JP2016139223A - Printing system and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase productivity of a printing system in which a plurality of ink jet printers are connected to a personal computer.SOLUTION: A printing system 1 capable of matching colors of a plurality of printer 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 comprises a storage unit 114 which stores a color conversion table 50, obtained from difference of characteristics between the printer 11 as a reference and the other printers 12, 13, 14 and 15, of the other printers 12, 13, 14 and 15, and a control unit 113 which corrects colors of print data using the color conversion table 50 stored in the storage unit 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing system having a color adjustment device that adjusts the color of an image using a color profile so that the color of image data displayed on a display matches the color of an image printed on a medium by a printer is known. (Patent Document 1).

  In the printing system described in Patent Document 1, a personal computer and an inkjet printer are connected one-to-one. The personal computer constitutes a color adjustment device that generates adjustment image data (adjustment print data) and a print control device that causes the inkjet printer to print the adjustment image. The color adjustment device adjusts the display unit of the personal computer so that the target color is obtained, and then prints a slightly different color centered on the color to finally complete the color adjustment. The print control apparatus causes the inkjet printer to print the adjusted image based on the adjusted image data (adjusted print data) that has undergone color adjustment.

JP 2004-282156 A

  However, when printing a large number of final products (products) such as posters, in a printing system in which a personal computer and an inkjet printer are connected one-to-one, the printing time becomes long and printing productivity deteriorates. There was a problem. Furthermore, in a printing system having a configuration in which a plurality of inkjet printers are connected to a personal computer, if color adjustment is performed for each of the plurality of inkjet printers by the method described in Patent Document 1, color adjustment requires a long time. For this reason, there is a problem that the productivity of printing deteriorates.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A printing system according to this application example is a printing system that enables color matching of a plurality of recording devices, and is obtained from the difference in characteristics between the recording device serving as a reference and each recording device. And a control unit that corrects the color of the print data using the correction value stored in the storage unit.

  In this application example, since the printing system includes a plurality of recording devices, it is possible to increase printing productivity as compared with the case where the printing system includes a single recording device. In addition, because of the difference in characteristics between the standard recording device and each recording device, it is possible to perform simultaneous or continuous processing of color matching for multiple recording devices. Compared to the case, the man-hour for color matching can be shortened and the printing productivity can be increased.

  Application Example 2 In the printing system according to the application example, it is preferable that the reference recording device is included in the plurality of recording devices.

  In this application example, one of the plurality of recording devices is used as a reference recording device, and the other plurality of recording devices are used according to correction values obtained from the difference in characteristics between the reference recording device and the other recording devices. This enables simultaneous processing or continuous processing of color matching to other printing devices, so that the color matching man-hours can be shortened compared to the case where color matching is performed for each of a plurality of other printing devices. Can increase the sex.

  Application Example 3 In the printing system according to the application example, it is preferable that the reference recording device is a recording device other than the plurality of recording devices.

  In this application example, a recording device other than a plurality of recording devices is used as a reference recording device, and color matching for a plurality of recording devices is performed based on a correction value obtained from a difference in characteristics between the reference recording device and the plurality of recording devices. Therefore, compared with the case where color matching is performed on each of a plurality of recording apparatuses, the number of color matching steps can be shortened and the printing productivity can be increased.

  Application Example 4 The printing system according to the application example described above preferably includes a print control device that controls printing of each recording device, and the control unit is preferably included in the print control device.

  For example, if the personal computer is a print control device and the personal computer includes a control unit that corrects the color of the print data, the personal computer controls the printing of each recording device after correcting the color of the print data. Printing based on the obtained color can be processed efficiently.

  Application Example 5 It is preferable that the printing system according to the application example includes a print control device that controls printing of each recording device, and the storage unit is included in the print control device.

  For example, when a personal computer is used as a printing control device, and the personal computer includes a storage unit that stores a correction value of each recording device obtained from a difference in characteristics between the recording device serving as a reference and each recording device, the personal computer However, since the printing of each recording apparatus is controlled after performing an appropriate color correction process according to the correction value of each recording apparatus, printing based on the corrected color can be efficiently processed.

  Application Example 6 It is preferable that the printing system according to the application example includes a print control device that controls printing of each recording device, and the storage unit is included in a server to which the print control device can be connected.

  When the correction value of each recording device obtained from the difference in characteristics between the reference recording device and each recording device is stored in the storage unit of the server, the correction value acquired from another printing system is accumulated in the server. It becomes possible. Therefore, abundant (various) correction values are accumulated in the recording unit of the server, and more appropriate color correction processing can be performed.

  Application Example 7 A printing method according to this application example is a printing method that enables color matching of a plurality of recording devices, and is obtained from the difference in characteristics between a reference recording device and each recording device. The method includes storing a correction value of each recording apparatus and correcting a color of print data by the stored correction value.

