JP2007226471A - Color management method and color management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color management method and color management system capable of performing color management of a desired color as well as colors to be managed by adding the desired color to the colors to be managed. <P>SOLUTION: In the beginning of management, an instruction to add the desired color to colors to be managed is received, values of color characteristics on the colors to be managed and desired colors to be outputted by an image output apparatus are received to set as standard values. Moreover, during a period of management, the values of color characteristics of the colors to be managed and desired colors to be outputted by the image output apparatus are received to set as management values. By using the standard values and management values, output colors of the image output apparatus are managed. <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 spot colors.

  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.).

  In addition, since the ink that is normally used is a basic color called process color of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), the color management as described above can be performed. Usually, it is performed for CMYK.

JP 2003-46794 A

  On the other hand, the ink used for printing may be a specific color ink called a special color, in addition to the CMYK ink. The spot color is used as, for example, a symbol color that is difficult to express with CMYK ink or a color indicating a company or a product. Since it is important for those displaying symbol colors, it is desirable to manage the special colors. In addition, the color of special color ink may be managed in the state of ink using a color sample or the like, but it is desired to manage the color actually output on printing paper or the like.

  However, as described above, the spot color is not always used, and is used for a specific printed matter. Therefore, the common color is low, and it is rarely handled as a color management target like CMYK. Therefore, it is often managed by the user. For example, in order to output a chart separately from CMYK and manage spot colors, a great deal of time and labor has been spent on the measurement.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to add a desired color to a management target color and perform color management of the desired color together with the management target color. Is to provide a color management method and a color management system.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is configured to receive an instruction to add a desired color to a management target color at an initial stage of management, and further output the management target color and the output in an image output device A storage stage that receives an input of a color characteristic value obtained by measuring a desired color and stores it as a reference value, and measures the management target color and the desired color that are output in the image output device at the management time Receiving a color characteristic value obtained as a management value, reading the stored reference value, and generating color management information for comparing the reference value and the management value; and And managing the color output from the image output device using the generated color management information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the additional instruction in the storing step includes color information indicating the desired color, and the color of the desired color can be visually recognized by a display unit based on the color information. Including a step of displaying, and receiving a value of a color characteristic obtained by measuring the desired color corresponding to the color of the desired color.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the addition instruction in the storage stage includes color information indicating the desired color, and the color management information generated in the generation stage is based on the color information. It is characterized by including display information for displaying the color of a desired color so as to be visible.

  According to a fourth 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. In the initial stage of management, an instruction to add a desired color to a management target color is received at a terminal device arranged for each base and connected to the management server via a network. A first transmission step of receiving an input of a color characteristic value obtained by measuring the management target color and the desired color output in step S1 and transmitting to the management server as a reference value; and in the management server, the terminal Storing the reference value transmitted from the device and measuring the management target color and the desired color output from the image output device at the terminal device at the management time. A second transmission step of receiving an input of the obtained color characteristic value and transmitting it to the management server as a management value; and receiving the management value transmitted from the terminal device in the management server, and storing the stored reference A generation step of reading out a value and generating color management information for comparing the reference value with the management value, and management of colors output from the plurality of image output devices using the generated color management information And a stage of performing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the additional instruction in the first transmission stage includes color information indicating the desired color, and the color of the desired color is visually recognized on the display unit based on the color information. Including a step of enabling display, and receiving a value of a color characteristic obtained by measuring the desired color corresponding to the color of the desired color.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the addition instruction in the first transmission stage includes color information indicating the desired color, transmits the color information together with the reference value to the management server, and stores the storage information. In the step of storing, the color information is stored together with the reference value, and the color management information generated in the generation step includes display information for displaying the color of the desired color so as to be visible based on the color information. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 7 receives an instruction to add a desired color to the management target color at the initial stage of management, and further measures the management target color and the desired color output from the image output apparatus. Storage means for receiving input of color characteristic values obtained as a reference value and storing them as reference values; and color characteristics obtained by measuring the management target color and the desired color output in the image output device at the management time Color management information generating means for receiving the input of the value as a management value, reading out the stored reference value, and generating color management information for comparing the reference value and the management value, The color management information generated is used to manage the color output by the image output apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a color management system including a plurality of image output devices installed for each base, and a management server for managing colors output from the plurality of image output devices, It includes a plurality of terminal devices arranged for each base and connected via a network to the management server, and the terminal device receives an instruction to add a desired color for a management target color at the initial stage of management, Further, the management target color output by the image output device and the color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color are received and transmitted to the management server as a reference value, and at the management time, the image output device And a transmission unit that receives the input of the color characteristic value obtained by measuring the management target color and the desired color, and transmits the management target value to the management server as the management value. Initially, the storage means for 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 is read, and the reference Color management information generating means for generating color management information for comparing values with the management values, and managing colors output from the plurality of image output devices using the generated color management information It is characterized by that.

