JP4530200B2 - Method and apparatus for color monitor calibration and / or profile creation - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to calibration of a color monitor that adjusts color reproduction and gradation reproduction characteristics of the color monitor to a desired state and / or a color image displayed on the color monitor when performing color management using the color monitor. The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for creating a profile used for color conversion for matching the color of the color to a color reproduced by an output device such as a printing machine or a printer.

  First, a color monitor is defined prior to explanation. In this specification, “color monitor” refers to all display devices that perform color reproduction by additive color mixing of the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Typical examples include a color CRT, a color liquid crystal display device, and a color plasma display display device.

  Nowadays, we understand the characteristics of input devices such as scanners and digital cameras, display devices such as color monitors, output devices such as printers and printing machines, describe the characteristics in a file, and perform color conversion using the characteristics file. In general, a technique called color management for matching the colors of various devices is performed. Color management is generally performed in accordance with the ICC standard proposed by an organization called ICC (International Color Consortium), and in ICC, a characteristic file is called a profile.

  By the way, color management of a color monitor requires calibration to create the desired characteristics of the color monitor and creation of a profile. Conventionally, calibration and profile creation are performed as a series of operations. Generally, calibration is performed first, and then a profile is created.

  There are two types of color monitor calibration: white adjustment and gradation reproduction characteristic adjustment. Here, the white adjustment is to adjust the white color displayed on the color monitor to a desired color. Note that white is an achromatic color and has only luminance and no saturation, but in many cases, white actually displayed on a color monitor also has saturation. That is, as is well known, when the RGB color is maximized on the color monitor, it is white, but even if R, G and / or B are slightly changed from that state, The color will be recognized as white. In this way, white displayed on a color monitor has not only brightness but also saturation, and this difference in brightness and chromaticity appears as a difference in white color. It is necessary.

  The adjustment of the gradation reproduction characteristic is an adjustment for making the gradation reproduction characteristic representing the relationship between the gradation value of the input signal and the luminance actually displayed on the color monitor a desired characteristic. Sometimes referred to as correction. When the gradation reproduction characteristics are calibrated, gray scale color measurement is required as is conventionally performed and as described later.

In the creation of the color monitor profile, the first color conversion means for converting the color in RGB color space specific to the color monitor into a color in a standard color space such as CIE XYZ, CIE L ^* a ^* b ^*, etc. Then, two color conversion means of a second color conversion means for converting the color of the standard color space to the color of the RGB color space specific to the color monitor are created. At this time, as will be described later, it is necessary to measure three elements: a reference white chromaticity and luminance, tone reproduction characteristics of the color monitor, and RGB primary color chromaticity.

  In this way, for the white color calibration of the color monitor, the standard white color measurement and the white color measurement displayed on the color monitor screen are required. To do this, it is necessary to measure the gray scale displayed on the color monitor, and to create a profile, the white saturation and brightness as a reference, the tone reproduction characteristics of the color monitor, and This is because it is necessary to measure the chromaticity of the RGB primary colors.

  As a method of performing such color measurement, there are roughly two methods: a method of visual observation and a method of using a colorimeter. Further, a contact-type colorimeter is used as a method of using a colorimeter. And a method using a non-contact colorimeter.

  For example, Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2, Patent Literature 3, and Patent Literature 4 are methods or apparatuses for visually calibrating gradation reproduction characteristics. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that gradation reproduction characteristics are calibrated by visually matching a dither image and a continuous tone image, and Patent Document 4 discloses a color monitor by visual inspection. It is also disclosed to perform calibration of the tone reproduction characteristics and to create a profile visually.

There are also commercially available tools for performing various colorimetry visually or using a colorimeter to perform color monitor calibration and profile creation. Further, Non-Patent Document 1 describes calibration of a color monitor using a colorimeter and profile creation. It should be noted that the applicant previously filed an application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-170623) regarding an apparatus for calibrating gradation reproduction characteristics by visual observation.
Japanese Patent No. 2889078 JP-A-7-162714 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-194442 JP 11-338443 A MD Study Group + DTPWORLD Editorial Department, Illustrated Color Management Practical Rulebook 2002-2003, pp. 84-87 (issued September 30, 2002 by Works Corporation)

  As described above, conventionally, color measurement at the time of color monitor calibration and profile creation has been performed visually, using a contact-type colorimeter, or a non-contact-type colorimeter. In all the steps of calibration and profile creation, only one of visual colorimetry, colorimetry using a contact colorimeter, or colorimetry using a non-contact colorimeter can be used. Since colorimetry is not performed, there is a problem that the user cannot select an optimum method according to the purpose and perform colorimetry at various stages of color monitor calibration and profile creation.

  That is, conventionally, for example, when visual observation is selected as a color measurement method, color measurement at the time of calibration of a color monitor and color measurement at the time of profile creation must be performed visually. The same applies when a contact colorimeter or a non-contact colorimeter is selected. Actually, with the above-described commercially available tools for performing calibration and profile creation, the color measurement method is limited to one.

  However, visual colorimetry is inexpensive because no special equipment is used, and calibration and profile creation have the advantage of being able to reflect the effects of ambient light. There is a drawback that it is not repeatable. In addition, the color measurement using the contact type colorimeter can perform the color measurement stably and has an advantage that it is less expensive than the non-contact type colorimeter, but calibration and profile creation are possible. However, the effect of ambient light cannot be reflected. Furthermore, colorimetry using a non-contact colorimeter has the advantage that stable colorimetry can be performed and the influence of ambient light can be reflected in calibration and profile creation. In comparison, it is expensive, and the color measurement result may vary depending on the installation conditions such as the distance to the color monitor and the installation angle of the color monitor with respect to the screen.

  As described above, there are advantages and disadvantages depending on the colorimetric method. For example, there is a demand for calibration to reflect the effect of ambient light but not to reflect the effect of ambient light when creating a profile. However, in the past, the color measurement method was limited to one, so that such a request could not be met.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a color monitor that can select and use the most appropriate method according to the purpose from various colorimetric methods at various stages during color monitor calibration and / or profile creation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a calibration method and / or profile creation method and apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the color monitor calibration and profile creation method according to the present invention is capable of calibration and profile creation for a color monitor, and the white color and the gradation of the color monitor. As the measurement means during calibration of the tone reproduction characteristics, any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be independently selected, and the white color can be selected by the selected measurement means. As a means of measuring white tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity when calibrating tone reproduction characteristics and creating a profile for a color monitor, a means for measuring white hue and gradation reproduction characteristics Can be independently selected from visual, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, and pre-registered set values. As the measurement means, any one of a contact type colorimeter, a non-contact type colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value can be independently selected, and white color and gradation reproduction can be performed by the selected measurement means. A profile is created by measuring characteristics and primaries chromaticity.

  The color monitor calibration and profile creation apparatus according to the present invention is a color monitor calibration and profile creation apparatus that performs only calibration, profile creation, or calibration. As a means for selecting whether to perform both calibration and profile creation and as a means for measuring white color and tone reproduction characteristics for color monitors, visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact, respectively. Any one of the colorimeters can be selected independently, means for calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measuring means, and the white color when creating a profile for the color monitor Measurement of white color and gradation reproduction characteristics as a means of measuring taste, gradation reproduction characteristics, and primaries chromaticity For each stage, any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, and pre-registered set values can be independently selected. Either a colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, or a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and measurement of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity by the selected measurement means And a means for creating a profile.

  In addition, the color monitor calibration method according to the present invention can be calibrated for a color monitor, and as a measurement means at the time of calibration of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics for a color monitor, respectively. Any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently, and white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are calibrated by the selected measuring means. And

  An apparatus for calibrating a color monitor according to the present invention is an apparatus for calibrating a color monitor, and is used as a measurement means during calibration of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics of the color monitor. Each of the visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be independently selected, and means for calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measurement means It is characterized by providing.

  The color monitor profile creation method according to the present invention is capable of creating a profile for a color monitor, and means for measuring white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity when creating a profile for a color monitor. As for the measurement means for white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, any one of visual, contact colorimeter, non-contact colorimeter, and pre-registered set values can be independently selected. There are three primary color chromaticity measuring means that can be independently selected from a contact-type colorimeter, a non-contact-type colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value. It is characterized in that a profile is created by measuring the color tone, tone reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities.

