JP5461324B2 - Color conversion method, profile generation method, color conversion device, profile generation device and program, and printed matter production method using the color conversion method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a color conversion method, a profile generation method, and a color conversion method for performing an appropriate color conversion process on a printed material that does not cover a protective film, or on a printed material with a protective film obtained by coating the printed material with the protective film, The present invention relates to a color conversion device, a profile generation device, a program, and a printed matter production method using the color conversion method.

  With the rapid progress of ink jet technology in recent years, color large format printing that achieves both high speed and high image quality by an ink jet printer is becoming possible. This printing press is used not only for personal and home use, but also recently in a wide range of fields, particularly in commercial use. By using this printing machine, for example, it is possible to print not only on storefront POP (Point of Purchase) and wall posters, but also on large-size media such as outdoor advertisements / signboards, roll media, and thick hard media. .

  In order to meet such diverse commercial demands, there are a wide variety of print media (hereinafter also referred to as “media”) used for printing. For example, papers such as synthetic paper, cardboard, and aluminum vapor-deposited paper, resins such as vinyl chloride and PET, and tarpaulins in which a synthetic resin film is bonded to both sides of a fiber fabric are used.

  Since advertisement printing is expected to have an effect of inviting consumers to purchase through visual perception, the color finish of printed matter (printed print medium) is particularly important. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many color matching techniques such as an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile creation method and a specified color adjustment method have been disclosed as color management means for printed matter.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228867, a user paper is obtained by extracting the respective color conversion tables from the printer profiles of standard paper and user paper and using a new color conversion table obtained by combining the color conversion tables of standard paper and user paper. An apparatus and a method for performing color conversion in conformity with the above characteristics are disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a method and apparatus for storing spectral data of a printed matter and a plurality of light source spectral data independently, and creating an appropriate profile for the light source each time an observation light source is set. Thus, it is described that it is possible to create a profile corresponding to each observation light source by reducing the man-hours for color measurement, and to perform appropriate color management of printed matter according to the observation light source.

JP 2008-153810 A JP 2007-81586 A

  For example, a printed matter obtained by an ink jet printer may not be used in a harsh environment because the scratch resistance and fastness performance are particularly weak from the viewpoint of image durability. Therefore, the durability of the image is improved by covering the image forming surface of the printed matter with a protective film such as a laminate film which has been subjected to functional processing such as addition of an ultraviolet absorber or embossing. The obtained printed matter is hereinafter referred to as “printed matter with protective film”.

  By the way, according to the investigation and research results of the present inventor, it has been found that the gamut tends to be reduced particularly in the shadow portion by the coating of the protective film as compared with before the coating. That is, even for the same printed matter, the appearance of the color may change to an extent that cannot be ignored by the observer depending on whether or not the protective film is covered. For this reason, if the color adjustment is performed without covering the protective film, the problem that the color finish of the printed matter with the protective film does not match the target has become apparent.

  However, in the methods and apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, only the difference between the media and the observation light source is considered, and the degree of influence of the protective film is not considered at all.

  In addition, when the protective film is coated, a special processing process such as a liquid laminating process or a varnish process may be required instead of a relatively easy process such as thermocompression bonding of a resin film. Since a typical printing site does not have a special laminating apparatus, the printer needs to request an outsourcing process from a specialist. At this time, a separate work such as carrying out the printed matter, laminating process, carrying in the printed matter with the protective film, and other time such as schedule adjustment and work waiting time are required. For this reason, after forming the printed matter, there is an inconvenience that the operator cannot confirm the printing color immediately after the lamination process.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can provide a color conversion method, a profile generation method, a color conversion device, a profile generation device, and a color conversion method that can significantly reduce the man-hours required for color adjustment work of a printed matter with a protective film It is an object of the present invention to provide a printed matter production method using the program and its color conversion method.

  The color conversion method according to the present invention includes a step of obtaining a predetermined profile corresponding to a printed material, a step of obtaining gamut change information before and after the protective film is coated on the printed material, and without covering the protective film. The gamut of the uncoated printed product to be printed matches the gamut of the printed product with a protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and covering the protective film. And a color conversion step of performing color conversion processing of at least one of the uncoated printed matter or the printed matter with a protective film.

  As described above, the gamut of the uncoated printed matter or the printed matter with the protective coating is matched so that the gamut of the uncoated printed matter obtained without coating the protective coating matches the gamut of the printed matter with the protective coating obtained by coating the protective coating. Since at least one of the color conversion processes is performed, printed matter of the same color (uncoated printed matter and printed matter with protective film) can be obtained regardless of the coating mode of the protective film. As a result, it is possible to check the color reproduction of the printed matter with the protective film without coating the printed matter with the protective film, and the man-hours required for color adjustment work of the printed matter with the protective film, specifically, the protective film coating process And man-hours for loading and unloading printed materials can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, the method further includes a step of inputting a coating mode relating to whether or not the protective film is coated on the printed matter, and in the color conversion step, a color conversion process is performed using a profile corresponding to the input coating mode. Is preferred. Thereby, an appropriate color conversion process according to the presence or absence of the coating of the protective film can be performed.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to further include a generation step of generating a profile corresponding to at least one of the uncoated printed material or the printed material with a protective film based on the predetermined profile and the change information. This eliminates the need to generate a profile each time printing is performed.

  Further, the predetermined profile is a target profile and a printing profile, and in the generation step, at least one of the uncoated printed material or the protective film-based printed material based on the one printing profile and the change information. In the color conversion step, the one target profile is used as the input side profile regardless of the covering mode, and the printing profile according to the covering mode is used as the output side profile. It is preferable to perform a conversion process. Thereby, the total number of target profiles to be used can be reduced, and data management becomes easy.

  Further, the predetermined profile is one target profile and one print profile, and in the generation step, at least one of the uncoated print or the protective-coated print based on the one target profile and the change information. In the color conversion step, the target profile corresponding to the covering mode is used as the input side profile, and the one printing profile is used as the output side profile regardless of the covering mode. It is preferable to perform a conversion process. As a result, the total number of print profiles used can be reduced, and data management becomes easy.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the method further includes a step of correcting the one target profile based on a gamut of the printed matter with the protective film.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to further include a step of inputting the type of the protective film, and in the color conversion step, color conversion processing is performed using a profile corresponding to the type of the input protective film.

  The profile generation method according to the present invention includes a step of acquiring a predetermined profile corresponding to a printed material, a step of acquiring gamut change information before and after coating the protective film on the printed material, and without covering the protective film. The gamut of the uncoated printed product to be printed matches the gamut of the printed product with a protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and covering the protective film. And generating a profile of at least one of the uncoated printed matter or the protective-coated printed matter.

  The change information preferably includes at least one of a color conversion formula, a color conversion parameter, a color conversion table, or a gamut of the printed matter with a protective film.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the color conversion table is a color conversion table obtained by combining the color conversion tables included in the predetermined profile and the profile corresponding to the printed matter with a protective film.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the method further includes a step of inputting the type of the protective film, and in the generating step, a profile corresponding to the type of the input protective film is generated.

  The color conversion apparatus according to the present invention uses any one of the color conversion methods described above to perform color conversion processing on print data used for printing at least one of the uncoated printed matter or the printed matter with a protective film. A conversion processing unit is included.

  The profile generation apparatus according to the present invention includes a profile generation unit that generates a profile used for printing at least one of the uncoated printed material and the printed material with a protective film, using any one of the above-described profile generation methods.

  The program according to the present invention can be obtained by a computer without means for obtaining a predetermined profile corresponding to a printed matter, means for obtaining gamut change information before and after the protective film is coated on the printed matter, and without covering the protective film. Based on the acquired predetermined profile and the change information so that the gamut of the uncoated printed material matches the gamut of the printed material with a protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and coating the protective film. Then, it is made to function as means for performing color conversion processing of at least one of the uncoated printed material or the printed material with a protective film.

  The program according to the present invention can be obtained by a computer without means for obtaining a predetermined profile corresponding to a printed matter, means for obtaining gamut change information before and after the protective film is coated on the printed matter, and without covering the protective film. Based on the acquired predetermined profile and the change information so that the gamut of the uncoated printed material matches the gamut of the printed material with a protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and coating the protective film. Then, it functions as a means for generating at least one profile of the uncoated printed matter or the printed matter with the protective film.

  The printed matter production method according to the present invention includes a step of printing the first printed matter as the uncoated printed matter based on print data using any one of the color conversion methods described above, and color reproduction of the printed first printed matter. Correcting the color value of the print data based on the evaluation, printing the second printed material to be covered with the protective film using the color conversion method based on the corrected print data, and printing Covering the protective film on the second printed matter.

  According to the color conversion method, the color conversion apparatus, and the program according to the present invention, a predetermined profile corresponding to a printed material is acquired, gamut change information before and after the printed material is coated with a protective film, and the protective film is installed. The predetermined profile acquired so that the gamut of the uncoated printed matter obtained without coating matches the gamut of the printed matter with a protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and coating the protective film, and Based on the change information, at least one of the uncoated printed matter and the protective-coated printed matter is subjected to color conversion processing.

  According to the profile generation method, the profile generation apparatus, and the program according to the present invention, a predetermined profile corresponding to a printed material is acquired, gamut change information before and after the printed material is coated with a protective film, and the protective film is installed. The predetermined profile acquired so that the gamut of the uncoated printed matter obtained without coating matches the gamut of the printed matter with a protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and coating the protective film, and Based on the change information, at least one profile of the uncoated printed material or the protective film-coated printed material is generated.

  According to the printed matter production method of the present invention, using the color conversion method described above, the first printed matter as an uncoated printed matter is printed based on print data, and the color reproduction evaluation of the printed first printed matter is performed as described above. The color value of the print data is corrected, and the second color printed matter to be coated with the protective film is printed based on the corrected print data by using the color conversion method, and the protection is applied to the printed second printed matter. Cover the membrane.

