JP4701127B2 - Common color reproduction range determination device, common color reproduction range determination method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, a program, and a recording medium for determining a color reproduction range when outputting image data used by a user.

  Conventionally, a color management system (color management system) for managing color information to be handled when an image is processed using a computer or a computer network has been introduced. In the color management system, management such as conversion of color information in image data is performed in order to cause an output device such as a connected display or printer to perform proper color reproduction.

  For example, when image data created and edited while confirming an image on a display is output and printed by a printer or the like, color information is mapped between the display and the printer. At this time, the range of colors that can be reproduced on the display (the range in the color space) is called the “color reproduction range” of the display. If the “color reproduction range” of the display exceeds the color reproduction range of the printer, the color information of the image data edited while viewing the display is color space compressed into the color reproduction range of the printer.

  However, when multiple output devices are connected to the computer, for example, when multiple printers are connected, it is necessary to perform color space compression suitable for each printer. Compression processing is required. Therefore, by performing color space compression, the hue reproduced for each printer is slightly different.

  In particular, when image data is shared by a plurality of users and the image recording apparatuses to be used are different, there is a problem that the color of the image output from the image recording apparatus is different and confusion is likely to occur.

  For this reason, the invention according to Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for obtaining a common color reproduction range of a printer connected to a network and limiting the color range of image data to be handled within the common color reproduction range in advance. Yes. According to this method, the color reproduction range used in printing can be made common.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique for designating a printer connected to a network, obtaining a common color reproduction range of the designated printer, and compressing an input image signal to the common color reproduction range. . According to this method, since the color reproduction range is made common only by the designated printer, it is possible to suppress the common color reproduction range from being narrowed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-157069 JP 2003-60925 A

  According to the method of Patent Document 1, since all printers connected to the network are targeted, there is a drawback that the common color reproduction range tends to be narrow.

  According to the method of Patent Document 2, although a single user can manage a plurality of printers, there is a problem that sharing of printer designation information among a plurality of users is not considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a common color reproduction range when unifying the color of the image data output by the image recording apparatus based on the color reproduction range common to the image recording apparatus. The purpose is to minimize the compression of.

The invention according to claim 1 is a common color reproduction range determination device for accumulating image data and managing a user's access right to the image data, wherein the specific access right for predetermined image data and the image data An image data access right management table for storing a relationship with a user having a user attribute, a user attribute information management table for storing a color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus usable by the user and the user, and an image data access A user extraction means for extracting a user having a specific access right to the image data to be recorded with reference to the right management table, and a use extracted by the user extraction means with reference to the user attribute information management table A color reproduction range extracting unit that extracts a color reproduction range of an image recording apparatus usable by a user, and a color extracted by the color reproduction range extracting unit It determines the color reproduction range which is common to the current range, which is a common color gamut determination apparatus characterized by having a color reproduction range determining means for color reproduction range of the image data.

The invention according to claim 2, wherein the specific access rights is the common color reproduction range determination apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the access rights of a read access to the image data which is the recording target .

The invention according to claim 3, wherein the specific access rights is the common color reproduction range determination apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the access rights of a write access to the image data which is the recording target .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first notifying unit for notifying about color reproduction when a user who does not have the writing authority accesses the image data to be recorded. 3 is a common color reproduction range determination device according to item 3 .

The invention according to claim 5 determines whether or not the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus used by the user who does not have the writing authority includes the determined common color reproduction range of the image data to be recorded. 2. A color reproduction range inclusion determination unit for determining, and when the color reproduction range inclusion determination unit determines that the color reproduction range is included, the first notification unit does not perform notification regarding color reproduction. 3 is a common color reproduction range determination device according to item 3 .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an access right setting means for setting an access right for predetermined image data stored in the color reproduction range determining device and an access right for the image data are changed by the access right setting means. when the, to the user having access to the image data, and second notification means for notification about color reproduction, in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a It is a common color reproduction range determination apparatus of description .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the access right to the image data is changed by the access right setting means, color reproduction range coincidence determining means for determining whether or not the common color reproduction range before and after the change coincides. Further, the second notification unit does not perform notification regarding color reproduction when the color reproduction range match determination unit determines that the common color reproduction range before and after the change matches. Item 7. The common color reproduction range determination device according to Item 6 .

The invention according to claim 8 is a common color reproduction range determination method for accumulating image data and managing a user's access right to the image data, the image data access right management table including predetermined image data and The relationship between a user having a specific access right to the image data is stored, and the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus usable by the user and the user is stored in the user attribute information management table. The user extraction step for extracting a user having a specific access right for the recording target image data with reference to the image data access right management table, and the user attribute information management table for referring to the user extraction step In the color reproduction range extraction step of extracting the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus that can be used by the user extracted in step 1, and in the color reproduction range extraction step It determines the color reproduction range which is common to the color reproduction range that has issued a common color gamut determination method characterized by having a color reproduction range determination step of the color reproduction range of the image data.

The invention according to claim 9 is the common color reproduction range determination method according to claim 8 , wherein the specific access right is an access right having a read right to the image data to be recorded. .

The invention according to claim 10 is the common color reproduction range determination method according to claim 8 , wherein the specific access right is an access right having a write right to the image data to be recorded. .

The invention according to claim 11 includes a first notifying step of notifying about color reproduction when a user who does not have the write authority accesses the image data to be recorded. 10. The common color reproduction range determination method according to 10 .

The invention according to claim 12 determines whether or not the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus used by the user who does not have the writing authority includes the determined common color reproduction range of the image data to be recorded. 2. A color reproduction range inclusion determination step for determining, wherein when it is determined that the color reproduction range inclusion determination step includes the color reproduction range inclusion determination step, notification regarding color reproduction is not performed in the first notification step. 10. The common color reproduction range determination method according to 10 .

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the access right to the image data is changed by the access right setting step of setting the access right of the predetermined image data stored in the color reproduction range determining device and the access right setting means. when the, to the user having access to the image data, a second notification step of a notification about color reproduction, in any one of claims 8 12, characterized in that it has a This is the common color reproduction range determination method described .

The invention according to claim 14 includes a color reproduction range coincidence determining step for determining whether or not the common color reproduction range before and after the change coincides when the access right to the image data is changed by the access right setting step. In addition, when it is determined by the color reproduction range matching determination step that the common color reproduction ranges before and after the change match, notification regarding color reproduction is not performed in the second notification step. 14. The common color reproduction range determination method according to item 13 .

A fifteenth aspect of the invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the common color reproduction range determining method according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects .

The invention according to claim 16 is a recording medium in which the program according to claim 15 is recorded.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when determining a common color reproduction range of a plurality of image recording apparatuses, it is possible to record image data as a recording target based on the image data as a recording target. An image recording apparatus is selected, and a common color reproduction range common to each color reproduction range of the selected apparatus is determined. Therefore, there is no need to consider the color reproduction range of the unnecessary image recording apparatus, and there is an effect that unnecessary reduction of the common color reproduction range can be prevented.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a system for outputting image data using a common color reproduction range common to each image recording apparatus when the color reproduction range determination apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by a computer server 101. FIG.
The color reproduction range determination device is realized by a computer server 101 that stores image data and the like. The computer server 101 includes client terminals 102 and 103 for accessing image data stored in the computer server 101, image recording devices 104 and 105 for outputting image data, and the like, each connected to a LAN 106. The LAN 106 is connected via a router 107 to a WAN / Internet 108 that is a network connecting remote locations. Further, a second LAN 110 is connected to the WAN / Internet 108 via a router 109, and client terminals 111 and 112 and an image recording device 113 are connected to the LAN 110. The image recording apparatus is not only connected to the LAN, but may be connected via the client terminal 102 like the image recording apparatus 114.

In this embodiment, a case where a digital color copying machine is used as an image recording apparatus will be described. However, the image recording apparatus in this embodiment is not limited to a digital color copying machine. For example, a printer, a FAX, or the like may be used.
Further, the present invention can be applied to an image display device such as a monitor instead of the image recording device, and the present invention can also be applied to both the image recording device and the image display device. .

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the computer server 101 that realizes the color reproduction range determining apparatus according to the present embodiment. The computer server 101 includes a display 201, an arithmetic processing unit 202, a keyboard 203, and the like. The arithmetic processing unit 202 includes a CPU 204 that operates according to a program, a ROM 205 in which basic programs are written, a RAM 206 that temporarily stores various programs and various data, and a large-capacity storage device that stores various programs and various data. A hard disk device (HDD) 207, a network interface controller (NLC) 208 that communicates with other client terminals 102 and the image recording device 104 on the network (LAN), and various I / F circuits 209, 210, and 211. They are connected by a bus 209 or the like. The above-described user information including image data, access right setting information, and image recording device information is stored in a hard disk device (HDD) 207, and management according to the program is executed.

  The basic configuration of the client terminal 102 according to the present invention is the same as that of the computer server 101 except that the programs and data stored in the hard disk device 207 are different and there is a difference in capacity. .

  The computer server 101 not only stores image data, but also performs access management for allowing a plurality of users to share image data and for eliminating access by outsiders. Image data access management is performed for each data file (including a database that is a set of data files from the smallest data file that can hold image data), and for each user who has access rights (sometimes a collection of users). Is set and implemented.

  Furthermore, an image data access right management DB and a user attribute information management DB (not shown) are constructed in the HDD 207 of the computer server 101.

  Among these, the image data access right management DB is composed of an image data access right management table having a layout as shown in FIG. 3, and is a DB for managing image data and users who have access rights to the image data in association with each other. It is.

  Further, the user attribute information management DB is configured by a user attribute information management table having a layout as shown in FIG. 4, and is a DB for managing each attribute information in a state associated with the user ID.

Examples of access rights managed by the above-described image data access right management table include:
"Reading" that can only read the data file itself on the computer server 101
"Writing" that can read and write the data file itself on the computer server 101
・ In addition to "write", "full control" that can change access rights
The access right necessary to share the data file is appropriately given to each user. The computer server 101 manages the access right setting information together with the data file, and permits the corresponding access only to the user having the access right. The access right relates to the data file on the computer server 101 shared with other users. That is, it does not determine whether a user having the “read” access right can write (edit) an image downloaded to the client terminal 102. It is defined that a user having the “read” access right cannot write (edit, upload) to a data file on the computer server 101.

  The types of access rights described above are examples for carrying out the present invention, and are also provided in a general data management system. For example, Windows (registered trademark) 2000 and the like deal with finer types of access rights, and the present invention can be applied to such types.

  The user usually accesses the image data of the computer server 101 from the client terminals 102, 103 or 111, 112 or the like. In order for the user to access the image data of the computer server 101, it is necessary to first obtain user authentication. For example, when a user inputs a user ID and password from the client terminal 102 (for example, 102), the client terminal 102 sends the user ID and password to the computer server 101, and collates with the user information held by the computer server 101. If the combination of ID and password matches, authentication is successful.

  In many cases, the user information held by the computer server 101 includes a group, post, department, and the like in addition to the user ID and password. In this embodiment, the user information of the image recording device 104 used by the user is included. Contains information. Here, the information of the image recording apparatus 104 is information regarding the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus 104, and corresponds to, for example, the ICC profile of the image recording apparatus 104. Note that the information of the image recording device 104 is not necessarily information that can directly obtain the color reproduction range. For example, the model information of the image recording apparatus 104 may be used, and the relationship between the model information and the color reproduction range may be managed separately, and the color reproduction range may be derived from the model information.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a mechanism part of a digital color copying machine which is an example of an image recording apparatus 104 used by being connected to the color reproduction range determination apparatus according to the present embodiment via a network. In this digital color copying machine, a bundle of documents is placed on a document table 502 of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 501 provided at the top of the copying machine main body, and a print is started on the operation unit. When the key is pressed, the lowermost document is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 506 by the feeding roller 503 and the feeding belt 504. When the feeding of one original is completed, it has a counting function for counting up the number of originals. The fed document is read by the reading unit 550 to read the image data of the document on the contact glass 506, and the document that has been read is discharged by the feeding belt 504 and the discharge roller 505. Further, when the document set detection device 507 detects that the next document is on the document table 502, it is fed onto the contact glass 506 in the same manner as the previous document. The feed roller 503, the feed belt 504, and the discharge roller 505 are driven by a conveyance motor 526.

  The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 508, the second tray 509, and the third tray 510 are fed by the first paper feeding device 511, the second paper feeding device 512, and the third paper feeding device 513, respectively, and are vertically conveyed. The unit 514 is transported to a position where it abuts against the yellow photoreceptor 515Y. The yellow, cyan, magenta, and black image data read by the reading unit 550 modulates the laser emitted from the writing unit 557, and the yellow, cyan, magenta, and black photoconductors 515Y and 515C are modulated by the modulated laser. A latent image of image data is written to 515M and 515Bk, and a toner image of each color is formed by passing through a developing unit 527 provided on each photoconductor. The toner images on the photoconductors 515Y, 515C, 515M, and 515Bk are transferred while the transfer paper is being conveyed by the conveyance belt 516 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductors 515Y, 515C, 515M, and 515Bk. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 517, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 519 by the paper discharge unit 518. When forming images on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 508 to 510 is not guided to the discharge tray 519 side, but is conveyed to the double-sided input conveyance path 5113. The reversing unit 5112 reverses the switchback and sends it to the duplex conveying unit 5111. The transfer paper sent to the duplex conveying unit 5111 is sent again to the vertical conveying unit 514, and after the image is printed on the back surface, it is discharged.

  When the transfer sheet is reversed and discharged, the sheet that has been switched back by the reversing unit 5112 is not sent to the duplex conveying unit 5111 but is sent to the reversed discharge conveying path 5114 to be discharged. The photoconductor 515, the conveyance belt 516, the fixing unit 517, the paper discharge unit 518, and the development unit 527 are driven by the main motor 525, and the paper feeding devices 511 to 513 are driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 525. The vertical conveyance unit 514 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 525 by the intermediate clutch 521.

  An operation from reading an original of the image forming apparatus to writing of an image will be described. The reading unit 550 includes a contact glass 506 for placing a document and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 551, a first mirror 552, a lens 553, a CCD image sensor 554, and a second mirror 555. The third mirror 556 and the like. The exposure lamp 551 and the first mirror 552 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 555 and the third mirror 556 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 554, converted into an electrical signal, and processed.

  The writing unit 557 includes a laser output unit 558, an imaging lens 559, and a mirror 560. Inside the laser output unit 558, a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) that rotates at a high speed at a high speed by a laser diode as a laser light source and a motor. ). Laser light modulated by yellow, cyan, magenta, and black image data output from the writing unit 557 is applied to yellow, cyan, magenta, and black photoconductors 515Y, 515C, 515M, and 515Bk of the image forming system. The Although not shown, a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam is irradiated in the vicinity of one end of each of the photoconductors 515Y, 515C, 515M, and 515Bk.

  The writing unit 557 can output not only the image read by the reading unit 550 but also the image output according to the print command from the client terminal 102 connected via the network.

  The image recording apparatus 104 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Note that the configuration of the image recording apparatus 104 described above shows an example of the image recording apparatus 104 that can be used in the present embodiment, and the invention according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of image data registration processing in the color reproduction range determination apparatus described above, and the operation of the color reproduction range determination apparatus will be described.

  First, the computer server 101 gives the above-described user authentication to the accessing user (step S601). Note that the timing of user authentication may be before the creation of image data.

  Next, the computer server 101 receives an instruction to save the created image data from the user (step S602).

  Here, the target image data in the present embodiment is not only natural image data photographed by a digital camera or the like, or image data obtained by processing it, but also illustration image data created by paint software or the like, Word (registered trademark) ) And Excel (registered trademark) application data, and the like, and general image data in which the color of the color hard copy output by the image recording apparatus 104 is a problem.

  Image data or the like created by the user at the client terminal 102 may be temporarily stored in the client terminal 102.

  In response to the image data storage instruction, the image data temporarily stored in the client terminal 102 is sent to the computer server 101, and the computer server 101 stores the image data. In the following, the user who created the image data will be referred to as the owner in order to explicitly distinguish it from other shared users.

  Next, the computer server 101 receives an image data access right setting input from the owner (step S603).

  The computer server 101 gives the owner the right to automatically set the access right for the image data, for example, “full control”. As a result, the owner can set other users who share the image data and the level of access right necessary for the users.

  FIG. 7 shows a display screen example of the client terminal 102 for setting access rights. In the figure, a list of users having access rights is displayed under “user name” (701). The access right corresponding to the highlighted user name (here “Akai”) is displayed with a mark in the check box under “Access right setting” (702) (here “Full Control”). . The type of access right can be changed by clicking on the check box corresponding to “read” or “write” with a mouse or the like.

When the “delete” display portion is clicked, the selected user is deleted from the list, and the corresponding user loses all access rights. Clicking on the “add” display area allows users to be added and their access rights set. Clicking on the “save” display area ends the access right setting.
Thereby, the above-described image data access right management table is configured.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, the set user and access right information is sent from the client terminal 102 to the computer server 101, and the computer server 101 stores the information (step S604).

  Next, the computer server 101 performs a common color reproduction range determination process based on the set user and access right information (step S605).

Here, a first example of the common color reproduction range determination process according to the present embodiment will be described.
The first example is a color common to the image recording apparatus 104 used by each user for a user who may output the corresponding image data by the image recording apparatus 104, that is, a user who has the authority to read. This is an example of determining the reproduction range.

  FIG. 8 shows the processing flow. First, the computer server 101 refers to the image data access right management table (step S801). Then, from the image data access right management table, a process of acquiring the ID of the user who has read authority for the corresponding image data is performed (step S802).

  In the types of access rights described above, all of “read”, “write”, and “full control” have read rights, and in this case, information on all users who have some access rights to the corresponding image data, It is extracted as the target.

  Next, the computer server 101 refers to the user attribute information management table based on the user ID acquired in step S802 (step S803). Then, a process for acquiring the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus used by the corresponding user from the user attribute information management table is performed (step S804).

  Some users use a plurality of image recording apparatuses. For this reason, some users are set with information regarding the color reproduction ranges of a plurality of image recording apparatuses. In that case, the color reproduction range information of all the image recording apparatuses is acquired.

  Next, a common color reproduction range determination process is performed (step S805). Each image recording apparatus has a unique color reproduction range. FIG. 9 shows an example of this, and shows a state in which the color reproduction ranges of the three image recording apparatuses A, B, and C expressed in the CIELAB color space are cut along an L * constant plane (L * = 40). Show. As shown in the figure, the color reproduction ranges of the three image recording apparatuses A, B, and C are different from each other, but there is a common color reproduction wave (area indicated by hatching) that is an area that can be reproduced by any image recording apparatus. Exists. The process for determining the common color reproduction range is a process for obtaining the common color reproduction range. Since the color reproduction range is not a flat surface but a three-dimensional image, the common color reproduction range obtained is also three-dimensional.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, next, the computer server 101 stores information regarding the determined common color reproduction range (step S607). The format is, for example, an ICC profile.

  Since the above-described image data, access right, and common color reproduction range are closely related, the computer server 101 manages them in association with each other.

Next, a second example of the common color reproduction range determination process according to this embodiment will be described.
In the second example, a common color reproduction range common to the image recording apparatuses corresponding to each user is determined for a user who is responsible for creating the corresponding image data, that is, a user who has write authority.

  The processing flow is the same as that in FIG. 8 described above, except that a user having write authority is extracted in the acquisition of the user ID (step S801). That is, in the type of access right described above, since “write” and “full control” have the write authority, the user having this access right is extracted as the target.

  Next, an example in which the user accesses image data stored in the computer server 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In order to access the image data stored in the computer server 101, the user first receives user authentication of the computer server 101 from the client terminal 102 (step S1001).

Next, since a list of image data having access rights is sent from the computer server 101 to the client terminal 102 and displayed on the client terminal 102, the authenticated user selects desired image data (step S1002). .
Further, the user instructs acquisition of the selected image data. Thereby, the selection information and the acquisition instruction are transmitted from the client terminal 102 to the computer server 101 (step S1003).
Note that when image data is selected, an image data acquisition instruction may be simultaneously performed.

  Next, the computer server determines whether the user has the right to write the selected image (step S1004). If the user does not have the authority to write the selected image, a notification regarding color reproducibility when output by the image recording apparatus is displayed on the client terminal 102 (step S1005).

This is a notification that the user is not authorized to write the selected image, and thus is out of the target for determining the common color reproduction range. When this user outputs this image with the image recording device, it suggests that the color of the image may be different from the image when another user outputs this image with the image recording device It is.
Note that the notification method regarding color reproducibility is not limited to a method of displaying the content of the notification on the client terminal 102 but may be a method of notification by voice or the like.

  Steps S1004 and S1005 are cases where the above-described second common color reproduction range determination process is performed, and are not necessary when the first common color reproduction range determination process is performed.

  Next, since the computer server 101 sends the selected image data and information regarding the common color reproduction range to the client terminal 102, the user can handle this image data at the client terminal 102 (step S1006). ).

  FIG. 10B shows another example when the user accesses the image data stored in the computer server 101. In FIG. 10, steps S1001 to S1006 are the same as those in FIG. 10A, and thus the same numbers are added and description thereof is omitted.

  In step S1007, the computer server 101 extracts information related to the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus from the user information of the accessing user, and compares it with the common color reproduction range of the image data. As a result, if the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus in the user information includes the common color reproduction range, the computer server 101 omits display of a notification regarding color reproducibility (step S1005).

  This is because, since the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus used by the user includes the common color reproduction range, it is possible to output an image in the common color reproduction range. That is, a recorded image equivalent to a user having write authority can be obtained. Further, by omitting unnecessary notifications, the burden on the user is reduced and the operability is improved.

  Next, a processing flow of image data output using the image recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the user acquires image data stored in the computer server 101 (step S1101). The details are as described with reference to FIG.

  After acquisition of image data (step S1101), the client terminal 102 performs the following processing.

The color description in the image data is generally sRGB. The client terminal 102 converts the image data expressed in sRGB into an expression in the L * a * b * color space (step S1102).
Note that the color description in the image data is not limited to sRGB, but other standard RGB spaces (for example, AdobeRGB, sc-RGB, etc.) and device-dependent RGB spaces (however, L * a * b, etc.) For example, an ICC profile etc.).

  Next, compression processing to the common color reproduction range is performed (step S1103). In general, color space compression processing includes a lightness priority method that prioritizes the preservation of lightness, a saturation priority method that prioritizes the preservation of saturation, a hue priority method that prioritizes the preservation of hue, and the intermediate forms of these methods. . Generally, these methods are properly used according to the purpose. However, the method here is fixed.

  This is intended to prevent each user who shares image data from selecting different methods. This is because when each user selects a different method, the colors of the output images cannot be unified.

  The above-described compression processing method is included in the information related to the common color reproduction range, and can be selected and managed on the computer server. It is not always necessary to manage the compression processing method by including it in the information related to the common color reproduction range, and it may be managed by another method.

  Next, the compressed image data of L * a * b is converted into the recording signal CMYK of the image recording apparatus (step S1104). This process is a process according to the image recording apparatus used by the user.

  Next, the image data converted into the CMYK recording signal is sent to the image recording apparatus, and an image is recorded by the image recording apparatus (step S1105).

  As a result, users who share image data can obtain an output image with a uniform color regardless of the image recording apparatus to be used.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image recording apparatus that can be used by a user who has access rights to image data when determining a common color reproduction range of a plurality of image recording apparatuses. A common color reproduction range common to each color reproduction range of the selected apparatus is determined. Therefore, there is no need to consider the color reproduction range of the unnecessary image recording apparatus, and there is an effect that unnecessary reduction of the common color reproduction range can be prevented.

  Further, the user who shares the image data can obtain an output image with a uniform color regardless of the image recording apparatus to be used.

  Furthermore, by notifying users who do not have access rights, it is suggested that the color of the image may differ from the image when another user outputs this image on the image recording device. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent confusion due to the difference in color of the image.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
The second embodiment relates to access right management of image data stored in the computer server 101. However, since the second embodiment can be realized with the same configuration as the first embodiment, description of the configuration is omitted.

  An access right management method by the common color reproduction range determination device of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the user authentication and the selection of image data are performed in the same manner as in the example of FIG.

  First, the computer server 101 determines whether the user has the authority to change the access right for the selected image (step S1201). In the above-described example, only the user of “full control” has the authority, and the access right changing process is not performed when the user does not have the authority.

  If the user has the change authority, the user and access right information is sent from the computer server 101 to the client terminal 102, and the access right is edited by the user.

  For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the client terminal 102. When the editing is completed, the changed user and access right information is sent from the client terminal 102 to the computer server 101 (step S1202).

  When the access right setting for the image is changed, the computer server 101 determines a common color reproduction range for the image data based on the new access right (step S1203).

  Next, the computer server 101 causes the client terminal 102 to display a notification indicating that the common color reproduction range is changed due to the change of the access right and the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus may be different ( Step S1204).

  Thereby, since the user can notice the necessity of confirming the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus, the operability of the common color reproduction range determining apparatus is improved.

  Next, the computer server confirms the above notification (step S1204), saves the access right (step S1205), determines the common color reproduction range (step S1206), and saves the common color reproduction range (step S1207). Perform the process.

  These processes are the same as the above-described access right storage (step S605), common color reproduction range determination (step S605), and common color reproduction range storage (step S607), respectively, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  If confirmation (acceptance) for the notification cannot be obtained, the edited contents of the access right are discarded and no change process is performed.

  FIG. 12B shows another example of image data access right management. In FIG. 12, steps S1201 to S1207 are the same as those in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 12B, when the access right editing process (step S1202) ends, the computer server determines a common color reproduction range (step S1206).

  Next, the computer server compares the newly determined common color reproduction range with the common color reproduction range stored in association with the image data, and determines whether a change has occurred (step S1208).

  Only when a change occurs, the above notification display (step S1203), confirmation thereof (step S1204), and storage of the common color reproduction range (step S1207) are performed.

  Thereby, unnecessary notification and confirmation are omitted, so that the burden on the user is reduced and the operability is improved.

  FIG. 12C shows another example of image data access right management. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the step similar to FIG.12 (b) in the same figure.

  Referring to FIG. 12C, when the access right editing process (step S1202) ends, the common color reproduction range is determined (step S1206).

  Next, the computer server 101 compares the newly determined common color reproduction range with the common color reproduction range stored in association with the image data, and determines whether a change has occurred (step S1208).

  When the change occurs, in addition to the notification display, a reproduction image with the changed common color reproduction range is displayed (step S1209). Then, the reproduced image in the changed common color reproduction range is confirmed by the user (step S1210). If the user who has confirmed the reproduced image in the changed common color reproduction range obtains an answer to approve the change of the common color reproduction range, the common color reproduction range is stored (step S1207). If a reply that the change of the common color reproduction range is not accepted is obtained, the determined common color reproduction range and the edited access right are not saved.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image recording apparatus that can be used by a user who has access rights to image data when determining a common color reproduction range of a plurality of image recording apparatuses. A common color reproduction range common to each color reproduction range of the selected apparatus is determined. Therefore, there is no need to consider the color reproduction range of the unnecessary image recording apparatus, and there is an effect that unnecessary reduction of the common color reproduction range can be prevented.

  Further, when the access right of the image data is changed, the client terminal 102 displays a notification that suggests that the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus may be different, so that the image output by the image recording apparatus is displayed. Since the user can notice the necessity of confirming the color tone, the operability of the common color reproduction range determination device is improved.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The third embodiment relates to determination of a common color reproduction range when updating image data stored in a computer server. However, since the third embodiment can be realized with the same configuration as the first embodiment, description of the configuration is omitted.
Note that the user authentication and the selection of image data will be described assuming that update (overwriting) by the user is requested in a state where the user authentication and image data selection are the same as in the example of FIG.

  First, the computer server 101 determines whether the user has write authority for the selected image (step S1301). As described above, the user needs to have “write” or “full control” access rights.

  Next, the computer server determines the common color reproduction range (step S1302), and compares the newly determined common color reproduction range with the common color reproduction range stored in association with the image data (step S1303). .

  If the computer server 101 compares the common color reproduction ranges described above and detects a change, the computer server 101 changes the common color reproduction range and suggests that the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus may be different. Is displayed on the client terminal 102 (step S1304).

  Thereby, since the user can notice the necessity of confirming the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus, the operability of the color reproduction range determining apparatus is improved.

  Next, the computer server 101 confirms the notification (step S1305) and stores a new common color reproduction range (step S1306).

  If confirmation (acceptance, permission) for notification is not obtained, such as an unintended change in the common color reproduction range, the new common color reproduction range is not saved and the conventional common color reproduction range is maintained. And better.

  Next, image data for overwriting is sent from the client terminal 102 to the computer server, and the computer server stores it (step S1307).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image recording apparatus that can be used by a user who has access rights to image data when determining a common color reproduction range of a plurality of image recording apparatuses. A common color reproduction range common to each color reproduction range of the selected apparatus is determined. Therefore, there is no need to consider the color reproduction range of the unnecessary image recording apparatus, and there is an effect that unnecessary reduction of the common color reproduction range can be prevented.

  Furthermore, when the image data is overwritten, if the computer server 101 compares the common color reproduction range and detects a change, the common color reproduction range changes, and the image output by the image recording apparatus By displaying on the client terminal 102 a notification that suggests that the color of the image may be different, the user can notice the necessity of confirming the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus. There is an effect that the operability of the range determination device is improved.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described. However, since the fourth embodiment can be realized with the same configuration as the first embodiment, description of the configuration is omitted.
The fourth embodiment relates to setting of a common color reproduction range when user attribute information is updated.

  As described above, the common color reproduction range corresponds to a common part of the color reproduction range of the image output apparatus as attribute information of a user who has a predetermined access right to the image data.

As described above, the predetermined access right to the image data is changed. However, the color reproduction range of the image output apparatus as user attribute information is managed independently of the image data. Therefore, it is necessary to separately reflect in the common color reproduction range by changing the attribute information of the user.
A flow for setting the common color reproduction range when the user attribute information stored in the computer server 101 is updated will be described with reference to FIG.
The user authentication will be described assuming that the user attribute information is requested to be updated (overwritten) in the state where the user authentication is completed in the same manner as in the example of FIG.

  First, the computer server 101 determines whether the user has authority to change user attribute information (step S1401). Here, with regard to the authority to change user attribute information, all users may be configured to change their own attribute information, and only users with specific administrator authority have the authority to change. Also good.

  If the user has change authority, the attribute information of the user is sent from the computer server 101 to the client terminal 102, and the attribute information is edited by the user (step S1402).

  For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the client terminal 102. When editing is completed, the changed user attribute information is sent from the client terminal 102 to the computer server 101.

  Next, the computer server 101 performs notification processing for the user who has the access right for the image data to which the user whose attribute information has been changed has the access right (step S1403). The notification process is performed by causing the client terminal 102 to display a notification indicating that the common color reproduction range is changed by changing the attribute information, and that the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus may be different.

  Thereby, since the user can notice the necessity of confirming the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus, the operability of the color reproduction range determining apparatus is improved.

  Next, the computer server confirms the above notification (step S1404), stores the attribute information (step S1406), determines the common color reproduction range (step S1406), and stores the common color reproduction range (step S1407). Perform the process.

  Note that these processes are the same as the above-described access right storage (step S605) and common color reproduction range storage (step S607), respectively. However, unlike the editing of the access right, there is a possibility that a plurality of images to be subjected to the color reproduction range determination process exist.

  If confirmation (acceptance) for the notification cannot be obtained, the edited content of the attribute information is discarded and the update process is not performed. In addition, it is preferable not to perform the process for determining the common color reproduction range for image data for which confirmation (acceptance) for the notification cannot be obtained.

  Unlike the case of editing access rights, there may be multiple images that are subject to color gamut determination processing, so only the image data that has been confirmed for notification is subject to the common color gamut determination. Thus, the processing load can be reduced.

  FIG. 14B shows another example of image data access right management. In FIG. 14, steps S1401 to S1407 are the same as those in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 14B, when the access right editing process (step S1402) is completed, the computer server determines a common color reproduction range (step S1406).

  Next, the computer server compares the newly determined common color reproduction range with the common color reproduction range stored in association with the image data, and determines whether a change has occurred (step S1408).

  Only when a change has occurred, the above notification display (step S1403), its confirmation (step S1404), and storage of the common color reproduction range (step S1407) are performed.

  Thereby, unnecessary notification and confirmation are omitted, so that the burden on the user is reduced and the operability is improved.

  FIG. 14C shows another example of attribute information management of image data. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the step similar to FIG.14 (b) in the same figure.

  Referring to FIG. 14C, when the access right editing process (step S1402) ends, the common color reproduction range is determined (step S1406).

  Next, the computer server 101 compares the newly determined common color reproduction range with the common color reproduction range stored in association with the image data, and determines whether a change has occurred (step S1408).

  When the change occurs, in addition to the notification display, a reproduction image with the changed common color reproduction range is displayed (step S1409). Then, the user confirms the reproduced image in the changed common color reproduction range (step S1410). If the user who has confirmed the reproduced image in the changed common color reproduction range obtains an answer to approve the change of the common color reproduction range, the common color reproduction range is stored (step S1407). If a reply that the change of the common color reproduction range is not accepted is obtained, the determined common color reproduction range and the edited attribute information are not stored.

  Thereby, after confirming the reproduced image in the changed common color reproduction range, the change of the common color reproduction range can be accepted, so that the operability of the color reproduction range determination device is improved.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image recording apparatus that can be used by a user who has access rights to image data when determining a common color reproduction range of a plurality of image recording apparatuses. A common color reproduction range common to each color reproduction range of the selected apparatus is determined. Therefore, there is no need to consider the color reproduction range of the unnecessary image recording apparatus, and there is an effect that unnecessary reduction of the common color reproduction range can be prevented.

  Further, when the user attribute information is changed, if the computer server 101 compares the common color reproduction range and detects the change, the common color reproduction range changes and is output by the image recording apparatus. Since the user can notice the necessity of confirming the color of the image output by the image recording apparatus by displaying on the client terminal 102 a notification that suggests that the color of the selected image may be different. The operability of the color reproduction range determination device is improved.

<Fifth embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
In the first to fourth embodiments, the association between the image data and the image recording apparatus that may output the image data is performed by paying attention to the user's right to access the image data. Specifically, this was done by referring to two tables, an image data access right management table and a user attribute information management table. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, an example in which image data and an image recording apparatus that may output the image data are directly associated with each other will be described.
However, since the configuration of the fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the DB constructed in the HDD 207 of the computer server 101, only this point will be described.

  In the fifth embodiment, a used recording device management DB (not shown) is constructed in the HDD 207 of the computer server 101.

  The used recording device management DB is composed of a used recording device management table having a layout as shown in FIG. 15, and is a DB for managing image data and the color reproduction range of the recording device used for outputting the image data in association with each other. It is.

  The used recording device management table may manage the image data and the recording device used to output the image data in association with each other and manage the color reproduction range of each image recording device using another table or the like. Needless to say.

  The registration process of the image data to the computer server 101 is performed as in the flow shown in FIG. 3 as in the first embodiment, except that step S603 and step S604 are different.

  In this embodiment, in place of steps S603 and S604, registration processing of an image recording apparatus that may output image data is performed.

Thereby, the above-described image data access right management table is configured.
The target image data is the same as that in the first embodiment.

Here, the common color reproduction range determination process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The present embodiment is an example of determining a color reproduction range common to image recording apparatuses that may output corresponding image data.
FIG. 16 shows the processing flow.

  First, the computer server 101 refers to the usage recording device management table (step S1601). Then, processing for acquiring the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus that may output the corresponding image data from the used recording apparatus management table is performed (step S1602).

  A plurality of image recording apparatuses are registered depending on the image data. Therefore, there is also image data in which information regarding the color reproduction range of a plurality of image recording apparatuses is set. In that case, the color reproduction range information of all the image recording apparatuses is acquired.

Next, based on the acquired color reproduction range of each image recording apparatus, a color reproduction range common to each image recording apparatus is determined (step S1603).
Regarding the determination of the common color reproduction range, as shown in FIG. 9 described in the first embodiment, the common color reproduction range of each image recording device (a portion that can be reproduced by any image recording device) is taken. To do.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when determining a common color reproduction range of a plurality of image recording apparatuses, it is possible to record image data as a recording target based on the image data as a recording target. An image recording apparatus is selected, and a common color reproduction range common to each color reproduction range of the selected apparatus is determined. Therefore, there is no need to consider the color reproduction range of the unnecessary image recording apparatus, and there is an effect that unnecessary reduction of the common color reproduction range can be prevented.

  Further, by directly associating the image data with an image recording apparatus that may output the image data, it is possible to easily determine the common color reproduction range.

<Others>
In step S1204 in FIG. 12B and step S1210 in FIG. 12C, a notification display is made about the change in the common color reproduction range, or a reproduction image with a new common color reproduction range is displayed. , Confirmation (acceptance) that the common color reproduction range was changed.

  Here, the users who are the target of the confirmation process do not necessarily need to target all users who have the access right to the image whose access right has been edited. For example, only a user who has “full control” authority for an image may be targeted, or a user who performs a confirmation (acceptance) process may be set separately from the access right.

  Further, when the user attribute information is changed, the image data for which the common color reproduction range is to be determined is given access rights by the user whose attribute information has been changed in step S1406 of FIG. 14B. All the image data had.

  In this regard, it is not always necessary to target all image data to which the user whose attribute information has been changed has the access right. For example, only image data for which the user has “write” authority may be targeted.

  This eliminates the need for the common color reproduction range determination process for all image data for which the user whose attribute information has been changed has access rights among the image data stored in the color reproduction range determination apparatus. The load can be reduced. Also, for image data for which the user whose attribute information has been changed has only “read” authority, since the common color reproduction range is not updated, the uniformity of the color of the image data for other users is maintained. It will be.

  Further, for the user whose attribute information has been changed, the image data having only the “read” authority may be confirmed by the notification described in step S1005 to confirm that the color of the image may be different. it can. This can prevent confusion due to the different color of the image.

  It is also possible to manage using other information in addition to the access right. For example, information on whether or not a project for editing image data is in progress for each image data. Then, all the image data for which the user whose attribute information has been changed has access rights (or image data having “write” authority) and the image data for which the project is in progress are included in the common color reproduction range. It is good also as an object which makes a decision. As a result, among the image data stored in the color reproduction range determination device, it is not necessary to determine the color reproduction range for the image data edited in the completed project, and the processing load can be reduced. Also, for image data for which the user whose attribute information has been changed has only “read” authority, since the common color reproduction range is not updated, the uniformity of the color of the image data for other users is maintained. It will be.

  In this case, the notification described in step S1005 is referred to information on whether or not a project for editing image data managed for each image data is in progress, and the project is not in progress. This may be performed on existing image data.

  As a result, for the image data for which the project is not in progress, the notification described in step S1005 can be made, so that the possibility that the color of the image may be different can be confirmed. This can prevent confusion due to the different color of the image.

  In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the common color reproduction range determination device is realized by the computer server 101. However, the present invention is not limited to a computer server, and may be realized by a single device (copier, printer, monitor). Further, the present invention may be realized by a system including a plurality of devices (computer server, interface machine, database, copying machine, printer, etc.).

  Further, the common color reproduction range determination method according to the present invention is realized by a method having the same steps as the processing flow shown in FIG.

  The present invention may also be realized by software (color reproduction range determination program) that performs the functions of the above-described embodiments. In this case, software constitutes the present invention.

  In addition, a computer-readable storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), and a DVD) that stores the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments in an installable or executable file. Alternatively, it may be stored in a recording medium. In this case, the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system for outputting image data in a common color reproduction range using a color reproduction range determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the color reproduction range determination apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the image data access right management table which comprises image data access right management DB in this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the user attribute information management table which comprises the user attribute information management DB in this embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the image recording apparatus in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the registration process of the image data of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of GUI for setting the access right in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the common color reproduction range determination process in this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the common color reproduction range common to the color reproduction range of each image recording device. It is a flowchart which shows the notification process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image data output using the image output device of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the notification process in 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the notification process in 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the notification process in 4th embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the usage recording device management table which comprises the usage recording device management DB in 5th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the common color reproduction range determination process in 5th embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

101 Computer server (an example of a color reproduction range determination device)
102, 103 Client terminal 104, 105 Image recording device 106, 110 LAN
107, 109 Router 108 WAN / Internet 111, 112 Client terminal 113, 114 Image recording device 204 CPU
205 ROM
206 RAM
207 HDD

Claims (16)

A common color reproduction range determination device for accumulating image data and managing user access rights to the image data,
An image data access right management table for storing a relationship between predetermined image data and a user having a specific access right for the image data;
A user attribute information management table for storing a color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus usable by the user and the user;
User extraction means for referring to the image data access right management table and extracting a user having a specific access right for the image data to be recorded;
A color reproduction range extracting means for referring to a user attribute information management table and extracting a color reproduction range of an image recording apparatus usable by the user extracted by the user extracting means;
A color reproduction range determination unit that determines a color reproduction range common to the color reproduction range extracted by the color reproduction range extraction unit and sets the color reproduction range of the image data;
A common color reproduction range determination device characterized by comprising: The common color reproduction range determining apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific access right is an access right having a read right to the image data to be recorded. 2. The common color reproduction range determining apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific access right is an access right having a write right to the image data to be recorded. 4. The common color reproduction range according to claim 3 , further comprising a first notification unit that notifies color reproduction when a user who does not have the write authority accesses the image data to be recorded. 5. Decision device. Color reproduction range inclusion determination means for determining whether a color reproduction range of an image recording apparatus used by a user who does not have the writing authority includes the determined common color reproduction range of the image data to be recorded Have
If it is determined by the color reproduction range inclusion determination means,
4. The common color reproduction range determination device according to claim 3 , wherein the first notification unit does not perform notification regarding color reproduction. An access right setting means for setting an access right for predetermined image data stored in the color reproduction range determination device;
A second notifying unit for notifying a user who has an access right to the image data when the access right to the image data is changed by the access right setting unit;
The common color reproduction range determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the common color reproduction range determination device is provided. When the access right to the image data is changed by the access right setting means, the color reproduction range match determination means for determining whether or not the common color reproduction range before and after the change matches,
When the common color gamut before and after the change by the color reproduction range match determining means is determined to match, according to claim 6, wherein the second notification unit is characterized in that does not notify regarding color reproduction Common color reproduction range determination device. A common color reproduction range determination method for accumulating image data and managing user access rights to the image data,
In the image data access right management table, a relationship between predetermined image data and a user having a specific access right to the image data is stored,
In the user attribute information management table, the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus usable by the user and the user is stored,
A user extraction step of referring to the image data access right management table and extracting a user having a specific access right to the recording target image data;
A color reproduction range extraction step of referring to a user attribute information management table and extracting a color reproduction range of an image recording apparatus usable by the user extracted in the user extraction step;
Determining a color reproduction range common to the color reproduction range extracted in the color reproduction range extraction step, and a color reproduction range determination step as a color reproduction range of the image data;
A common color reproduction range determination method characterized by comprising: 9. The common color reproduction range determination method according to claim 8 , wherein the specific access right is an access right having a read right to the image data to be recorded. 9. The common color reproduction range determining method according to claim 8 , wherein the specific access right is an access right having a write right to the image data to be recorded. The common color reproduction range according to claim 10 , further comprising a first notification step of notifying about color reproduction when a user who does not have the write authority accesses the image data to be recorded. Decision method. Color reproduction range inclusion determination step for determining whether or not the color reproduction range of the image recording apparatus used by the user who does not have the writing authority includes the determined common color reproduction range of the image data to be recorded. Have
When it is determined to be included by the color reproduction range inclusion determination step,
The common color reproduction range determination method according to claim 10 , wherein notification regarding color reproduction is not performed in the first notification step. An access right setting step for setting an access right for predetermined image data stored in the color reproduction range determination device;
A second notification step of notifying a user having access rights to the image data when the access rights to the image data are changed by the access right setting means;
The common color reproduction range determination method according to claim 8 , wherein the common color reproduction range determination method is provided. A color reproduction range matching determination step of determining whether or not the common color reproduction range before and after the change matches when the access right to the image data is changed by the access right setting step;
14. The common color according to claim 13 , wherein if the common color reproduction range before and after the change is determined to be coincident in the color reproduction range coincidence determining step, notification regarding color reproduction is not performed in the second notification step. Reproduction range determination method. A program for causing a computer to execute the common color reproduction range determination method according to any one of claims 8 to 14 . A recording medium on which the program according to claim 15 is recorded.

Images