  An apparatus for creating a color monitor profile according to the present invention is an apparatus for creating a color monitor profile. The profile of the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary chromaticity at the time of profile creation for the color monitor are provided. As the measuring means, for the measuring means of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, either visual, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, or pre-registered set values are independently selected. It is possible to select any one of a contact colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value as the measurement means for the three primary chromaticities, and depending on the selected measurement means Means are provided for creating a profile by measuring white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities.

In addition, the color monitor calibration and profile creation program according to the present invention is a color monitor calibration and profile creation program. Whether the computer only performs calibration or profile creation. Or, a program for functioning as a means for selecting whether to perform both calibration and profile creation, and a computer as a measurement means during calibration of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics for a color monitor, Each of the visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be independently selected, and a means for calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measurement means. and programs in order to function, the computer, As a means for measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, for measuring means for white color and gradation reproduction characteristics, visual, contact colorimeter, Either a non-contact type colorimeter or a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and the three primary chromaticity measuring means are a contact type colorimeter, a non-contact type colorimeter, A program for functioning as a means for creating a profile by measuring white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticities by means of the selected measuring means. It is characterized by providing.

The color monitor calibration program according to the present invention is a program for calibrating a color monitor, and the computer is used for calibration of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics of the color monitor. Either a visual, contact-type colorimeter, or a non-contact-type colorimeter can be independently selected as the measurement means, and white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are calibrated by the selected measurement means. It is characterized by comprising a program for functioning as means for performing the above.

The color monitor profile creation program according to the present invention is a program for creating a color monitor profile. The computer is used to create a white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and three primary colors when creating a profile for a color monitor. As a means for measuring chromaticity, as for the means for measuring white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, any one of visual observation, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, and pre-registered set values can be independently used. As a means for measuring the three primary color chromaticity, any one of a contact type colorimeter, a non-contact type colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value can be independently selected and selected. A program for functioning as a means for creating a profile by measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities by a measuring means is provided.

In addition, the recording medium on which the program for performing calibration and profile creation of the color monitor according to the present invention is used, the computer only performs calibration, only profile creation, or both calibration and profile creation. A program for functioning as a means for selecting a color and a computer as a measuring means for calibration of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics for a color monitor, respectively, visual, contact colorimeter, Any one of the contact-type colorimeters can be independently selected, and a program for causing a computer to function as a means for calibrating white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measuring means, and a computer White color and gradation reproduction characteristics when creating a profile for a monitor As the measuring means for the three primary color chromaticities, the measuring means for the white color tone and the gradation reproduction characteristic is any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, and pre-registered set values, respectively. The three primary chromaticity measuring means can be selected independently from any one of a contact colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value. The program for functioning as a means for creating a profile by measuring the white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticities by the measured means is recorded.

Further, the recording medium on which the program for calibrating the color monitor according to the present invention records the computer as a measuring means at the time of calibration of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics for the color monitor, respectively. Any one of the contact-type colorimeter and the non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently, and functions as a means for calibrating white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measurement means. This is a recording of the program .

Further, the recording medium on which the program for creating the profile of the color monitor according to the present invention is recorded, the computer is used as a means for measuring white color tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating the profile for the color monitor. About the measuring means of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, each of visual, contact colorimeter, non-contact colorimeter, pre-registered set value can be independently selected, As the measurement means for the three primary chromaticities, any one of a contact-type colorimeter, a non-contact-type colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value can be independently selected, and a white color is selected by the selected measurement means. , A program for recording a program for functioning as a means for creating a profile by measuring the gradation reproduction characteristics and the three primary color chromaticities.

  The color monitor calibration and profile creation method according to the present invention enables calibration and profile creation for a color monitor, and measures white color and tone reproduction characteristics for a color monitor during calibration. As a means, any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently, and white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are calibrated by the selected measurement means. As a means for measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity when creating a profile for a color monitor, the measurement means for white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are visually and contact-type measurements, respectively. Either a colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, or a pre-registered set value can be independently selected. A non-contact colorimeter or a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and measurement of white color, tone reproduction characteristics and primaries chromaticity is performed by the selected measuring means. Profile creation, you can only calibrate the color monitor, you can only create the profile, you can do both of these, and the white color and gradation during calibration As measurement means for measurement of two items of reproduction characteristics, and measurement of three items of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of profile creation, each of these is independent as necessary. Thus, a desired measuring means can be selected and used. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. Can be calibrated and / or profiled.

  The color monitor calibration and profile creation apparatus according to the present invention is a color monitor calibration and profile creation apparatus that performs only calibration, profile creation, or calibration. As a means for selecting whether to perform both calibration and profile creation and as a means for measuring white color and tone reproduction characteristics for color monitors, visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact, respectively. Any one of the colorimeters can be selected independently, means for calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measuring means, and the white color when creating a profile for the color monitor Measurement of white color and gradation reproduction characteristics as a means of measuring taste, gradation reproduction characteristics, and primaries chromaticity For each stage, any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, and pre-registered set values can be independently selected. Either a colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, or a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and measurement of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity by the selected measurement means And a means for creating a profile, so that only the color monitor can be calibrated, only the profile can be created, or both of them can be performed. As a measurement means in the measurement of two items of color tone and tone reproduction characteristics, and the measurement of three items of white tone, tone reproduction characteristics and RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of profile creation , These optional, independently, it can be used to select a desired measurement means. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. Can be calibrated and / or profiled.

  In addition, the color monitor calibration method according to the present invention can be calibrated for a color monitor, and as a measurement means at the time of calibration of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics for a color monitor, respectively. Any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter and non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently, and white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are calibrated by the selected measuring means. When calibrating the monitor, a desired measuring means can be selected and used independently as necessary as measuring means for two items of white tone and gradation reproduction characteristics at the time of calibration. it can. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. Can be calibrated.

  Furthermore, the apparatus for calibrating a color monitor according to the present invention is an apparatus for calibrating a color monitor, and is used as a measuring means at the time of calibration of white color and gradation reproduction characteristics of the color monitor. Each of the visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be independently selected, and means for calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measurement means Therefore, when calibrating a color monitor, select the desired measurement means independently as necessary as the measurement means for the two items of white tone and tone reproduction characteristics during calibration. Can be used. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. Can be calibrated.

  The color monitor profile creation method according to the present invention is capable of creating a profile for a color monitor, and means for measuring white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity when creating a profile for a color monitor. As for the measurement means for white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, any one of visual, contact colorimeter, non-contact colorimeter, and pre-registered set values can be independently selected. There are three primary color chromaticity measuring means that can be independently selected from a contact-type colorimeter, a non-contact-type colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value. Since the profile is created by measuring the color tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and the three primary color chromaticities, measurement in the measurement of the three items of white tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of profile creation As a step, according to these needs, independently, it can be used to select a desired measurement means. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. It is possible to create a profile.

  Furthermore, an apparatus for creating a color monitor profile according to the present invention is an apparatus for creating a color monitor profile. As the measuring means, for the measuring means of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, either visual, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, or pre-registered set values are independently selected. It is possible to select any one of a contact colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value as the measurement means for the three primary chromaticities, and depending on the selected measurement means Because it has a means to create a profile by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticity, the three items of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of profile creation Measurement As a measuring means in, in accordance with these needs, independently, it can be used to select a desired measurement means. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. It is possible to create a profile.

Further, according to the color monitor calibration and profile creation program and the recording medium storing the program according to the present invention, the computer only performs calibration, profile creation, or calibration. And a program for functioning as a means for selecting whether to perform both profile creation and a computer as a measurement means during calibration of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics for a color monitor, respectively, Either a contact-type colorimeter or a non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently, and the selected measurement means can function as a means for calibrating white color and gradation reproduction characteristics. and the program, the computer, the profile of the color monitor As a means for measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of formation, measurement means for white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are respectively visual, contact colorimeter, and non-contact type measurement. Either a colorimeter or a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and the three primary color chromaticity measurement means include a contact-type colorimeter, a non-contact-type colorimeter, a pre-registered set value Any one of them can be selected independently, and a program for functioning as a means for creating a profile by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means is provided. By installing the program in a computer system, you can only calibrate the color monitor, you can only create a profile, you can do both of these, As a measurement means for measuring two items of white color and gradation reproduction characteristics at the time of measurement, and measuring three items of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of profile creation In accordance with these needs, a desired measuring means can be selected and used independently. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. It is possible to perform calibration and / or profile creation.