  In this way, the color conversion processing of the uncoated printed matter is performed so that the gamut of the uncoated printed matter obtained without coating the protective film matches the gamut of the printed matter with the protective film obtained by coating the protective film. Therefore, the printed matter of the same color (uncoated printed matter and printed matter with protective film) can be obtained regardless of the coating mode of the protective film. As a result, it is possible to check the color reproduction of the printed matter with the protective film without covering the printed matter with the protective film, and the work man-hours for forming the printed matter with the protective film every time color adjustment work, specifically, The number of man-hours for coating the protective film and loading / unloading printed materials can be greatly reduced.

1 is an explanatory perspective view of a printing system in which a color conversion device (or profile generation device) according to a first embodiment is incorporated. It is a schematic front view of the color chart shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the printing conditions in printed matter. It is a figure which shows an example of the profile production | generation screen in gamut matching printing mode. It is a 1st flowchart for obtaining the printed matter with a protective film of an appropriate color, or an uncoated printed matter using the printing system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart regarding the generation method of the profile concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship between the maximum gamut, the maximum gamut during coating, and the target gamut. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship among the maximum gamut, the maximum gamut during coating, the target gamut, and the enlarged target gamut. FIG. 9A is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the color conversion processing of the printed matter with the protective film formed through step S5A of FIG. FIG. 9B is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the color conversion processing of the uncovered printed material formed through step S6A of FIG. It is a 2nd flowchart for obtaining the printed matter with a protective film of an appropriate color, or an uncoated printed matter using the printing system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart regarding the production | generation method of the profile which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship between the maximum gamut, the maximum gamut during coating, and the target gamut. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship between the maximum gamut, the maximum gamut during coating, and the correction gamut. FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship between the maximum gamut and the enlarged correction gamut. FIG. 13A is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the color conversion processing of the printed matter with the protective film formed through step S5B of FIG. FIG. 13B is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating color conversion processing of the uncovered printed material formed through step S6B of FIG. It is a schematic explanatory drawing showing the 1st color conversion process of printed matter with a protective film. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship between the maximum gamut, the maximum gamut at the time of covering, and the target gamut. FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship between the maximum gamut, the target gamut, and the enlarged target gamut. FIG. 15C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement relationship among the maximum gamut, the enlarged corrected gamut, and the corrected enlarged gamut. It is a schematic explanatory drawing showing the 2nd color conversion process of printed matter with a protective film. It is a schematic explanatory drawing showing the 1st color conversion process of an uncoated printed matter. It is a schematic explanatory drawing showing the 2nd color conversion process of an uncoated printed matter. It is a schematic explanatory drawing showing the 3rd color conversion process of an uncoated printed material. It is a perspective explanatory view of a printing system in which a color conversion device (or profile generation device) according to a third embodiment is incorporated. It is a flowchart for obtaining the printed matter with a protective film of a suitable color using the printing system shown in FIG. FIG. 22A is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating color conversion processing of a printed material formed through step S3C of FIG. FIG. 22B is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the color conversion processing of the printed matter with the protective film formed through step S9C of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the color conversion method (or profile generation method) according to the present invention will be described with reference to preferred first to third embodiments in relation to a color conversion device (or profile generation device) and a printing system that implement the color conversion method (or profile generation method). This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, a printing system 10A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a printing system 10A in which an image processing device 16 as a color conversion device (or profile generation device) according to the first embodiment is incorporated.

  The printing system 10 </ b> A basically includes a LAN 12, an editing device 14, an image processing device 16, a printing machine 18, a laminate processing device 20, and a colorimeter 22.

  The LAN 12 is a network constructed based on a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The editing device 14, the image processing device 16, and the database DB are connected to each other by wire or wireless via the LAN 12.

  The editing device 14 can freely edit the arrangement of color images composed of characters, figures, patterns, photographs, etc. for each page, and an electronic manuscript (print data) in a page description language (hereinafter referred to as PDL), for example, 8-bit image data including color channels of four colors (CMYK) and three colors (RGB) is generated.

  Here, PDL is a language that describes image information such as text, graphics, and other format information, position information, and color information (including density information) within a “page” that is an output unit for printing and display. . For example, PDF (abbreviation of Portable Document Format, specified in ISO 32000-1: 2008), Adobe Systems PostScript (registered trademark), XPS (XML Paper Specification), and the like are known.

  Further, a color scanner (not shown) is connected to the editing device 14, and the color scanner can optically read a color document set at a predetermined position, and a color image that is a component of the electronic document. Data can be acquired.

  The image processing device 16 expands the PDL format of the electronic document into a raster format (for example, bitmap or TIFF), performs desired image processing, for example, color conversion processing, image scaling processing, arrangement processing, etc. The printing control signal is converted into a printing control signal suitable for the printing method, and the printing control signal is transmitted to the printing machine 18.

  The image processing device 16 includes a main body 24 having a CPU, a memory, and the like, a display device 26 that displays a color image, and an input device 28 (keyboard 30 and mouse 32) as an input unit. Further, a portable memory 34 and a colorimeter 22 that can freely record and erase electronic data are connected to the image processing device 16.

  The printing machine 18 is an ink jet system that forms a color image by combining standard inks composed of C, M, Y, and K (process colors) and optional inks such as light colors such as LC and LM and W (white). Printing device. The printing machine 18 performs ejection control of ink of each color based on a print control signal received from the outside (for example, the image processing device 16), thereby causing a medium 36 (a roll-shaped unprinted image in FIG. 1). A color image is printed on the printing medium 36) to form a printed matter 38 (including a color chart 38c which is a kind of the printed matter 38).

  The laminating apparatus 20 heats and pressurizes using a heating roller (not shown) in a state where a laminate film 40 as a protective film is stuck on the image forming surface of the printed matter 38 on the back surface as necessary. By performing the above, a printed matter 42 with a protective film in which the image forming surface of the printed matter 38 is protected is formed.

  In addition, as a final product of the printed matter 38, the printed matter 38 may not be coated with the laminate film 40. Therefore, the printed product 38 as the final product may be referred to as an uncoated printed product 43 in order to clearly distinguish it from the printed product 38 obtained in the process of forming the printed material 42 with the protective film.

  As the base material of the medium 36, paper such as synthetic paper, cardboard, and aluminum vapor-deposited paper, resin such as vinyl chloride and PET, tarpaulin, and the like can be used. The protective film is not limited to the laminate film 40, and a liquid, varnish, transparent ink, clear toner, a protective plate such as an acrylic plate, or the like can be used.

The colorimeter 22 acquires the color value of the measurement object by color measurement. Here, the color value is not only the tristimulus value XYZ, the coordinate value L ^* a ^* b ^{* of} the uniform color space, but also the distribution of the optical physical quantity with respect to the wavelength (hereinafter referred to as “spectral data”), for example, spectral radiation. Distribution, spectral sensitivity distribution, spectral reflectance or spectral transmittance.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the color chart 38c shown in FIG.

  The color chart 38c includes 100 color patches 44 of substantially the same shape that are printed on the medium 36, and a numeric string 46 and alphabet characters that specify the arrangement positions of the color patches 44 in the row and column directions. A column 48 and printing information 50 including information for identifying the printing conditions of the color chart 38c are configured.

  In each color patch 44, ten color patches 44 are arranged without gaps in the vertical direction, and ten color patches 44 are arranged in the horizontal direction with gaps of a predetermined interval. The color of each color patch 44 is set to a predetermined value in a range of signal levels of CMYK values (0% to 100% as a percentage, 0 to 255 in the case of 8-bit gradation).

  The numeric string 46 is provided as a character string of (01) to (10) in order from the top so as to correspond to the position on the left side of each color patch 44. On the other hand, the alphabetic character string 48 is provided as a character string of (A) to (J) in order from the left so as to correspond to the position above each color patch 44.

  The print information 50 is printed with the model of the printing machine 18, serial number or registered name, print mode to be described later, type of media 36, print date and time, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus 16 shown in FIG. The electronic document is supplied in the direction of a white solid arrow, the image data for the color chart 38c is supplied in the direction of a white broken arrow, and the other various data is supplied in the direction of a solid line arrow.

  The main body 24 of the image processing apparatus 16 has an I / F 52 for inputting an electronic document supplied from the editing device 14 side, and an RIP 54 (RIP 54) that expands the PDL format of the electronic document supplied via the I / F 52 into a raster format. A raster imaging processor), a color conversion processing unit 56 that performs predetermined color conversion processing on CMYK values (or RGB values) of the electronic document developed by the RIP 54 to obtain image data of new CMYK values, A printer driver 58 (printing control unit) that converts image data of a new CMYK value obtained by color conversion by the color conversion processing unit 56 into a printing control signal (ink ejection control data) suitable for the printing machine 18; And an I / F 60 that outputs the printing control signal converted by the printing machine driver 58 to the printing machine 18 side.

  In addition, the main body 24 prints a color chart 38c, and a profile generation unit 62 that generates an input-side profile or an output-side profile appropriate for the printed matter 38 (printed product 42 with a protective film or uncoated printed matter 43 as a final product). Image data generating unit 66 for generating image data for the purpose, and laminate information acquisition for acquiring information (hereinafter referred to as laminate information) regarding the type and covering mode (presence / absence of coating) of the laminate film 40 to be coated on the printed matter 38. The colorimeter 22 can be connected to the I / F 70 that enables connection between the unit 68 and the display device 26, the I / F 72 that enables connection to the input device 28 (keyboard 30 and mouse 32), and the colorimeter 22. And an I / F 76 that enables connection to the portable memory 34.

