JP2003341188A - Image print system, image print method, label making system and label making method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image print system, an image print method, a label making system and a label making method in which a copy image color matched to an original image, i.e., a color image printed by a personal computer installed individually at each base, based on the original image data when it is printed can be mass printed. <P>SOLUTION: A mass production file, i.e., the profile of a mass production printer capable of mass printing a plurality of the same color image continuously, is stored and an original picture profile, i.e., the profile of a personal printer printing the original image based on the original image data of a color image becoming the original image, is acquired. Based on the original image data, the original picture profile and the mass production file, a copy image color matched to the original image is mass printed using the mass production printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image printing system for mass production printing a large amount of the same color image, an image printing method, and label production for producing a label on which a print image is printed. System and labeling method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a printing company or the like, a color image printing machine (hereinafter referred to as "mass production printing") is capable of continuously printing a large number of copy images (mass production printing) by using a color image desired by a client as an original image. Printer ”)
When mass production printing is desired, this type of mass production printer can reduce the operating cost (running cost), but the equipment cost is high, so it cannot be installed in each business office.

On the other hand, each business office or the like needs a printer for meeting with a client such as confirmation of an original image and its image data (original image data). However,
Generally, even if printing is performed based on the same original image data, the color of the print result (color) is slightly different for each printer, and even if the model is different, the difference becomes noticeable. In order to faithfully utilize the color of the original image printed in the meeting etc. for mass production printing, color setting (color matching) is required.

Therefore, in the conventional configuration (the image printing system thereof), as shown in FIG. 19, a color printer or a high-end direct digital color proofer (D
A DCP) machine or a flatbed proofing machine is used as a printer for color proofing (hereinafter referred to as "color proofing machine"), the color is precisely set in advance so as to match the color printing by a mass-produced printer, and the machine is placed at each sales office. There is. In this case, the desired original image is printed out at the meeting with the client, proofread if necessary, and when the approval (OK) is obtained, the original image data is sent to the printing factory, etc., and the plate-making film is output. Then, the above-mentioned mass production printing is performed through the printing plate output.

[0005]

However, in order to reproduce the colors of the mass-produced printer to the extent that the color is not inferior, a relatively expensive color proofing machine is required at each business office. Also,
Color settings are required before printing the original image. For this reason, relatively inexpensive personal-use color printers (hereinafter referred to as “personal printers”) delivered and installed individually at each sales office, etc., print in a state in which color settings for mass-production printers have not been made in advance. The formed color image could not be used as an original image even if the color of the print result was confirmed.

The present invention uses, as an original image, a color image printed by a personal printer individually installed at each site or the like, and on the basis of original image data when the original image is printed, a copy image color-matched with the original image. Image printing system capable of mass production printing, image printing method, and
An object of the present invention is to provide a label producing system and a label producing method for producing a label on which a print image by them is printed.

[0007]

An image printing system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a mass production printer for continuously printing a plurality of identical color images, and mass production profile storage means for storing a mass production profile which is a profile of the mass production printer. A personal printer that prints a color original image based on the original image data; an original image profile acquisition unit that acquires an original image profile that is a profile of the personal printer; and the original image based on the original image profile and the mass production profile. Mass production printing means for causing the mass production printer to perform mass production printing of the copy image based on the original image data, using the copy image color-matched with the image as the color image.

The image printing method of claim 9 uses a mass production printer capable of mass production printing in which a plurality of the same color images are continuously printed, and the color image printed by the personal printer is used as an original image. An image printing method for performing the mass-production printing of a copy image color-matched with the original image based on the original image data that is the image data when the original image is printed, in the profile of the mass-production printer. A mass production profile storing step of storing a certain mass production profile, an original image profile acquisition step of obtaining an original image profile which is a profile of the personal printer, and the copy image based on the original image data, the original image profile and the mass production profile Mass production printing process for performing the mass production printing of Characterized in that was.

In this image printing system and image printing method, a mass production printer capable of mass production printing is used, and a color image printed by a personal printer is used as an original image, and based on the original image data which is the image data, Mass production printing is performed on copy images that match the original image in color. In this case, the profile of the mass production printer (mass production profile) is stored, the profile of the personal printer (original image profile) is acquired, and mass production printing of the copy image is performed based on the original image data or the original image profile and the mass production profile. That is,
Since the original image profile is acquired, by associating with the mass production profile, the color of the output (print image) with respect to the original image data in the mass production printer becomes a color that simulates the color of the output (original image) of the personal printer. .

Further, in the image printing system according to the first aspect, it is preferable that the mass-produced printer performs printing by an ink jet system.

Further, in the image printing method of claim 9,
It is preferable that the mass-produced printer performs printing by an inkjet method.

In this image printing system and image printing method, since the mass-produced printer carries out printing by the ink jet system, mass production printing by the ink jet system which has not existed in the past as a mass production printer of this type can be performed, and a conventional printing plate etc. It is possible to mass-produce a high-resolution (high-printing density) color image, as compared with the case of using a thermal printing method or a thermal method.

Further, in the image printing system according to claim 1 or 2, the original image profile acquisition means is CMY.
A color chart printing unit that causes the personal printer to print a color chart according to the chart data represented by K or RGB, and obtains a color chart sample as a printing result, and a color chart sample that measures the color chart sample It is preferable to have a Lab value colorimetric means for obtaining a Lab value and a profile creating means for creating the original image profile based on the chart data and the Lab value.

Further, in the image printing method according to claim 9 or 10, the original image profile acquisition step is CMYK.
Alternatively, a color chart printing step of causing the personal printer to print a color chart according to the chart data expressed in RGB and obtaining a color chart sample as a printing result, and a Lab of a common unit system by color-measuring the color chart sample. It is preferable to include a Lab value color measurement step of obtaining a value, and a profile creation step of creating the original image profile based on the chart data and the Lab value.

In this image printing system and image printing method, a personal printer is caused to perform color chart printing in accordance with the chart data expressed in CMYK or RGB, a color chart sample is obtained as the printing result, and the color is measured. A Lab value of the common unit system is obtained, and an original image profile is created based on the chart data and the Lab value. That is, since the profile (original image profile) of the personal printer can be obtained by a predetermined procedure, it is possible to mass-produce a copy image that is color-matched with the original image based on the original image data of the original image printed by the personal printer.

Further, in the image printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the mass production printing means simulates the print color of the personal printer in the mass production printer based on the original image profile and the mass production profile. Based on the original image data in accordance with the set composite profile, and a composite profile setting unit that sets the composite profile as the profile for the printer driver of the mass-production printer. Printer drive means for causing the printer driver to perform the mass production printing.

The image printing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein in the mass production printing step, the printing color of the personal printer is simulated in the mass production printer based on the original image profile and the mass production profile. A composite profile creating step of creating a composite profile, a composite profile setting step of setting the composite profile as the profile for a printer driver of the mass-production printer, and a composite profile set by the printer driver according to the composite profile set by the printer driver. And a printer drive step for performing the mass-production printing based on the original image data.