Further, according to the program for calibrating the color monitor and the recording medium on which the program is recorded according to the present invention, the computer can measure the white color and the gradation reproduction characteristics when calibrating the color monitor. As a means, any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently, and white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are calibrated by the selected measurement means. Since a program for functioning as a means for performing is provided, by incorporating the program into a computer system, measurement means for two items of white color at the time of calibration and tone reproduction characteristics when the color monitor is calibrated As required, each of them independently selects and uses a desired measurement means. Door can be. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. Can be calibrated.

Furthermore, according to the program for creating a color monitor profile according to the present invention and the recording medium on which the program is recorded, the computer can display the white color, tone reproduction characteristics, and three primary colors when creating the profile for the color monitor. As a measure of the degree, for the measure of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, any one of visual, contact-type colorimeter, non-contact-type colorimeter, and pre-registered set values can be independently used. The three primary color chromaticity measuring means can be independently selected from a contact-type colorimeter, a non-contact-type colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value. white color by means, the tone reproduction characteristics and performs measurement of the three primary colors chromaticity comprises program to function as a means for performing profiling, write set the program to the computer system Therefore, as a measuring means in measuring three items of white tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile, a desired measuring means can be independently provided as necessary. It can be selected and used. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. It is possible to create a profile.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a measurement / adjustment apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a measurement / adjustment apparatus) for calibration and / or profile creation of a monitor according to the present invention, and a usage state thereof. Among these, 10 is a measuring / adjusting device, 11 is a main control means, 12 is an input means, 13 is a colorimeter, and 30 is a color monitor.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10 is used by being connected to a color monitor 30 that is a target of calibration and / or profile creation. The measurement / adjustment apparatus 10 includes a main control unit 11 that performs a calibration process and a profile generation process, which will be described later, and an input unit 12 including a keyboard and a mouse, although not shown in FIG. The colorimeter 13 can be connected via an appropriate interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F). Here, as described above, the color monitor 30 is an additive color mixture of R, G, and B, which are the three primary colors of light, such as a color CRT, a color liquid crystal display measurement / adjustment device, and a color plasma display display measurement / adjustment device. Any color reproduction may be used.

  As will be described later, the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10 can not only perform calibration and profile creation of the color monitor 30 but also import image data from an appropriate storage means through external communication. It is also possible to display image data on the color monitor 30.

  As the colorimeter 13, there are a contact-type colorimeter and a non-contact-type colorimeter, both of which can be connected to the main control means 11. Although the color measuring device is well known, the non-contact type color measuring device is a color measuring device capable of measuring the color of both a light emitting body such as the color monitor 30 and a reflecting material such as a printed matter or a tile in a non-contact manner. There are radiance meters and color meters. The contact-type colorimeter is a colorimeter that performs color measurement by contacting a measurement object. In FIG. 1, only one colorimeter 13 is connected to the main control means 11, but two types of colorimeters, a contact colorimeter and a non-contact colorimeter, may be connected. Needless to say.

  The main control means 11 of the measuring / adjusting apparatus 10 and the colorimeter 13 can be connected to the main control means 11 by a serial method, USB method, IEEE 1394, or other appropriate method. Use what can be controlled by. Colorimeters that can be controlled by such control means are widely known.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main control means 11 includes a calibration module 41 for calibrating a color monitor, a profile creation module 42 for creating a color monitor profile, and for calibration and profile creation. A calibration / profile comprising a setting module 43 for displaying a menu of the above, displaying a message for guiding an operator to a predetermined operation, and further requesting the operator to set various parameters through a window display A creation program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program) is incorporated in advance.

  Next, prior to the description of the specific method of color monitor calibration and the specific method of profile creation, the characteristic features of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. explain. Note that the window displays shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D are merely examples.

  When the program is started from the input means 12, the setting module 43 is first activated, and a window for selecting what kind of processing is to be executed is displayed as shown in FIG. In the window shown in FIG. 3A, when only the calibration is desired for the color monitor 30, it is sufficient to select “Calibration only” as shown in the figure and operate the “Next” button. If you only want to create a new profile, select “Profile creation only” and operate the “Next” button. If you want to perform both calibration and profile creation for the color monitor 30 Select “Both” and operate the “Next” button.

  Conventionally, color monitor calibration and profile creation are always performed as a series of processes. However, there are cases where you only want to perform calibration if necessary, and you only want to create profiles. There are cases where it is desired to perform both calibration and profile creation, and the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10 is able to meet such demands.

  When “calibration only” is selected in the window of FIG. 3A and the “next” button is operated, the setting module 43 displays the window shown in FIG. 3B. As shown in FIG. 3B, and as will be described later, in the calibration of the color monitor, calibration is performed for two items of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics. In this case, it is necessary to perform colorimetry such as a reference white color and a test pattern displayed on the color monitor 30 as described later. In the window shown in FIG. 3B, therefore, the operator is requested to select a measuring means for performing color measurement when performing calibration for each item of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics. is there.

  FIG. 3B shows a case where the visual color is selected as the measurement unit for the white color calibration, and the contact-type colorimeter is selected as the measurement unit for the calibration of the gradation reproduction characteristics. When the operator selects a contact colorimeter as the measuring means, he / she connects a contact colorimeter as the colorimeter 13 and selects a non-contact colorimeter. It is natural to connect a non-contact type colorimeter as 13. Therefore, when a contact-type colorimeter is selected as the measurement means for calibration of white color and a non-contact-type colorimeter is selected as the measurement means for calibration of gradation reproduction characteristics, the operator When the color tone is calibrated, a contact-type colorimeter is connected as the colorimeter 13, and when the gradation reproduction characteristic is calibrated, a non-contact-type colorimeter is connected.

  Conventionally, for color measurement at the time of calibration, only one measuring means of visual observation, contact-type colorimeter, or non-contact-type colorimeter can be used. 10, it is possible to select a desired measurement means as the measurement means at the time of white color calibration and the measurement means at the time of calibration of gradation reproduction characteristics as necessary.

  Then, in the window of FIG. 3B, when the measurement means is selected for each of the two items of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics and the “Next” button is operated, the setting module 43 is selected. The calibration module 41 is notified of the items. When the calibration module 41 receives the selected item from the setting module 43, the calibration module 41 executes a white color calibration process and a gradation reproduction characteristic calibration process based on the item, and the process is performed. Upon completion, the setting module 43 is notified of this, and the setting module 43 accordingly displays a message on the color monitor 30 indicating that the calibration has been completed.

  It should be noted that either the white color calibration process or the gradation reproduction characteristic calibration process may be performed first, but in the following, the white color calibration process is first performed. Once this is done, the gradation reproduction characteristics calibration process is performed next.

  Further, when executing the calibration process for two items of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics, the operator is guided to the operation or the setting of desired tone reproduction characteristics is requested. It is necessary to display a window, which will be described later.

  Next, when “profile creation only” is selected in the window of FIG. 3A and the “next” button is operated, the setting module 43 displays the window shown in FIG. . As shown in FIG. 3C, and as will be described later, in order to create a color monitor profile, measurements on three items, ie, white color, tone reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity, are required. Necessary. Therefore, in the window shown in FIG. 3C, the operator is requested to select a means for measuring each item.

  In FIG. 3C, “visually” cannot be selected as a means for measuring the RGB primary color chromaticity, because the RGB primary color chromaticity cannot be measured visually. The “setting value” of the measuring means means that a value registered in advance is used. Therefore, for example, in FIG. 3C, if “set value” is selected for “tone reproduction characteristics”, one of several previously registered gradation reproduction characteristics is selected and the selection is made. The gradation reproduction characteristics thus used are used as they are, and actually no color measurement is performed. The same applies to “white color” and “RGB primary color chromaticity”.

  FIG. 3 (c) shows the case where white color is measured by visual observation, and the measurement of two items of gradation reproduction characteristics and RGB primary color chromaticity is selected by a non-contact colorimeter. Yes. Accordingly, in the case shown in FIG. 3C, the operator needs to connect a non-contact colorimeter as the colorimeter 13. When a contact type colorimeter is selected as the measuring means for a certain item and a non-contact type colorimeter is selected for the other items, a contact type colorimeter is selected as the colorimeter 13. As described above, it is necessary to switch between connection and connection of a non-contact colorimeter.