  According to the color management method and color management system of the present invention, a reference value obtained by adding a desired color to the management target color and measuring the desired color output from the image output apparatus at the initial stage of management is obtained. And obtaining a management value obtained by measuring a desired color output from the image output device at the management time, and generating color management information for comparing the reference value and the management value. It is possible to manage the color to be managed and the desired color to be output.

  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 color management is performed using the reference value and the management value. Color management is performed by adding a desired color, for example, a special color, to a predetermined management target color, for example, a color composed of C, M, Y, and K (hereinafter referred to as a measurement color).

(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). It comprises a communication means 18 having a function as a transmission means and a reception means for receiving various information, an image data storage section 13, a measurement color storage section 19 (management target color storage section), and a control section 12. Yes.

  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, an example of a color chart will be described. FIG. 2 shows an example of the color chart (17). As shown in FIG. 2A, the color chart (17) includes 17 color patches formed near the edge of the recording paper. However, the arrangement of the color patches shown in the figure is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 2B shows the color configuration of the 17 color patches by CMYK. Each% value of C, M, Y, and K in the figure is a density value indicating that white is 0% and solid is 100%. Moreover, what is indicated by density values excluding 0% and 100% between 0% and 100% is referred to as an intermediate color. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), CMYK C100%, M100%, Y100%, K100%, CMY100%, MY100%, CY100%, CM100%, W (white background), C50%, M50%, Y50%, It is composed of 17 colors of K50%, CMY10%, CMY20%, CMY40%, CMY70%.

  The measurement color storage unit 19 includes a measurement color table 190, a reference name table 191 and a spot color table 192. The measurement color table 190 stores the measurement colors of the color chart. FIG. 3A shows the configuration of the measurement color table 190, in which a color chart name and a 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. FIG. 3B shows an example when a color chart (special 1) is added, and shows that the measurement color of the color chart (special 1) is described in the file B. Details of the color chart (special 1) will be described later.

  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. 4A shows the configuration of the reference name table 191. The reference name “AAA” and the color chart name “color chart (17)” are stored in association with each other, and the relationship between the reference name and the color chart is stored. Is remembered. FIG. 4B shows an example where the reference name “BBB” is added, and this addition will be described later.

  The spot color table 192 stores spot color color information. For example, FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the spot color table 192 for storing spot color names and color information, but the L * a * b * color system values are stored in association with each other as spot color names and color information.

  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 selection screen display control unit 16 and a measurement screen display control unit 17.

  The selection screen display control means 16 receives a measurement start instruction performed using the input means 11, selects a reference value measurement or management value measurement, adds a spot color, selects a reference, and uses it. A color measurement selection screen 41 for selecting a color chart 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. 6 shows an example of the color measurement selection screen 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the color measurement selection screen 41 displays a reference name column 410 in which a reference name can be selected in order to select a reference, and a color chart name in a selectable manner in order to select a color chart. Color chart name display field 411, measurement key 412 which is a soft key for pressing when obtaining a management value, color reference registration key 413 for pressing when acquiring a reference value, a predetermined measurement color An option key 416 used when adding a spot color 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. For example, the reference name table 191 shown in FIG. 4A is updated to the reference name table 191 shown in FIG. 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.

  Further, the selection screen display control means 16 displays a special color addition screen 45 to add a special color when adding a special color to a predetermined measurement color, that is, when the option key 416 of the color measurement selection screen 41 is pressed. Displayed on the display means 14.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the spot color addition screen 45. As shown in FIG. 7, the special color addition screen 45 has a color number input field 451 for designating the number of colors to be added, the name and color information of the special color to be added (in this example, the L * a * b * color system Spot color designation field 452 for inputting values (L * value, a * value and b * value), color chart name input field 453 for inputting the name of the color chart to which the spot color is added, registration of the color chart And an OK key 455 that is pressed when returning to the color measurement selection screen 41 is completed.