  Further, the main body 24 includes a storage unit 78 that stores various data supplied from each internal component or supplies various stored data to each component. The storage unit 78 includes a RIP 54, a profile selection unit 79 (to be described later), a profile generation unit 62, an image data generation unit 66, a laminate information acquisition unit 68, an I / F 70, an I / F 72, and an I / F 74. And I / F 76, respectively.

  Note that the profile selection unit 79 interposed between the storage unit 78 and the color conversion processing unit 56 is based on the laminate information supplied from the laminate information acquisition unit 68, and uses the input side profile and output side profile used for the color conversion processing. Select each.

  The color conversion processing unit 56 includes an input-side profile processing unit 80 that converts device-dependent data into device-independent data, and an output-side profile processing unit 82 that converts device-independent data into device-dependent data. Here, the device-dependent data is data defined by CMYK values, RGB values, etc. for appropriately driving various devices. The device-independent data is data defined in a color system such as HSV (Hue-Saturation-Value), HLS (Hue-Lightness-Saturation), CIELAB, CIEUV, and XYZ.

Furthermore, the profile generation unit 62 acquires a profile acquisition unit 84 that acquires each profile as necessary, and a change that acquires gamut change information before and after the coating of the laminate film 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as “change information”). An information acquisition unit 86, a gamut mapping unit 88 that performs gamut mapping according to a predetermined conversion algorithm, and device-dependent data (for example, CMYK values) and color values (for example, L ^* a ^* b ^* values) corresponding to each color patch 44. LUT creation unit 90 that creates a color conversion table (LUT) based on the data, LUT combination unit 92 that generates a new color conversion table by combining a plurality of color conversion tables included in the profile, and a protective film Color change based on gamut of printed matter 42 (maximum gamut _GL at the time of coating described later) And an LUT correction unit 94 for correcting the conversion table.

  Further, the RIP 54 can perform various image processing such as image enlargement / reduction processing corresponding to the resolution of the printing machine 18 and rotation / reversal processing corresponding to the printing format when the electronic document is converted into a raster format.

  Further, the printing press driver 58 creates ink ejection control data corresponding to each color (CMYK, LC, LM, or W) from the CMYK values. This ink ejection control data is associated with the ink ejection operation (ON / OFF, ink dot diameter size, etc.) of the printing machine 18 according to the data definition specific to the printing machine 18. At that time, conversion from an 8-bit multi-tone image to a low-tone image such as a binary image is required, but a known algorithm such as a dither matrix method or an error diffusion method can be used.

  Further, a control unit 96 constituted by a CPU or the like performs all the control related to the image processing. That is, not only control of each component in the main body 24 (for example, data reading / writing of the storage unit 78), but also control of transmitting a display control signal to the display device 26 via the I / F 70, and I / F 74 In addition, control for obtaining colorimetric data from the colorimeter 22 is also included. The control unit 96 is electrically connected to each unit in the main body 24. For convenience of explanation, illustration of connection is omitted.

  The image processing apparatus 16 according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, and each of the image processing functions described above includes application software (program) stored in the storage unit 78 that operates on the basic software (operating system). Can be realized.

  The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, the portable memory 34 in FIG. 1), and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The computer-readable recording medium is a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in the computer system. A computer-readable recording medium is a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In some cases, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client holds a program for a certain period of time.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print condition setting screen for the printed matter 38. The printed matter 38 is a printed matter 42 with a protective film or an uncoated printed matter 43 as a final product.

  The setting screen 100 includes, in order from the top, two pull-down menus 102 and 104, two radio buttons 106a and 106b, two radio buttons 108a and 108b, two radio buttons 110a and 110b, Three radio buttons 112a, 112b, and 112c, three pull-down menus 114, 116, and 118, and buttons 120 and 122 displayed as [Setting] and [Cancel] are provided.

  On the left side of the two pull-down menus 102 and 104, character strings “target profile name” and “print profile name” are displayed, respectively. On the right side of the two radio buttons 106a and 106b, character strings “automatic” and “manual” are displayed, respectively. On the right side of the two radio buttons 108a and 108b, character strings “Yes” and “No” are displayed, respectively. On the right side of the two radio buttons 110a and 110b, character strings “ON” and “OFF” are displayed, respectively. On the right side of the three radio buttons 112a, 112b, and 112c, character strings of “type”, “input side profile”, and “output side profile” are displayed, respectively. On the left side of the three pull-down menus 114, 116, and 118, character strings “lamination type”, “input side profile name”, and “output side profile name” are displayed, respectively.

  In addition, on the left of the four radio buttons 106a, 108a, 110a, and 112a, character strings “laminate information acquisition method”, “laminate coating”, “gamut matching print mode”, and “laminate designation” are displayed, respectively. Has been.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a profile generation screen in the gamut matching print mode. Here, the “gamut matching printing mode” means that the gamut of the uncoated print 43 is set smaller than the maximum gamut of the printed product 38 in anticipation of gamut reduction accompanying the coating of the laminated film 40, as will be described later. In this mode, the print color is reproduced within the same gamut range regardless of the 40 coating modes. Hereinafter, this printing method may be referred to as “gamut matching printing”.

  The setting screen 140 includes, in order from the top, three radio buttons 142a, 142b, 142c, two pull-down menus 144, 146, two radio buttons 148a, 148b, and two pull-down menus 150, 152. And two text boxes 154 and 156 and buttons 158 and 160 displayed as “Save” and “Cancel”.

  Character strings “input / output”, “input only”, and “output only” are displayed to the right of the three radio buttons 142a to 142c, respectively. On the left side of the two pull-down menus 144 and 146, character strings “target profile name” and “print profile name” are displayed, respectively. On the right side of the two radio buttons 148a and 148b, character strings of “type” and “profile” are displayed, respectively. On the left side of the two pull-down menus 150 and 152, character strings “lamination type” and “print profile name (with cover)” are displayed, respectively. On the left side of the two text boxes 154 and 156, character strings “save file name (input side)” and “save file name (output side)” are respectively displayed.

  The printing system 10A according to the first embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.

  FIG. 6 is a flow chart for obtaining a protective-colored printed matter 42 or an uncoated printed matter 43 of an appropriate color using the printing system 10A. Description will be made mainly with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operator investigates the printing conditions and the observation mode regarding the printed matter with protective film 42 or the uncoated printed matter 43 to be formed (step S1A). Here, the printing conditions include the type of the printing machine 18 used for printing, the type of the media 36, the above-described laminate information, the above-described printing mode, and the like. The observation mode includes not only the attribute (type and spectral data) of the light source as the observation light source but also the image type of the printed matter 38 to be observed. As this image type, a reflection image (an image with a reflection light source as a main light source), a transmission image (an image with a transmission light source as a main light source), or a mixed image (an image with a reflection light source and a transmission light source as a main light source) can be cited. It is done.

  Next, the worker instructs the image processing apparatus 16 to acquire a profile by giving a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 (step S2A). Usually, the input side profile or the output side profile is stored in the storage unit 78 (see FIG. 3) of the main body 24. If an appropriate profile is not registered in the printing machine 18 (stored in the storage unit 78), a profile corresponding to the printed matter 38 may be acquired. As an example, the worker prepares a portable memory 34 (see FIG. 1) in which a profile data file is stored, and connects the portable memory 34 to the main body 24 of the image processing apparatus 16. Then, the profile data file is newly stored in the storage unit 78 automatically or manually. Further, each data file may be managed on the database DB (same reference) side, and the image processing apparatus 16 may be configured to obtain a desired profile from the database DB as necessary. For example, the profile acquisition unit 84 (see FIG. 3) may acquire a profile from the database DB via the LAN 12 and the I / F 52.

  Alternatively, a profile corresponding to the printed material 38 may be newly generated using a profile generation function provided in the image processing device 16. Hereinafter, the profile generation method in step S2A will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the functional block diagram of FIG.

  First, the operator gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the printing machine 18 to print the color chart 38c (step S21A).

  The operator requests printing of the color chart 38c from a setting screen (not shown) displayed on the display device 26. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data generating unit 66 of the main body 24 generates image data (for example, CMYK values) for printing the color chart 38c. This device-dependent image data is supplied to the printer driver 58 (in the direction of the white broken arrow), converted into a print control signal (that is, ink ejection control data) by the printer driver 58, and passed through the I / F 60. This is supplied to the printing machine 18, and printing processing is performed by the printing machine 18. Thereby, the color chart 38c (see FIG. 2) is printed. The CMYK value data corresponding to the pixel value of each color patch 44 is stored in advance in the storage unit 78 and is read from the storage unit 78 before the image data generation unit 66 generates the image data.

  Next, returning to FIG. 7, the worker performs the first color measurement of the color chart 38c (step S22A).

  The operator measures the color value of each color patch 44 of the color chart 38c (see FIG. 2) using the colorimeter 22 connected to the image processing device 16 without performing the laminating process by the laminating device 20. To do. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, each color is represented by (01) to (10) in the (A) column and (01) to (10) in the (B) column indicated by the numeric string 46 and the alphabetic character string 48. It is preferable to determine in advance the order of color measurement of the patch 44. Based on the notification of completion of color measurement according to the operator's operation, the color value data corresponding to each color patch 44 is stored in the storage unit 78 in association with the type of the media 36 via the I / F 74 ( (See FIG. 3).

Next, the worker gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the image processing device 16 to generate the profile OP _F (step S23A). Here, the profile OP _F is a print for appropriately controlling printing of colors within the range of the gamut 170 in FIG. 8A (hereinafter referred to as “maximum gamut G _F ”) obtained by the combination of the printing machine 18 and the medium 36. It is a profile.

