JP2013046089A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system in which calibration of a printing function is automatically performed via coordination of image processing devices connected on a network.SOLUTION: An image processing system comprises: print image feature information creation means for creating print image feature information including a partial image of print object image information from the print object image information in a first image processing device; image print means for performing print on the basis of the print object image information in which additional information including device information specifying the first image processing device and printed matter identification information specifying printed matter is embedded, to output the printed matter; image read means for reading an image of the printed matter in a second image processing device to create read image information; calibration information creation means for creating calibration information including necessity of calibration for a printing function of the first image processing device and calibration contents if the calibration is needed, on the basis of the read image feature information including a partial image of the read image information and the print image feature information; and calibration execution means for performing the calibration for the printing function on the basis of the calibration information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for calibrating the density or the like of a printing function in an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral, Multi Function Printer).

  The electrophotographic engine has a large variation in print density (color in the case of CMYK color) depending on the model, lot, and time. For this reason, many of them are equipped with a mechanism for observing the latent image toner before transfer with a sensor and performing feedback control. However, since this mechanism can control only the generation of a latent image, it cannot feed back fluctuations from the transfer to the fixing process.

  Therefore, by printing a dedicated page (calibration sheet) and having the printed paper (printed material) read (scanned) by the user, the density of the actual printed state is manually fed back and printed. A method of calibrating the concentration has been taken (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As described above, conventionally, it has been necessary for the user to explicitly calibrate the printing function of the image processing apparatus by printing a calibration sheet, reading the printed material, or the like, which has been a complicated operation for the user. .

  Further, in the case of a printer or the like that does not have an image reading function, complicated work such as connecting a scanner is involved in performing calibration using a calibration sheet.

  Although the calibration of density has been mainly described, there is a similar problem with the calibration of other printing functions such as the printing position.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to automatically calibrate a printing function in cooperation with an image processing apparatus connected to a network.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected by a network, and the first image processing apparatus uses the print target image information to determine the print target image information. A print image feature information generating means for generating print image feature information including a partial image of the image, an addition including device information for specifying the first image processing device in the first image processing device and printed matter identification information for specifying the printed matter An image printing unit that prints based on the print target image information in which information is embedded and outputs a printed matter; an image reading unit that reads the image of the printed matter and generates read image information in a second image processing apparatus; Based on the read image feature information including the partial image of the read image information and the print image feature information, the print function of the first image processing apparatus is applied. Calibration information generating means for generating calibration information including the necessity of calibration and calibration contents in the case of calibration required, and calibration execution means for calibrating the printing function based on the calibration information in the first image processing apparatus. provided.

  In the image processing system of the present invention, the printing function can be automatically calibrated by cooperation of image processing apparatuses connected to the network, and the burden on the user can be reduced while maintaining the print quality. can.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the general structural example of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the function part concerning cooperation of two image processing apparatuses. It is a figure which shows the example of print image characteristic information. It is a figure which shows the example of accumulation | storage information. It is a figure which shows the example of additional information. It is a figure which shows the example of calibration judgment basic information. It is a figure which shows the example of calibration information. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the image printing process in 1 A of image processing apparatuses. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the image reading process in the image processing apparatus 1B. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the calibration process in 1 A of image processing apparatuses.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) is connected with a plurality of image processing apparatuses 1A, 1B,. Here, in order to be consistent with the description of the operation described later, the image processing apparatus 1A has at least an image printing function such as a printer, copy, FAX (reception printing), and the image processing apparatus 1B has a scanner, copy, FAX ( It is assumed that it has at least an image reading function such as (transmission).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a general configuration example of the image processing apparatus 1 (1A, 1B,...).

  In FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, a memory 13, a nonvolatile storage unit 14, an image input unit 15, an image output unit 16, and an interface unit 17 connected to a bus 11. there.

  The CPU 12 is a part that performs main control of the image processing apparatus 1 in accordance with a computer program.

  The memory 13 is a part that holds programs and data necessary for the control processing of the CPU 12.

