JP2007223131A - Color control method and color control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color control method and a color control system which permit the implementation of the control of the value of color characteristics of paper white when colors to be controlled which are provided for in a color control chart does not include paper white and performs the control of dot gains. <P>SOLUTION: Whether or not the paper white is included in colors to be control of the color control chart is judged in the beginning of control. When the paper white is not included, in response to the input of the value of the color characteristic of the paper white and the value of color characteristics of the colors to be controlled, the values of the color characteristics of the colors to be controlled is accepted at the time of control, dot gains are computed by a color control information generation means 51 by using the value of color characteristic of the paper white and the values of the color characteristics of the colors to be controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a color management method and a color management system for managing output colors of an image output apparatus that outputs a color image based on image data, and more particularly to a technique for managing dot gain.

  Conventionally, in the proofreading process in the printing process, (1) confirmation of internal mistakes at the work site, that is, internal school, (2) external school to be submitted to the orderer and designer for confirmation of finishing, (3) captain of the printing press On the other hand, a color proof that is a test print is output mainly for three uses of a print sample provided as a sample of the final printed matter.

  In proofreading, such a color proof is used to check whether there is a mistake in the layout of the original film, whether there is a mistake in color, whether there is a character error, etc. In this case, adjustment is performed so that the print color matches the color of the print sample.

  Therefore, it is desired that the color and density of the color proof output from the output device satisfy a predetermined standard. Therefore, for example, an ICC profile for color management of a printing machine or printer as an output device is provided based on the color measurement result of the color patch of the output device to be received, or based on the color measurement result In some cases, color management is performed so that the output color of the target output device satisfies a predetermined standard by diagnosing the state of the output device such as solid hue, gray balance, and dot gain (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

  On the other hand, the JMPA Color (Magazine) of the Magazine Advertising Digital Submission Promotion Council aims to improve the workflow of the entire advertising industry by commonly handling color samples that have been used in the past within a certain range. Advertising standard color) is being used.

  As a result, the color tone of the final printed matter can be confirmed by this DDCP by printing DDCP (Direct Digital Color Proof) excellent in stability as a color sample by adjusting the color tone to a color standard compliant with JMPA color. A one-way workflow can be realized, in which a color proof is created by a printing company and does not need to be returned to a previous process such as a publisher, an advertising company, or an advertiser. As a result, not only the extra cost but also the time from submission to printing is shortened.

  Further, when JMPA color is used, it is often performed using DDMP of JMPA color without outputting a separate color chart for color management as described in Patent Document 1. This is because unified management by the same output is desired. Another reason is to save time and labor for outputting another color chart. Therefore, a “constantity management color patch (27 patches)” is output to the JMPA color-compliant DDCP, and color management can be performed by measuring the color patch. FIG. 16 shows the color composition of CMYK (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black) of each color patch of “constantity management color patch (27 patches)”. The arrangement of each patch in FIG. 16 is an example of the arrangement prescribed for the A4 size, and the C, M, Y, and K% values in the figure are density values indicating white as 0% and solid as 100%. It is. Moreover, what is indicated by density values excluding 0% and 100% between 0% and 100% is referred to as an intermediate color.

JP 2003-46794 A

However, when the dot gain is 50% halftone, for example, the solid density is dx, the halftone (50%) density is dx (50), the paper white density is W, d1 = dx−W, d2 = If dx (50) −W, the dot gain dg is
^{dg = {(100 × (1-10} (-1.0 × d2))) / (1-10 (-1.0 × d1))} - 50
It becomes. That is, the dot gain is obtained using the density of paper white. However, as shown in FIG. 16B, the “constantity management color patch (27 patch)” does not include paper white as a patch. Therefore, the dot gain cannot be calculated from the measurement result of the “constantity management color patch (27 patches)”. Therefore, when dot gain is used for color management, it is necessary to output and manage a separate color chart. In this case, color management cannot be performed using the same output product, and time and effort are wasted. Also, centralized management with one color chart is not possible.

  On the other hand, since there is a case where it is not necessary to manage the dot gain, it is desirable that the color management based on the dot gain can be selected according to the situation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to determine the value of the color characteristic of paper white when paper white is not included as a management target color defined in the color measurement chart. It is an object of the present invention to provide a color management method and a color management system that can perform measurement and manage dot gain using values of color characteristics of paper white.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is any one of a plurality of color measurement charts in which a management target color is determined in advance at the initial stage of management. A determination step of determining whether or not the color to be managed for the color measurement chart includes white paper, upon receiving designation of the color measurement chart to be output and obtaining a management reference value; When the paper white is determined not to be included in the image output device, the reference value is obtained by receiving the values of the color characteristics of the paper white and the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output in the image output device. Management target obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output from the image output device, which is the same color measurement chart as the color measurement chart from which the reference value has been acquired, at the storage stage for storing values and the management time color The color characteristic value is received, the color characteristic value is set as a management value, the stored reference value is read, and the dot gain of the reference value is set to the white value of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color. And calculating the dot gain of the management value by using the paper white color characteristic value of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color of the management value; and And a step of managing the color output from the image output apparatus using the dot gain with respect to the reference value and the dot gain with respect to the management value.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when it is determined by the determination that paper white is not included, the display unit determines whether or not to acquire the value of the paper white color characteristic as the reference value. And further comprising a step of displaying in a selectable manner, wherein the storing step is output in the image output device when a selection is made to obtain the value of the color characteristic of the paper white as the reference value using the display. It is characterized by receiving the values of the color characteristics of the paper white and the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart and storing them as the reference value.