In accordance with the operation of the input device 28 by the operator, the LUT creation unit 90 converts three-dimensional data (for example, device-independent data of L ^* a ^* b ^* ) into four-dimensional data (for example, device-dependent data of CMYK). A color conversion table (that is, a B2A table) is created. At the same time, the LUT creation unit 90 creates a color conversion table (that is, an A2B table) for converting 4D data into 3D data. The color conversion table is created based on the correspondence between 100 sets of color value data (L ^* a ^* b ^* ) corresponding to 100 color patches 44 and 100 sets of CMYK value data. The profile OP _F including this color conversion table is stored in the storage unit 78 as a data file.

  Next, returning to FIG. 7, the operator operates the laminating apparatus 20 to perform laminating processing on the color chart 38c (step S24A). The color chart 38c has a laminate film 40 affixed on its image forming surface, and is heated and pressurized by a heating roller (not shown) of the laminating apparatus 20. Thereby, the printed matter 42 with the protective film in which the printed matter 38 is coated with the laminate film 40 is obtained.

  Next, the operator performs the second color measurement of the color chart 38c coated with the laminate film 40 (step S25A). Since the operation of the image processing device 16 at this time is the same as that in step S22A, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the worker instructs the image processing apparatus 16 to generate a profile OP _L by giving a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 (step S26A). Here, the profile OP _L appropriately sets colors within the range of the gamut 172 in FIG. 8A (hereinafter referred to as “maximum gamut G _L when coated”) obtained by the combination of the printing machine 18, the medium 36, and the laminate film 40. It is a printing profile for controlling printing. Since the operation of the image processing device 16 at this time is the same as that in step S23A, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the worker gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the image processing device 16 to execute steps S27A to S29A.

  The operator uses the mouse 32 on the setting screen 140 in FIG. 5 to select one of the radio buttons 142a to 142c corresponding to the type of profile to be generated (in the example of FIG. 5, the “output only” radio button). Button 142c) is selected. Further, the operator selects a target profile (target profile) file name (“Japan Color 2007” in the example of FIG. 5) to be used for printing and inputs it to the pull-down menu 144. Various ICC profiles can be selected as the target profile. For example, “sRGB”, “Adobe RGB”, “Japan Color”, “ISO coated”, etc. may be used.

Further, the worker selects the file name (“PrinterProfile-1” in the example of FIG. 5) of the profile OP _F generated in step S23A (see FIG. 7) and inputs it to the pull-down menu 146.

Furthermore, the operator selects one of the radio buttons 148a and 148b corresponding to the method for specifying the laminate film 40 ("profile" radio button 148b in the example of FIG. 5). Further, the worker selects the file name of the profile OP _L generated in step S26A (see FIG. 7) (“PrinterProfile-2” in the example of FIG. 5) and inputs it to the pull-down menu 152. Furthermore, the operator inputs an output profile name to be saved (“OutputProfile” in the example of FIG. 5) in the text box 156. Then, in response to the click operation of the [Save] button 158 by the operator, the main body 24 of the image processing device 16 executes Steps S27A to S29A described later. Note that the operation on the setting screen 140 is canceled according to the click operation of the [Cancel] button 160 by the operator.

First, the control unit 96 shown in FIG. 3 causes the change information acquiring unit 86 to acquire the enlarged change information InfoEx (step S27A). Enlarge change information InfoEx is the change information for enlargement conversion from the coating at the maximum gamut G _L (see FIG. 8A) to the maximum gamut G _F. Meanwhile, InfoSh is conversion information for reduction conversion from the maximum gamut G _F to the coating at the maximum gamut G _L. That is, the enlargement change information InfoEx and the reduction change information InfoSh are in a mutually inverse relationship. In this specification, the enlarged change information InfoEx and the reduced change information InfoSh are collectively referred to as “change information Info”.

The change information Info, for example, color conversion formula, a color conversion parameter, a color conversion table, the maximum gamut G _F, or at least one but are out of the coating at the maximum gamut G _L.

Printing In the first embodiment, in order to obtain a larger variation information InfoEx, suitable for color reproduction of the profile OP _F (Print profile suitable for color reproduction of the maximum gamut G _F) and the profile OP _L (covering the maximum gamut G _L Each color conversion table included in the profile is combined.

The profile OP _F includes a color conversion table (A2B table) for converting from device-dependent data A to device-independent data _BF . The conversion process is schematically expressed as (A → B _F ). On the other hand, the profile OP _L includes a color conversion table (B2A table) for converting the device-independent data B _L to the device-dependent data A. The conversion process is schematically expressed as (B _L → A).

The LUT coupling portion 92, B2A table representing the conversion step (B _L → A) is combined with A2B table representing a conversion step (A → B _F), the conversion process to expand the gamut of (B _L → B _F) A color conversion table (hereinafter referred to as an enlargement process LUT) is generated. This enlargement processing LUT is a form of enlargement change information InfoEx that extends back and forth to the coating of the laminate film 40.

Then, the control unit 96, to acquire the profile IP _T to the profile acquisition unit 84 (step S28A). Here, the profile IP _T is a target profile for appropriately input-controlling colors within the range of the gamut 174 in FIG. 8A (hereinafter referred to as “target gamut G _T ”), which is a target of color reproduction. Target profile name specified in the pull-down menu 144 of FIG. 5 is inputted to the main body 24 side, it is referred to read out the profile IP _T associated with the target profile name. The profile IP _T is read from the storage unit 78 and supplied to the profile acquisition unit 84 side.

Finally, the control unit 96 causes the profile generation unit 62 to generate the profile OP _EF (step S29A). Here, the profile OP _EF appropriately controls printing of colors within the range of the gamut 176 in FIG. 8B (hereinafter referred to as “enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ ”. Is a printing profile. The profile OP _EF is a print profile appropriate for the printed matter 42 with the protective film for performing gamut matching printing. In other words, the profile OP _EF is a printing profile appropriate for the printed matter 38 as an intermediate product before the lamination film 40 is coated.

The enlargement conversion LUT (B _L → B _F ) acquired in step S27A is combined with the color conversion table (B _F → A) included in the profile OP _F by the LUT combining unit 92, and has a protective film for gamut matching printing. A color conversion table {conversion step (B _L → B _F → A)} appropriate for the printed matter 42 is created. Then, the profile generation unit 62 generates an output-side profile OP _{EF that} uses the created color conversion table as part of the data. The newly generated profile OP _EF is stored in the storage unit 78 with the data file name shown in the text box 156 of FIG.

  In this way, the image processing device 16 is caused to acquire and generate a profile (step S2A).

  Returning to FIG. 6, the worker then inputs a printing condition to the printing machine 18 by giving a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 (step S <b> 3 </ b> A).

Operator selects ( "JapanColor2007" in FIG. 4 example) the file name of the profile IP _T used for printing, using the mouse 32, and inputs to the pull-down menu 102 on the setting screen 100 of FIG. In addition, the operator selects the file name of the profile OP _F used for printing (“PrinterProfile-1” in the example of FIG. 4) and inputs it to the pull-down menu 104. Furthermore, the operator selects one of the radio buttons 106 a and 106 b (“manual” radio button 106 b in the example of FIG. 4) according to the method for acquiring the laminate information.

  Here, “manual” refers to a method in which laminate information is input in advance on the setting screen 100 and the laminate information is referred to each time the printed matter 38 is printed. On the other hand, “automatic” refers to a method of automatically obtaining laminate information from tag information such as a job ticket or a profile associated with an electronic document.

  Furthermore, the operator selects one of the radio buttons 108a and 108b (“Yes” radio button 108a in the example of FIG. 4) according to whether or not the printed material 38 is covered with the laminate film 40. Further, the operator selects one of the radio buttons 110a and 110b (“ON” radio button 110a in the example of FIG. 4) according to the suitability of the gamut matching print mode. Furthermore, the operator selects one of the radio buttons 112a, 112b, or 112c (in the example of FIG. 4, the “output side profile” radio button 112c) according to the method for specifying the laminate film 40.

Further, the operator selects the file name of the profile OP _EF generated in step S27A (see FIG. 7) (“OutputProfile” in the example of FIG. 4) and inputs it to the pull-down menu 118. Note that, based on the profile IP _F selected in the pull-down menu 104, only the profile generated via the setting screen 140 of FIG. 5 (for example, the profile OP _EF ) can be selected from the pull-down menu 118 of the setting screen 100. May be.

  Then, in response to the click operation of the “Setting” button 120 by the operator, the laminate information input from the setting screen 100 is input to the main body 24 side and stored in the storage unit 78. Note that the operation on the setting screen 100 is canceled according to the click operation of the [Cancel] button 122 by the operator.

  Next, the covering mode (present / absent) is input and discriminated on the main body 24 side via the radio buttons 108a and 108b (step S4A), and the input used for printing the printed matter 38 (the protective-coated printed matter 42 or the uncoated printed matter 43). A side profile and an output side profile are selected (steps S5A and S6A). Here, since the gamut matching print mode is selected to be “ON” (radio button 110a in FIG. 4), it should be noted that different output-side profiles are used for printing depending on whether or not the laminate film 40 is covered.

If covering the laminating film 40 to the printed matter 38, the input side profile and profile IP _T, the output-side profile and profile OP _EF (step S5A). On the other hand, if you do not cover the laminating film 40 to the printed matter 38, and an input-side profile and profile IP _T, the output-side profile and profile OP _F (step S6A). Thus, with or without the coating of the laminating film 40, using the same profile IP _T as the input side profile. Thereby, the total number of target profiles to be used can be reduced, and data management becomes easy.

When the gamut matching print mode is selected as “OFF” (radio button 110b in FIG. 4), the same profile shown in step S6A is used regardless of whether or not the laminate film 40 is covered. That is, the input profile is profile IP _T , and the output profile is profile OP _F.