  The nonvolatile storage unit 14 is a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or the like that does not lose data even when the image processing apparatus 1 is powered off.

  The image input unit 15 reads an image from a document or the like by an image reading mechanism (scanner engine) to acquire image information, or acquires image information to be printed from an external PC (Personal Computer) or FAX. is there.

  The image output unit 16 is a part that prints image information on paper by an image printing mechanism (printer engine) or outputs the image information to an external PC or the like.

  The interface unit 17 is a part that performs information communication with an external device through the network 2.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional unit related to cooperation between the two image processing apparatuses 1A and 1B.

  In FIG. 3, an image processing apparatus 1 </ b> A that inputs a document 31 or image information 32 and outputs a printed product 39 includes an image input unit 101, a print image feature information generation unit 102, a print product identification information generation unit 103, and a print image. Feature information storage unit 104, additional information generation unit 105, additional information image generation unit 106, additional information image arrangement unit 107, image output unit 108, information reception unit 117, information analysis unit 118, calibration information generation unit 119, and acquisition of calibration information A unit 120 and a calibration execution unit 121 are provided.

  The image processing apparatus 1B on the side of inputting the printed matter 39 and transmitting the proofreading judgment basic information 46 or the proofreading information 47 to the image processing apparatus 1A includes an image input unit 109, an additional information acquisition unit 110, and read image feature information generation. A unit 111, an information analysis unit 112, a calibration judgment basic information generation unit 113, a calibration information generation unit 114, and an information transmission unit 116 are provided.

  The image input unit 101 of the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> A has a function of reading the document 31 at the time of copying, or inputting image information 32 when receiving a print request from a PC or receiving a FAX, and outputting print target image information 33. .

  The print image feature information generation unit 102 has a function of generating print image feature information 34 from the print target image information 33 and outputting it. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of print image feature information, and includes items such as partial images, (density feature information), and (position feature information). The partial image is an image extracted from the print target image information 33 according to a predetermined standard. Since it is a partial image, the amount of data for storage and communication can be kept small. As a partial image extraction method, for example, there are the following methods. These techniques may be used alone or in any combination.

  (1) A method of extracting a block-shaped part of the print target image information 33 that is an original image as a partial image. In this case, since the partial image is in a block shape, it is possible to have a balanced portion of characters, diagrams, tables, etc., and it is possible to obtain the same effect as the original image although it is a part of the original image. It can be used to find misalignment / tilt of the printing position and correct misfeeds in the print transport path.

  (2) A method of extracting a part of the vertical line shape of the print target image information 33 that is an original image as a partial image. In this case, the horizontal streak can be found and used to correct the smudge / fault of the printing drum.

  (3) A method of extracting a part of a line in the horizontal direction of the print target image information 33 that is an original image as a partial image. In this case, vertical streaks can be found and used to correct smudges / problems of the printing drum.

  (4) A method of extracting a part of the figure / photograph area as a partial image in the print target image information 33 which is an original image. In this case, the print double can be found and used to correct the smudge / fault of the print drum.

  (5) A method of extracting a part of a character area of the print target image information 33 that is an original image as a partial image. In this case, it can be used to detect blurring of characters and optimize character printing.

  (6) A method of extracting a part of the color area of the print target image information 33 that is an original image as a partial image. In this case, the color difference can be found and used to correct the color reproduction parameter of the printing drum. It can also be used to find color misregistration and correct printing drum misregistration.

  (7) A method of extracting a part of the table area of the print target image information 33 that is an original image as a partial image. In this case, a lateral shift / vertical shift can be found from the table border (vertical frame / horizontal frame), and can be used to correct defects such as a print conveyance path.