In this image printing system and image printing method, based on the original image profile and the mass production profile, a composite profile for simulating the print color of the personal printer in the mass production printer is created, and the composite driver is created for the printer driver of the mass production printer. Set the composite profile. That is, since a composite profile that associates the original image profile with the mass production profile is set,
By simply performing mass-production printing based on the original image data according to the set synthesis profile, it is possible to print imitating the color of the original image in the personal printer.

Further, in the image printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the mass production printing means prints the original image data in the mass production printer on the personal printer based on the original image profile and the mass production profile. It is preferable to have image data conversion means for converting into mass production image data for simulating colors, and printer drive means for causing the printer driver of the mass production printer to perform the mass production printing based on the mass production image data. .

Further, in the image printing method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in the mass production printing step, the original image data is printed by the personal printer in the mass production printer based on the original image profile and the mass production profile. It is preferable to include an image data conversion step of converting into mass production image data for simulating colors, and a printer drive step of causing a printer driver of the mass production printer to perform the mass production printing based on the mass production image data. .

In this image printing system and image printing method, based on the original image profile and the mass production profile, the original image data is converted into mass production image data for simulating the printing color of the personal printer in the mass production printer, and the mass production image is produced. Since the printer driver of the mass production printer is made to perform mass production printing based on the data, it is possible to perform printing imitating the color of the original image in the personal printer.

In the image printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, it is preferable that at least one of the mass production profile and the original image profile is an ICC-compliant ICC profile.

In this image printing system, at least one of the mass production profile and the original image profile is an IC
Since it is a C-compliant ICC profile, it can be used in an ICC-compliant color management system, and as the core color management module, various commercially available ones and ones incorporated in various OSs can be used.

In the image printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, it is preferable that the production of at least one of the mass production profile and the original image profile can be outsourced to a profile production company or a profile production department.

In this image printing system, the production of at least one of the mass production profile and the original image profile can be outsourced to a profile producing company or a profile producing department. As a result, in the case where it is technically or man-hourly unreasonable, the processing (work) corresponding to the profile creation can be cut out to the outside (outsourcing).

Further, in the image printing system of claim 7, it is preferable that the at least one creation can be ordered through a homepage on the Internet.

In this image printing system, the production of at least one of the mass production profile and the original image profile can be ordered through the home page on the Internet, so that the order can be made easily and quickly.

In the image printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, it is preferable that the original image data is transmitted and received via a network.

In this image printing system, since the original image data is transmitted and received via the network, if the profile etc. for color matching are ready, it can be transmitted from the remote office via the network. By sending the original image data by using the mass production printer, mass production printing by the mass production printer can be immediately started.

A label producing system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the means according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and a plurality of copies printed on the printing object of the mass production printer by the mass production printing. A single portion utilizing means for producing a label on which each copy image is printed by utilizing each one portion of the image.

A label producing method according to a nineteenth aspect includes the steps according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects.
A label is printed by printing each one of the copy images by using each one of the plurality of copy images printed on the print target of the mass-production printer by the mass-production printing. And a partial utilization step.

In the label producing system and the label producing method, each copy image is produced by utilizing each one of the plurality of copy images printed on the printing object of the mass production printer by the mass production printing. Labels printed one by one can be created.

Further, in the label producing system according to the fifteenth aspect, it is preferable that the single portion utilizing means has an image portion cutting means for cutting off the portion of each one copy image of the printing object.

In this label producing system, a label on which each copy image is printed can be produced by cutting off a portion of each copy image of the printing object.

Further, in the label producing system according to claim 15 or 16, the print object is stuck to a predetermined sticking object in a state where the copy image is printed on the front surface by peeling off the peeling layer on the back surface. It is preferably configured as possible.

In this label producing system, the print target is configured such that the peeling layer on the back side is peeled off so that the copy image can be attached to a predetermined sticking target in a state where the copy image is printed on the front side. If you use each one of the multiple copy images printed on the object to create a label with each copy image printed,
By peeling off the release layer, they become labels that can be attached to a predetermined attachment target.

Further, in the label producing system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, it is preferable that the printing object is elongated and the plurality of copy images are printed side by side in a longitudinal direction thereof.

In this label producing system, the object to be printed has a long shape and a plurality of copy images are printed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the object. A label on which one copy image is printed can be easily created.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An image printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, this image printing system PSYS is a facility of J Printing Co., Ltd., and a plurality of sites are connected via a network centering on a printing factory equipped with an inkjet mass production printer VCP. Are tied together. Here, among the plurality of bases, as shown in the figure, for example, a design office and a sales office A equipped with an inkjet type personal printer PPA, and a sales office equipped with another type of inkjet type personal printer PPB as well. B etc. are included.

In addition to general office communication, documents and other office data, image data files including PDF (portable document format) format data files (PDF files), etc. Is included. Also, in this network
As shown in the figure, a third interface IF3 for transmitting and receiving image data and the like between the bases and a second interface IF2 for transmitting and receiving image data and the like between the bases and the printing factory are included. Of course, other formats (TIFF file, E
PS file, ai file (illustrator), BM
Image data of P file, JPEG file, etc.) may be used.

When this image printing system PSYS is schematically shown focusing on image printing by the mass production printer VCP, as shown in FIG. 2, an image creating system (or apparatus) WS0 for creating desired image data and its The image data created by the image creating system WS0 includes a mass production printer VCP which is an image printing device for printing based on the image data, and the image data created by the image creating system WS0 is a first interface IF1 in units of each line data expressing one line of the image data. Is transferred (transmitted) to the mass-produced printer VCP via.

The image creating system WS0 in the image printing system PSYS is also an engineering workstation (EWS), a personal computer, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "workstation") WS1 installed in a printing factory and directly connected to the mass production printer VCP. As shown in the figure, the workstation WS1 receives the image data via the second interface IF2 for the print line data output and the workstation WS2 at another site such as the sales office A for the print image design. It may be configured. In the following description, the latter is used in accordance with the drawing.

In this case, in the workstation WS2, as shown in FIG. 3A, J (J is an integer of 2 or more) dots in the X-axis direction × K (K is an integer of 2 or more) in the Y-axis direction.
Printed image D that becomes the desired original image (color image) of dots
Print image data (original image data) expressing S is created, and the created print image data is used as the second interface I.
Send via F2.

On the other hand, in the workstation WS1, the print image data of the received print image DS is divided into K (K lines) line data, and k out of K (k is 1 ≦ k ≦ K). The (arbitrary integer) -th line data is set as the k-th short line data DSL (k) and sequentially transmitted one by one via the first interface IF1.

In the mass-produced printer VCP, as shown in FIGS.
As shown in Fig., Supplied (mounted) in roll form (on the right side in the figure)
The tape T to be printed is the print target. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the tape T will be referred to as the X-axis direction or the main scanning direction, and the direction orthogonal thereto will be referred to as the Y-axis direction or the sub-scanning direction.

