JP2009060221A - Information processor, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately judge a color chart without including a patch exclusively used for color chart judgment in the color chart. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 201 of this information processor 101 is characterized in that it is constituted so as to select a patch utilized for judgment of the color chart for measurement from output indicated value data about the color chart used when the color chart is printed and output to create a judgment rule by an image forming apparatus 102, to acquire measurement data by a measuring instrument 103 of the selected patch and to judge the color chart based on the acquired measurement data about the patch and the judgment rule. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to measurement of a color chart performed when creating device calibration data and profile data, and more particularly to a technique for determining the type and orientation of a measured color chart.

  When creating data for device calibration or creating profile data, the color chart is output from the device for which data is created, and the output data of each patch included in the color chart Is measured with a measuring instrument, the difference between the output instruction value and the actual output value is calculated, and calibration data and profile data are created based on the difference. When it is desired to create a calibration or profile data with higher accuracy, a plurality of color charts are output in order to increase the number of patches to be measured.

  Especially when creating multiple types of color charts when creating calibration data, profile data, etc. for printers, the distance between the measuring device and the printer may be different. Can be printed at once. The printed color chart must be measured in the correct order and in the correct orientation on the measuring device, but since multiple color charts are printed at once, the order and orientation are measured in the wrong order. It may end up. If such measurement is performed, the created calibration data and profile data are not appropriate. However, the fact that the data is not appropriate has a problem that it cannot be known unless the data is applied and actually printed out.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a position determination mark and an order determination mark are added to the color chart, and by measuring them, the color chart placed in the measuring apparatus is correct or placed in order. A technique for determining whether or not it has been disclosed is disclosed.

Also, in Patent Document 2, as a technique for determining whether a color chart with different print settings is correct or incorrect, a color chart is created so that a patch at a specific position in the color chart becomes a condition determination patch. A technique for measuring a position patch and determining whether or not a color chart measured from the measurement result is correct is disclosed.
JP 2002-303549 A JP 2005-328255 A

  However, with the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a patch that is used only for determination of the color chart must be included in the color chart. Therefore, the number of patches to be measured for creating calibration data and profile data in the color chart is reduced. Therefore, there has been a problem that the number of output color charts inevitably increases when creating data with higher accuracy.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is a mechanism for appropriately determining whether a color chart is correct or not without including a patch dedicated to determining a parachart in the color chart. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement.

  That is, an information processing apparatus that determines whether a color chart to be measured is placed in a correct orientation on a document table of a measuring apparatus among a plurality of color charts, and an output instruction value of a patch constituting each of the plurality of color charts On the basis of the layout information including, the patch to be used for creating a determination rule for determining whether the color chart to be measured is placed in the correct orientation on the document table of the measurement apparatus, and the output of the patch A determination rule creating unit that creates the determination rule based on an instruction value, a measurement value acquisition unit that acquires a measurement value of a patch used in the determination rule, and a color of a measurement target according to the determination rule and the measurement value And determining means for determining whether the chart is placed in the correct orientation on the document table of the measuring apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine a color chart without adding a dedicated patch for determining the color chart in the color chart, so that more calibration data, profile data, etc. can be included in one color chart. Patches used for data creation can be arranged.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to embed a determination-dedicated patch in the color chart as in the prior art, it is possible to reduce the color chart design burden on the color chart designer.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a system to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an information processing apparatus, which obtains measured values of each patch in the color charts output from the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2, and the color chart is a color chart to be measured. A determination is made as to whether or not it is placed in the correct orientation.

  The image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 are image forming apparatuses such as printers (printing apparatuses), and perform output processing of data in response to an output instruction from the information processing apparatus 101.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a measuring device such as a spectrocolorimeter, which measures color data of each patch in the color chart placed on the document table. Based on the data measured by the measuring apparatus 103, the information processing apparatus 101 determines the color chart.

  A network 104 connects the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 to each other. Note that the measurement apparatus 103 may be connected to the network 104.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 101 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that controls the entire information processing apparatus 101 using programs and data stored in a RAM 202 and a ROM 203, and executes each process described later performed by the information processing apparatus 101.

  The RAM 202 temporarily stores programs and data loaded from the HDD (hard disk drive) 204 and the recording medium drive 206, programs and data received from other devices via the network I / F (interface) 205, and the like. And various areas such as a work area used when the CPU 201 executes various processes can be provided as appropriate.

  The ROM 203 stores setting data of the information processing apparatus 101, a boot program, and the like.

  The HDD 204 stores an OS (operating system) and programs and data for causing the CPU 201 to execute each process described below performed by the information processing apparatus 101. These are loaded into the RAM 202 as appropriate under the control of the CPU 201. It becomes a processing target of the CPU 201.

  A network I / F 205 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 101 to the LAN 104 or a wide area network (not shown). The information processing apparatus 101 performs data communication with each apparatus connected to the LAN 104 or the wide area network via the network I / F 205.

  The recording medium drive 206 reads a program and data recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R / RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R / RW, and DVD-RAM, and outputs them to the RAM 202 and the HDD 204. . A part of the data held in the HDD 204 may be stored in this recording medium.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a keyboard, and 208 denotes a pointing device configured by a mouse, a joystick, or the like, and functions as an input unit that inputs various instructions to the CPU 201 when operated by an operator of the information processing apparatus 101.

  A display unit 209 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal screen, and the like, and displays a processing result by the CPU 201 as an image or a character.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes an external device connection I / F, which is a port for connecting peripheral devices to the information processing apparatus 101. The information processing apparatus 101 performs data communication with peripheral devices via the external device connection I / F 210. For example, connection with the measuring apparatus 103 is performed via the external device connection I / F 210. The external device connection I / F 210 is configured by USB, IEEE1394, or the like, and usually has a plurality of external device connection I / Fs 210. The connection form with the peripheral device may be wired or wireless.

  Reference numeral 211 denotes a bus that connects the above-described units 201 to 210.

  The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 101 is described as having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, but is not necessarily limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, and various processes described below performed by the information processing apparatus 101 are performed. If it can be executed, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 101 may be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 101 includes a determination rule creation unit 301, a measurement data acquisition unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

  That is, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program stored in the HDD 204 or the like into the RAM 202 and executes it, thereby causing the information processing apparatus 101 to execute the above-described determination rule creation unit 301, measurement data acquisition unit 302, and determination unit 303. Can function as.