  The invention according to claim 3 further includes the step of analyzing and editing the dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and the dot gain with respect to the management value, and generating display information for displaying the result. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the value of the color characteristic is at least density, the management target color includes at least a solid color and an intermediate color, and in the calculation step, each dot gain is set to the density of the paper white, The calculation is performed using the solid density and the intermediate color density.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color management method in a color management system, comprising: a plurality of image output devices installed at each site; and a management server that manages colors output from the plurality of image output devices. And a plurality of color measurement charts each having a management target color predetermined in the initial stage of management in a plurality of terminal devices arranged for each base and connected to the management server via a network. Is received from the image output device, receives the specification of the color measurement chart for obtaining the management reference value, and the management target color for the color measurement chart includes paper white A paper white obtained by measuring a color measurement chart output in the image output device when it is determined that the paper white is not included by the determination; It is the same color measurement chart as the color measurement chart that acquired the reference value at the first transmission stage that receives the value of the color characteristic of the target color and transmits it as the reference value to the management server, and the management time. Receiving a value of a color characteristic of a management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output in the image output device, and transmitting the value as a management value to the management server, and including the management In the server, in the initial stage of the management, the step of storing the reference value transmitted from the terminal device, and the management value transmitted from the terminal device at the management time, the stored reference value The dot gain of the reference value is calculated using the paper white of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color, and the dot gain of the management value is the value of the paper white color characteristic of the reference value And the management Using the color characteristic value of the management target color, a dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value, and a dot gain with respect to the management value, the color output from the plurality of image output devices And a stage of performing management.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the paper white is not included in the determination, the display unit determines whether or not to acquire the value of the paper white color characteristic as the reference value. A step of displaying in a selectable manner, wherein the first transmission step outputs in the image output device when a selection is made to obtain a value of the color characteristic of the paper white as the reference value using the display. It receives the value of the color characteristics of the paper white and the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart, and transmits it to the management server as the reference value.

  In the invention according to claim 7, the management server analyzes and edits the dot gain for the calculated reference value and the dot gain for the management value, and generates display information for displaying the result. The method further includes the step of:

  The color measurement value includes at least a density, and the management target color includes at least a solid color and an intermediate color. In the calculation step, each dot gain is set to the density of the paper white, The calculation is performed using the solid density and the intermediate color density.

  Further, the invention according to claim 9 is one of a plurality of color measurement charts in which a management target color is determined in advance at the initial stage of management, and is output from the image output device and is a management standard. Receiving a designation of a color measurement chart for obtaining a value, and determining means for determining whether or not the management target color for the color measurement chart includes paper white, and the determination includes whether paper white is included Storage means for receiving the value of the color characteristics of the paper white and the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output in the image output device and storing it as the reference value when it is determined that the reference value is not And the color characteristic value of the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output from the image output device, which is the same color measurement chart as the color measurement chart from which the reference value has been acquired at the management time. In response Using the color characteristic value as a management value, reading the stored reference value, calculating the dot gain of the reference value using the paper white of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color, and And calculating means for calculating the dot gain of the value using the value of the paper white color characteristic of the reference value and the value of the color characteristic of the management target color of the management value, and the dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value And managing the color output from the image output apparatus using a dot gain with respect to the management value.

  The invention according to claim 10 is a color management system including a plurality of image output devices installed for each base, and a management server that manages colors output from the plurality of image output devices, It includes a plurality of terminal devices arranged for each site and connected to the management server via a network, and the terminal device measures a plurality of colors whose management target colors are predetermined in the initial stage of management. Is a color measurement chart that is output from the image output device and receives a specification of a color measurement chart for obtaining a management reference value, and the management target color for the color measurement chart includes paper white A determination means for determining whether or not a paper white is not included by the determination at an initial stage of the management, and a color measurement chart output from the image output device is measured. The The color measurement chart is the same color measurement chart as the color measurement chart from which the reference value is acquired at the management time after receiving the value of the color characteristics of the paper white and the color to be managed and transmitted to the management server. Receiving a color characteristic value of a management target color obtained by measuring the output color measurement chart, and transmitting to the management server as a management value, the management server at the initial stage of the management Storage means for storing the reference value transmitted from the terminal device; and receiving the management value transmitted from the terminal device at the management time, and reading the stored reference value; The dot gain is calculated using the paper white of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color, and the dot gain of the management value is calculated using the paper white color characteristic value of the reference value and the management target of the management value Color characteristics of color And calculating the color output from the plurality of image output devices using the dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and the dot gain with respect to the management value. Yes.