Here, when printing N (N is an integer of 2 or more) side by side in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 3B, N copies exactly the same as the print image DS of the original image are printed. Print images D0 (1) to D0 (N), which are images, are printed.
In this case, when the k-th short line data DSL (k) is received, by copying N lines and sequentially arranging them, one line of J dots is arranged in the X-axis direction by N lines of 1 × J × N dots.
The kth long line data DLL (k) expressing the line is created.

For example, if N = 4, as shown in FIG. 3C, one line of J dots is 4 (=) in the X-axis direction.
N) The k-th line that represents one line of J × 4 dots arranged
The long line data DLL (k) is created, and the created kth
J × N represented by the long line data DLL (k)
Printing is performed in the X-axis direction of the tape T with one line of dots as the k-th line.

Therefore, image data communication and print image D
It is possible to increase the parallelism of the processing with the printing of N pieces of S, and to print the print image data expressing the desired print image DS by the first interface IF1 in units of each line data expressing one line thereof. It is possible to speed up the printing of N print images DS while communicating via the same.

Here, the second interface IF2 and the third interface IF2
The interface IF3 preferably includes the Internet or a predetermined local area network (LAN), and in this case, print image data expressing a desired print image DS can be communicated via them. Further, it is preferable that these can communicate according to the communication protocol conforming to the IEEE standard LAN, whereby the print image data expressing the desired print image DS can be communicated according to the communication protocol conforming to the IEEE standard LAN.

Ethernet (registered trademark), FDD
Those capable of communicating in accordance with at least one data link protocol of I and ATM are preferable.
The data link protocol is Token Rin
g, 100VG-AnyLAN, Fiber Chan
It is also possible to use nel, HIPPI, IEEE1394 (Fire Wire) or the like. Further, although these are standards for wired communication, wireless communication can also be used.

As the first interface IF1, serial data communication (RS-232C, USB (Un
(iversal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394, etc.), parallel data communication (Centronics, etc.), and the like are preferable.
Since the S0 side has a personal computer, an EWS, etc., it is compatible with these standard standards, and as the first interface IF1, communication according to these standards is possible. Further, although these are standards for wired communication, wireless communication can be used as the first interface IF1.

In the mass-produced printer VCP, FIG. 4 and FIG.
As shown in, paper feed (PF) motor MPF
Work area for printing (printable area, workable area) WP by the PF roller 11 driven by
The tape T is fed out to the suction unit 12 that becomes A, and desired printing is performed on the tape T by the print head group (inkjet head group) PH mounted on the head unit 6,
The printed portion is sent out at any time (on the left side in the drawing).

The suction unit 12 holds the tape T at a predetermined printing position by a fan (not shown) during printing. The tape T is of a type such as a normal paper tape that does not have an adhesive surface on the back surface, or a type that has an adhesive surface on the back surface and is covered with release paper.

The head unit 6 is the main scanning unit 13
Carriage CR mounted on top and its carriage CR
6 colors (black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), light magenta (L)
M) and light cyan (LC) ink cartridges INK, and a print head group PH mounted below the carriage CR so as to be able to face the tape T (see FIG. 6). The ink cartridge INK, etc.
It may be mounted outside the carriage CR, and may be connected by a flexible pipe or tube for ink supply so that ink can be supplied to the print head group PH.

The main scanning unit 13 is driven by a sub scanning carriage motor MCRY so as to be movable in the sub scanning direction (Y-axis direction) just above the suction unit 12. The carriage CR is a main scanning carriage motor M.
Since it is driven by the CRX so as to be movable in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction), the head unit 6 (the print head group PH of the head unit 6) is directly above the suction unit 12 (that is, directly above the work area for printing). It is movable to the upper part).

In this case, the main scanning for detecting the home position on the main scanning side (X side) is set as the printing start position PS on the back side of the tape T of the printable area WPA in the apparatus T (upper left side in FIG. 4). The home position sensor SHPX is arranged on the main scanning unit 13, and the sub-scanning home position sensor SHPY for detecting the home position on the sub-scanning side (Y side) is arranged on the frame on the home position side.

Further, a linear scale having a black and white pattern image 13p is provided on the main scanning unit 13 so as to be optically detectable, and the pattern of the pattern image 13p can be detected. A print timing detection sensor SPTS for detecting the print timing by self-detecting the position of the carriage CR is provided. Further, the above-mentioned respective mechanisms are housed in the protective case 15. In addition to the above, the detection sensors include, for example, a protective case opening / closing detection sensor SOP for detecting the opening / closing of the opening / closing lid 16 and performing an emergency stop if the lid 16 is being driven.
A sheet position detection sensor SPC for detecting N, the tip of the tape T, and the like are provided.

Next, when the mass-produced printer VCP is viewed from the control system, as shown in FIG. 7, an operation unit 10 having a display lamp 4 and operation keys 3 for performing a (man-machine) interface with a user and a print head. A head control unit 60 that controls peripherals, an actuator control unit 70 that controls actuators such as various motors, a power supply circuit 90 that supplies electric power to each unit, and a central unit that controls each unit in the mass-produced printer VCP. The main control unit 20 is included.

The main controller 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, an address decoder 23 and a real time clock 2.
4, the operation unit input / output (operation unit I / O) 25 for interfacing with the operation unit, and the image data input / output (image data I) for communication via the first interface IF1 described above. / O) 26 and are connected to each other by an internal bus (CPU bus) 80 commonly used in the apparatus. The head controller 60 has first to fourth head control blocks 61 to 64. The actuator control unit 70 also has a plurality of control blocks 71 to 73 and the like, like the head control unit 60, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first head control block 61 of the head controller 60 includes a nozzle common controller 610 and first to sixth nozzle controllers 611 to 616.
And are equipped with.

The nozzle common control section 610 controls the ink ejection timing from each nozzle of the print head group PH based on the detection signal (encoder signal) 13s obtained by detecting the pattern of the pattern image 13p by the print timing detection sensor SPTS. Control 6101 and status control 61 for managing the status (status) of each nozzle
02 and image buffers 6111, 6121, 613
Memory manager (M / M) 6 for managing data buffering in 1, 6141, 6151, 6161
And 103.

The first nozzle controller 611 includes a D / A converter (DAC) 6110 and an image buffer 6111.
And a head driver 6 that drives the head nozzle 6113.
And 112. The DAC 6110 converts a control signal (digital signal) from the timing control 6101 and the status control 6102 into a control waveform (analog signal) of an applied voltage for driving the head driver 6112 (for piezo ejection). The other nozzle control units 612 to 616 are configured similarly to the first nozzle control unit 611. In addition, another head control block 62-
64 is also configured similarly to the above-mentioned first head control block 61.

