JP2008080497A - Color proof-printing method, device, and program and medium recording that program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide color proof-printing method, device and program which make operation of color proof-printing easy to understand for user and enable the realization of excellent operability, and to provide a medium recording that program. <P>SOLUTION: When a color proof-printing application is started, a screen 200 of basic operation is display. On the screen 200 of basic operation, a list of a plurality of buttons 201a-c, 202a-c, 203 and 204 corresponding to various operations concerning color proof-printing is displayed in matrix, and a message indicative of the processing content is displayed in a region corresponding to each button. Since a user can progress such processes as generation of compensation data, confirmation of precision of compensation data, and the like, color proof-printing can be understood easily and excellent operability of a user interface screen for color proof-printing is attained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a color calibration method, a color calibration apparatus, a color calibration program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  It is known that a color output characteristic of a printing apparatus such as a printer changes due to an aged characteristic change. In addition, color output characteristics may differ due to individual differences in printing apparatuses. In order to reduce the change in color output characteristics with time and the difference in characteristics and perform printing with suitable color reproducibility, calibration of the color output characteristics is required.

  One method of calibration is to use a color chart. In this method, a color chart in which a plurality of patches based on a plurality of gradation values is printed for each color of a color material (ink or toner) used in the printing apparatus is output. Then, the color value of each patch of the color chart is read and measured by a colorimeter or the like, and correction data for calibration is generated based on the measured value. By performing color conversion according to the correction data, the color output characteristics are calibrated, and a print result with suitable color reproducibility can be obtained (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 15, a number of buttons for performing various operations and settings for color proofing are all displayed on one screen, and a user should operate from a message on the screen. There was also a user interface screen that searched for and entered it.

JP 2003-291327 A

  However, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the user sets the order for printing the color chart, measuring the color of the chart, generating correction data, determining whether to actually apply the generated color correction table, and the like. It is necessary to instruct from the user interface screen. Further, in the user interface screen of FIG. 15, it is necessary for the user to find a setting column to be operated from a message on the screen, and a complicated operation is required. For these reasons, there is a problem that it is difficult to understand the operation method of color proofing, especially for users who are not familiar with printer operation and technical terms.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a color calibration method, a color calibration apparatus, a color calibration program, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded, in which operations relating to color calibration are easy for the user to understand and can realize excellent operability. Objective.

  The color calibration method of the present invention that achieves the above object is a color calibration method for calibrating the color output characteristics of a printing apparatus, and each of a plurality of processes related to color calibration is one of a plurality of processes. An operation input in which an operation selection screen in which a plurality of corresponding selection candidates are arranged in a list is displayed on a display device, and a selection operation for selecting one of the selection candidates from the plurality of selection candidates according to the operation selection screen And an execution step of executing a process corresponding to the selection candidate selected by the input selection operation.

  The color proofing apparatus of the present invention is a color proofing apparatus for calibrating the color output characteristics of a printing apparatus, and a plurality of processes related to color proofing, each corresponding to one of a plurality of processes. A display control means for displaying an operation selection screen in which selection candidates are arranged in a list on a display device, an operation means for inputting a selection operation for selecting one of a plurality of selection candidates according to the operation selection screen, Execution means for executing processing corresponding to the selection candidate selected by the input selection operation.

  According to these configurations, an operation selection screen in which a plurality of selection candidates corresponding to a plurality of processes related to color calibration are arranged is displayed, and the user selects a desired process from the operation selection screen by operating the operation means. Thus, the color output characteristics of the printing apparatus can be calibrated. Since a plurality of selection candidates are displayed in a list on the operation selection screen, it is easy for the user to visually grasp the selection candidates for performing each process related to color calibration, and the operation method is easy to understand. Therefore, the operability of the operation selection screen is excellent.

  In the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of selection candidates are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the operation selection screen.

  With this configuration, the selection candidates are arranged and displayed in a matrix, so that the operation becomes easier to understand.

  In the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the operation selection screen includes a message indicating the processing content of the selection candidate at a position corresponding to the selection candidate.

  According to this configuration, the user can know the processing content of the selection candidate from the message displayed on the operation selection screen, so that the operation method of color calibration becomes easier to understand.

  In the color proofing apparatus according to the present invention, the plurality of selection candidates include the first selection candidate, and the execution unit includes a plurality of patches based on the plurality of gradation values when the first selection candidate is selected. According to the color chart image data, a print control unit that causes the printing apparatus to print the color chart, a colorimetric value acquisition unit that acquires a colorimetric value for each of the plurality of patches included in the printed color chart, and the acquired measurement Correction data generation means for generating correction data for correcting the color output characteristics of the printing apparatus by comparing the color value with a predetermined reference colorimetric value serving as a reference for color calibration. preferable.

