JP2010109810A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out calibration e.g., easily and surely. <P>SOLUTION: A detector 311 of a printer 21 detects a use environment or a use condition of the printer 21. On the basis of the detected use environment or use condition, a calibrator 301 of a PC 11 determines timing to perform calibration for matching a colorimetric value of a color reproduced on a printing medium by the printer 21 in accordance with image data to a target value and when it is determined as the timing to perform calibration, the calibration is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

  Usually, there is a difference in each printing apparatus, and the relationship between the density gradation value and the color value actually output to the printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as density characteristic as appropriate) is also different for each printing apparatus. Is different. Therefore, at the time of shipment of the apparatus, a correction value suitable for the density characteristic of the apparatus so that the density (color value) of the image actually formed on the medium becomes a predetermined standard value (hereinafter referred to as a target value). When the image is formed, color correction processing based on the correction value is performed on each density gradation value of the target image data.

  However, the above-described density characteristics also change due to environmental changes and aging deterioration of each part. Therefore, in order to keep the output result at the target value, the printing apparatus appropriately performs calibration for adjusting the initial correction value.

  One method of calibration is to use a color chart. In this method, for each color of the color material (toner or ink) used in the printing apparatus, a color chart composed of a plurality of patch patterns in which the gradation value of the image data is changed is printed. Then, the density (color value) of each patch pattern in the color chart is measured, and the correction value is updated based on the difference between the target value planned for the gradation value of each patch pattern and the actual measurement value. The look-up table (LUT) is appropriately corrected based on the updated correction value.

  A calibration evaluation method is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2005-204053 A

  By the way, the calibration of the printing apparatus is performed, for example, when the paper is changed or when the printer is used in a situation different from the environment (for example, temperature or humidity) at the time of generating the correction value to be held.

  However, it is necessary for the user to determine a change in use conditions or a change in environment of the printing apparatus to be calibrated. Therefore, there is a possibility that the calibration is not properly executed, and the determination itself is a burden on the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to execute calibration easily and accurately.

  An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that executes calibration for matching a colorimetric value of a color reproduced on a print medium by a printing apparatus according to image data to a target value. Detection means for detecting the use environment of the printing apparatus or the use condition of the printing apparatus, a determination means for determining the timing for performing the calibration based on the use environment or the use condition detected by the detection means, and a determination means And executing means for executing calibration when it is determined that it is time to perform calibration.

  The detection means detects the temperature or humidity in the casing of the printing apparatus, and the determination means determines the timing for performing calibration based on the temperature or humidity in the casing of the printing apparatus detected by the detection means. it can.

  An information processing method according to a first aspect of the present invention is information on an information processing apparatus that performs calibration for matching a colorimetric value of a color reproduced on a print medium by a printing apparatus according to image data to a target value. A detection method for detecting a use environment of the printing apparatus or a use condition of the printing apparatus, and a determination step for determining a timing for performing calibration based on the use environment or the use condition detected in the detection step. And an execution step of executing calibration when it is determined that it is time to perform calibration in the determination step.

  A program according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute calibration for matching a colorimetric value of a color reproduced on a print medium according to image data to a target value, A detection step for detecting the use environment of the printing apparatus or the use condition of the printing apparatus, a determination step for determining the timing for performing calibration based on the use environment or the use condition detected in the detection step, and calibration in the determination step When it is determined that it is time to perform calibration, the computer is caused to execute information processing including an execution step of executing calibration.

  In the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, or the program according to the first aspect of the present invention, the use environment of the printing apparatus or the use condition of the printing apparatus is detected, and the printing apparatus is based on the detected use environment or use condition. When the calibration timing for matching the colorimetric value of the color reproduced on the print medium according to the image data with the target value is determined, and the calibration timing is determined to be the calibration timing, Executed.

  The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is a calibration that generates a correction value for matching a colorimetric value of a patch pattern, which is printed by a printing apparatus, based on each tone value data of each color with a target value. Calibration based on whether or not an external device connected to the information processing device via a network holds a correction value for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution. A determination unit that determines a timing for performing calibration, and a correction value held in an external device when the determination unit determines that it is a timing for performing calibration, and obtains a correction value stored in a predetermined print medium or a predetermined Storage control means for storing in a storage means so as to be used for color correction for resolution.

  The storage unit stores a correction value used for color correction for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution, and the determination unit performs correction for a print medium or a resolution other than the predetermined print medium or the predetermined resolution. If the value is held, it is determined that it is a timing for performing calibration, and the storage control unit sets a correction value for a print medium or resolution other than a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution held in the external device. It is obtained and stored in a storage means so as to be used for color correction for the printing medium or resolution.

  The storage unit stores a correction value used for color correction for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution together with information indicating the accuracy of the correction value based on the difference between the colorimetric value and the target value, and the determination unit is an external device However, if a correction value having an accuracy higher than the accuracy is held, it is determined that it is a timing for performing calibration, and the storage control unit acquires a correction value having an accuracy higher than the accuracy held in the external device. And storing in a storage means so as to be used for color correction.

  The information processing method according to the second aspect of the present invention is a calibration that generates a correction value for matching a colorimetric value of a patch pattern based on each tone value data of each color printed by a printing apparatus to a target value. Whether or not an external apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus via a network holds a correction value for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution. Based on the determination step for determining the timing for performing calibration, and when the determination step determines that it is the timing for performing calibration, the correction value held in the external device is acquired and the predetermined printing is performed. And a storage control step of storing in a storage means so as to be used for color correction for a medium or a predetermined resolution.

  The program according to the second aspect of the present invention is a computer that performs calibration for generating a correction value for matching a colorimetric value of a patch pattern based on each tone value data of each color printed by a printing apparatus to a target value. The timing for performing calibration based on whether or not an external device connected to the computer via a network holds a correction value for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution. When the determination step determines that the timing for performing calibration is obtained, the correction value held in the external device is acquired and is used as a color for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution. Information processing including a storage control step for storing in a storage means to be used for correction To be executed.

  In the information processing apparatus, information processing method, or program according to the second aspect of the present invention, an external device connected to a computer via a network holds a correction value for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution. The timing for performing calibration to generate a correction value for matching the colorimetric value of the patch pattern based on the data of each tone value of each color, which is printed by the printing apparatus, to the target value is determined based on whether or not When it is determined that it is time to perform calibration, the correction value held in the external device is acquired, and the storage means is used for color correction for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution. Is remembered.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the corresponding component in each figure, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a PC 11 and a printer 21 as an embodiment of the present invention.

