading Apparatus
[0019] Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus 9 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. In the
drawings, a space in which each configuration of the image reading
apparatus 9 is disposed is illustrated as an xyz right-handed
coordinate space. Among the coordinate symbols illustrated in the
drawings, the symbols which draw dots in a circle illustrate an
arrow toward a near side from a paper surface inner side. In the
space, a direction along an x axis is called an x axis direction.
In addition, among the x axis directions, a direction in which the
number of x components increases is called a +x direction, a
direction in which the number of x components decreases is called a
-x direction. Regarding y and z components, along with the
definitions described above, a y axis direction, a +y direction, a
-y direction, and z axis direction, a +z direction, and a -z
direction are defined.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a main configuration of the
image reading apparatus 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of
the invention. The image reading apparatus 9 includes a guiding
plate 1, a holding member 2, a reading portion 3, a shielding plate
4, a control portion 5, and a storing portion 6.
[0021] The guiding plate 1 is a member which guides a medium, such
as a paper P. The guiding plate 1 is disposed in parallel to an xy
plane, and guides the paper P transported in a transporting
direction D1 which is the +y direction to a reading position P1, by
a surface on the +z direction side. The reading position P1 is a
position where the reading portion 3 reads an image. The guiding
plate 1 may move along the y axis direction, and guides the paper P
when the guiding plate 1 is at a position (hereinafter, referred to
as a first position) illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0022] The holding member 2 is a member which holds a color sample.
The color sample is a sample which is used in correcting a color of
the image reading apparatus 9, and one color sample displays one
color (true color) which is a reference of correction of the
color.
[0023] When the guiding plate 1 is at the first position, the
holding member 2 is on a side (-z direction) which faces the
guiding plate 1 when viewed from the reading portion 3. However, as
the guiding plate 1 moves according to a movement, the held color
sample is rotated to the reading position P1 at which the reading
portion 3 may perform reading.
[0024] The reading portion 3 includes light sources 31, a lens 32,
and an image sensor 33, and generates gradation values of each
pixel by reading the image. The light sources 31 include a light
source 31u which irradiates the reading position P1 with
irradiation light from an upstream side (-y direction) of a
transporting direction of the paper P, and a light source 31d
(hereinafter, when there is no distinction between the light source
31u and the light source 31d, simply referred to as the "light
source 31") which irradiates the reading position P1 with
irradiation light from a downstream side (+y direction) of the
transporting direction of the paper P. As the reading position P1
is irradiated with the two types of the light sources 31, an image
having less unevenness and deviation than in a case where the
irradiation is performed by one of the light sources 31, is read.
In addition, the light source 31u and the light source 31d may have
plural light-emitting sources which are respectively aligned along
the x axis direction.
[0025] The lens 32 is an example of a reduction optical system
which reduces the image of the reading position P1 having a width
in the x axis direction. FIG. 2 is a view of the reading portion 3
in FIG. 1 when viewed in the -y direction. The image of the reading
position P1 has a width W1 in the x axis direction. The lens 32 is
at a position of a distance L1 from the paper P, and reduces the
image of the reading position P1 to a size at which the image
sensor 33 at a position of a distance L from the paper P may
perform sensing. In FIG. 2, the lens 32 has a width W2 (W2<W1)
in the x axis direction, and the image sensor 33 has a width W3
(W3<W1) in the x axis direction. Therefore, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, the reading portion 3 reads the image of the reading
position P1 which is in a sensing range of an angle .theta..
[0026] The image sensor 33 is configured to read the image formed
on the paper P by receiving reflected light from the reading
position P1, via the lens 32. The image sensor 33 illustrated in
FIG. 2 is a so-called line sensor, and has plural image sensor
elements 331 which are aligned in parallel in the x axis direction.
These plural image sensor elements 331 are charge coupled device
(CCD) image sensor, and are manufactured via plural processes in
various types of environments.
[0027] The shielding plate 4 is a plate which shields a part other
than the reading position P1 from the light sources 31, on the
media, such as the paper P. As shielding is performed, the
reflected light of the reading position P1 is unlikely to be
interfered by the reflected light of other parts.