  According to this configuration, when the first selection candidate is selected, printing of a color chart, acquisition of colorimetric values of the color chart, and generation of correction data are sequentially performed. The user can obtain the correction data by a simple operation of selecting the first selection candidate from the selection candidates displayed in a list on the operation selection screen.

  In the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, when the first selection candidate is selected, the display control unit displays a setting screen for setting a plurality of printing conditions related to printing of the color chart on the display device. It is preferable to set a plurality of printing conditions on the screen by sequentially switching a state in which any one of a plurality of conditions can be set according to an operation on the operation unit.

  According to this configuration, a plurality of settings relating to color chart printing can be performed by setting the printing conditions one by one in accordance with the setting screen that switches one after another. Easy to understand.

  In the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the setting field for the settable condition is displayed separately from other areas on the setting screen.

  According to this configuration, the setting columns for the settable conditions are displayed separately, so that the user can easily know the setting columns for the conditions that can be set on the setting screen and set the printing conditions.

  In the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of selection candidates include the second selection candidate, and when the second selection candidate is selected, the print control unit applies the correction data to the printing apparatus, According to the color chart image data, the accuracy check color chart is printed on the printing device, and the colorimetric value acquisition unit acquires and executes the corrected colorimetric values for each of the plurality of patches included in the accuracy check color chart. Preferably, the means further includes accuracy calculation means for calculating the accuracy of color calibration by comparing the obtained corrected colorimetric value with the reference colorimetric value.

  According to this configuration, when the second selection candidate is selected, the accuracy of color calibration is calculated and displayed on the accuracy confirmation screen. The user can easily know the accuracy of the color calibration based on the correction data without comparing and examining the printing results before and after the color calibration.

  Further, in the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, the execution means can interrupt the process of generating correction data at the stage where the color chart is printed on the printing apparatus, and the plurality of selection candidates are the third selection candidates. Preferably, the execution means releases the interruption of the process when the third selection candidate is selected, and causes the colorimetric value acquisition means and the correction data generation means to continue the process.

  According to this configuration, when the third selection candidate is selected, the process of generating the interrupted correction data is resumed, and the color chart is acquired from the color chart so that the color chart is stored in the printing apparatus. Correction data generation processing interrupted at the stage of printing can be performed. For example, when printing is performed with an ink jet printing apparatus, it is necessary to wait until the ink printed on the color chart is dried and the color is stabilized. Therefore, when the color chart is printed, it is interrupted once, and processing for generating correction data for different printing conditions is performed while drying, and the continuation of the processing interrupted after drying is resumed. Correction data can be generated.

  Further, in the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, the execution means can interrupt the process of checking the accuracy when the color chart for checking the accuracy is printed on the printing device, and the plurality of selection candidates is the fourth selection. Preferably, the execution means includes a candidate, and when the fourth selection candidate is selected, cancels the interruption of the process, and causes the colorimetric value acquisition means and the correction data generation means to continue the process.

  According to this configuration, when the fourth selection candidate is selected, it is possible to efficiently generate correction data by restarting the interrupted accuracy check process.

  In the color proofing apparatus according to the present invention, the plurality of selection candidates include a fifth selection candidate, and the display control means manages to manage the generated correction data when the fifth selection candidate is selected. It is preferable to display the screen on a display device.

  According to this configuration, when the fifth selection candidate is selected, the correction data can be managed according to the management screen displayed on the display device.

  In the color proofing apparatus of the present invention, the color chart printed by the printing apparatus is measured by a colorimeter, and a communication unit capable of data communication via a network is provided to a server capable of generating correction data from the colorimetric values. Further, the plurality of selection candidates includes a sixth selection candidate, and the colorimetric value acquisition unit receives the correction data from the server via the communication unit when the sixth selection candidate is selected. It is preferable to display the screen on a display device.

  According to this configuration, when the sixth selection candidate is selected, correction data can be acquired from the server via the network. Therefore, the user can perform color calibration even if he / she does not have a colorimeter for measuring the color chart.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be a program or a recording medium storing the program. A program according to the present invention is a color proofing program for proofreading the color output characteristics of a printing apparatus, and a plurality of processes related to color proofing, each of which corresponds to one of a plurality of processes. A display control means for displaying an operation selection screen in which selection candidates are arranged on a display device; an execution means for executing processing corresponding to a selection candidate selected from a plurality of selection candidates by a selection operation to the operation means according to the operation selection screen; It is made to function as. As a recording medium on which the program is recorded, various computer-readable media such as a flexible disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, and a memory card can be used.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the color calibration system 1 includes a host computer 10 such as a general-purpose personal computer, a printer 20 that performs color printing, and a colorimeter 30 such as a spectrocolorimeter. In the present embodiment, a case where the printer 20 performs ink jet printing using four colors of CMYK ink will be described. However, the printer 20 has four or more colors including light cyan, light magenta, light yellow, and the like. Color materials may be used, or other printing methods such as an electrophotographic method may be used.

