JP7251376B2 - COLOR VERIFICATION DEVICE, COLOR VERIFICATION METHOD AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a color verification device, color verification method, and program.

2. Description of the Related Art When commercial printing of pamphlets, calendars, posters, etc. is performed in a print shop, color matching is performed by an expert (color matching manager) prior to printing. Specifically, a color matching manager prints a print data sample, checks the color tone, and performs color adjustment such as tone curve adjustment. Confirmation of the sample and color adjustment based on it are repeatedly performed, and when the desired color tone is obtained, the print job can be executed.

Commercial printing requires strict standards for color reproducibility, so color validation is performed at predetermined timings (for example, every 2 hours, every 1000 copies, etc.) during printing. In order to perform color verification, a custom profile is created that indicates the color reproducibility of the image forming apparatus (printer) at that time when a desired color tone is obtained in color matching before execution of a print job. When performing color verification, it is common practice to print a predetermined wedge (patch group) and verify whether the desired color is maintained based on the colorimetric values and the custom profile. .

Also, if the latest target profile data cannot be obtained, color verification is performed using the past target profile data. , an image processing system that performs color verification using the latest target profile data has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2004-287660

By the way, in commercial printing, it is sometimes necessary to print a large number of copies in a short time while meeting strict color reproduction standards. . A plurality of printers may be installed at the same base, or may be installed at different bases. Applying the above-mentioned color verification operation in order to manage variations in color reproducibility among multiple printers allows multiple It is conceivable to perform color verification for each of the printers.

However, since the environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) differs from site to site, and the stability of color reproduction varies from printer to printer, if you inspect the entire color reproduction area using a custom profile, etc., the color Despite the correctness, there were limits in terms of the accuracy and operation required for color verification, such as detecting color variations in areas where the print job had no effect.

Also, color matching is performed not only when the same print job is distributed to multiple printers, but also when color verification is performed for printers with different characteristics, or when color verification is performed for printers installed in different environments. Appropriate color verification with required accuracy even when there is a possibility that color verification may be performed by a different person, or when color verification may be performed after a certain amount of time has passed since color matching is performed. It was difficult to do so, and there was a problem common to distributing and executing the same print job to multiple printers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to perform appropriate color verification according to the environment with accuracy required for color verification.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a color verification apparatus capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus, comprising a control section, wherein the control section supplies a first wedge to the image forming apparatus. printing, acquiring first colorimetric information about the printed first wedge, creating a color verification target based on the acquired first colorimetric information, and performing color verification for the image forming apparatus; At least one target profile and at least one color verification target are displayed on a display unit as target options, and selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target is received, and the one target is selected. When a color verification target is selected as a target, the selected color verification target is set as a color target setting, and when a target profile is selected as the one target, the image forming apparatus is caused to print. receiving selection of a second wedge, setting the selected target profile and the selected second wedge as color target settings, and performing color verification of the image forming apparatus based on the set color target settings; .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color verification apparatus communicable with an image forming apparatus, comprising a control section, wherein the control section selects at least one color verification target option for the image forming apparatus. displaying one target profile and at least one color verification target on a display unit, accepting selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target, and selecting the color verification target as the one target When selected, the selected color verification target is set as a color target setting, and when a target profile is selected as the one target, selection of a second wedge to be printed by the image forming apparatus is accepted. and setting the selected target profile and the selected second wedge as color target settings, and performing color verification of the image forming apparatus based on the set color target settings.

The invention according to claim 3 is the color verification apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing the color verification, the control unit , obtaining first colorimetric information corresponding to the set color verification target, causing the image forming apparatus to print a first wedge corresponding to the set color verification target, and obtaining the first wedge corresponding to the set color verification target; acquiring second colorimetric information about the first wedge, and performing color verification of the image forming apparatus based on the first colorimetric information and the second colorimetric information corresponding to the set color verification target; and when a target profile and a second wedge are set in the color target setting used when performing the color verification, a color corresponding to the second wedge based on the set target profile and the second wedge obtaining information, causing the image forming apparatus to print the set second wedge, obtaining third colorimetric information about the printed second wedge, and obtaining the color information and the third colorimetric information; and color verification of the image forming apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the color verification apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein when a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing the color verification, the control unit As wedges to be printed by the image forming apparatus, selection of options other than the first wedge corresponding to the set color verification target is prohibited.