[0028] The shielding plate 4 may have a function of restricting a
range of motion of the medium. As the shielding plate 4 nips the
paper P which is the medium together with the guiding plate 1, a
position of the paper P in the z axis direction is stable compared
to a case where the shielding plate 4 is not provided. In addition,
the image reading apparatus 9 may dispose a restriction member
which mainly has a function of restricting the range of motion of
the medium, instead of the shielding plate 4.
[0029] The control portion 5 is a unit which controls operations of
each portion of the image reading apparatus 9. The control portion
5 is provided with an execution processing device, such as a
central processing unit (CPU), or a storage device, such as, a read
only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), and executes a
program which is stored in these storage devices. The control
portion 5 moves the guiding plate 1 along the y axis direction by
controlling a driving portion (not illustrated), and rotates the
holding member 2 around an axis O by controlling a rotating portion
(not illustrated). The driving portion and the rotating portion
have a power source, such as a motor, and a power transmission
mechanism, such as a toothed wheel.
[0030] The storing portion 6 is a storing unit having a large
volume, such as a hard disc, and stores a program which is read in
by the control portion 5. In addition, the storing portion 6 stores
a reference value table 61 and a profile table 62. The reference
value table 61 is a table which associates the reference values of
the plural color samples held by the holding member 2 with
positions of each color sample. The reference value is the
gradation value which illustrates the true color of the color
sample, and is measured by a spectrophotometer in advance.
[0031] The profile table 62 is a table which describes a color
correction profile calculated in each of plural regions on the
medium. The color correction profile is a parameter group
(coefficient group) for correcting each of the gradation values
forming the image read by the reading portion 3 to be close to the
gradation values of the true colors.
[0032] In addition, the storing portion 6 may include a so-called
removal disc, that is, a recording medium which is attachable and
detachable.
1-2. Position Dependence of Image Reading
[0033] The image reading by the reading portion 3 depends on a
position of the image. For example, even when different positions
on the paper P are coated with the same pigments, there is a case
where the gradation value which is a result of reading is different
according to the position. There are the following three reasons
thereof, for example.
[0034] The first reason is unevenness of the light sources 31. The
light sources 31 are, for example, light emitting diodes (LED), and
are manufactured via the plural processes in the various types of
environments. For this reason, in the plural light sources 31,
there is a case where differences of manufacturing conditions in
each process are respectively accumulated, and unevenness in a
light color or brightness is generated.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the plural light sources 31
are aligned in parallel along the x axis direction, each reflection
point of the reading position P1 receives and reflects a large
amount of light from the light source 31 which is close to the
position, rather than the light source 31 which is far from the
position. As a result, since the image of the reading position P1
reflects the light having different light colors and brightness
according to the position of the image, there is a case where the
read gradation values of each pixel are different from each other
depending on the position of the image.
[0036] The second reason is a difference of a reflection angle. The
image of the reading position P1 is formed, for example, as a toner
is fixed on a front surface of the paper P, but there is a
difference in spectral reflection characteristics between a paper
surface and a toner layer. The spectral reflection characteristics
are a ratio between dispersion reflection components and regular
reflection components, or the like. FIGS. 3A and 3B are views
illustrating the spectral reflection characteristics. FIG. 3A is a
view illustrating the reflection on the paper surface, and FIG. 3B
is a view illustrating the reflection on the toner layer.
[0037] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, incident light In is light which is
incident on the reading position P1. Regular reflection light Is is
light which is reflected at the same reflection angle as the
incident angle of the incident light In, at the reading position
P1. Dispersion reflection light Id is light which is reflected at
various angles at the reading position P1. On the paper surface
illustrated in FIG. 3A, compared to the toner layer illustrated in
FIG. 3B, a ratio of the dispersion reflection light Id is large. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, since the image of the reading position P1
has different reflection angles of the reflected light toward the
lens 32 according to the position of the image in the x axis
direction, there is a case where the read gradation values of each
pixel are different from each other depending on the position of
the image.
[0038] The third reason is unevenness of the image sensor element
331. As described above, since the image sensor element 331 is
manufactured via the plural processes in the various types of
environments, there is a case where the differences in the
manufacturing conditions in each process are respectively
accumulated, and unevenness in sensitivity is generated. As a
result, since the image of the reading position P1 is sensed at a
different sensitivity according to the position of the image, there
is a case where the read gradation values of each pixel are
different from each other depending on the position of the
pixel.
