Provided are an image analysis method, an image analysis device, a program, and a recording medium capable of accurately estimating an image signal value of an object color-developed by using a specific coloring material by using an image signal value of a color chip.

The embodiment of the present invention acquires a spectral characteristic of an object color-developed by using a specific coloring material, acquires a spectral characteristic of each of a plurality of color chips formed of coloring materials different from the specific coloring material, approximates the spectral characteristic of the object by using an approximation expression including the spectral characteristic of each of the plurality of color chips as variables, acquires an image signal value, which is obtained by imaging each of the plurality of color chips by an imaging device and which corresponds to color of a captured image, for each color chip, and estimates the image signal value, which is obtained in a case where the object is imaged by the imaging device, based on the acquired image signal value for each color chip and the approximation expression.

A controlling value is calculated using a first white balance gain and a second white balance gain. Using the calculated controlling value, an image processing parameter is then modulated. Using this modulated image processing parameter, image data processing is performed, and storage, transmission, and the like of the image processing parameter are performed. This can realize advanced image processing reflective of the white balance gain.

An image processing device includes: an estimated size setting section (ACS determination section 151) which sets a document size of a document sheet as an estimated size; a threshold deciding section (ACS determination section 151) which decides a first threshold according to the estimated size; and an ACS determination section (151) which determines that the document sheet is a color document sheet when a number of color pixels reaches the first threshold. When an actual size of the document sheet is smaller than the estimated size, the threshold deciding section decides a second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold, and the document sheet is determined to be a color document sheet when the number of color pixels is the second threshold or greater and is determined to be a black-and-white document sheet when the number of color pixels is smaller than the second threshold.

An image processing device includes: an estimated size setting section (ACS determination section 151) which sets a document size of a document sheet as an estimated size; a threshold deciding section (ACS determination section 151) which decides a first threshold according to the estimated size; and an ACS determination section (151) which determines that the document sheet is a color document sheet when a number of color pixels reaches the first threshold. When an actual size of the document sheet is smaller than the estimated size, the threshold deciding section decides a second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold, and the document sheet is determined to be a color document sheet when the number of color pixels is the second threshold or greater and is determined to be a black-and-white document sheet when the number of color pixels is smaller than the second threshold.

A server may receive remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of color material in a first color material cartridge from a printer on which the first color material cartridge is mounted, and send specific information to an external device in a case where the remaining amount of the color material in the first color material cartridge indicated by the remaining amount information is equal to or less than a first remaining amount threshold. The specific information is for changing a state of the printer from a state in which the printing process by using a second color material cartridge to be mounted is restricted to a state in which the printing process by using the second color material cartridge is permitted.

A server may receive remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of color material in a first color material cartridge from a printer on which the first color material cartridge is mounted, and send specific information to an external device in a case where the remaining amount of the color material in the first color material cartridge indicated by the remaining amount information is equal to or less than a first remaining amount threshold. The specific information is for changing a state of the printer from a state in which the printing process by using a second color material cartridge to be mounted is restricted to a state in which the printing process by using the second color material cartridge is permitted.

An image recording device includes a display panel, a cartridge mount, an information input interface, memory, and a controller. The controller obtains service provider information through the information input interface, stores the obtained service provider information in the memory, obtains first identification information or second identification information related to a cartridge mounted in the cartridge mount, sets an operation mode to a first mode in response to obtaining the first identification information, sets the operation mode to a second mode in response to obtaining the second identification information, causes the display panel to display a type of the cartridge in response to setting the operation mode to the first mode, and causes the display panel to display the service provider information in response to setting the operation mode to the second mode.

An image forming apparatus includes a first detector, a second detector, and a determination section. The first detect detects a first skew angle of a sheet. The second detector is located downstream of the first detector and detects a second skew angle of the sheet. The determination section determines whether or not to stop conveyance of the sheet based on the first skew angle and the second skew angle.

A signal processing unit performs preprocessing, demosaic processing and color reproduction processing on an image signal. A control unit detects an image area having undergone a characteristic change exceeding a predetermined change amount, by using an image signal before the reproduction processing and an image signal after the color reproduction processing. The control unit associates area information indicating the detection result of the image area having undergone a characteristic change exceeding a predetermined change amount with the image signal after the color reproduction processing, and records the area information on a recording medium, or outputs the area information to an external device. Thus, it becomes possible to detect an image area where a control change caused by color reproduction processing is unnatural.

A system comprises a writer to form a plurality of color mits on a base material, wherein at least one of the color mits may represent computer-readable instructions comprising data other than pixel-image data. The plurality of color mits may include a first color mit and a second color mit, wherein the first color mit represents information data, and the second color mit represents that the first color mit contains a particular type of information data. The system also may include a reader to read colors of the plurality of color mits on the base material. The system may comprise a device to map at least one of the color mits to computer-readable instructions. The system may further comprise a processor configured to transmit signals using a colored light.