  Further, the host computer 10 can access the correction value file supply server 40 via the Internet. A colorimeter 50 is connected to the correction value file supply server 40.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the host computer 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the host computer 10 includes a CPU 50 as a main control device, a ROM 51, a RAM 52, a hard disk 53, an operation interface 54, a display interface 55, an input / output interface 56, and a communication interface 57. And a CD-ROM drive 58. Each of these components is connected to each other via a bus so that data communication is possible.

  The operation interface 54 is an interface part to which the keyboard 11 and the mouse 12 are connected. When the keyboard 11 and the mouse 12 are operated by the user, an operation signal is input.

  The display interface 55 is an interface part to which a display 13 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is connected. The CPU 50 outputs RGB signals via the display interface 55, whereby the display 13 Controls the screen display.

  The input / output interface 56 is an interface part for connecting the printer 20 and the colorimeter 30 so that they can communicate with each other. For example, data can be exchanged with a connected device by data communication conforming to a predetermined standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  The hard disk 53 stores a color calibration program 59 according to the present invention. The color calibration program 59 is supplied from the CD-ROM 14 in which the color calibration program 59 is recorded, and the program read from the CD-ROM 14 by the CD-ROM drive 58 is stored in the hard disk 53. Of course, the program may be acquired by communicating with a server that records the color calibration program 59 via the Internet. The hard disk 53 stores reference colorimetric value data described later in advance.

  Next, a functional configuration of the host computer 10 as a color proofing device will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the host computer 10 includes a color proofing means 60 for performing various processes of color proofing, and a screen display control means 70 for controlling display of a user interface screen for color proofing. The color proofing means 60 includes a color chart printing control means 61, a colorimetric value acquisition means 62, a correction data generation means 63, a correction accuracy calculation means 64, a maintenance means 65, and a correction data communication acquisition means 66. have. Each of these components functions when the CPU 50 reads the color calibration program 59 from the hard disk 53 and executes it. Hereinafter, processing performed by each component will be described.

  The color chart printing control unit 61 controls the printer 20 to print a color chart for color calibration.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a color chart. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of patches 101 are arranged in a matrix on the color chart 100, patches of the same ink color are arranged in the vertical direction of the color chart 100, and patch rows of the same ink color are arranged. They are arranged in the order of CMYK in the horizontal direction. Further, patches of the same gradation value are arranged in the horizontal direction of the color chart 100, and the gradation value is increased or decreased by a predetermined gradation value in the vertical direction of patch rows of the same gradation value. line up. In the example of FIG. 4, patches with gradation values “10” to “250” are arranged so that the gradation values are arranged in ascending order at “10” intervals from the top to the bottom of the drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the gradation value set for each patch when the color chart 100 is output is hereinafter referred to as a “set gradation value”. The set gradation value of each patch is included in the color chart image data stored in the hard disk 53. The color chart print control means 61 generates print data according to the color chart image data read from the hard disk 53, outputs the print data to the printer 20 via the input / output interface 56, and prints the color chart 100 shown in FIG. Let

The colorimetric value acquisition unit 62 acquires colorimetric values for each patch from the colorimeter 30 that measures the color chart 100. In the present embodiment, the colorimetric values obtained by the colorimeter 30 are obtained in accordance with the CIE L ^* a ^* b ^* color space, and the colorimetric values (Ls ^* , as ^* , bs ^* ) are acquired. .

The correction data generation unit 63 compares the acquired colorimetric value with the reference colorimetric value of the reference colorimetric value data read from the hard disk 53 for each color / gradation value, and generates correction data for color calibration. . Here, the reference colorimetric value data associates a reference colorimetric value obtained by measuring a color chart 100 output by a predetermined printer as a color reference with a reference colorimeter as a measurement reference, and a set gradation value. It is data. That is, the reference colorimetric value data indicates the reference colorimetric values (Lk ^* , ak ^* , bk ^* ) of preferable colors for the set gradation values (C, M, Y, K) of the color chart 100.

Further, a correction data generation method will be described. The correction data is generated by obtaining a reference colorimetric value (Lk ^* , ak ^* , bk ^* ) that matches or is closest to a colorimetric value (Ls ^* , as ^* , bs ^* ) obtained by colorimetry. The set gradation values (C, M, Y, K) of the patch are associated with the set gradation values (C, M, Y, K) for the obtained reference colorimetric values (Lk ^* , ak ^* , bk ^* ). By doing. For example, as the reference colorimetric value, the reference colorimetric value (L1 ^* a1 ^* b1 ^* ) for the set gradation value (C1, 0, 0, 0) and the set gradation value (C2, 0, 0, 0) Consider a case where a reference colorimetric value (L2 ^* a2 ^* b2 ^* ) is given. At this time, if the colorimetric value of the patch of the set gradation value (10, 0, 0, 0) of the color chart 100 is (L1 ^* a1 ^* b1 ^* ), the set gradation value (10, 0, 0, 0) is associated with the set gradation value (C1, 0, 0, 0) for the reference colorimetric value (L1 ^* a1 ^* b1 ^* ).