1-3. Configuration for Color Correction
[0039] In order to make the image reading by the reading portion 3
difficult to be influenced by the position of the image, it is
required that the color correction be performed with respect to the
reading portion 3. The color correction is performed by using the
color sample held by the holding member 2.
[0040] The holding member 2 has a side surface in a shape which is
obtained by cutting a column having a radius r around the axis O
along a direction of the axis O so as not to come into contact with
the guiding plate 1 when disposed in the first position. The axis O
is provided in a direction which intersects a direction (+y
direction) in which the paper P is guided, and is provided along
the x axis direction in FIG. 1. On the side surfaces of the holding
member 2, a part which is formed by cutting the above-described
column is called a first side surface 21, and a part other than the
first side surface 21 is called a second side surface 22.
[0041] In addition, in description above, the holding member 2 has
the side surface in a shape which is obtained by cutting the column
having the radius r around the axis O along the direction of the
axis O, but in practice, is not limited to a member which is formed
by cutting the column. The holding member 2 may be formed, for
example, by performing injection molding of resin or the like into
a mold which corresponds to the above-described shape.
[0042] In addition, the holding member 2 may have a hollow on a
side closer to the axis O than the first side surface 21. In other
words, the side surface of the holding member 2 may have a shape
which is obtained by cutting a cylinder having the radius r from
the axis O to an outer circumferential surface along the direction
of the axis O.
[0043] In addition, when the holding member 2 has the hollow, the
shape before cutting is not limited to the cylinder, and for
example, may be a shape which has the hollow in a shape along the
first side surface 21 and the second side surface 22 of the holding
member 2. In short, the shape of the holding member 2 before
cutting may have a circular outer circumference when cutting by a
surface which perpendicularly intersects the axis O.
[0044] When the guiding plate 1 is at the first position, the
holding member 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a mode in which the
first side surface 21 faces the +z direction. As the holding member
2 has such a mode, the space having a distance r0 (<r) of width
in the -z direction from the reading position P1 is formed. Since a
thickness of the guiding plate 1 is smaller than the distance r0,
the guiding plate 1 does not come into contact with the holding
member 2 even when the guide plate 1 moves in the space.
[0045] The second side surface 22 has a larger area than that of
the first side surface 21. In the second side surface 22, plural
color charts are held in a state of being aligned along the x axis.
The color chart is a reference image in which plural types of color
samples which make one group are respectively aligned at determined
positions, and is used as a reference of correction of the read
color by the reading portion 3.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a movement of the guiding
plate 1. Other than the first position illustrated in FIG. 1, the
guiding plate 1 may move to a position (hereinafter, referred to as
a second position) illustrated in FIG. 4. The guiding plate 1 which
is at the first position moves along a moving direction D2 (+y
direction) illustrated in FIG. 4, and reaches the second position.
The image reading apparatus 9 moves the guiding plate 1 to the
first position by the driving portion which is not illustrated when
the image formed on the paper P is read by the reading portion 3,
and guides the paper P to the guiding plate 1.
[0047] Meanwhile, the image reading apparatus 9 moves the guiding
plate 1 to the second position by the above-described driving
portion when the color sample held on the second side surface 22 of
the holding member 2 is read by the reading portion 3. The second
position is apart from the axis O by more than the radius r. In
other words, even when the holding member 2 rotates around the axis
O, the second position is a position which is apart from the axis O
by an extent that the guiding plate 1 does not come into contact
with the holding member 2.