  Next, the operator instructs the printing machine 18 to print the printed matter 38 by giving a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 (step S7A). The flow of image processing by the image processing device 16 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

When an electronic manuscript (PDL format) supplied from the editing device 14 is input to the image processing device 16 via the LAN 12 and the I / F 52, the electronic manuscript is rasterized in 8-bit CMYK value raster format (device) by the RIP 54, respectively. Dependent image data), converted into L ^* a ^* b ^* values (device-independent image data) by the input-side profile processing unit 80, and CMYK values (device-dependent image data) by the output-side profile processing unit 82. ), Converted into a print control signal (ie, ink ejection control data) by the printer driver 58, and supplied to the printer 18 via the I / F 60. Thereafter, a desired printed matter 38 is printed by the printing machine 18.

  During this operation, a plurality of input-side profiles and output-side profiles stored in advance in the storage unit 78 are supplied to the profile selection unit 79 side, and the profile selection unit 79 selects a profile according to the laminate information. This is supplied to the profile processing unit 80 and the output side profile processing unit 82.

  Laminate information related to the printed matter 38 to be printed is automatically or manually acquired by the laminate information acquiring unit 68 and then supplied to the profile selecting unit 79 side. In the case of “automatic” (radio button 106a in FIG. 4), the laminate information is acquired from tag information such as a job ticket or a profile associated with the electronic document, and “manual” (radio button 106b in FIG. 4) is selected. If it has been done, it is acquired from the storage unit 78 stored in advance through step S3A.

In the setting example of the first embodiment, a profile OP _{EF including} a color conversion table that takes into account the optical characteristics of the laminate film 40 is selected in accordance with the designation of the output-side profile name (for example, “OutputProfile”). That is, the laminate film 40 is indirectly designated.

  Next, the worker causes the printed material 38 to be laminated as necessary (step S8A). As a result, it is possible to improve the scratching and robustness of the image. Since the operation of the laminating apparatus 20 is the same as that in step S24A (see FIG. 7), detailed description is omitted.

  As a result, the color appearances of the printed matter 42 with the protective film obtained through step S5A (see FIG. 6) and the uncoated printed matter 43 obtained through step S6A (same reference) are substantially the same. The operation principle will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9B.

Hereinafter, in FIGS. 9A and 9B, A1 is device-dependent data representing an electronic document, and A2 is device-dependent data representing a print control signal. 8A to 9B, G _F , G _L , G _T , and G _T * L ⁻¹ represent device-dependent data, a gamut that can be reproduced as a print 42 with a protective film, or an uncoated print 43.

  FIG. 9A is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a color conversion process of the printed matter 42 with the protective film formed through step S5A of FIG.

  The input side profile processing unit 80 includes the first conversion unit 200. The output side profile processing unit 82 includes an enlargement processing unit 202 and a second conversion unit 204. The output-side profile processing unit 82 performs one LUT calculation process. However, in order to facilitate the technical understanding of the present invention, the functions of the enlargement processing unit 202 and the second conversion unit 204 are described separately. To do.

Device-dependent data A1 is the first conversion unit 200 and converted into device-independent data representing the color values within the range of the target gamut G _T. Here, the target gamut G _T is the gamut is determined according to the color conversion table included in the profile IP _T. In the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the target gamut G _T is included in the coating after the maximum gamut G _L relationship, that is, to be a subset of the coating after a maximum gamut G _L (see FIG. 8A) .

Thereafter, the device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) is converted by the enlargement processing unit 202 into device-independent data representing color values within the range of the enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ . Here, the target gamut G _T * L ^-1 which is expanding, in anticipation of the gamut reduction effect due to the coating of the laminating film 40, in order to obtain a protective-film-covered print 42 to reproduce a color in the range of the target gamut G _T This is a gamut of the printed matter 38 as an intermediate product.

Note that “* L ⁻¹ ” is an operator that represents a gamut expansion change before and after the coating of the laminate film 40. Similarly, “* L”, which will be described later, is an operator representing a gamut reduction change before and after coating of the laminate film 40.

Thereafter, the device-dependent data (enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ ) is converted into device-dependent data A 2 by the second conversion unit 204. The device-dependent data A2 is used as print data for causing the printing machine 18 to print the printed matter 38 of an appropriate color. The printed product 38 reproduces a color within the range of the enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ .

Then, by using the laminating apparatus 20, a printed matter 42 with a protective film in which the printed matter 38 is coated with the laminate film 40 is obtained. At this time, as for the gamut of the printed matter 42 with the protective film, an enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ (gamut of the printed matter 38) corresponding to the predetermined amount (operator “* L”) is obtained by the coating process of the laminate film 40. The amount to be reduced). That is, the protective-film-covered print 42, to reproduce the color in the range of the target gamut G _T.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9B is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the color conversion processing of the uncovered printed material 43 formed through step S6A of FIG. The input side profile processing unit 80 includes a first conversion unit 200, and the output side profile processing unit 82 includes a second conversion unit 204.

Device-dependent data A1 is the first conversion unit 200 and converted into device-independent data representing the color values within the range of the target gamut G _T. Thereafter, the device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) is converted into device-dependent data A2 by the second conversion unit 204. The device-dependent data A2 is used as print data for causing the printing machine 18 to print the printed matter 38 of an appropriate color. Printed matter 38 is printed, to reproduce the color in the range of the target gamut G _T.

In this way, the color conversion processing of the uncoated printed matter 43 is performed so that the gamut of the uncoated printed matter 43 obtained without covering the laminate film 40 matches the gamut of the printed matter 42 with the protective film (target gamut G _T ). Therefore, regardless of the coating mode of the laminate film 40, the same color printed matter (the uncoated printed matter 43 and the protective-coated printed matter 42) can be obtained.

  Next, a printing system 10B according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the printing system 10B has the same configuration as that of the printing system 10A (particularly, see FIGS. 1 to 5), description thereof will be omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the operation method of the printing system 10A (B). Details will be described below.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for obtaining a protective-colored printed matter 42 or an uncoated printed matter 43 of an appropriate color using the printing system 10B. Description will be made mainly with reference to FIG.

  First, an operator investigates the printing conditions and the observation mode regarding the printed matter 42 with the protective film or the uncoated printed matter 43 to be formed (step S1B).

  Next, the worker gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the image processing device 16 to acquire a profile (step S2B). If an appropriate profile is not registered (stored in the storage unit 78) in the printing machine 18, a profile can be generated separately. Hereinafter, the profile generation method in step S2B will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The operator instructs the image processing apparatus 16 to execute steps S21B to S26B by giving a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28.

The operator selects the radio button 142b (input only) on the setting screen 140 of FIG. In addition, the operator selects “Japan Color 2007” (profile IP _T ) from the pull-down menu 144. Further, the operator selects “PrinterProfile-1” (profile OP _F ) from the pull-down menu 146. Further, the operator selects the radio button 148 a (type) and selects “Matte B” from the pull-down menu 150. Further, the operator inputs the output profile name to be saved (“InputProfile” in the example of FIG. 5) in the text box 154. Then, in response to the click operation of the [Save] button 158 by the operator, the main body 24 of the image processing apparatus 16 executes steps S21B to S26B described later.

First, the control unit 96, to acquire the profile IP _T to the profile acquisition unit 84 (step S21B). Target profile name specified in the pull-down menu 144 of FIG. 5 is inputted to the main body 24 side, it is referred to read out the profile IP _T associated with the target profile name. The profile IP _T is read from the storage unit 78 and supplied to the profile acquisition unit 84 side.

Next, the control unit 96 causes the profile acquisition unit 84 to acquire the profile OP _F (step S22B). The print profile name specified by the pull-down menu 146 in FIG. 5 is input to the main body 24 and is referred to in order to read the profile OP _F associated with the print profile name. The profile OP _F is read from the storage unit 78 and supplied to the profile acquisition unit 84 side.

  Next, the control unit 96 causes the change information acquisition unit 86 to acquire change information Info (step S23B). In the second embodiment, enlarged change information InfoEx and reduced change information InfoSh are used as the change information Info. Further, the enlarged change information InfoEx (or the reduced change information InfoSh) is a conversion expression or conversion parameter representing gamut conversion. Hereinafter, the function expressed by the enlarged change information InfoEx is referred to as “enlarged conversion function”, and the function expressed by the reduced change information InfoSh is called “reduced conversion function”. Here, the expansion conversion function and the reduction conversion function may be either linear functions or non-linear functions, and various mathematical models can be applied.

  The type of the laminate film 40 specified by the pull-down menu 150 in FIG. 5 is input to the main body 24 side, and is referred to in order to read the change information Info associated with the type. The change information Info is read from the storage unit 78 and supplied to the change information acquisition unit 86 side.

Then, the control unit 96 causes the correcting color conversion table provided in the profile IP _T in the LUT correction unit 94 (step S24B).

As shown in Figure 8A, when the target gamut G _T is a subset of the maximum gamut G _L After coating, any color within the range of the target gamut G _T can be reproduced on the protective-film-covered print 42. However, as in FIG. 12A, when the target gamut G _T is a region represented by gamut 178, a portion of the color range of the target gamut G _T are not reproduced on the protective-film-covered print 42. Therefore, to fit the color of the range of the coating after a maximum gamut G _L, may be pre-corrects the target gamut G _T.

First, by referring to the color conversion table of the profile IP _T acquired in step S21B, the target gamut G _T is obtained. Then, by referring to the color conversion table of the profile OP _F obtained in step S22B, the maximum gamut G _F is obtained. Then, using the maximum gamut G _F and reduction conversion function (reduced change information InfoSh), covering the maximum gamut G _L is estimated.