  The PC 11 generates print data expressed by the presence / absence of formation of each color dot that can be printed by the printer 21 from color image data expressed by RGB color gradation values such as an object specified by the user, and sends it to the printer 21. Supply. The printer 21 is a color inkjet printer compatible with so-called direct printing, which can print an image based on print data supplied from the PC 11 on a fed sheet at a plurality of resolutions. The PC 11 and the printer 21 also cooperate to execute calibration described later.

  The PC 11 includes a control unit 31 and a hard disk device (HDD) 32.

  The control unit 31 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an I / O (all not shown), and the like. For example, the control unit 31 executes a computer program stored in the hard disk device 32 to cause the printer 21 to print an object designated by the user, or to perform calibration in cooperation with the printer 21.

  The hard disk device 32 stores various computer programs such as an operating system (not shown), a color management program 111, and a printer driver 112. The hard disk device 32 also holds correction values used for color correction. The correction value used for color correction varies depending on the print medium (that is, the medium) and the resolution, and is stored in a file format for each medium and resolution, for example.

  The color management program 111 is an application program that provides functions such as object printing, color chart printing, color chart colorimetry, color correction, and print authentication. The printer driver 112 is an application that controls the printer 21 according to the control of the color management program 111 and executes print processing.

  The PC 11 is operated via an operation unit 12 including a keyboard and a pointing device and a display unit 13 including a dot matrix display.

  The printer 21 includes a control unit 41, a printing unit 42, and a paper feeding unit 43.

  The control unit 41 includes a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a CPU, and an I / O (all not shown). The control unit 41 controls each unit in accordance with an instruction from the PC 11 to execute a printing process or the like.

  The print unit 42 includes a print head 42a, a drive mechanism that moves the print head 42a in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of paper (in the example of FIG. 1, paper P), a motor (both not shown), and the like. Under the control of the control unit 41, an image of the print object is formed on the paper P by the ink jet method. A temperature sensor 42b for measuring the temperature of the print head 42a is attached to the print head 42a.

  The paper feeding unit 43 includes a roller 43 a for transporting the paper P, a motor (not shown), a cutter 43 b for cutting the paper P, and the like, and transports the paper P according to the control of the control unit 41. To do.

  Inside the housing of the printer 21, an air temperature sensor 44a and a humidity sensor 44b for detecting air temperature and humidity are attached.

  A dryer 22 and a colorimeter 23 are attached to the printer 21.

  The dryer 22 includes a blower fan 22a, a heat generator (not shown), and the like, and dries the paper P conveyed by the paper feeding unit 43 of the printer 21 under the control of the control unit 41 of the printer 21. Let

  The colorimeter 23 includes a light source 23a, a spectroscope (not shown), a light receiver 23b, and the like, and is applied to the paper P conveyed by the paper feeding unit 43 of the printer 21 under the control of the control unit 41 of the printer 21. The Lab value is measured for each patch pattern of the printed color chart by the spectrocolorimetric method.

  FIG. 1 also shows a functional configuration of the control unit 31 of the PC 11 for executing calibration. This function can be realized by the control unit 31 executing the color management program 111 and the printer driver 112 stored in the hard disk device 32.

  The calibration unit 121 is realized by executing the color management program 111. The calibration unit 121 controls the printer driver 112 to control execution of calibration.

  The job generation unit 131, the spool queue 132, and the print control unit 133 are realized by executing the printer driver 112.

  The job generation unit 131 generates a print job for printing an arbitrary object specified by the user, or prints a print job or authentication for printing a color chart used for calibration according to the control of the calibration unit 121. Generate a print job to print the information.

  Here, the authentication information is information for authenticating the printing status or state of the color chart used for calibration, and the time when the printing was executed, the temperature and humidity when the printing was executed, and the printing It is composed of characters, symbols and the like representing the temperature of the print head 42a when executed.

  The spool queue 132 constitutes a buffer that temporarily stores the job generated by the job generation unit 131.

  The print control unit 133 sequentially retrieves and executes jobs stored in the spool queue 132. That is, the print control unit 133 controls the printer 21 by transmitting a command constituting the job to the printer 21, and causes the printer 21 to print an object, a color chart, or authentication information set in the job.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of calibration. With reference to this flowchart, the calibration executed by the PC 11 and the printer 21 will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a display example of a dialog box 201 displayed on the display unit 13 prior to execution of calibration. This dialog box 201 is displayed by the job generation unit 131 of the printer driver 112, and is displayed when a user requests execution of calibration via a GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided by the color management program 111. Is displayed.

  The dialog box 201 includes three selection units 211, 212, 213 and an OK button 214.

  The selection unit 211 is operated when selecting a calibration target medium. The selection unit 212 is operated when selecting a target resolution for calibration. The selection unit 213 is operated when printing authentication information. The OK button 214 is operated when the selection content in each selection unit is confirmed and calibration is executed.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the medium M1 is selected as the target medium, and the resolutions D1, D2, and D3 are selected as the target resolution. According to this setting, calibration for the resolutions D1, D2, and D3 in the medium M1 is performed. The resolutions D1, D2, and D3 are assumed to be higher in the order of resolutions D1, D2, and D3. That is, in the comparison of the resolutions D1, D2, and D3, it can be said that the resolution D1 is low resolution, the resolution D2 is medium resolution, and the resolution D3 is high resolution. By default, all selectable resolutions can be selected.

  In the example of FIG. 3, printing of authentication information is set.

  As described above, when the user selects the calibration target medium and the resolution, sets whether or not to print the authentication information, and operates the OK button 214 via the dialog box 201, the calibration is started. In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 2, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 determines conditions for calibration to be performed from now. In this example, the calibration target medium and resolution selected by the user via the dialog box 201, the layout of authentication information to be printed, and the like are determined as calibration conditions.

  In the example of FIG. 3, it is determined as a calibration condition that the target medium is the medium M1, the target resolution is the resolutions D1, D2, and D3.

  In step S12, the calibration unit 121 controls the job generation unit 131 to generate a calibration job corresponding to the condition determined in step S11.