Here, six head nozzles (nozzle row) 611 controlled by the first head control block 61.
3, 6123, 6133, 6143, 6153, 616
Reference numeral 3 denotes, for example, a nozzle row composed of 180 nozzles, each of 6 colors (black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), light magenta (LM), light cyan (LC)). It is a nozzle row that ejects one color ink.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the first head control block 61 includes three print heads H1 to H3 each having two nozzle rows as a print head group PH (1).
And the same print head group PH (2),
When PH (3) and PH (4) are controlled by the second to fourth head control blocks 62 to 64, respectively, the print head group PH in the present embodiment prints as shown in FIG. Head groups PH (1) to PH (4) are provided,
It has a structure of 12 heads of 3 heads × 4.

In addition to this, the number of control blocks may be changed according to a change in specifications such as a 3 head × 6 18-head configuration or a 3 head × 3 9-head configuration. Also,
In this case, for example, one head control block may be configured by one board (head control board) so that the configuration can be changed (specification change) only by inserting / removing (attaching / detaching) the board.

Here, for example, a print image (original image) DS shown in FIG. 9A is created by the workstation WS2 of the sales office A of FIG. 1, and the image data (original image data) is generated by the second interface IF2. When the image data is transmitted to the workstation WS1 of the printing factory via the, and continuously printed based on it, for example, (N =) 7 in the printable area WPA.
When the individual pieces can be printed side by side, as shown in FIG. 9B, seven print images D0 that are exactly the same as the print image DS.
(1) to D0 (7) can be continuously and collectively printed.

In this case, when the batch printing of the print images DS is completed, one of the (N =) seven print images DS printed on the tape T is used for each print image DS. Become. Printed image D
It is possible to create a label in which S is printed one by one. That is, since the seven print images DS can be printed at high speed, for example, scissors or an automatic cutting machine can be used by utilizing the portion of each one of the seven print images DS printed on the tape T. It is possible to create a label in which one print image DS is printed by separating the labels with each other.

Further, as described above, the tape T includes a type having no adhesive surface on the back surface and a type having the adhesive surface on the back surface covered with release paper. In the latter case, the release layer on the back surface should be peeled off. Since the print image DS is configured to be able to be attached to a predetermined attachment target while being printed on the surface thereof, one of the N print images DS printed on the tape T is one print image each. If you use the DS section to create a label with one print image DS printed on each,
By peeling off the peeling layer, the label can be stuck to a predetermined sticking target. Further, in this case, each one of the print images DS is half-cut in advance, stored in the state of the printed tape T, and can be peeled off from the half-cut just before the application and used. You can

By the way, in the example of FIG. 9 described above, the print image (original image) DS of FIG. 9A is created by the workstation WS2 of the sales office A of FIG. 1, and FIG. Print images D0 of N = 7 images D0 (1) to D
(7) prints based on the print (original) image data received from the business office A via the second interface IF2 or the first interface IF1.

In this case, when a client who desires high-speed continuous printing (mass production printing) of a large amount of the original image DS orders the sales office A to that effect, as shown in FIG. 1, for example,
The original image DS is printed by the personal printer PPA, and if the client sees the print result and requests it, he or she calibrates it many times. When the client is satisfied, the original image data is sent to the printing factory for mass production printing. To do.

However, in general, even if printing is performed based on the same image data, the color of the print result is slightly different for each printer. That is, even printers of the same model have slightly different colors and the like due to manufacturing errors or the like, and the difference becomes remarkable if the model is different.

Therefore, at the business office A, a meeting with the client is carried out based on the image printed using the personal printer PPA, and after several calibrations, the hue of the image of the print result is accepted (OK). Even if the original image data is sent to the printing factory as the original image, the color of the image printed based on the original image data is the same as the color of the original image desired by the client. Not necessarily, but generally different colors.

That is, for example, in the example of FIG. 9 described above, the print image (original image) DS of the cabbage shown in FIG. 9A ordered from the client supermarket is printed by the personal printer PPA based on the original image data. In this case, even if the image is printed in a vivid and vivid color, the printed image D0 (1) or the like printed by the mass-production printer VCP generally has the same color that retains the impression of the freshness or the like. Not necessarily.

Therefore, in the image printing system PSYS of this embodiment, the color image printed by the personal printer PPA or the like is used as the original image using the mass production printer VCP, and based on the original image data of the original image, Since it is possible to mass-produce a copy image that is color-matched with the original image, this point will be described in detail below.

As is well known, the elements of color (hue) are hue, saturation, and lightness, but regarding color expression, in a display system such as a monitor or a display, red (R),
The additive color mixture (additive method) of “the three primary colors of light RGB” of green (G) and blue (B) is used, and in a printing system such as a printer,
Subtractive color mixing (subtraction method) by CMYK in which black (K) is added to “three primary colors CMY” of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) is used. Therefore, the image data of the display image (display image data) is expressed based on RGB, and the image data of the print image (print image data) is CM.
Expressed based on YK.

Here, when the display image data created by a personal computer or the like, so-called graphic data, is output to a printer, it is necessary to convert the display image data in RGB into the print image data in CMYK (RGB → CMYK conversion). Is usually performed by a printer driver (dedicated IC or software). However, in this case, since it also changes depending on the adjustment state of the display of the personal computer, it is difficult to completely match the colors of the display image and the print image.

Further, for example, when printing an image read by a scanner, the original image (scan result: CMY system, etc.) →
If it is necessary to convert the display (RGB) to the printer (CMYK) and print the image captured by the digital camera as an image such as a photograph, the original image (imaging result: RGB system etc.) → display (RGB) → printer (CMYK) conversions are required, making it even more difficult to match colors with them.

Therefore, a common unit system is required for communication between different unit systems such as the scanner, monitor (display) and printer, and this is a color space (CIEL * a * b) that does not depend on a device, such as CIEL * a * b. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as “color display Lab”). The device profile corresponds to the dictionary for each device unit, and ICC (Intern
The ICC-compliant color management system CMS has a mechanism for realizing color management by using a device profile (hereinafter referred to as "ICC profile") created according to the regulations of the ational Color Consortium) association.

The profile is basically a header (Heade
r), a tag table (Tag Table), and tag element data (Tag Element Data). In the header, for example, the profile size, version, creation date and time, CM
Information such as M designation is described. Tag element data is a component of a profile such as color space, white point, gamma curve, 3D lookup table, etc. The tag table is like a list of tag element data, and where and how much size. Describes what is stored in.

As shown in FIG. 10, the ICC-compliant color management system CMS serves as an interpreter for different units, but since this interpreter can speak only the common unit system, it is necessary to hand over the dictionary in advance. The center of the interpreter that controls the subtle color matching in this case is the color management module CMM, which has recently been incorporated in an operation system (OS) such as a personal computer and supplied.
The part of the dictionary passed to the color management module CMM, which is this interpreter, becomes the ICC profile of each device.

For example, as shown in the figure, if both the ICC profile of the device A (for example, monitor) and the ICC profile of the device B (for example, printer) are prepared and read into the color management system CMS, the device can be read. It is possible to easily convert the image data for A (for example, the display image data of the RGB expression for the monitor) into the image data for the device B (for example, the print image data of the CMYK expression for the printer).