  For the density feature information, an average density of the entire image, an average density of the pattern portion of the image, a density histogram, or the like can be used depending on the calculation method. The position feature information can include coordinate information of a representative position on the image. The density feature information and the position feature information can be omitted when the same content information can be acquired from the partial image.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the printed matter identification information generating unit 103 has a function of generating and outputting printed matter identification information 35 for specifying the printed matter 39. Since the document 31 and the image information 32 to be printed are not specified but only the printed matter 39 is specified, it is sufficient to issue a unique identifier for each printing.

  The print image feature information storage unit 104 has a function of storing the print image feature information 34 in the nonvolatile storage unit 14 or the like in association with the printed matter identification information 35. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of accumulated information, and includes items such as printed matter identification information (printed matter ID), print image feature information, printing date and time, and calculation method.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the additional information generation unit 105 has a function of generating and outputting additional information 36 from the printed matter identification information 35 and the like. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of additional information. Printed matter identification information (printed matter ID), device information on the printing side device (device ID), (printing date and time), (calculation method), calibration necessity determination device information (printing) Side device or reading side device). Since the printing date and time and the calculation method can be acquired later together with the print image feature information, they can be omitted.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the additional information image generation unit 106 has a function of generating and outputting an additional information image 37 from the additional information 36 according to a generation algorithm such as a barcode and a background pattern. The additional information image 37 represents additional information as an image such as a barcode or a background pattern.

  The additional information image arrangement unit 107 has a function of arranging (merging and synthesizing) the additional information image 37 in the print target image information 33 and outputting the print image information 38.

  The image output unit 108 has a function of performing printing based on the print image information 38 and outputting a printed matter 39. Additional information is added to the printed matter 39.

  The image input unit 109 of the image processing apparatus 1B has a function of reading the printed matter 39 and outputting read image information 40 at the time of copying, FAX transmission, and scanning.

  The additional information acquisition unit 110 has a function of detecting an additional information image from the read image information 40 and outputting the additional information 41.

  The read image feature information generation unit 111 has a function of generating and outputting the read image feature information 42 from the read image information 40 in parallel with the additional information acquisition unit 110. The read image feature information 42 includes items similar to the print image feature information shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the information analysis unit 112 analyzes the additional information 41, determines the processing content based on the proofreading necessity determination device information (printing side device or reading side device), and outputs the analysis result information 43. have. The analysis result information 43 includes information on whether or not to determine whether or not calibration is necessary in the reading side apparatus.

  The proofreading judgment basic information generation unit 113 operates when the proofreading necessity determination apparatus information is the printing side apparatus (image processing apparatus 1A), and has a function of generating and outputting the proofreading judgment basic information 44. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of calibration determination basic information, and includes items such as additional information, read image feature information, device information (device ID) of the reading side device, and reading date and time.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the proofreading information generation unit 114 operates when the proofreading necessity determination device information is the reading side device (image processing device 1 </ b> B), and the read image feature information 42 and the printed matter identification information included in the additional information. The print image feature information acquisition unit 115 generates and outputs calibration information 45 based on the print image feature information acquired from the print-side image processing apparatus 1A. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of calibration information. The necessity of calibration, the contents of calibration, the device information (device ID) of the reading side device, the reading date and time, the printing date and time, the device information for determining necessity of calibration (printing side device or reading) Side device) and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the information transmission unit 116 prints the calibration judgment basic information 44 from the calibration judgment basic information generation unit 113 as the calibration judgment basic information 46 and the calibration information 45 from the calibration information generation unit 114 as the calibration information 47. It has a function to transmit to the image processing apparatus 1A on the side.

  On the other hand, the information receiving unit 117 of the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> A has a function of receiving the calibration determination basic information 46 or the calibration information 47 from the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> B and outputting it as reception information 48.

  The information analysis unit 118 analyzes the received information 48 and determines the processing contents based on the additional information of the calibration determination basic information 46 or the calibration necessity determination device information (printing side device or reading side device) included in the calibration information 47. The analysis result information 49 is output. The analysis result information 49 includes information on whether or not the printing side apparatus determines whether or not calibration is necessary.