  A correction value obtained from a difference in characteristics between the reference recording apparatus and each recording apparatus (a plurality of recording apparatuses) is stored, and print data of each recording apparatus (a plurality of recording apparatuses) is stored based on the stored correction value. By correcting the color, it is possible to perform simultaneous or continuous processing of color matching for multiple printing devices. Compared to the case where color matching is performed individually for multiple printing devices, the number of color matching steps is reduced. It can be shortened and printing productivity can be increased.

  Application Example 8 In the printing method according to the application example, it is preferable that the correction value corrects a difference from a color output by the reference recording apparatus.

  A correction value is obtained based on the difference from the color output by the reference recording device, and the color of the print data of a plurality of recording devices other than the reference recording device is corrected, thereby correcting the color other than the reference recording device. Since color matching for multiple recording devices can be performed simultaneously or continuously, the number of man-hours for color matching can be reduced compared to the case where color matching is performed for each of a plurality of recording devices other than the reference recording device. It can be shortened and printing productivity can be increased.

  Application Example 9 In the printing method according to the application example, it is preferable that the correction value is obtained based on a specific color.

It is possible to efficiently perform corrections for various colors by obtaining a correction value for a specific color and further inferring correction values for colors other than the specific color.
In particular, by obtaining a correction value based on a color for which color reproduction is required, sufficient correction can be performed for a necessary color.

  Application Example 10 In the printing method according to the application example described above, it is preferable that in the correction step, some colors included in the print data are corrected.

  For example, when there is an image that requires strict (highly accurate) color correction, such as a corporate color, and an image that does not require strict color correction, only the image that requires strict color correction By performing the color correction process (by correcting a part of the colors), the color correction process can be performed more efficiently than when the entire color is corrected.

  Application Example 11 In the printing method according to the application example described above, in the correction step, it is preferable that correction is performed by adding environmental information of a place where each recording apparatus is installed.

  For example, when the color state changes depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, adding color information with environmental information such as temperature and humidity will not affect the environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, so Color correction processing can be performed.

  Application Example 12 In the printing method according to the application example described above, in the correction step, it is preferable that correction is performed by adding information on a medium used for printing.

  For example, when the color state changes depending on the type of the medium, the color correction process can be performed more appropriately without being influenced by the type of the medium if the color correction process is performed by adding the medium information.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. The flowchart of the process which produces a color conversion table. The figure which shows an example of a color variable chart. The figure which shows an example of a color conversion table. The flowchart which creates image data. The flowchart of the color correction process of another printer. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of an image database.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Such an embodiment shows one aspect of the present application, does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present application.

(Embodiment 1)
"Overview of the printing system"
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment.
In the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of inkjet printers (hereinafter referred to as printers) are connected to a single personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) 100, and the same color (same as each of the plurality of printers). A final product (product) such as a poster on which an image of (color) is printed can be manufactured (printed).
Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that five printers are connected to one PC 100. Note that the number of printers connected to one PC may be more than five or less than five.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the printing system 1 according to this embodiment, a PC 100 and five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are connected via a network 20 such as a local area network (LAN). A printing system that enables color matching of a plurality of printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. That is, in the printing system 1, the color correction processing (color) of the print data is performed so that the target color matches the color of the image that the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 print on the print medium (medium). Adjustment) is made. Furthermore, in the printing system 1, each of the plurality of printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 can perform color matching simultaneously or continuously, and can print the same color image simultaneously or continuously. Etc. can be produced efficiently (with high productivity).
The printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are examples of “recording apparatuses”. The PC 100 is an example of a “print control apparatus”.

  As the medium, for example, paper, a resin film, a metal film, a composite of a resin film and a metal film (laminate film), a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a ceramic sheet, and the like can be used.

The PC 100 includes a display unit 112, a control unit 113, a storage unit 114, and the like.
The control unit 113 includes application software (printer driver) that creates print data and instructs the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 to perform printing. The control unit 113 (printer driver) corrects the color of the print data using the color conversion table 50 (see FIG. 4), which is an example of the correction value stored in the storage unit 114.
That is, the PC 100 has a control unit 113 that controls printing of the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

The storage unit 114 includes a hard disk, a flash memory, and the like. As will be described in detail later, the storage unit 114 stores (stores) a color conversion table 50 that can acquire a color correction value from a difference in characteristics between a reference printer and another printer. Further, the storage unit 114 stores a color variable chart generation table for creating the color variable chart 60 (see FIG. 3).
That is, the PC 100 has a storage unit 114 that stores a color conversion table 50 that can acquire a color correction value from a difference in characteristics between a reference printer and another printer.

  The printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 include a liquid ejecting head, a carriage mechanism, a transport unit, and the like. For example, the liquid ejecting head ejects ink such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) as droplets from the nozzles to form dots on the medium. The carriage mechanism includes a carriage on which the liquid ejecting head is mounted, and moves the liquid ejecting head together with the carriage in a scanning direction that intersects the transport direction. The transport unit includes a plurality of rollers and transports the medium in the transport direction.