  Conventionally, for measurement at the time of profile creation, only one measuring means of visual observation, contact-type colorimeter, or non-contact-type colorimeter can be used. Then, it is possible to select a desired measuring means independently for each of the three items of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity.

  Then, in the window of FIG. 3C, for each of the three items of white color tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity, the measurement means is selected and the “Next” button is operated. The setting module 43 notifies the profile creation module 42 of the selected item. When the profile creation module 42 receives the selected item from the setting module 43, based on the item, the profile creation module 42 performs measurement on three items of white color measurement, tone reproduction characteristic measurement, and RGB primary color chromaticity. Then, a profile for the color monitor 30 is created based on the measurement result. When the profile creation processing is completed, the setting module 43 is notified of this, and accordingly, the setting module 43 displays a message on the color monitor 30 indicating that the profile creation has been completed.

  The measurement of the three items of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity may be performed in any order. However, in the following, the measurement of the white color is performed first, and then It is assumed that the gradation reproduction characteristics are measured, and finally the RGB primary color chromaticity is measured, and a profile is created based on these measurement results.

  Also, when measuring the three items of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity, the operator is guided to the operation or the setting of desired gradation reproduction characteristics is required. It is necessary to display a window to be displayed, which will be described later.

  The case where “Calibration only” is selected as the process to be executed and the case where “Profile creation only” is selected in the window of FIG. 3A has been described above. Next, in FIG. A case where “both” is selected will be described.

  When “both” is selected in the window of FIG. 3A and the “next” button is operated, the setting module 43 displays the window shown in FIG. The window shown in FIG. 3 (d) is a combination of the window shown in FIG. 3 (b) and the window shown in FIG. 3 (c). Therefore, the operator only has to select the measurement means for each item of the two processes of calibration and profile creation in the window of FIG.

  In FIG. 3D, for the calibration process, a non-contact colorimeter is selected for the measurement of the white color, visual observation is selected for the measurement of the gradation reproduction characteristics, and the profile creation process is A case is shown in which setting values are selected for all three items of white color tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity. When a contact type colorimeter is selected as the measuring means for a certain item and a non-contact type colorimeter is selected for the other items, a contact type colorimeter is selected as the colorimeter 13. As described above, it is necessary to switch between connection and connection of a non-contact colorimeter.

  Conventionally, only one of the visual, contact-type colorimeter, and non-contact-type colorimeter can be used for calibration and profile creation. / Adjustment apparatus 10 has two items of white color and tone reproduction characteristics in calibration processing, and three items of white color, tone reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity in profile creation processing. Independently, a desired measuring means can be selected as necessary.

  Now, in the window of FIG. 3D, when the measurement means for each item is selected and the “Next” button is operated for the calibration and profile creation processes, the setting module 43 performs calibration. Calibration is also notified to the item 41 selected for processing, and the profile creation module 42 is notified of the item selected for profile creation processing. When the calibration module 41 receives the selected item from the setting module 43, the calibration module 41 executes white color calibration processing and gradation reproduction characteristic calibration processing based on the item, When the processing is completed, the setting module 43 is notified of this, and the setting module 43 displays a message indicating that the calibration is completed on the color monitor 30 accordingly.

  Further, when the profile creation module 42 receives the selected item from the setting module 43, based on the item, measurement is performed for three items of white color measurement, tone reproduction characteristic measurement, and RGB primary color chromaticity. And a profile for the color monitor 30 is created based on the measurement result. When the profile creation processing is completed, the setting module 43 is notified of this, and accordingly, the setting module 43 displays a message on the color monitor 30 indicating that the profile creation has been completed.

  Measurement of two items of white color and gradation reproduction characteristics in calibration processing, and measurement of three items of white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity in profile creation processing When performing the above, it is necessary to provide operation guidance to the operator or to display a window for requesting setting of desired gradation reproduction characteristics, which will be described later.

  As described above, according to the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10, only the calibration of the color monitor 30 can be performed, only the profile creation can be performed, both of them can be performed, and at the time of calibration As a measurement means in the measurement of the two items of white color tone and tone reproduction characteristics, and the measurement of the three items of white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics and RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of profile creation As required, a desired measurement means can be selected and used independently of each other. Therefore, by selecting the most suitable measurement means according to the purpose, the disadvantages of each measurement means are canceled out, and the color monitor that suits the purpose is better than when a single measurement means is used at all stages as in the past. Can be calibrated and / or profiled.

  If the measuring / adjusting apparatus 10 is a computer system to which a colorimeter can be connected, the program including the setting module 43, the calibration module 41, and the profile creation module 42 shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated. It can be constituted by. Accordingly, it is natural to configure the measurement / adjustment device 10 as a dedicated system for calibration and / or profile creation. In practice, however, the color image is displayed on the color monitor before actually printing. Then, the program may be incorporated into a computer system for performing color management of a color monitor such as a so-called soft proof for verifying the degree of printing. In this sense, as described above, the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10 can also capture and display image data.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the program shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated, but it is also possible to incorporate only two modules, the calibration module 41 and the setting module 43. In this case, the color monitor It is possible to construct a system that performs only the calibration process. At this time, since it is not necessary to display the windows shown in FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D, the setting module 43 displays the window shown in FIG. 3B when activated. When the measurement means is selected for each of the two items in the window and the “next” button is operated, the selected item is notified to the calibration module 41, and the calibration module 41 The calibration process may be executed based on these matters.

  Similarly, it is possible to incorporate only two modules of the profile creation module 42 and the setting module 43. In this case, a system that performs only profile creation processing for the color monitor can be constructed. At this time, since it is not necessary to display the windows shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3D, the setting module 43 displays the window shown in FIG. 3C when activated. When the measurement means is selected for each of the three items in the window and the “next” button is operated, the selected item is notified to the profile creation module 42, and the profile creation module 42 The profile creation process may be executed based on those matters.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing what effect is achieved by the combination of the measurement means for each item in the calibration process and the measurement means for each item in the profile creation process. In the sixth to eighth stages in the figure, the measurement means is “None” for the profile creation process, but this shows the case where only the calibration is performed without creating the profile. Similarly, the ninth to eleventh stages in the figure show a case where only profile creation is performed.

  In the first row of FIG. 4, the white color calibration is visually performed, and the other items are cases where a contact colorimeter is used, but the white color calibration is performed visually. This reflects the influence of ambient light such as illumination light, and the contact type colorimeter is used for the other items, so that the unstable elements of visual observation are reduced. The same applies to the other paragraphs. The effect of ambient light is reflected when a visual or non-contact colorimeter is used, and the visual instability is observed when a contact colorimeter or set values are used. The effect of reducing the elements and reducing the variation in measurement when using a visual or non-contact colorimeter is achieved.

  The characteristic items and effects of the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10 according to the present invention have been described above. Hereinafter, a specific method for color monitor calibration and a specific example of profile creation will be described. . Various methods are known for white color calibration, tone reproduction characteristics calibration, and profile creation, and each method described below is merely an example. Let me add.

(1) Configuration Example of Main Control Unit 11 First, a more detailed configuration example of the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10, particularly, a configuration example of the main control unit 11 is shown in FIG. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 5 shows only the part related to the present invention, and the others are omitted. In FIG. 5, the main control unit 11 includes a first color conversion unit 14, a second color conversion unit 15, a portion surrounded by a broken line indicated by reference numeral 20, and a control unit 18. A portion surrounded by a broken line 20 is generally called a video board or a graphic board (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as a video board). There are various configurations of the video board 20, but here, look-up tables (LUT) 16R, 16G, and 16B for determining input / output characteristics for digital color signals of R, G, and B, and digital It is assumed that each of the color signals R, G, and B is composed of D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B that convert analog signals into analog color signals.

  The first color conversion unit 14 converts RGB or CMYK of image data input from the outside into a color in a standard color space, and here, converts it into XYZ. The first color conversion unit 14 is created in advance and registered in the first color conversion unit 14. Note that the profile to be registered in the first color conversion unit 14 may be created by a known method. The profile registered in the first color conversion means 14 and the creation method thereof are not essential matters in the present invention. The second color conversion unit 15 converts XYZ, which is a color value in the standard color space, into a color in the RGB color space unique to the color monitor 30 to be calibrated and / or profile-created. A profile created by a profile creation process described later is registered.