In this case, the ICC profile of the device A and the ICC profile of the device B can be associated with each other and prepared as a composite profile for converting the image data for the device A into the image data for the device B. That is, in this case, for example, the ICC profile of the monitor and the ICC profile of the printer are associated with each other, and the display image data of the RGB representation for the monitor is prepared as a composite profile for printing out by the printer as print image data and printing. You can also

Then, the image printing system P of this embodiment
As the color matching method, SYS uses a color management system similar to the above-mentioned ICC-compliant color management system CMS.

First, as shown in FIG. 11A, as printers appearing in the image printing system PSYS of FIG. 1, personal printer PPA of design office, personal printer PPA of business office A, personal printer of business office B are used. For each of the printer PPB and the mass production printer VCP of the printing factory, CMYK (or RGB) print image data (print image data for color chart: chart) for printing a print image of a color chart similar to a so-called color palette. Data) is output.

That is, the workstation WS2 or the like instructs each printer to print a color chart based on the chart data. Since conversion (using a link profile or the like) is possible, image data in RGB can also be used.

Next, the print result (color chart sample) of the color chart printing by each printer is measured,
A color display Lab value is acquired, and a profile is created from the measured Lab value. In this case, the result obtained by reading the ICC profile by using a scanner or a digital camera which has already been obtained may be converted into a Lab value, or a dedicated colorimeter (color chart scanner) CCS (see FIG. 1) is used. May be.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the company (J Printing Co., Ltd.) has a manufacturing factory for manufacturing each printer including the mass-produced printer VCP, and also has a profile creation section. Therefore, the color chart sample output (printed) at the time of manufacturing is transferred from the manufacturing factory to the profile creating section, and the ICC profile created based on it is stored in the CD or the like and transferred from the profile creating section to the manufacturing factory. It is shipped together with the printer.

That is, the above-described profile creation process is performed before each printer reaches the base such as a printing factory or each sales office. However, if the company does not have a manufacturing factory, or if it is not manufactured in the company, For printers of
After being placed at each base, profile creation is performed according to the above procedure.

In this case, since software for creating a profile is commercially available from each maker, it may be used, or if a profile for each printer at the time of shipment from the maker is available, that software may be used. You may use it. If the company does not have a profile creation department or if the number of man-hours required for creation is insufficient, it may be requested to the profile creation company described later.

Since the personal printers PPA of the design office and the sales office A are the same model, 1
Although it is possible to share the ICC profile for each real machine, it is preferable to prepare the ICC profile of each real machine in order to reflect a subtle difference between the real machines.

As shown in the example of FIG. 9, when the print image by the personal printer PPA of the sales office A is used as the original image, then as shown in FIG.
ICC profile of PA (personal profile)
And PIC for PPA (PPA simulation) by associating with the ICC profile (mass production profile) of the mass production printer VCP
Create a composite profile. It should be noted that, if necessary, the three profiles to which the adjustment RGB (sRGB, etc.) profiles are added may be combined.

That is, the image data for the personal printer PPA (original image data) is used as the print image data for the mass production printer VCP to print a print image (copy image) color-matched with the original image by the mass production printer VCP. , Create a PPA composite profile.

Next, the PPA synthesis profile is set in the printer driver of the mass production printer VCP. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11C, based on the same original image data A, the same (color matched) color image A (copy image) as the color image A (original image) that can be printed by the personal printer PPA. ) Can be mass-produced and printed by the mass-production printer VCP. The PPA profile and V
Both CP profiles are prepared and used as input and output profiles, and the original image data is converted into image data for mass production printer VCP (image data for mass production) by using the same color management system CMS as described above in FIG. If the mass-production image data is used, similarly, the copy image color-matched with the original image can be mass-printed by the mass-production printer VCP.

As described above, in the image printing system PSYS of this embodiment, the profile of the mass production printer VCP (mass production profile) and the profile of the personal printer PPA (original image profile) are associated with each other, and the color is set in the mass production printer VCP. As a composite profile for the personal printer PPA, based on the original image data of the original image printed by the personal printer PPA,
Mass-production printing of copy images is performed using the mass-production printer VCP.

That is, by associating the mass production profile with the original image profile, the mass production printer VCP
Since the color of the print image as a result of printing on the basis of the original image data is a color that is simulated by the color of the output (original image) of the personal printer PPA or the like, the color printed by the personal printer PPA or the like Using an image as an original image, mass production printing can be performed on a copy image that is color-matched with the original image based on the original image data.

As described above, J Printing Co., Ltd. has a profile creation section that specializes in creating profiles, so profile creation can be performed separately from other processing, but similar profile creation is possible. If there is no department, if there is no such technology, or if the number of man-hours required for creation is insufficient, it is necessary to request an outside company (profile creation company). Hereinafter, an image printing system P of an embodiment (second embodiment) that can cope with this will be described.
The SYS will be described.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, at the business office B, a meeting is held with the client based on the print image from the personal printer PPB, and after calibration, OK is confirmed. When the data is sent to the printing plant, the personal printer PPB
If the ICC profile is not created, or if it is created in advance to avoid such a situation, consider a case where J Printing Co., Ltd. requests the profile creation company to create the profile.

In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the person in charge of the printing factory of J Printing Co., Ltd. Request the profile creation from the "requester" (see the solid line).
Although the person in charge of the sales office B may be the requester (see the dotted line), that point will be described later.
The person in charge of the printing plant.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the client requests X
When you access the home page of YZ Co., Ltd., the opening screen will be displayed first, "Introduction" to see explanations of various services, "Create VCP dedicated profile" to move to profile creation for mass production printer VCP, etc. The options from which various services can be selected are displayed (screen D1: hereinafter abbreviated as “D1” and the like).

From this state (D1), the client sends "VCP
Click and select "Create dedicated profile" with the mouse (hereinafter simply "select"), the dedicated screen of "Create dedicated VCP profile", that is, "1. VCP installation company name (profile creation requesting company)", 2. Data transmission company name (company with matching printer) ”,
A selection screen in which options “3. order confirmation screen” and “4. cancel” are lined up is displayed (D2).

First, "4. Cancel" is the original screen D1.
It is an option to return to, and if you select this option,
Return to the original screen.

Further, "1. VCP installation company name (profile creation requesting company)" is an option for urging the client to enter information about the requester, here the person in charge of the printing factory. From this state (D1), request Choose this option,
The screen can be changed to the "requester information input" screen, and various information about the requester can be input (D21). As will be described later, the "client" here is a "company with VCP".
Since it is not always the case, the option name such as “1. Requester information input”, which is the same as the name of the screen to be transitioned, may be clearly indicated as an input related to the requester.

[0104] "2. Data sending company name (matching printer installation company)" is the matching printer installation company, in this case, information input about the person in charge at the sales office B where the profile-created personal printer is installed. From this state (D1), when the requester selects this option from this state, the screen transitions to the "destination information input" screen, and various information about the destination (that is, destination) can be input ( D22). It should be noted that this option may also be an option name that further clarifies that it is an input regarding the destination of the chart data.

