JP2005217789A - Color control system and color control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color control system capable of stable color control by appropriately carrying out state control to an image forming apparatus and to provide a color control method thereof. <P>SOLUTION: When an error of a density measured value of magenta (M) in a color chart Pa outputted from e.g., an output apparatus 3a with respect to a reference value belongs to a range wherein the error is an intermediate control reference value or over and less than a control reference value and in the case that errors in magenta of other output apparatuses 3b, 3c are shifted in a similar direction with respect to the reference values managed in a measured value storage section 1b, a discrimination section 1g of a control server 1 remotely adjusts e.g., the luminous quantity of an exposure section 3aa of the output apparatus 3a via a terminal 2a so as to bring the error to be a value less than the intermediate control reference value. Further, in the case that the errors in magenta of the other output apparatuses 3b, 3c are not shifted in a similar direction with respect to the reference value, the regulation instruction part 1g of a control server 1 remotely adjusts e.g., the replenishment quantity of a development processing liquid of a processing liquid replenishment section 3ab of the output apparatus 3a via the terminal 2a so as to bring the error to be a value less than the intermediate control reference value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a color management system and a color management method for color management of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network.

  In general, in an image forming apparatus, it is required to operate the apparatus itself in an appropriate state in order to always output an output with stable quality. In particular, in the field of digital color proofing using silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, the required quality of the output is high, and various factors related to the quality, specifically the activity level of the developer. The amount of light produced by the exposure device, the sensitivity of the photosensitive material that changes from lot to lot, and the effects of air temperature and humidity during exposure and development processing are significant. Quality control, that is, color management.

  Incidentally, other examples of the above-described various factors include individual differences among image forming apparatuses, characteristics of color materials and developing agents (main agents for producing a developing solution) that vary from lot to lot, and a large amount of image forming apparatus used. On the other hand, the color development amount varies depending on the output image, the usage amount of the developing agent changes, the activity of the developing solution changes, and the influence of air oxidation due to the usage frequency changes. Also included are fluctuations in the amount of light due to temporal changes in the light source of the exposure apparatus, fluctuations in performance due to fluctuations in wavelength, and fluctuations in sensitivity due to changes in the photosensitive material over time.

  Therefore, in actuality, for example, an operator confirms the developer level using a control strip, adjusts the development state, and outputs a test chart before use in order to cope with these various variables. The color management is performed so that the output product is finished to a quality within a certain range by measuring the color and density and adjusting the light amount of the exposure apparatus based on the measured values.

  In addition, it has also been proposed that the image forming apparatus itself performs color management. Specifically, as described in, for example, JP-A-2002-221774, the temperature of an exposure apparatus or a photosensitive material is monitored, A method for adjusting the light amount of the exposure apparatus in accordance with the temperature (for example, see Patent Document 1), a method for adjusting the light amount of the exposure apparatus based on the environmental conditions at the time of output, lot information of the photosensitive material, and the like are known. It has been. However, when performing color management among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, there is a variation in the behavior of each apparatus, and it is necessary to cope with this.

  On the other hand, it has been proposed to perform color management among a plurality of such image forming apparatuses via a network. Specifically, as described in, for example, JP-A-2003-39786, a cluster is used. The master unit in printing forms a standard image on a recording medium, detects the glossiness information thereof, and transmits the glossiness information to the slave unit. On the other hand, the slave unit is the same as the master unit. There is known a method (for example, refer to Patent Document 2) of detecting the gloss information of the device and adjusting the gloss of the device based on the gloss information and the transmitted gloss information of the master unit.

JP 2002-221774 A (paragraphs [0006]-[0007]) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-39786 (paragraphs [0050]-[0097], FIGS. 1 to 8)

  However, unlike in the case of the cluster printing described above, when performing color management between image forming apparatuses installed at a plurality of remote locations, an operator visits the installation location to check the state of the image forming apparatus. If the image forming device is remotely adjusted via the network without confirming the error, the quality of the output may sometimes increase due to excessive adjustment, or unexpected quality degradation may Sometimes it happened. As described above, this is due to the fact that the quality of the output product is affected by various variable factors.

  Specifically, in an image forming apparatus using, for example, a silver salt photographic light-sensitive material, the density of the output material output from the apparatus falls significantly from the reference value, and the cause thereof is, for example, a light-sensitive material that varies from lot to lot. If it is due to the sensitivity of the developing agent, it can be remotely adjusted via the network without confirming the status of other image forming devices that use the same lot of photosensitive material or the main agent, specifically, the developing solution If the temperature of the developing solution is significantly increased, the activity level of the developing solution is excessively increased due to an excessive temperature rise, and the output product is developed even in the non-image area. This causes a problem that the quality of the product deteriorates.

  As described above, there is no problem in the image forming apparatus itself. However, when the sensitivity of the photosensitive material and the developing agent used varies from lot to lot, other photosensitive materials and developing agents using the same lot are used. It is necessary to determine the contents to be remotely adjusted after confirming the state of the image forming apparatus. That is, it is necessary to take appropriate measures after analyzing the cause of the drop in the concentration of the output.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide other measurement values and other kinds of errors for small measurement value errors that can be dealt with by remote adjustment. Performs analysis based on measured values, unique information of the image forming apparatus or other unique information of the image forming apparatus, and remote adjustment according to the cause of the error or the state of the image forming apparatus as a result of the analysis It is an object of the present invention to provide a color management system and a color management method capable of appropriately managing the state of the image forming apparatus and performing stable color management of the image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is provided in each base together with an image forming apparatus and a colorimeter, and an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter. A terminal device having a measurement value transmitting means for transmitting a measurement value, connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network, and a measurement value obtained by measuring a reference output product with a colorimeter is used as a reference value in advance. Reference value storage means for storing, measurement value receiving means for receiving the transmitted measurement value of the output product, and error calculation means for calculating an error of the received measurement value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value Determination means for comparing the calculated error with a preset intermediate management reference value, and when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the corresponding image formation Therefore, in order to correct the error within at least the intermediate management reference value, the tendency of the calculated error corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus is analyzed, and the analysis result is determined. And a management server having an adjustment instruction means for instructing to perform the adjustment.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 2 is provided for each base together with an image forming apparatus and a colorimeter, and an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter. A terminal device having measurement value transmitting means for transmitting measurement values of each color, and connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network, for each color of the reference output product measured by a colorimeter Reference value storage means for storing measurement values as reference values in advance, measurement value reception means for receiving measurement values for each color of the transmitted output object, and storing the measurement values for each color of the received output object Error calculating means for calculating an error with respect to the reference value, determination means for comparing the calculated error of each color with a preset intermediate management reference value, and determining the error of each color in the determination When the value exceeds the intermediate management reference value, the calculated corresponding to the color and each of the other colors to correct the error at least within the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus And a management server having an adjustment instruction unit that analyzes an error tendency and instructs to perform adjustment according to the analysis result.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 3 is provided for each base together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter, and an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter. A terminal device having measurement value transmitting means for transmitting measurement values of a plurality of items, and the image forming apparatus and the terminal device connected via a network, and measuring the plurality of items of a reference output product with a colorimeter Reference value storage means for storing the measurement values of a plurality of items as reference values in advance, measurement value receiving means for receiving the measurement values of the plurality of items of the transmitted output matter, and measurement of the plurality of items of the received output matter An error calculating means for calculating an error of the value relative to the stored reference value, a determining means for comparing the calculated error of the measured values of the plurality of items with a preset intermediate management reference value, When any of the errors of the measurement values of the plurality of items exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the error is corrected so that the error is corrected to at least the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus. A management server having an error instruction and an adjustment instruction means for instructing to perform adjustment according to the analysis result by analyzing the error tendency of the measurement values of the other items corresponding to the error. It is characterized by that.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 4 is provided at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter, and an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter. A terminal device having a measurement value transmitting means for transmitting a measurement value, connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network, and a measurement value obtained by measuring a reference output product with a colorimeter as a reference value in advance Reference value storage means for storing, unique information storage means for storing at least one of the individual information, use environment information or use material information of the image forming apparatus, and the measurement value of the transmitted output product received A measurement value receiving means, an error calculating means for calculating an error of the received measurement value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value, the calculated error and a preset intermediate management reference value And a determination unit that compares the determination result with respect to the image forming apparatus in question when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in order to correct the error within at least the intermediate management reference value. And a management server having an adjustment instruction means for instructing to perform adjustment according to the at least one information corresponding to the image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 5 is provided in each base together with an image forming apparatus and a colorimeter, and an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter. A terminal device having a measurement value transmitting means for transmitting a measurement value, connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network, and a measurement value obtained by measuring a reference output product with a colorimeter as a reference value in advance Reference value storage means for storing, unique information storage means for storing at least one of the individual information, use environment information or use material information of the image forming apparatus, and the measurement value of the transmitted output product received A measurement value receiving means, an error calculating means for calculating an error of the received measurement value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value, the calculated error and a preset intermediate management reference value And a determination unit that compares the determination result with respect to the image forming apparatus in question when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in order to correct the error within at least the intermediate management reference value. And a management server having adjustment instruction means for instructing to perform adjustment according to the at least one information corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatuses.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 6 is output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter in a terminal device installed at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter. A measured value transmission step for transmitting the measured value of the output product, and a measurement value obtained by measuring a reference output product with a colorimeter in the management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network. A reference value storing step for storing in advance as a reference value, a measurement value receiving step for receiving the transmitted measurement value of the output product, and calculating an error of the received measurement value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value An error calculating step, a determination step of comparing the calculated error with a preset intermediate management reference value, and determining that the error is the intermediate tube When the reference value is exceeded, the calculated error corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus is corrected to at least the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus. And an adjustment instructing step for instructing to perform adjustment according to the analysis result.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 7 is output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter in a terminal device installed at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter. A measured value transmission step for transmitting measured values of each color of the output product and a management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network to measure each color of the reference output product with a colorimeter. A reference value storing step for storing the measured value of each color as a reference value in advance, a measured value receiving step for receiving a measured value of each color of the transmitted output product, and a measured value of each color of the received output product An error calculating step for calculating an error of the stored reference value with respect to the stored reference value, and a determination step for comparing and comparing the calculated error of each color with a preset intermediate management reference value. And when any of the errors of the respective colors exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, in order to correct the error to at least the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus, An adjustment instruction step for analyzing the calculated error tendency corresponding to the color and each of the other colors and instructing to perform adjustment according to the analysis result.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 8 is output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter in a terminal device installed at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter. A measured value transmitting step for transmitting measured values of a plurality of items of the output product, and a colorimeter for a plurality of items of the output product serving as a reference in the management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network A reference value storing step for storing the measurement values of the plurality of items measured in advance as a reference value; a measurement value receiving step for receiving the measurement values of the plurality of items of the transmitted output; and An error calculating step for calculating an error of the measured values of a plurality of items with respect to the stored reference value, an error of the calculated measured values of the plurality of items, and preset intermediate management A determination step for determining by comparing with a reference value, and if any of the errors in the measurement values of the plurality of items exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the error is determined for the corresponding image forming apparatus. Instructing to make an adjustment according to the analysis result by analyzing the tendency of the error and the measurement values of the other items corresponding to the error to correct at least within the intermediate management reference value And an adjustment instruction step.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 9 is output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter in a terminal device installed at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter. A measured value transmission step for transmitting the measured value of the output product, and a measurement value obtained by measuring a reference output product with a colorimeter in the management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network. A reference value storing step for storing in advance as a reference value; a unique information storing step for storing at least one of the individual information, the use environment information or the use material information of the image forming apparatus; and the transmitted output product A measurement value receiving step of receiving a measurement value; an error calculation step of calculating an error of the received measurement value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value; A determination step for determining by comparing the issued error with a preset intermediate management reference value, and when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, for the corresponding image forming apparatus, An adjustment instruction step for instructing to perform adjustment according to the at least one information corresponding to the image forming apparatus in order to correct the error at least within the intermediate management reference value.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 10 is output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter in a terminal device installed at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter. A measured value transmission step for transmitting the measured value of the output product, and a measurement value obtained by measuring a reference output product with a colorimeter in the management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network. A reference value storing step for storing in advance as a reference value; a unique information storing step for storing at least one of the individual information, the use environment information or the use material information of the image forming apparatus; and the transmitted output product A measurement value receiving step of receiving a measurement value; an error calculation step of calculating an error of the received measurement value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value; A determination step for determining by comparing the calculated error with a preset intermediate management reference value, and when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, for the corresponding image forming apparatus, An adjustment instructing step for instructing to perform adjustment according to the at least one information corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus in order to correct the error within at least the intermediate management reference value. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first or sixth aspect of the invention, the management server calculates an error with respect to the reference value of the measurement value of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus installed at each base by the colorimeter. The calculated error and a preset intermediate management reference value are compared and determined, and if the above-described error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, In order to correct the error to at least the intermediate management reference value, the tendency of the error in the measured value corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus is analyzed and an instruction is given to make an adjustment according to the analysis result. Therefore, it is possible to take appropriate measures according to the tendency of error in the measurement values corresponding to the other image forming apparatuses described above, and to appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  According to the invention described in claim 2 or claim 7, in the management server, an error with respect to a reference value of a measurement value obtained by the colorimeter of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus installed in each base is calculated. Then, the calculated error is compared with a preset intermediate management reference value and determined, and if the above error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the corresponding image forming apparatus is determined. Thus, in order to correct the error within at least the intermediate management reference value, the tendency of the error of the measurement value corresponding to the color and each other color is analyzed and an instruction is given to make an adjustment according to the analysis result. Therefore, it is possible to take appropriate measures according to the tendency of error in the measurement values corresponding to the other colors described above, and to appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 or claim 8, in the management server, the reference value of the measurement values of a plurality of items by the colorimeter of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus installed in each base An error is calculated, and the calculated error is compared with a preset intermediate management reference value, and when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the corresponding image formation is performed. In order to correct the error to at least the intermediate control reference value for the device, the tendency of the error and the error of another type of measurement value corresponding to the error is analyzed, and adjustment according to the analysis result is performed. Since it is instructed to do so, it is possible to take appropriate measures according to the error tendency of the other types of measurement values corresponding to the error, and to appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. . Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  According to the invention described in claim 4 or claim 9, the management server calculates an error with respect to the reference value of the measured value by the colorimeter of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus installed at each base. Then, the calculated error is compared with a preset intermediate management reference value and determined, and if the above error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the corresponding image forming apparatus is determined. In order to correct the error within at least the intermediate management reference value, an instruction is given to make an adjustment according to at least one of the individual information, use environment information, or use material information corresponding to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to take appropriate measures according to at least one piece of information corresponding to the image forming apparatus described above, and to appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  According to the invention described in claim 5 or claim 10, in the management server, an error with respect to a reference value of a measurement value obtained by the colorimeter of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus installed at each base is calculated. Then, the calculated error is compared with a predetermined intermediate management reference value and determined, and if the above-described error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the corresponding image forming apparatus is determined. Thus, in order to correct the error to at least the intermediate management reference value, adjustment according to at least one of the individual information, use environment information, or use material information corresponding to the image forming apparatus and other image forming apparatuses Therefore, it is possible to take an appropriate measure according to at least one piece of information corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus described above, and appropriately display the image. State management forming apparatus can be performed. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a color management system and a color management method according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the following, various “examples” will be described, but the color management system and the color management method thereof according to the present invention are “example 3” to “example 7”, “example 13”. It corresponds to. Incidentally, “Example 1” and “Example 2” show the basic forms, and “Example 8” to “Example 12” and “Example 14” are related to them. The form is shown.