  In the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, the liquid ejecting head (nozzles) ejects ink as droplets to form a row of dots (raster lines) in the scanning direction, and the transport unit transports the medium in the transport direction. A predetermined image is printed on a medium by alternately repeating the conveying operation and arranging a plurality of raster lines in the conveying direction.

  For example, when a manufacturing error (processing tolerance) occurs in a nozzle, a conveyance roller, or the like, the dot size and the dot formation position may be different in each of the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The hue of the image printed by each of the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 may change. Furthermore, when the ink type, medium type, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity are different, the state of the dots formed on the medium may change, and the color of the printed image may change. .

As described above, since the printing characteristics of the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are different, in the printing system 1, the images of the same color are used by the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, respectively. Is corrected by each of the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (color matching).
The details will be described below.

"Creating a color conversion table"
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of processing for creating a color conversion table. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color variable chart. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color conversion table.
First, the process of creating the color conversion table 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process of creating the color conversion table 50 includes a step of printing the color variable chart (step S1) and a step of comparing the printed color variable chart 60 with the color sample (step S2). And a step of creating the color conversion table 50 (step S3).

  In step S1, the color variable chart 60 is printed on a medium by each of the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 based on the color variable chart generation table.

As shown in FIG. 3, the color variable chart 60 includes a specific color patch SC and a plurality of peripheral color patches GC arranged around the specific color patch SC.
The specific color patch SC is a color patch printed with the reference color S1 serving as a reference for performing color correction. The surrounding color patch GC is a color patch printed with approximate colors G1 to G18 with respect to the reference color S1 that can be printed by the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. In the color variable chart 60, for example, a surrounding color patch GC printed with an approximate color (a color close to the reference color) having a small distance from the reference color S1 in the Lab color space is arranged near the specific color patch SC, and the Lab color space. A peripheral color patch GC printed with an approximate color having a large distance from the reference color S1 is arranged far from the specific color patch SC.

  In FIG. 3, the color patches SC and GC are indicated by circles, and the reference color S1 of the specific color patch SC and the colors G1 to G18 of the surrounding color patch GC are entered in the circle.

  The reference color S1 printed on the specific color patch SC is, for example, a specified cyan C, a specified magenta M, a specified color selected from a specified color sample such as Pantone (registered trademark) or DIC color guide (registered trademark). Yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, and specified blue B.

  It is important to set (select) the reference color S1 so as to cover the color gamut of an image printed on a final product such as a poster. Accordingly, the number of the reference colors S1 is not limited to six colors including the prescribed cyan C, the prescribed magenta M, the prescribed yellow Y, the prescribed red R, the prescribed green G, and the prescribed blue B, and may be larger than the six colors. , Less than 6 colors. In order to perform color matching more appropriately (with high accuracy), it is preferable that the number of reference colors S1 is large.

  Furthermore, the reference color S1 may be selected from a specific color (specific color) such as a company name color (corporate color). For example, when the reference color S1 is selected from corporate colors, color matching for printing the corporate colors strictly (with high accuracy) becomes possible.

  In the following description, the color variable chart 60 in which the reference color S1 of the specific color patch SC is printed with the specified cyan C is referred to as a reference color C color variable chart 60. Similarly, the color variable chart 60 in which the reference color S1 of the specific color patch SC is printed in the specified magenta M, the specified yellow Y, the specified red R, the specified green G, and the specified blue B is changed to the color change chart of the reference color M, respectively. Reference color Y color variable chart 60, reference color R color variable chart 60, reference color G color variable chart 60, and reference color B color variable chart 60.

  In step S1, the reference color C color variable chart 60, the reference color M color variable chart 60, the reference color Y color variable chart 60, the reference color R color variable chart 60, the reference color G color variable chart 60, and The color change chart 60 of the reference color B is printed on the medium by each of the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

  In step S2, the color variable chart 60 printed with each reference color is visually compared with the prescribed color sample for each reference color, and the specific color patch SC and the surrounding color patch GC printed on the color variable chart 60 are compared. The color patches SC and GC printed in the same color as the specified color sample are selected. Specifically, the color change chart 60 of the reference color C, the color change chart 60 of the reference color M, the color change chart 60 of the reference color Y, and the reference printed by each of the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. The color variable chart 60 of the color R, the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G, and the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B are visually compared with the specified color sample and printed in the same color as the specified color sample. Color patches SC and GC are selected.

  In step S2, a color patch printed in the same color as the specified color sample may be selected using a colorimeter. The method of visually evaluating colors is easier and more accurate than the method of evaluating colors with a colorimeter, and color patches printed in the same color as the specified color sample are selected efficiently. can do.