[0105] The "3. order confirmation screen" is an option for prompting confirmation of the above various inputs, and from this state (D
1) When the requester selects this option, the screen changes to the confirmation screen of the contents entered in "Input requester information" and "Input destination information" and confirms whether or not to send the data. You can make a selection, and if you need to re-enter, select "No" to return to the screen D2 for re-entry, and if the confirmation is OK, select "Yes" to send the data.

When the dedicated screen (D2) of "Create VCP dedicated profile" is completed, the data transmission (D2) is actually executed.
When 2) ends, the screen changes to the display screen indicating that the order has been received (D3), and the “request for profile creation from HP” in FIG. 13 ends.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the “profile creation request from HP” is completed, the explanation of the chart data and the printing method is given by XYZ Co., Ltd. (profile creation company) to the sales office B (and the client's request). Automatically sent by email (e-mail) to two locations in the printing plant.

[0108] In addition, here, since the immediacy is high (immediate delivery is possible) and the inconvenience due to the distance of a remote place is small, the automatic mail transmission as the function of the home page is used, but it is manually performed by mail or the like. It is also possible to input such a request on the homepage. In addition, here, the explanation of the printing method is an instruction manual (manual) that makes it easy for a non-technical person (even a beginner) to understand the work procedure of the following color chart printing performed in the sales office B. Etc.

Next, in response to the above mail, the sales office B
A color chart is printed on the personal printer PPB based on the chart data, and the resulting color chart sample is mailed to a profile creation company.

When the profile creation company receives the color chart sample, it sends an e-mail requesting a fee transfer to the client. Since this transfer request is also made by using mail, it is highly immediate and convenient even in a remote place, but it can also be mailed or may be selectable according to wishes. On the other hand, the client (the person in charge of the printing factory) pays the ICC profile creation fee to the financial institution, and the financial institution deposits the ICC profile creation fee into the account of the profile creation company.

At the profile creation company, when the profile creation is completed, the created ICC profile for the business office B, that is, for the personal printer PPB is
Send by email to the client. Then, as a result, the profile creation flow when requested to the profile creation company ends. Since the delivery of this profile is also performed by using mail, it is highly immediate and convenient even in a remote place, but it may be mailed or selected.

Since the above-described profile creation flow corresponds to the processing of FIG. 11 (a) described above, after that, in the printing factory, in the same manner as described above in FIG. 11 (b), for the personal printer PPB (for PPB simulation). If the composite profile of) is created and set in the printer driver, the color of the personal printer PPB can be simulated by the mass production printer VCP. Therefore, the color image printed by the personal printer PPB is used as the original image and based on the original image data. Mass production printing is possible for copy images that match the original image in color.

As described above, in the profile creation flow (profile creation method or system capable of implementing the same) in the present embodiment, the person in charge at the printing factory (the orderer who owns the mass production printer VCP) is in charge of the sales office B. We ordered the profile creation of the personal printer PPB (external to which the original image was printed), and in response to this order, sales office B
The color chart sample by the personal printer PPB is acquired from (the owner of the external personal printer PPB), a profile is created based on the sample, and the sample is delivered to the orderer.

Accordingly, in this case, the orderer (person in charge of the printing factory) similarly uses the color image printed by the external personal printer PPB or the like of each base in the printing company as the original image as it is. You can do color matching for mass printing using your own mass production printer VCP. Based on the original image data,
Mass production printing of copy images that match the original image in color is possible. That is, the profile creation for mass-production printing with the mass-production printer VCP can be easily outsourced based on the original image data, and the profile creation can be outsourced.

[0115] In the case of the profile creation request from the above-mentioned home page, "Create profile for VCP only"
Since the request is focused on the creation of the profile of the printer associated with the mass-production printer VCP, not only the ICC profile for the personal printer PPB described above is created, but also a series of processing is performed in combination with the profile of the mass-production printer VCP. Alternatively, a composite profile for the personal printer PPB may be created.

As described above, in the image printing system PSYS of this embodiment, the profile creation company (original image profile) can be outsourced to the profile creation company, so that it is technically or man-hourly impossible. If necessary, the processing (work) corresponding to the profile creation can be cut out to the outside (outsourcing) or the like. Further, in the above case, the order can be made via the Internet home page, so that the order can be made easily and quickly.
In the above example, the request for creating the original image profile is made, but the profile of the mass-produced printer (mass-produced profile) can be outsourced similarly.

In the above-described embodiment, the original image is created and calibrated at the sales office in the printing company by a meeting with the client or the like. In some cases, it is desired to directly use the print image, which has been checked for the color and the like of the print result by the personal printer, as the original image. Hereinafter, the image printing system PS of the embodiment (third embodiment) that can cope with this
The YS will be described.

In this image printing system PSYS, as shown in FIG.
Like Sales Office A in and Sales Office B in FIG.
Instead of creating the original image on the side of J Printing Co., Ltd., for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the original image is a color image printed by C Co., Ltd., which is a client, not the owner of the mass production printer VCP, on its own personal printer. As the J Printing Co., Ltd.
Is used to perform mass production printing of the copy image in which the original image is color-matched.

In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the profile (mass production profile) for the mass production printer VCP has already been prepared, but the ICC profile (original picture profile) of the personal printer PPB of the client has not been prepared. First, the profile creation section of J Printing Co., Ltd. delivers the chart data expressed in CMYK or RGB to the client via a network or by sending (posting, etc.) a storage medium such as a CD.

On the client side, the personal printer PPB is caused to print a color chart according to the passed chart data, and the color chart sample is delivered to the profile creation section of J Printing Co., Ltd. by mail or the like.

Upon receiving the color chart sample, the profile creation section measures the color of the color chart sample to obtain the Lab value of the common unit system, creates the original image profile based on the chart data and the Lab value, and sends it to the printing factory through the network. Alternatively, the original picture profile is sent by mail.

At the printing factory, a composite profile for simulating the print color of the personal printer PPB is created based on the original image profile and the mass production profile, and this is set in the printer driver. In addition, in the profile creation department, it is up to the creation of composite profiles,
It may be sent to the printing factory.

Then, in the printing factory, the original image data when the original image is printed is received from the client by mail on a network or a storage medium, and the copy image is copied based on the original image data, the original image profile and the mass production profile. Perform mass production printing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ICC profile (original image profile) of the personal printer PPB of the client is created, and the composite profile associated with the mass production profile is set in the printer driver of the mass production printer VCP. Since the color of the print image with respect to the image data imitates the color of the original image, the personal printer PP of the client
The color image printed in B can be used as it is as the original image, and the mass production printer VCP can be used based on the original image data.
It is possible to perform color matching for mass production printing, and it is possible to perform mass production printing for a copy image that is color matched to the original image.