  Here, the addition of a spot color will be described. Hereinafter, the addition of the spot color is performed by adding a color chart (special 1) including the spot color patch.

  First, the color chart (Special 1) will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example of a color chart (special 1). As shown in FIG. 8A, the color chart (special 1) includes 20 color patches formed in the vicinity of the edge of the recording paper as measurement colors. FIG. 8B shows the color configuration of each of the 20 color patches. However, the arrangement of the color patches shown in the figure is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Each% value of C, M, Y, and K in the figure is a density value indicating that white is 0% and solid is 100%. Moreover, what is indicated by density values excluding 0% and 100% between 0% and 100% is referred to as an intermediate color. As shown in FIG. 8B, the 17 color patches (No. 1 to No. 17) are C100%, M100%, Y100%, K100%, CMY100%, MY100%, CY100%, CM100 by CMYK. %, W (white background), C50%, M50%, Y50%, K50%, CMY10%, CMY20%, CMY40%, CMY70%, and the remaining three (No.18 to No.20) are special colors. The names are S1, S2 and S3, respectively.

  First, since there are three spot colors, 3 is input in the color number input field 451 of the displayed spot color addition screen 45. Further, the name of each spot color is input as the additional color name in the spot color designation field 452, and the L * value, a * value, and b * value are input in the L * field, a * field, and b * field. The L * value, a * value, and b * value may be input by an operator using a keyboard or the like, or may be input by measuring with the colorimeter 3. Further, by inputting the color chart name “color chart (special 1)” in the color chart name input field 453 and pressing the creation key 454, the color chart (special 1) and its measurement color are displayed in the measurement color table 190. Added and stored. The measurement color is described in the file B with the contents shown in FIG. The spot color table 192 stores the name of the added spot color in association with the value of the L * a * b * color system. When the OK key 455 is pressed, the selection screen display control unit 16 displays the color measurement selection screen 41 on the display unit 14. At this time, the added “color chart (special 1)” is displayed in the color chart name display field 411.

  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. 9 shows an example of the reference name input screen 42. As shown in FIG. 9, 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 sometimes referred to as a next key).

  Further, the measurement screen display control means 17 selects, for example, a color chart on the color measurement selection screen 41 and presses the color reference registration key 413, inputs a reference name on the reference name input screen 42, and presses the next key 422. When the color key is selected on the color measurement selection screen 41 and the measurement key 412 is pressed, the measurement screen display control unit 17 displays the measurement screen 44 on the display unit 14.

  An example of the measurement screen 44 is shown in FIG. FIG. 10A shows the measurement screen 44 when the color chart (17) is used, and FIG. 10B shows the measurement screen 44 when the color chart (special 1) is used.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the measurement screen 44 displays 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 (color characteristic value). A measurement value display field 443 to be displayed and a measurement color display field 444 to display the measurement color so as to be visible are included. The measurement value display field 443 and the measurement color display field 444 each display a measurement color corresponding to the color chart. That is, when the color chart (17) is selected, the measurement color table 190 is searched and the measurement colors corresponding to the color chart (17) are displayed as shown in FIG. When 1) is selected, the measurement color table 190 is searched and a special color is added and displayed as a measurement color corresponding to the color chart (special 1) as shown in FIG. Further, in the measurement color display field 444, the color of the special color is clearly shown based on the color information stored in the special color table 192. Since the name of the spot color does not always indicate the color, it is possible to check the color of the spot color. In addition, since the color can be confirmed, it is less likely that the spot color to be measured is mistaken when performing measurement or the like.

  Then, using the colorimeter 3, the color measurement of each color patch shown in the measurement value display field 443 is performed. 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 name of the color chart selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and the color information of the spot color if it includes a spot color, and the communication means 18 as the transmission means. Send to the management server 5. 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 of the image output device, the reference name, the color chart name, the reference value, and the color information of the spot color when the spot color is included 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, dot gain, trapping rate, 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 found as

In the case of the dot gain of 50% halftone, for 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, and dk1 = dkx. If −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 color difference, density difference, dot gain difference, etc., and 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.