  The determination rule creation unit 301 acquires the layout data of one or more color chart patches stored in a storage device (for example, the HDD 204), and the pattern chart measurement order and the orientation placed on the document table are correct. Create a rule to determine whether or not. In this layout data, the output instruction value of the patch at each position is registered. The determination rule creation means 301 compares the rule for discriminating between the measurement target color chart and the other color charts with the output instruction value of the patch at the same position in the layout data of each color chart, and the result Create based on. When the color chart is actually measured, the color chart may be placed on the document table of the measuring apparatus 103 in an inverted state. For this reason, the right / wrong determination rule creation means 301 creates a determination rule in consideration of the case where each color chart is placed upside down. The rule when the top and bottom is reversed is not the same position. In the case of a patch of M rows and N columns, the output instruction value of the patch located in the m row and the n column and the patch located in the M−m + 1 row and the N−n + 1 column is determined. Comparison is made based on the result (1 ≦ m ≦ M, 1 ≦ n ≦ N: where m, M, n, and N are integers).

  The measurement data acquisition unit 302 acquires measurement data of each patch in the color chart measured by the measurement device 103.

  The determination unit 303 determines whether the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 302 conforms to / does not conform to the rule generated by the determination rule generation unit 301, so that the color chart placed on the document table is measured. Judge whether it is right or right.

  The HDD 204 or the like of the information processing apparatus 101 records a program for causing the information processing apparatus 101 to function as the above-described determination rule creation unit 301, measurement data acquisition unit 302, and determination unit 303. Then, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program from the HDD 204 or the like to the RAM 202 and executes the program, thereby realizing functions corresponding to the above-described determination rule creation unit 301, measurement data acquisition unit 302, and determination unit 303. The

  Hereinafter, the color chart measurement process including the color chart determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. In the flowchart, “=” indicates substitution, and “==” indicates comparison processing.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to a color chart measurement process including a color chart determination process. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  When the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 receives a color chart output request for creating calibration data, an ICC profile, or the like from an input unit such as a pointing device 207 or a keyboard 208 by the user, the screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 209. Then, designation of an image forming apparatus that outputs a color chart is accepted via the screen. Here, this screen will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that receives designation of an image forming apparatus that outputs a color chart.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1101 denotes an image forming apparatus selection combo box. The image forming apparatus selected by this control is set as an image forming apparatus that outputs a color chart.

  Reference numeral 1102 denotes an OK button. The CPU 201 determines that the button is clicked by the pointing device 207 or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as “pressed”), and the image forming apparatus selected in the selection combo box 1101 is displayed. In response to this, a color chart print instruction is issued.

  Reference numeral 1103 denotes a cancel button. When the CPU 201 determines that this button has been pressed, the display of this screen is terminated without issuing a print instruction.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when determining that the OK button 1102 in the screen shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, the CPU 201 determines the image forming apparatus selected in the selection combo box 1101 as an image forming apparatus that outputs a color chart ( Step S401).

  Next, the CPU 201 issues a color chart printout instruction to the image forming apparatus determined in step S401 (step S402). In this print output instruction, print data to be printed out from the image forming apparatus is created by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 based on the color layout data as shown in FIG. 6, and the print data is determined in step S401. Even if a print instruction is sent by sending to the image forming apparatus, the print data created in advance is stored in a storage device (such as the HDD 204) of the image forming apparatus 102 and the print data is printed out. This command may be sent by sending the command to the image forming apparatus. With this print instruction, L color charts are printed out. Here, an example of color chart layout data and a color chart will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of color chart layout data in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the color chart layout data, for each of the patches in the color chart, a row 901 and a column 902 in which the patch is arranged and an output instruction value (the color chart is printed out by the printing device). The color chart output instruction value data) 903 used in the process is recorded. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the value of Lab is set as the output instruction value, but it is needless to say that values of other color spaces such as CMYK and RGB may be set as the output instruction value.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color chart in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, a color chart composed of patches of M rows and N columns is used as an example of a color chart. When using multiple types of color charts, it is desirable to unify all patches in M rows and N columns. Each color chart includes a plurality of color patches. Of course, a plurality of patches of the same color may be included in one color chart.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the color chart printing instruction, the printed color charts are measured in order. In step S403, the CPU 201 sets “1” to a counter I (stored in the RAM 202) indicating a color chart (S403). Then, the CPU 201 performs steps S404 to S422 for each color chart for the number (L) of color charts that have been printed out (until measurement of all color charts is completed in step S419 described later). Process.

  First, the CPU 201 determines whether the measurement of the color chart for performing the I-th measurement has already been completed (step S404). If it is determined that the process has been completed (Yes in step S404), the CPU 201 shifts the process to step S422.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the measurement has not been completed yet (No in step S404), the CPU 201 creates a rule (determination rule) for distinguishing the color chart for the I-th measurement from other color charts. (Step S405). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Here, the created determination rule will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination rule used in the present embodiment. In particular, it corresponds to the determination rule of the color chart that performs the first measurement.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the determination rule is that a determination patch (in FIG. 11) that is measured in the determination process between the color chart (reference chart) for the first measurement and the other color chart (comparison chart). A similar color patch S1, a similar color patch S2, a different color patch D), and vectors S1 → D and vectors D → S2 calculated based on output instruction values of the determination patches used in the determination process. The Details will be described later.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the creation of the determination rule, the CPU 201 displays a color chart measurement instruction screen (not shown) on the display unit 209 and accepts the color chart measurement instruction. Then, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a color chart measurement instruction is received from the color chart measurement instruction screen by the pointing device 207 or the like (step S406), and waits until the measurement instruction is received (No in step S406).

  If the CPU 201 determines that the measurement instruction has been received (Yes in step S406), the patch selected as the patch used for correctness determination in the rule creation processing in step S405 (similar color patches S1, S2 in FIG. 11). , The different color patch D) is instructed to the measuring apparatus 103 (step S407), and after the measurement is completed, the measurement data (output value) of the patch is acquired from the measuring apparatus 103 and stored in the RAM 202 (step S408). . The HDD 204 records the number of patches in each row and column, the patch width and height, the distance between patches, and the like as color chart information, and a measurement instruction is issued based on the information.