[0048] When the guiding plate 1 is at the second position, the
rotating portion which is not illustrated rotates the holding
member 2 in a rotating direction D3. Since the reading position P1
is apart from the axis O by a distance which corresponds to the
radius r in the +z direction, by this rotation, the second side
surface 22 which is a side surface apart from the axis O by the
radius r moves to the reading position P1. In other words, the
color sample which is held on the second side surface 22 of the
holding member 2 moves to the reading position P1. The control
portion 5 allows the reading portion 3 to read the color sample
moved to the reading position P1, and performs calculation of a
coefficient group which is used in correcting the color. In
addition, the rotating direction D3 in FIG. 4 is clockwise around
the axis O.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating plural color charts held on
the second side surface 22. In FIG. 5, a horizontal axis
illustrates the x axis direction, and a vertical direction
illustrates an angle .phi. illustrated in FIG. 1. The angle .phi.
is an angle which illustrates a position of a circumferential
direction around the axis O.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 5, on the second side surface 22,
three color charts CL, CC, and CR (hereinafter, simply referred to
as a "color chart" when it is not necessary to distinguish these
color charts) are aligned and held in order in the +x direction.
These color charts are, for example, images formed based on common
data, and a difference of coloring of the color samples disposed at
corresponding positions is below a determined threshold value. The
corresponding positions are referred to as corresponding positions
when each of original points in each of the color charts is used as
a reference in a case where an original point of the color chart CL
is a point PL, an original point of the color chart CC is a point
PC, and an original point of the color chart CR is a point PR.
[0051] All of the point PL, the point PC, and the point PR have a
common position on an .phi. axis, and both a distance between the
point PL and the point PC and a distance between the point PC and
the point PR correspond to a length of one color chart in the x
axis direction. Therefore, for example, both a certain point of the
color chart CL and a point which corresponds to the certain point
in color chart CC have a common position on the .phi. axis, and an
interval therebetween in the x axis direction has a length of one
color chart in the x axis direction.
[0052] The reference values of the plural color samples included in
the three color charts illustrated in FIG. 5 are stored in the
reference value table 61, being associated with positions of each
color sample on the second side surface 22. FIG. 6 is a view
illustrating an example of the reference value table 61. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, in the reference value table 61, a group of
x and .phi. is described as a coordinate illustrating a position on
the second side surface 22, and each value of L*, a*, and b* in a
L*a*b* color space (CIELAB color space) of CIE1976 is described as
the reference value of the color sample disposed on this
coordinate. The CIELAB color space is a color space in a color
system determined by Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE).
In addition, the color space in which the color sample is described
is not limited to the CIELAB color space, and for example, may be
another color space which is called a CIELUV color space. In
addition, the coordinate which illustrates the position on the
second side surface 22 described in the reference value table 61
may correspond to each pixel in the image data forming the
reference image in which the above-described three color charts are
aligned in the x axis direction.
1.4 Functional Configuration of Image Reading Apparatus
[0053] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a functional configuration of
the image reading apparatus 9. By executing the above-described
program, the control portion 5 functions as an acquisition portion
51, a calculation portion 52, and a correction portion 53.
[0054] The acquisition portion 51 specifies a position on the
second side surface 22 of the color chart which is read by the
reading portion 3 based on the rotation angle or the like of the
holding member 2, and acquires the reference value of the color
sample including a pixel disposed at this position from the
reference value table 61 of the storing portion 6. In other words,
the acquisition portion 51 acquires each of gradation values of the
pixels at specified positions, in the image data forming the
reference image which is a correction reference. The calculation
portion 52 calculates the color correction profile, from the
gradation value of the color chart read by the reading portion 3
and the reference value which corresponds to the gradation value
acquired by the acquisition portion 51. As described above, the
color correction profile is a coefficient group to make the
gradation values of each pixel, generated as the reading portion 3
reads the color chart close, to the gradation value (reference
value) of the corresponding pixel in the image data illustrating
the color chart.
[0055] The color correction profile is calculated as follows, for
example. The reading portion 3 outputs the gradation value of the
read color chart as data which is illustrated by a red green blue
(RGB) color system. The calculation portion 52 calculates a matrix
with which each value of L*, a*, and b* are close to the reference
value at a position of the gradation value, as the color correction
profile, in a case of an inner product operation with respect to a
vector having a total of 10 elements, including the gradation
values R, G, and B, square numbers of each of the gradation values
R.sup.2, G.sup.2, and B.sup.2, multiplication values of two of the
gradation values R.times.G, G.times.B, and B.times.R, and 1 which
indicates a constant term. This matrix is an example of the
coefficient group which is used in correction of the gradation
value generated as the reading portion 3 reads the image, and has 3
rows and 10 columns of elements in this case. In addition, the
gradation value of the read color chart may be output as data which
is illustrated by the color system other than the RGB color system.