  In the color variable chart 60, color patches (peripheral color patches GC) of colors approximate to the periphery of the specific color patch SC are arranged close to each other. By looking at the color patches GC in order, it becomes easier to find the color patches SC and GC printed in the same color as the specified color sample.

  In step S3, a color conversion table 50 is created from the color patches SC and GC selected in step S2. Further, the created color conversion table 50 is stored (stored) in the storage unit 114.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the color conversion table 50 includes color information of the color patches SC and GC that are printed in the same color as the specified color sample in each of the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Have.

  As shown in the figure, in the printer 11, the color G9 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C is the same color as the specified cyan C, and the color G6 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color M is the same color as the specified magenta M. The color G3 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color Y is the same color as the specified yellow Y, the color G4 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color R is the same color as the specified red R, and the color of the reference color G The color G2 in the variable chart 60 is the same color as the specified green G, and the color G5 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the same color as the specified blue B.

  In the printer 12, the color G4 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C is the same color as the specified cyan C, the color G5 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color M is the same color as the specified magenta M, and the reference color Y The color G8 in the color variable chart 60 is the same color as the specified yellow Y, the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R is the same color as the specified red R, and the color G6 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is It is the same color as the prescribed green G, and the color G7 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the same color as the prescribed blue B.

  In the printer 13, the color G1 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C is the same color as the specified cyan C, the color G3 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color M is the same color as the specified magenta M, and the reference color Y The color G2 in the color variable chart 60 is the same color as the specified yellow Y, the color G6 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R is the same color as the specified red R, and the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is It is the same color as the prescribed green G, and the color G4 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the same color as the prescribed blue B.

  In the printer 14, the color G13 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C is the same color as the specified cyan C, the color G10 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color M is the same color as the specified magenta M, and the reference color Y The color G8 in the color variable chart 60 is the same color as the specified yellow Y, the color G9 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R is the same color as the specified red R, and the color G12 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is It is the same color as the prescribed green G, and the color G16 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the same color as the prescribed blue B.

  In the printer 15, the color G4 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C is the same color as the specified cyan C, the color G1 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color M is the same color as the specified magenta M, and the reference color Y The color G3 in the color variable chart 60 is the same color as the specified yellow Y, the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R is the same color as the specified red R, and the color G5 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is It is the same color as the prescribed green G, and the color G1 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the same color as the prescribed blue B.

  As described above, the color of the printed image changes slightly depending on the type of medium and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the color variable chart 60 is printed on the medium by changing the type of the medium and the environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, and the color variable chart 60 is compared with the specified color sample. A color conversion table 50 is created. That is, the color conversion table 50 includes color information acquired from the color variable chart 60 printed by changing the type of medium, environmental conditions, and the like.

"Creating print data"
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for creating print data. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of color correction processing of another printer. Next, processing for creating print data will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the print data creation processing includes resolution conversion processing (step S11), color conversion processing (step S12), color correction processing (color matching, step S13), and halftone processing (step S14) and rasterization processing (step S15).

  First, the printer driver performs resolution conversion processing (step S11). The resolution conversion process is a process for converting print data (text data, image data, etc.) output from an application program into a resolution for printing on paper. For example, when the print resolution is specified as 1440 × 720 dpi, the vector format print data received from the application is converted into print data having a resolution of 1440 × 720 dpi.

  Next, the printer driver performs color conversion processing (step S12). The color conversion process is a process of converting RGB color space data into color space data corresponding to the ink color of the printer. This color conversion process is performed by the printer driver referring to a table in which the gradation values of RGB data are associated with the gradation values of CMYK data. With this color conversion process, RGB data for each pixel is converted into data in a color space corresponding to the ink color.

Next, the printer driver performs color correction processing (step S13) so that the target color is correctly printed. In step S13, for example, the printer 11 is used as a reference printer, the printers 12, 13, 14, and 15 are used as other printers, and the color correction processing of the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15 is performed on the reference printer 11. In other words, the printer serving as a reference for obtaining the correction value for performing the color correction processing is the printer 11, and is one of the printers included in the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. That is, in step S13, the color correction process of the reference printer 11 and the color correction processes of the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15 are included.
The printer 11 is an example of “reference recording apparatus”, and the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15 are examples of “each recording apparatus”. Furthermore, when a printer serving as a reference for obtaining a correction value for performing color correction processing is selected from among five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, any printer may be used.

First, the color correction process of the reference printer 11 will be described.
The printer driver uses the color conversion table 50 for the reference printer 11 to relate to the reference colors of the reference printer 11 (specified cyan C, specified magenta M, specified yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, specified blue B). Perform color correction. Specifically, since the color G9 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C is the same color as the specified cyan C (see FIG. 4), the printer driver uses the color G9 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C as the specified cyan C. The color correction that there is. Furthermore, the printer driver uses the color conversion table 50 for the reference printer 11 to correct the color that the prescribed magenta M is the color G6 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color M, and the prescribed yellow Y is the reference color Y. Correction of the color that is the color G3 in the color variable chart 60, correction of the color that the specified red R is the color G4 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R, and the color variable chart 60 of the specified green G that is the reference color G Correction of the color G2 in the reference color B2 and correction of the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B as the specified blue B are performed.