  After that, the CPU 201 compares the data acquired in step S408 with the rules (vectors S1 → D, D → S2) created in step S405, thereby determining the color chart (measurement order, placed in the measurement device 103). Direction (hereinafter referred to as “orientation”)) (step S409). In this case, the vector in the determination rule is compared with the vector created from the actual measurement value of the patch, and it is determined whether or not the determination rule matches or does not match whether the difference is within a preset condition. Will do. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S409 that the determination rule is met (the order and orientation of the measured color chart are correct) (Yes in step S410), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S415 and performs measurement. The above variable I is substituted into i (stored in the RAM 202) which is a variable indicating the color chart to be performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S416.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S410 that the rule does not match, the CPU 201 acquires a candidate that may be erroneously placed on the platen and stores it in the RAM 202 (S411). Here, the color chart that may be placed on the platen is different from the color chart of the patch (determination patch) used in the determination rule with the color chart that should be measured. It is a color chart that matches the color characteristics of the color chart (comparison chart). That is, the CPU 201 compares the measured color characteristic of the determination patch with the layout data (FIG. 6) of each comparison chart. Compare layout data that has been reversed. Then, when the measurement data matches the color characteristic of the comparison chart, the CPU 201 acquires the comparison chart as a color chart candidate (hereinafter referred to as “candidate color chart”) that may be erroneously placed. It should be noted that the color chart to be measured for the Ith is naturally acquired as a candidate if the color chart for the Ith measurement matches the color characteristics when the color chart is placed on the platen of the measuring apparatus 103 in the upside down direction. Become.

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether there are a plurality of candidates acquired in step S411 (S412).

  In step S412, if it is determined that there are not a plurality of candidates (only one) acquired in step S411, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S414.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S412 that there are a plurality of candidates acquired in step S411, the CPU 201 executes a color chart specifying process (S413-1). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the color chart has been specified by the color chart specifying process in step S412 (S413-2).

  If it is determined in step S413-2 that the color chart has been identified (YES in step S413-2), the CPU 201 advances the process to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 201 assigns the measurement order of the color chart specified to i, which is a variable indicating the color chart to be measured (that is, the original measurement order of the color chart to be actually measured), and performs the process in step S416. To proceed.

  In step S416, the CPU 201 instructs measurement of a patch that has not been measured at the time of determination, and acquires the measured value (step S417).

  Then, the CPU 201 registers the measurement values acquired in step S408 and step S417 in the HDD 204 as the measurement values of the color chart for performing the i-th measurement (step S418). When the color chart is placed on the platen of the measuring apparatus 103 in the upside down state, the data is registered in consideration of that when registering the data. In other words, the measurement value of the patch located in the m row and the n column is the patch measurement value located in the M−m + 1 row and the N−n + 1 column (1 ≦ m ≦ M, 1 ≦ n ≦ N: where m, M , N and N are integers).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the color chart specifying process in step S413-1 that the color chart could not be specified (No in step S413-2), the CPU 201 does not have the correct order and / or orientation of the measured color charts. Is displayed on the display unit 209 (step S420). For example, this warning is performed by displaying a screen as shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit. Although not shown, even if there is no candidate color chart in the process of step S411, the process proceeds to step S420 to issue a warning. When measurement is performed with a color chart in which layout data is not recorded in the HDD 204 or a printed matter other than the color chart placed on the document table, it is determined in step S411 that there is no candidate color chart. The warning message at this time may be different from that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1201 denotes a measurement button. When it is determined that this button has been pressed, a measurement instruction is given to the measurement apparatus 103 again. Reference numeral 1202 denotes a cancel button, which cancels the processing so far.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Then, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S406, and after changing the color chart on the document table of the measuring apparatus 103, based on the measurement instruction by the user (Yes in step S406: when the measurement button 1201 in FIG. 9 is pressed). The above process is repeated. Although not shown, based on a measurement cancellation instruction from the user (when the cancel button 1202 in FIG. 9 is pressed), the CPU 201 controls to end the processing of this flowchart.

  In step S419, the CPU 201 determines whether or not acquisition of measurement data of patches in the color chart has been completed for all color charts. If it is determined that the measurement of all the color charts has not been completed yet (No in step S419), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S421, and the measurement order of the color chart measured immediately before is correct. (I == i) is determined. If it is determined that the correct color chart has been measured (Yes in step S421), the CPU 201 advances the process to step S422.

  In step S422, the CPU 201 adds “1” to I which is a counter variable of the color chart (step S422), returns the process to step S404, and performs the above-described process for the color chart that performs the measurement process for the new I-th. Control to do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S419 that acquisition of the measurement data of the patches in the color chart has been completed for all the color charts (Yes in step S419), the CPU 201 ends the flowchart process.

  After this, although not shown in the drawing, creation of data to be created, such as calibration data and profile data, based on the ideal output value that should be output and the measurement value acquired in step S417. become.

  Hereinafter, the determination rule creation process (determination rule creation process for the I-th color chart) illustrated in step S405 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as a determination rule, a patch (hereinafter referred to as a patch) in which the output values of patches at the same position in the reference chart (I-th color chart to be measured) and the comparison chart (other than the I-th color chart) are similar. Two points (referred to as “similar color patches”) and one clearly distinct patch (hereinafter referred to as “different color patches”) are selected, and vectors (similar color patches 1 → different color patches, different colors) are selected from the measured values of these patches. The direction of patch → similar color patch 2) is calculated, and a determination rule is created based on the direction of the vector. Then, a vector composed of measured values of the actually selected patch is calculated, and the result is compared with the determination rule to determine whether or not the rule is met. When measuring a color chart, the color chart may be placed on the document table in an upside down state. Therefore, comparison with the case of placing all the color charts including the reference chart in the upside down state is also performed. It will be. In other words, when printing out L color charts, a determination rule is created between a maximum of L × 2-1 types of comparison charts. Since it is also possible to create determination rules for a plurality of comparison charts using the same patch, it is naturally conceivable that the number of determination rules is less than L × 2-1 types.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the correct / incorrect determination rule creation processing shown in step S405 of FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 acquires color chart layout data (hereinafter referred to as “reference chart output instruction value”) stored in advance in a storage device (for example, the HDD 204) (step S501).

  Then, the CPU 201 creates a rule (determination rule) for identifying the reference chart from which layout data has been acquired in step S501 from other color charts.

  First, the CPU 201 initializes K (stored in the RAM 202), which is a variable indicating the measurement order of the color chart, to “1” (step S502).