[Configuration of color management system]
First, the configuration of the color management system in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the color management system in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the color management system includes output devices 3 a to 3 c installed at a plurality of remote sites and color charts Pa to Pc output from these output devices 3 a to 3 c. And colorimeters Sa to Sc for measuring color and density, measured values of color charts Pa to Pc by these colorimeters Sa to Sc, and measured values of color chart Po as a reference by colorimeter So (hereinafter referred to as reference) Management server 1 that manages the color charts Pa to Pc of the color charts Pa to Pc that are arranged in correspondence with the output devices 3a to 3c and output from the output devices 3a to 3c described above. In addition to transmitting the measured values of concentration and concentration to the management server 1, a message prompting maintenance to the worker is displayed in response to an instruction from the management server 1 as will be described later. Configured to include a terminal device 2 a to 2 c, the. Here, the above-described management server 1 further calculates an error with respect to the reference value of the measurement values of the color charts Pa to Pc, and when the calculated error becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined intermediate management reference value, the output device By performing remote adjustment of the exposure unit 3a to 3c and the development processing unit 3a to 3c, the color and density of the output matter output from these output devices 3a to 3c are adjusted to be at least less than the above-mentioned intermediate management reference value. In addition, when the error between the measured values of the colorimeters Sa to Sc and the reference value is equal to or greater than a predetermined management reference value that is greater than the intermediate management reference value, the terminal devices 2a to 2c are provided. Then, an instruction is issued to notify the worker of maintenance, and specifically, an instruction to display a message prompting maintenance to the worker is issued. The management server 1, the terminal devices 2a to 2c, and the output devices 3a to 3c are connected to each other via the network N, and the above-described remote adjustment by the management server 1 and a message for prompting the operator to perform maintenance are performed. An instruction to display is performed via the network N.

  The terminal devices 2a to 2c may be arranged in an arbitrary number according to the number of output devices 3a to 3c. The output devices 3a to 3c and the colorimeters So to Sc are preferably the same type of products or models in consideration of the influence on the measurement value due to individual differences. As a system for correcting machine differences between measuring instruments, a method such as Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-152188 is also preferably used.

(Detailed configuration of management server)
Here, a detailed configuration of the management server 1 will be described. The management server 1 includes a so-called computer terminal, and includes a display unit such as a monitor, an input unit such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an apparatus main body including the server. Furthermore, the apparatus main body receives color and density measurement values at the measurement points of the color charts Pa to Pc by the colorimeters Sa to Sc transmitted from the terminal devices 2a to 2c, and an adjustment instruction unit 1g described later. The transmission / reception unit 1a that transmits the adjustment instruction signal from the notification instruction unit 1h and the notification instruction signal from the notification instruction unit 1h to the corresponding output devices 3a to 3c, and the color chart Po (reference for color adjustment) as a reference measured by the colorimeter So The color chart and the density measurement value at each measurement point of the output device 3a-3c that outputs an output product of a certain quality level) may be obtained in advance. The color and density at each measurement point of the color charts Pa to Pc received by the transmission / reception unit 1a and transmitted from the terminal devices 2a to 2c by the colorimeters Sa to Sc are stored as reference values. A measurement value storage unit 1b for storing constant values, and color charts Pa to P stored in the measurement value storage unit 1b for color and density measurement values at the respective measurement points of the color charts Pa to Pc by the colorimeters Sa to Sc. An error calculation unit 1c that calculates an error with respect to a reference value of color and density at each measurement point of Pc, and at least one intermediate management reference value and a management reference value larger than this to classify the range to which those errors belong A management reference value setting unit 1d, a unique information storage unit 1e for storing individual information, usage environment information, and used material information of the output device, which is information unique to each of the output devices 3a to 3c, and an error Color charts Pa to P by the colorimeters Sa to Sc based on the error calculated by the calculation unit 1c and the management reference value and the intermediate management reference value set in the management reference value setting unit 1d. The determination unit 1f that determines the range to which the measurement values of the color and density at each measurement point belong, and the determination result by the determination unit 1f, specifically, the error calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is intermediate. In order to perform color adjustment of the corresponding output devices 3a to 3c when they belong to a range that is greater than or equal to the control reference value and less than the control reference value, the error is at least with respect to the exposure unit and development processing unit of the output devices 3a to 3c Similarly to the adjustment instruction unit 1g that transmits an adjustment instruction signal for instructing adjustment to be less than the intermediate management reference value, the error calculation unit 1c receives the determination result by the determination unit 1f. If the error falls within a range equal to or greater than the management reference value, the operator can make color adjustments to the corresponding output devices 3a to 3c after confirming the device state by the operator. Output device 3 a notification instruction unit 1h for transmitting a notification instruction signal for displaying a message prompting to perform maintenance of a to 3c.

  Here, the determination unit 1f is further based on the error calculated by the error calculation unit 1c, the individual information of the image forming apparatus, the usage environment information, the usage material information, and the like stored in the unique information storage unit 1e. After changing the intermediate management reference value set in the management reference value setting unit 1d, the range to which the measurement values of the color and density at each measurement point of the color charts Pa to Pc by the colorimeters Sa to Sc belong is described. It may be judged.

  Further, the adjustment instruction unit 1g is further based on the error calculated by the error calculation unit 1c, the individual information of the output devices 3a to 3c, the usage environment information, the usage material information, and the like stored in the unique information storage unit 1e. In some cases, after the adjustment instruction content is determined, the adjustment content is instructed to the exposure unit and the development processing unit of the output devices 3a to 3c in order to perform the color adjustment of the corresponding output devices 3a to 3c. is there.

  Incidentally, the individual information of the output device described above includes, for example, manufacturing number information and lot number information of the output device. Further, as the information accompanying them, information such as the maximum output value of the exposure apparatus, the spectral characteristics of the light source, the output value for the input value related to the color density, and the color tone, further maintenance information, specifically, the contents of the maintenance There is information such as date of implementation. The above-described use environment information of the output device includes, for example, temperature information and humidity information of the output device. In addition, the above-described material usage information of the output device includes, for example, usage amount data of photosensitive materials and developing solutions, lot number information of photosensitive materials and developing solutions. In addition, as information accompanying them, characteristic curve data of photosensitive material, sensitivity data or maximum density data, characteristic curve of developing solution, sensitivity data or maximum density data, or correction under actual use conditions related to these information Data, specifically, correction information due to temporal changes after manufacture, correction information in the use environment, correction information according to time until development processing after output, and the like.