  Further, for colors other than the reference colors (specified cyan C, specified magenta M, specified yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, specified blue B), the printer driver uses the color information of the reference color in the color conversion table 50. By analogizing correction values of colors other than the reference color, color correction processing other than the reference color of the reference printer 11 is performed.

Next, the color correction processing of the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the color correction processing of the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15 is a correction for correcting the colors of the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15 from the difference from the color information of the reference printer 11. A step of acquiring a value (step S21), and a step of correcting the colors of the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15 by the stored correction value (step S22).
Step S21 is an example of “a step of storing the correction value of each recording device obtained from the difference in characteristics between the reference recording device and each recording device”. Step S22 is an example of a “step of correcting the color of the print data with the stored correction value”.

  In step S21, from the difference between the color output by the reference printer 11 (the color information of the printer 11 in the color conversion table 50) and the color information of the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15 in the color conversion table 50, A correction value for performing color correction processing is acquired.

  Specifically, in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C, the color printed in the same color as the specified cyan C is the color G9 in the reference printer 11 and the color G4 in the other printers 12 (see FIG. 4). ), The correction value of the prescribed cyan C of the other printer 12 is acquired from the difference between the color G9 and the color G4.

  In the color variable chart 60 of the reference color M, the color printed in the same color as the specified magenta M is the color G6 in the reference printer 11 and the color G5 in the other printers 12 (see FIG. 4). The correction value of the prescribed magenta M of the other printer 12 is acquired from the difference between G6 and color G5.

  In the color variable chart 60 of the reference color Y, the color printed in the same color as the prescribed yellow Y is the color G3 in the reference printer 11 and the color G8 in the other printers 12 (see FIG. 4). From the difference between G3 and color G8, the correction value of the prescribed yellow Y of the other printer 12 is acquired.

  In the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R, the color printed in the same color as the specified red R is the color G4 in the reference printer 11 and the color G2 in the other printers 12 (see FIG. 4). The correction value of the specified red R of the other printer 12 is acquired from the difference between G4 and the color G2.

  In the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G, the color printed in the same color as the specified green G is the color G2 in the reference printer 11 and the color G6 in the other printers 12 (see FIG. 4). The correction value of the specified green G of the other printer 12 is acquired from the difference between G2 and the color G6.

  In the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B, the color printed in the same color as the prescribed blue B is the color G5 in the reference printer 11 and the color G7 in the other printers 12 (see FIG. 4). The correction value of the prescribed blue B of the other printer 12 is acquired from the difference between G5 and color G7.

  In the same manner as the other printers 12 described above, the reference colors (specified cyan C, specified magenta M, specified yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, specified blue B) are also applied to the other printers 13, 14, and 15. Get the correction value.

As described above, the correction value of each reference color is the color output from the reference printer 11 (color information of the printer 11 in the color conversion table 50) and the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15 in the color conversion table 50. It is acquired from the difference from the color information.
In step S21, the acquired correction value is stored (stored) in the storage unit 114 of the PC 100.

  In step S <b> 22, the printer driver uses the reference color correction value stored in the storage unit 114 to make the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15 use the reference color (specified cyan C, Color correction processing is performed so that the same color as the prescribed magenta M, prescribed yellow Y, prescribed red R, prescribed green G, prescribed blue B) is printed. Further, for colors other than the reference colors (specified cyan C, specified magenta M, specified yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, specified blue B), the printer driver stores the storage unit 114 in the same manner as the reference printer 11. The correction values of the colors other than the reference color are inferred from the reference color correction values stored in, and color correction processing other than the reference colors of the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15 is performed.

Since the color conversion table 50 has color information acquired from the color variable chart 60 printed by changing the environmental conditions, color correction processing is performed so that a correct color is printed when the environmental conditions change. Can do. That is, the color correction process in step S13 can be corrected by adding environmental information of the place where the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are installed.
For example, even when the evaporation rate of the ink solvent changes due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, and the dot state changes, the color can be corrected so that the same color image is printed. .

Furthermore, since the color conversion table 50 has color information acquired from the color variable chart 60 printed by changing the type of the medium, the color is printed so that the correct color is printed when the type of the medium is changed. Correction processing can be performed. That is, the color correction process in step S13 can be corrected by adding information on the medium used for printing.
For example, even if the medium changes from paper to cloth, the ink penetration rate into the medium changes, and the dot state changes, the color can be corrected so that the same color image is printed. it can.