  Note that the first color conversion unit 14 and the second color conversion unit 15 are actually software, and are performed by software using a profile in the previous stage of the video board 20, as shown in FIG.

  The LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B define input values versus output values of R, G, and B digital color signals, respectively, and input / output characteristics determined by a gradation reproduction characteristic calibration process described later are registered. Is done. The D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B convert R, G, and B digital color signals into analog color signals, respectively, and these analog color signals are input to the analog input terminal of the color monitor 30. The Here, it is assumed that the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B all include amplifiers, and the gains of these amplifiers can be controlled by the control means 18.

  Here, the video board 20 is included in the main control unit 11 of the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10, but a color monitor used for color management may have a function equivalent to that of the video board 20. Therefore, if it is possible to control the parts corresponding to the video board 20 of such a color monitor from the control means 18, those parts of the color monitor are controlled by the control means 18. However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the main control means 11 performs the conversion until the analog color signal is converted, and the color monitor 30 is connected to the D / A converter 17R, In the following description, it is assumed that RGB analog color signals, which are the outputs of 17G and 17B, are input and displayed, and the calibration is performed by controlling the video board 20 as described later.

  The control means 18 incorporates the program shown in FIG. In addition, the control unit 18 writes a profile to the second color conversion unit 15, writes input / output characteristics to the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B, and controls the gains of the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B. , RGB digital color signal output terminals are provided. In FIG. 5, RGB output from the control means 18 is input before the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B.

  The display of various windows and messages on the color monitor 30 and the display of gray scale, which will be described later, are performed by requesting the display from the calibration module 41 or the profile creation module 42 to the setting module 43. This is performed by the setting module 43 outputting the digital color signals constituting the image to be displayed from the RGB output terminal of the control means 18. In the following, it is simply described that the calibration module 41 displays a window, the calibration module 41 outputs RGB, and the like.

  The above is the outline of the configuration example of the main control unit 11. Next, an example of a calibration and profile creation method will be described. In the following, for convenience, each digital color signal of R, G, and B is expressed by 8-bit data and takes 256 gradation values from 0 to 255.

(2) White color calibration (2-1) By visual inspection In the window shown in FIG. 3 (b) or FIG. 3 (d), visual inspection is selected as the measuring means for the white color item, and the others. If the measurement means is selected and the “Next” button is operated also for the item of, the calibration module 41 starts the process of white color calibration, but first, the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B are entered. The output characteristic is cleared, the characteristic of output value = input value is written, the gain of the amplifiers of the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B is set to a predetermined value, for example, the maximum gain value, and further from the RGB output terminal , R, G, and B all output digital color signals of 255. At this time, since image data is not input from the outside, an analog color signal having the maximum amplitude is input to the color monitor 30 for both RGB.

  When calibrating the white color visually, the operator prepares a reference white object to be used as a reference white in advance, and the operator displays the white of the reference white object on the color monitor 30. Make adjustments by comparing with white. This adjustment can be performed by various methods. For example, when the color monitor 30 is provided with a brightness adjustment knob or a color balance adjustment knob, the adjustment can be performed by operating these adjustment knobs. Further, for example, it may be performed by displaying a window for adjusting the white color as shown in FIG. 6 on a part of the screen of the color monitor 30 on which white is displayed.

  In the window shown in FIG. 6, for each of RGB, a bar indicating the amplitude of the color signal as a percentage is displayed, and scroll bars 21, 22, and 23 are displayed in each bar. Then, the operator operates the scroll bars 21, 22, and 23 while comparing the white displayed on the color monitor 30 with the reference white object, and adjusts the white colors of the two to match. At this time, when the scroll bar 21, 22 or 23 is operated, the calibration module 41 takes in the change amount of which color is changed through the setting module 43, and according to the change amount. Control the gain of the corresponding color D / A converter amplifier.

  As a result, the white color displayed on the screen changes, so that the operator operates the scroll bar 21, 22 or 23 by trial and error, and the displayed white color and the white color of the reference white object. When the taste matches, the “OK” button in the window of FIG. 6 is operated. The operation of the “OK” button is notified from the setting module 43 to the calibration module 41, and the calibration module 41 holds the gains of the amplifiers of the respective D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B in the state at that time. . As a result, white color calibration is performed.

  Instead of the window as shown in FIG. 6, a window for directly inputting numerical values of gradation values for RGB or a window for inputting numerical values of gains of D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B is displayed. It will be apparent that the white color can also be calibrated.

  Here, the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B include amplifiers and control the gains of these amplifiers. However, the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B do not include amplifiers. The D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B may be respectively provided with digital color signal amplifiers to control the gains of these amplifiers, or the D / A converters 17R, 17R, 17R, Analog color signal amplifiers may be provided in the subsequent stages of 17G and 17B, and the gains of these amplifiers may be controlled. In particular, recent liquid crystal color monitors include a type in which digital color signals are directly input and displayed. When such a color monitor is used, each of the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B is used. Naturally, it is necessary to provide amplifiers for digital color signals in the preceding stage and control the gains of those amplifiers, and the digital color signals output from the amplifiers may be directly input to the color monitor. .

(2-2) Case Using Contact Colorimeter In this case, the operator prepares a reference white object, and connects the contact colorimeter as the colorimeter 13 to the I / F 19. Now, in the window shown in FIG. 3B or FIG. 3D, the contact-type colorimeter is selected as the measuring means for the white color item, and the measuring means is also selected for the other items. When the “to” button is operated, the calibration module 41 starts the white color calibration process. First, the input / output characteristics of the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B are cleared, and output value = input value. The gain of the amplifiers of the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B is set to a predetermined value, for example, the maximum gain value, and the R, G, and B gradation values are set from the RGB output terminal. Also outputs 255 digital color signals. At this time, since image data is not input from the outside, an analog color signal having the maximum amplitude is input to the color monitor 30 for both RGB.

  Then, the calibration module 41 displays a message requesting that the contact-type colorimeter is brought into contact with the reference white object on the screen of the color monitor 30, as shown in FIG. In response to this, the operator brings the contact colorimeter into contact with the reference white object and operates the “OK” button. When the “OK” button is operated, the setting module 43 displays “OK”. The calibration module 41 is notified that the button has been operated. Upon receiving this notification, the calibration module 41 gives a colorimetry instruction to the colorimeter 13 composed of a contact-type colorimeter. As a result, the contact-type colorimeter starts color measurement and notifies the calibration module 41 of the color measurement value. As a result, the calibration module 41 captures the white colorimetric value of the reference white object.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the calibration module 41 displays a message requesting that the contact-type colorimeter is brought into contact with the portion where the white color is displayed on the screen of the color monitor 30. indicate. The operator then operates the “OK” button by bringing the contact-type colorimeter into contact with the portion of the color monitor 30 where the white color is displayed. When the “OK” button is operated, The setting module 43 notifies the calibration module 41 that the “OK” button has been operated. Upon receiving this notification, the calibration module 41 gives a colorimetric instruction to the colorimeter 13. As a result, the contact-type colorimeter starts color measurement and notifies the calibration module 41 of the color measurement value.

  When the white colorimetric value of the screen is received in this way, the calibration module 41 compares the white colorimetric value of the screen with the white colorimetric value of the reference white object previously captured, If the difference is within a predetermined error range, the currently displayed white is assumed to be the same as the white of the reference white object, and the gains of the amplifiers of the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B are maintained as they are. Then, the white color calibration process ends.

  However, if the difference between the white colorimetric value of the screen and the white colorimetric value of the reference white object is outside the range of the predetermined error, the calibration module 41 is the amplifier of the D / A converter 17R. , The gain of the amplifier of the D / A converter 17G, and / or the gain of the amplifier of the D / A converter 17B is changed to display new white. At this time, the gradation values of R, G, and B output from the control means 18 are not changed and all remain 255.