  The transmission / reception unit 1a is configured by a network I / F and corresponds to the “measurement value receiving unit” of the present invention. The measured value storage unit 1b, the management reference value setting unit 1d, and the unique information storage unit 1e are configured by storage means such as a memory. The measured value storage unit 1b and the unique information storage unit 1e It corresponds to “storage means” and “unique information storage means”. In addition, the error calculation unit 1c, the determination unit 1f, the adjustment instruction unit 1g, and the notification unit 1h are configured by a calculation unit such as a CPU and a storage unit such as a memory, and the calculation unit such as a CPU respectively serves as a storage unit such as a memory. By executing the stored predetermined arithmetic program, processing described later is performed. These correspond to the “error calculation means”, “determination means”, “adjustment instruction means”, and “notification instruction means” of the present invention, respectively.

(Color chart configuration)
Here, the configuration of the color charts Po to Pc will be described. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the color charts Po to Pc are, for example, 100% cyan (C), 100% magenta (M), 100% yellow (Y), 100% black (K), and 100% CMY. , MY100%, etc., each color covering each region of the color space is arranged in a horizontal row, and each constitutes one measurement point (in the figure, 17 measurement points are configured). Yes. That is, in the colorimeters So to Sc, among the plurality of measurement points of the color charts Po to Pc, the same measurement points are measured in the same measurement order (for example, along the arrow direction shown in the figure). It will be.

  Note that the color charts Po to Pc may be created by a heat-melting type high-end DDCP (Direct Digital Color Proof, a system that directly outputs digital data to a high-precision printer) with little color variation over time. preferable.

(About intermediate management standard value and management standard value)
Here, the intermediate management reference value and the management reference value set in the management reference value setting unit 1d will be described. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate management reference value and the management reference value are, for example, those of the color charts Po to Pc described above in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d. Measurements corresponding to and at each measurement point such as 100% cyan (C), 100% magenta (M), 100% yellow (Y), 100% black (K), 100% CMY, 100% MY, etc. It is set to divide the error of the value with respect to the reference value into a plurality of ranges. However, as the intermediate management reference value, a plurality of different types of values may be set as will be described later.

(Detailed configuration of terminal device)
Here, the detailed configuration of the terminal devices 2a to 2c will be described. However, since the terminal devices 2a to 2c have the same configuration, the following description will be given taking the terminal device 2a as an example.

  The terminal device 2a is a so-called computer terminal, and an input unit 2aa for inputting color and density measurement values at each measurement point of the color chart Pa by the colorimeter Sa, and the input colorimeter. The measured value of Sa is transmitted to the management server 1 via the network N, the above-described notification instruction signal transmitted from the notification unit 1h of the management server 1 is received, and transmitted from the adjustment instruction unit of the management server 1 When the above adjustment instruction signal is received, the transmission / reception unit 2ab that transmits the adjustment instruction signal to the output device 3a, and a display that displays a message that prompts the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a in response to the notification instruction signal Part 2ac.

  The input unit 2aa is configured by input means such as a keyboard and a mouse. The transmission / reception unit 2ab is configured by a network I / F and corresponds to the “measurement value transmission unit” of the present invention. Moreover, the display part 2ac is comprised by display means, such as a monitor.

(Detailed configuration of output device)
Here, the detailed configuration of the output devices 3a to 3c will be described. However, since the output devices 3a to 3c have the same configuration, the output device 3a will be described below as an example.

  The output device 3a, for example, exposes a photosensitive material with a combination of LED light sources of blue (B), green (G), and red (R), thereby yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M). An exposure unit 3aa that develops each color, a development processing unit 3ac that develops the photosensitive material exposed by the exposure unit 3aa, and a process of replenishing the development processing solution to the development processing tank of the development processing unit 3ac The liquid replenishment unit 3ab, the unique information setting unit 3ad in which the individual information, use environment information, and use material information of the device 3a, which is information unique to the device 3a, are set, and the transmission / reception unit 2ab of the terminal device 2a are provided. The adjustment instruction signal transmitted from the adjustment instruction unit 1g of the management server 1 is received via the unique information setting unit 3ad in the unique information storage unit 1e of the management server 1. Above individual information of the device 3a is a unique information, and a, a transceiver 3ae that transmits using environment information and the materials used information.

  Further, the exposure unit 3aa has the light amount of the LED light source of each color of blue (B), green (G), and red (R) when developing each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M). A set exposure amount setting unit 3aaa, and an exposure amount adjusting unit 3aab that adjusts the amount of light of each of the blue (B), green (G), and red (R) LED light sources according to the setting of the exposure amount setting unit 3aaa Is composed of.

  The development processing unit 3ac further adjusts the temperature of the development processing liquid during the development processing according to the development temperature setting unit 3aca in which the temperature of the development processing liquid during the development processing is set, and the setting of the development temperature setting unit 3aca. And a developing temperature adjusting unit 3acb.

  The processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab further performs a development process periodically according to a replenishment amount setting unit 3aba in which the amount of the development processing liquid to be replenished with respect to the development processing unit 3ac is set, and the replenishment amount of the replenishment amount setting unit 3aba. And a replenishing unit 3abb for replenishing the developing solution to the developing solution tank of the unit 3ac.

  The exposure amount setting unit 3aaa, the development temperature setting unit 3aca, and the replenishment amount setting unit 3aba are configured by storage means such as a memory. The exposure adjustment unit 3aab is configured by a driver that is driven under the control of a calculation unit such as a CPU. The development temperature adjustment unit 3acb is configured by a heater that is driven under the control of a calculation unit such as a CPU. The replenishing unit 3abb is configured by a pump that is driven under the control of an arithmetic means such as a CPU.

[Color management method]
Here, the color management method by the color management system will be described along the flow of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. However, in the following, various examples will be described by taking as an example the case where the color meter Pa measures color and density of the color chart Pa output from the output device 3a and performs color management on the output device 3a. Give an explanation.

  First, the administrator of the management server 1 uses the colorimeter So to measure the color and density of the reference color chart Po according to the position of a predetermined measurement point and the measurement order. As a result, the measurement values of the color and density at each measurement point of the reference color chart Po are measured.

Next, the administrator inputs the measurement values of the color and density at each measurement point of the color chart Po measured by the colorimeter So using the input unit in the management server 1. As a result, the color and density measurement values at each measurement point of the color chart Po are stored in the measurement value storage unit 1b, and are registered as reference values in the measurement value data table 1ba shown in FIG. (Reference value storing step). Incidentally, in this measured value data table 1ba, L ^* a defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) as a color system of color values measured by the colorimeter So and the colorimeters Sa to Sc described later. ^* B ^* Color system shall be adopted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the operator who adjusts the color of the output device 3a outputs a color chart Pa by the output device 3a, and the colorimeter Sa determines the color and density by the colorimeter Sa. As in the case of, measurement is performed according to the position of a predetermined measurement point and the measurement order (S01). And these measured values are input in the terminal device 2a by the input unit 2aa (S02). At this time, the colorimeter Sa is connected to the terminal device 2a via a communication means such as a communication cable, and the color and density of the color chart Pa are measured, and the input is automatically performed. Also good. In response to this, the transmission / reception unit 2ab transmits to the management server 1 measurement values of color and density at each measurement point of the color chart Pa by the input colorimeter Sa (measurement value transmission step; S03). ).

  In the management server 1, the transmission / reception unit 1a receives this (measurement value reception step) and stores it in the measurement value storage unit 1b. At this time, the measured values of color and density at each measurement point of the color chart Pa by the colorimeter Sa are registered as measured values in the measured value data table 1ba shown in FIG. 4 (S04). In addition, the measurement value storage unit 1b stores color and density measurement values at the measurement points of the color charts Pb and Pc corresponding to the output devices 3b and 3c. As in the case, a measurement value data table is created.

  The error calculation unit 1c calculates an error with respect to the reference value of the measurement value of color and density at each measurement point registered in the measurement value data table 1ba shown in FIG. 4 (error calculation step; S05).

  Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, in the management reference value data table 1da shown in FIG. 3, as the intermediate management reference value A, the error ± 0. 05 is set, and an error ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of magenta (M) is set as the management reference value.

  Thereby, when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of magenta (M) belongs to a range of 0.05 or more and less than 0.1, remote adjustment by the adjustment instruction unit 1g described later is performed, Further, when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of magenta (M) belongs to a range of 0.1 or more, the notification device 1h described later outputs an output device to the operator with respect to the terminal device 2a. An instruction to display a message prompting the maintenance of 3a is performed (hereinafter, the same processing is performed for the other “examples”).

  The determination unit 1f determines in which range the error with respect to the reference value of the magenta (M) density measurement value calculated by the error calculation unit 1c belongs to the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value described above. Determination (determination step; S06).

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result, and when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of magenta (M) is in the range of 0.05 or more and less than 0.1 (S07). Yes), since this can be dealt with by remote adjustment, for example, the temperature of the developing solution in the developing unit 3ac of the output device 3a is set so that the absolute value of the error is less than 0.05. Remote adjustment is performed via the terminal device 2a (adjustment instruction step; S08). Specifically, the development processing temperature set in the development temperature setting unit 3aca of the development processing unit 3ac is a lower value when the error is a positive value, and the error is a negative value. In this case, an adjustment instruction signal for changing to a higher value is transmitted. In response to this, the development temperature setting unit 3ac of the development processing unit 3ac changes the development processing temperature in accordance with the adjustment instruction signal. Then, the development temperature adjusting unit 3acb adjusts the temperature of the development processing solution to the changed development processing temperature (hereinafter, the temperature of the development processing solution of the development processing unit 3ac is also remotely In the case of “adjust”, the same processing is performed). Note that the temperature adjustment of the development processing solution of the development processing unit 3ac of the output device 3a described above is performed when the above-described error falls within the range of the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value in the determination by the determination unit 1f. The contents of remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g are set in advance.

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of magenta (M) belongs to a range of 0.1 or more (S09, Yes). Since this cannot be dealt with by remote adjustment, an instruction to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a is given to the terminal device 2a (notification instruction step; S10) ). Specifically, a notification instruction signal to that effect is transmitted to the terminal device 2a. The notification instruction signal is received by the transmission / reception unit 2ab of the terminal device 2a. In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message that prompts the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (hereinafter, “instructs to display the above-described message” also for other “examples”). In such a case, the same processing is performed). The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  Incidentally, in the above determination, the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of magenta (M) does not belong to the range of 0.05 or more and less than 0.1 (S07, No), and 0 When it does not belong to the range of 1 or more (S09, No), that is, when it belongs to the range of 0.05 or less, the normal operation is continued (hereinafter, the same applies to the other “examples”). Processing shall be performed).