  According to the color management method and the color management system of the present invention, when the management target color of the specified color measurement chart does not include paper white, the paper white is measured and the color management by dot gain is performed. Is possible.

  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.

  A feature of the present invention is that a color characteristic value obtained by outputting a color chart which is a color measurement chart in the initial stage of management and measuring an output color is used as a reference (reference value) for color management, and after the measurement of the reference value The color characteristic value obtained by measuring the same color chart output during the management period is used as the management value, and the color management is performed using the reference value and the management value. Hereinafter, when paper white is not included in the measurement color), the paper white is selectively measured and the dot gain is managed.

(System configuration)
First, the control configuration of the image output system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the system configuration of the image output system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image output system outputs an image to an image output apparatus 2 that outputs an image based on image data to a recording sheet (recording medium) for each of a plurality of remote locations. A control device 1 that performs output control, and a colorimeter 3 as a measuring unit for measuring a color system value or a color characteristic value such as a density of a color patch of a color chart output from the image output device 2 (In FIG. 1, 3 a each of 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 3 a, 3 b, 3 c) are installed, and a work terminal 4 that creates image data and transmits it to the control device 1 (FIG. 1). 4a, 4b, and 4c) and a management server 5 that manages output colors output from each image output device 2. Moreover, each control apparatus 1, each work terminal 4, and the management server 5 are each connected via the network. In the following description, “measuring a color characteristic value by measurement” may be simply “measuring”.

  The network N connects computer systems, terminals, and data communication facilities to each other, and may be a wired connection such as a dedicated line or a public line, or a wireless connection via a communication satellite or the like. This also includes the so-called Internet.

  The work terminal 4 is a so-called PC (Personal Computer), which includes application software, executes the application software, creates image data, and transmits the image data to the control device 1 connected to the image output device 2. It has a function of receiving color management information from the server 5 and displaying it on display means (not shown).

  Although not shown, the image output device 2 controls an image output unit that feeds recording paper and forms and outputs an image on the recording paper, an operation panel for performing various operations and inputs, and the entire image output device 2. The control unit is configured to receive the image data transmitted from the control device 1 and output the image.

  The control device 1 is a so-called computer, and transmits various information via a network, an input unit 11 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit 14 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The communication unit 18 has a function as a transmission unit and a reception unit that receives various information, an image data storage unit 13, a measurement color storage unit 19, and a control unit 12.

  The image data storage unit 13 is for storing image data. For example, the image data created and sent by the work terminal 4 is stored. In addition, image data indicating a color chart used for color management in the present embodiment is stored.

  Here, a color chart used in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that two types of color charts, ie, a color chart (17) and a color chart (27) are used as an example.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the color chart (17). As shown in FIG. 2A, the color chart (17) includes 17 color patches formed in the vicinity of the edge of the recording paper as measurement colors. FIG. 2B shows the color configuration of the 17 color patches by CMYK.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of the color chart (27). As shown in FIG. 16A, the color chart (27) includes 27 color patches formed in the vicinity of the edge of the recording paper as measurement colors. FIG. 16B shows the color configuration of each of the 27 color patches according to CMYK. As the color patch of the color chart (27), the “constant management color patch (27 patch)” based on the JMPA color described in the prior art was used.

  The color chart (17) and the color chart (27) are mainly different in the number of colors, and the color chart (17) includes a paper white patch that does not include CMYK as patch No. 9. Paper white patches are not prepared for the color chart (27). Further, the arrangement of the color patches in each color chart is an example and is not limited to this.

  The measurement color storage unit 19 includes a measurement color table 190 and a reference name table 191. The measurement color table 190 stores the color patch color of the color chart as a measurement color. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the measurement color table 190, in which the color chart name and the measurement color are stored. For example, it shows that the measurement color of the color chart (17) is described in the file A. Incidentally, the measurement color corresponds to a color patch, and the file A describes the color configuration shown in FIG.

  The reference name table 191 stores a reference name indicating a reference value registered in the management server 5 and a color chart name used for measuring the reference value. For example, FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the reference name table 191. The reference name “AAA” and the color chart name “color chart (27)” are stored in association with each other, and the reference name and the color chart. The relationship is remembered.

  The control unit 12 includes an arithmetic control device such as a CPU, includes a program storage unit (not shown) such as a ROM for storing a program, and controls each unit in accordance with a stored program, various signals output from the input unit 11, and the like. I do. Further, it is configured to include a storage means (not shown) constituted by a system memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile RAM constituting a work area when executing the program. In addition, the control unit 12 serves as an image output control unit that controls the image output apparatus 2 to output an image based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 13 or the image data transmitted from the work terminal 4. It has a function. For example, in response to designation of a color chart stored in the image data storage unit 13 performed using the input unit 11, the image output apparatus 2 is controlled to output the designated color chart. Further, it has a function as a display control means for displaying an image or a screen on the display means 14.

  The control unit 12 includes a determination unit 15, a selection screen display control unit 16, and a measurement screen display control unit 17.

