JP2020010104A - Image formation system, color matching method, and color matching program - Google Patents

Abstract

To secure color consistency between a plurality of jobs associated with each other.SOLUTION: An image formation system comprising an image formation unit and a colorimetry unit includes: a profile management unit that acquires a colorimetry result of a first job and creates a profile on the basis of color information described on the first job and the colorimetry result of the first job; and a color consistency determination unit that acquires a colorimetry result of a second job that is after the first job and is associated with the first job, determines color consistency by comparing the colorimetry result of the first job with the colorimetry result of the second job, and reports a warning for instructing the image formation unit to perform color adjustment or prompting a user to perform color adjustment when it is determined that no color consistency exists. When it is determined by the color consistency determination unit that color consistency exists, the profile management unit updates the profile by reflecting the colorimetry result of the second job in a profile created on the basis of the first job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, a color matching method, and a color matching program, and more particularly, to an image forming system for printing a plurality of jobs associated with each other, a color matching method for ensuring color consistency of the plurality of jobs, and a color matching method. The present invention relates to a color matching program that operates in the image forming system.

  In the printing process, first, proof printing (proof printing) serving as a sample is performed, and after the user visually checks whether there is any problem in the printed matter including the color tone, the actual printing is performed. In this production printing, the user periodically checks whether the sample and the color have changed. In recent years, however, a target profile has been created from the scanned image of the sample (color sample) and the original data of the printed matter, and the color sample and the target have been created. There has been proposed a system for inspecting whether a color difference from a printed matter printed by applying a profile is wide and performing color matching.

  Normally, when creating a target profile, a profile corresponding to each color is created by measuring hundreds to thousands of patches containing each color, but in this system, it is used for printed matter. Only the color of the original document can be guaranteed, and the other colors cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, a dedicated profile specialized for a specific job is positioned.

  Regarding the creation of such a profile, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873, a target print printed based on document image data is read, and read image data of a first resolution representing a read image of the target print is obtained. An image reading unit, a first low-resolution image generation unit that generates, from the read image data of the first resolution, image data of a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution, and the original image An image associating unit that specifies the correspondence between the data and the image data of the second resolution; and based on the correspondence specified by the image associating unit, the color information of the first color space and the second And a color conversion table creating unit that creates a color conversion table that indicates a multidimensional correspondence with the color information of the color space.

JP-A-2006-048900

  There is a series of products as printed matter, and the color sample that prints the first volume can be determined by checking the color by visual inspection of a color expert, but the color sample that prints the second and subsequent volumes is Unless the color taste is visually checked by a color expert and the color tone and color tone are not compared with those of the previous item, a spotted pattern is visually recognized when the product is displayed, and the product value is reduced.

  To solve this problem, a method of performing color matching for the next issue using a target profile acquired at the time of printing for the previous issue is conceivable. However, since this target profile does not guarantee colors other than those obtained from the printed matter of the previous issue, it is inappropriate to apply this target profile to colors that are not present in the printed matter of the previous issue. In addition, even in the case of the color in the printed matter of the preceding item, in a continuous area where images are continuous, even if this target profile is used, continuity of color tone cannot always be ensured.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, a color matching method, and a color matching method that can ensure color consistency of a plurality of jobs associated with each other. To provide a program.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system that includes at least an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job, and a color measurement unit that measures a color of the image formed on the sheet. In response, the image forming unit forms an image, the color measurement unit measures the color of the image, obtains the color measurement result of the first job, and acquires the color described in the first job. A profile management unit that creates a profile based on information and a colorimetric result of the first job; and a second job associated with the first job after the first job. The image forming unit forms an image, the color measurement unit measures the color of the image, obtains the color measurement result of the second job, and obtains the color measurement result of the first job and the second color measurement result. Compare the colorimetric results of the job to determine color consistency, A color matching determination unit that instructs the image forming unit to perform color adjustment or notifies a user of a warning that prompts the user to perform color adjustment when the color management unit determines that there is no consistency. When the determination unit determines that there is color consistency, the profile created based on the first job is updated by reflecting the color measurement result of the second job on the profile. And

  One aspect of the present invention controls an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job, a color measurement unit that measures a color of an image formed on the sheet, and the image forming unit and the color measurement unit. A color matching method in an image forming system comprising at least a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image for a first job, and measures the image by the color measurement unit. A profile creation process of acquiring a colorimetric result of the first job by causing the color to be colored, and creating a profile based on the color information described in the first job and the colorimetric result of the first job And for the second job associated with the first job after the first job, causing the image forming unit to form an image, and causing the color measurement unit to measure the color of the image, The colorimetric result of the second job is obtained and A first determination process of comparing colorimetric results of the first job and the second job to determine color consistency, and no color consistency in the first determination process When it is determined that there is color consistency in the image forming unit or in a case where the first determination process determines that there is color consistency, the first process is performed. And a profile update process of updating the profile by reflecting the colorimetry result of the second job on the profile created based on the job.

  One aspect of the present invention controls an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job, a color measurement unit that measures a color of an image formed on the sheet, and the image forming unit and the color measurement unit. A color matching program that operates in an image forming system including at least a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image for a first job, and causes the color measurement unit to form the image. To obtain a colorimetric result of the first job, and create a profile based on the color information described in the first job and the colorimetric result of the first job. Creating processing, for the second job associated with the first job after the first job, causing the image forming unit to form an image, and causing the colorimetric unit to measure the color of the image. Obtains the colorimetric result of the second job A first determination process of comparing the color measurement result of the first job and the color measurement result of the second job to determine color consistency; If it is determined that there is no color adjustment, the instruction processing of instructing the image forming unit to perform color adjustment or notifying the user of a warning for color adjustment is performed. If the first determination processing determines that there is color consistency, the first processing is performed. A profile update process for updating the profile by reflecting the color measurement result of the second job on the profile created based on the job.