The invention according to claim 5 is the color verification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the target profile is a preset target profile and/or a custom target profile.

The invention according to claim 6 is the color verification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to: to display options for the at least one target profile and the at least one color verification target as a drop-down menu, and to display the options in the drop-down menu by dividing them into groups of the target profile and the color verification target. .

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the color verification apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the size of the area for displaying the option of the target profile and the size of the area for displaying the option of the color verification target are as follows: is predetermined for each group of the target profile and the color verification target, and the control unit displays the scroll bar when the options belonging to the group cannot be displayed in the area corresponding to the group. display.

The invention according to claim 8 is the color verification device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the color verification device communicates with another color verification device having a function similar to that of the color verification device. It is possible to share a color verification target with the other color verification device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the color verification apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit selects a chart for creating a profile and the When the first wedge is displayed on the display unit, the selection of one chart from the displayed profile creation chart and the first wedge is accepted, and the first wedge is selected as the one chart causing the image forming apparatus to print the selected first wedge; obtaining the first colorimetric information about the printed first wedge; and performing color verification based on the obtained first colorimetric information. Create a target.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a color verification method executed by a control unit of a color verification device communicable with an image forming device, wherein at least one target option for color verification of the image forming device is displaying a target profile and at least one color verification target on a display unit; accepting selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target; and using the one target for color verification. setting the selected color verification target as a color target setting when a target for color verification is selected, and setting a second wedge to be printed by the image forming apparatus when a target profile is selected as the one target. receiving a selection and setting the selected target profile and the selected second wedge as color target settings; and performing color verification of the image forming device based on the set color target settings. ,including.

In the invention according to claim 11, a computer of a color verification device communicable with an image forming device is provided with at least one target profile and at least one color verification target profile as target options for color verification of the image forming device. displaying a target on a display unit; receiving selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target; and when the color verification target is selected as the one target, When the selected target for color verification is set as a color target setting and a target profile is selected as the one target, selection of a second wedge to be printed by the image forming apparatus is received, and the selected target is selected. A program for executing a step of setting a profile and the selected second wedge as a color target setting, and a step of performing color verification of the image forming apparatus based on the set color target setting. .

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform appropriate color verification according to the environment with accuracy required for color verification.

It is a system configuration example of a color management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the color verification device; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of a colorimeter table; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data configuration of a colorimetry condition table; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data configuration of a printer table; It is a figure which shows the data structure of a wedge table. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data configuration of a wedge patch value table; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of a color verification target table; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data configuration of a target value management table of a color verification target; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of a color target setting table; It is a figure which shows the data structure of a tracking table. It is an example of a target setting screen. It is an example of a target creation screen. 6 is a flowchart showing target creation processing; This is an example of a target creation screen displaying options for a profile chart and a wedge chart. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing part of a target creation screen when a wedge chart is selected; It is an example of a target creation screen displaying colorimetric results. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing part of a target creation screen when a profile chart is selected; It is an example of a target edit screen. It is an example of a color target setting creation screen. 4 is a flowchart showing color target setting creation processing; It is an example of a color target setting creation screen displaying options for a target profile and a target for color verification. 4 is a flowchart showing tracking creation processing; It is an example of a tracking setting screen. It is an example of a tracking creation screen. It is an example of a dashboard screen. 6 is a flowchart showing color verification execution processing; It is an example of a color verification screen. It is a figure which shows the system configuration|structure in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of a color management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The color management system 100 includes a color verification device 10, a colorimeter 20, and a plurality of printers 30 as image forming devices, and is installed in a print shop (customer company using the color verification device 10). It is The color verification device 10 and each printer 30 are connected via a communication network N so as to be capable of data communication. Also, the color verification device 10 and the colorimeter 20 are connected via a USB cable or a communication network N. FIG.

The color verification device 10 performs color verification of images printed by each printer 30 . A software program for performing color verification, a printer driver for printing by each printer 30, a device driver for communicating with the colorimeter 20, and the like are installed in the color verification device 10 .