In addition, the number of the elements of the vector generated
from the gradation value of the read color chart is not limited to
10 which is described above.
[0056] In calculating the color correction profile, a statistic
method, such as a multiple regression analysis, linear programming,
or non-linear programming may be used. Here, the color correction
profile is calculated in each preset region on the second side
surface 22.
[0057] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of plural regions
determined on the second side surface 22. As illustrated in FIG. 8,
in all of the three color charts, a total of 48 color samples
including 8 rows of the color samples in the x axis direction and 6
columns of the color samples in a .phi. direction are respectively
disposed. Each color type of these color samples is designed so
that deviation in the determined limited color space is small. By
making the plural color samples as one group, the calculation of
the color correction profile is performed. The color charts CL, CC,
and CR respectively correspond to regions A1, A3, and A5.
[0058] Here, if the 8 rows of each color chart in the x axis
direction is distinguished as four rows (left half) on the -x
direction side and four rows (right half) on the +x direction side,
regions of the right half of each color chart have a common
configuration, and regions of the left half of each color chart
have a common configuration.
[0059] A region which is combined by the region of the right half
of the color chart CL and the region of the left half of the color
chart CC is a region A2, and a region which is combined by the
region of the right half of the color chart CC and the region of
the left half of the color chart CR is a region A4.
[0060] The region A2 and the region A4 are regions which have a
part (overlapped part) which is overlapped with any one of the
regions A1, A3, and A5. Since the plural color samples which have
common types and numbers with the regions A1, A3, and A5 are
included even in the region A2 and the region A4, the color
correction profiles are respectively calculated.
[0061] The calculation portion 52 divides the three color chats
held on the second side surface 22 into the plural regions
including the overlapped part in which the three color charts held
on the second side surface 22 are overlapped with each other, and
calculates the color correction profiles for each region. For this
reason, compared to a case where each of the color correction
profiles is calculated only from the region in which the color
charts are not overlapped with each other, more color correction
profiles may be obtained.
[0062] Each of the color correction profiles calculated for each
region is associated with the regions and is stored in the profile
table 62. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of the profile
table 62. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the profile table 62 stores the
color correction profile by associating the color correction
profile with the region name which identifies the region. The
profile table 62 illustrated in FIG. 9 stores each of the color
correction profiles regarding 5 regions from the region A1 to the
region A5.
[0063] The correction portion 53 corrects the gradation values of
each pixel generated as the reading portion 3 reads a correction
target image to be a target of correction, by using the color
correction profile read out from the profile table 62. For example,
the reading portion 3 reads the image formed on the paper P or the
like, and outputs the gradation value which is illustrated by the
RGB color system regarding the plural pixels included in the image.
At this time, each pixel specifies the positions in the x axis
direction.
[0064] Based on the positions of each pixel in the x axis direction
which is output by the reading portion 3, the correction portion 53
specifies the entire region including the pixel. In a case where
there is one specified region, the correction portion 53 corrects
the gradation value thereof by using the color correction profile
calculated with respect to the specified region.
[0065] Meanwhile, when there are two or more specified regions, in
other words, when the specified region is the overlapped part of
the plural regions, the correction portion 53 corrects the
above-described gradation value by using the color correction
profiles respectively calculated in each of two or more regions
including the overlapped parts.
[0066] For example, with respect to the gradation values at
positions included even in both the region A2 and the region A3,
the correction portion 53 calculates two correction values by using
the color correction profiles which are respectively associated
with each of the region A2 and the region A3, and calculates an
arithmetical average of the two correction values as the correction
value of the gradation value.
[0067] Above, as described, since the image reading apparatus 9
according to the exemplary embodiment calculates each of the color
correction profiles in each of plural regions overlapped with each
other, compared to a case each of the color correction profiles are
calculated from the plural regions which are not overlapped with
each other, it is possible to use many color correction
profiles.