  12 and 13 show examples of display information of the color management information. The color management information shown in FIG. 12 is obtained when a paper white is measured using a color chart (special 1), and includes color difference, dot gain, and trapping rate displays as color management information for 17 colors. Including color difference display as the color management information for. Further, when the color management information of the spot color is indicated, the spot color can be confirmed by the color by displaying the color of the spot color based on the color information of the spot color in the display information. FIG. 13 is a graph showing daily changes in spot colors as color management information. In addition, by displaying the graph in the color of each special color, the special color can be confirmed by the color and can be easily identified.

(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. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for measuring the reference value and the management value. The procedure for measuring the reference value and the management value will be described with reference to FIG. Further, the spot color is added by adding a color chart (special 1) including a spot color patch.

(Measurement of reference value)
The operator operates the input means 11 such as a keyboard or a mouse of the control device 1 and outputs a color chart (special 1) 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). The selection screen display control means 16 of the control unit 12 receives this input and displays the color measurement selection screen 41 (see FIG. 6) on the display means 14 (S102). At this time, it is assumed that only the color chart (17) is stored in the measurement color table 190, and only the color chart (17) is displayed in the color chart name display field 411. In addition, it is assumed that the color chart (17) is automatically selected in the color chart name display field 411.

  Next, the operator presses an option key 416 to add a color chart (special 1). The control component 12 receives this input (S103, Y) and performs a process of adding a spot color (S400).

  Here, the addition of a spot color will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, a spot color is added by adding a color chart (special 1) including a spot color patch, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adding a color chart (special 1) including a spot color. is there. As shown in FIG. 15, the selection screen display control means 16 displays a spot color addition screen 45 on the display means 14 (see FIG. 7).

  First, the worker makes various inputs regarding the spot color to be added to the spot color addition screen 45. Since there are three special colors to be added, 3 is entered in the color number input field 451 of the displayed special color addition screen 45. Further, the name of each spot color is input as the additional color name in the spot color designation field 452, and the L * value, a * value, and b * value are input in the L * field, a * field, and b * field. Further, the color chart name “color chart (special 1)” is entered in the color chart name input field 453. In this way, when various inputs regarding the special color are made (S402, Y) and the creation key 454 is pressed (S403, Y), the control unit 12 stores the color chart (special 1) and the measurement color in the measurement color table 190. And the L * a * b * color system value of each spot color is stored in the reminder table 192 (S404). When the OK key 455 is pressed, the selection screen display control unit 16 displays the color measurement selection screen 41 again on the display unit 14 (S405). At this time, the added “color chart (special 1)” is displayed in the color chart name display field 411.

  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.

  Returning to FIG. 14, when the operator selects the color chart (special 1) and presses the color reference registration key 413 (actually, it is pressed by clicking with the mouse. Other keys are also the same). .) (S104, reference registration), the selection screen display control means 16 further displays a reference name input screen 42 (see FIG. 9) on the display means 14 (S105). When the operator inputs a reference name in the reference name input field 421 and then presses the key 422 (S106, Y), the measurement screen display control means 17 causes the measurement screen 44 corresponding to the color chart (special 1). (See FIG. 10B) is displayed on the display means 14 (S107). At this time, in the measurement color display field 444, the color of the special color is clearly shown based on the color information stored in the special color table 192.

  When the operator depresses the measurement key 441, the measurement value standby state is entered. When the operator first measures the color charts of the color chart (special 1) output from the colorimeter 3 in order of numbers, 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 (S108, 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 (special 1)” selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and the color information of the special color are attached as supplementary information for communication. The data is sent to the management server 5 via the means 18 (S109).

(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. By operating the means 11, the image output device 2 outputs a color chart (special 1). 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). The selection screen display control means 16 of the control unit 12 receives this input and displays the color measurement selection screen 41 (see FIG. 6) on the display means 14 (S102). Next, the operator selects a color chart used for measurement in the color chart name display field 411, here, a color chart (special 1) and a reference value as a comparison reference in the reference name field 410 (selects a reference value name). ) And the measurement key 412 is pressed (S104, daily data), the measurement screen display control means 17 displays the measurement screen 44 (see FIG. 10B) corresponding to the color chart (special 1) on the display means 14. Display (S110).

  As in the case of the reference value, when the operator performs measurement and presses the end key 442 (S111, Y), the control unit 12 sets the measurement value as the management value, the identification information indicating the management value, and the image output device The identification information, the reference name selected using the color measurement selection screen 41, and the color chart name “color chart (special 1)” selected using the color measurement selection screen 41 are attached as incidental information for communication. The data is sent to the management server 5 via the means 18 (S112).