If there is no reference colorimetric value that matches the colorimetric value (Ls ^* as ^* bs ^* ), the color difference shown in the following equation (1) is calculated to obtain the reference colorimetric value with the smallest color difference. It is good to associate.
ΔE = ((Ls ^* −Lk ^* ) ² + (as ^* −ak ^* ) ² + (bs ^* −bk ^* ) ² ) ^1/2
... (1)

  Such association is performed for each set gradation value included in the color chart 100 to generate correction data which is a one-dimensional conversion table for each color of CMYK. The generated correction data is stored in the hard disk 53.

  The correction accuracy calculation unit 64 calculates the correction accuracy of the correction data. Even when color correction is performed using correction data, the color output characteristics and standard of the corrected printer are used because of various factors such as conversion error, the influence of the ground color of the paper on which the color chart 100 is printed, and measurement error. Deviations may occur in the color output characteristics. Therefore, the correction accuracy calculation means 64 measures the color chart for accuracy confirmation printed in a state where the correction data is applied to obtain a corrected colorimetric value, and performs the corrected measurement for the same set gradation value. A color difference ΔE between the color value and the reference colorimetric value is calculated according to equation (1). This color difference ΔE is calculated for all patches (in the example of FIG. 4, each patch having a set gradation value “10 to 250” for each CMYK). A value obtained by averaging the color differences ΔE of all patches is indexed to obtain correction accuracy. Therefore, the correction accuracy corresponds to the shift amount of the color output characteristics for all colors and all gradations after correction.

  Further, the maintenance means 65 performs processing for managing and editing correction data stored in the hard disk 53. The correction data communication acquisition unit 66 performs processing for acquiring correction data from the correction data supply server 40 via the Internet as will be described later.

  As described above, the color calibration system 1 according to the present embodiment calibrates the color output characteristics of the printer 20 by sequentially printing the color chart 100, measuring the color of the color chart 100 after printing, and generating correction data. The accuracy of the generated correction data can be confirmed. The screen display control means 70 controls the display 13 to display the user interface screen, which is a feature of the present invention, so that the user can appropriately and easily proceed with each color calibration process. Hereinafter, the configuration of the user interface screen will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic operation screen (operation selection screen) displayed when an application for color calibration is started. As shown in FIG. 5, the basic operation screen 200 includes buttons 201 a to 201 c for generating correction data, buttons 202 a to 202 c for checking correction accuracy, a maintenance button 203 for maintaining correction data, and a server. Remote location buttons 204 for acquiring correction data from 40 are arranged in a matrix, and a plurality of buttons (selection candidates) are displayed in a list. A message indicating the processing content of each button is displayed at a position corresponding to each button on the left side of the matrix. On the upper side of the matrix, whether the setting method for the processing of the button is wizard type or manual setting is displayed at a position corresponding to each button.

  When the start button (first selection candidate) 201a for generating correction data is selected by operating the keyboard 11 or the mouse 12 on the basic operation screen 200, a correction data generation screen 210 shown as an example in FIG. 6 is displayed. Is done. As shown in FIG. 6, the correction data generation screen 210 has a correction value file display area 211 for displaying a list of generated correction value files, and a printing condition setting area 212 for setting various printing conditions for the color chart 100. And a wizard display area 213 for providing a wizard-type interface to the user.

  In order to generate correction data, items such as the type of printer driver (model), the type of colorimeter, the type of paper of the color chart 100, the print quality of the color chart 100, temperature, humidity, and the like from the print condition setting area 212 It is necessary to set the printing conditions of the color chart 100. When setting the conditions for each item on the correction data generation screen 210, a message prompting the user to set one setting item is displayed in the wizard display area 213. For the setting items corresponding to the message in the wizard display area 213, The peripheral area of the setting column (for example, the area 216 for setting the printer driver) is displayed in gray. When the user performs the setting operation on the setting field displayed in gray and then selects the next button 214, a message prompting the setting of the next setting item is displayed in the wizard display area 213, and the setting field of the corresponding setting item is displayed. Is grayed out. When the return button 215 is selected, the display at the time of setting the previous setting item is returned. When the home button 217 is selected, the display is switched to the basic operation screen 200 display.

  In this way, when all the items are set so that the user performs selection operations one after another according to the message in the wizard display area 213, the color chart print control means 61 generates print data according to the set print conditions. The printer 20 prints the color chart 100 under the set conditions based on the generated print data.