Also in this case, when the profile creation department is not provided, the technology, the creation man-hours, etc. are insufficient, an outside profile creation company may be requested. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, an image printing system P of an embodiment (fourth embodiment) capable of coping with this is provided.
In SYS, the client personal printer PPB
J Printing Co., Ltd., as the orderer (requester), outsources the ICC profile creation to an external profile creation company via the same Internet homepage, etc. ) Can be cut out and dealt with.

Further, in this case, when the orderer is a person in charge of the printing factory, for example, it corresponds to the one in which the above-mentioned sales office B in FIG. 12 is replaced with a client. In other words, in this case, the orderer (the person in charge of the printing factory) similarly uses the color image printed by the external personal printer PPB or the like of each site in the printing company or the client as the original image. Therefore, color matching for mass production printing can be performed using the mass production printer VCP owned by the user, and mass production printing can be performed for a copy image color-matched with the original image based on the original image data. That is, the profile creation for mass-production printing with the mass-production printer VCP can be easily outsourced based on the original image data, and the profile creation can be outsourced.

Next, the client may want to obtain the ICC profile (original image profile) for his / her personal printer PPB regardless of the printing company. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, for example, an embodiment (fifth embodiment) capable of coping with this.
In the image printing system PSYS of FIG. 14, the client and the requester in FIG. 14 can be used as clients (requesters themselves) to make an order, and the profile creation can be outsourced. Can be obtained.

As a result, when the client creates original image data on his or her own personal computer and wants to use the image for which the colors and the like of the print result have been confirmed on his or her personal printer as the original image as it is, he or she creates it. Under the condition that the original image data and the original image profile are supplied, it is possible to advantageously lead negotiations such as price to a single or a plurality of competing printing companies.

In the image printing system PSYS of the fifth embodiment, the profile (mass production profile) for the mass production printer VCP has already been prepared in the initial printing factory, as in the other embodiments described above. , Client personal printer PPB ICC
Although the profile (original image profile) is not prepared, the client has the original image profile in advance and can acquire it through the network or by exchanging a storage medium. By creating and setting, the copy image in which the original image is color-matched can be mass-produced and printed based on the original image data of the original image printed by the client personal printer PPB.

The image printing system PSYS of FIG.
In FIG. 13, the person in charge of the sales office B may be the client for the profile creation company XYZ Co., Ltd. as described above.

For example, when there are a plurality of printing factories (printing departments) or the like in the company or there is a company that can outsource only mass production printing, instead of requesting each printing department or the like from profile creation, We would like to create and maintain a profile on each site that has a personal printer so that any printing department can freely request mass production printing. In such a case, even if it is not possible to independently create a profile at each base such as the sales office B, the requester and the destination in FIG. You can outsource profile creation by placing your own order.

That is, in the profile creation flow (profile creation method or system capable of implementing the same) in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Not the orderer who owns the mass-produced printer VCP, but the owner of the external personal printer PPB or the like that prints the original image at each site (such as each sales office) in the printing company or client becomes the orderer, and the homepage, etc. Through (Fig. 1
(4) Requester = as destination) Orders profile creation for personal printer PPB or the like owned by the customer.

On the other hand, XYZ Co., Ltd., which is a profile creation company, receives an order for it and sends the owner (= orderer = requester = destination) the explanation of chart data and printing method by mail. To send. Of course, automatic mail transmission as a function of the homepage may be used, or manual mailing or the like may be performed, and a request to that effect may be input on the homepage.

On the other hand, the orderer prints a color chart on the basis of the chart data with the personal printer PPB, and mails the resulting color chart sample to the profile creation company. In addition, here, since the orderer = owner, if standard chart data and the like are already owned and the printing method is known,
By omitting the above (without waiting for the mail of), the color chart sample may be mailed to the profile creation company at the same time as or immediately after the order of.

When the profile creation company receives the color chart sample, it requests (mails) the charge transfer to the orderer, and the orderer deposits the charge into the account of the profile creation company. When the profile creation is completed, the created ICC profile for the personal printer PPB is sent to the orderer by mail, and the profile creation flow ends. In this case, it is preferable that the sending and receiving by e-mail can be switched to mailing or the like according to the orderer's convenience.

As described above, the orderer (each site, client, etc.) in the above-mentioned case, regardless of the printing factory or the like having the mass-production printer VCP, owns the personal printer PPB or the like which owns and prints the original image. Profile creation can be easily outsourced, and profile creation can be outsourced.

Further, as a result, the original image data and profile owned by the self (orderer) are transferred to the mass production printer VC.
All you have to do is hand over to a printing factory or printing company that owns P (see Fig. 1
8 IF2 (dotted line)), color matching for mass production printing using the mass production printer is possible, and mass production of a copy image in which the original image printed by itself is color matched based on the original image data. Can print.

For the personal printer PPB described above, the profile creation company may obtain the profile of the mass production printer VCP (mass production profile) from the printing factory or manage and store the previously produced mass production profile. In addition to creating the ICC profile (original image profile) of, the composite profile for the personal printer PPB may be created as a series of processing in combination with the mass production profile. The main person (each base, client, etc.) may select and request.

Of course, if neither the printing factory nor the profile creation company has a mass production profile, the mass production printer V is sent from each site or client which is the orderer.
Obtain the destination of the owner of the CP, send the chart data to the destination (person in charge of the printing plant, etc.), and send it to the mass production printer V.
Since a color chart sample for CP (mass production chart sample) can be obtained and a mass production profile can be created based on it, a mass production profile can be acquired, and thus a composite profile in which an original image profile and a mass production profile are associated can be created.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a composite profile in which the original image profile and the mass production profile are associated with each other is created and set in the printer driver of the mass production printer to print a copy image in which the original image is color-matched. However, referring to FIG. 10, as described above with reference to FIG. 11C, the original image data from the personal printer is converted into image data for the mass production printer (image data for mass production) through the original image profile and the mass production profile. By converting, it is possible to print a copy image in which the original image is color-matched.

Further, the conversion of the image data in this case may be performed at the printing factory side, at the sales office or the client, and the mass production profile is distributed to each sales office for mass production. When the image data is transferred to the printing factory, the interface is unified with the mass production image data, and the printing factory side does not need the original image profile. Further, the profile required for improving the certainty may be attached (or embedded) to the image data to be exchanged.

In addition to the above-described embodiments, various forms can be adopted, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.
It can be changed as appropriate.

[0143]

As described above, according to the image printing system, the image printing method, the label producing system and the label producing method of the present invention, a color image printed by a personal printer individually installed at each site or the like is used as an original image. As an image, based on the original image data when the image is printed, it is possible to mass-produce a copy image that is color-matched with the original image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall schematic configuration of an image printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration in which the image printing system of FIG. 1 is schematically shown centering on a mass-produced printer.