  Next, the printer driver performs halftone processing (step S14). For example, the halftone process is a process of converting pixel data of 256 gradations to pixel data of 4 gradations, which is the number of gradations that can be formed by the printer. The four-tone pixel data after the halftone process is data indicating the size of the dot formed in the corresponding pixel. Specifically, the data indicates any one of large dots, medium dots, small dots, and no dots.

  Finally, the printer driver performs rasterization processing (step S15). The rasterizing process is a process of changing the matrix print data in the order of data to be transferred to the reference printer 11.

  In this way, the print data is generated by steps S11 to S15, step S21, and step S22. Then, the printer driver transmits the print data to the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15. According to the print data, the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15 each perform print processing.

  In the present embodiment, print data generation shown in steps S11 to S15, step S21, and step S22 is performed in parallel processing (concurrent processing) or sequential processing (serial processing) in each of the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Therefore, the final product (product) on which an image of the same color is printed can be simultaneously or continuously manufactured by each of the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

  Note that the number of printers that print the final product on which images of the same color are simultaneously printed can be arbitrarily set. For example, the final product may be simultaneously printed by two printers 11 and 12. The final product may be printed simultaneously by the printers 11, 12, and 13.

"Evaluation of color by test pattern"
In the present embodiment, color evaluation based on a test pattern is performed to check whether the color correction processing is performed correctly in each of the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15. It should be noted that the color evaluation using the test pattern may be performed at the time of replacement of the liquid ejecting head or periodic maintenance.

  Specifically, the test pattern is printed by each of the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15. For example, the test pattern is printed with a specific color (specific color) such as the reference color S1 (specified cyan C, specified magenta M, specified yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, specified blue B) or corporate color. Then, the printed test pattern is compared with a specified color sample, and it is evaluated whether or not the target color is correctly printed in each of the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15.

  If the target color is not correctly printed on each of the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15, for example, the number of reference colors is increased and the color information in the color conversion table 50 is stored. Get more details. When the number of reference colors in the color conversion table 50 is increased, more appropriate (high-precision) color matching is possible, and the target is set for each of the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15. Color images can be printed correctly (with high accuracy).

As described above, the color conversion table 50 is created using the reference color S1 as a specific color (specific color) such as a corporate color, and a color correction value is acquired from color information based on the specific color (specific color). The color correction process may be performed so that the target color is correctly printed by each of the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, and 15. Further, by increasing the number of specific colors (specific colors) to be evaluated, it is possible to perform more appropriate (high-precision) color matching, and the reference printer 11 and the other printers 12, 13, 14, 15 In each of the above, an image of a target color can be printed correctly (with high accuracy).
That is, the color correction value may be acquired from the color information of a specific color (specific color).

  Furthermore, if the number of reference colors or the number of specific colors in the color conversion table 50 is increased, more appropriate (highly accurate) color matching can be performed, so that the above-described test pattern color evaluation can be omitted. .

For example, the corporate color is an important color that symbolizes a company or an organization, and it is necessary to match the specified color with high precision (strictly). Further, when an image that does not require strict color matching is included, the color correction processing in step S13 is performed for an image that requires strict color matching, and the color correction processing in step S13 for an image that does not require strict color matching. May be omitted.
That is, the color correction process in step S13 may be configured to correct some colors that require strict color matching.

(Embodiment 2)
"Overview of the printing system"
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image database.
In the printing system 2 according to the present embodiment, the PC 100 is connected to the server 300, and the image database 70 for performing color correction processing is stored (stored) in the storage unit 301 of the server 300. This is the embodiment. The main difference from the printing system 1 according to FIG. That is, the printing system 2 includes a server 300 that can be connected to the PC 100, and a storage in which an image database 70 that performs color correction processing based on a difference in characteristics between a printer serving as a reference and another printer is stored (stored). Part 301.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the printing system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, about the same component as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the printing system 2 according to the present embodiment includes a server 300, a PC 100, and five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The PC 100 and the server 300 are connected via a network 200 such as the Internet. The PC 100 and the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are connected via a network 20 such as a local area network (LAN).

  The server 300 is a network server in so-called cloud computing connected to the PC 100 via the network 200. The server 300 has a storage unit 301. The storage unit 301 specifies the color information of the color patches SC and GC that are printed in the same color as the reference color of the specified color sample and other specific colors, that is, specifies the printing performance of the printer, and performs color correction processing. An image database 70 is stored (stored).

  The printer driver of the PC 100 creates (acquires) the color conversion table 50 (see FIG. 4) in each of the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 through steps S1 to S3 (see FIG. 2) described above. Further, the PC 100 stores the created color conversion table 50 in the storage unit 114.

  The server 300 is connected to printers other than the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 through a network such as the Internet. A color conversion table 50 (color information) acquired by a printer other than the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 is transmitted to the server 300 and registered (stored) in the image database 70.