  Then, the CPU 201 determines whether the color chart (reference chart) for which the determination rule is created is the Kth measurement color chart (K == I) (step S503).

  If it is determined in step S503 that the reference chart is not the Kth color chart to be measured (K == I is not I) (No in step S503), the CPU 201 performs (performs) the Kth measurement. Color chart layout data (hereinafter referred to as “comparison chart output instruction value”) is acquired (step S504).

  After that, the CPU 201 compares the reference chart output instruction value and the comparison chart output instruction value, and sets the positions of the patches to be the similar color patch and the different color patch “the reference chart output instruction value and the comparison chart output instruction value The “comparison process” is executed (step S505). Here, with reference to FIG. 11, the comparison process of the reference | standard chart output instruction | indication value of step S505 and a comparison chart output instruction | indication value is demonstrated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the third control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the comparison processing of the reference chart output instruction value and the comparison chart output instruction value shown in step S505 of FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  In this process, output instruction values (reference chart output instruction value and comparison chart output instruction value) of a color chart composed of M rows and N columns patches are compared, and whether the colors of the patches at the same position are similar or different. Judgment is based on lightness, saturation, and hue. For example, if the color difference is equal to or less than a reference value (ΔE), the color is a similar color, the color of two patches are in opposite hues, and if the saturation is both higher than the reference, the patch is a different color. Judgment will be made. Of course, it is possible to determine similar colors and different colors by other methods.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 first sets a variable m (stored in the RAM 202) indicating a row of the color chart including a patch of M rows and N columns and a variable n (stored in the RAM 202) indicating a column, respectively. 1 ”(step S601).

  Next, the CPU 201 outputs the output instruction value of the patch in the mth row and the nth column of the color chart of the layout data (reference chart output instruction value, comparison chart output instruction value) including the output instruction value of the color chart of M rows and N columns. Each of them is acquired and the values are compared (step S602).

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the similar color condition is met based on the comparison result in step S602 (step S603). If it is determined that the similar color condition is met (Yes in step S603), The patch located at m rows and n columns is set as a similar color patch and stored in the RAM 202 (step S604). Then, the process proceeds to step S605.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 that the similar color condition is not met (No in step S603), the process proceeds directly to step S605.

  In step S605, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the different color rule is met based on the comparison result in step S602 (step S605), and if it is determined that the different color condition is met (Yes in step S605). ), The patch located at m rows and n columns is set as a different color patch and stored in the RAM 202 (step S606). Then, the process proceeds to step S607.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that the different color condition is not met (No in step S605), the process proceeds directly to step S607.

  That is, based on the comparison result in step S602, when it is determined that neither the similar color condition nor the different color condition rule is satisfied (No in step S603 and No in step S605), the patch is associated with the color chart. It is a patch that is not used to create a determination rule between.

  The processes shown in steps S602 to S606 are performed for all patches in the color chart. That is, if the CPU 201 determines in step S607 that M == m (No in step S607), “1” is added to the variable m indicating the row (S608), and the process returns to step S602. The comparison processing is performed on the patch in the next row in the same column.

  Thereafter, when the CPU 201 determines that M == m, that is, the comparison processing for all the patch data in one column has been completed (Yes in step S607), the patch comparison processing has been completed for all columns. Until it is determined, that is, until it is determined in step S608 that N == n, “1” is added to the variable n indicating the column (step S610), and “1” is added to the variable m (step S611). Then, the process returns to step S602, and the same process is performed from the first row of the next column.

  If the CPU 201 determines that N == n, that is, the comparison processing for all the patch data in all columns has been completed (Yes in step S609), the processing of this flowchart is terminated, and the step of FIG. The process proceeds to S506.

  With the processing as described above, in this embodiment, patches that can be used for the determination rule and patches that are not so are separated.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S506 in FIG. 10, the CPU 201 selects patch combination candidates that can be used as determination rules based on the patches selected as patches (similar color patches and different color patches) that can be used in the rules in the process in step S505. Execute the process to create. Details of this processing will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the process of creating patch combination candidates usable as the determination rule shown in step S506 of FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, an example is shown in which a combination candidate is created from two similar color patches and one different color patch.

  That is, in this embodiment, a rule as shown in FIG. 13 is created.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a process for creating a combination of patches that can be used in the determination rule.

  As shown in FIG. 13, for two similar color patches, two points (S1, S2) that are achromatic and have a lightness difference are selected, and for the different color patches, the saturation of the output values of the reference and comparison is high and the hue is high. One point (D) that is clearly different is selected.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 selects a similar color patch (achromatic color data) whose saturation is lower than a reference value among the similar color patches set in step S505 of FIG. 10 (step S701). For example, one having a lightness lower than a predetermined threshold and the other having a lightness higher than a predetermined threshold are selected.

  Next, the CPU 201 selects a patch having a high saturation of the output values of the reference and the comparison from the different color patches (step S702).

  Then, the reference and comparison hues that are clearly different (separated by a predetermined value or more) are selected from those selected in step S702 (step S703).

  Then, one or a plurality of combination patterns (combination candidates including two similar color patches and one different color patch) composed of the patch selected in step S701 and the patch selected in S702 are created and stored in the RAM 202 (step S704). . Then, the process of this flowchart is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S507 in FIG.

  The above is the process of creating a combination pattern when creating a rule as shown in FIG.

  In addition, although it is the creation process of the combination of patches that can be used in the above-described determination rule, in this embodiment, since the method of selecting three patches and adopting the direction of the vector as the determination rule is used. As an example of the patch selection method at this time, examples as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are shown. However, it is of course possible to adopt methods other than those described above. For example, the method shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 (fourth embodiment) described later may be used.

  Needless to say, if the decision rule is different, the patch must be selected in accordance with the decision rule.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the completion of the generation of the combination candidate in the process of step S506 in FIG. 10, the CPU 201 places the I-th color chart on the document table in the normal state and the K-th color chart to be measured upside down. In order to create a determination rule between the two cases, the comparison chart output instruction value is inverted, and the data after the inversion process is set in the RAM 202 as the comparison chart output instruction value (step S507). Here, inversion processing is performed when patches located in m rows and n columns of a color chart composed of patches of M rows and N columns (1 ≦ m ≦ M, 1 ≦ n ≦ N: where m, M, n, and N are The output instruction value is switched so as to be M−m + 1 rows and N−n + 1 columns.