  The calibration job generated here includes information indicating the resolution to be calibrated, a command for printing a color chart having a resolution to be calibrated first, and the like. In this example, calibration is performed from the lowest resolution, so a calibration job including a command for printing a color chart having the lowest resolution D1 among the target resolutions is generated.

  In step S13, the generated calibration job is sent to the print control unit 133 via the spool queue 132. When the print control unit 133 captures the calibration job in step S14, the calibration job can be executed. Become.

  When the calibration job can be executed in this way, in step S15, the print control unit 133 starts generating the print data of the color chart of each target resolution selected by the user from the lower resolution. In this example, the generation of bitmap data of a plurality of patch patterns with different gradation values for each color at resolution D1, resolution D2, and resolution D3 is performed in the order of resolutions D1, D2, and D3. Done in

  When the print control unit 133 first generates color chart print data of a resolution to be calibrated (in this example, resolution D1), in step S16, the print data is printed in units of bands, for example, in the printer 21. Send to. Note that generation of print data for color charts with resolutions D2 and D3 is continued until such data is generated.

  In step S17, the control unit 41 of the printer 21 acquires print data transmitted from the PC 11 to the printer 21, and in step S18, a color chart is formed based on the acquired print data. Specifically, while the sheet P (in this example, the sheet P of the medium M1) is being conveyed by each roller 43a of the sheet feeding unit 43, the patch pattern image is printed on the sheet P by the ink jet method by the printing unit 42. It is formed at a predetermined position.

  When image formation of a color chart (in this case, a color chart of resolution D1) is performed in this way, in step S19, the control unit 41 of the printer 21 includes a temperature sensor 42b attached to the print head 42a, and an air temperature. Sensor data indicating the temperature of the print head 42 a and the temperature and humidity in the housing of the printer 21 are acquired from the sensor 44 a and the humidity sensor 44 b, and transmitted to the PC 11.

  In step S <b> 20, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 acquires sensor data transmitted from the printer 21 to the PC 11. The calibration unit 121 also obtains the current time from the operating system as time measurement data.

  The current time acquired at this time substantially coincides with the time at which the printing of the color chart of the resolution to be calibrated first (resolution D1 in this case) is completed. Note that the timing for acquiring the current time as time measurement data may be any time during execution of a job, such as immediately after the start of job execution.

  In step S21, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 instructs the printer 21 to dry and measure the color chart. In step S22, the dryer 22 and the colorimeter 23 control the printer 21. The command is input via the unit 41, and in step S23, drying and colorimetry are performed on the image of the color chart formed in step S18 (in this case, the color chart of resolution D1).

  Specifically, the dryer 22 activates the heat generator and the blower fan 22a, and dries the entire ink forming the color chart while transporting the paper P. The colorimeter 23 turns on the light source 23a to illuminate the color chart, and measures the color of each patch pattern constituting the color chart by detecting the reflected light of the color chart incident on the light receiver 23b through the spectroscope. At that time, the control unit 41 controls the paper feeding unit 43 to transport the paper P to a position where the color chart is dried by the dryer 22. After drying, the color chart 23 scans the color chart. Therefore, the paper P is conveyed.

  When the color chart image is thus dried and colorimetrically measured, the colorimeter 23 transmits the colorimetric result to the PC 11 via the control unit 41 of the printer 21 in step S24. The color measurement result is image data obtained by reading the patch pattern constituting the color chart with the Lab value.

  In step S25, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 acquires the color measurement result transmitted to the PC 11 via the printer 21, and in step S26, the current time acquired as time measurement data and the print head 42a acquired as sensor data. The authentication information is determined based on the temperature of the printer 21 and the temperature and humidity in the housing of the printer 21. The calibration unit 121 updates the correction value file for the resolution D1 based on the received color measurement result. Specifically, the difference between the colorimetric value (that is, the target value) of the reference color chart and the acquired colorimetric result is calculated, and the correction value of the correction value file for the resolution D1 is calculated based on the calculation result. Update. Note that the colorimetric values (that is, target values) of the reference color chart are stored in the hard disk device 32, for example. Color correction is performed by appropriately correcting the lookup table with the updated correction value file. The correction value file and the lookup table are stored in the hard disk device 32 in association with each other.

  In this way, when the correction value file for the resolution D1 is updated (that is, the calibration of the resolution D1 is performed) and the authentication information at that time is determined, the calibration unit 121 controls the job generation unit 131 in step 27. Then, the next print job is generated. The print job generated here includes a command for printing a color chart having a resolution to be calibrated next. In this case, a print job including a command for printing a color chart having a resolution D2 is generated.

  In step S28, the generated print job is sent to the print control unit 133 via the spool queue 132. When the print control unit 133 works on it in step S29, the print job is ready to be executed. .

  When the print job is ready to be executed in this way, in step 30, the print control unit 133 of the PC 11 transmits color chart print data of the next resolution. In this case, print data of the color chart having the resolution D2 is transmitted. Note that the generation of print data for color charts with resolutions D1, D2, and D3 has already started in step S15, and the time required for the processing from step S16 to step S29 described above is the time for generating print data for those color charts. Since it is sufficiently longer than the time required, the color chart print data with the resolution D2 (and resolution D3) has already been generated before the process of step S30 is performed.

  In step S31, the control unit 41 of the printer 21 acquires the print data (in this case, the color chart print data of resolution D2) transmitted from the PC 11 to the printer 21, and in step S32, the process in step S18. Similarly, a color chart based on the acquired print data (in this case, a color chart with resolution D2) is formed.

  Next, in step S33, the control unit 41 of the printer 21 acquires sensor data indicating the temperature of the print head 42a and the temperature and humidity in the housing of the printer 21 in the same manner as the processing in step S19. Send.

  In step S34, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 acquires the sensor data transmitted from the printer 21 to the PC, and acquires the current time from the operating system as time measurement data, as in the process in step S20.

  Next, in step S <b> 35, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 instructs the printer 21 to perform drying and color measurement. In step S <b> 36, the dryer 22 and the colorimeter 23 are connected to the printer 21 via the control unit 41 of the printer 21. In step S37, similar to the processing in step S23, the dryer 22 and the colorimeter 23 perform drying and color drying on the color chart formed in step S32 (in this case, the color chart with resolution D2). Perform colorimetry.