[0068] In addition, among the above-described plural regions,
regarding the gradation values of the positions at which any two or
more regions are overlapped, the correction is performed by using
the coefficient groups which are respectively calculated with
respect to the two or more regions including the positions. For
this reason, regarding the color after the correction, a difference
between the region and other adjacent regions via the overlapped
part is unlikely to be remarkable, and it is possible to make the
color unlikely to be discontinuous.
2. Modification Example
[0069] Above, the exemplary embodiment is described, but the
contents of the exemplary embodiment may be modified as described
below. In addition, the modification examples described below may
be combined with each other.
2-1. Modification Example 1
[0070] In the exemplary embodiment described above, when two or
more regions including the pixels to be the correction target are
specified, in other words, when the gradation value of the pixel of
the overlapped part is corrected, the correction portion 53
calculates two correction values from the gradation value of the
pixel by using the color correction profiles which are respectively
calculated in each region including the overlapped part, and
calculates the arithmetic average of the two correction values as
the correction value of the gradation value. However, with respect
to the gradation value of the pixel of the overlapped part, the
correction portion 53 may correct the gradation value by using a
weighting factor of the pixel with respect to these regions, and
the color correction profiles which are respectively calculated in
each region.
[0071] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the weighting factor of the
position of the pixel, with respect to the region including the
pixel. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a pixel Px is included in both
the region A2 and the region A3. The weighting factor of the pixel
in the region A2 is determined based on a line B2 which is a center
line of the region A2 in the x axis direction as a reference, and
the weighting factor of the pixel in the region A3 is determined
based on a line B3 which is a center line of the region A3 in the x
axis direction as a reference. In other words, the weighting factor
of the pixel included in the region A2 is determined to decrease as
much as the pixel is apart from the line B2 along the x axis
direction, and the weighting factor of the pixel included in the
region A3 is determined to decrease as much as the pixel is apart
from the line B3 along the x axis direction.
[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the pixel Px is apart from the
line B2 by a distance "xa" along the x axis direction, and is apart
from the line B3 by a distance "xb" which is larger than the "xa"
along the x axis direction. In this case, the pixel Px is closer to
the center of the region A2 than to the region A3. Therefore, the
weighting factor in the region A2 of the pixel Px becomes bigger
than the weighting factor in the region A3.
[0073] In addition, for example, by using k which is a positive
real number, as described above, if a weighting factor ka in the
region A2 of the pixel Px is defined as
ka=k.times.exp(-xa.sup.2/2), and a weighting factor kb in the
region A3 of the pixel Px is defined as k.times.exp(-xb.sup.2/2),
the weighting factor in the region becomes bigger as much as the
pixel is close to the center of the region, and the weighting
factor in the region becomes smaller as much as the pixel is apart
from the center of the region.
[0074] The correction portion 53, for example, may multiply the
above-described weighting factor determined in each region, by each
component of the color correction profile which is calculated with
respect to each of the regions. In this case, as the correction
portion 53 performs the inner product operation of the color
correction profile obtained by multiplying the weighting factor by
the vector having the above-described 10 elements, the correction
portion 53 may correct the gradation values in the RGB color system
of the color chart read by the reading portion 3, to each value of
L*, a*, and b* in the L*a*b* color space.
2-2. Modification Example 2
[0075] In addition, when the correction portion 53 corrects the
gradation value of the pixel of the overlapped part, any one of the
color correction profiles which are respectively calculated in each
region including the overlapped part is selected, by using the
selected color correction profile, the correction portion 53 may
correct the read gradation value with respect to the pixel.
[0076] For example, when the correction portion 53 corrects the
gradation values of each pixel generated by reading the correction
target image to be the target of the correction by the reading
portion 3, regarding the gradation value of the pixel of the
overlapped part, the correction portion 53 performs correction by
using the color correction profile selected as described below. In
other words, the correction portion 53 obtains, in each region, a
representative value of a difference between the gradation values
of each pixel generated as the reading portion 3 reads the color
chart and the gradation value (reference value) of the
corresponding pixel in the image data illustrating the color chart.
Based on each of the obtained representative values, the correction
portion 53 selects any one of the color correction profiles
calculated in each region, and performs the correction with respect
to the gradation value of the pixel of the overlapped part by using
the selected color correction profile.