  Then, when the process of step S507 ends, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S509.

  If it is determined in step S503 that the reference chart is the Kth color chart (K == I) (Yes in step S503), the CPU 201 determines that the chart in which the measurement order is the Kth is It is determined that the chart is a reference chart, and the processing from step S504 to step S507 is not performed. However, since it is necessary to create a determination rule between the reference chart and the reference chart placed on the platen in the upside down state, the CPU 201 performs the inversion processing of the reference chart output instruction value, and after the inversion processing Data is set in the RAM 202 as a comparison chart output instruction value (step S508). The inversion processing method is the same as the case where the comparison chart output value is inverted.

  Then, when the process of step S508 ends, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S509.

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 performs the same processing as in the comparison chart between the reference chart output instruction value and the comparison chart output instruction value shown in step S505 for the data set as the comparison chart output instruction value in the process of step S507 or step S508. The processing (step S509) and the processing (step S510) similar to the generation processing of the patch combination candidate that can be used for correctness determination shown in step S506 are respectively executed.

  Then, the CPU 201 performs the above processing for all color charts. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the processing of step S503 to step S510 has been completed for all color charts (K == L) (step S511). If it is determined that the processing from step S503 to step S510 has not been completed for all the color charts yet (K == L is not L) (No in step S511), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S512. Proceed.

  In step S512, the CPU 201 adds “1” to K which is a variable indicating the measurement order of the color chart (step S512), returns the process to step S503, and performs the above-described process for the new K-th color chart. Control to do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S511 that the processes in steps S503 to S510 have been completed for all color charts (K == L) (Yes in step S511), the CPU 201 advances the process to step S513. .

  As described above, after obtaining patch combination patterns (combination candidates) that can be used for identification determination with all color charts, the CPU 201 uses all of the combinations from color chart 1 to color chart L. The combination candidates created in step S506 and step S510 are selected so that they can be distinguished from the color chart (step S513). At this time, the selection may be made so that the number of patches to be measured is minimized (FIG. 19 to be described later), or the rule with the highest accuracy can be selected (FIG. 18 to be described later).

  Then, the CPU 201 creates a determination rule (FIG. 8) by generating vector data (vector S1 → D, vector D → S2) from the combination pattern selected in step S513, and stores it in the RAM 202 (step S514). ).

  The above is the detailed description of the determination rule creation process in step S405 of FIG. When the process of step S514 ends, the CPU 201 ends the process of this flowchart and proceeds to step S406 of FIG.

  Next, the determination process shown in step S409 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the determination processing shown in step S409 in FIG.

  In this process, the measurement value of the determination patch acquired in step S408 in FIG. 4 is applied to the determination rule created in step S405. Here, it is determined whether the color chart to be measured is correct or not by determining whether the measurement value of the determination patch matches all the individual rules adopted as the determination rule.

  This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 sets “1” as an initial value to J (stored in the RAM 202), which is a counter variable of the determination rule (step S801). The following processing is performed for all individual rules.

  First, the CPU 201 measures the measurement value data of the patches used in the determination rule J, which is an individual rule (measurement data of three points of the similar color patch S1, the similar color patch S2, and the different color patch D in this embodiment). (Obtained in S408 of FIG. 4 and stored in the RAM 202) is obtained (step S802).

  Then, the CPU 201 calculates vector data (vector S1 → D, vector D → S2 in this embodiment) from the acquired measurement value data (step S803).

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the calculated vector data matches the determination rule J (step S804).

  If it is determined that the determination rule J is not met (No in step S804), the CPU 201 at that time has at least one of the color chart measurement order and the color chart orientation. It is determined that it is wrong (step S808). And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished and a process is advanced to step S410 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it matches the determination rule J (Yes in step S804), the CPU 201 determines whether it matches the rule for all the determination rules J (for all the rules). On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the processing is completed (step S805).

  If it is determined that the determination rule J is not yet determined for all the determination rules J (No in step S805), the CPU 201 sets “1” to J that is a counter variable of the determination rule. ”Is added (step S806), and the processing from step S802 to step S804 is performed for the next determination rule J.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that all the determination rules J have already been determined whether or not they match the rules (Yes in step S805), the CPU 201 is correct because it conforms to all the determination rules. It is determined that the color chart is placed in the correct orientation on the document table of the measuring apparatus 103 (step S807). And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished and a process is advanced to step S410 of FIG.

  The above is an example of color chart correctness determination processing.

  Next, the color chart specifying process shown in step S413-1 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the sixth control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the color chart specifying processing shown in step S413-1 of FIG.

  This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 acquires output instruction values for all color charts that may be placed on the document table of the measuring apparatus 103 (step S1501). Here, for the color chart that may be placed on the platen, the color characteristics of the patch used in the determination rule with the color chart that should be measured are the color characteristics of the other color charts that were compared. Is a color chart that conforms to FIG. 4 and is acquired in step S411 of FIG.

  Then, the CPU 201 performs processing for specifying which candidate color chart is the color chart placed on the document table among the obtained color charts (referred to as “candidate color charts”).

  Therefore, the CPU 201 performs the following processing from the candidate color charts 1 to N (first, “1” is substituted into variable A (stored in the RAM 202) indicating the candidate color chart in step S1502). If there is one color chart that matches the characteristics in both the forward and reverse directions, the following processing is naturally performed as a candidate color chart in both the forward and reverse directions (upside down).

  First, the CPU 201 creates a determination rule between the candidate color chart A and another candidate color chart using only the patches that have already been measured (measured values have been acquired in step S <b> 408 in FIG. 4) and stores them in the RAM 202. (Step S1503). When creating the determination rule here, the candidate color chart A is placed in the reverse direction (upside down) (the color characteristic of the measured patch is the characteristic when the candidate color chart A is placed in the reverse direction). When the candidate color chart A is placed in the opposite direction, other candidate color charts are determined. The creation of the determination rule here may be performed by a method as shown in FIG. 12, or may be performed by a method as shown in FIG. 20 (fourth embodiment) described later, for example, a color threshold value. (For example, the L value of Lab is X or more, the value of a is Y or more, and the value of b is Z or more). However, only patches that have already been measured are used as determination patches.