  When the color chart having the resolution D2 is dried and colorimetrically measured, the colorimeter 23 transmits the colorimetric result to the PC 11 via the control unit 41 of the printer 21 in step S38.

  In step S39, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 acquires the color measurement result transmitted from the printer 21 to the PC 11, and in step S40, as in the process of step S26, the current time acquired as time measurement data and the sensor. The authentication information is determined based on the temperature of the print head 42a acquired as data and the temperature and humidity in the housing of the printer 21. Further, the calibration unit 121 updates the correction value file for the resolution D2 based on the acquired color measurement result.

  In this way, when the correction value file for the resolution D2 is updated (that is, when calibration for the resolution D2 is performed) and the authentication information at that time is confirmed, in step S41, the calibration unit 121 sets all the set values. It is determined whether or not calibration has been performed for the target resolution, and if it is determined that there is still a remaining resolution, the process returns to step S27 to perform calibration for the resolution that is the next calibration target. . In this case, since the calibration for the resolution D3 has not been executed yet, NO is determined in step S41, and the process returns to step S27 to execute the calibration for the resolution D3.

  That is, in step 27, a print job for printing a color chart with the resolution D3 is generated. When the print job is ready to be executed in steps S28 and S29, the color chart of the resolution D3 is displayed in steps 30 and S31. The print data is supplied to the printer 21, and a color chart with resolution D3 is formed in step S32.

  In steps S33 and S34, the sensor data at that time is provided to the PC 11.

  Next, in steps S35 and S36, drying and colorimetry are instructed, and in step S37, drying and colorimetry are performed on the color chart having the resolution D3. In steps S38 and S39, the color measurement result is provided to the PC 11.

  In step S40, the correction value file for the resolution D3 is updated, and the authentication information at that time is confirmed.

  In this way, when the correction value file for the resolution D3 is updated (that is, calibration for the resolution D3 is performed) and the authentication information is confirmed, calibration is performed for all the set target resolutions for calibration again in step S41. If it is determined that calibration has been performed for all target resolutions, the process proceeds to step S42. In this case, since all the target resolutions D1, D2, and D3 have been calibrated, a determination of YES is made and the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 generates a print job for printing the authentication information determined in steps S26 and S40.

  In step S43, the generated print job is sent to the print control unit 133 via the spool queue 132. When the print control unit 133 captures the print job in step S44, the print job is ready to be executed. .

  When the print job can be executed in this way, the print control unit 133 transmits the print data of the authentication information to the printer 21 in step S45.

  In step S46, the printer 21 acquires print data of authentication information transmitted from the PC 11. In step S47, the printer 21 prints authentication information based on the acquired print data. That is, authentication information is formed at a predetermined position on the medium, and the entire ink is dried.

  When the authentication information is printed in this way, the calibration process ends.

  As described above, for example, the user selects the target resolution for calibration (for example, selects using the selection unit 212 in FIG. 3), and instructs the start of calibration only once (for example, FIG. 3). Since the calibration for a plurality of resolutions (for example, resolutions D1, D2, and D2) is executed only by operating the OK button 214, a plurality of resolutions (for example, the resolution D1) can be performed with a simple operation. , D2, D2) can be calibrated.

  In addition, as described above, print data of a color chart having a plurality of resolutions (for example, resolutions D1, D2, and D2) is generated in advance (for example, step S15), and a color chart having a previously printed resolution (for example, resolution) Since the color chart of the next resolution (for example, the color chart of resolution D3) is started at the timing when the color measurement is performed on the color chart of D2 (for example, step S37) (for example, After step S37, since step S32 is executed again via step S41), calibration processing for a plurality of resolutions can be performed quickly.

  Also, the lower the resolution, the shorter the time required to generate the print data for the color chart. Therefore, by generating the print data for the color chart (for example, the color chart having the resolution D1) from the lower resolution, Calibration can be performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing print data generation, transmission, image formation, and drying and colorimetry processing times and timings in the calibration described above. Generation of print data of the color charts of the target resolutions D1, D2, and D3 is started in this way (step S15), and the timing when the color measurement of the previously printed color chart (for example, the color chart of resolution D2) is performed. (For example, step S37), a color chart of the next resolution (for example, a color chart of resolution D3) can be formed (for example, after step S37, again through step S41, step S32). Calibration for the resolution can be performed quickly.

  In addition, since the time required for generating the print data with the resolution D1 is short (in FIG. 4, the vertical width of the rectangle with “Generate print data with the resolution D1” is the smallest), the resolution D1 By generating from the print data of the color chart, the subsequent processing can be started more quickly, and as a result, the processing time of the entire calibration can be shortened.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the timing when data generation of the color chart of the next resolution is performed after drying and color measurement are performed on the formed color chart, unlike the case of FIG. . The time T2 required for all calibrations is longer than the time T1 in the case of FIG.

  In the above, sensor data (for example, steps S19, S20, S33, and S34) detected between the formation of the color chart (for example, steps S18 and S32) and the drying (for example, steps S23 and S37), that is, the image. If the formation process and the drying process are collectively referred to as a printing process, the authentication information is determined based on the sensor data detected during the printing process (for example, steps S26 and S40). Can be printed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print example of color charts and authentication information with resolutions D1, D2, and D3. In the upper example of FIG. 6, the authentication information is printed at the subsequent stage of the color chart. In the example of the lower part of FIG. 6, it is printed in the front part of the color chart. As described above, the authentication information about the calibration of each resolution is printed together, so that the printing area can be reduced.

  Since the printing accuracy cannot be maintained at the head portion of the sheet immediately after the start of printing because of play or the like during the initial operation of the printing mechanism, the area is normally used for printing as in the upper example of FIG. Not. However, since the authentication information only needs to be printed with an accuracy that can be read by the user, it can also be printed in that area. Therefore, as in the example in the lower part of FIG. 6, the authentication information is printed before the color chart and at the head of the sheet on which the color chart is printed, so that the medium can be used effectively.

[Other embodiments]
In the above, the calibration is executed when the user operates the OK button 214 in the dialog box 201 (FIG. 3) (that is, the calibration is executed manually), but the PC 11 and the printer 21 side. It is also possible to determine the timing at which calibration is to be performed, and to perform calibration at that timing (that is, it is possible to automatically execute calibration). In the following description, the process of determining the timing at which calibration is to be performed on the PC 11 and printer 21 side and executing the calibration is referred to as a first calibration execution control process as appropriate.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the PC 11 and the printer 21 that perform the first calibration execution control process.