In other words, the server 300 sequentially receives a plurality of color information acquired by a plurality of printers other than the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, and the color information is sequentially stored in the image database 70. Although details will be described later, color correction processing is performed by the image database 70 in each of the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
In other words, in the present embodiment, the printer serving as a reference for obtaining the correction value for performing the color correction process is a printer other than the five printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. This point is also a difference between the printing system 2 according to the present embodiment and the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the printer serving as a reference for obtaining the correction value for performing the color correction processing is not limited to the printer connected to the server 300. A correction value for performing color correction processing with reference to a printer that is not connected to the server 300 may be acquired. For example, a manufacturer that manufactures a printer or a vendor that sells a printer may obtain correction values for performing color correction processing acquired using a printer set as a reference and store them in the server 300.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the image database 70 includes color information of the reference color S1 (specified cyan C, specified magenta M, specified yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, specified blue B) described above, and other information. Reference color information (not shown), for example, color information of various specific colors is accumulated. Further, in the image database 70, the printing performance of the printer is classified by type (type A to type F) based on the color information of the reference color S1 and the color information of various specific colors.

"Identification of printer printing performance and color correction processing"
The printer driver of the PC 100 compares the color conversion table 50 (see FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 114 with the image database 70 stored in the storage unit 301 of the server 300, and the printers 11, 12, 13 , 14, and 15 specify which type of printer each corresponds to.

From the color information of the image database 70 shown in FIG. 8, the printer driver of the PC 100 prints the color G9 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C to the same color as the specified cyan C in the type A printer. The color G6 in the color variable chart 60 is printed in the same color as the specified magenta M, the color G3 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color Y is printed in the same color as the specified yellow Y, and the color in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R G4 is printed in the same color as the prescribed red R, the color G2 in the reference color G color variable chart 60 is printed in the same color as the prescribed green G, and the color G5 in the reference color B color variable chart 60 is the prescribed blue B. Get information that prints in the same color.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 compares the color information of the color conversion table 50 shown in FIG. 4 and determines that the printer 11 is a type A printer.

Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 uses the color correction processing that the specified cyan C is the color G9 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C, and the specified magenta M is the reference color M from the image database 70 to the printer 11. A color correction process for the color G6 in the color variable chart 60, a color correction process for the specified yellow Y being the color G3 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference color Y, and a color variable chart 60 for the specified red R being the reference color R Color correction processing for the color G4 in the reference color G, color correction processing for the specified green G being the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G, and color G5 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference blue B A certain color correction process is performed.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 performs color correction processing on various specific colors on the printer 11 from the color information of various specific colors in the image database 70.

From the color information in the image database 70 shown in FIG. 8, the printer driver of the PC 100 prints the color G4 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C in the same color as the specified cyan C in the type B printer. The color G5 in the color variable chart 60 is printed in the same color as the specified magenta M, the color G8 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color Y is printed in the same color as the specified yellow Y, and the color in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R G2 is printed in the same color as the specified red R, the color G6 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is printed in the same color as the specified green G, and the color G7 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the specified blue B. Get information that prints in the same color.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 compares the color information of the color conversion table 50 shown in FIG. 4 and determines that the printer 12 is a type B printer.

Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 uses the color correction processing that the specified cyan C is the color G4 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C, and the specified magenta M is the reference color M from the image database 70 to the printer 12. Color correction processing for the color G5 in the color variable chart 60, color correction processing for the specified yellow Y being the color G8 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference color Y, and the color variable chart 60 for the specified red R being the reference color R Color correction processing for the color G2 in the reference color G, color correction processing for the specified green G being the color G6 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G, and color G7 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference blue B A certain color correction process is performed.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 performs color correction processing on various specific colors on the printer 12 from the color information of various specific colors in the image database 70.

From the color information of the image database 70 shown in FIG. 8, the printer driver of the PC 100 prints the color G1 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C to the same color as the specified cyan C in the type C printer. The color G3 in the color variable chart 60 is printed in the same color as the specified magenta M, the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color Y is printed in the same color as the specified yellow Y, and the color in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R G6 is printed in the same color as the prescribed red R, the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is printed in the same color as the prescribed green G, and the color G4 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is changed to the prescribed blue B. Get information that prints in the same color.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 compares the color information of the color conversion table 50 shown in FIG. 4 and determines that the printer 13 is a type C printer.

Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 uses the color correction processing that the specified cyan C is the color G1 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C to the printer 13 from the image database 70, and the specified magenta M is the reference color M. A color correction process for the color G3 in the color variable chart 60, a color correction process for the specified yellow Y being the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference color Y, and a color variable chart 60 for the specified red R being the reference color R Color correction processing for the color G6 in the reference color G, color correction processing for the specified green G being the color G2 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G, and color G4 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference blue B A certain color correction process is performed.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 performs color correction processing on various specific colors on the printer 13 from the color information of various specific colors in the image database 70.