  Here, in order to perform color calibration with higher accuracy, it is necessary to wait for the measurement until the ink deposited on the surface of the color chart 100 is dried and the color of the patch is stabilized before color measurement of the printed color chart 100 is performed. There is. Therefore, a message instructing to wait for the elapse of a predetermined time until drying is displayed in the wizard display area 213. When the user measures the color chart 100 with the colorimeter 30 in accordance with a message instruction displayed in the wizard display area 213 after a predetermined time has elapsed, correction data is generated using the colorimetric values of the colorimeter 30. The The generated correction data is displayed in addition to the correction value file display area 211 as a correction value file together with various information such as the paper type, print quality, and status.

  When the return button or the home button is selected while waiting for the ink to dry, the correction data generation process is interrupted, and the correction data generation screen 210 selects a process for generating correction data for other printing conditions. Can do. As a result, the user can proceed with the generation process of the correction value file for other printing conditions while waiting for the ink to dry.

  When a restart button (third selection candidate) 201b for generating correction data is selected on the basic operation screen 200, a correction data generation restart screen shown as an example in FIG. 7 is displayed. The correction data generation restart screen 220 is a screen for restarting the interrupted correction data generation process. As shown in FIG. 7, the screen configuration of the correction data generation restart screen 220 is the same as that of the correction data generation screen 210, and includes a correction value file display area 221, a print condition setting area 222, a wizard display area 223, and the like. ing. In the correction value file display area 221, the generated correction value file (for example, the file 221a in FIG. 7) and the interrupted correction value file (for example, the files 221b and 221c) are displayed. The hourglass icons of the interrupted correction value files 221b and 221c indicate the remaining waiting time. In the wizard display area 223, a message for selecting the interrupted correction value file being created is selected. When the user selects the interrupted correction value file and proceeds with the wizard using the forward button 224, the same processing performed in the scene of the correction data generation screen 210 for the selected correction value file is interrupted. The correction value file is generated again.

  When a start button (second selection candidate) 202a for checking accuracy is selected on the basic operation screen 200, an accuracy check setting screen 230 shown as an example in FIG. 8 is displayed. The screen configuration of the accuracy confirmation setting screen 230 is the same as that of the correction data generation screen 210, and includes a correction value file display area 231, a print condition setting area 232, a wizard display area 233, and the like. In the wizard display area 233, a message for prompting the user to set printing conditions for printing the color chart 100 for accuracy check is displayed. The user sequentially performs print settings, printing of the color chart 100, and colorimetry of the color chart 100 according to the message, and accuracy is confirmed.

  In addition, since it is necessary to wait for drying of the color chart 100 in the accuracy check, it is possible to interrupt the processing in the same manner as the scene of the correction data generation screen 210 and proceed with the accuracy check processing for other correction value files. It is. In this case, the suspended processing can be resumed from the resume button (fourth selection candidate) 202b on the basic operation screen 200.

  When the manual setting button 201c for generating correction data or the manual setting button 202c for checking accuracy is selected on the basic operation screen 200, setting fields for all the print condition settings are listed, respectively. A screen for setting the settings manually appears. A user who is proficient in the operation can efficiently operate from these screens without depending on the wizard.

  When the maintenance button (fifth selection candidate) 203 is selected on the basic operation screen 200, a maintenance screen for managing the generated correction data is displayed (see FIG. 9). In the maintenance screen 240, for example, a list of correction value files is displayed as in the correction value file display area 211 of FIG. 7, and the user selects an arbitrary correction value file and then selects the button 241. By deleting a file or selecting a button 242, a comment can be edited. On the maintenance screen 240, an operation for applying the correction value file to the printer is also performed. When the button 243 is selected, application / non-application of the correction value file is switched. When the correction value file is applied, the correction data is applied to the printing under the printing condition of the correction value file, and a mark 244 indicating that the correction value file is applied is displayed on the maintenance screen 240. It becomes like this.

  When the remote location button (sixth selection candidate) 204 is selected on the basic operation screen 200, a remote location screen 260 for acquiring colorimetric values from the correction value file supply server 40 is displayed via the Internet (FIG. 10). For example, the user delivers the color chart 100 printed by the printer 20 in advance, for example, by mailing to the administrator of the correction value file supply server 40, and the server passes the delivered color chart 100 to the colorimeter ( (Not shown), and the measured colorimetric data is managed. On the remote location screen 260, the correction value file supply server 40 is accessed via the Internet and a transmission request for correction value data is issued. The server 40 that has received the transmission request generates correction data from the colorimetric values of the color chart 100 and transmits the correction data to the host computer 10. In this way, even if the user does not own the colorimeter 30, color calibration can be performed according to the correction data. However, the correction data may be received by mailing the recording medium on which the correction data is recorded from the server side.

  As described above, from the basic operation screen 200 in which buttons for performing various processes are listed in a matrix, the user can perform various processes related to color calibration (correction data generation, accuracy check of correction data, correction data Management, acquisition of correction data from a remote location).