By gamut mapping unit 88, that the gamut mapping from the target gamut G _T into the coating at the maximum gamut G _L is applied, the gamut 180 of FIG. 12B (hereinafter. Referred to as "correction gamut G _C") is obtained . The correction gamut G _C is the gamut matching print mode, a gamut to be the color reproduced on the protective-film-covered print 42 and uncoated printed matter 43. Various known algorithms can be used for gamut mapping. For example, the mapping may be performed using a method conforming to “Perceptual”, “Saturation”, “Absolute Colormetric”, or “Relativistic Colormetric” defined in the ICC profile.

Next, the control unit 96 causes the profile generation unit 62 to generate a profile IP _TC (step S25B). Here, the profile IP _TC is a target profile for appropriately input-controlling colors within the range of the correction gamut G _C (see FIG. 12B).

Profile IP _T includes a color conversion table for converting the device-dependent data A to the device-independent data B _T (A2B table). The conversion process is schematically expressed as (A → B _T ).

The A2B table representing the conversion process (A → B _T ) is corrected by the LUT correction unit 94 into an A2B table representing the conversion process (A → B _C ) according to the result of the gamut mapping. Then, the profile generation unit 62 generates a profile IP _{TC that} uses the corrected color conversion table as part of the data. The newly generated profile IP _TC is stored in the storage unit 78 with the data file name (for example, “InputProfile (n)”) shown in the text box 154 of FIG.

Finally, the control unit 96 causes the profile generation unit 62 to generate a profile IP _TCE (step S26B). Here, the profile IP _TCE is a target profile for appropriately input-controlling colors within the range of the gamut 182 (hereinafter referred to as “enlarged correction gamut G _C * L ⁻¹ ”) in FIG. 12C. The profile IP _TCE is a target profile appropriate for the printed matter 42 with the protective film for performing gamut matching printing. In other words, the profile IP _TCE is a target profile suitable for the printed product 38 as an intermediate product before the lamination film 40 is coated.

The color conversion table (A → B _C ) created in step S25B is further corrected by the LUT correction unit 94 using the enlargement conversion function (enlargement change information InfoEx). As a result, an appropriate color conversion table {conversion step (A → G _C → G _C * L ⁻¹ )} is created for the printed matter 42 with the protective film on which gamut matching printing is performed. Then, the profile generation unit 62 generates a profile IP _TCE having the corrected color conversion table as part of the data. The newly generated profile IP _TCE is stored in the storage unit 78 with the data file name (for example, “InputProfile (c)”) shown in the text box 154 of FIG.

  When the [Save] button 158 is clicked with the radio button 142a (input / output) selected on the setting screen 140 of FIG. 5, the input side profile and the output side profile are generated at a time, and then the storage unit 78, respectively. Information input in the text boxes 154 and 156 is used for the data file name at this time.

  In this way, the image processing apparatus 16 is made to acquire and generate a profile (step S2B).

  Returning to FIG. 10, the operator then causes the printing machine 18 to input printing conditions by giving a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 (step S <b> 3 </ b> B).

Operator selects ( "JapanColor2007" in FIG. 4 example) the file name of the profile IP _T used for printing, using the mouse 32, and inputs to the pull-down menu 102 on the setting screen 100 of FIG. In addition, the operator selects the file name of the profile OP _F used for printing (“PrinterProfile-1” in the example of FIG. 4) and inputs it to the pull-down menu 104.

  In addition, the operator selects the radio button 112b (input-side profile) among the radio buttons 112a to 112c, and inputs the input-side profile name (“InputProfile” in the example of FIG. 4) used for printing into the pull-down menu 116. Then, in response to the click operation of the “Setting” button 120 by the operator, the laminate information input from the setting screen 100 is input to the main body 24 side and stored in the storage unit 78.

  Next, the covering mode (present / absent) is input and discriminated on the main body 24 side via the radio buttons 108a and 108b (step S4B), and input used for printing the printed matter 38 (printed product 42 with protective film or uncoated printed matter 43). A side profile and an output side profile are selected (steps S5B and S6B). Here, since the gamut matching print mode is selected as “ON” (radio button 110a in FIG. 4), it should be noted that different input-side profiles are used for printing depending on whether or not the laminate film 40 is covered.

If the printed material 38 is covered with the laminate film 40, the profile on the input side is profile IP _TCE {data file name: InputProfile (c)}, and the profile on the output side is profile OP _F (step S5B). On the other hand, when the printed material 38 is not covered with the laminate film 40, the profile on the input side is set to profile IP _TC {data file name: InputProfile (n)}, and the profile on the output side is set to profile OP _F (step S6B). Thus, the same profile OP _F is used as the output side profile regardless of whether or not the laminate film 40 is covered. As a result, the total number of print profiles used can be reduced, and data management becomes easy.

  When the gamut matching print mode is selected as “OFF” (radio button 110b in FIG. 4), the same profile or the like shown in step S6B is used regardless of whether or not the laminate film 40 is covered.

  Next, the worker gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the printing machine 18 to print the printed matter 38 (step S7B). Next, the operator causes the printed product 38 to be laminated as necessary (step S8B). Since the operation of the printing system 10B at this time is the same as that in the first embodiment (steps S7A and S8A in FIG. 6), detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As a result, the color appearances of the printed matter 42 with the protective film obtained through step S5B (see FIG. 10) and the uncoated printed matter 43 obtained through step S6B (same reference) are substantially the same. This operation principle will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12A to 13B.

Hereinafter, in FIGS. 13A and 13B, A1 is device-dependent data representing an electronic document, and A2 is device-dependent data representing a print control signal. 12A to 13B, G _F , G _L , G _T , G _C , and G _C * L ⁻¹ represent device-dependent data, a gamut that can be color-reproduced as a print 42 with a protective film, or an uncoated print 43. .

  FIG. 13A is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the color conversion processing of the protective-coated printed material 42 formed through step S5B of FIG.

  The input side profile processing unit 80 includes a first conversion unit 200, an adjustment processing unit 206, and an enlargement processing unit 202. The output side profile processing unit 82 includes a second conversion unit 204. Note that the input-side profile processing unit 80 performs one LUT calculation process. In order to facilitate technical understanding of the present invention, each of the first conversion unit 200, the adjustment processing unit 206, and the enlargement processing unit 202 is performed. Each function will be described separately.

Device-dependent data A1 is the first conversion unit 200 and converted into device-independent data representing the color values within the range of the target gamut G _T. As described above, in the second embodiment, the target gamut G _T shall not a subset of the coating after a maximum gamut G _L (see FIG. 12A).

Thereafter, the device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) is converted by the adjustment processing unit 206 into device-independent data representing color values within the range of the correction gamut G _C. The correction gamut G _C is a gamut obtained by performing a predetermined gamut mapping process after coating maximum gamut G _L from the target gamut G _T.

Thereafter, the device-dependent data (correction gamut G _C ) is converted by the enlargement processing unit 202 into device-independent data representing color values within the range of the enlarged correction gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ . Here, the enlarged corrected gamut G _C * L ⁻¹ is for obtaining a printed matter 42 with a protective film that reproduces a color within the range of the corrected gamut G _C in anticipation of the effect of reducing the gamut accompanying the coating of the laminate film 40. This is a gamut of the printed matter 38 as an intermediate product.

Thereafter, the device-independent data (enlarged correction gamut G _C * L ⁻¹ ) is converted into device-dependent data A 2 by the second conversion unit 204. The device-dependent data A2 is used as print data for causing the printing machine 18 to print the printed matter 38 of an appropriate color. The printed product 38 reproduces a color within the range of the enlarged correction gamut G _C * L ⁻¹ .

Then, by using the laminating apparatus 20, a printed matter 42 with a protective film in which the printed matter 38 is coated with the laminate film 40 is obtained. At this time, as for the gamut of the printed matter 42 with the protective film, the corrected gamut G _C * L ⁻¹ (gamut of the printed matter 38) enlarged by the coating process of the laminate film 40 corresponds to a predetermined amount (operator “* L”). The amount to be reduced). That is, the protective-film-covered print 42, to reproduce the color in the range of the correction gamut G _C.

  On the other hand, FIG. 13B is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the color conversion processing of the uncovered printed matter 43 formed through step S6B of FIG. The input profile processing unit 80 includes a first conversion unit 200 and an adjustment processing unit 206. The output side profile processing unit 82 includes a second conversion unit 204.

Device-dependent data A1 is the first conversion unit 200 and converted into device-independent data representing the color values within the range of the target gamut G _T. Thereafter, the device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) is converted by the adjustment processing unit 206 into device-independent data representing color values within the range of the correction gamut G _C. Thereafter, the device-independent data (correction gamut G _C ) is converted into device-dependent data A2 by the second conversion unit 204. The device-dependent data A2 is used as print data for causing the printing machine 18 to print the printed matter 38 of an appropriate color. Printed matter 38 is printed, to reproduce the color in the range of the correction gamut G _C.

  Thus, the input side profile may be used as a profile to be selected according to the coating mode of the laminate film 40. Thereby, the same effect as 1st Embodiment (refer FIG. 6) using the output side profile is acquired.

  Note that the profile generation method is not limited to these, and various combinations can be used. First, the selection method of the input side profile and the output side profile suitable for the color conversion process of the printed matter 42 with the protective film will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when color conversion processing is performed in the order of the first conversion unit 200, the adjustment processing unit 206, the enlargement processing unit 202, and the second conversion unit 204, the input-side profile and the output-side profile are combined in the following combinations. You can choose.