FIG. 3 shows a relationship between a print image that is an original image, print image data that is original image data, and k-th short line data and k-th long line data when transmitting the same to print N copy images. FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration from a side surface side of a mechanism system of the mass-production printer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration from the upper surface side corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing functions and arrangements of a print head and head nozzles in the head unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the mass production printer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a head controller of FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of mass-production printing in which seven print images that are original images and their copy images are collectively printed.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a device profile, an ICC profile, an ICC-compliant color management system, and the principle of color matching by the system.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of creating an individual profile and a composite profile for color matching.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 1, showing a second embodiment in which profile creation is outsourced to a profile creation company.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a profile creation flow from a creation request to a profile creation company to delivery.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a home page of a profile creation company for receiving an order for profile creation and an operation when entrusting via the home page.

FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment in which a color image printed by a client personal printer is used as an original image, and FIG.
It is an explanatory view similar to.

16 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 15, showing a fourth embodiment in which a printing company consigns profile creation to a profile creation company.

FIG. 17 shows a fifth embodiment in which the client side entrusts the profile creation to the profile creation company, FIG.
It is an explanatory view similar to.

18 is an explanatory diagram corresponding to FIG. 17 and similar to FIG.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional mass production printing system and color matching.

[Explanation of symbols]

6 ...... Head unit 10 ...... Operation part 20 ...... Main control part 21 ...... CPU 26 ...... Image data input / output (image data I / O) 60 ...... Head control parts 61-64 ...... 1st-4th Head control block 70 ...... Actuator control unit 80 ...... Internal bus 90 ...... Power supply circuit 610 ...... Nozzle common control units 611 to 616 ...... First to sixth nozzle control units DS ...... Print image (original image) D0, D0 (1) to (7), D0 (N) ... Print image (copy image) IF1 to IF3 ... First to third interfaces (network) PPA, PPB ... Personal printer PSYS ... Image printing system T ... … Tape VCP …… Mass production printer (image printing device) WPA …… Printable area (printable area) WS0 …… Image creation system (image creation Synthesizer) WS1, WS2 ...... Workstation

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06T 1/00 510 H04N 1/23 101C 5C074 H04N 1/23 101 1/46 Z 5C077 1/46 1/40 D 5C079 1/60 B41J 3/00 BF term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ05 AR01 HH03 HJ08 HK11 HN05 HN15 KK18 KK26 KK28 2C187 AE06 AF03 GA01 2C262 AA02 AB11 BA01 FA01 FA12 FA12 GA01 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 FA12 EE01 LG07 LL05 5B057 CA01 CA08 CB01 CB08 CE17 CE18 CH11 5C074 AA08 BB16 DD23 FF15 GG19 5C077 MM27 MP08 PP32 PP33 PP36 PP37 PQ22 SS02 TT05 5C079 HB01 HB03 HB08 HB12 LB02 MA01 MA10 NA03 PA03

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A mass-production printer for continuously printing the same color image, a mass-production profile storage unit for storing a mass-production profile which is a profile of the mass-production printer, and a color original image for printing based on the original image data. A personal printer, an original image profile acquisition unit that acquires an original image profile that is a profile of the personal printer, a copy image color-matched with the original image based on the original image profile and the mass production profile, and the mass image as the color image. An image printing system, comprising: a mass production printing unit that causes a printer to perform mass production printing of the copy image based on the original image data. 2. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the mass-produced printer prints by an inkjet method. 3. A color chart printing unit for causing the personal printer to print a color chart according to the chart data expressed in CMYK or RGB and obtaining a color chart sample as a printing result, Measure the color of the color chart sample and use the common unit L
The image according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Lab value colorimetric means for obtaining an ab value; and profile creating means for creating the original image profile based on the chart data and the Lab value. Printing system. 4. The mass production printing means, based on the original image profile and the mass production profile, a composite profile creating means for creating a composite profile for simulating a print color of the personal printer in the mass production printer; A composite profile setting unit that sets the composite profile as the profile to a printer driver of a printer, and a printer drive unit that causes the printer driver to perform the mass production printing based on the original image data according to the set composite profile. The image printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: 5. The mass production printing means converts the original image data into mass production image data for simulating a printing color of the personal printer in the mass production printer based on the original image profile and the mass production profile. 4. The data conversion means, and the printer drive means for causing a printer driver of the mass production printer to perform the mass production printing based on the mass production image data. Image printing system. 6. The at least one of the mass production profile and the original image profile is an ICC-compliant ICC profile.
The image printing system according to any one of 1. 7. The image printing according to claim 1, wherein the production of at least one of the mass production profile and the original image profile can be outsourced to a profile producing company or a profile producing department. system. 8. The image printing system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the creations can be ordered through a homepage on the Internet. 9. The original image data is transmitted and received via a network.
The image printing system according to any one of 1. 10. A color image printed by a personal printer is used as an original image using a mass production printer capable of mass production printing in which a plurality of identical color images are continuously printed, and the original image is printed. An image printing method for performing the mass-production printing of a copy image color-matched with the original image based on the original image data which is the image data, wherein A step, an original image profile acquisition step of acquiring an original image profile which is a profile of the personal printer, and a mass production printing step of performing the mass production printing of the copy image based on the original image data, the original image profile and the mass production profile Image printing characterized by having Method. 11. The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein the mass production printer performs printing by an inkjet method. 12. The color chart printing step of causing the personal printer to print a color chart in accordance with the chart data expressed in CMYK or RGB, and obtaining a color chart sample as a printing result in the original image profile obtaining step, Measure the color of the color chart sample and use the common unit L
The image according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: a Lab value colorimetric step of obtaining an ab value; and a profile creating step of creating the original image profile based on the chart data and the Lab value. Printing method. 13. In the mass production printing step, a composite profile creation step of creating a composite profile for simulating a print color of the personal printer in the mass production printer based on the original image profile and the mass production profile; A composite profile setting step of setting the composite profile as the profile to a printer driver of a printer, and a printer drive step of performing the mass production printing based on the original image data according to the composite profile set by the printer driver. The image printing method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: 14. The mass-production printing step converts an image of the original image data into mass-production image data for simulating a printing color of the personal printer in the mass-production printer based on the original image profile and the mass-production profile. 13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising a data conversion step, and a printer drive step of causing a printer driver of the mass production printer to perform the mass production printing based on the mass production image data. Image printing method. 15. Each of the units according to claim 1 and one of each of a plurality of copy images printed on a print target of the mass production printer by the mass production printing. A label producing system comprising: a single portion utilizing means for producing a label on which each copy image is printed by using one portion. 16. The single-part utilization unit has an image partial cutting unit that separates each one of the copy images of the print target.
Label creation system described in. 17. The object to be printed is configured such that it can be attached to a predetermined object to be attached with the copy image printed on the front surface by peeling off the release layer on the back surface. The label producing system according to claim 15 or 16. 18. The label according to claim 15, wherein the print target is elongated and the plurality of copy images are printed side by side in the longitudinal direction. Creation system. 19. The process according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of copy images printed on the print target of the mass production printer by the mass production printing A single part use step of forming a label on which one copy image is printed by using each part, and a single part use step.