From the color information in the image database 70 shown in FIG. 8, the printer driver of the PC 100 prints the color G13 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C to the same color as the specified cyan C in the type D printer. The color G10 in the color variable chart 60 is printed in the same color as the specified magenta M, the color G8 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color Y is printed in the same color as the specified yellow Y, and the color in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R G9 is printed in the same color as the specified red R, the color G12 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is printed in the same color as the specified green G, and the color G16 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the specified blue B. Get information that prints in the same color.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 compares the color information of the color conversion table 50 shown in FIG. 4 and determines that the printer 14 is a type D printer.

Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 uses the color correction processing that the specified cyan C is the color G13 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C to the printer 14 from the image database 70, and the specified magenta M is the reference color M. Color correction processing for color G10 in color variable chart 60, color correction processing for specified yellow Y being color G8 in color variable chart 60 for reference color Y, and color variable chart 60 for specified red R being reference color R Color correction processing for the color G9 in the reference color G, color correction processing for the specified green G being the color G12 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference color G, and color G16 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference blue B A certain color correction process is performed.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 performs color correction processing related to various specific colors on the printer 14 from the color information of various specific colors in the image database 70.

From the color information in the image database 70 shown in FIG. 8, the printer driver of the PC 100 prints the color G4 in the color change chart 60 of the reference color C in the same color as the specified cyan C in the type E printer. The color G1 in the color variable chart 60 is printed in the same color as the specified magenta M, the color G3 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color Y is printed in the same color as the specified yellow Y, and the color in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color R G2 is printed in the same color as the prescribed red R, the color G5 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G is printed in the same color as the prescribed green G, and the color G1 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color B is the prescribed blue B. Get information that prints in the same color.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 compares the color information of the color conversion table 50 shown in FIG. 4 and determines that the printer 15 is a type E printer.

Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 uses the color correction processing that the specified cyan C is the color G4 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color C and the specified magenta M is the reference color M from the image database 70 to the printer 15. A color correction process for the color G1 in the color variable chart 60, a color correction process for the specified yellow Y being the color G3 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference color Y, and a color variable chart 60 for the specified red R being the reference color R Color correction processing for the color G2 in the reference color G, color correction processing for the specified green G being the color G5 in the color variable chart 60 of the reference color G, and color G1 in the color variable chart 60 for the reference blue B A certain color correction process is performed.
Further, the printer driver of the PC 100 performs color correction processing on various specific colors on the printer 15 from the color information of various specific colors in the image database 70.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the printer driver of the PC 100 compares the color conversion table 50 stored in the storage unit 114 of the PC 100 with the image database 70 stored in the storage unit 301 of the server 300. The printing performance of each of the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 is specified (which type of printer is specified). Further, correction values for performing color correction processing are acquired from the image database 70 stored in the storage unit 301 of the server 300, and the target colors are correctly printed by the printers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, respectively. As described above, color correction processing is performed.

The image database 70 includes color information regarding various (various) colors in addition to color information regarding the reference color S1 (specified cyan C, specified magenta M, specified yellow Y, specified red R, specified green G, specified blue B). Therefore, more appropriate color correction processing can be performed for various (various) colors.
That is, in the printing system 2 according to the present embodiment, color correction processing (color matching) can be performed more appropriately (with high accuracy) than the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, and the target color can be set more correctly. Can be printed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Printing system 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 ... Printer, 50 ... Color conversion table, 60 ... Color variable chart, 70 ... Image database, 100 ... Personal computer, 112 ... Display part, 113 ... Control part 114, storage unit, 20, 200, network, 300, server, 301, storage unit, SC, specific color patch, GC, ambient color patch.

Claims (12)

A printing system that enables color matching of a plurality of recording devices,
A storage unit for storing a correction value of each recording device obtained from a difference in characteristics between the recording device serving as a reference and each recording device;
A control unit that corrects the color of the print data using the correction value stored in the storage unit;
A printing system comprising:   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the reference recording device is included in the plurality of recording devices.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the reference recording device is a recording device other than the plurality of recording devices. Including a printing control device for controlling printing of each recording device,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is included in the print control apparatus. Including a printing control device for controlling printing of each recording device,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is included in the print control apparatus. Including a printing control device for controlling printing of each recording device,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes a server to which the print control apparatus can be connected. A printing method capable of color matching of a plurality of recording devices,
Storing a correction value of each recording device obtained from a difference in characteristics between the recording device serving as a reference and each recording device;
Correcting the color of the print data with the stored correction value;
A printing method characterized by comprising:   The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the correction value corrects a difference from a color output from the reference recording apparatus.   The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the correction value is obtained based on a specific color.   The printing method according to claim 7, wherein in the correcting step, a part of colors included in the print data is corrected.   The printing method according to claim 7, wherein in the correcting step, correction is performed by adding environmental information of a place where each recording apparatus is installed.   The printing method according to claim 7, wherein in the correcting step, correction is performed by adding information on a medium used for printing.

Images