  Note that the above-described intermediate management reference value A of ± 0.05 is an allowable value related to the concentration of magenta (M) of the output material output from the output device 3a, for example, obtained by analyzing past data. Further, the range of ± 0.05 or more that is the intermediate management reference value A and less than ± 0.1 that is the management reference value is, for example, an output product output from the output device 3a obtained by analyzing past data The magenta (M) density can be remotely adjusted from the management server 1. In addition, the range of ± 0.1 or more that is the management reference value is a range that is obtained by analyzing past data, and that the operator needs to deal with after confirming the cause of the error. It is. Hereinafter, when the terms “intermediate management reference value” and “management reference value” are used, they shall be understood to have the same meaning.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, when the error of the magenta (M) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is −0.12 with respect to the reference value, the display unit 2ac of the terminal device 2a displays a message for urging maintenance. When the operator ignores this and the development temperature adjustment unit 3acb of the development processing unit 3ac increases the development processing temperature by more than 3.0 [° C.] by remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g. In this case, the activation level of the developing processing solution is excessively increased, fogging occurs in the non-image area of the photosensitive material, and the white color tone is changed.

  In the above description, for the sake of convenience, the terms “more than” and “less than” are used, for example, ± 0.05 or more, less than ± 0.1, or ± 0.1 or more. “Over” or “below” is not practically a problem. Hereinafter, when the words “more than” and “less than” are used, they shall be understood to have the same meaning.

  As described above, in the color management system and the color management method according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 causes the management reference value setting unit 1d to detect in advance an error with respect to the reference value of the measurement value of the color chart Pa. It is determined which range is classified by the set intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value, and when the error is not less than the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value, the adjustment instruction unit 1g remotely adjusts the development processing unit 3ac of the output device 3a so that the error is less than the intermediate management reference value A. If the error is equal to or greater than the management reference value, the notification instruction unit 1h Since the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message that prompts the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a, an error occurs with respect to the reference values of the measured values of the color charts Pa to Pc. It is possible to perform appropriate action depending on the extent that belongs. That is, the state management of the image forming apparatus can be appropriately performed according to the magnitude of the error of the measurement value of the color chart with respect to the reference value, and the color management of the image forming apparatus can be stably performed.

In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG. Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are previously set as intermediate management reference values A and B in the management reference value data table 1da shown in FIG. an error ± 1.0 ^{a *} value for the reference value of the color measurement values of the black (K) composed by coloring each color ^{(L *} a * ^{b *} color) of, and ± 2.0 is set, also, As the management reference value, an error ± 3.0 with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of black (K) is set.

  The determination unit 1f belongs to any range in which the error with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of black (K) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is divided by the above-described intermediate management reference values A and B and the management reference value. Is determined (determination step; S11).

  In response to the determination result, the adjustment instruction unit 1g, when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of black (K) belongs to a range of 1.0 or more and less than 2.0 (S12). Yes), it is possible to cope with this by adjusting the temperature of the developing solution, so that the developing solution of the developing unit 3ac of the output device 3a is set so that the absolute value of the error is less than 1.0. Is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a (adjustment instruction step; S13). Further, when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the black (K) color measurement value is in the range of 2.0 or more and less than 3.0 (S14, Yes), the development processing solution is added thereto. Therefore, the amount of light of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the error is less than 1.0. Adjustment instruction step; S15). Specifically, the light amount related to the color development of magenta (M) set in the exposure amount setting unit 3aaa of the exposure unit 3aa is set to a lower value when the error is a positive value, and the error is − If the value is an adjustment value, an adjustment instruction signal for changing to a higher value is transmitted. In response to this, the exposure amount setting unit 3aaa of the exposure unit 3aa changes the amount of light according to the adjustment instruction signal. Then, the exposure amount adjustment unit 3aab adjusts the light amount of the light source to the changed light amount (hereinafter, for other “examples”, such as “remotely adjust the light amount of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a”). In this case, the same processing is performed). The temperature adjustment of the developing processing solution of the developing processing unit 3ac of the output device 3a described above belongs to a range in which the above-described error is not less than the intermediate management reference value A and less than the intermediate management reference value B in the determination by the determination unit 1f. In this case, it is set in advance as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g. Further, the light amount adjustment of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a described above is performed when the determination unit 1f determines that the above-described error belongs to a range that is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value B and less than the management reference value. Is set in advance as the contents of remote adjustment to be performed.

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of black (K) belongs to a range of 3.0 or more (S16, Yes), The terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S17). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, when the error with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of black (K) is −3.3, the display unit 2ac of the terminal device 2a displays a message for urging maintenance. , And the light intensity of the exposure unit 3aa is adjusted by remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g, for example. However, the density of the solid portion is corrected, but the color tone of the halftone dot changes and There was a problem that it was finished in different quality.

  As described above, in the color management system and the color management method according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 causes an error relative to the reference value of the measurement value of the color chart Pa to the management reference value setting unit 1d. When it is determined which range is divided by the preset intermediate management reference values A and B and the management reference value, and the error is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A and less than the intermediate management reference value B The adjustment instruction unit 1g performs remote adjustment of the development processing unit 3ac of the output device 3a so that the error is less than the intermediate management reference value A, and the error is equal to or greater than the intermediate management reference value B. If it is less than the value, the adjustment instructing unit 1g performs remote adjustment of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a so that the error is less than the intermediate management reference value A, and the error is greater than or equal to the management reference value. In this case, the notification instruction unit 1h instructs the terminal device 2a to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a. Thus, it is possible to take an appropriate measure more finely according to the range to which the error of the measured values of the color charts Pa to Pc belongs to the reference value. That is, it is possible to more appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus according to the magnitude of the error of the measurement value of the color chart with respect to the reference value, and to perform more stable color management of the image forming apparatus.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to the reference values of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is divided by the value (S18). As will be described later, the adjustment instructing unit 1g receives the determination result, and an error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is an intermediate management reference. When the value is greater than or equal to the value A and less than the management reference value, the measured value storage unit 1b is referred to, and the error of the color is the same in the other output devices 3b and 3c with respect to the reference value. When the activation level of the developing solution in each of the output devices 3a to 3c is analyzed to be substantially the same, the amount of light in the exposure unit 3aa is increased as remote adjustment, If the color error does not tend to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value, the output device 3a analyzes that the activation level of the developing solution is lowered, and remotely As adjustment, for example, treatment liquid The replenishing amount of the development processing solution in the charging section 3ab 20 [%] and to increase. Note that the above-described increase rate of the replenishment amount of 20 [%] is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance. In addition, in the determination by the determination unit 1f, the above-described error is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A in the light amount adjustment of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a and the replenishment amount adjustment of the development processing liquid of the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab When belonging to a range less than the management reference value, it is preset as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. In the other output devices 3b and 3c that are in the above range and less than 0.1 (S19, Yes) and are managed in the measurement value storage unit 1b of the management server 1, the error of the color is the reference. When there is a tendency to shift in the same direction with respect to the value (S20, Yes), the light amount of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is set to the terminal device so that the absolute value of the color error is less than 0.05. Remote adjustment is performed via 2a (adjustment instruction step; S21). Further, the adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. If it is above and belongs to the range of less than 0.1 (S19, Yes) and the color error does not tend to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value (S20, No), the color error Is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the developing solution is less than 0.05 via the terminal device 2a (adjustment instruction step; S22). Specifically, the replenishment amount set in the replenishment amount setting unit 3aba of the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab is a lower value when the error is a positive value, and the error is a negative value. In this case, an adjustment instruction signal for changing to a higher value is transmitted. In response to this, the replenishment amount setting unit 3aba of the processing liquid replenishing unit 3ab changes the replenishment amount according to the adjustment instruction signal. Then, the replenishing unit 3abb adjusts the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid with respect to the development processing tank of the development processing unit 3ac to the changed replenishment amount (hereinafter referred to as “processing liquid replenishing unit” as well in other “examples”) In the case of “remotely adjusting the replenishment amount of the developing solution in 3ab”, the same processing is performed).

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When belonging to the above range (S23, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S24). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, the error of the yellow (Y) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is −0.09, and the yellow (Y) of the other output devices 3 b and 3 c managed in the measurement value storage unit 1 b of the management server 1. When the error of the measured density value with respect to the reference value is an average +0.02, for example, by remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g, the replenishment amount of the developing solution in the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab is increased by 20 [%]. As a result, it was possible to maintain a certain finish visually. On the other hand, when the amount of light of the exposure unit 3aa was adjusted, the density of the solid part could be maintained between the intermediate management reference value and the management reference value, but the color tone of the halftone dot changed, and the visually different quality There was a problem that it was finished.

  As described above, in the color management system and the color management method in this embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the measured value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit 1d. The intermediate management reference value A set in advance and the range classified by the management reference value are determined, and any of those errors is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value, In addition, in the other output devices 3b and 3c managed in the measurement value storage unit 1b of the management server 1, when the color error tends to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value, The adjustment instruction unit 1g performs remote adjustment of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a so that the color error is less than the intermediate management reference value A, and the color error is in the same direction with respect to the reference value. If there is no tendency to shift, the adjustment instruction unit 1g performs remote adjustment of the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab of the output device 3a so that the color error is less than the intermediate management reference value A. Therefore, the management server 1 In other output devices 3b and 3c managed in the measured value storage unit 1b, appropriate measures can be taken according to the transition tendency of the error with respect to the reference value of the measured value of each color. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on a plurality of pieces of measurement value information and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to a reference value of each density measurement value of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S25). As will be described later, the adjustment instructing unit 1g receives the determination result, and an error with respect to the reference value of one of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is an intermediate management reference. When the value is greater than or equal to the value A and less than the management reference value, the measured value storage unit 1b is referred to and the error between the color and other colors tends to shift in the same direction, for example, to the reference value. In some cases, for example, in the output device 3a, it is analyzed that the activation level of the developing solution is lowered, and as a remote adjustment, the replenishing amount of the developing solution in the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab is 20 [%. ] Increase. Further, when the error between the color and other colors does not tend to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value, for example, in the output device 3a, the light source of each color of the exposure unit 3aa has a variation in the amount of light. And the amount of light in the exposure unit 3aa is increased. Note that the above-described increase rate of the replenishment amount of 20 [%] is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance. In addition, in the determination by the determination unit 1f, the above-described error is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A in the adjustment of the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab of the output device 3a and the adjustment of the light amount in the exposure unit 3aa. In addition, when belonging to a range less than the management reference value, it is set in advance as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. When it is above and belongs to the range of less than 0.1 (S26, Yes), and the error between the color and other colors tends to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value (S27, Yes), The replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishing section 3ab of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the color error is less than 0.05 (adjustment instruction step; S28). . Further, the adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. When it is above and belongs to the range of less than 0.1 (S26, Yes), and the error between the color and other colors does not tend to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value (S27, No), The light amount in the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the color error is less than 0.05 (adjustment instruction step; S29).