The colorimeter 20 measures the color of the patch group included in the chart or wedge printed by the printer 30 and outputs colorimetric values (L ^* a ^* b ^* values, etc.). A wedge is an image for color verification and is composed of a plurality of color patches. As the colorimeter 20, a plurality of types of colorimeters can be used.

Each printer 30 is an image forming apparatus to be subjected to color verification, and is composed of a printer controller and a print engine. Each printer 30 prints an image on paper based on image data of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K).

Here, an example in which the color verification device 10 that performs color verification and the colorimeter 20 are connected will be described. A color verification device 10 for colorimetrically measuring the printed paper by an in-line colorimetric device or the like provided in the subsequent transport path, and performing color verification on the measured colorimetric values via the communication network N. It may be a configuration sent to

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the color verification device 10. As shown in FIG. The color verification device 10 includes a control section 11 , a display section 12 , an operation section 13 , a colorimetric data reception section 14 , a communication section 15 and a storage section 16 .

The control section 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11C, and the like, and controls the processing operations of each section of the color verification apparatus 10 in an integrated manner. Specifically, the CPU 11A reads various processing programs stored in the ROM 11B, develops them in the RAM 11C, and performs various processing in cooperation with the programs.

The display unit 12 includes a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens in accordance with display signal instructions input from the control unit 11 .

The operation unit 13 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, letter/number input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and controls operation signals input by key operations on the keyboard and mouse operations. Output to unit 11 . Further, when the operation unit 13 is composed of a touch panel laminated on the display unit 12 , an operation signal corresponding to the position of the touch operation by the operator's finger or the like is output to the control unit 11 .

The colorimetric data receiving unit 14 receives data of colorimetric values (L ^* a ^* b ^* values, etc.) from the colorimeter 20 .

The communication unit 15 is configured by a network interface or the like, and transmits and receives data to and from an external device connected via the communication network N. For example, the communication unit 15 transmits data of a wedge chart or a profile creation chart to the printer 30 to be subjected to color verification.

The storage unit 16 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a nonvolatile memory, or the like, and stores various data. The storage unit 16 stores a colorimeter table T1, a colorimetry condition table T2, a printer table T3, a wedge table T4, a wedge patch value table T5, a color verification target table T6, a color verification target target value management table T7, A color target setting table T8, a tracking table T9, etc. are stored.

FIG. 3 shows the data configuration of the colorimeter table T1. In the colorimeter table T1, a colorimeter ID and a colorimeter (model name, name) are associated and stored for each colorimeter 20 used in the color management system 100 . The colorimeter ID is identification information for identifying each colorimeter 20 .

FIG. 4 shows the data configuration of the colorimetry condition table T2. Colorimetric condition IDs and colorimetric conditions (light source, viewing angle, backing, etc.) are associated and stored in the colorimetric condition table T2. The colorimetric condition ID is identification information for identifying each colorimetric condition.

FIG. 5 shows the data configuration of the printer table T3. In the printer table T3, for each printer 30 registered in the color management system 100, the printer ID, printer name, and serial number are associated and stored. The printer ID is identification information for identifying each printer 30 . The printer name and serial number are the name and serial number of the printer 30, respectively.

FIG. 6 shows the data structure of the wedge table T4. The wedge table T4 stores, for each wedge, a wedge ID, a wedge name, whether or not it is a custom wedge (TRUE/FALSE), and whether or not each verification item can be verified (TRUE/FALSE). . Wedge ID is identification information for identifying each wedge. Wedge name is the name of the wedge. The verification item “Delta E Paper” is ΔE of the paper white portion. The verification item “Delta E Max. Primaries” is the maximum value of ΔE in CMY single colors (primary colors). The verification item “Delta Ch Max. CMY Gray” is the maximum value of ΔCh in gray composed of CMY. The verification item “Delta Ch Ave. CMY Gray” is the average value of ΔCh in gray composed of CMY.

FIG. 7 shows the data configuration of the wedge patch value table T5. The wedge patch value table T5 stores the patch ID, C value, M value, Y value, and K value of each patch included in each wedge identified by the wedge ID in association with each other. A patch ID is identification information for identifying each patch in the wedge.