  The PC 11 has a configuration in which a calibration unit 301 is provided instead of the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 in FIG. 1, and this printer 21 is further provided with a detection unit 311 in the printer 21 in FIG. It has the composition which is.

  The detection unit 311 of the printer 21 detects the use environment or use conditions of the printer 21, and the calibration unit 301 of the PC 11 determines the timing for performing calibration based on the detection result by the detection unit 311, The above-described calibration (FIG. 2) is executed at the timing.

  For example, the detection unit 311 detects when a new medium is loaded in the printer 21 (that is, detects a use condition), identifies the loaded medium, and identifies the medium (for example, ID) is transmitted to the control unit 41. Specifically, when the roll paper is mounted on a roll mounting unit (not shown), the detection unit 311 uses the control unit 41 to obtain the media ID obtained by reading a barcode or the like attached to the roll paper. Send to.

  The control unit 41 transmits the identification information transmitted from the detection unit 311 to the PC 11, and the calibration unit 301 of the PC 11 acquires it via the print control unit 133. The calibration unit 301 determines whether or not the correction value file for the medium having the acquired identification information is held, and when it is determined that the correction value file is not held, the calibration unit 301 determines that it is a timing for performing calibration for the medium. To do.

  In addition, when an ink set (not shown) is replaced, the detection unit 311 detects that fact (that is, detects a use condition), and transmits a signal indicating that to the control unit 41. The control unit 41 transmits the detection signal transmitted from the detection unit 311 to the PC 11, and the calibration unit 301 of the PC 11 acquires it via the print control unit 133. When the calibration unit 301 acquires the detection signal, the calibration unit 301 determines that it is time to perform calibration.

  The detection unit 311 acquires signals from the temperature sensor 44 a and the humidity sensor 44 b at a predetermined timing (that is, detects the use environment) and transmits the signals to the control unit 41. The control unit 41 transmits the detection signal transmitted from the detection unit 311 to the PC 11, and the calibration unit 301 of the PC 11 acquires the detection signal, and the temperature or humidity indicated by the detection signal is held. It is determined whether or not it is different from the environment at the time of generation or update of the correction value file for the media and resolution to be printed from a certain level. . It is assumed that information indicating the environment at the time of generating or updating the correction value file is stored in association with the correction value file.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first calibration execution control process. The first calibration execution control process will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  In step S <b> 111, the calibration unit 301 of the PC 11 determines whether it is time to perform calibration based on the detection result by the detection unit 311 of the printer 21. The specific determination method is as described above.

  If it is determined in step S111 that it is time to perform calibration, in step S112, the calibration unit 301 of the PC 11 executes processing for prompting the user to perform calibration. For example, a message prompting the user to execute calibration is displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a message prompting the user to execute calibration. For example, when it is determined that it is time to perform calibration because a new medium is loaded and a correction value file for the medium is not held, a predetermined message shown at the top of FIG. 9 is displayed. A dialog box 321 is displayed on the display unit 13.

  If it is determined that the calibration timing is reached due to the replacement of the ink set, a dialog box 322 showing a predetermined message is displayed on the display unit 13 as shown in the middle part of FIG.

  If it is determined that it is time to perform calibration due to a change in the usage environment, a dialog box 323 with a predetermined message shown at the bottom of FIG. 9 is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 113, the calibration unit 301 of the PC 11 determines whether or not the user has requested execution of calibration. For example, since the dialog boxes 321, 322, and 323 shown in FIG. 9 are provided with buttons 331, 332, and 333 that are operated when requesting execution of calibration, whether or not these buttons are operated is determined. Is determined.

  If it is determined in step S113 that the user has requested execution of calibration, the calibration shown in FIG. 2 is executed in step S114. If it is determined in step S111 that it is not time to perform calibration, or if it is determined in step S113 that execution of calibration is not requested by the user, the process returns to step S111, and the subsequent processing Is done in the same way.

  As described above, since the PC 11 and the printer 21 determine the calibration timing and execute the calibration at that timing, the calibration can be executed easily and reliably, for example.

[Other embodiments]
In addition to the one-to-one usage mode illustrated in FIG. 1, the PC 11 and the printer 21 have a mode in which a plurality of PCs 11 use a single printer 21. For example, when the printer 21 is a printing machine that can continuously print a large number of copy images at high speed (that is, mass production printing), it is used in this manner. In FIG. 10, two PCs 11-1 and 11-2 are connected to one printer 21 via a network 331, and one printer 21 is connected via two PCs 11-1 and 11-2. An example of a usage form using is shown.

  When there are a plurality of PCs 11 as described above, other PCs 11 already hold correction value files for a predetermined medium and a predetermined resolution, for example, which are necessary in a certain PC 11 by the calibration described above in each PC 11. It is also assumed that Therefore, when another PC 11 has a necessary correction value file, the correction value file is acquired from the other PC 11 without performing calibration for obtaining the correction value file, and is used for color correction. Correction can be performed. In the following description, when another PC 11 holds a necessary correction value file, the process of acquiring the correction value file and holding it for color correction is appropriately referred to as a second calibration execution control process. Called.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the PC 11 and the printer 21 that perform the second calibration execution control process.

  The PC 11 has a configuration in which a calibration unit 351 is provided instead of the calibration unit 121 of FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second calibration execution control process. The second calibration execution control process will be described with reference to this flowchart.

  In step S151, the calibration unit 351 of the PC 11 determines whether or not a necessary correction value file is held in another PC 11.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the correction value file is associated with a lookup table for each medium and resolution. Each correction value file includes information indicating the environment such as date and time, temperature or humidity at the time of creation or update. In addition, information indicating the accuracy of the correction value based on the difference between the colorimetric value and the target value is also included. Accordingly, the calibration unit 351 of the PC 11 inquires about the information regarding the correction value file held by another PC 11 connected via a network (not shown), and is held by the other PC 11 from the other PC 11. For example, information regarding the correction value file can be acquired regarding the type of media, resolution, date and time, environment such as temperature and humidity, or accuracy.