  According to the image forming system, the color matching method, and the color matching program of the present invention, it is possible to ensure color consistency of a plurality of jobs associated with each other.

  The reason is that an image forming system that includes at least an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job and a color measurement unit that measures the color of an image formed on the sheet, The image forming unit forms an image, the color measurement unit measures the color of the image, obtains the color measurement result of the first job, and obtains the color information described in the first job and the color measurement of the first job. A profile management unit that creates a profile based on the result; and a second job associated with the first job after the first job. The colorimetric result of the second job is acquired by causing the colorimetry unit to measure the color of the image, and the colorimetric result of the first job is compared with the colorimetric result of the second job to determine color consistency. If it is determined that there is no color consistency, the image forming unit is instructed to perform color adjustment or the user is instructed. A color matching determination unit for notifying a warning for adjustment; and a profile management unit, when the color matching determination unit determines that there is color consistency, converts the profile created based on the first job. This is because the control for updating the profile is performed by reflecting the color measurement result of the second job.

It is a schematic diagram which shows a target profile. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a product of a series. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a color matching method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an output instruction terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an entire process of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process (output color profile creation process) of the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process (output color profile update process) of the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process (color verification process) of the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen (print setting screen) displayed on the output instruction terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen (output color profile creation notification screen) displayed on the controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen (color adjustment instruction | indication screen) displayed on the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for updating an output color profile according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen (output color profile update notification screen) displayed on the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen (print setting screen) displayed on the output instruction terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen (warning screen) displayed on the controller which concerns on one Example of this invention.

  As shown in the background art, in a printing process, a proof print serving as a sample is first performed, and then a production print is performed. In recent years, regarding this production print, a scan image of a sample (color sample) and original data of a printed material are used. A system that creates a target profile as shown in FIG. 1 and inspects whether the color difference between a color sample and a printed matter printed by applying the target profile has widened to perform color matching has been proposed.

  On the other hand, there is a series of products as shown in FIG. 2 as a printed matter, and when printing such a product, a color sample for printing the first volume is determined by visually confirming the color by a color expert. However, the color samples printed on the second and subsequent volumes may not be confirmed by visual inspection of the color expert, and if the product is displayed without comparing the color and tone with the previous issue Spots are visually recognized on the surface, and the commercial value is reduced.

  To solve this problem, it is conceivable to perform color matching for the next issue using the target profile acquired at the time of printing of the previous issue, but it is inappropriate to apply this target profile to colors that are not in the printed matter of the previous issue In addition, even in the case of the color in the printed matter of the preceding item, it is not always possible to ensure the continuity of the color tone in a continuous area where the image is continuous. That is, when creating a printed matter based on a plurality of jobs associated with each other, even if the color matching of the subsequent job is performed using the target profile created at the time of printing the previous job, the There is a problem that it is not possible to eliminate a shift in color and tone.

  Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an image forming system that includes at least an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job and a colorimetric unit that measures a color of an image formed on the sheet, includes: For one job, the image forming unit forms an image, the colorimetric unit measures the color of the image, obtains the colorimetric result of the first job, and obtains the color information described in the first job. A profile management unit that creates a profile based on the colorimetric result of the first job, and a second job associated with the first job after the first job is sent to the image forming unit. An image is formed, the colorimetric unit is caused to measure the image, the colorimetric result of the second job is obtained, and the colorimetric result of the first job is compared with the colorimetric result of the second job. Judgment of color consistency, and if it is judged that there is no color consistency, the color A color matching determination unit that instructs color adjustment or notifies a user of a color adjustment warning. The profile management unit determines that the first job is to be performed when the color matching determination unit determines that there is color matching. Is updated by reflecting the colorimetric result of the second job in the profile created based on.

  If necessary, the color matching determination unit acquires the object information of a plurality of jobs associated with each other, extracts a continuous area in which images are continuous based on the object information, and If the color management unit determines that there is no color consistency between the images of the jobs, the profile management unit determines whether there is color consistency between the images. Then, the target value of the color of the image of the subsequent job is calculated from the color tone tendency, and the profile is corrected with the target value to create a profile for the continuous area.

  A specific example of the above-described color matching method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the spine of Volume 1 and Volume 2 of a series of products. When printing related jobs as shown in FIG. 3, a profile is created at the time of printing the first volume, and the second volume is printed using the profile. Then, as shown in the upper right of FIG. 3A, the colorimetric result of the first volume is compared with the colorimetric result of the second volume, and if the color difference is less than an allowable value (the entire color of the second volume) Is the same as the color of the first volume), and the profile is updated by reflecting the color measurement result of the second volume. Further, as shown in the lower right part of FIG. 3A, a continuous area where the image is continuous (area of the figure of the waveform in the figure) is extracted from the position of the object, and the consistency of the color tone of the continuous area is determined. If it is determined that there is no color consistency, the target value of the color of the image of the second job is calculated from the tendency of the color of the image of the first job, and the updated profile is corrected with the target value. To create a profile for the continuous area. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the updated profile is applied to the whole area except for the continuous area, and the profile for the continuous area is applied to the continuous area, so that the production of the second volume is performed. Perform printing.

  As described above, by generating an appropriate profile while associating the jobs, it is possible to eliminate the shift in the tint and the color tone between the linked jobs and to ensure the consistency of the tint and the color tone.