  Next, processing performed when the color calibration application is started will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the activation of the color calibration application is instructed, the CPU 50 executes the color calibration program read from the hard disk 53, and the following processing is performed.

  First, the CPU 50 displays the basic operation screen 200 on the display 13 via the display interface 55 (step S100).

  Next, the CPU 50 determines whether any button on the basic operation screen 200 has been selected in such a manner that the user operates the keyboard 11 or the mouse 12 (step S105). If it has not been selected (step S105: No), the process of step S105 is performed again after a lapse of a predetermined time, and the button selection is continued while the basic operation screen 200 is displayed. If any button is selected (step S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110.

  When the process proceeds to step S110, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the selected button is a button for generating correction data. If the button 201 is selected (step S110: Yes), the process proceeds to step S115 to perform correction data generation processing. If a different button has been generated (step S115: No), the process proceeds to step S120.

  Here, the correction data generation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the processing when the start button 201a is selected and the wizard format is set will be described.

  In the correction data generation process, first, the CPU 50 displays the correction data generation screen 210 on the display 13 (step S200). The user performs an operation according to the wizard on the correction data generation screen 210 to set the printing conditions.

  When the printing conditions are set, the CPU 50 generates the image data of the color chart of FIG. 4, performs various image processing such as color conversion and halftone processing on the color chart image data, and sets the printing conditions. The print data corresponding to is generated. The print data is output to the printer 20 to print the color chart 100 (step S210).

  Next, the CPU 50 displays in the wizard display area 213 of the correction data generation screen 210 a message indicating that the printed color chart 100 is color-measured using the colorimeter 30. The user measures the color chart according to the instruction, and the CPU 50 acquires the colorimetric value from the colorimeter 30 (step S220).

  Next, the CPU 50 generates correction data from the acquired colorimetric values (step S230). When the generated correction data is stored in the hard disk 53, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and proceeds to step S120.

  When the process proceeds to step S120, the CPU 50 determines whether or not accuracy confirmation is selected. If the accuracy check button 202 is selected on the basic operation screen 200 (step S120: Yes), the process proceeds to the accuracy check process of step S125. If the button 202 has not been selected (step S120: No), the process proceeds to step S130.

  Next, the correction accuracy confirmation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the processing when the start button 202a is selected and the wizard format is set will be described.

  When the correction accuracy confirmation process is started, the CPU 50 displays an accuracy confirmation setting screen 230 on the display 13 (step S300). The user performs a selection operation according to the wizard to set correction data to be confirmed.

  When the correction data to be checked is set, the correction data selected from the hard disk 53 is read out, and color correction using the correction data to be checked is performed on the image data of the color chart in FIG. 4 (step S310). .

  Next, the CPU 50 generates print data from the corrected color chart image data. Note that the same printing conditions as those used when generating the correction data to be checked are used. Then, by outputting the generated print data to the printer 20, a color chart for checking accuracy is printed (step S320).

  Next, the CPU 50 displays in the wizard display area 213 of the accuracy confirmation setting screen 230 a message that the printed color chart 100 is measured using the colorimeter 30. When the user performs color measurement according to the message, the CPU 50 acquires the color measurement value of the color chart for accuracy check, that is, the color measurement value after correction (step S330).

  Next, the CPU 50 calculates the correction accuracy from the acquired colorimetric value after correction and the reference colorimetric value (step S340). When calculating the correction accuracy, the CPU 50 displays an accuracy confirmation screen 260 shown in FIG. On the accuracy confirmation screen 260, a pointer 262 is displayed at a position corresponding to the correction accuracy value obtained for the correction accuracy evaluation scale 261. The user can know the correction accuracy for the correction data to be confirmed from the position of the pointer 241. When the correction accuracy is calculated, the correction accuracy is displayed in the accuracy display field 245 of the maintenance screen 240. Next, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the process proceeds to step S130.

  When the process proceeds to step S130, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the maintenance button 203 has been selected (step S130). If the maintenance button 203 is selected (step S130: Yes), the process proceeds to step S135, and the maintenance screen 240 is displayed on the display 13. When the user operates the keyboard 11 or the mouse 12 in accordance with the maintenance screen 240, the correction value file stored in the hard disk 53 is deleted according to the operation, comment editing, and correction value file application / non-application settings. Perform maintenance such as. If maintenance is performed, the process proceeds to step S140. If the maintenance button 203 has not been selected (step S130: No), the process proceeds to step S140.

  When the process proceeds to step S140, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the remote location button 204 has been selected. If the button 204 is selected (step S140: Yes), the process proceeds to step S145, and a correction data transmission request is issued to the correction value file supply server 40 via the Internet. The correction value file supply server 40 generates correction data from the requested colorimetric values of the color chart 100 and transmits the correction data to the host computer 10. When the CPU 50 receives the correction data via the communication interface 57 and acquires the correction data, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S150. If the button 204 is not selected (step S140: No), the process proceeds to step S150.