  The proofreading information generation unit 119 operates when the proofreading necessity determination device information is the printing side device (image processing device 1A), and the read image feature information included in the proofreading determination basic information 46 received as the reception information 48, It has a function of generating and outputting calibration information 50 based on print image feature information acquired from the apparatus itself based on printed matter identification information included in the additional information of the calibration determination basic information 46. The proofreading information 50 is the same as the information shown in FIG. 8, but proofreading necessity determination device information (printing side device or reading side device) is unnecessary.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the calibration information acquisition unit 120 operates when the calibration necessity determination apparatus information is the reading side apparatus (image processing apparatus 1 </ b> B), and the calibration information 47 received as the reception information 48 is directly used as the calibration information 50. It has a function of output.

  The calibration execution unit 121 has a function of executing calibration of the density and printing position of the printing function of the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> A according to the calibration contents when calibration is required based on the calibration information 50. The calibration execution unit 121 can execute calibration only when a predetermined condition is satisfied, in addition to performing calibration every time the calibration information 50 is given.

<Operation>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the above embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, the user performs the image printing process in the image processing apparatus 1A without being aware of the calibration of the printing function as part of the normal work (step S1). By this processing, the printed matter 39 (FIG. 3) is output. Note that the image processing apparatus 1A on the printing side may be any image processing apparatus on the network 2 as long as it has the functions described above.

  Thereafter, the user performs an image reading process on the printed matter 39 in the image processing apparatus 1B as part of a normal operation (step S2). By this processing, the proofreading judgment basic information 46 or the proofreading information 47 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1A on the printing side. The image processing apparatus 1B on the reading side may be any image processing apparatus on the network 2 as long as it has the above-described functions.

  When the calibration determination basic information 46 or the calibration information 47 is received from the image processing apparatus 1B on the reading side, the image processing apparatus 1A performs a calibration process (step S3).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of image printing processing (step S1 in FIG. 9) in the image processing apparatus 1A.

  In FIG. 10, when the image printing process is started (step S <b> 101), the image input unit 101 of the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> A depends on whether the copy operation or FAX transmission operation is performed on the document 31 or the printing is performed by receiving the image information 32. It is then determined whether image reading is necessary (step S102).

  When it is determined that image reading is necessary (Yes in step S102), the image input unit 101 acquires the print target image information 33 by image reading (step S103).

  If it is determined that image reading is not necessary (No in step S102), the image input unit 101 directly acquires the print target image information 33 (step S104).

  Next, the print image feature information generation unit 102 generates print image feature information 34 from the print target image information 33 (step S105). That is, a partial image is extracted from the print target image information 33 by the above-described method, the print target image information 33 is analyzed as necessary, density feature information, position feature information, and the like are calculated. to.

  Next, the printed matter identification information generation unit 103 generates unique printed matter identification information 35 that identifies the printed matter 39, and the printed image feature information storage unit 104 associates the printed image feature information 34 with the printed matter identification information 35 in a nonvolatile manner. The data is stored in the storage unit 14 or the like (step S106).

  Next, the additional information generation unit 105 generates additional information 36 from the print image feature information 34 (step S107). That is, additional information such as printed matter identification information (printed matter ID), device information of the printing side device (device ID), (printing date), (calculation method), proofreading necessity device information (printing side device or reading side device), etc. to.

  Next, the additional information image generation unit 106 generates an additional information image 37 from the additional information 36 (step S108). That is, the additional information 36 is obtained by imaging the additional information 36 in accordance with a barcode or tint block generation algorithm.

  Next, the additional information image arrangement unit 107 arranges (merges and combines) the additional information image 37 in the print target image information 33 obtained by the image input unit 101 (step S109).

  Next, the image output unit 108 prints the print image information 38 in which the additional information image 37 is arranged to output the printed matter 39 (step S110), and ends the process (step S111).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of image reading processing (step S2 in FIG. 9) in the image processing apparatus 1B.

  In FIG. 11, when the image reading process is started (step S201), the image input unit 109 of the image processing apparatus 1B reads an image of the printed matter 39 and obtains read image information 40 (step S202).