  The CPU 201 determines whether the measurement data of the determination patch used in the determination rule for the candidate color chart A matches the determination rule for the candidate color chart A (step S1504).

  If it is determined that they match (Yes in step S1504), the CPU 201 specifies that the candidate color chart A is a color chart placed on the document table (color chart specification) (step S1506). And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished and a process is advanced to step S413-2 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1504 that the determination rule is not met (No in step S1504), the CPU 201 determines whether determination processing has been performed for all candidate color charts (step S1505).

  If it is determined in step S1505 that determination processing has not yet been performed for all candidate color charts (No in step S1505), the CPU 201 sets “1” to the variable A indicating the type of candidate color chart. In addition, the processing target is changed (step S1507), the processing returns to step S1503, and the above processing is performed for the next candidate color chart.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1505 that determination processing has already been performed for all candidate color charts (Yes in step S1505), the CPU 201 determines that the color chart does not match any color chart and is unspecified. . And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished and a process is advanced to step S413-2 of FIG.

  The above is the description of the color chart specifying process.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine a color chart without adding a dedicated patch for determining the color chart in the color chart. Therefore, more calibration data and profile data in one color chart. It is possible to arrange patches used for data creation.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the color chart is specified by creating the determination rule using only the already measured patch as the determination patch in the color chart specifying process of step S413 in FIG. 4 has been described. In the present embodiment, in the color chart specifying process, a configuration for specifying a color chart by creating a determination rule using an arbitrary patch as a determination patch in addition to the measured patch will be described.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, the color chart specifying process (step S413-1 in FIG. 4) in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the seventh control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the color chart specifying processing (step S413-1 in FIG. 4) in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 acquires output instruction values of all color charts that may be placed on the document table of the measuring apparatus 103 (step S1601). Here, for the color chart that may be placed on the platen, the color characteristics of the patch used in the determination rule with the color chart that should be measured are the color characteristics of the other color charts that were compared. Is a color chart that conforms to FIG. 4 and is acquired in step S411 of FIG.

  Then, the CPU 201 performs processing for specifying which candidate color chart is the color chart placed on the document table of the measuring apparatus 103 among the obtained color charts (candidate color charts).

  Therefore, the CPU 201 performs the following processing from the candidate color charts 1 to N (first, “1” is substituted into variable A (stored in the RAM 202) indicating the candidate color chart in step S1602). If there is one color chart that matches the characteristics in both the forward and reverse directions, the following processing is naturally performed as a candidate color chart in both the forward and reverse directions (upside down).

  First, the CPU 201 creates a determination rule between the candidate color chart A and another candidate color chart and stores it in the RAM 202 (step S1603). The details of the creation of the right / wrong judgment rule have already been described, and will be omitted. However, when creating the judgment rule here, the candidate color chart A is placed in the reverse direction (upside down) (for the measured patch). When the color characteristic is similar to the characteristic when the candidate color chart A is placed in the opposite direction), the judgment is made for the case where the candidate color chart A is placed in the opposite direction and the other candidate color charts. .

  Then, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a patch that has not been measured (unmeasured patch) among the patches (determination patches) used in the determination rule with all other color charts created in step S1603. Is determined (step S1604).

  If it is determined that there is an unmeasured patch (YES in step S1604), the CPU 201 instructs the measurement apparatus 103 to measure an unmeasured patch (step S1605), and acquires the measured value of the patch. And stored in the RAM 202 (step S1606). Then, the process proceeds to step S1607.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unmeasured patch (No in step S1604), the CPU 201 advances the process to step S1607 as it is.

  In step S <b> 1607, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the measurement data of the determination patch used in the determination rule for the candidate color chart A matches the determination rule for the candidate color chart A.

  If it is determined that they match (Yes in step S1607), the CPU 201 specifies that the candidate color chart A is a color chart placed on the document table of the measuring apparatus 103 (color chart specification) (step S1610). . And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished and a process is advanced to step S413-2 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1607 that the determination rule is not met (No in step S1607), the CPU 201 determines whether determination processing has been performed for all candidate color charts (step S1608).

  If it is determined in step S1608 that determination processing has not yet been performed for all candidate color charts (No in step S1608), the CPU 201 sets “1” to the variable A indicating the type of candidate color chart. In addition, the processing target is changed (step S1609), the processing returns to step S1603, and the above processing is performed for the next candidate color chart.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1608 that determination processing has already been performed for all candidate color charts (Yes in step S1608), the CPU 201 determines that the color chart does not match any color chart and is unspecified. (It is determined that other unrelated color charts or printed materials other than color charts are placed). And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished and a process is advanced to step S413-2 of FIG.

  The above is the description of the color chart specifying process in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an example of the combination pattern selection process (step S513 in FIG. 10) according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the combination pattern selection process of the present embodiment, a screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display device (display unit 209), and “precision priority mode” or “speed priority mode” is set based on the user's selection. It is possible.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a color chart determination option selection screen in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 17, reference numerals 1701 and 1702 denote radio buttons, and selection of either one is valid. The button 1701 is selected when setting a mode (accuracy priority mode) that prioritizes determination accuracy. A button 1702 is selected when setting a mode in which the determination speed is prioritized (speed priority mode).

  Reference numeral 1703 denotes an OK button, which enables the setting of this screen. A cancel button 1704 invalidates the setting on this screen.

  When the accuracy priority mode is selected, the CPU 201 performs a process as shown in FIG. 18 and when a speed priority is selected, the CPU 201 executes a process as shown in FIG. 19 to select a combination pattern. Control to do.

  Note that the color chart determination option selection screen shown in FIG. 17 may be displayed and selected by the user each time the combination pattern selection process (step S513 in FIG. 10) is performed. The user is made to make a selection on the color chart determination option selection screen shown, and the selection result is stored in the HDD 204, and each time the combination pattern is selected (step S513 in FIG. 10), the CPU 201 executes the stored selection result. You may comprise so that control based on may be performed.

  First, with reference to FIG. 18, the combination pattern selection process (step S513 in FIG. 10) when the accuracy priority mode is selected will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the eighth control processing procedure in the present invention, which corresponds to the combination pattern selection processing (step S513 in FIG. 10) in the accuracy priority mode.

  This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 performs the following steps S1801 to S1804 with all the comparison color charts.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines a patch determined as a similar color patch between the reference chart and the comparison chart (in one or more combination candidates created in steps S506 and S510 in FIG. 10 and stored in the RAM 202). (Similar color patches) are sorted in the order in which the colors are approximate (in order of high similarity) (step S1801).