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When belonging to the above range (S30, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S31). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, the error of the magenta (M) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is −0.08, and other colors managed in the measurement value storage unit 1b of the management server 1, that is, yellow (Y), cyan When the errors of the density measurement values in (C) with respect to the reference value are −0.02 and −0.04, respectively, in view of the densities of yellow (Y) and cyan (C), for example, the adjustment instruction unit 1g When the adjustment of increasing the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishing portion 3ab was performed by the remote adjustment, a certain quality could be obtained visually, but when the light amount of the exposure portion 3aa was adjusted, As a result, there was a problem that the color tone of the halftone dot was greatly changed, and the quality was different from that obtained by visual observation.

  As described above, in the color management system and color management method according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the measured value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit 1d. The intermediate management reference value A set in advance and the range classified by the management reference value are determined, and any of those errors is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value, In addition, when the error between the color and other colors tends to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value, the adjustment instruction unit 1g causes the color error to be less than the intermediate management reference value A. When the remote adjustment of the processing liquid replenishing unit 3ab of the output device 3a is performed and the error between the color and other colors does not tend to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value, the adjustment instruction unit 1g The color error is intermediate management Since the remote adjustment of the exposed portion 3aa of the output device 3a to be less than reference value A, it is possible to perform appropriate action in accordance with the transition tendency of the error with respect to the reference value of the measured values of each color. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on a plurality of pieces of measurement value information and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, yellow (Y), magenta are used as the intermediate management reference value A corresponding to the measurement values of a plurality of items, specifically, the density measurement value and the color measurement value of each color in advance. An error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of (M) and cyan (C) is set, and a color difference ΔE = {(ΔL ^* ) as an error with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of each color. ^{2 + (Δa *) 2 +} (Δb *) 2} 1/2 = 2.5 is set, and as control reference value, yellow (Y), the concentration of each color of magenta (M), cyan (C) An error of ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the measured value is set. Note that ΔL ^* , Δa ^* , and Δb ^* described above represent color differences in the L ^* a ^* b ^* color system defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). Here, yellow (Y), magenta The difference between the density measurement value of each color of (M) and cyan (C) and their reference value is shown.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to the reference values of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S32). As will be described later, the adjustment instructing unit 1g receives the determination result, and an error with respect to the reference value of one of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is an intermediate management reference. If the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color is 2.5 or more with reference to the measurement value storage unit 1b when the value is greater than or equal to the value A and less than the management reference value, the output device In 3a, there is a cause of the error in the exposure unit 3aa, and it is analyzed that it is appropriate to adjust the light amount, and the light amount in the exposure unit 3aa is adjusted as remote adjustment. When the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color is less than 2.5, there is a cause of the error in the processing liquid replenishing unit 3ab in the output device 3a, and the developing processing liquid It is analyzed that it is appropriate to adjust the replenishment amount, and as a remote adjustment, the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishing unit 3ab is adjusted. Note that 2.5, which is the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of each color described above, is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance. Further, in the determination by the determination unit 1f, the above-described error is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A in the adjustment of the light amount in the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a and the adjustment of the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab. In addition, when belonging to a range less than the management reference value, it is set in advance as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. If the color difference ΔE belongs to the range of less than 0.1 (S33, Yes) and the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color is 2.5 or more (S34, Yes), the density of the color The light amount of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the measurement value error is less than 0.05 (adjustment instruction step; S35). Further, the adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. If the color difference ΔE belongs to the range of less than 0.1 (S33, Yes) and the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color is less than 2.5 (S34, No), the density of the color The replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishing section 3ab of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the measurement value error is less than 0.05 (adjustment instruction step; S36). .

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When belonging to the above range (S37, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S38). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, the error of the cyan (C) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is −0.09, and the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color managed in the measurement value storage unit 1 b of the management server 1. If the light quantity of the exposure unit 3aa is adjusted by, for example, remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g without considering this, the density of the solid portion is constant, but the halftone dot The color tone changed, resulting in a problem that the finished product had a different quality visually.

  As described above, in the color management system and the color management method according to this embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit. It is determined which range is divided by the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value set in advance to 1d, and the error of any one of the density measurement values is not less than the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference When the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color is less than the predetermined value, the adjustment instruction unit 1g indicates that the error of the density measurement value of the color is less than the intermediate management reference value A. When the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted so that the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color is less than a predetermined value, the adjustment instruction unit 1g Density measurement Since the remote adjustment of the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab of the output device 3a is performed so that the error of the fixed value is less than the intermediate management reference value A, appropriate measures are taken according to the tendency of the error with respect to the reference values of the measurement values of a plurality of items. be able to. That is, it is possible to perform comprehensive judgment based on the measurement value information of a plurality of items and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  Here, in the unique information storage unit 1e, the usage amount data of the photosensitive material in each of the output devices 3a to 3c is stored in advance. For example, when the output device 3a is described as an example of the usage amount data of the photosensitive material, the operator inputs the data acquired and set by the unique information setting unit 3ad to the terminal device 2a, and the transmission / reception unit 2ab transmits this. In addition to the transmission / reception unit 1a of the management server 1 receiving this information being stored in the specific information storage unit 1e in advance, the transmission / reception unit 3ae is automatically used in the output device 3a. Usage data may be acquired from the unique information setting unit 3ad, transmitted to the management server 1, and the transmission / reception unit 1a of the management server 1 receiving this may be stored in the unique information storage unit 1e in advance. (Hereinafter, the same applies to other “Examples”).

The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to the reference values of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S39). As will be described later, the adjustment instructing unit 1g receives the determination result, and an error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is an intermediate management reference. When the value is greater than or equal to the value A and less than the management reference value, the usage amount of the photosensitive material is large with reference to the usage amount data of the photosensitive material corresponding to the output device 3a stored in the unique information storage unit 1e. As a result of analysis that the activation level of the developing processing solution is lowered, as a remote adjustment, for example, when the amount of photosensitive material used in the output device 3a is 10 [m ² / day] or more, the processing solution If the replenishing amount of the developing processing solution in the replenishing unit 3ab is increased by 20 [%], and the amount of photosensitive material used in the output device 3a is less than 10 [m ² / day], the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab Replenishment of developing solution in It is assumed that the amount is increased by 10 [%]. Note that 20 [%] and 10 [%], which are the increase rate of the replenishment amount described above, are values obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and are set in advance. Has been. Further, the adjustment of the replenishment amount of the developing processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishing unit 3ab of the output device 3a described above belongs to a range in which the above-described error is not less than the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value in the determination by the determination unit 1f. In this case, it is set in advance as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

In response to the determination result of the determination unit 1f, the adjustment instruction unit 1g has a negative error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). When the absolute value belongs to the range of 0.05 or more and less than 0.1 (S40, Yes), and the usage amount of the photosensitive material corresponding to the output device 3a is 10 [m ² / day] or more. (S41, Yes), the replenishing amount of the developing solution in the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab of the output device 3a is set to 20 [%] via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the error is less than 0.05. Remote adjustment is performed to increase the amount (adjustment instruction step; S42). Further, the adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the above determination result, and the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is a negative value. When the absolute value belongs to the range of 0.05 or more and less than 0.1 (S40, Yes), and the usage amount of the photosensitive material corresponding to the output device 3a is less than 10 [m ² / day]. (S41, No), the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishing section 3ab of the output device 3a is set to 10 [%] via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the error is less than 0.05. Remote adjustment to increase is performed (adjustment instruction step; S43).

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When belonging to the above range (S44, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S45). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the worker. Incidentally, the error of the density measurement value of magenta (M) with respect to the reference value is −0.08, and the usage amount data of the photosensitive material of the output device 3a managed in the specific information storage unit 1e of the management server 1 is If the value is 10 [m ² / day] or more, the replenishment amount of the developing solution in the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab is increased by 10 [%], for example, by remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g without considering this. As a result of this adjustment, the density of magenta (M) was not completely corrected, resulting in a problem that the quality was visually different.

  As described above, in the color management system and color management method according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the measured value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit 1d. The intermediate management reference value A set in advance and the range classified by the management reference value are determined, and any of those errors is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value, When the error is a negative value and the amount of photosensitive material used in the output device 3a is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the adjustment instruction unit 1g causes the error to be less than the intermediate management reference value A. Remote adjustment to increase the replenishment amount of the developing processing solution by the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab of the output device 3a to a large extent, and when the usage amount of the photosensitive material in the output device 3a is less than a predetermined amount. Since the adjustment instructing unit 1g performs remote adjustment to increase the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid by the processing liquid replenishing unit 3ab of the output device 3a to a small extent so that the error becomes less than the intermediate management reference value A, the output device Appropriate measures can be taken according to the amount of photosensitive material 3a used. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on the unique information of the output device and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  Here, in the unique information storage unit 1e, lot number information of the photosensitive material in each of the output devices 3a to 3c is stored in advance.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to a reference value of each density measurement value of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S46). As will be described later, the adjustment instructing unit 1g receives the determination result, and an error with respect to the reference value of one of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is an intermediate management reference. When the value is greater than or equal to the value A and less than the management reference value, the lot number information of the photosensitive material corresponding to the output device 3a and the other output devices 3b and 3c stored in the unique information storage unit 1e is referred to. When the above-mentioned errors corresponding to the output devices 3b and 3c using the photosensitive material having the same lot number as the output device 3a tend to shift in the same direction, the photosensitive materials used in the output devices 3a to 3c. As a remote adjustment, the amount of light in the exposure unit 3aa is increased, and a photosensitive material having the same lot number as that of the output device 3a is used. In the case where the above-described errors corresponding to the output devices 3b and 3c do not tend to change in the same direction, the output processing unit 3ac and the other output devices 3b and 3c have the development processing solution activity in the development processing unit 3ac. For example, the replenishment amount of the developing solution in the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab is increased by 20 [%] as remote adjustment. Note that the above-described increase rate of the replenishment amount of 20 [%] is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance. Further, in the determination by the determination unit 1f, the above-described error is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A in the adjustment of the light amount in the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a and the adjustment of the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab. In addition, when belonging to a range less than the management reference value, it is set in advance as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. The above-described errors corresponding to the other output devices 3b and 3c that belong to the range of less than 0.1 (S47, Yes) and use the photosensitive material having the same lot number as the output device 3a are in the same direction. (S48, Yes), the light amount in the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so that the absolute value of the error is less than 0.05 ( Adjustment instruction step; S49). Further, the adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. The error described above corresponding to the other output devices 3b and 3c that belong to the range of less than 0.1 (S47, Yes) and use the photosensitive material having the same lot number as that of the output device 3a. When there is no tendency to change in the same direction (S48, No), the replenishment amount of the developing processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishing section 3ab of the output device 3a is set to the terminal so that the absolute value of the error is less than 0.05. Remote adjustment is performed via the device 2a (adjustment instruction step; S50).