  The selection screen display control unit 16 receives a measurement start instruction performed using the input unit 11 and selects a reference value measurement or a management value measurement, a reference selection, and a color chart to be used. A color measurement selection screen 41 is displayed on the display means 14. Further, the screen information of the color measurement selection screen 41 is stored in, for example, a program storage unit or the like, and the selection screen display control unit 16 reads out from the program storage unit or the like and displays it on the display unit 14 (about other display screens) Is done in the same way.)

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the color measurement selection screen 41. As shown in FIG. 5, the color measurement selection screen 41 displays a reference name column 410 in which a reference name can be selected to select a reference, and a color chart name that can be selected to select a color chart. A color chart name display field 411, a measurement key 412 that is a soft key to be pressed when acquiring a management value, a color reference registration key 413 to be pressed when acquiring a reference value, and a color chart to be used are added. An add key 414 used sometimes and an update key 415 used when updating the reference name displayed in the reference name column 410 are included. The reference name displayed in the reference name column 410 is the reference name stored in the reference name table 191 of the measurement color storage unit 19. However, when the update key 415 is pressed, the control unit 12 inquires the management server 5 and indicates the reference value registered in the management server 5 with the reference name stored in the measurement color storage unit 19. Update to the reference name. Thereby, the display of the reference name column 410 is also updated. The color chart name displayed in the color chart name display field 411 is the color chart name stored in the measurement color table 190 of the measurement color storage unit 19.

  The selection screen display control unit 16 displays a reference name input screen 42 for inputting a reference name when the reference value is acquired, that is, when the color reference registration key 413 of the color measurement selection screen 41 is pressed. To display.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the reference name input screen 42. As shown in FIG. 6, the reference name input screen 42 includes a reference name input field 421 for inputting a reference name, and an operation (next) key 422 (hereinafter also referred to as a next key).

  When obtaining the reference value, the determination unit 15 refers to the measurement color table 190 for the measurement color of the color chart selected on the color measurement selection screen 41 and determines whether paper white is included.

  The selection screen display control means 16 inputs whether or not to measure paper white when paper white is not included, that is, whether or not to obtain the value of the paper white color characteristic as a reference value. A paper white measurement selection screen 43 is displayed on the display means 14.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the paper white measurement selection screen 43. As shown in FIG. 7, the paper white measurement selection screen 43 includes an operation (Yes) key 431 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a Yes key) and an operation (No) key 432 (hereinafter also referred to as a No key). Including.

  The measurement screen display control means 17 displays the measurement screen 44 on the display means 14 when performing measurement.

  An example of the measurement screen 44 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 shows a measurement screen 44a used for measuring the reference value when the paper white is measured using the color chart (27) and inputted using the paper white measurement selection screen 43. FIG. 27) shows a measurement screen 44b used for measurement of a reference value and input of a management value using a color chart (27) when paper white is not measured and is input using the paper white measurement selection screen 43. 10 shows a measurement screen 44c used for measuring the reference value and the management value using the color chart (17). As shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the measurement screen 44 has a measurement key 441 to be pressed when measurement is started, an end key 442 to be pressed when measurement is completed, a measurement color and a measurement value ( A measurement value display field 443 for displaying a color characteristic value) and a measurement color display field 444 for displaying the measurement color in a visible manner. The measurement value display field 443 and the measurement color display field 444 are displayed based on the selection on the color chart and paper white measurement selection screen 43, respectively. That is, on the measurement screen 44a shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the 27 colors of the color chart (27), paper white is displayed in the measurement value display field 443 and the measurement color display field 444. In the measurement screen 44b shown in FIG. The 27 colors of (27) are displayed in the measurement value display field 443 and the measurement color display field 444, and in the measurement screen 44c shown in FIG. 10, 17 colors of the color chart (17) are the measurement value display field 443 and the measurement color display field. 444. Then, using the colorimeter 3, the color measurement of each color patch shown in the measurement value display field 443 is performed. However, when measuring the paper white with the color chart (27), if the measurement is manual measurement, the measurement meter 3 is aligned with the paper white area in the chart. In the case of automatic measurement, it may be programmed in advance so as to measure the paper white area in the chart. Further, as shown in the measured value display field 443, in this example, the colorimeter 3 uses the color characteristic values L * a * b * color system values (L *, a *, b *) and density (C Density, M density, Y density, and V density). Needless to say, if the value of the color characteristic indicates color or density, the RGB density or the tristimulus values of X, Y, Z in the XYZ color system as the color system value, etc. Also good.

  When each measurement value is input from the colorimeter 3, the control unit 12, in the case of the reference value, adds the identification information indicating the reference value, the identification information of the image output apparatus, the reference value to the reference value obtained by the measurement. The reference name input using the name input screen 42, the color chart name selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and the presence / absence of paper white measurement are added to the management server 5 using the communication means 18 as transmission means. send. In the case of the management value, the management value obtained by the measurement includes the identification information indicating the management value, the identification information of the image output device, the reference name selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and the color chart name. The communication means 18 is sent to the management server 5 as a transmission means.

  The management server 5 is a so-called computer, and includes an input means (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display means (not shown) such as a CRT and an LCD, and an apparatus main body including the server. Yes. The management server 5 includes a reference value storage unit 53 (storage unit), a color management information generation unit 51 (calculation unit), a color management information storage unit 55, and a communication unit 52.