In the color conversion method M11, the profile IP _T is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _CEF is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _T includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200. The output side profile OP _CEF includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the adjustment processing unit 206, the enlargement processing unit 202, and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M12, the profile IP _TC is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _EF is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TC includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200 and the adjustment processing unit 206 at a time. The output profile OP _EF includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the enlargement processing unit 202 and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M13, the profile IP _TCE is used as the input profile, and the profile OP _F is used as the output profile. The profile IP _TCE includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200, the adjustment processing unit 206, and the enlargement processing unit 202 at a time. The output side profile OP _F includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the second conversion unit 204. Note that the color conversion method M13 corresponds to the color conversion method shown in FIG. 13A.

Further, the order of the color conversion processes shown in FIG. 14 may be changed as appropriate. Maximum gamut G _F, covering the maximum gamut G _L, and the target gamut G _T is referred to as being disposed relationship shown in (the same view as FIG. 12A.) Figure 15A.

If larger change information InfoEx is known, from the target gamut G _T enlarged shape (corresponding to the gamut 184 of FIG. 15B. Hereinafter referred to as "expanded target gamut G _T * L ^-1".) Is predicted . Then, to fit colors within the maximum gamut G _F, the target gamut G _T * L ^-1 which is enlarged may be corrected. Hereinafter, the gamut 186 (hatched area in FIG. 15C) obtained here is referred to as “corrected enlarged gamut G _C ′ * L ⁻¹ ”.

The laminated film 40 is coated on the printed matter 38 that is appropriately color-reproduced so as to obtain a corrected enlarged gamut G _C '* L ⁻¹ . Then, the gamut of the printed matter 38 is reduced by a predetermined amount (an amount corresponding to the operator “* L”), and the printed matter 42 with the protective film having the correction gamut G _C ′ is formed. The correction gamut G _C ′ substantially matches the correction gamut G _C.

  In this case, a color conversion process when forming the printed matter 42 with the protective film will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, when the color conversion process is performed in the order of the first conversion unit 200, the enlargement processing unit 202, the adjustment processing unit 206, and the second conversion unit 204, the input-side profile and the output-side profile are obtained by the following combinations. Can be generated.

In the color conversion method M14, the profile IP _T is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _ECF is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _T includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200. The output-side profile OP _ECF includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the enlargement processing unit 202, the adjustment processing unit 206, and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M15, the profile IP _TE is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _CF is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TE includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200 and the enlargement processing unit 202 at a time. The output side profile OP _CF includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the adjustment processing unit 206 and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M16, the profile IP _TE is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _F is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TE includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200 and the enlargement processing unit 202 at a time. The output side profile OP _F includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the second conversion unit 204. In this method, the output side profile processing unit 82 performs color conversion processing corresponding to the adjustment processing unit 206 based on a rendering intent specified in advance. The rendering intent is a variable defined by the ICC and determines the color reproduction purpose of the output device.

In the color conversion method M17, the profile IP _TEC is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _F is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TEC includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200, the enlargement processing unit 202, and the adjustment processing unit 206 at a time. The output side profile OP _F includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the second conversion unit 204.

That is, the profile IP _T is the target profile for appropriately input control colors in the range of the target gamut G _T which is targeted for color reproduction (see FIGS. 15A and 15B). The profile IP _TE is a target profile for appropriately input-controlling colors within the range of the expanded target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ (see FIGS. 15B and 15C). Furthermore, the profile IP _TEC is a target profile for appropriately input-controlling colors within the range of the corrected enlarged gamut G _C '* L ⁻¹ (see FIG. 15C).

  Next, a method for selecting an input side profile and an output side profile suitable for color conversion processing of the uncovered printed matter 43 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the color conversion process is performed in the order of the first conversion unit 200, the adjustment processing unit 206, and the second conversion unit 204, the profile can be used in the following combinations.

The color conversion method M21, with use of the profile IP _T as an input side profile, using the profile OP _CF as an output-side profile. The profile IP _T includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200. The output-side profile OP _F includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the adjustment processing unit 206 and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M22, the profile IP _TC is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _F is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TC includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200 and the adjustment processing unit 206 at a time. The output side profile OP _F includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the second conversion unit 204.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the color conversion process may be performed in the order of the first conversion unit 200, the adjustment processing unit 206, the enlargement processing unit 202, the reduction processing unit 208, and the second conversion unit 204. Here, the reduction processing unit 208 is a color conversion processing unit that reproduces gamut reduction by covering with the laminate film 40. The enlargement processing unit 202 and the reduction processing unit 208 are in a mutually inverse relationship.

In the color conversion method M23, the profile IP _TCE is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _SF is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TCE includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200, the adjustment processing unit 206, and the enlargement processing unit 202 at a time. The output side profile OP _CF includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the reduction processing unit 208 and the second conversion unit 204 at a time. The profile OP _SF matches the profile OP _L.

For example, the color conversion method M17 is used when forming the printed matter 42 with the protective film, and the color conversion method M23 is used when forming the uncoated printed matter 43. In this case, a common profile IP _TEC can be used as the input side profile.

  Further, as in FIGS. 15A to 15C, the order of the adjustment processing unit 206 may be changed. When color conversion processing is performed in the order of the first conversion unit 200, the enlargement processing unit 202, the adjustment processing unit 206, the reduction processing unit 208, and the second conversion unit 204, profiles can be used in the following combinations.

In the color conversion method M24 shown in FIG. 19, the profile IP _T is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _ECSF is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _T includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200. The output-side profile OP _ECSF includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the enlargement processing unit 202, the adjustment processing unit 206, the reduction processing unit 208, and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M25, the profile IP _TE is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _CSF is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TE includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200 and the enlargement processing unit 202 at a time. The output side profile OP _CSF includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the adjustment processing unit 206, the reduction processing unit 208, and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M26, the profile IP _TE is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _SF (corresponding to the profile OP _L ) is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TE includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200 and the enlargement processing unit 202 at a time. The output-side profile OP _SF includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing by the reduction processing unit 208 and the second conversion unit 204 at a time. In this method, the output side profile processing unit 82 performs color conversion processing corresponding to the adjustment processing unit 206 based on a rendering intent specified in advance.

In the color conversion method M27, the profile IP _TEC is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _SF (corresponding to the profile OP _L ) is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TEC includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200, the enlargement processing unit 202, and the adjustment processing unit 206 at a time. The output profile OP _CSF includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the reduction processing unit 208 and the second conversion unit 204 at a time.

In the color conversion method M28, the profile IP _TECS is used as the input side profile, and the profile OP _F is used as the output side profile. The profile IP _TECS includes a color conversion table for executing color conversion processing in the first conversion unit 200, enlargement processing unit 202, adjustment processing unit 206, and reduction processing unit 208 at a time. The output side profile OP _F includes a color conversion table for executing the color conversion processing in the second conversion unit 204.

  In this way, any combination of the input side profile and the output side profile described above may be selected and the color conversion process may be performed.

  For example, a predetermined target profile may be used as an input side profile regardless of the coating mode of the laminate film 40, and color conversion processing may be performed using a profile according to the coating mode of the laminate film 40 as an output side profile. .

For example, by selecting a color conversion method M11 and the color conversion method M21 (or color conversion method M24), may be used common profile IP _T as the input side profile. At this time, either the profile OP _CEF or the profile OP _CF (or the profile OP _ECSF ) is selected as the output side profile in accordance with the coating mode of the laminate film 40.

If the color conversion method M13 and the color conversion method M22 (or the color conversion method M28) are selected, the common profile OP _F can be used as the output side profile. At this time, either the profile IP _TCE or the profile IP _TC (or the profile IP _TECS ) is selected as the input side profile in accordance with the coating mode of the laminate film 40.

  Next, a printing system 10C according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22B. In the printing system 10C, the same components as those in the printing system 10A according to the first embodiment (particularly see FIGS. 1 to 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and so on. And

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory perspective view of a printing system 10C according to the third embodiment. It differs from the configuration of the printing system 10A in that the laminating apparatus 20 is installed at another site 222 different from the installation location 220 of the printing machine 18 or the like. The laminating apparatus 20 can coat a special (for example, difficult to obtain and expensive) laminating film 40 on the printed matter 38 printed by the printing machine 18. Alternatively, the laminating apparatus 20 can perform a special laminating process such as liquid laminating or varnishing.

  Since the other components are the same as the components of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 to 5), the description thereof is omitted. The printing system 10C according to the third embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for obtaining a printed matter 42 with an appropriate color protective film using the printing system 10C.

  First, the operator investigates the printing conditions and the observation mode regarding the printed matter 42 with the protective film to be formed (step S1C). In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the printed material 38 is covered with the laminate film 40.

  Next, the worker gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the image processing device 16 to acquire a profile (step S2C). As a profile acquisition method or generation method, either the first embodiment (see step S2A in FIG. 6) or the second embodiment (see step S2B in FIG. 10) may be applied.

  Next, the operator gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the printing machine 18 to perform simulated printing of the printed matter 38 (step S3C). Here, “simulated printing” refers to printing the printed material 38 by simulating the color reproduction state of the printed material 42 with the protective film after predicting the coating result of the laminate film 40. Note that this simulated printing is performed at the installation location 220 of the printing system 10C.

  FIG. 22A is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the color conversion processing of the printed matter 38 simulating the color reproduction state of the printed matter 42 with the protective film. This figure is basically the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 9B (first embodiment).

The electronic original data A1 is converted into device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) by the first conversion unit 200. Thereafter, the device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) is converted into data A2 of the print control signal by the second conversion unit 204 and used as print data for causing the printer 18 to print. Uncoated printed matter 43 that has been printed, to reproduce the color in the range of the target gamut G _T. As will be described later, this uncoated printed matter 43 reproduces the color of the protective-coated printed matter 42 in a pseudo manner.

  The color conversion method is not limited to the above-described method, and the color conversion methods M21 to M28 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 may be used.