  When the calibration unit 351 acquires information on the correction value file held by the other PC 11, the calibration unit 351 determines whether the other PC 11 holds the necessary correction value file based on the information. For example, when a correction value file for a predetermined medium and a predetermined resolution is required, when information indicating the medium and the resolution is acquired as information on the correction value file, the other PC 11 holds the necessary correction value file. It is determined that

  Returning to FIG. 12, when it is determined in step S151 that another PC 11 has the necessary correction value file, in order to prompt the user to apply the correction value file held by the other PC 11 in step S152. Execute the process. For example, a message prompting the user to execute calibration is displayed. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a message prompting the user to execute calibration. In this way, a dialog box 361 or 362 showing a predetermined message is displayed on the display unit 13.

  Here, “apply” means that the correction value file or the correction value is held so as to be used for color correction (for example, held in association with a lookup table as shown in FIG. 13). I mean.

  Returning to FIG. 12 again, in step S153, the calibration unit 351 of the PC 11 determines whether or not the user has requested execution of calibration. For example, since the dialog boxes 361 and 362 shown in FIG. 14 are provided with buttons 371 and 372 that are operated when requesting execution of calibration, it is determined whether or not these buttons have been operated. .

  When it is determined in step S153 that the execution of calibration is requested by the user, in step S154, the calibration unit 351 of the PC 11 acquires and applies the correction value file held by the other PC 11. That is, the acquired correction value file is stored in association with, for example, a lookup table. By storing the correction value file in association with the lookup table, the correction value file (that is, the correction value) can be used for color correction.

  As described above, when another PC 11 has a necessary correction value file, the correction value file is acquired from the other PC 11 and applied without performing calibration for obtaining the correction value file. As a result, calibration can be performed efficiently.

  In the above description, the case where the first calibration execution control process and the second calibration execution control process are performed separately has been described as an example. However, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The execution control process and the second calibration execution control process can be executed in combination. The processing in steps S201 to S204 in FIG. 15 corresponds to the processing in steps S111 to S114 in FIG. 8, and the processing in steps S205 to S208 in FIG. 15 corresponds to the processing in steps S151 to S154 in FIG. Note that a process in which the first calibration execution control process and the second calibration execution control process are combined is referred to as a third calibration execution control process.

[Other embodiments]
As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding method of the colorimeter 23 usually corresponds to roll paper, but in the printer 21, the paper feeding method is both roll paper and cut paper. There is a thing corresponding to. In this way, even if the paper feeding method of the printer 21 supports both roll paper and cut paper, if the paper feeding method of the colorimeter 23 supports only roll paper, calibration of the cut paper is performed. Cannot be executed. However, if the paper that can be fed (that is, the sheet that can be printed normally) and the roll paper are, for example, photographic paper and the same material, color correction is performed using the same correction value. Is possible. Therefore, the correction value (or correction value file) obtained as a result of the calibration for the roll paper can be applied to the cut paper. In the following, paper sheets that can be color-corrected using the same correction value are appropriately referred to as homogeneous paper sheets.

  FIG. 16 shows the PC 11 and printer 21 that execute calibration (hereinafter referred to as cut sheet paper calibration) in which the correction value obtained as a result of the calibration for roll paper is applied to a normal printable sheet paper. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure.

  The PC 11 has a configuration in which a calibration unit 401 is provided instead of the calibration unit 121 of the PC 11 in FIG. 1, and the printer 21 is further provided with a detection unit 411 in the printer 21 in FIG. It has the composition which is. FIG. 16 shows only the configuration of the paper feeding method corresponding to the roll paper, but the paper feeding method of the printer 21 corresponds to both the roll paper and the cut paper in normal printing. And

  In the cut sheet calibration, the process shown in FIG. 2 is basically executed, but in the process of step S11, the target media determination process whose procedure is shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 is executed. Is done. The target medium determined by the target medium determination process is used as a calibration condition.

  In this target medium determination process, first, in step S251, the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 specifies a medium to be fed to the printer 21. Specifically, a medium that is mounted on the printer 21 and specified on a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display unit 13 is specified as a medium to be fed. The media loaded in the printer 21 is detected by the detection unit 411, and the detection result is notified to the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 via the control unit 41. Here, it is assumed that a roll paper is loaded in the printer 21, the roll paper is designated on a predetermined operation screen of the display unit 13, and the roll paper is specified as a medium to be fed.

  In step S <b> 252, the calibration unit 401 selects a single-cut sheet made of the same quality as the roll paper specified as the medium to be fed from the normally printable single-cut sheets (hereinafter, the corresponding single sheet is appropriately selected). It is determined whether or not there is a corresponding cut sheet among the normally printable cut sheets.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table in which the IDs of sheets that can be printed normally, the sheet feeding method, the IDs of roll sheets made of the same quality as the sheets, and the names of the sheets are associated with each other. . The calibration unit 401 holds this table and refers to the table to specify a cut sheet made of paper of the same quality as the roll paper specified as the medium to be fed. For example, when a roll sheet with ID = 1 is specified as a medium to be fed, a cut sheet with ID = 4 having ID = 1 as a reference sheet ID is detected.

  If it is determined in step S252 that the corresponding cut sheet is present among the normally printable cut sheets, the process proceeds to step S253.

  In step S253, the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 displays, via the display unit 13, a message indicating that the correction value obtained as a result of the calibration for the fed roll paper is also applied to the corresponding cut sheet. To do.

  Thereafter, in step S254, the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 sets the corresponding cut sheet as the target medium together with the roll paper specified as the medium to be fed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S252 that there is no corresponding cut sheet among the normally printable cut sheets, the process proceeds to step S255, and the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 is fed. Only the roll paper specified as the medium is set as a calibration target medium.

  As described above, when only the roll paper and the corresponding cut sheet paper or the roll paper are set as the target media, the target medium is set as the calibration condition, and the processing after step S12 in FIG. 2 is performed.

  As described above, when there is a cut sheet made of paper of the same quality as the fed roll paper, the correction value obtained by calibration of the fed roll paper is applied to the cut sheet. (I.e., as a correction value file for a cut sheet or a correction value so as to be used for color correction of the cut sheet), and a paper feeding method not supported by the colorimeter 23 Calibration can also be performed for other papers.