  The reference value storage means 53 receives the reference value and incidental information sent from the control device 1 and stores them as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the reference value storage means 53. As shown in FIG. 11, the identification information, reference name, color chart name, presence / absence of paper white measurement, and reference value of the image output apparatus are stored.

  The color management information generation means 51 receives the management value and the accompanying information sent from the control device 1 and searches the reference value storage means 53 to obtain the reference value of the reference name of the image output device indicated by the accompanying information of the management value received. Read out and generate color management information based on the management value and the reference value. The color management information includes at least one of color difference ΔE, density difference ΔD, gray balance, and the like.

By the way, if the difference between L * value, a * value and b * value is ΔL * value, Δa * value and Δb * value,
ΔE = {(ΔL *) ² + (Δa *) ² + (Δb *) ² } ^1/2
Can be obtained as

Further, when the color chart is the color chart (17) from the incidental information, the dot management is included in the color management information. Further, when the paper white measurement is not performed in the color chart (27), the dot gain is not included. Further, when the paper white measurement is present in the color chart (27), the dot management is included in the color management information. In this case, the reference value is determined based on the paper white of the reference value and the measured value of the measured color. The gain is obtained, and the management value is not measured for paper white, but since the variation in paper white is small, the reference value paper white is used, and the measured value of the reference value paper white and the management value measurement color Find the dot gain from That is, taking the case of halftone 50% as an example, the solid density of the reference value is dkx, the density of the halftone (50%) is dkx (50), the density of paper white is Wk, dk1 = dkx−Wk, dk2. = Dkx (50) −Wk, the dot gain dkg of the reference value is
dkg = {(100 * (1-10 ^{(-1.0 * dk2)} )) / (1-10 ^{(-1.0 * dk1)} )}-50
The solid density of the management value is dtx, the density of the halftone (50%) is dtx (50), and the density of the paper white is dt1 = dtx−Wk, dt2 = dtx (50) using the reference value Wk. If −Wk, the dot gain dtg is
dtg = {(100 * (1-10 ^{(-1.0 * dt2)} )) / (1-10 ^{(-1.0 * dt1)} )}-50
Can be obtained as

  It is also possible to determine in advance allowable values for the color difference, density difference, and dot gain difference, perform pass / fail determination using the allowable values, and use the result as color management information.

  Further, the color management information generating unit 51 generates the color management information as display information that can be displayed on the display unit 14 of the control device 1 or a display unit (not shown) of the work terminal 4 and stores it in the color management information storage unit 55. . When there is a color management information provision request from the control device 1 or the work terminal 4, the display information of the color management information is transmitted via the communication unit 52.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of display of color management information. The color management information shown in FIG. 12 is obtained when the paper white is measured using the color chart (27), and the L * a * b * color system values of the 27 patches of the reference value and the management value. And display of each color difference and display of dot gain of the reference value and management value and difference of dot gain of the reference value and management value.

(Color management procedure)
Next, a color management procedure for output colors performed in the color management system will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Measurement of reference values and control values>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for measuring the reference value and the management value. The reference value and management value measurement procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

(Color chart (27), when measuring standard values with paper white measurement)
First, a case where paper white is measured by measurement of a reference value using the color chart (27) in the initial stage of management will be described. The operator operates the input means 11 such as a keyboard or a mouse of the control device 1 and outputs a color chart (27) by the image output device 2. Then, the operator operates the input unit 11 such as a keyboard or a mouse of the control device 1 to perform an input for starting the color measurement (step S101, Y. Hereinafter, “step S101” is like “S101”). (Omitted and other steps are the same). In response to this input, the selection screen display control means 16 of the control unit 12 displays the color measurement selection screen 41 (see FIG. 5) on the display means 14 (S102). Next, the operator selects the color chart (27) in the color chart name display field 411 and presses the color reference registration key 413 (actually, it is pressed by clicking with the mouse. The selection screen display control means 16 further displays a reference name input screen 42 (see FIG. 6) on the display means 14, and the operator inputs the reference name in the reference name input field 421. Next key 422 is pressed (S103, Y).

  Here, the determination unit 15 determines that the measurement of the reference value is started (S104, reference registration), and refers to the measurement color table 190 to determine that the measurement color of the color chart (27) does not include paper white. (S105, N). Upon receiving this determination result, the selection screen display control means 16 displays a paper white measurement selection screen 43 (see FIG. 7) on the display screen 14 (S106). Since the operator measures paper white, the operator presses the operation (Yes) key 431 (S107, Y).

  The measurement screen display control means 17 displays on the display means 14 a measurement screen 44a (see FIG. 8) used for measuring a reference value for measuring paper white using the color chart (27) (S108).