  Then, the calibration module 41 gives the colorimetry instruction to the colorimeter 13 again, takes in a new white colorimetric value from the colorimeter 13, and obtains the white colorimetric value of the screen and the white color of the reference white object. The colorimetric values are compared to determine whether the difference between the two is within a predetermined error range or out of the predetermined range. If the difference is out of the error range, the calibration module 41 further includes a D / A converter 17R, The operation of displaying any new white by controlling one or more of 17G and 17B and measuring the color is repeated.

  In other words, in this process, the calibration module 41 controls one or more of the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B to display white, and the colorimetric value and the white measurement of the reference white object are displayed. The operation of comparing the color values is repeated on a trial and error basis until the difference between the two colorimetric values falls within the error range. As processing at this time, for example, when the colorimetric values of the two are compared and the displayed white is more red than the white of the reference white object, the gain of the amplifier of the R D / A converter 17R On the contrary, if the displayed red color is small, the gain of the amplifier of the D / A converter 17R may be increased.

  When the white colorimetric value of the screen falls within the range of error from the white colorimetric value of the reference white object, the calibration module 41 determines that the white color of both coincides, and D / A While maintaining the gains of the amplifiers of the converters 17R, 17G, and 17B as they are, a message (not shown) indicating that the calibration of the white color has been completed is sent to the color monitor 30 via the setting module 43. On the screen.

(2-3) Case of using a non-contact type colorimeter In the window shown in FIG. 3B or FIG. 3D, a non-contact type colorimeter is selected as the measuring means for the item of white color, and the others. When the measurement means is selected and the “Next” button is operated with respect to the item, the calibration module 41 starts the white color calibration process. The process at this time depends on the measurement method to be used. This is the same as the case of using the contact-type colorimeter described above except that the colorimeter is different. However, the message displayed on the color monitor 30 at this time is, first, as shown in FIG. 8A, a message for requesting the non-contact type colorimeter to be directed to the reference white object is displayed in a window. When the “Next” button is operated, a message requesting to point the non-contact colorimeter toward the white portion of the screen is displayed in a window as shown in FIG.

(3) Calibration of gradation reproduction characteristics The above is the white color calibration when visual, contact-type colorimeter, or non-contact-type colorimeter is used as the measurement means, and the white color tone When the calibration is completed, the calibration module 41 next performs gradation reproduction characteristic calibration. When the calibration process of the gradation reproduction characteristics is started, each LUT 16R, 16G, 16B is in a cleared state, that is, a characteristic in which output value = input value, and each D / A converter 17R. , 17G, and 17B, the gains of the amplifiers are held at the values set by the white color calibration.

(3-1) Visual inspection In the window shown in FIG. 3 (b) or FIG. 3 (d), visual observation is selected as the measuring means for the gradation reproduction characteristic item, and the measuring means is also selected for the other items. When the “Next” button is operated and a notification to that effect is received from the setting module 43, the calibration module 41 first executes white color calibration processing, and when this is finished, the tone reproduction characteristics Start the calibration process.

  Various processes for the calibration of the gradation reproduction characteristic by visual observation are known, and the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, or 4 can be used. An example of the calibration process will be briefly described.

  First, the calibration module 41 displays a window for requesting input of a desired γ value as shown in FIG. In this window, when the operator inputs a desired γ value and operates the “Next” button, the input γ value is notified from the setting module 43 to the calibration module 41, and the calibration module 41 is input. Store the γ value.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, the calibration module 41 passes the setting module 43 to the color monitor 30 so that the background color is black (a portion in the figure) and the central portion is variable red ( A measurement screen (part b) (value is R) is displayed together with the scroll bar 24. When the scroll bar 24 is operated on this screen, the calibration module 41 detects the amount of change in R by the scroll bar 24 via the setting module 43 and outputs from the control means 18 according to the amount of change. Change the value of. Accordingly, the portion indicated by b in FIG. 9 can be changed from black (R = G = B = 0) to red (R = 255, G = B = 0).

  Then, the operator ends the operation of the scroll bar 24 at the position where the part b in FIG. 9B starts to change from black to red, and operates the “Next” button. Thus, the value of R output from the control means 18 at this time is stored as the offset amount αr between black and red. Similarly, the calibration module 41 obtains an offset amount αg between black and green and an offset amount αb between black and blue.

  Then, the calibration module 41 creates a table of input gamma characteristics of the previously inputted γ values for each of R, G, and B based on the obtained offset amounts αr, αg, αb, and the created inputs. The gamma characteristic tables are written in the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B, respectively. Note that when the input gamma characteristic table is created, the input gamma characteristic table always passes through the point (input value = 255, output value = 255). This completes the gradation reproduction characteristic calibration.

  FIG. 9C shows an example of the gamma curve created. A curve indicated by a thick solid line in FIG. 9C shows an example of an input gamma characteristic table created for R and written in the LUT 16R. The thick broken line in the figure passes through the point where output = input = 0. , Shows a curve having an input γ value.

(3-2) Case of using a contact-type colorimeter In the window shown in FIG. 3B or FIG. 3D, a contact-type colorimeter is selected as a measurement means for the item of gradation reproduction characteristics, and other items. When the measurement means is selected and the “next” button is operated and a notification to that effect is received from the setting module 43, the calibration module 41 first executes a white color calibration process, When this is completed, the gradation reproduction characteristic calibration process is started. At this time, the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B are in a cleared state, that is, output values = input values, and the gains of the amplifiers of the D / A converters 17R, 17G, and 17B are as follows. The value set in the calibration of the white color is held.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the calibration module 41 requests that the colorimeter be brought into contact with the central portion of the screen of the color monitor 30 and a window for requesting input of a desired γ value. indicate. Then, when the operator touches the central portion of the screen as the colorimeter 13 and inputs a desired γ value and operates the “Next” button, the input γ value is set in the setting module 43. Is sent to the calibration module 41, and the calibration module 41 stores the input γ value.

  Next, the calibration module 41 outputs RGB of a predetermined value from the control means 18 to the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B. At this time, the values of R, G, B are all the same (R = G = B). Accordingly, a gray scale corresponding to the signal value is displayed at the center of the screen of the color monitor 30.

  When the gray scale is displayed, the calibration module 41 gives a color measurement instruction to the colorimeter 13 and takes in a colorimetric value from the colorimeter 13. The calibration module 41 changes the RGB values in various ways to repeat gray scale display and color measurement. The number of gray scales to be displayed can be arbitrarily determined. As the number of gray scales increases, the gradation reproduction characteristics can be determined with higher accuracy.

  When the calibration module 41 finishes displaying a predetermined number of gray scales and performing color measurement, the calibration module 41 determines the gradation value of the input signal in the color monitor 30 and the actual value based on the color measurement value and the gray scale signal value. A gradation reproduction characteristic indicating a relationship with display luminance, specifically, a relationship between input signal gradation value and display luminance is obtained. Next, the calibration module 41 compares the gradation reproduction characteristic with a gradation reproduction characteristic for realizing a gamma characteristic of a γ value input in advance. In order to make the luminance actually displayed on the color monitor 30 on the gamma characteristic of the input γ value when G and B are output, how should be changed by the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B. Create a table to determine what.

  An outline of this process will be described. Now, for example, the gamma curve having the γ value input in the window of FIG. 10A is as shown by the broken line in FIG. 10B, and was obtained by actually measuring a predetermined number of gray scales. It is assumed that the smoothed curve obtained by plotting the relationship between the input signal gradation characteristic to the color monitor 30 and the colorimetric luminance is as shown by the solid line in FIG. At this time, paying attention to a certain input signal gradation value K1, the actual colorimetric luminance is different from the luminance Q to be displayed because it is not on the dashed gamma curve. In this case, the calibration module 41 has an input signal that becomes a luminance Q to be displayed when the input signal tone value K1 is input on the solid line input signal tone value vs. colorimetric luminance curve. Find the tone value. In this case, K2. Therefore, the calibration module 41 is set to output a signal having a gradation value of K2 when the gradation value of the input signal is K1 in each table of the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B. As a result, when the R, G, and B gradation values of a pixel having image data are K1, the gradation values of signals output from the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B are K2, and are displayed on the color monitor 30. The luminance is Q.

  The above processing is performed for all input signal gradation values. As a result, a table in which the gradation value of the output signal is associated with the gradation value of the input signal for all gradation values is obtained, and the calibration module 41 writes this table in the LUTs 16R, 16G, and 16B. . Therefore, in this process, all three LUTs LUT16R, 16G, and 16B are the same. This completes the gradation reproduction characteristic calibration process using the contact colorimeter.