  An image forming system, a color matching method, and a color matching program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 19 in order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in further detail. 4 and 5 are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of the image forming system according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 6 to 8 are block diagrams illustrating configurations of an output instruction terminal, a controller, and a printer, respectively. FIGS. 9 to 12 are flowcharts showing the processing of the controller of this embodiment, and FIGS. 13 and 18 are examples of screens displayed on the output instruction terminal of this embodiment. FIGS. 14, 15, 17, and 19 are examples of a screen displayed on the controller according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of updating the output color profile according to the present embodiment. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming system according to the present embodiment includes an output instruction terminal 10, a controller 20, a printer 30 having a colorimeter (or scanner) function, and the like. It is connected via a communication network 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as a trademark (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface). Note that the controller 20 and the printer 30 may be connected by a dedicated line such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) connection.

  Further, in FIG. 4, the printer 30 has a function of a colorimeter (or scanner), but as shown in FIG. 5, the colorimeter (or scanner) 40 is connected to the communication network 50 (or output). It may be configured to be directly connected to the instruction terminal 10 or the controller 20) and to acquire the colorimetric result of the printed matter from the colorimeter (or the scanner) 40. Hereinafter, each apparatus will be described in detail on the premise of the image forming system of FIG.

[Output instruction terminal]
The output instruction terminal 10 is a computer device such as a personal computer, and creates a print job and sends it to the controller 20. As shown in FIG. 6A, the output instruction terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a network I / F unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and the like.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c. The CPU 11a stores a control program stored in the ROM 11b and the storage unit 12. The operation of the output instruction terminal 10 as a whole is controlled by being developed and executed in the RAM 11c. As shown in FIG. 6B, an OS (Operating System) 16, a document creation application 17, a printer driver 18, and the like are executed by the control unit 11 (CPU 11a).

  The OS 16 is Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), or the like, and enables the document creation application 17 and the printer driver 18 to operate on the output instruction terminal 10.

  The document creation application 17 is software for performing text creation, image processing, and the like. The document creation application 17 reads out a printer driver 18 when a print instruction is issued, and transfers document data created by the document creation application 17 to the printer driver 18.

  The printer driver 18 converts the document data created by the document creation application 17 into a page description language such as a print job (PJL (Printer Job Language), PS (PostScript), or PCL (Printer Control Language) in a language interpretable by the controller 20. Is converted to PDL (Page Description Language) data or PDF (Portable Document Format) data. For this print job, the image forming conditions set on the print setting screen of the printer driver 18 (particularly, designation of whether to create a profile by proof printing (referred to as an output color profile in this embodiment) or not) This includes specifying whether or not to perform color verification, setting whether to newly create an output color profile or updating a registered output color profile, etc.) described in a print ticket, a header, and the like.

  The storage unit 12 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and the like. A program for the CPU 11a to control each unit, information on processing functions of the own device, and document data created by the document creation application 17 And a print job created by the printer driver 18.

  The network I / F unit 13 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, connects the output instruction terminal 10 to the communication network 50, and transmits a print job to the controller 20.

  The display unit 14 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and the like, and displays a document creation screen of the document creation application 17, a print setting screen of the printer driver 18, and the like.

  The operation unit 15 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and enables operations such as creation of a document by the document creation application 17 and setting of printing conditions by the printer driver 18.

[controller]
The controller 20 is a control device that controls the printer 30. As shown in FIG. 7A, the controller 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an image processing unit 23, a network I / F unit 24a, a printer I / F unit 24b, a display unit 25, an operation unit 26, and the like. It consists of.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU 21a and memories such as a ROM 21b and a RAM 21c. The CPU 21a controls the entire operation of the controller 20 by expanding a control program stored in the ROM 21b and the storage unit 22 into the RAM 21c and executing the control program. I do.

  The storage unit 22 is configured by an HDD, an SSD, or the like, and has a program for controlling each unit by the CPU 21a, a print job received from the output instruction terminal 10, image data generated based on the print job, an output color profile, and an output color profile. Save the updated information and so on.

  The image processing unit 23 analyzes a processing method of a print job received from the output instruction terminal 10 and various image generation instructions. The image processing unit 23 functions as a RIP (Raster Image Processor), translates a print job, rasterizes each page of the print job, and generates bitmap image data.

  The network I / F unit 24a includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, connects the controller 20 to the communication network 50, and receives a print job from the output instruction terminal 10. The printer I / F unit 24b is a dedicated interface for connecting the controller 20 to the printer 30, and transmits bitmap image data or the like to the printer 30 and issues an output instruction.

  The display unit 25 includes a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, and the like, and displays an output color profile creation notification screen, a color adjustment instruction screen, an output color profile update notification screen, a warning screen, and the like, which will be described later.

  The operation unit 26 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and enables various operations on the screen.

  The control unit 21 also functions as a profile management unit 27, a color consistency determination unit 28, a color verification unit 29, and the like, as shown in FIG.

  The profile management unit 27 causes the image forming unit of the printer 30 to form an image at the time of proof printing for the first print job, and stores the image in the colorimetry unit (or an external colorimeter) of the printer 30. The color measurement is performed to obtain the output color of the first print job (a color measurement value independent of a device, for example, a color measurement result such as an L * a * b * value). When a scanner of the printer 30 or an external scanner is used, a scanner profile (a profile for converting an RGB value into an L * a * b * value) prepared in advance from a scanner read value (for example, an RGB value) is used. What is necessary is just to convert to an output color. Then, based on the color information (for example, CMYK value or RGB value) described in the first print job and the output color (for example, L * a * b * value) of the first print job, L * a Create an output color profile that converts * b * values to CMYK values or RGB values. Then, an output color profile creation notification screen to be described later is displayed on the display unit 25 to notify the user that the output color profile has been created.

  In addition, the profile management unit 27 determines that the color consistency determination unit 28 described later determines that the output color of the first print job and the output color of the second print job have color (color) consistency. And updating the output color profile by reflecting the output color of the second print job on the output color profile created based on the first print job. For example, when the predetermined color information of the second print job exists in the output color profile created based on the first print job, the output color corresponding to the predetermined color information of the output color profile is changed to the second color. Is replaced with the output color corresponding to the predetermined color information of the print job, and the output color profile is updated. The output color profile is updated using only the output color (colorimetric result) of the latest print job among the plurality of print jobs associated with each other, or the output color of the latest print job is The output color profile is updated using the output color of the immediately preceding print job, or the output color profile is updated using the output color of the latest print job and the output colors of all print jobs before the current print job. Or to update. Then, an output color profile update notification screen to be described later is displayed on the display unit 25 to notify the user that the output color profile has been updated.

  When the color matching determination unit 28 described later determines that there is no color consistency between images of each print job in a continuous area where images are continuous, the profile management unit 27 A target value of the color of the image of the subsequent print job is calculated from the tendency of the color tone of the image, and the output color profile is corrected with the target value to create an output color profile for the continuous area. Then, an output color profile for a continuous area is applied to an area determined to have no color consistency, and an output color profile before correction is applied to an area determined to have color consistency. Apply. Further, when printing is performed again using a print job printed in the past, the profile management unit 27 updates the output color profile from the print job printed in the past to the latest print job (for example, the color The output color profile corresponding to the print job printed in the past is restored and applied by using the output color before replacement and the output color after replacement corresponding to the information).

  The color matching determination unit 28 outputs an image to the image forming unit of the printer 30 at the time of proof printing for the second print job associated with the first print job after the first print job. Then, the output color (color measurement result) of the second print job is obtained by causing the color measurement unit (or an external color measurement device) of the printer 30 to measure the image. When a scanner of the printer 30 or an external scanner is used, a scanner profile (a profile for converting an RGB value into an L * a * b * value) prepared in advance from a scanner read value (for example, an RGB value) is used. What is necessary is just to convert to an output color. Then, the color difference between the output color of the first print job and the output color of the second print job is calculated, and the calculated color difference is compared with a predetermined allowable value to determine the consistency of the color (color). If it is determined that the color difference is not within the allowable range (there is no color consistency), the image forming unit of the printer 30 is instructed to perform color adjustment, or a color adjustment instruction screen described later is displayed on the display unit 25. Or a warning to prompt the user to adjust the color.

  Further, the color matching determination unit 28 obtains object information of a plurality of print jobs associated with each other, extracts a continuous area in which images are continuous based on the object information, and sets an interval between images of each print job in the continuous area. It is determined whether the color tone is consistent. At this time, in the case where the spine images of the printed matter created by the print job that instructs bookbinding are continuous, if there is a distance between the printed matter when the printed matter of each print job is arranged side by side, the distance is considered. Then, it is determined whether there is color consistency between the images on the spine of each print job.

  When the color verification is specified in the print job, the color verification unit 29 acquires the output color profile from the group associated with the print job. Further, for the print job, an image is formed in the image forming unit of the printer 30, and the color measurement unit (or an external colorimeter) of the printer 30 measures the color of the image. Colorimetric result). Then, the color difference between the acquired output color profile and the output color of the print job is calculated, and the color difference is compared with a predetermined allowable value. Is stopped and the user is notified of a warning that there is a color shift. For example, a warning screen, which will be described later, is displayed on the display unit 25, and color adjustments such as gamma adjustment, density balance adjustment, maximum density adjustment, output paper density adjustment, and calibration are performed. Then, when the color adjustment is completed, the color difference between the output color profile and the output color of the print job is calculated again, and the above processing is repeatedly executed until the color difference falls within the allowable value.

  The profile management unit 27, the color consistency determination unit 28, and the color verification unit 29 may be configured as hardware, or the control unit 21 may be configured by the profile management unit 27, the color consistency determination unit 28, the color verification unit 29 ( In particular, the color matching program may be configured to function as the profile management unit 27 and the color matching determination unit 28), and the CPU 21a may execute the color matching program.

[Printer]
The printer 30 is an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripherals) that performs printing based on an instruction from the controller 20. In the present embodiment, the printer 30 is provided with an inline colorimeter (or inline scanner) on the paper transport path. As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a controller I / F unit 33, a display operation unit 34, an image forming unit 35, a color measurement unit 36, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU 31a and a memory such as a ROM 31b or a RAM 31c. The CPU 31a controls the overall operation of the printer 30 by expanding a control program stored in the ROM 31b or the storage unit 32 into the RAM 31c and executing the control program. . When the printer 30 incorporates the controller 20, the control unit 31 of the printer 30 functions as the above-described profile management unit, color consistency determination unit, and color verification unit (particularly, profile management unit and color consistency determination unit). (The CPU 31a of the control unit 31 executes a color matching program).

  The storage unit 32 is configured by an HDD, an SSD, or the like, and stores a program for the CPU 31a to control each unit, information on a processing function of its own device, and an output color profile and a scanner profile as necessary.

  The controller I / F unit 33 is a dedicated interface for connecting the printer 30 to the controller 20, and receives image data and the like from the controller 20. When the printer 30 has the function of the controller 20, the printer 30 receives a print job from the output instruction terminal 10.

  The display operation unit 34 is, for example, a touch panel provided with a pressure-sensitive operation unit (touch sensor) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid on the display unit. The display operation unit 34 includes various screens related to print processing and, if necessary, output colors. A profile creation notification screen, a color adjustment instruction screen, an output color profile update notification screen, a warning screen, and the like are displayed to enable various operations related to printing and various operations on the screen.

  The image forming unit (engine) 35 executes a printing process based on the image data. For example, the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light corresponding to the image from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, and the developing device develops the charged toner by attaching the charged toner to the photosensitive drum. The toner image is primarily transferred to a transfer belt, secondarily transferred from the transfer belt to a sheet, and a fixing device is used to fix the toner image on the sheet.

  The colorimeter 36 is an in-line colorimeter provided on the paper transport path after image formation. The colorimetric section 36 is, for example, a spectral colorimeter (spectral colorimeter) of a spectral type capable of measuring each wavelength of light, and has colorimetric values (L * a * b * values, XYZ values) read from paper. Etc.). The colorimetric unit 36 may be a scanner that reads a printed material using, for example, three types of RGB sensors.

  4 to 8 show an example of the image forming system of the present embodiment, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate.

  Hereinafter, processing of the controller 20 in the image forming system having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. The CPU 21a executes the processing of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 12 by expanding the color matching program stored in the ROM 21b or the storage unit 22 in the RAM 21c and executing the program.

[Proof print]
When performing proof printing, the user specifies whether or not to create an output color profile using a print job in print settings. For example, when performing print settings using the printer driver 18 of the output instruction terminal 10, the printer driver 18 causes the display unit 14 to display a print setting screen 60 (color verification registration tab) as shown in FIG. Then, the user operates the operation unit 15 to check a box of “output color profile creation”, select a new creation, enter a group name (here, group 5), and press an “OK” button. Then, the printer driver 18 creates a print job in which the information is added to the print ticket or the like, and outputs the print job to the controller 20. In the above description, the output instruction terminal 10 (printer driver 18) specifies whether or not to create an output color profile for a new job. A job for creating an output color profile may be registered in the instruction terminal 10 or the controller 20, and it may be determined whether or not to automatically create an output color profile using the job name.

  First, when the controller 20 receives a print job from the output instruction terminal 10 (S101), the image processing unit 23 analyzes the print job and determines whether or not a print ticket or the like has an output color profile creation designation. (S102). When the output color profile creation is not specified (No in S102), the control unit 21 (color verification unit 29) performs color verification (S103). Details of this color verification will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the output color profile is specified (Yes in S102), the control unit 21 (the profile management unit 27) stores the color information of the print job in the storage unit 22 or the like (S104). Then, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) transmits the image data generated from the print job by the image processing unit 23 to the printer 30, and causes the image forming unit 35 to perform printing based on the print job (S105). Then, the colorimetric unit 36 performs the colorimetry of the printed matter, acquires the output color (colorimetric result of the printed matter) from the colorimetric unit 36, and stores it in the storage unit 22 or the like (S106). Here, it is assumed that the color measurement is performed by the in-line colorimeter. However, after printing the print job, the user performs the color measurement by using the external colorimeter 40, and the control unit 21 performs the external colorimetry. The output color may be obtained from the device 40 and stored in the storage unit 22 or the like. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may acquire RGB values obtained by scanning a printed material from an inline scanner or an external scanner, convert the RGB values into output colors using a profile provided in advance, and store the output colors in the storage unit 22 or the like.

  Next, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) creates a new output color profile from the print job in the print ticket of the print job or the like, or outputs the output color of the print job to the registered output color profile. It is determined whether the output color profile is updated to reflect the setting (S107).

  If the setting is to create a new output color profile (Yes in S107), the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) creates an output color profile (S108). FIG. 10 shows the details. First, the color information (CMYK values or RGB values) of the print job stored in S104 is obtained from the storage unit 22 or the like (S201), and the colorimetric result of the printed matter stored in S106 is obtained. Is acquired (S202). Then, the control unit 21 (the profile management unit 27) maps the association between the color information of the print job and the color measurement result of the printed material (S203), and creates an output color profile from the mapping result (S204).

  Returning to FIG. 9, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) stores the newly created output color profile together with the group name in the storage unit 22 or the like (S109). Note that a group refers to a collection of printed materials that are serially published as a series such as one volume, two volumes, three volumes, etc. of a manga. Then, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) notifies the user of the newly created result (S110). For example, an output color profile creation notification screen 61 as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit 25 (or the display operation unit 34 of the printer 30) to notify the user.

  If the setting is to update the output color profile in S107 (No in S107), the control unit 21 (color consistency determination unit 28) acquires the latest output color profile from the group specified by the print ticket or the like ( S111). Next, the control unit 21 (color consistency determination unit 28) compares the color measurement result of the printed matter acquired in S106 with the latest output color profile of the specified group, and calculates the color difference (S112). ). For example, the output color (L * a * b * value) corresponding to each color information (CMYK value or RGB value) of the print job is compared with the output color corresponding to each color information in the output color profile, and the color difference is calculated. Is calculated. The above color difference is calculated by comparing colors registered in the output color profile, and colors not registered in the output color profile are colors that have not been measured in the past. Not applicable.

  Next, the control unit 21 (color consistency determination unit 28) determines whether or not the color difference calculated in S112 falls within a predetermined allowable value (S113). If the color difference does not fall within the allowable value (No in S113), the printed matter is out of color with the printed matter of the past print job (the color measurement result of the past print job indicated by a white circle in the figure and the black circle in the figure). The control unit 21 (color consistency determination unit 28) informs the user that there is a color shift and the color adjustment of the printer 30 is necessary. Is notified (S117). For example, the control unit 21 (color consistency determination unit 28) displays a color adjustment instruction screen 62 as shown in FIG. 15 on the display unit 25 (or the display operation unit 34 of the printer 30), and allows the user to Encourage the implementation of 30 color adjustments. In the above flow, the user is informed that there is a color misregistration and the user is prompted to perform color adjustment of the printer 30. However, the controller 20 may instruct the printer 30 to perform color adjustment.

  On the other hand, if the color difference is within the tolerance (Yes in S113), the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) uses the colorimetric result of the printed matter to update the latest output color profile of the designated group. Is updated (S114). The details of the output color profile update process will be described later, but the following three types of output color profile update methods are conceivable.

  As shown in “Case 1” in FIG. 16, the first update method is to use only the colorimetric result of a new print job to determine the output color when it is determined that the print jobs associated with each other have color consistency. This is how to update the profile. For example, an output color profile 1 is created using only the color measurement result of the print job 1, an output color profile 2 is created using only the color measurement result of the next print job 2, and a color measurement of the next print job 3 is made. An output color profile 3 is created using only the result, and an output color profile 4 is created using only the color measurement result of the next print job 4.

  As shown in “Case 2” in FIG. 16, the second update method determines that the color measurement results of a new print job and the immediately preceding print job This is a method of updating the output color profile using the colorimetric result of the job. For example, output color profile 1 is created using the color measurement result of print job 1, output color profile 1 + 2 is created using the color measurement result of print job 1 and the color measurement result of next print job 2, and printing is performed. An output color profile 2 + 3 is created by using the color measurement result of the job 2 and the color measurement result of the next print job 3, and output using the color measurement result of the print job 3 and the color measurement result of the next print job 4. Create a color profile 3 + 4.

  As shown in “Case 3” in FIG. 16, the third update method is to determine the color matching between the print jobs associated with each other and to determine the color measurement result of the new print job and all the previous print jobs. This is a method of updating an output color profile using a colorimetric result of a job. For example, output color profile 1 is created using the color measurement result of print job 1, output color profile 1 + 2 is created using the color measurement result of print job 1 and the color measurement result of next print job 2, and printing is performed. An output color profile 1 + 2 + 3 is created using the color measurement results of the jobs 1 and 2 and the color measurement result of the next print job 3, and the color measurement results of the print jobs 1, 2, and 3 and the color measurement of the next print job 4 are generated. The output color profile 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 is created using the result.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) stores the updated output color profile together with the designated group name in the storage unit 22 or the like (S115), and informs the user that the printed matter is not a problem as a color sample. , And that the output color profile has been updated (S116). For example, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) causes the display unit 25 (or the display operation unit 34 of the printer 30) to display an output color profile update notification screen 63 as shown in FIG. Notify that there is no problem as a color sample and that the output color profile has been updated.

[Output Color Profile Update Processing (S114)]
As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) acquires the specified output color profile (see S111) (S301), and corresponds to the color information of the print job (see S104) and the color information. A colorimetric result (see S106) is obtained (S302). Next, the control unit 21 (profile management unit 27) determines whether or not the color information of the print job exists in the output color profile (S303). If the color information of the print job does not exist in the output color profile (S303). No), a set of the color information and the colorimetric result corresponding to the color information is added to the output color profile (S304). If the color information of the print job exists in the output color profile (Yes in S303), the output is performed. The old color measurement result in the color profile is updated with the color measurement result corresponding to the color information of the print job (S305). Then, the control unit 21 (the profile management unit 27) determines whether the processing has been completed for all the colors of the print job (S306). If the processing has not been completed (No in S306), the process returns to S302. The same process is repeated for the next color, and when the process is completed for all colors of the print job (Yes in S306), an output color profile is created from the mapping result (S307).

  Thereafter, if necessary, the control unit 21 (color consistency determination unit 28) acquires the object information of the plurality of print jobs associated with each other, and determines whether there is a continuous area where images are continuous based on the object information. A determination is made (S308). If there is no continuous area (No in S308), a series of processing ends, and if there is a continuous area (Yes in S308), the control unit 21 (color consistency determination unit 28) (S309), and determines whether the calculated color difference is within a predetermined allowable value (whether there is color tone consistency). (S310). At that time, in the case where the spine images of the printed matter created by the job that instructs bookbinding are continuous, if there is a distance between the printed matter when the printed matter of each job is arranged side by side, in consideration of the distance, It is determined whether there is color consistency between the images on the spine of each job. If the color difference is within the allowable value (that is, there is color consistency) (Yes in S310), a series of processing is terminated, and the color difference is not within the allowable value (that is, color consistency). If there is no (No in S310), the control unit 21 (the profile management unit 27) calculates the target value of the image of the current print job from the tendency of the color tone of the image of the previous print job (S311), and S307. The output color profile created in (1) is corrected with the target value (S312), and an output color profile for a continuous area is created (S313).

[Color verification (S103)]
First, when a user performs color verification using an output color profile, the user selects which group of output color profiles to use. For example, when print setting is performed by the printer driver 18 of the output instruction terminal 10, the printer driver 18 causes the display unit 14 to display a print setting screen 64 (color verification tab) as shown in FIG. Then, the user operates the operation unit 15 to check a box of “color verification”, designate a group of output color profiles (here, group 2), select an output color profile, and click an “OK” button. When is pressed, the printer driver 18 creates a print job in which the information is added to a print ticket or the like, and outputs it to the controller 20. At that time, when reprinting a past print, the output color profile used at that time can be selected. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the latest output color profile is designated.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 21 (color verification unit 29) checks whether color verification is specified in a print ticket or the like of a print job (S401). If the color verification has not been designated (No in S401), the process is a normal print job, so the designated number of copies are output (S402).

  On the other hand, when the color verification is specified (Yes in S401), the control unit 21 (color verification unit 29) acquires an output color profile from the specified group (S403). Then, the control unit 21 (color verification unit 29) causes the image forming unit 35 to output one copy of the print job (S404), and causes the color measurement unit 36 to measure the color of the printed matter (S405). Here, it is assumed that the color measurement is performed by the in-line colorimeter. However, after printing the print job, the user performs the color measurement by using the external colorimeter 40, and the control unit 21 performs the external colorimetry. The output color may be obtained from the device 40. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may acquire RGB values obtained by scanning a printed material from an inline scanner or an external scanner, and convert the RGB values into output colors using a profile provided in advance.

  Next, the control unit 21 (color verification unit 29) calculates a color difference between the output color profile obtained in S403 and the color measurement result obtained in S405 (S406), and the calculated color difference falls within a predetermined allowable value. Is determined (S407). If the color difference is within the allowable value (Yes in S407), it is determined whether the output of all the numbers has been completed (S411). If the output of all the numbers has not been completed (No in S411), S403 And the same processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the color difference does not fall within the allowable value (No in S407), the control unit 21 instructs the printer 30 to stop printing, and notifies the user that a color shift has occurred (S409). For example, the control unit 21 (color verification unit 29) displays a warning screen 65 as shown in FIG. 19 on the display unit 25 (or the display operation unit 34 of the printer 30) and the like. Notify the user that printing has stopped. When the user selects color adjustment as a coping method on the warning screen 65, the control unit 21 (color verification unit 29) causes the printer 30 to perform color adjustment (S410). The color adjustment includes gamma adjustment, density balance adjustment, maximum density adjustment, output paper density adjustment, calibration, and the like. Although the color adjustment is automatically performed here, a screen prompting the user to perform the color adjustment may be displayed.

  When the color adjustment is completed, the process returns to step S403, and the print job is output again to perform color verification. Then, by performing the above-described processing for all the numbers, it is possible to output a printed matter without color misregistration.

  As described above, the color measurement result of the first job and the color measurement result of the second job are compared to determine the color consistency, and when it is determined that there is color consistency, the first If the profile created based on the job reflects the color measurement result of the second job and updates the profile, or if it is determined that there is no color consistency between images of each job in the continuous area, By calculating the target value of the color of the image of the subsequent job from the tendency of the color tone of the image of the previous job, correcting the profile with the target value, and creating a profile for the continuous area, It is possible to eliminate the deviation of the color and the color tone of the jobs, and to ensure the consistency of the color and the color tone.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and its configuration and control can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the output color profile is created or updated at the time of proof printing. However, the production print may be performed without performing the proof printing, and the output color profile may be created or updated at the time of actual printing. .

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where printing is performed based on a new print job has been described. By using the update information of the output color profile, the output color profile corresponding to the print job printed in the past can be restored and applied. In this case, when the output color profile is updated, the update information of the output color profile (information for specifying the output color before replacement and the output color after replacement corresponding to the replaced color information) is stored in the storage unit 22 or the like. , And by sequentially applying the update information to the latest output color profile and returning to the original color measurement result, the output color profile corresponding to the print job printed in the past can be restored.

  The present invention relates to an image forming system that prints a plurality of jobs associated with each other, a color matching method for ensuring color consistency of the plurality of jobs, a color matching program operating in the image forming system, and the color matching program Can be used for a recording medium on which is recorded.

Reference Signs List 10 output instruction terminal 11 control unit 11a CPU
11b ROM
11c RAM
12 storage unit 13 network I / F unit 14 display unit 15 operation unit 16 OS
17 Document creation application 18 Printer driver 20 Controller 21 Control unit 21a CPU
21b ROM
21c RAM
Reference Signs List 22 storage unit 23 image processing unit 24a network I / F unit 24b printer I / F unit 25 display unit 26 operation unit 27 profile management unit 28 color consistency determination unit 29 color verification unit 30 printer 31 control unit 31a CPU
31b ROM
31c RAM
32 storage unit 33 controller I / F unit 34 display operation unit 35 image forming unit 36 colorimetric unit 40 colorimeter 50 communication network 60 print setting screen 61 output color profile creation notification screen 62 color adjustment instruction screen 63 output color profile update notification Screen 64 Print setting screen 65 Warning screen

Claims (21)

An image forming system that includes at least an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job and a color measurement unit that measures a color of an image formed on the sheet,
For the first job, the image forming unit forms an image, the color measurement unit measures the color of the image, and acquires the color measurement result of the first job. A profile management unit that creates a profile based on the described color information and the color measurement result of the first job;
For the second job associated with the first job after the first job, the image forming unit forms an image, and the colorimetric unit measures the color of the image. The color measurement result of the second job is obtained, and the color measurement result of the first job is compared with the color measurement result of the second job to determine color consistency. A color matching determination unit that instructs the image forming unit to perform color adjustment or notifies a user of a warning that the color adjustment is performed,
The profile management unit reflects the colorimetric result of the second job in the profile created based on the first job when the color consistency determination unit determines that there is color consistency. Update the profile,
An image forming system comprising: When the color information of the second job is present in the profile created based on the first job, the profile management unit stores the colorimetric result corresponding to the color information of the profile in the second job. Replacing the profile with the colorimetric result corresponding to the color information of the job, and updating the profile;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The profile management unit updates the profile using only the color measurement result of the latest job among the plurality of jobs associated with each other,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The profile management unit updates the profile using a color measurement result of a latest job among a plurality of jobs associated with each other and a color measurement result of a job immediately before the job.
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The profile management unit updates the profile using a color measurement result of a latest job among a plurality of jobs associated with each other and a color measurement result of all jobs before the job.
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The color consistency determination unit obtains object information of a plurality of jobs associated with each other, extracts a continuous region in which images are continuous based on the object information, and calculates a color tone between images of each job in the continuous region. To determine if the
The profile management unit, when the color matching determination unit determines that there is no color consistency between the images of the respective jobs, from the tendency of the color tone of the image of the previous job, Calculating a target value of the color of the image, correcting the profile with the target value, creating a profile for the continuous region,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The color consistency determination unit, when the image of the spine of a printed matter created by a job that instructs bookbinding is continuous, when there is a distance between the printed matter when the printed matter of each job is arranged side by side, In consideration of the distance, it is determined whether there is color consistency between the images on the spine of each job.
The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein: The profile management unit applies the profile for the continuous region to an area determined to be inconsistent in color tone, and applies the profile before correction to an area determined to be consistent in color tone for an area determined to be inconsistent. Apply a profile,
The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein: When printing again using a previously printed job, the profile management unit uses the profile update information from the previously printed job to the latest job to correspond to the previously printed job. Restore and apply the profile,
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The colorimeter is a scanner,
The profile management unit and the color consistency determination unit converts the read value of the scanner using a previously created profile to obtain the color measurement result,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job, a color measurement unit that measures the color of an image formed on the sheet, and a control unit that controls the image forming unit and the color measurement unit A color matching method in an image forming system,
The control unit includes:
For the first job, the image forming unit forms an image, the color measurement unit measures the color of the image, and acquires the color measurement result of the first job. Profile creation processing for creating a profile based on the described color information and the color measurement result of the first job;
For the second job associated with the first job after the first job, the image forming unit forms an image, and the colorimetric unit measures the color of the image. A first determination process of acquiring a colorimetric result of the second job and comparing the colorimetric result of the first job with the colorimetric result of the second job to determine color consistency;
An instruction process of instructing the image forming unit to perform color adjustment or notifying a user of a warning for color adjustment when it is determined that there is no color consistency in the first determination process;
If it is determined in the first determination process that there is color consistency, the profile created based on the first job is updated by reflecting the color measurement result of the second job on the profile. Perform the profile update process, and
A color matching method characterized in that: In the profile update process, when the color information of the second job exists in the profile created based on the first job, the color measurement result corresponding to the color information of the profile is stored in the second job. Replacing the profile with the colorimetric result corresponding to the color information of the job, and updating the profile;
The color matching method according to claim 11, wherein: In the profile update process, the profile is updated using only the color measurement result of the latest job among the plurality of jobs associated with each other,
13. The color matching method according to claim 11, wherein: In the profile update processing, the profile is updated using a color measurement result of a latest job among a plurality of jobs associated with each other and a color measurement result of a job immediately before the job.
13. The color matching method according to claim 11, wherein: In the profile update process, the profile is updated using a color measurement result of a latest job among a plurality of jobs associated with each other and a color measurement result of all jobs before the job.
13. The color matching method according to claim 11, wherein: The control unit further includes:
Obtaining object information of a plurality of jobs associated with each other, extracting a continuous area where images are continuous based on the object information, and determining whether there is color consistency between images of each job in the continuous area. A second determination process to be performed;
If it is determined in the second determination process that there is no color consistency between the images of the respective jobs, the target value of the color of the image of the subsequent job is determined from the tendency of the color of the image of the previous job. Calculating a profile for the continuous region, correcting the profile with the target value, and creating a profile for the continuous region.
16. The color matching method according to claim 11, wherein: In the second determination process, in the case where the spine images of the printed matter created by the job instructing bookbinding are continuous, if there is a distance between the printed matter when the printed matter of each job is arranged side by side, In consideration of the distance, it is determined whether there is color consistency between the images on the spine of each job.
17. The color matching method according to claim 16, wherein: The control unit includes:
Apply the profile for the continuous region to the region determined to have no color consistency, and apply the profile before correction to the region determined to have the color consistency,
The color matching method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The control unit includes:
When printing again using a previously printed job, the profile corresponding to the previously printed job is restored by using update information of the profile from the previously printed job to the latest job. Apply,
The color matching method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein: The colorimeter is a scanner,
In the profile creation process and the first determination process, the reading value of the scanner is converted using a profile created in advance to obtain the colorimetric result,
The color matching method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein: An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job, a color measurement unit that measures the color of an image formed on the sheet, and a control unit that controls the image forming unit and the color measurement unit A color matching program that operates in the image forming system,
In the control unit,
For the first job, the image forming unit forms an image, the color measurement unit measures the color of the image, and acquires the color measurement result of the first job. Profile creation processing for creating a profile based on the described color information and the color measurement result of the first job;
For the second job associated with the first job after the first job, the image forming unit forms an image, and the colorimetric unit measures the color of the image. A first determination process of acquiring a colorimetric result of the second job and comparing the colorimetric result of the first job with the colorimetric result of the second job to determine color consistency;
An instruction process of instructing the image forming unit to perform color adjustment or notifying a user of a warning for color adjustment when it is determined that there is no color consistency in the first determination process;
If it is determined in the first determination process that there is color consistency, the profile created based on the first job is updated by reflecting the color measurement result of the second job on the profile. Profile update process,
A color matching program characterized by the following.

Images