  When the operator depresses the measurement key 441, the measurement value standby state is entered, and the operator first measures the paper white of the color chart (27) output by the colorimeter 3, and then measures the color patches in numerical order. Then, the control unit 12 receives these measurement values and stores them in a system memory (not shown) or a nonvolatile RAM, and the measurement screen display control means 17 displays them in the measurement value display field 443. When the measurement is completed and the operator presses the end key 442 (S109, Y), the control unit 12 uses the measurement value as a reference value, the identification information indicating the reference value, the identification information of the image output apparatus, the reference The reference name input using the name input screen 42, the color chart name “color chart (27)” selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and the paper white measurement presence as incidental information are attached as communication means. 18 to the management server 5 (S110).

(Color chart (27), measurement of reference value without paper white measurement)
Next, a case where paper white is not measured in the measurement of the reference value using the color chart (27) will be described. The operator operates the input means 11 such as a keyboard or a mouse of the control device 1 and outputs a color chart (27) by the image output device 2. Then, the operator operates the input unit 11 such as a keyboard or a mouse of the control device 1 and performs an input for starting the color measurement (step S101, Y). In response to this input, the selection screen display control means 16 of the control unit 12 displays the color measurement selection screen 41 (see FIG. 5) on the display means 14 (S102). Next, when the operator selects the color chart (27) in the color chart name display field 411 and presses the color reference registration key 413, the selection screen display control means 16 further displays the reference name input screen 42 (see FIG. 6). ) Is displayed on the display means 14, and the operator inputs the reference name in the reference name input field 421 and then presses the key 422 (S103, Y).

  Here, the determination unit 15 determines that the measurement of the reference value is started (S104, reference registration), and refers to the measurement color table 190 to determine that the measurement color of the color chart (27) does not include paper white. (S105, N). Upon receiving this determination result, the selection screen display control means 16 displays a paper white measurement selection screen 43 (see FIG. 7) on the display screen 14 (S106). Since the operator does not measure the white paper, the operator presses the operation (No) key 431 (S107, Y).

  The measurement screen display control means 17 displays on the display means 14 a measurement screen 44b (see FIG. 9) used for measuring a reference value that does not measure paper white using the color chart (27) (S111).

  When the operator depresses the measurement key 441, the measurement value is waited. When the operator first measures the color patches of the color chart (27) output by the colorimeter 3, the controller 12 Accepts the measured values and stores them in a system memory (not shown) or a nonvolatile RAM, and the measurement screen display control means 17 displays them in the measured value display field 443. When the measurement is completed and the operator presses the end key 442 (S112, Y), the control unit 12 uses the measurement value as a reference value, the identification information indicating the reference value, the identification information of the image output apparatus, the reference The reference name input using the name input screen 42, the color chart name “color chart (27)” selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and the paper white measurement nothing are attached as incidental information, and communication means. 18 to the management server 5 (S113).

(In the case of measuring the reference value of the color chart (17))
Further, the case of measuring the reference value using the color chart (17) will be described. The operator operates the input means 11 such as a keyboard and a mouse of the control device 1 and outputs a color chart (17) by the image output device 2. Then, the operator operates the input unit 11 such as a keyboard or a mouse of the control device 1 and performs an input for starting the color measurement (step S101, Y). In response to this input, the selection screen display control means 16 of the control unit 12 displays the color measurement selection screen 41 (see FIG. 5) on the display means 14 (S102). Next, when the operator selects the color chart (17) in the color chart name display field 411 and presses the color reference registration key 413, the selection screen display control means 16 further displays the reference name input screen 42 (see FIG. 6). ) Is displayed on the display means 14, and the operator inputs the reference name in the reference name input field 421 and then presses the key 422 (S103, Y).

  Here, the determination unit 15 determines that the measurement of the reference value is started (S104, reference registration), and refers to the measurement color table 190 to determine that the measurement color of the color chart (17) includes paper white ( S105, Y). Upon receiving this determination result, the measurement screen display control means 17 displays the measurement screen 44c (see FIG. 10) used for measuring the reference value using the color chart (17) on the display means 14 (S111).

  When the operator depresses the measurement key 441, the measurement value standby state is entered. When the operator first measures the color patches of the color chart (17) output by the colorimeter 3 in the order of numbers (color chart ( 17), the control unit 12 receives the measured values and stores them in a system memory (not shown) or a nonvolatile RAM. The measurement screen display control means 17 Are displayed in the measured value display field 443. When the measurement is completed and the operator presses the end key 442 (S112, Y), the control unit 12 uses the measurement value as a reference value, the identification information indicating the reference value, the identification information of the image output apparatus, the reference The reference name input using the name input screen 42, the color chart name “color chart (17)” selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and paper white measurement presence are attached as incidental information, and communication means. 18 to the management server 5 (S113).