FIG. 8 shows the data configuration of the color verification target table T6. The color verification target table T6 includes, for each created color verification target, a color verification target ID, the number of patches, a color verification target name, a wedge ID, a CVT wedge ID, a colorimeter ID, and a colorimetry condition ID. , creation date, creation time, creation printer ID, creation printer name, job name, comment, and adjustment user name are stored in association with each other.
The color verification target ID is a unique ID for specifying and managing the color verification target.
The number of patches is the number of patches included in the wedge measured when the color verification target was created.
The color verification target name is the name of the color verification target.
The wedge ID is a wedge ID corresponding to the wedge used when creating the color verification target.
The CVT wedge ID is the color measurement result of each patch in the wedge used when creating the CVT (Color Validation Target) (the target value in the target value management table T7 (see FIG. 9) of the color verification target). is an ID for associating with .
The colorimeter ID is a colorimeter ID corresponding to the colorimeter 20 used when creating the color verification target.
The colorimetric condition ID is a colorimetric condition ID corresponding to the colorimetric condition used when creating the color verification target.
The creation date and creation time are the date and time when the color verification target was created, respectively.
The created printer ID and created printer name are the printer ID and name of the printer 30 used when creating the color verification target, respectively.
The job name is information indicating the print job when the print job is selected and the color verification target is created.
The comment is a comment entered when creating the color verification target.
The adjustment user name is information indicating the name of the user who performed color adjustment (color matching) before creating the color verification target.

FIG. 9 shows the data structure of the target value management table T7 for the color verification target. In the color verification target target value management table T7, records corresponding to the number of patches included in the wedge are recorded for each CVT wedge ID corresponding to the color verification target. M value, Y value, K value, C value after conversion, M value after conversion, Y value after conversion, K value after conversion, L ^* value, a ^* value, b ^* value are associated and stored be done.
The patch ID is the patch ID of each patch included in the wedge colorimetrically measured when creating the color verification target.
The C value, M value, Y value, and K value are the CMYK values of each patch, and are the same values as defined in the wedge patch value table T5.
The C value after conversion, the M value after conversion, the Y value after conversion, and the K value after conversion are CMYK values after converting the CMYK values of each patch according to the color gamut of the print job. Note that if no print job is selected when creating the color verification target, there are no post-conversion C value, post-conversion M value, post-conversion Y value, and post-conversion K value.
The L ^* value, a ^* value, and b ^* value are colorimetric values of each patch, and are target values when a color verification target is used as the target.

FIG. 10 shows the data configuration of the color target setting table T8. The color target setting table T8 includes, for each color target setting, a color target setting ID, a color target setting name, a target type, a color verification target ID, a target profile ID, a wedge ID, a colorimeter ID, a colorimetry condition ID, Validation Type, Validation Item 1, Tolerance 1, Validation Item 2, Tolerance 2, Validation Item 3, Tolerance 3, Validation Item 4, Tolerance 4, DLP CMYK Rendering Intent ID, DLP RGB Source Profile ID, RGB Rendering Intent IDs and profile chart IDs are stored in association with each other.
The color target setting ID is identification information for identifying each color target setting.
The color target setting name is the name of each color target setting.
The target type is information indicating whether the target set by color target setting is a color verification target (CVT), a custom target profile (CTP), or a preset target profile (PTP). A custom target profile is a user-created or imported target profile. A preset target profile is a profile prepared in advance such as a target profile determined by a standard.
The color verification target ID is a color verification target ID corresponding to the color verification target set as the target, and has a value when the target type is "CVT".
A target profile ID is a target profile ID corresponding to a target profile set as a target, and has a value when the target type is 'CTP' or 'PTP'.
Wedge ID is the wedge ID corresponding to the wedge set as the color target setting. When the target set by the color target setting is the target for color verification, the wedge ID corresponding to the wedge used when this target for color verification was created is stored in the "wedge ID" field. If the target set by the color goal setting is a target profile, the wedge ID corresponding to the wedge selected when creating the color goal setting is stored in the "wedge ID" field.
The colorimeter ID is a colorimeter ID corresponding to the colorimeter 20 set as the color target setting.
The colorimetric condition ID is a colorimetric condition ID corresponding to the colorimetric condition set as the color target setting.

Verification Type is the verification type set as Color Targeting.
Verification items 1 to 4 are items to be verified in color verification.
Permissible values 1 to 4 are permissible values when performing color verification for corresponding verification items (verification items with the same number). Note that the number of verification items and allowable values can be changed.