  Next, the additional information acquisition unit 110 detects and acquires the additional information 41 from the read image information 40 (step S203). Since the additional information image has a format capable of detecting a barcode or a background pattern, the additional information image is detected according to the embedded format.

  In parallel with the processing of the additional information acquisition unit 110, the read image feature information generation unit 111 generates the read image feature information 42 from the read image information 40 (step S204). That is, a partial image is extracted from the read image information 40 by the above-described method, and the read image information 40 is analyzed as necessary to calculate density feature information, position feature information, and the like as read image feature information 42.

  Next, the information analysis unit 112 analyzes the additional information 41 and determines the processing content based on the proofreading necessity determination device information (printing side device or reading side device) (step S205).

  When the proofreading necessity determination device information is the printing side device (image processing device 1A) (printing side device in step S205), the proofreading determination basic information generation unit 113 uses the additional information 41 and the read image feature information 42 to determine the proofreading determination basics. Information 44 is generated (step S206). That is, the apparatus information of the reading side apparatus (apparatus information of the own apparatus), the reading date and time, and the like are added to the additional information 41 and the read image feature information 42 to obtain the calibration determination basic information 44.

  When the calibration necessity determination apparatus information is the reading side apparatus (image processing apparatus 1B) (the reading side apparatus in step S205), the print image feature information acquisition unit 115 performs printing based on the apparatus information of the printing side apparatus and the printed matter identification information. Accumulated information is acquired from the image processing apparatus 1A on the side (step S207).

  Next, the proofreading information generation unit 114 generates proofreading information 45 from the print image feature information and the read image feature information 42 included in the acquired accumulated information (step S208). That is, the print image feature information acquired by the print image feature information acquisition unit 115 is compared with the read image feature information 42, and if a density difference or a position difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, calibration is necessary. The value that should cancel the difference, etc. is the content of the calibration. In addition to this, device information of the reading side device (device information of the own device), reading date and time, printing date and time (extracted from the additional information 41), calibration necessity determination device information (printing side device or reading side device), etc. are added. The calibration information 45 is assumed.

  Next, the information transmission unit 116 uses the calibration determination basic information 44 generated by the calibration determination basic information generation unit 113 as the calibration determination basic information 46 or the calibration information 45 generated by the calibration information generation unit 114 as the calibration information 47. The image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1A on the printing side (step S209), and the process ends (step S210).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the calibration process (step S3 in FIG. 9) in the image processing apparatus 1A.

  In FIG. 12, when the calibration process is started (step S301), the information receiving unit 117 receives the calibration determination basic information 46 or the calibration information 47 and sets it as reception information 48 (step S302).

  Next, the information analysis unit 118 analyzes the received information 48, and processes the content based on the additional information of the calibration determination basic information 46 or the calibration necessity determination device information (printing side device or reading side device) included in the calibration information 47. Is determined (step S303).

  When the calibration necessity determination device information is the printing side device (image processing device 1A) (printing side device in step S303), the calibration information generation unit 119 is based on the printed matter identification information included in the additional information of the calibration determination basic information. Then, the stored information in the device itself is acquired (step S304), and the calibration information 50 is generated from the received calibration judgment basic information 46 and the stored information (step S305). That is, the print image feature information of the stored information is compared with the read image feature information, and if the density difference or position difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, calibration is necessary, and the value that should cancel the density difference or position difference is calibrated. and content. To this, the apparatus information of the reading side apparatus (apparatus information of the own apparatus), the reading date and time, the printing date and time (extracted from the additional information 41), and the like are added to obtain the calibration information 50.

  When the calibration necessity determination device information is the reading device (image processing device 1B) (reading device in step S303), the calibration information acquisition unit 120 acquires the received calibration information 47 as the calibration information 50 (step S306). ).