  Then, the CPU 201 adopts the patches determined to be similar to the first and second as a result of the sorting as the determination patch, and stores the combination pattern including these patches as a candidate in the narrow-down RAM 202 (step S1802).

  After that, the CPU 201 determines that the patches determined as different color patches (different color patches in one or a plurality of combination candidates created in steps S506 and S510 in FIG. 10 and stored in the RAM 202) have a large color difference. Sorting is performed in order (in descending order of difference) (step S1803).

  Then, the CPU 201 acquires the combination pattern including the patch that is determined to have the largest difference as a result from the combination pattern narrowed down in step S1802, and uses the combination pattern of the three points as a combination pattern of the reference chart and the comparison chart. Adopted and stored in the RAM 202 (step S1804).

  As described above, when the processing of steps S1801 to S1804 is executed with all the comparison color charts, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart and advances the processing to step S514 of FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the combination pattern selection process (step S513 in FIG. 10) when the speed priority mode is selected will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the ninth control processing procedure in the present invention, which corresponds to the combination pattern selection processing (step S513 in FIG. 10) in the speed priority mode.

  This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines all comparison charts from patches in one or a plurality of combination candidates created between the comparison charts and stored in the RAM 202 in steps S506 and S510 in FIG. A patch combination pattern that can be used for the rule is created (step S1821).

  Then, the CPU 201 selects a combination pattern having the smallest (minimum) number of patches included in the combination pattern from the combination patterns created in step S1821 (step S1822).

  If there are a plurality of combination patterns with the smallest number of patches, the combination pattern may be selected according to the density of the patches.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to make the user select accuracy priority or speed priority and perform correct / incorrect color chart determination, and execute color chart determination processing according to the user's processing status. can do.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the configuration in which the determination rule is created by the method of selecting two similar color patches and one different color patch has been described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 described later, a configuration in which a determination rule is created by a method of selecting one similar color patch and two different color patches will be described.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as the determination rule, the output instruction values of the patches at the same position in the reference chart (I-th color chart to be measured) and the comparison chart (other than the I-th color chart) are similar. 1 patch (similar color patch) and 2 clearly different patches (different color patch) are selected, and the vector direction is calculated from the measured values of these patches (different color patch 1 → similar color patch, similar A determination rule is created based on the direction of the color patch → different color patch 2) and the vector.

  Then, a vector composed of the measurement values of the actually selected patch is calculated, and the result is checked against the determination rule to determine whether or not the rule is met.

  When measuring a color chart, the color chart may be placed on the document table in an upside down state. Therefore, comparison with the case of placing all the color charts including the reference chart in the upside down state is also performed. It will be. In other words, when printing out L color charts, a determination rule is created between L × 2-1 types of comparison charts.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a tenth control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the patch combination candidate generation processing that can be used for the determination in step S505 of FIG. 10 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which combination candidates are created from one similar color patch and two different color patches.

  This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  In FIG. 20, a rule as shown in FIG. 21 is created.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a process for creating a combination of patches that can be used for a determination rule in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 21, for two different color patches, two patches (D1, D2) are selected that have high saturation in the output instruction values of the reference and comparison, and the hues are clearly different. For, one point (S) is selected for a patch with low saturation (close to an achromatic color).

  Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 selects a patch having high saturation of the output instruction values of both the reference and the target from the patches set as the different color patches (step S505 in FIG. 10) (step S711).

  The CPU 201 compares the hues of the reference and comparison output instruction values selected in step S711, and selects a patch whose hue is more than a predetermined distance (step S712).

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 creates a combination of different color patches in which the hue of the reference output instruction value is more than a predetermined distance from the patch selected in step S712 and stores it in the RAM 202 (step S713).

  Then, the CPU 201 selects a patch (achromatic patch) whose saturation is equal to or less than a predetermined value from the similar color patches (step S714).

  Then, the CPU 201 creates one or a plurality of combination patterns (combination candidates including two different color patches and one similar color patch) including the combination generated in step S713 and the patch selected in step S714, and stores them in the RAM 202. (Step S715). Then, the process of this flowchart is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S507 in FIG.

  The above is the process of creating a combination pattern when creating a rule as shown in FIG.

  Note that this is a process for creating a combination of patches that can be used in a determination rule. In this embodiment, since three patches are selected and the direction of the vector is adopted as a determination rule, As an example of the patch selection method, examples as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 are shown. However, it is of course possible to adopt methods other than those described above. For example, the method shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 (first embodiment) described later may be used. Of course, either of the above methods may be used, or both may be used. It is of course possible to adopt methods other than those described above.

  Needless to say, if the decision rule is different, the patch must be selected in accordance with the decision rule.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 201 performs control so as to perform processing as shown in FIG. 22 when the accuracy priority mode is selected.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 22, the combination pattern selection process (step S513 in FIG. 10) in the accuracy priority mode in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of an eleventh control processing procedure according to the present invention, which corresponds to the combination pattern selection processing (step S513 in FIG. 10) in the accuracy priority mode.

  This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 loads the program recorded in the HDD 204 to the RAM 202 when performing this process, and performs each process shown in the flowchart based on the control.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 performs the following steps S1811 to S1814 with all the comparison color charts.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101 determines a patch determined as a similar color patch between the reference chart and the comparison chart (in one or more combination candidates created in steps S506 and S510 in FIG. 10 and stored in the RAM 202). The similar color patches) are sorted in the order in which the colors are approximated (in order of high similarity) (step S1811).

  Then, the CPU 201 adopts the patch determined to be the most similar as the result of the sorting as the determination patch, and stores the combination pattern including these patches as a candidate in the narrow-down RAM 202 (step S1812).

  After that, the CPU 201 determines that the patches determined as different color patches (different color patches in one or a plurality of combination candidates created in steps S506 and S510 in FIG. 10 and stored in the RAM 202) have a large color difference. Sorting is performed in order (in descending order of difference) (step S1813).

  As a result, the CPU 201 selects two-point patches in descending order of difference, acquires a combination pattern including them from the combination pattern narrowed down in step S1812, and sets the combination pattern including the three points as a reference chart and the comparison chart. And is stored in the RAM 202 (step S1814).

  As described above, when the processing of steps S1811 to S1814 is executed with all the comparison color charts, the CPU 201 ends the processing of this flowchart and advances the processing to step S514 of FIG.

  As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to determine a color chart without adding a dedicated patch for determining the color chart in the color chart. It is possible to arrange a lot of patches used for creating data such as calibration data and profile data.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to embed a determination-dedicated patch in the color chart as in the prior art, it is possible to reduce the color chart design burden on the color chart designer.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose. In addition, when a color chart is newly added, a rule for distinguishing the color chart from other color charts can be created, so that the addition of a color chart can be flexibly supported.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device. For example, the measurement apparatus 103 may be configured to use a scanner. In this case, the measurement data acquisition unit 302 acquires image data created by the scanner from the scanner. Then, when the measured value of the patch part used in the judgment rule in the image data is determined by a predetermined algorithm and all the individual rules in the judgment rule are met, the measurement of other patches is performed The value is determined by the predetermined algorithm. Therefore, when measuring a patch in one color chart, measurement instructions are not given step by step (in the case of a spectrocolorimeter, multiple times as shown in FIG. 4 (steps S407 and S416). It ’s better to give instructions over

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the similar color patch is adopted from an achromatic color and the different color patch is adopted from a chromatic color, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a similar color patch may be adopted from a chromatic color, Different color patches may be used in achromatic colors or in a combination of achromatic and chromatic colors. In the embodiment, the determination rule is created by combining a similar color patch and a different color patch. However, depending on the layout of the color chart, there may be a case where there is no patch that can be adopted as the similar color patch. In this case, the determination rule is not limited to this. For example, a determination rule may be created by using only different color patches. Of course, the rule may be a rule that is greater than or less than a predetermined threshold without using a vector.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  4, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 22 in the present embodiment, a host computer is installed by a program installed from the outside. May be carried out. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a system to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus 101 shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the information processing apparatus in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that receives designation of an image forming apparatus that outputs a color chart. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout data of the color chart in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the color chart in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination rule used by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the warning screen in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure explaining the creation process of the combination of the patch which can be used for the determination rule in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 5th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 6th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 7th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the color chart correct / incorrect determination option selection screen in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 8th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 9th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 10th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure explaining the creation process of the combination of the patch which can be used for a right / wrong judgment rule in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 11th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 Information processing apparatus 102 Image forming apparatus 103 Measuring apparatus 104 LAN
201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 HDD
208 Pointing device 209 Display unit

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that determines whether a color chart to be measured is placed in a correct orientation on a document table of a measurement apparatus among a plurality of color charts,
Creation of a determination rule for determining whether the color chart to be measured is placed in the correct orientation on the platen of the measuring apparatus based on layout information including output instruction values of patches constituting each of the plurality of color charts A decision rule creating means for selecting a patch to be used for creating the decision rule based on the output instruction value of the patch;
Measurement value acquisition means for acquiring the measurement value of the patch used in the determination rule;
An information processing apparatus comprising: determination means for determining whether a color chart to be measured is placed on a document table of the measurement apparatus in a correct orientation according to the determination rule and the measurement value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination rule creating unit creates the determination rule when each of the plurality of color charts is a measurement target. The determination rule creating means compares the output instruction value data of the patches constituting the color chart to be measured with the output instruction value of the patch constituting each of the other color charts, and compares each of the other color charts. The information processing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a candidate patch that is a candidate for a patch to be used for creating a decision rule is selected based on a comparison result, and the decision rule using the candidate patch is created. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determination rule creating unit creates the determination rule so that the candidate patch used for the determination rule is minimized. The determination rule creating means selects the candidate patch to be used for the determination rule from the candidate patch based on the similarity and difference of the output instruction value data, and creates the determination rule. The information processing apparatus described. A setting means for setting a speed priority mode that prioritizes the determination speed or an accuracy priority mode that prioritizes the determination accuracy;
The determination rule creating means creates the determination rule so that the candidate patch used for the determination rule is minimized when the priority mode is set, and the accuracy priority mode is set. 4. The information processing according to claim 3, wherein the determination rule is created by selecting a candidate patch to be used for the determination rule based on the similarity and difference of the output instruction value data from the candidate patch. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a measurement instruction unit that instructs the measurement apparatus to measure a color chart. The measurement instruction means first gives the measurement instruction of the patch selected by the determination rule creation means to the measurement device,
When the determination unit determines that the measurement target color chart is placed in the correct orientation on the document table of the measurement device, the measurement device is instructed to measure an unmeasured patch. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the determination means determines that the measurement target color chart is not placed in the correct orientation, the measurement data of the patch used in the determination rule is compared with the output instruction value data of the other color chart. Selecting means for selecting a color chart that may have been placed on the platen as a candidate color chart;
Specific rule creating means for creating a specific rule for identifying a color chart placed on a document table when a plurality of candidate color charts are selected by the selecting means;
Specific means for specifying one color chart as the color chart placed on the document table in accordance with the specific rule when one of the candidate color charts is selected by the selection means, and when selecting a plurality of color charts. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the specific rule creating unit creates the specific rule using a patch used for the determination rule. An information processing method for determining whether a measurement target color chart is placed in a correct orientation on a platen of a measurement apparatus among a plurality of color charts,
Creation of a determination rule for determining whether the color chart to be measured is placed in the correct orientation on the platen of the measuring apparatus based on layout information including output instruction values of patches constituting each of the plurality of color charts A determination rule creating step of selecting a patch to be used for creating the determination rule based on the output instruction value of the patch;
A measurement value acquisition step of acquiring a measurement value of the patch used in the determination rule;
An information processing method comprising: a determination step of determining whether a color chart to be measured is placed in a correct orientation on the document table of the measurement apparatus according to the determination rule and the measurement value. A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing apparatus that determines whether a color chart to be measured is placed in a correct orientation on a document table of a measuring apparatus among a plurality of color charts,
Creation of a determination rule for determining whether the color chart to be measured is placed in the correct orientation on the platen of the measuring apparatus based on layout information including output instruction values of patches constituting each of the plurality of color charts A program code for a determination rule creation step of selecting a patch to be used for creating the determination rule based on the output instruction value of the patch;
And a program code of a determination step for determining whether the color chart to be measured is placed in the correct orientation on the platen of the measuring device according to the determination rule and the measured value of the patch used in the determination rule. Program.