The DLP CMYK rendering intent ID is identification information corresponding to the CMYK rendering intent when creating the device link profile. Specifically, DLP CMYK rendering intent IDs are defined as 1: Perceptual (image), 2: Relative colorimetric, 3: Absolute colorimetric, and 4: Media relative.
The DLP RGB source profile ID is identification information corresponding to the RGB source profile when creating the device link profile. Specifically, DLP RGB source profile IDs are defined as 1: AdobeRGB1998, 2: ECI-RGB.V1.0, 3: eciRGB_v2, 4: SRGB.
The RGB rendering intent ID is identification information corresponding to the RGB rendering intent when creating the device link profile. Specifically, the RGB rendering intent IDs are defined as 1: Perceptual (image), 2: Relative colorimetric, and 3: Absolute colorimetric.
The profile chart ID is identification information corresponding to the profile chart when creating the device link profile. Specifically, the profile chart ID is defined as 1: ECI2002 CMYK, 2: TC8.7-4, 3: TC1617, 4: TC3.5.

FIG. 11 shows the data structure of the tracking table T9. The tracking table T9 is a table showing the correspondence (tracking) between the color target setting and the printer 30. FIG. The tracking table T9 stores a tracking ID, a tracking name, a color target setting ID, a branch, and a printer ID in association with each tracking.
Tracking ID is identification information for identifying each tracking.
Tracking name is the name of each tracking.
The color target setting ID is a color target setting ID corresponding to the color target setting set by tracking.
The branch is information indicating the group (branch) to which the printer 30 belongs when the printers 30 are grouped by a plurality of bases/locations. The "branch" field stores the branch to which the printer 30 set by tracking belongs.
The printer ID is a printer ID corresponding to the printer 30 set by tracking.

The control unit 11 causes the printer 30 to print a first wedge, acquires first colorimetric information about the printed first wedge, and creates a color verification target based on the acquired first colorimetric information. .

Specifically, when creating a target for color verification, the control unit 11 displays a profile creation chart (also referred to as a profile chart) and a first wedge (control wedge) as options for charts to be printed. display on the part 12. Profile creation charts include standard (ISO, etc.) and custom-made charts. The chart for profile creation includes a sufficient number (1000 or more) of patches to create a profile. Control wedges include those determined by standards (ISO, etc.) and custom-made ones. The number of patches of the control wedge (100 or less) is smaller than that of the profile creation chart. The control unit 11 accepts selection of one chart from the displayed profile creation chart and the first wedge.
When the first wedge is selected as one chart, the control unit 11 causes the printer 30 to print the selected first wedge, acquires first colorimetric information about the printed first wedge, and acquires the first wedge. A color verification target is created based on the obtained first colorimetric information.

The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display at least one target profile and at least one color verification target as target options for color verification for the printer 30 .
The control unit 11 displays options for at least one target profile and at least one color verification target as a drop-down menu in response to an operation on the area for accepting selection of a target for color verification. , the options are divided into groups of target profiles and color verification targets and displayed.

The size of the area for displaying the target profile options and the size of the area for displaying the color verification target options are predetermined.
The control unit 11 displays a scroll bar for each group of the target profile and the color verification target when the options belonging to the group cannot be displayed in the area corresponding to the group.

The control unit 11 receives selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target.
When a color verification target is selected as one target, the selected color verification target is set as a color target setting.
When the target profile is selected as one target, the selection of the second wedge to be printed by the printer 30 is accepted, and the selected target profile and the selected second wedge are set as color target settings.

The control unit 11 performs color verification of the printer 30 based on the set color target setting.
Specifically, when a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing color verification, the control unit 11 sets the first colorimetric information corresponding to the set color verification target. , causes the printer 30 to print a first wedge corresponding to the color verification target set in the color target setting, obtains second colorimetric information for the printed first wedge, and obtains the set Color verification of the printer 30 is performed based on the first colorimetric information and the second colorimetric information corresponding to the color verification target.
When a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing color verification, the control unit 11 selects a first wedge corresponding to the set color verification target as a wedge to be printed by the printer 30. Prohibit selection of other options.