  In the example of FIG. 17, it is assumed that roll paper is fed in step S251. However, in normal printing, both single-cut paper and roll paper can be fed. Even if the user mistakenly attaches the cut sheet to the printer 21 or loads the roll sheet to the printer 21, the user designates the cut sheet on the predetermined operation screen displayed on the display unit 13 of the PC 11. There is. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to determine the target media appropriately even if there is such a user's work mistake.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of target medium determination processing that can appropriately determine the target medium even if there is such a user's work mistake.

  In step S301, the calibration unit 401 determines whether the media loaded in the printer 21 is roll paper.

  If it is determined in step S301 that the media loaded in the printer 21 is roll paper, in step S302, the calibration unit 401 displays a predetermined operation screen (for example, a printer panel) displayed on the display unit 13. It is determined whether the media designated by the user is roll paper.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the medium designated by the user is roll paper, in step S303, the calibration unit 401 determines whether the loaded roll paper is selected from the normally printable cut sheets. A cut sheet made of the same quality paper (that is, a corresponding cut sheet) is detected, and it is determined whether there is a corresponding cut sheet among the normally printable cut sheets.

  When it is determined in step S303 that the corresponding cut sheet exists, in step S304, the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 uses the correction value obtained as a result of the calibration for the fed roll paper to the corresponding cut sheet. Is also displayed via the display unit 13.

  Thereafter, in step S305, the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 sets the roll paper specified as the medium to be fed and the corresponding cut sheet as target media.

  If it is determined in step S303 that no corresponding cut sheet exists, the calibration unit 401 sets only the roll paper loaded in the printer 21 as the target medium in step S306.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the media designated by the user is not roll paper (that is, if cut sheet paper is designated), the calibration unit 401 determines that the roll mounted on the printer 21 in step S307. It is determined whether or not the paper sheet and the cut sheet paper designated by the user are of the same quality. If it is determined that they are of the same quality, the process proceeds to step S308. In this case, for example, information indicating the material of each sheet is further set in the table shown in FIG. 18, and the calibration unit 401 refers to the information to determine the roll paper loaded in the printer 21. It is possible to determine whether or not a single sheet paper specified by the user is the same quality.

  In step S308, the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 applies the correction value obtained as a result of the calibration for the roll paper mounted on the printer 21 to the designated cut sheet (that is, the corresponding cut sheet). Is displayed via the display unit 13.

  Next, in step S309, the calibration unit 401 of the PC 11 sets the loaded roll paper and the designated cut paper (that is, the corresponding cut paper) as the target media.

  If it is determined in step S307 that the roll paper loaded in the printer 21 and the sheet paper designated by the user are not the same quality, the process proceeds to step S310.

  In step S <b> 310, the calibration unit 401 displays, via the display unit 13, a message that prompts the user to load the printer 21 with roll paper that is the same quality as the cut sheet paper designated by the user. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S301, and the subsequent processing is executed. That is, when a roll paper made of the same quality paper as the sheet paper that the user previously specified in accordance with the displayed message is loaded in the printer 21, the processing of steps S301, S302, S307, S308, and S309 is performed. The newly loaded roll paper and the designated cut paper are the target media.

  If it is determined in step S301 that the media loaded in the printer 21 is not roll paper (that is, if a cut sheet is loaded), in step S311, the calibration unit 401 is designated by the user on the printer panel. It is determined whether or not the processed media is a cut sheet.

  If it is determined in step S311 that the medium designated by the user is a cut sheet, the calibration unit 401 in step S312, the roll paper made of the same quality as the cut sheet designated by the user. Is displayed on the printer 21. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S301, and the subsequent processing is executed. That is, when the user mounts a roll paper of the same quality as the previously specified cut sheet according to the displayed message on the printer 21, a new mounting is performed by the processing of steps S 301, S 302, S 307, S 308, S 309. The specified roll paper and the designated cut sheet are the target media.

  If it is determined in step S311 that the medium designated by the user is not a cut sheet (that is, roll paper is designated), in step S313, the calibration unit 401 uses the designated roll paper to the printer 21. A message that prompts the user to wear it is displayed on the display unit 13. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S301.

  If the target medium is determined in step S305, step S306, or step S309, the process ends.

  As described above, when a cut sheet is loaded in the printer 21 (for example, NO is determined in step S301), the user is prompted to load a roll sheet of the same quality as the cut sheet (for example, step S312). ) Since the cut paper made of paper of the same quality as the roll paper is used as the target medium together with the newly loaded roll paper (for example, step S309), for example, the cut paper that the user has loaded incorrectly at the beginning In addition, it is possible to apply a correction value for a roll paper made of paper of the same quality as the cut paper.

  In addition, as described above, when roll paper is loaded in the printer 21 (for example, a determination of YES in step S301), and a cut sheet is specified (for example, a determination of NO in step S302), the specified single sheet is specified. When the slip paper and the loaded roll paper are the same quality (for example, YES in step S307), the designated cut paper is used as the target media together with the loaded roll paper (for example, step S307). S309) For example, the correction value of the roll paper made of paper of the same quality as the paper of the cut paper can be applied to the cut paper specified by the user in error.

  This target medium determination process can be performed when the paper loaded in the printer 21 is changed. As described above, when the paper loaded in the printer 21 is changed, the target medium determination process is performed, so that the target medium can be appropriately determined.

[Other embodiments]
The color management program 111 and the printer driver 112 necessary for executing the processing described above can be incorporated into the PC 11 and provided to the user together with the PC 11 or can be provided via a recording medium or a network. For example, when provided via a recording medium or a network, the color management program 111 and the printer driver 112 must operate in cooperation with a predetermined application program in the user's PC on the user's PC. For this reason, an API (Application Program Interface) that enables parameter exchange between the user application program and the color management program 111 or the like is required.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the API 511 that enables the parameter exchange between the user application program 521 and the color management program 111 or the like. In the example of FIG. 20, a color management program 111, a printer driver 112, an API 511, and a user-specific application program 521 are installed on the user's PC 501.

  The API 511 can receive, for example, a parameter indicating the target resolution from the application program 521 and supply it to the color management program 111. As a result, the target resolution selected by the application program 521 can be set as a calibration condition. Therefore, for example, the target resolution can be selected via the operation screen provided by the application program 521 instead of the operation screen displayed by the printer driver 112 shown in FIG.

  The API 511 can also receive parameters indicating automatic execution or manual execution of calibration from the application program 521 and supply them to the color management program 111. Thereby, for example, automatic execution of calibration as shown in FIG. 8 or manual execution in which the user requests execution of calibration using the operation screen of FIG. 3 can be selected via the application program 521. it can.