Next, the calibration execution unit 121 determines whether to execute calibration (step S307). For example, it is determined whether or not to execute calibration based on the following criteria.
(1) When the determination is made every time the calibration information 50 is generated / acquired, if it is determined whether or not calibration is necessary, it is determined that the calibration is not executed. When determining whether or not calibration is necessary on the reading side, when the calibration information 47 is transmitted from one image processing apparatus 1B, if calibration is necessary or not, the calibration information 47 47 can be prevented from being transmitted. In this case, the item of necessity of calibration in the calibration information 47 becomes unnecessary.
(2) When making judgment every time the calibration information 50 is generated / acquired, if it is necessary to calibrate, the calibration may be performed immediately according to the calibration content, or referring to the printing date and time, etc. Judgment may be made. If the calibration information 50 is based on the printed matter 39 printed more than a predetermined period before the current date and time by referring to the print date and time, the calibration information is not appropriate for the current calibration, so calibration is not executed. It can be judged. It is also possible not to execute calibration immediately after activation.
(3) A predetermined period or a predetermined number of pieces of calibration information 50 are accumulated under the control of the calibration execution unit 121, and it is possible to determine whether or not to execute calibration by comprehensively judging them. For example, whether or not to calibrate a plurality of pieces of calibration information 50 and the contents of calibration when calibration is necessary are ranked based on the number and printing date and whether or not the most reliable calibration information 50 is used for calibration. Can be judged. The proofreading contents may be determined simply by majority vote.

  Next, the calibration execution unit 121 executes calibration of the density and printing position of the printing function according to the calibration content (Step S308), and ends the processing (Step S309).

<Modification>
In the embodiment described above, print image feature information such as a partial image is accumulated in the image processing apparatus 1A on the printing side in association with the print identification information for specifying the print, and the print identification information is included in the additional information. Although the case where the print image feature information can be referred to from the identification information has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, when the print image feature information is small in size, it may be embedded in the printed matter as additional information. Since the partial image can reduce the data by reducing the size extracted from the original image, it is suitable for embedding in the printed matter as additional information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the necessity of calibration is determined from the print image feature information and the read image feature information has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the image processing apparatus 1B on the reading side can uniquely determine whether or not calibration is necessary based on additional information such as a bar code or tint block whose line or dot size is known in advance. In this case, the necessity of calibration itself may be determined by the image processing apparatus 1A on the printing side.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the additional information is embedded in the printed matter has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the “paper pattern” of each sheet can be used as information for specifying a printed material, and can be used instead of the above “printed material identification information”.

<Summary>
As described above, according to this embodiment, the printing function can be automatically calibrated by cooperation of the image processing apparatuses connected to the network, and the burden on the user is reduced while maintaining the print quality. There is an advantage that can be made.

  In addition, by using partial images as image feature information, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity when image feature information is stored in the device, and to reduce the network load when image feature information is communicated between devices. be able to.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Obviously you can. In other words, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the details of the specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

1, 1A, 1B Image processing device 11 Bus 12 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Memory 14 Non-volatile storage unit 15 Image input unit 16 Image output unit 17 Interface unit 101 Image input part 102 Print image feature information generation part 103 Printed material identification information generation part 104 Print image feature information storage part 105 Additional information generation part 106 Additional information Image generation unit 107 Additional information image arrangement unit 108 Image output unit 109 Image input unit 110 Additional information acquisition unit 111 Read image feature information generation unit 112 Information analysis unit 113 Calibration judgment basic information generation unit 114 Calibration information generation unit 115 Print image feature information Acquisition unit 116 Information transmission unit 117 Information reception unit 118 Information analysis unit 119 Calibration information generation unit 120 Calibration information acquisition unit 121 Calibration execution unit 2 Network

JP 2007-295244 A

Claims (14)