[0077] In this case, the correction portion 53 may use a quantile
as the representative value of the difference. For example, the
correction portion 53 may align absolute values of the difference
between the gradation values obtained by reading the color chart
and the reference value of the color chart in order of size, and
may obtain .DELTA.E95% which is the difference that is divided so
that the 95% of the entire region is included in the small part in
each region. Since the region which has small .DELTA.E95% is
generally a region which has a small difference between a first
gradation value and a second gradation value, the color correction
profile which is calculated with respect to the region, rather than
the color correction profile which is calculated in the region in
which the .DELTA.E95% is large, may correct the read gradation
value to the gradation value which illustrates a color which is
close to the true color in the entire region (a part which is
divided by the quantile, here, 95% of the entire region).
[0078] In addition, the correction portion 53 may employ a maximum
value as the above-described representative value. For example, the
correction portion 53 may obtain a value in which the absolute
value of the difference between the gradation value obtained by
reading the color chart and the reference value of the color chart
is a maximum, that is, the maximum value. Since the maximum value
of the difference between the first gradation value and the second
gradation value is likely to influence the color correction in the
region which has the large maximum value, the color correction
profile calculated by employing the region having a small maximum
value, rather than the color correction profile calculated in the
region having the large maximum value, may correct the read
gradation value to the gradation value illustrating the color which
is close to the true color without being influenced by the maximum
error. In addition, as the representative value of the difference,
other mode value or center value may be employed.
2-3. Modification Example 3
[0079] As the color chart, a chart in which three or more regions
are overlapped may be used. FIGS. 11A and 11B are views
illustrating a region in this modification example. In FIG. 11A,
the above-described regions A1 to A5 are illustrated. A left half
of the region A1 which corresponds to the color chart CL is a
region A11 and a right half is a region A12. In addition, a left
half of the region A3 which corresponds to the color chart CC is a
region A13, and a right half is a region A14. A left half of the
region A5 which corresponds to the color chart CR is a region A15,
and a right half is a region A16.
[0080] The region A1, the region A3, and the region A5 do not have
a part overlapped with each other. Meanwhile, the region A2 in
which the left half is the region A12 and the right half is the
region A13, and the region A4 in which the left half is the region
A14 and the right half is the region A15, are determined. In this
case, the region A12 is a region in which the region A1 and the
region A2 are overlapped with each other, and the region A13 is a
region in which the region A2 and the region A3 are overlapped with
each other. In addition, the region A14 is a region in which the
region A3 and the region A4 are overlapped with each other, and the
region A15 is a region in which the region A4 and the region A5 are
overlapped with each other.
[0081] In FIG. 11B, an example of the color chart in which three or
more regions are overlapped with each other is illustrated. Each
region is divided into three parts which are aligned in the x axis
direction. For example, in the region A6, a left side part is a
region A21, a center part is a region A22, and a right side part is
the region A23. Meanwhile, the region A23 is a region of the center
part in the region A7, and is a region of the left side part of the
region A8. In other words, in a case illustrated in FIG. 11B, the
region A23 is a part in which three regions, such as the regions
A6, A7 and A8 are overlapped with each other.
[0082] In addition, in this case, each of the weighting factors of
the left side part, the right side part, and the center part in a
certain region may be different from each other. For example, there
is a case where the weighting factors of the left side part and the
right side part are 0.25, and the weighting factor of the center
part is 0.5.
2-4. Modification Example 4
[0083] In the above-described exemplary embodiment, in the color
chart, total 48 color samples, including 8 columns in the x axis
direction and 6 rows in the 0 direction, are respectively disposed,
but the number of the color samples disposed in one color chart is
not limited thereto.
[0084] In order to convert the RGB color system to the L*a*b* color
system, the color samples having the number which is more than a
certain extent is necessary. For example, when each of three axes
in the color space is illustrated every 6 dots, 216 color samples
which are a cube of 6 are necessary. Therefore, for example, in the
color chart, 216 color samples may be aligned in 12 columns in the
x axis direction and in 18 rows in the .phi. direction.