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When belonging to the above range (S51, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S52). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, an error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of yellow (Y) is −0.09, and the photosensitive material having the same lot number as the output device 3a managed in the unique information storage unit 1e of the management server 1 is used. When the error of the measured density value of yellow (Y) in the other output devices 3b and 3c that use the value is −0.04 and −0.03, respectively, When the replenishment amount of the development processing solution is increased by 20 [%] by remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g, the activation level of the development processing solution is excessively increased, and fogging occurs in the non-image area of the photosensitive material. Specifically, the density of the solid portion is constant, but the color tone of the halftone dot changes, resulting in a problem that the quality is visually different.

  As described above, in the color management system and color management method according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the measured value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit 1d. The intermediate management reference value A set in advance and the range classified by the management reference value are determined, and any of those errors is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value, If the measured values in the other output devices 3b and 3c using the photosensitive material having the same lot number as that of the output device 3a tend to have the same tendency, the adjustment instruction unit 1g causes the error to be an intermediate management reference value. The light quantity of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is adjusted remotely so that it is less than A, and other outputs using a photosensitive material having the same lot number as the output device 3a. When the measured values in the devices 3b and 3c do not have the same tendency, the adjustment instruction unit 1g causes the processing solution replenishment unit 3ab of the output device 3a to supply the development processing solution so that the error is less than the intermediate management reference value A. Since the replenishment amount is adjusted remotely, it is possible to take an appropriate measure according to the lot number of the photosensitive material used by the output device 3a and the other output devices 3b and 3c. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on the unique information of the output device and other output devices, and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error of ± 0.12 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to a reference value of each density measurement value of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S55). However, prior to that, the determination unit 1f refers to the measurement value storage unit 1b, and the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is another output. Also in the devices 3b and 3c, when there is a tendency to shift in the same direction with respect to the reference value, for example, to the negative side (S53, Yes), the same phenomenon occurs in each of the output devices 3a to 3c. In order to see the situation, the intermediate management reference value A of each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is shifted, for example, by 0.05 to the negative side (S54). Make a decision. At this time, the determination unit 1f may replace the management reference value of the corresponding color from the management reference value setting unit 1d with a range shifted by 0.05 to the negative side, or the management reference value setting unit 1d. The management reference value of the corresponding color stored in the management reference value data table 1da may be rewritten to a range shifted by 0.05 to the negative side (hereinafter, the same applies to other embodiments). . Incidentally, when the determination unit 1f refers to the measurement value storage unit 1b, the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is different from that of the other output device 3b. In 3c, when it is not in the same direction with respect to the reference value (S53, No), it is a phenomenon inherent to the output device 3a and needs to be dealt with immediately. It is appropriate to shift the intermediate management reference value A. The intermediate management reference value A for each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is determined without shifting. The shift amount 0.05 described above is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. Above (however, when the intermediate management reference value A is shifted, the error is −0.1 or more) and when it falls within the range of less than 0.12 (S56, Yes), the absolute value of the error is 0. ..05 (however, when the intermediate control reference value A is shifted, the error is less than −0.1), the light amount of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a. (Adjustment instruction step; S57). The light amount adjustment in the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a described above is performed when the determination unit 1f determines that the error is in the range of the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value. It is set in advance as the content of remote adjustment performed by 1g.

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.12. When belonging to the above range (S58, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S59). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, the error of the magenta (M) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is −0.1, and the magenta (M) of the other output devices 3 b and 3 c managed in the measurement value storage unit 1 b of the management server 1. In view of this, when the error of the density measurement value of the average is −0.07 on the average, the middle of magenta (M) of the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d The determination was made after shifting the management reference value A to the negative side, and the light quantity of the exposure unit 3aa was adjusted by, for example, remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

  As described above, in the color management system and color management method according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the measured value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit 1d. When determining which range is divided by the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value set in advance, each of the colors corresponding to the other output devices 3b and 3c managed by the measurement value storage unit 1b If the error is changing in the same direction, the determination is made after shifting the intermediate management reference value A in the changing direction, so that other values managed by the measured value storage unit 1b of the management server 1 are used. Appropriate measures can be taken according to the transition trend of the error with respect to the reference value of the measured value of each color in the output devices 3b and 3c. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on a plurality of pieces of measurement value information and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error of ± 0.12 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to a reference value of each density measurement value of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined to which range the values are classified (S62). However, the determination unit 1 f refers to the measurement value storage unit 1 b before that with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) in the output device 3 a. When the error tends to shift in the same direction, for example, in the negative direction with respect to the reference value (S60, Yes), the output device 3a is analyzed to analyze that the same phenomenon has occurred and see the state. Therefore, the intermediate management reference value A of each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is shifted by, for example, 0.05 to make a determination (S61). Incidentally, when the determination unit 1f refers to the measurement value storage unit 1b, an error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) in the output device 3a is the reference. If the values are not in the same direction (S60, No), it is a phenomenon unique to each color and needs to be dealt with immediately, and it is analyzed that shifting the intermediate management reference value A is not appropriate. The determination is made without shifting the intermediate management reference value A for each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d. The shift amount 0.05 described above is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. Above (however, if the intermediate management reference value A is shifted, the error is -0.1 or more) and if it falls within the range of less than 0.12 (S63, Yes), the absolute value of the error is 0. ..05 (however, when the intermediate control reference value A is shifted, the error is less than −0.1), the light amount of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a. (Adjustment instruction step; S64). The light amount adjustment in the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a described above is performed when the determination unit 1f determines that the error is in the range of the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value. It is set in advance as the content of remote adjustment performed by 1g.

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.12. When belonging to the above range (S65, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S66). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, the error of the magenta (M) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is -0.11, and other colors managed in the measurement value storage unit 1b of the management server 1, that is, yellow (Y), cyan When the errors of the density measurement values in (C) are −0.02 and −0.04, respectively, the management stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d without taking this into consideration. A determination is made without shifting the intermediate management reference value A of magenta (M) in the reference value data table 1da to the-side. However, the color tone of the halftone dots changed, resulting in a problem in that the quality was visually different.

  As described above, in the color management system and color management method according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the measured value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit 1d. When determining which range is divided by the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value set in advance, the error of each color corresponding to the output device 3a managed in the measurement value storage unit 1b is the same. Since the determination is made after shifting the intermediate management reference value A in the transition direction, the output device 3a corresponds to the error transition tendency with respect to the reference value of the measured value of each color. Appropriate measures can be taken. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on a plurality of pieces of measurement value information and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Is set, and an error with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of each color, that is, a color difference ΔE2.5 is set, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are set as management reference values. An error of ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color is set.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to the reference values of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S69). However, the determination unit 1f refers to the measurement value storage unit 1b before that, when the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of each color in the output device 3a is less than 2.5 (S67, Yes) In the output device 3a, it is analyzed that the density is simply lowered, and the width of the management reference value of each color of the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is set to 0, for example. The shift is greatly shifted by 0.03 (S68) and the determination is made. Incidentally, when the determination unit 1f refers to the measurement value storage unit 1b and the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of each color in the output device 3a is 2.5 or more (S67, No), In the output device 3a, there is a possibility that the density is not simply decreased, and it is analyzed that the light quantity of the exposure unit 3aa should be adjusted without shifting the width of the management reference value. The determination is made without shifting the width of the management reference value of each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the reference value setting unit 1d. The above-described shift amount 0.03 is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. If it is in the range above and below 0.1 (however, if the management reference value is shifted, the absolute value of the error is less than 0.13) (S70, Yes), the absolute value of the error is 0. The light quantity of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so as to be less than .05 (adjustment instruction step; S71). The light amount adjustment in the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a described above is performed when the determination unit 1f determines that the error is in the range of the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value. It is set in advance as the content of remote adjustment performed by 1g.

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When the management reference value is shifted (if the absolute value of the error is 0.13 or more) (S72, Yes), the output device 3a is sent to the operator with respect to the terminal device 2a. An instruction to display a message urging to perform maintenance is performed (notification instruction step; S73). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, the error of the cyan (C) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is −0.12, and the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of the color managed in the measurement value storage unit 1 b of the management server 1. Is less than 2.5, considering this, the width of the cyan (C) management reference value of the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is greatly shifted. When the light quantity of the exposure unit 3aa was adjusted, for example, by remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction unit 1g, it was finished with a certain quality visually.

  As described above, in the color management system and the color management method according to this embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit. Color measurement of each color corresponding to the output device 3a managed in the measurement value storage unit 1b when determining which range is divided by the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value set in advance to 1d When the color difference ΔE with respect to the reference value of the value is less than the predetermined value, the determination is performed after the management reference value is shifted in the direction of increasing the width thereof, so the reference value of the color measurement value of each color in the output device 3a Appropriate measures can be taken according to the magnitude of the color difference ΔE with respect to. That is, it is possible to perform comprehensive judgment based on the measurement value information of a plurality of items and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16 following (Error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  Here, in the unique information storage unit 1e, the usage amount data of the photosensitive material in each of the output devices 3a to 3c is stored in advance.

The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to the reference values of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S76). However, the determination unit 1f refers to the photosensitive material usage amount data corresponding to the output device 3a stored in the unique information storage unit 1e before, and the usage amount of the photosensitive material is, for example, 10 [ m ² / day] (S74, Yes), in the output device 3a, the development processing solution is analyzed to be oxidatively fatigued, and its activation level is greatly reduced. The determination is performed by shifting the width of the intermediate management reference value A of each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the value setting unit 1d by, for example, 0.02 (S75). Incidentally, when the determination unit 1f refers to the specific information storage unit 1e and the usage amount of the photosensitive material corresponding to the output device 3a is 10 [m ² / day] or more (S74, No) In the output device 3a, the oxidation fatigue level of the developing solution does not decrease so much, and the replenishing amount of the developing solution in the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab is set without shifting the width of the intermediate control reference value A. It is analyzed that the adjustment should be made to increase by 10 [%], and the intermediate management reference value A for each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is determined without shifting. . The above-described shift amount 0.02 is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. Above (however, if the intermediate control reference value A is shifted, the absolute value of the error is 0.03 or more) and if it falls within the range of less than 0.1 (S77, Yes), the absolute value of the error Is less than 0.05 (however, if the intermediate control reference value A is shifted, the absolute value of the error is less than 0.03), the development processing liquid of the processing liquid replenishing section 3ab of the output device 3a The replenishment amount is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a (adjustment instruction step; S78). Note that the adjustment of the replenishment amount of the developing solution of the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab of the output device 3a described above is within the range in which the above error is greater than or equal to the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value in the determination by the determination unit 1f. When belonging, it is set in advance as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When belonging to the above range (S79, Yes), the terminal device 2a is instructed to display a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance of the output device 3a (notification instruction step; S80). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the worker. Incidentally, the error of the magenta (M) density measurement value with respect to the reference value is −0.04, and the usage amount data of the photosensitive material of the output device 3a managed in the specific information storage unit 1e of the management server 1 is the same. When the value is less than 10 [m ² / day], the magenta (M) intermediate management reference value A of the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is not taken into consideration. In the case where the determination was made without shifting and no adjustment was made, there was a problem that the quality of the product was visually different.