  The API 511 can also receive a parameter indicating automatic end of calibration from the application program 521 and supply it to the color management program 111. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to execute an automatic end in which the process ends when calibration for the target resolution is completed.

  The API 511 can also hold information indicating the success or failure of the executed calibration. For example, the calibration success / failure result is held for each resolution.

  As described above, by providing the user application program 521 and the API 511 that enables the parameters to be exchanged between the color management program 111 and the printer driver 112, the user can use the application program 521 through the original application program 521. Since the above-described processing can be performed, for example, the use of the printer 21 can be spread.

  The processes shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 12, 15, 17, 19 and the like are not necessarily processed in a time series in addition to processes in which each step is performed in a time series in the order described. Even if it is not performed, it includes processing executed in parallel or individually. For example, the processing of a predetermined step can be omitted as appropriate.

  Note that the printing system including the PC 11 and the printer 21 described above may be a single printing apparatus.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of PC and printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of calibration executed in the PC and printer of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a dialog box displayed prior to the execution of calibration shown in FIG. 2. It is the figure which showed typically the processing time and timing of the predetermined | prescribed process in the calibration shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the processing time and timing of the predetermined | prescribed process in another calibration. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of the color chart of each resolution printed on the medium, and authentication information. It is a figure which shows the structural example of PC and printer which performs a 1st calibration execution control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st calibration execution control processing performed in PC and a printer of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the message which prompts a user to perform calibration. It is a figure which shows the example which several PC uses one printer. It is a figure which shows the structural example of PC and a printer which perform a 2nd calibration execution control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd calibration execution control processing performed in PC and a printer of FIG. It is a figure which shows the possession form of a correction value file. It is a figure which shows the other example of a message which prompts a user to perform calibration. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of third calibration execution control processing executed in the PC and printer of FIG. 11. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a PC 11 and a printer 21 that execute calibration for cut sheet paper. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a target medium determination process. It is a figure which shows the example of the table which shows the correspondence between the paper of normal printing and the same quality paper. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of other target media determination processing. It is a figure which shows the usage example of API which enables transmission and reception of the parameter between an application program, a color management program, etc.

Explanation of symbols

  11 PC, 21 Printer, 22 Dryer, 23 Colorimeter, 31 Control unit, 32 Hard disk device, 41 Control unit, 42 Printing unit, 43 Paper feed unit, 111 Color management program, 112 Printer driver, 121 Calibration unit, 131 Job Generation Unit, 132 Spool Queue, 133 Print Control Unit, 301 Calibration Unit, 311 Detection Unit, 351 Calibration Unit, 401 Calibration Unit, 411 Detection Unit

Claims (9)

In an information processing apparatus that executes calibration for matching a colorimetric value of a color reproduced on a print medium according to image data by a printing apparatus to a target value,
Detecting means for detecting a use environment of the printing apparatus or a use condition of the printing apparatus;
Determination means for determining the timing for performing the calibration based on the use environment or use conditions detected by the detection means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution unit that executes the calibration when the determination unit determines that it is time to perform calibration. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The detection means detects the temperature or humidity in the casing of the printing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a timing for performing the calibration based on a temperature or humidity in the casing of the printing apparatus detected by the detection unit. In the information processing method of the information processing apparatus that executes calibration for matching the colorimetric value of the color reproduced on the print medium by the printing apparatus according to the image data to the target value,
A detection step of detecting a use environment of the printing apparatus or a use condition of the printing apparatus;
A determination step for determining the timing for performing the calibration based on the use environment or use conditions detected in the detection step;
An information processing method comprising: an execution step of executing the calibration when it is determined that the timing for performing the calibration is determined in the determination step. A program for causing a computer to execute calibration for matching a colorimetric value of a color reproduced on a printing medium according to image data by a printing apparatus to a target value,
A detection step of detecting a use environment of the printing apparatus or a use condition of the printing apparatus;
A determination step for determining the timing for performing the calibration based on the use environment or use conditions detected in the detection step;
A program that causes a computer to execute information processing including an execution step of executing the calibration when it is determined that the calibration timing is determined in the determination step. In an information processing apparatus that executes calibration to generate a correction value for matching a colorimetric value of a patch pattern based on data of each gradation value of each color printed by a printing apparatus to a target value,
Judgment for determining the timing for performing the calibration based on whether or not an external device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network holds a correction value for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution Means,
When the determination means determines that it is time to perform calibration, the correction value held in the external device is acquired and used for color correction for the predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution. Storage control means for storing in the storage means as described above. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
The storage means stores a correction value used for color correction for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution,
The determination unit determines that it is a timing to perform the calibration when the external device holds a correction value for a print medium or resolution other than the predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution,
The storage control means obtains a correction value for a print medium or resolution other than the predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution held in the external device, and is used for color correction for the print medium or resolution. An information processing apparatus characterized in that the information is stored in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
The storage means stores a correction value used for color correction for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution, together with information indicating the accuracy of the correction value based on the difference between the colorimetric value and the target value,
The determination unit determines that it is time to perform the calibration when the external device holds a correction value having an accuracy equal to or higher than the accuracy.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit acquires a correction value having an accuracy equal to or higher than the accuracy held in the external device and stores the correction value in the storage unit so as to be used for color correction. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that executes calibration for generating a correction value for matching a colorimetric value of a patch pattern based on data of each gradation value of each color printed by a printing apparatus to a target value,
Judgment for determining the timing for performing the calibration based on whether or not an external device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network holds a correction value for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution Steps,
When it is determined that the calibration timing is determined in the determination step, the correction value held in the external device is acquired and used for color correction for the predetermined print medium or the predetermined resolution. And a storage control step of storing in the storage means. A program for causing a computer to execute calibration for generating a correction value for matching a colorimetric value of a patch pattern based on data of each gradation value of each color printed by a printing apparatus to a target value,
A determination step of determining timing for performing the calibration based on whether or not an external device connected to the computer via a network holds a correction value for a predetermined print medium or a predetermined resolution; ,
When it is determined that the calibration timing is determined in the determination step, the correction value held in the external device is acquired and used for color correction for the predetermined print medium or the predetermined resolution. And a storage control step for storing the information in a storage means.

Images