[0085] Even in this case, there is a part in which the two adjacent
regions are overlapped with each other in the x axis direction, and
in each of the plural regions overlapped with each other, each of
the color correction profiles is calculated, and thus, more color
correction profiles are used compared to a case where each of the
color correction profiles is calculated only in the region in which
the regions are not overlapped with each other.
2-5. Modification Example 5
[0086] In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the holding
member 2 which is a member that holds the color sample is an object
that has the side surface in a shape which is obtained by cutting
the column having the radius r around the axis O along the
direction of the axis O, and is a member which is rotated around
the axis O. However, the member which holds the color sample is not
limited thereto.
[0087] For example, the color chart which includes plural color
samples may be formed in an endless belt-shaped member, such as a
belt built in plural rollers. In this case, the belt-shaped member
may circulate. In other words, the color chart is formed in a
medium which circulates around the plural rollers, and the reading
portion 3 may read the color chart when the medium circulates.
[0088] When the chart is formed on a side surface having a
polygonal prism shape, and rotation is performed around the axis of
a polygonal prism, there is no curvature on the side surface if the
polygonal prism is rotated, and a distance between the reading
portion 3 and the side surface of the polygonal prism changes. For
this reason, only an area limited in a stationary state may be used
as the chart region, not as the chart during the rotation. When a
chart (a) is formed in the medium which circulates in a column
shape or a belt shape, it is possible to use the area as the chart
region even when the rotation for maintaining the distance to the
reading portion 3 even during the rotation is performed even during
the rotation. Compared to a case where the polygonal-shaped chart
which faces the reading portion 3 in the same table area is
embedded in the reading apparatus, it is possible to widen the
effective area as the chart disposition area. Therefore, it is
possible to dispose a chart having much more number of colors, and
to obtain the color correction profile having excellent
accuracy.
[0089] In addition, when the color chart is formed on the medium
which circulates around the plural rollers, since the color chart
is formed on the medium which circulates, compared to a case where
the color sample is held by the column-shaped object, an occupied
region of the member in the vicinity of the reading portion 3 does
not increases, and the effective area as the chart disposition
region may increase.
2-6. Modification Example 6
[0090] In the above-described exemplary embodiment, regarding the
combination of the plural types of color samples which constitute
the color chart, it is desirable that the colors of each color
sample be dispersed at substantially the same interval in the
determined limited color space. For example, when the reference
values of each color sample included in each color chart are
disposed as dots inside the color space which is divided into the
outside and the inside by the determined boundary, if each distance
from each dot to the closest dot or the boundary is obtained, any
ratio of two distances selected among the distances may be designed
to be smaller than the determined value, for example, less than
2.
[0091] Specifically, when the reference values illustrating the
colors of each color sample inside the color chart are disposed as
the dots inside the L*a*b* color space, and each distance from each
dot to the closest dot or the boundary of the L*a*b* color space,
the color sample may be selected so that the longest distance is
less than 2 times of the shortest distance. Accordingly, deviation
in the determined color space, such as the L*a*b* color space, is
suppressed with respect to the color of the color sample which
constitutes the color chart. In addition, there is a case where the
plural pixels correspond to one color sample, and there is a case
where the gradation values of each of the pixels are different from
each other according to unevenness of the pigment. However, the
gradation value of the pixel included in one color sample may be
assumed as the same value as the reference value. In this case, an
average value or a mode value of the gradation value of the pixel
included in one color sample may be used as the reference value of
the color sample.
2-7. Modification Example 7
[0092] While the reading portion 3 reads the color sample, the
holding member 2 is not necessary to be stopped. The reading
portion 3 may continuously read the color sample while the holding
member 2 rotates. The reading portion 3 may read the plural color
samples held by the holding member 2 when being rotated.
2-8. Modification Example 8
[0093] The first side surface 21 or the second side surface 22 may
not be one. For example, as illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. 1,
around the axis O, a first side surface 21a may be provided at a
position where the first side surface 21 is rotated by 180 degrees
with respect to a plane that intersects the axis O, and the second
side surfaces 22 and 22a may be provided on both sides. If the same
color samples are held by the second side surfaces 22 and 22a, the
rotation angle which is necessary for one time of calibration may
be 180 degrees.
[0094] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the present invention has been provided for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.
Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to
practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the invention
and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and
with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *