JP3799209B2 - Calibration information processing method and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for processing calibration information. And information processing apparatus Specifically, the present invention relates to processing of calibration information related to calibration of a printing apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The printing characteristics of a printing apparatus may change depending on environmental conditions such as the temperature and humidity of the environment in which it is used. In addition to such environmental conditions, printing characteristics may change as a result of use for a certain period. For example, in an electrophotographic printing apparatus, the photosensitive characteristics of the photosensitive drum change due to the environmental conditions and the secular change due to use, and as a result, printing such as gradation is observed in the printed image. This is because the characteristics change. In addition, it is also known that an ink jet printing apparatus causes the above-described change in printing characteristics due to, for example, a change in ejection characteristics of a head that ejects ink.
[0003]
On the other hand, it is also known in the past to change the contents of, for example, the γ correction table in image processing in response to such a change in printing characteristics and to calibrate the printing apparatus to maintain appropriate printing characteristics. Further, as an environment in which such calibration is performed, not only calibration is performed for changes in printing characteristics in individual printing apparatuses, but also in an information processing system using a plurality of printing apparatuses, a plurality of printing apparatuses The above-described difference in printing characteristics may cause a problem. Even in such a case, calibration may be performed in order to reduce variations in printing characteristics between printing apparatuses.
[0004]
Such calibration is basically performed based on user instruction input. For example, when the user observes that the gradation of an image to be printed is not desired, calibration is performed on an operation screen displayed on a printing apparatus or a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as “PC”). Instruct execution. Based on this instruction, generally, first, a measurement image for each predetermined density is printed by a printing apparatus to be calibrated. Then, this is read by a measuring device such as a densitometer or a scanner, and based on the read result, calibration data, for example, the contents to be updated of the above-described γ correction table is obtained.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the contents of the calibration data obtained as described above depend on the environmental conditions when creating calibration data, such as the temperature and humidity at the time of calibration execution, and the paper on which the measurement image is printed out. There is a case. That is, even if calibration is performed on a printing apparatus having the same printing characteristics at that time, the calibration data obtained depending on the environmental conditions may be different if the environmental conditions are different. In such a case, based on print data obtained by image processing based on calibration data obtained under a certain environmental condition, even if printing is performed under a different environmental condition, the result of calibration is sufficient for the printing. It is not reflected and a desired print result may not be obtained. On the other hand, conventionally, for example, calibration is not performed for each sheet, and when calibration data is created, the comment is displayed. The In some cases, it is difficult to say that the calibration is functioning sufficiently.
[0006]
In addition, even if environmental conditions are set, calibration is performed for each environmental condition, and calibration data suitable for each environmental condition in printing is used, it is not always easy to set the environmental condition appropriately. .
[0007]
For example, even if the temperature is set in units of several degrees as an environmental condition, depending on the printing apparatus, the difference of the degrees may not affect the calibration result so much. On the other hand, even if environmental conditions are set according to the general type of paper used for printing, there are cases where the calibration data obtained for different manufacturers differ significantly.
[0008]
In other words, setting the environmental conditions in advance and in a fixed manner may mean that the set environmental conditions are not necessarily appropriate for obtaining optimum calibration data for a printing system configured by a printing apparatus or the like. May cause. In addition, the appropriate environmental conditions for obtaining the calibration data, in particular, how much detail is preferable for the conditions, may be obtained by the experience of the user using the printing system.
[0009]
Furthermore, even if the environment information is set appropriately, if it is uncertain, appropriate calibration data cannot be obtained. For example, when editing the created calibration data later, if the environment information paired therewith is also changed, the calibration data may not be edited properly.
[0010]
The present invention has been made from the above viewpoint, and the object of the present invention is to provide a calibration information processing method capable of appropriately managing environmental information relating to calibration. And information processing apparatus Is to provide.
[0011]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a calibration information processing method by which a user can arbitrarily set environment information related to calibration. And information processing apparatus Is to provide.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, according to the present invention, a method for processing calibration information related to calibration of a printing apparatus, which inputs environment information related to execution of calibration Input process and , A storage step of storing the environmental information input in the input step in a storage unit, and in the input step, it is possible to selectively input desired environmental information from predetermined environmental information items, Arbitrary environmental information can be entered It is characterized by that.
[0015]
An information processing apparatus that performs calibration information processing related to calibration of a printing apparatus, and an input unit that performs processing for inputting environment information related to execution of calibration; Storage means for storing the environment information input by the input means in a storage unit, wherein the input means can select and input desired environment information from predetermined environment information items, Arbitrary environmental information can be entered It is characterized by that.
[0021]
According to the above configuration, when the printing apparatus is calibrated, environment information related to the execution of calibration is input and stored. The environment information can be configured not to be changed in subsequent editing of the calibration information. As a result, the environment information at the time of creating calibration data can be maintained as it is. For example, when printing is performed, printing can be performed under the same conditions as the conditions indicated by the environment information. That is, by correcting the image data based on the created calibration data, the correction is favorably reflected in the print result.
[0022]
In particular, by enabling the user to input environment information in an arbitrary form, it is possible to obtain environment information suitable for the printing system. For example, regarding environmental information, environmental information that has a relatively large influence on the result of calibration, and accordingly, on the printing result, is the environmental information up to the small difference in conditions. In the case of environmental information that does not cause a great difference in the calibration result even if a fine condition is set, the environmental information can be relatively rough. As a result, more appropriate environment information can be obtained for the calibration, and the result of the calibration can be sufficiently reflected in printing performed under the same conditions as the environment information.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025]
The printing system of this embodiment is basically configured by connecting a printer 22 and a measuring machine 23 to a personal computer (PC) 20. In the present embodiment, a plurality of printers 22 and measuring machines 23 are connected via a network (not shown), but only one is shown for simplification of explanation and illustration. Similarly, a plurality of PCs 20 are connected to constitute the present system.
[0026]
As an information processing apparatus, the PC 20 performs various processes regarding control of the printer 22 and the measuring machine 23 as described below. The CPU 24 executes the process for the control according to a program for the process described later in FIG. 3 stored in the storage device 26, and the work memory 25 is used as a work area for the process. An operation unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as “UI”) 21 serving as a user interface performs processing related to input by the user and display to the user with respect to execution of the above processing, and includes an input device such as a keyboard and a display.
[0027]
In this printing system, a user can normally select and print out a document, an image, and the like processed by various applications on the PC 20 by selecting one of a plurality of printers 22 connected to the network. That is, predetermined image processing can be performed on the image processed by the printer driver in the PC 20 and output to the printer 22 as print data for printing.
[0028]
In this embodiment, various types of printers such as a color copying machine and a color printer can be used as the printing apparatus. In FIG. 1, the printer 22 is shown as a representative example of these. The printer 22 is of an electrophotographic system using a laser beam, and uses a cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) toner for color printing. .
[0029]
Further, as the measuring device 23, a densitometer, a reading unit in a copying machine, a scanner, and the like can be used, and these are connected via a network. The measuring device 23 can measure or read the density with a scanner driver or the like in the PC 20 and input the read data to the PC 20. The read document data is processed as a document, an image, or the like in the PC 20. Further, as will be described later, the measuring machine 23 is used for density reading of a measurement image (hereinafter referred to as “patch”) in the calibration of the printer 22.
[0030]
In the PC 20, the user can perform processing according to various applications, and regarding printing, for example, creation and editing of documents, images, etc., and instructions for executing printing to the printer 22 can be performed.
[0031]
A plurality of printers are connected to the network as described above, and each printer can execute printing according to any instruction from a plurality of PCs connected to the network. Each printer 22 is a target of calibration for appropriately maintaining printing characteristics in the printing system configured in the present embodiment, and the PC 20 performs calibration for each printer as described later. Calibration data including calibration function data created by processing is held. Then, when executing printing, the calibration function data is used for image processing, and when performing calibration, the calibration data is read and edited. In the present embodiment, the calibration function data included in the calibration data is a γ correction table, and γ conversion is performed on each of the C, M, Y, and K signals in image processing. The calibration process of the present embodiment is a process for updating or creating the contents of the γ correction table directly.
[0032]
In this embodiment, when performing calibration in the above printing system, the user can input information on environmental conditions in an arbitrary form. That is, as will be described later, environmental information that the user thinks appropriate when performing calibration is arbitrarily input, and the data of the input environmental information is a gamma correction table created at that time (hereinafter, (Also called “calibration function data”) and managed as a file. Such a file is managed as a file for each set of environment information and calibration function data, so that, for example, when printing, the user sets calibration function data according to the environment information and images Processing (in this embodiment, γ correction processing) can be performed.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of one file 30 of calibration information including a set of the above environment information and calibration function data.
[0034]
This file 30 is stored in the storage device 26. As shown in the figure, the file 30 includes file management information 31, patch output information 32, patch measurement information 33, measurement data 34, editing time information 35, and Each information of the calibration function data 36 is registered. The file management information 31 is information such as the version and format of the file. Specifically, the file management information 31 includes a file name, a folder to which the file belongs, and an editing date and time of calibration information.
[0035]
The patch output information 32 and the patch measurement information 33 are information when printing a patch in calibration and measuring the density of the printed patch as will be described later. Contains what is entered. The environment information is configured so that it cannot be changed even when the calibration information is edited.
[0036]
The measurement data 34 is information obtained by measuring the density of the patch, and the editing information 35 is information input by the user when editing the calibration information.
[0037]
The calibration function data 36 is data used for image processing created based on the measurement data 34. In the present embodiment, the calibration function data 36 is a γ correction table as described above, and is used in combination with the environment information described above. It is.
[0038]
The calibration information file described above is read when deciding which calibration function is to be used for image processing during printing, and is read by calibration-related processing as described below. Used.
[0039]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing relating to calibration according to the present embodiment.
[0040]
In the process related to calibration according to the present embodiment, the content of work related to calibration is first determined (Step 1). That is, in the present embodiment, with regard to calibration, a process of creating calibration function data newly, a process of loading calibration information, and a process of deleting calibration information are performed roughly. The user can select a work related to the calibration via the UI 21.
[0041]
When new creation of calibration function data is selected, input processing such as environment information is performed in Step 2.
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a UI display screen for the input. As shown in this figure, the user can select from the printer selection list box 41 a printer to be calibrated, that is, a printer to which a patch is to be printed out. In this embodiment, the selected printer is selected from a copier or printer connected to the network as described above. Similarly, a sheet for outputting a patch can be selected from the sheet selection list box 42, and a measuring machine for measuring the density of the output patch can be selected from the measuring machine selection list box 43. The paper that can be selected by the paper selection list box 42 is selected from the paper in the paper cassette set in the printer selected in the printer selection list box 41. That is, this selection is mainly made with respect to the size of the paper that distinguishes the paper cassette. The measuring device is selected from densitometers and scanners connected to the network as in the case of a printer.
[0043]
The user can input the environment information through the environment information input field 44 as a comment in addition to the input from the above selection list boxes. The environment information to be input can be arbitrarily entered by the user, and can basically be input as any environment information.
[0044]
For example, in more detail than the distinction by size in the case of selecting the paper by the paper selection list box 42, “manufactured by Company A, XXg / m ² , A4 size paper "and" manufactured by company B, xx g / m ² , “A4 size paper” or the like. In this example, the user inputs the manufacturing company and the weight of the paper regarding the paper to be used to obtain more detailed environmental information. That is, when the paper manufacturer and weight are relatively important factors regarding the influence of the calibration result on printing, such information can also be input as environmental information. Even if the difference in influence is not confirmed by the user, it can be used for printing if it is input up to the detailed information as described above and printing is performed under the same conditions as the detailed information at the time of printing. The calibration information obtained is more reliably guaranteed to be suitable for the printing.
[0045]
In addition, regarding the measuring device, “densitometer, model XX, serial number 01234”, “scanner, model xx, serial number 56789”, or the like can be input. In the case of this example as well, the model and serial number are entered to obtain relatively detailed environmental information. In this example, by inputting the serial number, calibration can be performed in consideration of the history of the measuring machine. That is, when the change in the measurement characteristics due to the change with time of the measuring machine is relatively large, the serial number can be used as the environmental information and the calibration information can be distinguished accordingly.
[0046]
Furthermore, information relating to the location where the printer or measuring machine is installed can also be input as environmental information. For example, “XX office”, “XX office”, “first-floor room copier”, “second-floor room copier”, or the like can be input. In addition, “morning”, “daytime”, “night” can be input regarding the time zone, and “spring”, “summer”, “autumn”, “winter”, etc. can be input regarding the season. The examples shown for these locations and time zones are mainly related to temperature and humidity where the printers and measuring machines are installed, and are somewhat more detailed than the above paper and measuring machines. The degree of height is low. In other words, regarding the influence of calibration on printing, such as temperature and humidity, if the user has experience to set this level of environmental information, it is possible to input environmental information like this example. it can.
[0047]
Of course, the user can also set the environment information in more detail about the temperature, humidity, etc. as required, for example, by displaying in units of several degrees. Of course, not all of the environment information exemplified above may be input, or a combination of some of them may be input. That is, the above-described example is merely an example, and the input form is arbitrary by the user as described above.
[0048]
After the input of the environment information in Step 2 described above, in Step 3, the patch is printed. That is, the PC 20 sends predetermined patch print data to the printer 22 selected via the selection list box 41, and similarly causes the patch to be printed on the paper selected via the selection list box 42. At this time, among the environmental information input to the file 30 stored in the storage device 26 via the selected printer, paper data, and environmental information input field 44, the environmental information related to patch output is the patch output information 32. Register as The registered environment information relates to the paper and the location in the above example. For example, as described above, for the paper, what the user inputs as the detailed information on the selected paper is registered as the environmental information.
[0049]
Next, in Step 4, the density of the printed patch is measured. That is, the density of the patch is measured using the measuring device selected via the selection list box 43. At this time, the environment information related to the patch measurement is registered in the file 30 as the patch measurement information 33 among the environment information input via the selected measuring machine and the environment information input field 44 as in Step 3. The registered environment information is detailed information regarding the measuring instrument in the above example. Along with the registration of the patch measurement information, the measured patch density information is registered in the file 30 as measurement data 34.
[0050]
In Step 5, calibration function data, that is, a γ correction table in this embodiment is calculated based on the measurement data 34, and the result is registered in the file 30 as calibration function data 36. The calibration function data can be calculated based on the relationship of the measured density of each color with respect to predetermined patch print data for each color of C, M, Y, and K when the above-described patch is printed. Specifically, for example, a function that is an inverse function of a function of a plurality of output density values obtained as measured densities with respect to input density values of a plurality of stages of each color constituting the patch print data is obtained by calculation and has this relationship. The γ correction table can be used as calibration function data. The γ correction table in the case of this inverse function performs conversion in which the relationship of the output density to the input density is linear.
[0051]
In Step 6, calibration information is edited. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a UI display screen for that purpose.
[0052]
A function curve 51 indicating the relationship of calibration function data is displayed on this UI screen. The user can edit the calibration function data while viewing this curve. The edit processing mode is activated by the edit start button 52 on the same screen. For example, when the user wants to increase the actually printed density for the high density portion of cyan, the high density portion of the cyan function curve 51 has a higher density. Change the calibration function data so that At this time, the patch output information 32 and the patch output information 33 of the file 30 are displayed on the patch output information display 54 and the patch measurement information display 55, respectively, for reference by the user. That is, the user can confirm the printer or the like when creating the calibration function data by looking at these displays. The UI is configured so that the patch output information 32, the patch measurement information 33, and the measurement data 34 cannot be changed by editing.
[0053]
In addition, a test print can be performed with the sample output button 53 in order to confirm the effect of changing the calibration function data. Further, a comment at the time of editing can be inputted with respect to calibration information such as calibration function data via the information input field 56 at the time of editing, and this information is registered in the file 30 as information 35 at the time of editing.
[0054]
The editing time information 35 input via the information input field 56 at the time of editing can be freely changed later by the user. However, as described above, information arbitrarily input by the user via the environment information input field 44 is registered in the patch output information 32 and the patch measurement information 33 and cannot be changed.
[0055]
When the calibration function data is changed by the above editing, the calibration function data of the file 30 is updated with the changed data. On the other hand, when the calibration function data is not changed by editing, the calibration function data is maintained as it is.
[0056]
In the next Step 7, the calibration information of the file 30 is saved as file data in the storage device 26, and this process is terminated. Of course, if the user determines that this file is not needed, it can be discarded without being saved.
[0057]
If it is determined in Step 1 that the work related to calibration is loading calibration information, the file 30 stored in the storage device is loaded in the work memory 25 in Step 8, and the same processing as described above in Step 6 and later is performed. I do. This is a process that is performed, for example, when the user wants to edit the calibration function without performing a new measurement.
[0058]
When it is determined in Step 1 that the work related to calibration is deletion of calibration information, the calibration information is deleted in Step 9. That is, in this process, the UI display screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and the content of the calibration information is shown to the user to confirm the deletion again. This screen includes a function curve 61 indicating calibration function data, a file name, a folder to which the file belongs, a file information display 62 indicating file management information 31 such as an edit date, a patch output information display 63 indicating patch output information, a patch A patch measurement information display 64 indicating the measurement information 33 and an edit time information display 65 indicating the edit time information 35 are respectively displayed. The user can check these displays and determine whether or not to delete the calibration information.
[0059]
<Second Embodiment>
In the above-described embodiment, the environment information regarding the creation of the calibration function data can be arbitrarily input by the user. As a result, it is possible to obtain the advantage that flexible environment information can be set for the printing system. However, depending on the printing system, there are cases where, for example, a printer, a measuring machine, or even a sheet to be used is a limited one. In such a case, certain appropriate calibration function data can be obtained even if the set environment information is predetermined.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, in the configuration of the first embodiment described above, an automatic input configuration using a sensor is used instead of the input of environment information by the user. Specifically, the printer 22 and the measuring device 23 are provided with sensors for detecting temperature, humidity, paper weight, type, and the like, and information detected by these is output to the file 30 as patch information 32 and patch information as environmental information. Register as measurement information 33. According to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid in advance a human error such as an erroneous input by the user.
[0061]
<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, in the patch output process of Step 3 shown in FIG. 3, the contents of the patch output information 32 and the name of the measuring device used for the patch measurement, that is, the measuring device selected by the measuring device selection list box 43 are displayed. , And print on areas that do not affect the measurement of patches on the paper. As a result, the user confirms the print contents and performs the subsequent processing. For example, even if a plurality of printers and patches for measuring instruments are mixed, the printer or measuring instrument corresponding to the patches is mistakenly selected. It can be prevented from being used for measurement.
[0062]
<Fourth Embodiment>
Further, the contents of the patch output information 32 printed in the third embodiment, the name of the measuring device, and the like are automatically read by the measuring device 23 at the time of patch measurement, thereby identifying the printer and measuring device described above. You can also.
[0063]
<Other embodiments>
As described above, the present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a measuring machine, a printer, etc.), and is composed of a single device (for example, a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine). You may apply to an apparatus.
[0064]
Further, FIG. 3 for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment in an apparatus or a computer in the system connected to the various devices so as to operate the various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments is illustrated in FIG. Such a software program code is supplied, and a system (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is operated according to the stored program, and is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0065]
Further, in this case, the program code of the software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, a storage storing the program code The medium constitutes the present invention.
[0066]
As a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0067]
Further, by executing the program code supplied by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) in which the program code is running on the computer, or other application software, etc. It goes without saying that the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the embodiment.
[0068]
Further, after the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, a CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit based on an instruction of the program code However, it is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the printing apparatus is calibrated, environment information related to the execution of the calibration is input and stored. The environment information can be configured not to be changed in subsequent editing of the calibration information. As a result, the environment information at the time of creating calibration data can be maintained as it is. For example, when printing is performed, printing can be performed under the same conditions as the conditions indicated by the environment information. That is, by correcting the image data based on the created calibration data, the correction is favorably reflected in the print result.
[0070]
In particular, by enabling the user to input environment information in an arbitrary form, it is possible to obtain environment information suitable for the printing system. For example, regarding environmental information, environmental information that has a relatively large influence on the result of calibration, and accordingly, on the printing result, is the environmental information up to the small difference in conditions. In the case of environmental information that does not cause a great difference in the calibration result even if a fine condition is set, the environmental information can be relatively rough. As a result, more appropriate environment information can be obtained for the calibration, and the result of the calibration can be sufficiently reflected in printing performed under the same conditions as the environment information.
[0071]
As a result, good printing based on calibration can be performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a file of calibration information related to calibration of a printer constituting the printing system.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing related to calibration in the system.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of a user interface for inputting environment information and the like in the above processing.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of a user interface for performing various inputs when editing calibration information in the above process.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen of a user interface for performing calibration information deletion processing in the above processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
20 Personal computer (PC)
21 User Interface (UI)
22 Printer
23 Measuring machine
24 CPU
25 working memory
26 Storage device
30 files
31 File management information
32 Patch output information
33 Patch measurement information
34 Measurement data
35 Editing information
36 Calibration function data
41 Printer selection list box
42 Paper selection list box
43 Measuring machine selection list box
44 Environmental information input field
51, 61 Calibration function curve
52 Edit start button
53 Sample output button
54 Patch output information display
55 Patch measurement information display
56 Information input field when editing
62 File information display
63 Patch output information display
64 Patch measurement information display
65 Editing information display

Claims (6)

A method of processing calibration information related to calibration of a printing apparatus,
An input process for inputting environmental information related to the execution of calibration;
Storing the environmental information input in the input step in a storage unit,
In the input step, desired environment information can be selected and input from predetermined predetermined environment information items, and arbitrary environment information can be input. . A patch output process for outputting a patch for executing calibration;
A patch measurement step of measuring the density of the patch output in the patch output step,
In the storage step, of the environmental information input in the input step, information related to patch output is stored in the storage unit at the time of patch output, and information related to patch measurement is stored in the storage unit at the time of patch measurement. The calibration information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the calibration information is stored.   The calibration information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the environment information input in the input step does not allow a change after being stored in the storage unit in the storage step. An information processing apparatus for processing calibration information related to calibration of a printing apparatus,
Input means for performing processing for inputting environment information related to execution of calibration;
Storage means for storing in the storage unit the environmental information input by the input means,
An information processing apparatus characterized in that the input means can selectively input desired environment information from predetermined predetermined environment information items and can also input arbitrary environment information. Patch output means for giving an instruction to output a patch for executing calibration;
Acquisition means for acquiring patch density information measured by a measuring device that measures the density of the patch output from the printing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the patch output means;
The storage means stores information related to patch output among the environment information input by the input means in the storage unit at the time of patch output, and information related to patch measurement is obtained by acquiring density information by the acquisition means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the information processing apparatus stores the information in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the environment information input by the input unit does not allow a change after being stored in the storage unit by the storage unit.

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