  When the process proceeds to step S150, the CPU 50 determines whether or not to end the process. If the application operation is not instructed on the basic operation screen 200 (step S150: No), the process returns to step S100 to continue the process. If a termination instruction has been issued (step S150: Yes), the processing in FIG. 11 is terminated and the application is terminated.

  Note that step S100 corresponds to the display step recited in the claims, and step S105 corresponds to the operation input step recited in the claims. The processes in steps S110 to S145 correspond to the execution steps described in the claims.

  Hereinafter, effects in the present embodiment will be described.

  (1) The user operates buttons listed in a two-dimensional matrix on the basic operation screen 200 to generate correction data, check correction data accuracy, check correction data, and obtain a colorimetric value from a remote location. Therefore, it is easy for the user to understand the various color calibration processes and to understand the color calibration operation method. In addition, since the basic operation screen 200 displays a message indicating processing to be executed at a position corresponding to the button, the user can easily know the processing content of each button from the message. Thus, the user can easily proceed with the color proofing process according to the user interface screen excellent in operability.

  (2) When the buttons 201a and 201b are selected on the basic operation screen 200, according to the message displayed in the wizard display area 213, print conditions are set one by one, and correction data generation and accuracy confirmation are performed. be able to. When the buttons 202a and 202b are selected, the accuracy can be checked according to the message displayed in the wizard display area 213. Therefore, the user can easily perform the color proofing operation even if the user is not familiar with the operation of the color proofing application.

  (3) Since the setting column area corresponding to the message in the wizard display area 213 is displayed in gray, it is easy for the user to understand the setting column to be operated, and the operability is improved.

  (4) In the correction data generation process and the correction data accuracy check process, the process can be interrupted while the printed color chart 100 is dried, and the process for other printing conditions can proceed. Then, after the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the interrupted process can be resumed. Since a plurality of processes can be performed in parallel while the color chart 100 is dried, particularly when correction data is generated and used for a plurality of printing conditions, the time required is reduced and the working efficiency is improved.

  (5) When the button 202 for accuracy confirmation is selected, the user can know the accuracy of the correction data on the accuracy confirmation screen 260. The user can easily know the quality of the correction data from the accuracy confirmation screen 240 without comparing the color chart 100 before and after applying the correction data and determining whether the correction data is good or bad.

  (6) When the remote button 204 is selected, correction data can be acquired from the correction value file supply server 40 via the Internet. Therefore, even a user who does not own the colorimeter 30 can perform color calibration of the printer 20.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be set as a various form, without being restricted to this. Hereinafter, modifications of the present invention will be described.

  (Modification) In the above embodiment, the host computer 10 corresponds to the color proofing device. However, a printer having a display liquid crystal panel, an operation switch, etc. may have a function as the color proofing device. . That is, various screens such as the basic operation screen 200 are displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the printer. The user can easily perform color calibration operations by selecting various color calibration processes using the operation switches in accordance with the basic operation screen 200 displayed on the liquid crystal panel.

The figure which showed schematic structure of the system which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the host computer. The figure which showed the functional structure of the color proofreading apparatus (host computer). The figure which showed an example of the printed color chart. The figure which showed the basic operation screen. The figure which showed the correction data generation screen. The figure which showed the correction data generation resumption screen. The figure which showed the accuracy confirmation setting screen. The figure which showed the maintenance screen. The figure which showed the remote place screen. The flowchart which showed the process sequence of the color proofreading application. The flowchart which showed the process sequence of the correction data generation process. The flowchart which showed the process sequence of the correction accuracy confirmation process. The figure which showed the accuracy check screen. The figure which showed an example of the user interface screen for the conventional color calibration.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Host computer as color proofing apparatus, 11 ... Keyboard as operation means, 12 ... Mouse as operation means, 13 ... Display as display device, 14 ... CD-ROM, 20 ... Printer, 30 ... Colorimeter, 40 ... correction value file supply server, 50 ... CPU, 51 ... ROM, 52 ... RAM, 53 ... hard disk, 54 ... operation interface, 55 ... display interface, 56 ... input / output interface, 57 ... communication interface as communication means, 58 ... CD-ROM drive, 59 ... color calibration program, 60 ... color calibration means as execution means, 61 ... color chart printing control means, 62 ... colorimetric value acquisition means, 63 ... correction data generation means, 64 ... correction accuracy calculation Means 65 ... Maintenance means 66 ... Correction data communication Means 70: Screen display control means as display control means, 100 ... Color chart, 101 ... Patch, 200 ... Basic operation screen as operation selection screen, 201a ... Start button as first selection candidate, 201b ... Third 202a ... start button as second selection candidate, 202b ... restart button as fourth selection candidate, 203 ... maintenance button as fifth selection candidate, 204 ... sixth selection Remote acquisition button as a candidate, 210 ... Correction data generation screen as a setting screen, 211 ... Correction value file display area, 212 ... Print condition setting area, 213 ... Wizard display area, 220 ... Correction data generation restart screen, 230 ... Accuracy Confirmation setting screen 240: Maintenance screen as management screen 250: Remote location as reception screen Surface, 260 ... accuracy confirmation screen.