  Next, returning to FIG. 21, the operator evaluates the color of the color image of the printed matter 38 (step S4C), and determines whether the color of the image is appropriate (step S5C). As an evaluation method for determining whether or not a desired hue has been obtained, paying attention to the overall appearance or partial appearance of the image, a method for judging the quality by visual observation by an operator or the like, or using a colorimeter 22 A method is used in which a predetermined portion of the printed matter 38 is color-measured and a determination is made based on whether or not the value falls within a desired range.

  As a result of this image evaluation, if it is determined that the color of the image of the printed matter 38 is not appropriate, fine color adjustment is performed (step S6C). Specific examples of the method include color correction of an electronic document, reselection / regeneration of a profile, fine adjustment of a profile (correction of a currently selected profile), and the like.

  Thereafter, by repeating printing and evaluation (steps S2C to S6C), a printed matter 38 of a desired color is obtained.

  Next, the operator gives a predetermined operation instruction using the input device 28 to cause the printing machine 18 to perform actual printing of the printed matter 38 (step S7C). Here, “production printing” means that the printed matter 38 is formally printed to cover the laminate film 40.

  FIG. 22B is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating color conversion processing for forming the printed matter 42 with the protective film. This figure is basically the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 9A, but differs in that the installation position of the laminating apparatus 20 is the other site 222.

The electronic original data A1 is converted into device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) by the first conversion unit 200. Thereafter, the device-independent data (target gamut G _T ) is converted into device-independent data (enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ ) by the enlargement processing unit 202. Thereafter, the device-independent data (enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ ) is converted into data A2 of the print control signal by the second conversion unit 204 and used as print data for causing the printer 18 to print. . The printed product 38 reproduces a color within the range of the enlarged target gamut G _T * L ⁻¹ .

  The color conversion method is not limited to the method described above, and the color conversion methods M11 to M17 shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 may be used.

  Next, the worker carries out the printed matter 38 printed in step S7C from the installation location 220 of the printing system 10C (step S8C). The printed matter 38 is conveyed to another site 222 where the laminating apparatus 20 is installed.

Next, the operator operates the laminating apparatus 20 to perform a laminating process on the printed matter 38 (step S9C). As shown in the right part of FIG. 22B, the gamut of the printed matter 42 with the protective film has a predetermined amount (target gamut of the printed matter 38) G _T * L ⁻¹ (gamut of the printed matter 38) expanded by the coating process of the laminate film 40. amount) corresponding to the operator "* L" is reduced is changed to the target gamut G _T. That is, the protective-coated printed material 42 is obtained which has substantially the same color reproduction as the printed material 38 whose color is determined to be appropriate in step S5C.

  Since it comprised in this way, it is possible to confirm the color reproduction of the printed matter 42 with a protective film, without covering the printed matter 38 with the laminate film 40, and the man-hour required for the color adjustment work of the printed matter 42 with a protective film, Therefore, the man-hours for covering the laminate film 40 and carrying in / out the printed material 38 can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can change freely in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

In the first to third embodiments, the input side profile and / or the output side profile are generated and stored in advance, and read from the storage unit 78 each time printing is performed. For example, in response to the selection of the radio button 112a (type) in FIG. 4, an output side / input side profile is generated in the profile generation unit 62 for each printing based on the profile IP _T , the profile OP _F, and the change information Info. (Or correction). Thereby, the work man-hours for profile generation (covering of the laminate film 40, colorimetry of the color chart 38c, etc.) can be reduced. In addition, the number of data files (data capacity) stored in the storage unit 78 can be reduced.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments, the printing machine 18 adopts a configuration that uses an ink jet system, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the effects of the present invention can be obtained even with an electrophotography, a heat sensitive system, or the like. be able to.

10A to 10C ... Printing system 14 ... Editing device 16 ... Image processing device 18 ... Printing machine 20 ... Laminating device 22 ... Colorimeter 24 ... Main body 26 ... Display device 28 ... Input device 36 ... Media 38 ... Printed matter 38c ... Color chart DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 ... Laminate film 42 ... Printed matter 43 with a protective film ... Uncoated printed matter 44 ... Color patch 54 ... RIP 56 ... Color conversion processing part 58 ... Printing machine driver 62 ... Profile generation part 66 ... Image data generation part 68 ... Laminate information acquisition part 78 ... Storage unit 79 ... Profile selection unit 80 ... Input side profile processing unit 82 ... Output side profile processing unit 84 ... Profile acquisition unit 86 ... Change information acquisition unit 88 ... Gamut mapping unit 90 ... LUT creation unit 92 ... LUT combination unit 94 ... LUT correction unit 96 ... control unit 100, 140 ... setting screen 1 0,172,174,176,178,180,182,184,186 ... gamut 200 ... first converter 202 ... enlargement processing unit 204: second conversion unit 206 ... adjustment processing unit 208 ... reduction processing section G _C, G _C '... Correction gamut G _C * L ^-1 ... Enlarged correction gamut G _F ... Maximum gamut G _L ... Maximum gamut when coated G _T ... Target gamut

Claims (15)

Obtaining a predetermined profile according to the printed matter;
Obtaining gamut change information before and after coating the printed matter with a protective film;
Based on the acquired predetermined profile and the change information, color conversion corresponding to at least one of an uncoated printed material obtained without coating the protective film or a printed material with a protective film obtained by coating the protective film Generating a profile for generating
Gamut of the protective-film-covered print that are obtained by printing with said predetermined profile, said to match the uncoated prints gamut, using the generated the color conversion profile, the uncoated printed matter or the A color conversion method, comprising: causing a computer to execute a color conversion step of performing color conversion processing of at least one of printed matter with a protective film. The color conversion method according to claim 1,
The method further comprises the step of inputting a coating mode relating to whether or not the protective film is coated on the printed matter,
In the color conversion step, the color conversion method and performing the color conversion process using the color conversion profile corresponding to the inputted coating manner. The color conversion method according to claim 2 ,
The predetermined profiles are a target profile and a print profile;
In the generating step, based on the one print profile and the change information, a print profile corresponding to at least one of the uncoated printed material or the printed material with a protective film is generated as the color conversion profile ,
In the color conversion step, and characterized by performing color conversion processing using together using the one target profile as the input side profile regardless the coating embodiment, the print profile corresponding to the coating aspect as an output-side profile Color conversion method. The color conversion method according to claim 2 ,
The predetermined profiles are a target profile and a print profile;
In the generating step, a target profile corresponding to at least one of the uncoated printed matter or the printed matter with a protective film is generated as the color conversion profile based on the one target profile and the change information,
In the color conversion step, and characterized by performing the color conversion process using the target profile corresponding to the coating aspect with used as an input side profile, as an output-side profile the one print profile regardless the coating aspect Color conversion method. The color conversion method according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The color conversion method further comprising the step of correcting the one target profile based on a gamut of the printed matter with the protective film. In the color conversion method of any one of Claims 1-5 ,
A step of inputting a type of the protective film;
In the color conversion step, the color conversion method and performing the color conversion process using the color conversion profile corresponding to the type of the protective film that is input. Obtaining a predetermined profile according to the printed matter;
Obtaining gamut change information before and after coating the printed matter with a protective film;
The gamut of the uncoated printed matter obtained without coating the protective film is obtained so that it matches the gamut of the printed matter with the protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and coating the protective film. based on the predetermined profile and the change information, the uncoated printed or profile generating method, characterized in that to execute a generating step of generating at least one color conversion profile on the computer of the protective-film-covered print. The profile generation method according to claim 7 , wherein
The profile generation method characterized in that the change information includes at least one of a color conversion formula, a color conversion parameter, a color conversion table, or a gamut of the printed matter with a protective film. The profile generation method according to claim 8 ,
The color conversion table, the profile generating method, wherein the predetermined profile and the color conversion profile corresponding to the printed matter with the protective film is a color conversion table obtained by combining the color conversion table included in each. In the profile generating method according to any one of claims 7-9,
A step of inputting a type of the protective film;
In the generation step, the color conversion profile corresponding to the type of the input protective film is generated. The color conversion which performs a color conversion process with respect to the printing data used for printing of at least one among the said uncoated printed matter or the said printed matter with a protective film using the color conversion method of any one of Claims 1-6. A color conversion device comprising a processing unit. Using the profile generating method according to any one of claims 7-1 0, the profile generator for generating the color conversion profile to be used for at least one printing of the uncoated printed or the protective-film-covered print A profile generation apparatus comprising: Computer
Means for obtaining a predetermined profile according to the printed matter;
Means for obtaining gamut change information before and after coating the printed matter with a protective film;
Based on the acquired predetermined profile and the change information, color conversion corresponding to at least one of an uncoated printed material obtained without coating the protective film or a printed material with a protective film obtained by coating the protective film Means for generating a profile for
Gamut of the protective-film-covered print that are obtained by printing with said predetermined profile, said to match the uncoated prints gamut, using the generated the color conversion profile, the uncoated printed matter or the A program that functions as a means for performing color conversion processing of at least one of printed matter with a protective film. Computer
Means for obtaining a predetermined profile according to the printed matter;
Means for obtaining gamut change information before and after coating the printed matter with a protective film;
The gamut of the uncoated printed matter obtained without coating the protective film is obtained so that it matches the gamut of the printed matter with the protective film obtained by printing using the predetermined profile and coating the protective film. A program that functions as means for generating at least one profile of the uncoated printed matter or the protective-coated printed matter based on a predetermined profile and the change information. Using the color conversion method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , printing a first printed material as the uncoated printed material based on print data;
Correcting the color value of the print data based on the color reproduction evaluation of the printed first printed matter;
Printing the second printed matter to be coated with the protective film using the color conversion method based on the corrected print data;
Covering the protective film on the printed second printed matter. A printed matter production method comprising:

Images