An image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected via a network,
Print image feature information generating means for generating print image feature information including a partial image of the print target image information from the print target image information in the first image processing apparatus;
In the first image processing device, printing is performed based on the print target image information in which additional information including device information for specifying the first image processing device and printed matter identification information for specifying the printed matter is embedded, and a printed matter is output. Image printing means;
An image reading means for reading the image of the printed matter and generating read image information in the second image processing apparatus;
Based on the read image feature information including the partial image of the read image information and the print image feature information, the calibration information including the necessity of calibration for the print function of the first image processing apparatus and the calibration contents when the calibration is necessary. Calibration information generating means for generating;
An image processing system comprising: a calibration execution unit that calibrates a printing function based on the calibration information in the first image processing apparatus. The image processing system according to claim 1,
The calibration information generating means is disposed in the first image processing apparatus,
The first image processing apparatus includes storage means for storing the print image feature information in association with the print identification information,
The second image processing apparatus includes:
Additional information acquisition means for acquiring the additional information from the read image information;
Read image feature information generating means for generating the read image feature information from the read image information;
An image processing system comprising: calibration judgment basic information transmitting means for transmitting the additional information and the read image characteristic information to the first image processing apparatus as calibration judgment basic information based on the apparatus information. The image processing system according to claim 1,
The calibration information generating means is disposed in the second image processing device,
The first image processing apparatus includes storage means for storing the print image feature information in association with the print identification information,
The second image processing apparatus includes:
Additional information acquisition means for acquiring the additional information from the read image information;
Read image feature information generating means for generating the read image feature information from the read image information;
Print image feature information acquisition means for acquiring the print image feature information from the first image processing device based on the print identification information;
An image processing system comprising: calibration information transmitting means for transmitting the calibration information to the first image processing device based on the device information. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the partial image is an image of a part of a block shape of the print target image information or the read image information. An image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the partial image is an image of a part of a line in a vertical direction of the print target image information or the read image information. An image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the partial image is an image of a part of a line in a horizontal direction of the print target image information or the read image feature information. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The image processing system, wherein the partial image is an image of a part of the image to be printed or the image of the read image information and / or a photographic region. An image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The image processing system, wherein the partial image is an image of a part of a character area of the print target image information or the read image information. The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The image processing system, wherein the partial image is an image of a part of a color area of the print target image information or the read image information. An image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The image processing system, wherein the partial image is an image of a part of a table area of the print target image information or the read image information. Print image feature information generating means for generating print image feature information including a partial image of the print target image information from the print target image information;
Image printing means for printing the print target image information embedded with additional information including device information for specifying the device itself and printed matter identification information for specifying a printed matter, and outputting the printed matter;
Image processing comprising: calibration execution means for calibrating the printing function based on calibration information including the necessity of calibration for the printing function received from another image processing apparatus and the calibration contents in the case of calibration necessary apparatus. A printed material in which additional information including device information for specifying an image processing device that has performed printing and printed material identification information for specifying the printed material is embedded in another image processing device based on print target image information. Image reading means for reading the image and generating read image information;
A read image that generates read image feature information including a partial image of the read image information, which is used to generate proof information including the necessity of proofreading for the printing function of the other image processing apparatus and the proofreading contents in the case of proofreading required An image processing apparatus comprising: feature information generating means. A computer constituting the image processing apparatus;
Print image feature information generating means for generating print image feature information including a partial image of the print target image information from the print target image information;
Image printing means for printing the print target image information embedded with additional information including device information for specifying the device itself and printed matter identification information for specifying the printed matter, and outputting the printed matter;
An image processing control program that functions as a calibration execution unit that calibrates a printing function based on calibration information including the necessity of calibration for the printing function received from another image processing apparatus and the calibration contents when calibration is necessary. A computer constituting the image processing apparatus;
A printed material in which additional information including device information for specifying an image processing device that has performed printing and printed material identification information for specifying the printed material is embedded in another image processing device based on print target image information. Image reading means for reading the image and generating read image information;
A read image that generates read image feature information including a partial image of the read image information, which is used to generate proof information including the necessity of proofreading for the printing function of the other image processing apparatus and the proofreading contents in the case of proofreading required An image processing control program that functions as feature information generating means.

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