Claims (14)

A color calibration method for calibrating the color output characteristics of a printing apparatus,
A display step of displaying, on a display device, an operation selection screen in which a plurality of selection candidates each corresponding to one of the plurality of processes are arranged in a list for a plurality of processes relating to color proofing;
An operation input step in which a selection operation for selecting any one of the plurality of selection candidates according to the operation selection screen is input;
And a step of executing a process corresponding to the selection candidate selected by the input selection operation. A color proofing device for calibrating the color output characteristics of a printing device,
Display control means for displaying, on a display device, an operation selection screen in which a plurality of selection candidates each corresponding to one of the plurality of processes are arranged in a list for a plurality of processes relating to color calibration;
An operation means for inputting a selection operation for selecting any one of the plurality of selection candidates according to the operation selection screen;
A color proofing apparatus comprising: an execution unit that executes processing corresponding to a selection candidate selected by the input selection operation. The color proofing apparatus according to claim 2,
In the operation selection screen, the plurality of selection candidates are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. In the color proofing device according to claim 2 or 3,
The color selection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation selection screen includes a message indicating processing contents of the selection candidate at a position corresponding to the selection candidate. The color proofing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The plurality of selection candidates includes a first selection candidate;
The execution means includes
When the first selection candidate is selected, print control means for causing the printing apparatus to print a color chart according to color chart image data including a plurality of patches based on a plurality of gradation values;
For each of the plurality of patches included in the color chart after printing, a colorimetric value acquisition unit that acquires a colorimetric value;
A correction data generating unit that compares the acquired colorimetric value with a predetermined reference colorimetric value serving as a color calibration reference to generate correction data for correcting the color output characteristics of the printing apparatus; And a color proofing apparatus. The color proofing apparatus according to claim 5,
When the first selection candidate is selected, the display control means causes the display device to display a setting screen for setting a plurality of printing conditions relating to printing of the color chart,
The setting screen is configured to set the plurality of printing conditions by sequentially switching a state in which any one of the plurality of conditions can be set according to an operation on the operation unit. Characteristic color proofing device. The color proofing apparatus according to claim 6,
In the setting screen, a setting column for settable conditions is displayed separately from other areas, and the color proofing apparatus is characterized in that it is displayed. The color proofing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The plurality of selection candidates includes a second selection candidate;
When the second selection candidate is selected, the printing control unit applies the correction data to the printing apparatus, and then causes the printing apparatus to print an accuracy check color chart according to the color chart image data.
The colorimetric value acquisition means acquires corrected colorimetric values for each of the plurality of patches included in the accuracy check color chart,
The color calibrating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit further includes an accuracy calculating unit that calculates the accuracy of color calibration by comparing the acquired colorimetric value after correction and the reference colorimetric value. In the color proofing device according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
The execution means can interrupt the process of generating the correction data at the stage of printing the color chart on the printing device,
The plurality of selection candidates includes a third selection candidate;
The color calibrating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the third selection candidate is selected, the execution unit cancels the processing interruption and causes the colorimetric value acquisition unit and the correction data generation unit to continue the processing. The color proofing apparatus according to claim 8,
The execution means is capable of interrupting the process of checking accuracy at the stage of printing the color chart for accuracy checking on the printing apparatus,
The plurality of selection candidates includes a fourth selection candidate;
The color calibrating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the fourth selection candidate is selected, the execution unit cancels the processing interruption and causes the colorimetric value acquisition unit and the correction data generation unit to continue the processing. In the color proofing device according to any one of claims 5 to 10,
The plurality of selection candidates includes a fifth selection candidate;
The display control means, when the fifth selection candidate is selected, displays a management screen for managing the generated correction data on the display device. The color proofing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 11,
The color chart printed by the printing apparatus is measured with a colorimeter, and a server capable of generating correction data from the colorimetric values is further provided with communication means capable of data communication via a network,
The plurality of selection candidates includes a sixth selection candidate;
When the sixth selection candidate is selected, the colorimetric value acquisition unit causes the display device to display a reception screen for receiving correction data from the server via the communication unit. Color proofing device. A color calibration program for calibrating the color output characteristics of a printing apparatus,
Computer
Display control means for displaying, on a display device, an operation selection screen in which a plurality of selection candidates corresponding to one of the plurality of processes are arranged for a plurality of processes relating to color calibration;
A color calibration program that functions as an execution unit that executes a process corresponding to a selection candidate selected from the plurality of selection candidates by a selection operation on the operation unit according to the operation selection screen.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the color calibration program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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