(3-3) Case of using a non-contact type colorimeter In the window shown in FIG. 3B or FIG. 3D, a non-contact type colorimeter is selected as a measurement means for the item of gradation reproduction characteristics, and the others. When the measurement means is selected and the “Next” button is operated also for the item of, the calibration module 41 first executes a white color calibration process, and when that is finished, the tone reproduction characteristics The calibration process is started, but the process at this time is the same as when the above-described contact-type colorimeter is used except that the colorimeter to be used is different. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the message displayed on the color monitor 30 at this time is a message requesting the non-contact colorimeter to be directed to the reference white object and requesting the input of the γ value.

(4) Profile Creation When CIE XYZ is used as the standard color space, signals with gradation values R, G, B are input to the color monitor 30 and the color actually displayed on the color monitor 30 at that time is measured. It is known that when the color values are X, Y, and Z, X, Y, and Z are expressed as determinants expressed by the following equation (1).

Here, γ is a gamma value, XR, YR, and ZR are colorimetric chromaticities when only a red primary color (R = 255, G = B = 0) is displayed, and XG, YG, and ZG are green primary colors (R = 0, G = 255, B = 0) only when the colorimetric chromaticity is displayed, XB, YB, ZB are the measurements when only the blue primary color (R = 255, G = B = 0) is displayed. Color chromaticity.

  That is, the expression (1) represents the colorimetric values X, Y, and Z of the color displayed when the signals having the gradation values of R, G, and B are input to the color monitor 30, respectively. Is the first color conversion means for converting the color of the color space of RGB unique to the color monitor 30 into the color of the standard color space of CIE XYZ in the profile of the color monitor 30. Then, the color obtained by solving the equation (1) for R, G, and B is another color conversion means of the profile, and the color in the standard color space of CIE XYZ is represented by the RGB color unique to the color monitor 30. This is the second color conversion means for performing color conversion to the color of the space.

  Accordingly, in profile creation, the profile creation module 42 obtains the expression (1) to create the first color conversion means, and further solves it for R, G, B to create the second color conversion means. Then, a process of writing them to the second color conversion means 15 shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

  In order to obtain equation (1), it is necessary to first measure the chromaticity of the three primary colors RGB. This is because it is necessary to obtain XR, YR, ZR, XG, YG, ZG, XB, YB, ZB in the formula (1). Also, for creating a profile, the tone reproduction characteristics of the target color monitor 30 must be in a desired state. Furthermore, although it is not reflected in the equation (1), it is necessary to measure the white color because the white value must be described in the ICC standard. Thus, when creating a profile, it is necessary to measure three items: measurement of white color, measurement of gradation reproduction characteristics, and chromaticity of the three primary colors of RGB.

  When calibration is already completed at the time of profile creation, as in the case where “both” is selected in the window shown in FIG. It is not necessary to measure the reproduction characteristics. The white value and the γ value are the white value measured at the time of calibration and the γ value input at the time of calibration from the calibration module 41 to the profile creation module 42. It is only necessary to measure the RGB primary color chromaticity as notified. However, when calibration is not yet performed at the time of profile creation, or when calibration is performed but measurement is desired again, white value measurement and gradation reproduction characteristic measurement are performed.

  Now, for each of the three items of profile creation processing in the window of FIG. 3 (c), when the measurement means is selected and the “Next” button is operated, this is indicated from the setting module 43 to the profile creation module 42. The profile creation module 42 starts the profile creation process.

  Further, in the window shown in FIG. 3D, when a measurement unit is selected for each of two items of calibration processing and three items of profile creation processing, and the “Next” button is operated, That is notified from the setting module 43 to the calibration module 41 and the profile creation module 42. First, the calibration module 41 executes the calibration process, and when the calibration module 41 ends, the profile creation module 42 Thus, the profile creation module 42 starts the profile creation process.

  Here, it is assumed that the profile creation process is performed in the order of white color measurement, gradation reproduction characteristic measurement, and RGB three primary color chromaticity measurement.

(4-1) Measurement of white color The measurement of white color is based on the above-described white color when visual, contact colorimeter or non-contact colorimeter is selected as the measurement means. This is the same as the taste calibration, and in the case of visual observation, for example, the RGB value set in the window of FIG. 6 may be a white value. When a contact-type colorimeter or a non-contact-type colorimeter is used, as described above, white is displayed on the screen of the color monitor 30, and the white colorimetric value is set as a white value. To do.

  As described above, the profile creation module 42 performs the same process as the process performed by the calibration module 41 with respect to the measurement of the white color.

  A case where a set value is selected as a measure for white color will be described. When the set value is selected as the white color measurement means, the profile creation module 42 displays a window displaying the pre-registered white value, as shown in FIG. The white value selected in this is written in the profile as it is as a white value.

Note that, when the user selects to create a profile following calibration, as in the case where “both” is selected in the window shown in FIG. 3A, for example, as shown in FIG. In addition to the previously registered white value, the white value measured during calibration can be selected. Then, when “value at the time of calibration” is selected as shown in FIG. 12B, the profile creation module 42 requests the calibration module 41 to notify the white value measured at the time of calibration. When it is obtained, the white value is directly written into the profile.
(4-2) Measurement of gradation reproduction characteristics The gradation reproduction characteristics are measured when the visual, contact colorimeter or non-contact colorimeter is selected as the measuring means. The characteristic calibration is the same as that shown in FIG. 9 (a) when visually observed, and the input γ value is shown in FIG. 10 (a) when a contact colorimeter is used. Is displayed, and when the non-contact colorimeter is used, the window shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, and the input γ value is expressed by equation (1). Used as the value of γ.

  As described above, the profile creation module 42 performs the same process as the process performed by the calibration module 41 for the measurement of the gradation reproduction characteristics.

  When the setting value is selected as the means for measuring the gradation reproduction characteristics, the setting value is the same as when the setting value is selected as the means for measuring the white color, and the profile creation module 42 is shown in FIG. As described above, the γ value registered in advance is displayed in a window, and the selected γ value is set as the γ value in the equation (1).

  Further, when “both” is selected in the window shown in FIG. 3A, when a profile creation is selected following calibration, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B. In addition to the previously registered γ value, the γ value measured during calibration can be selected. Then, when “value at the time of calibration” is selected as shown in FIG. 13B, the profile creation module 42 is input from the calibration module 41 by the γ value measured at the time of calibration, that is, input by the operator. When the notification of the γ value is requested and obtained, the γ value is used as the γ value in the equation (1).

(4-3) Measurement of RGB primary color chromaticity When the contact-type colorimeter is selected as the measurement means for RGB primary color chromaticity, the profile creation module 42 uses the colorimeter in the same manner as shown in FIG. Displays a message requesting that the screen touches the screen of the color monitor 30, and when the “OK” button is operated in the window, the control means controls the primary color of red (R = 255, G = B = 0). 18 and gives a colorimetry instruction to the colorimeter 13 to take in the colorimetric values, and these colorimetric values are set as XR, YR, ZR in the matrix on the right side of the equation (1).

  Next, the profile creation module 42 outputs green primary colors (R = 0, G = 255, B = 0) from the control means 18, gives a colorimetric instruction to the colorimeter 13, and obtains a colorimetric value. This colorimetric value is taken as XG, YG, ZG in the matrix on the right side of equation (1). Next, the profile creation module 42 outputs the blue primary color (R = G = 0, B = 255) from the control means 18, gives a colorimetric instruction to the colorimeter 13, takes in the colorimetric value, These colorimetric values are set as XB, YB, ZB in the matrix on the right side of equation (1).

  The processing when the non-contact colorimeter is selected as the measurement means for the RGB primary color chromaticity is that the colorimeter to be used is only the non-contact colorimeter, and the processing itself is the same as the above-described contact-type colorimeter. The process is the same as that used.

  When the set value is selected as the measurement means for the RGB primary color chromaticity, the profile creation module 42 displays the pre-registered RGB primary color chromaticity values in a window as shown in FIG. The values of the three primary color chromaticities are used as values in the 3 × 3 matrix on the right side of equation (1). In FIG. 14, the three primary color chromaticity values measured in advance for the three color monitors A, B, and C are displayed, and the primary color chromaticity can be selected by designating the color monitor in this window. Has been made.

