Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer-readable storage medium, and image formation system

An image processing method comprising:

• obtaining image data acquired by scanning of an image formed on a printing medium using a printing element configured to eject an ink;
• based on a histogram representing a distribution of pixel values in a specified region on the image, classifying pixel values of the image into a mark distribution and into a foundation distribution, the mark distribution including pixel values of a portion of corresponding to a detection mark of the image being printed with the ink, the foundation distribution including pixel values of a portion of the image being not printed with the ink by no ejection;
• and
• generating characteristic data based on the mark distribution, the characteristic data representing a density characteristic of the ink ejected from the printing element.

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute:

• obtaining image data acquired by scanning of an image formed on a printing medium using a printing element configured to eject an ink;
• based on a histogram representing a distribution of pixel values in a specified region on the image, classifying pixel values of the image into a mark distribution and into a foundation distribution, the mark distribution including pixel values of a portion of corresponding to a detection mark of the image being printed with the ink, the foundation distribution including pixel values of a portion of the image being not printed with the ink by no ejection;
• and
• generating characteristic data based on the mark distribution, the characteristic data representing a density characteristic of the ink ejected from the printing element.

An image formation system comprising:

• an image processing apparatus and
• a printhead having a printing element ejecting an ink, the printhead configured to form an image on a printing medium by ejecting the ink, wherein
• the image processing apparatus includes
• an obtainment unit configured to obtain image data acquired by scanning of an image formed on a printing medium using the printing element,
• a classification unit configured to classify, based on a histogram representing a distribution of pixel values in a specified region on the image, pixel values of the image into a mark distribution and into a foundation distribution, the mark distribution including pixel values of a portion of corresponding to a detection mark of the image being printed with the ink, the foundation distribution including pixel values of a portion of the image being not printed with the ink by no ejection, and
• a generation unit configured to generate characteristic data based on the mark distribution, the characteristic data representing a density characteristic of the ink ejected from the printing element.