<Processing on the management server>
FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure 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. 16 and 17.

  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, the reference name, the color chart name, the color information of the special spot color (when including the special color), and the 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 device 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, dot gain, and trapping rate. 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). At this time, when the color management information is displayed on the display means, it is displayed based on the color information so that the color of the special color can be confirmed.

  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), and the work terminal 4 displays the color management information as shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, for example. Similarly, the color management information can be displayed on the control means 1.

  In addition to the management target color that is determined in advance so as to perform normal management as described above, it is possible to manage spot colors.

  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 the color patch in a color chart. 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 a structure of the spot color 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 spot color addition screen displayed on a display means in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the color patch in a color chart. 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 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 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 adding the color chart containing a spot color. 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.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Image output device 3 Colorimeter 4 Work terminal 5 Management server 11 Input means 12 Control part 13 Image data storage part 14 Display means 16 Selection screen display control means 17 Measurement screen display control means 18 Communication means 19 Measurement color storage Unit 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 192 Special color table N Network

Claims (8)

In the initial stage of management, an instruction to add a desired color to the management target color is received, and further, the management target color output from the image output apparatus and a color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color are input. A storage stage for storing as a reference value,
In the management period, the management target color output in the image output device and the color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color are received as a management value, and the stored reference value is read out. A generation stage for generating color management information for comparing a reference value and the management value;
And a step of managing a color output from the image output apparatus using the generated color management information.   The adding instruction in the storing step includes color information indicating the desired color, and includes a step in which the color of the desired color is visibly displayed on a display unit based on the color information. The color management method according to claim 1, wherein an input of a value of a color characteristic obtained by measuring the desired color corresponding to the color of the color is received. The additional instruction in the storing step includes color information indicating the desired color,
The color management method according to claim 1, wherein the color management information generated in the generation step includes display information that displays the color of the desired color so as to be visible based on the color information. 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,
In the terminal device arranged for each base and connected to the management server via a network, an instruction to add a desired color to the management target color is received, and the management target color output in the image output device and A first transmission step of receiving an input of a color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color and transmitting it as a reference value to the management server;
In the management server, storing the reference value transmitted from the terminal device;
During the management period,
In the terminal device, a second transmission step of receiving an input of a color characteristic value obtained by measuring the management target color and the desired color output from the image output device, and transmitting to the management server as a management value When,
In the management server, a generation step of receiving the management value transmitted from the terminal device, reading the stored reference value, and generating color management information for comparing the reference value with the management value; ,
And a step of managing colors output from the plurality of image output devices using the generated color management information.   The additional instruction in the first transmission step includes color information indicating the desired color, and includes a step in which the color of the desired color is visibly displayed on a display unit based on the color information. The color management method according to claim 4, wherein an input of a value of a color characteristic obtained by measuring the desired color corresponding to the color of the color is received. The addition instruction in the first transmission step includes color information indicating the desired color, and transmits the color information together with the reference value to the management server.
Storing the color information together with the reference value in the storing step;
The color management method according to claim 4, wherein the color management information generated in the generation step includes display information that displays the color of the desired color so as to be visible based on the color information. In the initial stage of management, an instruction to add a desired color to the management target color is received, and further, the management target color output from the image output apparatus and a color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color are input. Storage means for storing as a reference value,
In the management period, the management target color output in the image output device and the color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color are received as a management value, and the stored reference value is read out. Color management information generating means for generating color management information for comparing a reference value and the management value,
A color management system that manages colors output from the image output apparatus using the generated color management information. 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, an instruction to add a desired color to the management target color is received, and further, the management target color output from the image output apparatus and a color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color are input. The reference value is transmitted to the management server, and at the management time, the management target color output by the image output apparatus and the color characteristic value obtained by measuring the desired color are received as the management value. Transmission means for transmitting to the management server,
The management server
Storage means for storing the reference value transmitted from the terminal device at the initial stage of the management;
Color management information that receives the management value transmitted from the terminal device at the management time, reads the stored reference value, and generates color management information for comparing the reference value with the management value Generating means,
A color management system that manages colors output from the plurality of image output devices using the generated color management information.

Images