(For control value measurement)
Next, the case of management value measurement will be described. When it is time to manage, the operator inputs input from the keyboard, mouse, etc. of the control device 1, specifically after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the reference value was measured or when a lot of ink or the like has changed. The means 11 is operated to output the color chart (17) or the color chart (27) by the image output device 2. Then, the operator operates the input unit 11 such as a keyboard or a mouse of the control device 1 and performs an input for starting the color measurement (step S101, Y). In response to this input, the selection screen display control means 16 of the control unit 12 displays the color measurement selection screen 41 (see FIG. 5) on the display means 14 (S102). Next, when the operator selects a color chart used for measurement in the color chart name display field 411 and selects a reference value as a comparison reference in the reference name field 410 and presses the measurement key 412 (S103, Y), Here, the determination unit 15 determines that the management value measurement is started (S104, daily data), and the measurement screen display control unit 17 uses the color chart (on the color measurement selection screen 41 as a measurement screen used for measuring the management value). The measurement screen 44c is displayed on the display means 14 when 17) is selected, and the measurement screen 44b is displayed on the display means 14 when the color chart (27) is selected on the color measurement selection screen 41 (S114).

  When the operator presses the measurement key 441, the measurement value is waited, and the operator first measures the color chart (17) or the color chart (27) output by the colorimeter 3 in the order of numbers. Then, the control unit 12 receives these measurement values and stores them in a system memory (not shown) or a nonvolatile RAM, and the measurement screen display control means 17 displays them in the measurement value display field 443. When the measurement is completed and the operator presses the end key 442 (S115, Y), the control unit 12 sets the measurement value as the management value, the identification information indicating the management value, the identification information of the image output apparatus, the color The reference name and color chart name selected using the measurement selection screen 41 are attached as supplementary information and sent to the management server 5 via the communication means 18 (S116).

<Processing on the management server>
FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are flowcharts showing processing procedures for the reference value and the management value in the management server 5. A processing procedure in the management server 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

  The management server 5 receives the measurement value transmitted from the control device 1 (S201, Y), and if it is a reference value with reference to the accompanying information (S202, reference value), the reference value storage means 53 stores the value of the image output device. The identification information, reference name, color chart name, presence / absence of paper white measurement, and reference value are stored (see FIG. 11) (S205).

  If the management value is referred to by referring to the supplementary information (S202, management value), the color management information generation unit 51 searches the reference value storage unit 53, and the reference of the image output apparatus indicated by the supplementary information of the management value received. The name reference value is read, and color management information is generated based on the management value and the reference value (S203). As described above, the color management information includes at least one of color difference ΔE, density difference ΔD, and gray balance. Further, with reference to the supplementary information of the reference value, the presence / absence of paper white measurement is determined, and if there is, information about dot gain is generated as described above as color management information. The color management information is generated as display information that can be displayed on the display means. Then, the color management information storage means 55 stores the generated color management information (S204).

  For example, when the worker makes a request to transmit color management information from the work terminal 4 using the browser function, the management server 5 receives this request (S301, Y), and the requesting work terminal 4 transmits the requested color management information (S302). Then, the work terminal 4 displays the color management information as shown in FIG. 12, for example. Similarly, the color management information can be displayed on the control means 1.

  As described above, even when the color chart (27) that does not include paper white is used as the measurement color, the dot gain can be managed. Further, by using the paper white selection screen 43, paper white measurement can be selectively performed.

  In the above description, the paper white selection screen 43 is not displayed. If the paper white is not included (S105, N), the process proceeds to S108 so that the measurement of the paper white can be automatically performed. Also good.

  Further, the color management information storage means 55, the reference value storage means 53, and the color management information generation means 51, which are functions related to color management of the management server 5, are configured to be provided in the control device 1, and the control device 1 performs color management. It is also possible to do so.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the color management system of 1st Embodiment concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of a color patch. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the measurement color table memorize | stored in the measurement color memory | storage part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the reference | standard name table memorize | stored in the measurement color memory | storage part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the color measurement selection screen displayed on a display means in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reference | standard name input screen displayed on a display means in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper white measurement selection screen displayed on a display means in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the measurement screen displayed on a display means in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the measurement screen displayed on a display means in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the measurement screen displayed on a display means in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the information memorize | stored in the reference value storage means shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the color management information displayed in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the measurement of the reference value and management value in the control apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process about the reference value and management value in the management server of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process about the reference value and management value in the management server of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of a color patch.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Image output apparatus 3 Colorimeter 4 Work terminal 5 Management server 11 Input means 12 Control part 13 Image data storage part 14 Display means 15 Judgment means 16 Selection screen display control means 17 Measurement screen display control means 18 Communication means 19 Measurement color memory 51 Color management information generation means 52 Communication means 53 Reference value storage means 55 Color management information storage means 190 Measurement color table 191 Reference name table N Network

Claims (10)