  As described above, in the color management system and the color management method according to this embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit. When determining which range is divided by the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value preset to 1d, the usage amount of the photosensitive material in the output device 3a stored in the unique information storage unit 1e is If it is less than the predetermined amount, the determination is made after shifting the intermediate management reference value A in the direction of decreasing the width thereof, and therefore appropriate measures are taken according to the amount of photosensitive material used in the output device 3a. Can do. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on the unique information of the output device and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  In the following, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17 following (error calculation step; S05) in FIG.

  Here, in the management reference value setting unit 1d, an error of ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is previously set as the intermediate management reference value A. Further, as the management reference value, an error ± 0.1 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is set.

  Here, in the unique information storage unit 1e, lot number information of the photosensitive material in each of the output devices 3a to 3c is stored in advance.

  The determination unit 1f determines that an error with respect to the reference values of the density measurement values of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) calculated by the error calculation unit 1c is the above-described intermediate management reference value A and management reference. It is determined which range is classified by the value (S83). However, before the determination unit 1f, the above-described error corresponding to the other output devices 3b and 3c using the photosensitive material having the same lot number as that of the output device 3a, which is stored in the unique information storage unit 1e. If there is a tendency to change in the same direction (S81, Yes), the activation level of the developing solution is almost the same in the output device 3a and the other output devices 3b and 3c. The width of the management reference value of each color corresponding to the output device 3a of the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d is shifted by, for example, 0.03 (S82) I do. Incidentally, when the determination unit 1f refers to the unique information storage unit 1e, there is no output device that uses a photosensitive material having the same lot number as that of the output device 3a, or the like that uses a photosensitive material having the same lot number. If the above-described errors corresponding to the output devices 3b and 3c of the output device 3b and 3c do not tend to shift in the same direction (S81, No), the output device 3a performs processing without shifting the width of the management reference value. Analyzing that the replenishment amount of the development processing solution by the liquid replenishing unit 3ab should be adjusted, and determining without shifting the management reference value of each color in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d I do. The above-described shift amount 0.03 is a value obtained by analyzing past data, for example, and is set in advance.

  The adjustment instruction unit 1g receives the determination result of the determination unit 1f, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.05. If it is in the range above and below 0.1 (however, if the control reference value is shifted, the absolute value of the error is less than 0.13) (S84, Yes), the absolute value of the error is 0. The replenishment amount of the development processing liquid by the processing liquid replenishing section 3ab of the output device 3a is remotely adjusted via the terminal device 2a so as to be less than 0.05 (adjustment instruction step; S85). The adjustment of the replenishment amount of the development processing solution by the processing solution replenishment unit 3ab of the output device 3a described above is within the range in which the above-described error is not less than the intermediate management reference value A and less than the management reference value in the determination by the determination unit 1f. When belonging, it is set in advance as the content of the remote adjustment performed by the adjustment instruction unit 1g.

  Further, the notification instruction unit 1h receives the above determination result, and the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of any one of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) is 0.1. When the management reference value is shifted (in the case where the absolute value of the error is 0.13 or more when the management reference value is shifted) (S86, Yes), the output device 3a is sent to the operator with respect to the terminal device 2a. An instruction to display a message prompting to perform maintenance is issued (notification instruction step; S87). In response to this, the display unit 2ac displays a message prompting the operator to perform maintenance on the output device 3a. The worker who has confirmed this takes appropriate measures after confirming the state of the output device 3a.

  As a result of such processing, an output product of a certain quality level is output in the visual confirmation of the operator. Incidentally, the photosensitive material having the same lot number as that of the output device 3a managed in the unique information storage unit 1e of the management server 1 has an error of -0.12 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of magenta (M). When the average of the above-mentioned errors of the other output devices 3b and 3c to be used is −0.05, in view of this, that is, in the management reference value data table 1da stored in the management reference value setting unit 1d. Judgment is made after shifting the width of the management reference value of magenta (M) in the direction of increasing, and the replenishment amount of the development processing liquid in the processing liquid replenishment section 3ab is adjusted by remote adjustment of the adjustment instruction section 1g, for example. , And finished with a certain visual quality.

  As described above, in the color management system and the color management method according to this embodiment, the determination unit 1f of the management server 1 determines that the error relative to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of the color chart Pa is the management reference value setting unit. When determining which range is divided by the intermediate management reference value A and the management reference value set in advance to 1d, the same lot number as that of the output device 3a stored in the unique information storage unit 1e is used. When the above-mentioned errors of the other output devices 3b and 3c that use the material tend to shift in the same direction, since the management reference value is shifted in the direction of increasing the width, the determination is performed. Appropriate measures can be taken according to the lot numbers of the photosensitive materials of the output device 3a and the other output devices 3b and 3c. That is, it is possible to make a comprehensive determination based on the unique information of the output device and other output devices, and appropriately manage the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, stable color management of the image forming apparatus can be performed.

  The color management system and the color management method according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, in the above-mentioned “Example 8”, “Example 9”, and “Example 11”, the intermediate management reference value A is shifted, but instead of or in addition to this, the management reference value is changed. The value may be shifted. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned “Example 10” and “Example 12”, the management reference value is shifted, but instead of this, or in addition to this, the intermediate management reference value A is shifted. May be.

  For example, it is good also as a form which combined two or more above-mentioned "Example 3"-"Example 12". Specific examples thereof will be described below.

For example, the output device 3a-3c is a silver salt that develops yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) with three types of LED light sources of blue (B), green (G), and red (R). In the case of a photographic type image forming apparatus for forming an area gradation image by halftone dots of yellow (Y) plate, cyan (C) plate, magenta (M) plate, and black (BK) plate, In the measurement value storage unit 1b of the management server 1, density measurement values and color measurements of yellow (Y) 100 [%], magenta (M) 100 [%], and cyan (C) 100 [%] of the color charts Po to Pc. Value, yellow (Y) plate 50 [%], cyan (C) plate 50 [%], magenta (M) plate 50 [%], black (BK) plate 50 [%] color measurement value and non-image part In the management reference value setting unit 1d, the color measurement value of a certain white background is managed. Regarding the output device 3a, an error ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) is set as the intermediate management reference value A, and yellow (Y) , Cyan (C) and magenta (M) were set as management reference values with an error of ± 0.10 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color and a color difference ΔE = 3.0 with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of each color. And In addition, an error with respect to the reference value of any measured value of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) of the color chart Pa is a positive value that is equal to or greater than the above-described intermediate management reference value A. When the errors corresponding to the other two colors are both positive values, the adjustment instruction unit 1g causes the development processing unit 3ac to set the error to be less than the above-described intermediate management reference value A. By performing the remote adjustment, the temperature of the developing solution is lowered by 1 [° C.], and the replenishment amount of the developing solution is reduced by 15 [%] by performing the remote adjustment of the processing solution replenishing unit 3ab. When the errors corresponding to the other two colors are both negative values, the adjustment instruction unit 1g performs the remote adjustment of the exposure unit 3aa so that the error is less than the above-described intermediate management reference value A. Thus, the light amount of the corresponding color is reduced. Further, an error with respect to the reference value of any measured value of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) of the color chart Pa is a negative value that is equal to or less than the above-described intermediate management reference value A; When the errors corresponding to the other two colors are both negative values, the adjustment instruction unit 1g performs the remote adjustment of the development processing unit 3ac so that the error is less than the intermediate management reference value A. As a result, the temperature of the developing solution is increased by 1 [° C.], and the replenishment amount of the developing solution is increased by 15 [%] by remotely adjusting the processing solution replenisher 3ab, and the other two colors If the error corresponding to each is a negative value, the adjustment instructing unit 1g performs remote adjustment of the exposure unit 3aa so that the error is less than the intermediate management reference value A. The amount of light will be increased. If the error with respect to the reference value of b ^* , which is the color measurement value of the white background, is 0.5 or more, it is inappropriate to cope with this by adjusting the temperature of the developing solution, so the adjustment instruction unit 1g Does not remotely adjust the development processing unit 3ac.

For example, the output device 3a-3c is a silver salt that develops yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) with three types of LED light sources of blue (B), green (G), and red (R). In the case of a photographic type image forming apparatus for forming an area gradation image by halftone dots of yellow (Y) plate, cyan (C) plate, magenta (M) plate, and black (BK) plate, In the measurement value storage unit 1b of the management server 1, density measurement values and color measurements of yellow (Y) 100 [%], magenta (M) 100 [%], and cyan (C) 100 [%] of the color charts Po to Pc. Value, yellow (Y) plate 50 [%], cyan (C) plate 50 [%], magenta (M) plate 50 [%], black (BK) plate 50 [%] color measurement value and non-image part In the management reference value setting unit 1d, the color measurement value of a certain white background is managed. Regarding the output device 3a, an error ± 0.05 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) is set as the intermediate management reference value A, and yellow (Y) , Cyan (C) and magenta (M) were set as management reference values with an error of ± 0.10 with respect to the reference value of the density measurement value of each color and a color difference ΔE = 3.0 with respect to the reference value of the color measurement value of each color. And In addition, an error with respect to the reference value of any measured value of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) of the color chart Pa is a positive value that is equal to or greater than the above-described intermediate management reference value A. In addition, when the absolute value of the error with respect to the reference value of a ^* which is the color measurement value of the black (BK) plate 50 [%] is 0.5 or more, the determination unit 1f measures the density of the corresponding color. The determination is made after the width of the intermediate management reference value A corresponding to the value is changed to be increased by 0.03.

  Further, for example, in the color management system and the color management method in the present embodiment, the silver halide photographic output devices 3a to 3c using a photosensitive material are adopted as the image forming apparatus. Also, various types of image forming apparatuses can be targeted. Specifically, an image forming apparatus of various printing methods such as an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, a thermal recording method, and an offset / gravure method can be employed.

  Further, for example, in the color management system and the color management method in the present embodiment, the light quantity by the exposure device, the replenishment amount of the developing solution, the temperature of the developing solution, the lot number and the amount of the photosensitive material are used as various variable factors. Etc., and remote adjustment is performed in consideration of these. However, as described above, other factors include the humidity during development processing, individual differences in the image forming apparatus, and colors that change for each lot. Sensitivity characteristics of materials and developing agents, details and timing of maintenance performed, and in electrophotographic image forming devices, there are the charge amount of the photoconductor, the temperature of the thermal head, etc. It is good also as a form which performs the remote adjustment which considered.

  Further, for example, in the color management system and the color management method according to the present embodiment, as remote adjustment by the adjustment instruction unit 1g of the management server 1, the adjustment of the light amount of the exposure unit 3aa of the output device 3a and the processing liquid replenishment unit 3ab Although the adjustment of the replenishment amount of the development processing solution and the adjustment of the development processing temperature of the development processing unit 3ac are performed, for example, the development processing time in the development processing unit 3ac may be remotely adjusted. The ink jet image forming apparatus may be configured to adjust the ink discharge amount from the ink head. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus may be configured to adjust the charge amount of the photoreceptor and the supply amount of toner.