(4-4) Profile Creation Once the white value, tone reproduction characteristics, that is, the γ value, and the RGB primary color chromaticity are obtained in this way, the profile creation module 42 converts the expression (1) to the first color. Conversion means is obtained, and further, the second color conversion means is obtained by solving the equation (1) for RGB, and these two color conversion means are written in the second color conversion means 15. This completes the profile creation process. Since the second color conversion means 15 performs color conversion from XYZ to RGB, only the second color conversion means is used in actual color conversion.

  As described above, according to the present invention, only color monitor calibration can be performed, only profile creation can be performed, both of them can be performed, and white at the time of calibration can also be performed. As a measurement means for measuring two items of color and tone reproduction characteristics, and measuring three items of white color, tone reproduction characteristics, and RGB primary color chromaticity at the time of profile creation, these needs are necessary. Accordingly, there is provided a method and an apparatus that can independently select and use a desired measurement means.

It is a figure which shows the outline of a structure of the measurement / adjustment apparatus for calibration and / or profile creation of the monitor based on this invention, and its use condition. It is a figure which shows the calibration / profile creation program integrated in the main control means. It is a figure which shows the example of the window display for demonstrating the characteristic matter in this invention. It is a figure which shows what kind of effect is show | played by the combination of the measurement means of each item in the process of calibration, and the measurement means of each item in the process of profile creation. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the measurement / adjustment apparatus 10, in particular, a configuration example of the main control means 11. It is a figure which shows the example of the window displayed in the case of calibration of the white color visually. It is a figure which shows the example of the window displayed in the case of the calibration of the white color | tone using a contact-type colorimeter. It is a figure which shows the example of the window displayed in the case of the calibration of the color of white using a non-contact type colorimeter. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the window displayed in the case of the calibration of the gradation reproduction characteristic by visual observation, and explaining the process at this time. It is a figure for demonstrating the process at this time while showing the example of the window displayed in the case of the calibration of the gradation reproduction characteristic by a contact-type colorimeter. It is a figure which shows the example of the window displayed in the case of the calibration of the gradation reproduction characteristic by a non-contact type colorimeter. It is a figure which shows the example of the window displayed when a setting value is selected as a white color measurement means in profile creation. It is a figure which shows the example of the window displayed when a setting value is selected as a measurement means of a gradation reproduction characteristic in profile creation. It is a figure which shows the example of the window displayed when a setting value is selected as a measurement means of RGB three primary color chromaticity in profile creation.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Measuring / adjusting device 11 ... Main control means 12 ... Input means 13 ... Colorimeter 14 ... First color conversion means 15 ... Second color conversion means 16R, 16G, 16B ... LUT
17R, 17G, 17B ... D / A converter 18 ... control means 19 ... I / F
20 ... Video board 30 ... Color monitor

Claims (12)

Calibration and profile creation for color monitors is possible,
As a measurement method for calibration of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics for color monitors, either visual, contact-type colorimeter or non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently. Calibrate the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measuring means,
As a means for measuring white color tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, as for a means for measuring white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, visual, contact-type colorimeters, respectively. , Non-contact type colorimeter, any one of pre-registered set values can be selected independently, and the three primary color chromaticity measuring means are contact type colorimeter, non-contact type colorimeter, pre-registered Any of the set values can be independently selected, and the profile is created by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means. Monitor calibration and profiling methods. An apparatus for color monitor calibration and profile creation,
A means for selecting whether to perform only calibration, only profile creation, or both calibration and profile creation;
As a measurement method for calibration of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics for color monitors, either visual, contact-type colorimeter or non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently. Means for calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measuring means;
As a means for measuring white color tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, as for a means for measuring white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, visual, contact-type colorimeters, respectively. , Non-contact type colorimeter, any one of pre-registered set values can be selected independently, and the three primary color chromaticity measuring means are contact type colorimeter, non-contact type colorimeter, pre-registered Any one of the set values can be selected independently, and a means for creating a profile by measuring white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means. A device that performs calibration and profile creation of a characteristic color monitor. The color monitor can be calibrated,
As a measurement method for calibration of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics for color monitors, either visual, contact-type colorimeter or non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently. A color monitor calibration method comprising calibrating white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics by a selected measuring means. An apparatus for calibrating a color monitor,
As a measurement method for calibration of white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics for color monitors, either visual, contact-type colorimeter or non-contact-type colorimeter can be selected independently. An apparatus for calibrating a color monitor, comprising means for calibrating white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics by a selected measuring means. Profile creation for color monitors is possible,
As a means for measuring white color tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, as for a means for measuring white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, visual, contact-type colorimeters, respectively. , Non-contact type colorimeter, any one of pre-registered set values can be selected independently, and the three primary color chromaticity measuring means are contact type colorimeter, non-contact type colorimeter, pre-registered Any of the set values can be independently selected, and the profile is created by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means. How to create a monitor profile. An apparatus for creating a color monitor profile,
As a means for measuring white color tone, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, as for a means for measuring white color tone and gradation reproduction characteristics, visual, contact-type colorimeters, respectively. , Non-contact type colorimeter, any one of pre-registered set values can be selected independently, and the three primary color chromaticity measuring means are contact type colorimeter, non-contact type colorimeter, pre-registered Any one of the set values can be independently selected, and a profile is created by measuring the white color tone, tone reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means. A device that creates a color monitor profile. A color monitor calibration and profile creation program,
The computer, the program for either perform only calibrated to function as a means for selecting whether or not to perform only the profile creation, or to both calibration and profile generation,
Independently select either visual, contact-type colorimeter, or non-contact-type colorimeter as the measurement method when calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics of the computer . A program capable of functioning as a means for calibrating white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measuring means;
As a means for measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, the measuring means for white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are respectively visual and contact type. Any one of a colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and a contact colorimeter or a non-contact colorimeter can be used as a measure for measuring the three primary chromaticities. Any of the pre-registered set values can be independently selected, and functions as a means for creating a profile by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means And a program for calibrating a color monitor and creating a profile. A program for calibrating a color monitor,
Independently select either visual, contact-type colorimeter, or non-contact-type colorimeter as the measurement method when calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics of the computer . A program for calibrating a color monitor, comprising a program that is capable of functioning as a means for calibrating white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by a selected measuring means. A program to create a color monitor profile,
As a means for measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, the measuring means for white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are respectively visual and contact type. Any one of a colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and a contact colorimeter or a non-contact colorimeter can be used as a measure for measuring the three primary chromaticities. Any of the pre-registered set values can be independently selected, and functions as a means for creating a profile by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means A program for creating a profile of a color monitor, comprising a program for causing The computer, the program for either perform only calibrated to function as a means for selecting whether or not to perform only the profile creation, or to both calibration and profile generation,
Independently select either visual, contact-type colorimeter, or non-contact-type colorimeter as the measurement method when calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics of the computer . A program capable of functioning as a means for calibrating white color and gradation reproduction characteristics by the selected measuring means;
As a means for measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, the measuring means for white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are respectively visual and contact type. Any one of a colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and a contact colorimeter or a non-contact colorimeter can be used as a measure for measuring the three primary chromaticities. Any of the pre-registered set values can be independently selected, and functions as a means for creating a profile by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means recording medium recording program for calibration and profiling recorded color monitor program <br/> for causing. Independently select either visual, contact-type colorimeter, or non-contact-type colorimeter as the measurement method when calibrating the white color and gradation reproduction characteristics of the computer . A recording medium that records a program for calibrating a color monitor that records a program that allows the selected measuring means to function as a means for calibrating white color and gradation reproduction characteristics. As a means for measuring white color, gradation reproduction characteristics, and three primary color chromaticity at the time of creating a profile for a color monitor, the measuring means for white color and gradation reproduction characteristics are respectively visual and contact type. Any one of a colorimeter, a non-contact colorimeter, and a pre-registered set value can be selected independently, and a contact colorimeter or a non-contact colorimeter can be used as a measure for measuring the three primary chromaticities. Any of the pre-registered set values can be independently selected, and functions as a means for creating a profile by measuring the white color, gradation reproduction characteristics and three primary color chromaticities by the selected measuring means recording medium recording a program for profiling recorded color monitor a program for.

Images