In the initial stage of management, each color to be managed is one of a plurality of color measurement charts that are determined in advance. The color measurement chart is output from the image output device and acquires a management reference value. A determination step of determining whether or not paper white is included in the management target color for the color measurement chart,
When it is determined that the paper white is not included by the determination, the value of the color characteristics of the paper white and the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output in the image output device is received. Storing as the reference value;
In the management period, the color measurement chart is the same as the color measurement chart from which the reference value has been acquired, and the color characteristic value of the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output from the image output device is received. The color characteristic value is set as a management value, the stored reference value is read, and the dot gain of the reference value is calculated using the paper white of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color, A calculation step of calculating a dot gain of the management value using a value of the paper white color characteristic of the reference value and a value of the color characteristic of the management target color of the management value;
And a step of managing a color output from the image output apparatus using a dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and a dot gain with respect to the management value. When it is determined by the determination that paper white is not included, the display unit further includes a step of selectively displaying whether or not to acquire the value of the color characteristic of paper white as the reference value,
The storing step is obtained by measuring a color measurement chart output in the image output device when selection is made to acquire the value of the color characteristic of the paper white as the reference value using the display. The color management method according to claim 1, wherein values of color characteristics of paper white and management target colors are received and stored as the reference values.   The color according to claim 1, further comprising: analyzing and editing the dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and the dot gain with respect to the management value, and generating display information for displaying the result. Management method. The value of the color characteristic is at least a density,
The management target color includes at least a solid and an intermediate color,
The color management method according to claim 1, wherein, in the calculating step, the dot gain is calculated using the density of the paper white, the solid density, and the intermediate color density. Multiple image output devices installed at each site;
A color management method in a color management system including a management server that manages colors output by the plurality of image output devices,
Early in management,
An image output device that is arranged for each base and is one of a plurality of color measurement charts in which a management target color is predetermined for each terminal device connected to the management server via a network. A determination step of determining whether or not paper white is included in the management target color for the color measurement chart in response to designation of a color measurement chart for obtaining a management reference value,
When it is determined that the paper white is not included by the determination, the value of the color characteristics of the paper white and the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output in the image output device is received. A first transmission step of transmitting to the management server as the reference value;
In the management server, storing the reference value transmitted from the terminal device;
During the management period,
In the terminal device, the color measurement value of the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output from the image output device, which is the same color measurement chart as the color measurement chart from which the reference value has been acquired. And a second transmission step for transmitting to the management server as a management value;
The management server receives the management value transmitted from the terminal device, reads the stored reference value, sets the dot gain of the reference value to the paper white of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color And calculating a dot gain of the management value by using a paper white color characteristic value of the reference value and a color characteristic value of a management target color of the management value;
A color management method comprising: managing colors output from the plurality of image output devices using a dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and a dot gain with respect to the management value. When it is determined by the determination that paper white is not included, the display unit further includes a step of selectively displaying whether or not to acquire the value of the color characteristic of paper white as the reference value,
The first transmission step measures a color measurement chart output in the image output device when selection is made to obtain the value of the color characteristic of the paper white as the reference value using the display. 6. The color management method according to claim 5, wherein the obtained paper white and the color characteristic value of the management target color are received and transmitted to the management server as the reference value. In the management server,
The color according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: analyzing and editing the dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and the dot gain with respect to the management value, and generating display information for displaying the result. Management method. The color measurement value is at least a density,
The management target color includes at least a solid and an intermediate color,
The color management method according to claim 5, wherein, in the calculation step, the dot gain is calculated using the density of the paper white, the solid density, and the intermediate color density. In the initial stage of management, each color to be managed is one of a plurality of color measurement charts that are determined in advance. The color measurement chart is output from the image output device and acquires a management reference value. A determination unit that receives the designation and determines whether or not the management target color for the color measurement chart includes paper white;
When it is determined that the paper white is not included by the determination, the value of the color characteristics of the paper white and the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output in the image output device is received. Storage means for storing the reference value;
In the management period, the color measurement chart is the same as the color measurement chart from which the reference value has been acquired, and the color characteristic value of the management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output from the image output device is received. The color characteristic value is set as a management value, the stored reference value is read, and the dot gain of the reference value is calculated using the paper white of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color, Calculating means for calculating the dot gain of the management value using the value of the paper white color characteristic of the reference value and the value of the color characteristic of the management target color of the management value;
A color management system that manages colors output from the image output apparatus using a dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and a dot gain with respect to the management value. Multiple image output devices installed at each site;
A color management system including a management server for managing colors output by the plurality of image output devices,
Arranged for each base, the management server includes a plurality of terminal devices connected via a network,
The terminal device
In the initial stage of management, each color to be managed is one of a plurality of color measurement charts that are determined in advance. The color measurement chart is output from the image output device and acquires a management reference value. A determination unit that receives the designation and determines whether or not the management target color for the color measurement chart includes paper white;
Color characteristics of paper white and management target color obtained by measuring the color measurement chart output in the image output device when it is determined in the initial stage of the management that the paper white is not included by the determination Is sent to the management server, and at the management time, the color measurement chart that is the same color measurement chart as the color measurement chart from which the reference value was acquired is measured and output from the image output device. Receiving a value of the color characteristic of the management target color obtained in this way, and transmitting to the management server as a management value,
The management server
Storage means for storing the reference value transmitted from the terminal device at the initial stage of the management;
In response to the management value transmitted from the terminal device at the management time, the stored reference value is read out, the dot gain of the reference value is set to the paper white of the reference value and the color characteristic value of the management target color And calculating means for calculating the dot gain of the management value by using the value of the paper white color characteristic of the reference value and the value of the color characteristic of the management target color of the management value,
A color management system that manages colors output from the plurality of image output devices using a dot gain with respect to the calculated reference value and a dot gain with respect to the management value.

Images