Further, for example, in the color management system and the color management method in the present embodiment, the L ^* a ^* b ^* table defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) as color measurement values measured by the colorimeters So to Sc. Although the color system is adopted, other than this, the Lab color system defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), the Luv color system, or the like may be adopted. Incidentally, the density measured by the colorimeter has several methods depending on the geometrical conditions, spectral conditions, etc. of the optical system at the time of measurement, but status T density for printed matter, etc., status A density for silver salt photographs, etc. The status M density is generally used.

  In addition, for example, in the color management system and the color management method in the present embodiment, the terminal devices 2a to 2c and the output devices 3a to 3c are provided separately, but in addition to this, for example, the output device 3a The terminal devices 2a to 2c may be built in to 3c.

It is a block diagram showing the whole structure in one Embodiment of the color management system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the color chart used in the color management system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the management reference value data table stored in the management reference value storage part of the management server shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the measured value data table stored in the measured value storage part of the management server shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a color management method implemented in the color management system shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case where a plurality of intermediate management reference values are set as another example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case in which the content to be remotely adjusted is changed in view of the tendency of the measurement value in another output device as another example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case in which the content to be remotely adjusted is changed in consideration of the tendency of measured values in other colors as another example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case in which the content to be remotely adjusted is changed in view of the tendency of other types of measurement values as another example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the flow of the color management method subsequent to FIG. 5, in the case where the contents to be remotely adjusted are changed in consideration of the unique information of the output device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the flow of the color management method subsequent to FIG. 5, in the case where the contents to be remotely adjusted are changed in consideration of unique information of another output device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case where an intermediate management reference value is changed in consideration of a tendency of a measured value in another output device as another example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case where an intermediate management reference value is changed in consideration of a tendency of measured values in other colors as another example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case where an intermediate management reference value is changed in consideration of a tendency of other types of measurement values as another example of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case where an intermediate management reference value is changed in view of unique information of the output device, which is another embodiment of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a case where an intermediate management reference value is changed in consideration of unique information of another output device, which is another embodiment of the flow of the color management method following FIG. 5.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Management server 1a Transmission / reception part 1b Measurement value storage part 1c Error calculation part 1d Management reference value setting part 1e Specific information storage part 1f Judgment part 1g Adjustment instruction | indication part 1h Notification instruction | indication part 2a-2c Terminal device 2aa Input part 2ab Transmission / reception part 2ac Display Unit 3a to 3c output device 3aa exposure unit 3aaa exposure amount setting unit 3aaab exposure amount adjustment unit 3ab processing liquid replenishment unit 3aba replenishment amount setting unit 3abb replenishment unit 3ac development processing unit 3aca development temperature setting unit 3acb development temperature adjustment unit 3ad unique information setting Section 3ae Transmitter / Receiver N Network Po Standard color chart Pa to Pc Color chart So to Sc Colorimeter

Claims (10)

A terminal device having a measurement value transmitting unit that is installed at each site together with an image forming apparatus and a colorimeter, and that transmits a measurement value of an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter;
Reference value storage means connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network and storing a measurement value obtained by measuring a reference output object with a colorimeter in advance as a reference value; and A measurement value receiving means for receiving a measurement value; an error calculation means for calculating an error of the received measurement value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value; and the calculated error and a preset intermediate management reference A determination means for comparing the value with a value, and when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the error is corrected to at least the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus. Therefore, the adjustment instruction means for analyzing the calculated error tendency corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus and instructing to perform adjustment according to the analysis result Color management system, characterized in that, with a, a management server having. A terminal device that is installed at each site together with an image forming apparatus and a colorimeter, and has a measurement value transmitting means for transmitting measurement values of each color of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter,
A reference value storage unit connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network, and storing a measured value of each color measured by a colorimeter for each color of a reference output product as a reference value; A measurement value receiving means for receiving the measured value of each color of the output product, an error calculating means for calculating an error of the measured value of each color of the received output product with respect to the stored reference value, and the calculated A determination unit that determines by comparing an error of each color with a preset intermediate management reference value, and the corresponding image forming apparatus when any of the errors of each color exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination In order to correct the error at least within the intermediate management reference value, the tendency of the calculated error corresponding to the color and each other color is analyzed, and the analysis result is Color management system comprising: the adjustment instruction means for instructing to perform an integer, and a management server having the. A terminal device installed at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter, and having a measurement value transmitting means for transmitting the measurement values of a plurality of items of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter; ,
A reference value storage unit that is connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network and stores the measurement values of the plurality of items measured by a colorimeter for a plurality of items of a reference output product in advance as a reference value; Measurement value receiving means for receiving measured values of a plurality of items of the transmitted output product; error calculating means for calculating an error of the received measurement values of the plurality of items of the received output product with respect to the stored reference value; Determination means for determining by comparing an error of the calculated measurement values of the plurality of items with a preset intermediate management reference value, and any of the errors of the measurement values of the plurality of items in the determination is the intermediate management reference When the value exceeds the value, the error and the other plurality of types corresponding to the error are corrected so that the error is corrected at least within the intermediate management reference value. By analyzing the tendency of error in the value, the color management system comprising: the management server, the having adjustment instruction means for instructing to make adjustments in accordance with the analysis result. A terminal device having a measurement value transmitting unit that is installed at each site together with an image forming apparatus and a colorimeter, and that transmits a measurement value of an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter;
Reference value storage means connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network and storing a measured value obtained by measuring a reference output by a colorimeter in advance as a reference value; and individual information of the image forming apparatus Specific information storage means for storing at least one piece of information of use environment information or use material information, measurement value receiving means for receiving the measurement value of the transmitted output material, and measurement of the received output material An error calculating means for calculating an error of the value with respect to the stored reference value; a determining means for determining by comparing the calculated error with a preset intermediate management reference value; When the intermediate management reference value is exceeded, before the corresponding image forming apparatus is corrected, the error is corrected to at least the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus. Color management system characterized by comprising a management server, a having an adjustment instruction means for instructing to perform the adjustment according to at least one information. A terminal device having a measurement value transmitting unit that is installed at each site together with an image forming apparatus and a colorimeter, and that transmits a measurement value of an output product output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter;
Reference value storage means connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network and storing a measured value obtained by measuring a reference output by a colorimeter in advance as a reference value; and individual information of the image forming apparatus Specific information storage means for storing at least one piece of information of use environment information or use material information, measurement value receiving means for receiving the measurement value of the transmitted output material, and measurement of the received output material An error calculating means for calculating an error of the value with respect to the stored reference value; a determining means for determining by comparing the calculated error with a preset intermediate management reference value; When the intermediate management reference value is exceeded, the image forming apparatus and other image forming devices are corrected so that the error is corrected at least within the intermediate management reference value. Color management system characterized by comprising the adjustment instruction means for instructing to perform the adjustment according to at least one of information, a management server having a corresponding formation apparatus. In the terminal device installed for each base together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter, a measurement value transmission step for transmitting the measurement value of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter;
A reference value storing step of storing, as a reference value, a measured value obtained by measuring a reference output by a colorimeter in a management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network; A measured value receiving step for receiving the measured value of the output product, an error calculating step for calculating an error of the received measured value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value, and the calculated error are preset. A determination step for comparing the intermediate management reference value with the intermediate management reference value, and when the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination, the error is determined at least for the intermediate management reference for the corresponding image forming apparatus. In order to correct within the value, the tendency of the calculated error corresponding to the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus is analyzed, and according to the analysis result Color management method characterized by comprising adjustment instruction step for instructing to make adjustments, the. In a terminal device installed for each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter, a measurement value transmission step for transmitting the measurement value of each color of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter;
A reference value storage step of storing in advance a measurement value of each color measured by a colorimeter for each color of an output product as a reference in a management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network. A measurement value receiving step for receiving a measurement value of each color of the transmitted output product; and an error calculation step of calculating an error of the received measurement value of each color of the output product with respect to the stored reference value; Applicable to the determination step of determining by comparing the calculated error of each color with a preset intermediate management reference value, and when any of the errors of each color exceeds the intermediate management reference value in the determination The calculated error corresponding to the color and each of the other colors to correct the error to at least the intermediate management reference value for the image forming apparatus. And analyze trends, color management method characterized by comprising adjustment instruction step for instructing to make adjustments in accordance with the analysis result. A measurement value transmitting step for transmitting measurement values of a plurality of items of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter in a terminal device installed at each site together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter; ,
In a management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network, a reference value for preliminarily storing, as a reference value, measurement values of the plurality of items measured by a colorimeter for a plurality of items of a reference output product A storage step; a measurement value receiving step for receiving measurement values of a plurality of items of the transmitted output product; and an error for calculating an error of the received measurement values of the plurality of items of the output product with respect to the stored reference value. Any one of a calculating step, a determining step for comparing the calculated error of the measured values of the plurality of items with a preset intermediate management reference value, and an error of the measured values of the plurality of items in the determination In order to correct the error to at least the intermediate management reference value with respect to the corresponding image forming apparatus when the intermediate management reference value is exceeded, A color management method comprising: an adjustment instructing step for analyzing an error tendency of the other types of measurement values corresponding to the error and instructing to perform adjustment according to the analysis result . In the terminal device installed for each base together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter, a measurement value transmission step for transmitting the measurement value of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter;
A reference value storing step in which a measured value obtained by measuring a reference output by a colorimeter is stored in advance as a reference value in a management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network; A unique information storage step for storing at least one piece of information among the individual information of the device, use environment information or use material information, a measurement value reception step for receiving a measurement value of the transmitted output, and the received In the determination, an error calculation step of calculating an error of the measured value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value, a determination step of comparing the calculated error with a preset intermediate management reference value, and the determination When the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value, the error is at least within the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus. In order to positive, the color management method which comprises adjustment instruction step for instructing to make adjustments in accordance with the at least one information corresponding to the image forming apparatus. In the terminal device installed for each base together with the image forming apparatus and the colorimeter, a measurement value transmission step for transmitting the measurement value of the output matter output from the image forming apparatus measured by the colorimeter;
A reference value storing step in which a measured value obtained by measuring a reference output by a colorimeter is stored in advance as a reference value in a management server connected to the image forming apparatus and the terminal device via a network; A unique information storage step for storing at least one piece of information among the individual information of the device, use environment information or use material information, a measurement value reception step for receiving a measurement value of the transmitted output, and the received In the determination, an error calculation step of calculating an error of the measured value of the output product with respect to the stored reference value, a determination step of comparing the calculated error with a preset intermediate management reference value, and the determination When the error exceeds the intermediate management reference value, the error is at least within the intermediate management reference value for the corresponding image forming apparatus. In order to positive, the color management method which comprises adjustment instruction step for instructing to make adjustments in accordance with the at least one information corresponding to the image forming apparatus and other image forming apparatus.

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