When a target profile and a second wedge are set in the color target setting used when performing color verification, the control unit 11 responds to the second wedge based on the set target profile and second wedge. obtain the color information to be used, cause the printer 30 to print the second wedge set in the color target setting, obtain the third colorimetric information about the printed second wedge, obtain the color information and the third colorimetric information; Color verification of the printer 30 is performed based on the color information.

Next, operations in the color management system 100 will be described.
<Target creation>
First, creation of a target in color verification will be described.
When a print job is submitted to a print shop or the like, proof printing is performed, and the color matching of the printer 30 is performed by a color matching manager until the desired color of the printed matter is obtained.
After completing the color matching and proof printing of the printer 30, a target (color verification target or custom target profile) is created to record the color state.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the target setting screen 40 displayed on the display unit 12 of the color verification device 10. As shown in FIG.
The target setting screen 40 includes a color verification target display area 41, a custom target profile display area 42, a "Create" button B1, an "Import" button B2, an "Edit" button B3, a "Delete" button B4, and a "Close" button. B5 etc. are included.

In the color verification target display area 41, a list of created color verification targets is displayed. Specifically, the control unit 11 reads the color verification target name, creation date, creation time, creation printer name, job name, comment, etc. from the color verification target table T6 as information of each color verification target. , is displayed in the color verification target display area 41 . Further, the control unit 11 refers to the “color verification target ID” field of the color target setting table T8 to determine whether or not a color verification target is set in each color target setting, and determines whether or not a color verification target is set in each color target setting. If a verification target is set, the tracking table T9 is referenced to determine whether there is a printer 30 associated with this color target setting. For each color verification target in the color verification target display area 41, if there is a printer 30 associated with the color target setting including this color verification target, the control unit 11 displays " The printer 30 and the key mark 43 associated with each other are displayed in the "in use" column. Deletion of the color verification target on which the key mark 43 is displayed is prohibited.
In the color verification target display area 41, the wedge used when creating the color verification target, the name of the adjustment user, and the like may also be displayed.

The custom target profile display area 42 displays a list of created custom target profiles. As for the custom target profile, the storage unit 16 also stores the target profile name, creation date and time, creation printer, comment, associated printer 30, etc., in the same way as the color verification target. The information is read out and displayed in the custom target profile display area 42 . Also, when the lock mark 44 is displayed for the custom target profile, that is, when there is a printer 30 associated with the color target setting including this custom target profile, deletion is prohibited. there is

A "create" button B1, an "import" button B2, an "edit" button B3, and a "delete" button B4 are buttons for creating, importing, editing, and deleting targets, respectively. Each color verification target displayed in the color verification target display area 41 and each custom target profile displayed in the custom target profile display area 42 are associated with check boxes C1 to C5. When editing or deleting a custom target profile, after checking the corresponding check boxes C1 to C5, the "edit" button B3 and the "delete" button B4 are pressed.
The “close” button B5 is a button for closing the target setting screen 40 .

When the "create" button B1 on the target setting screen 40 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a target creation screen 50A shown in FIG.
A "guidance" column 51, a "target name" column 52, a "colorimeter" column 53, a "colorimetry condition" column 54, a "wedge/chart" column 55, and a "target type" column 56 are displayed on the target creation screen 50A. , "Job name" column 57, "Printer" column 58, "Average number of copies" column 59, "Comment" column 60, "Chart print" button B11, "Color measurement" button B12, "Select print job" button B13, An "OK" button B14, a "cancel" button B15, etc. are included.

In the "guidance" column 51, items to be input and guidance explanations about the operation method are displayed according to the input status.
In the "target name" column 52, the name of the target to be created is entered.
In the "colorimeter" column 53 and the "colorimeter condition" column 54, the model number and colorimeter conditions of the colorimeter to be used for colorimetry are selected, respectively.

In the "wedge/chart" column 55, one of the wedge chart and the profile chart is selected as the chart for colorimetry.
A “target type” column 56 displays whether the target to be created is a “color verification target” or a “custom target profile”.

When creating a color verification target as a target, by selecting a print job, it is possible to create a target limited to a specific color gamut. The “job name” column 57 displays the job name of the selected print job. Note that this item may be entered arbitrarily.

In the "printer" column 58, the name of the printer 30 that prints the chart is entered. The input name of the printer 30 is recorded in association with the target name and the like. Here, the name of the printer 30 is entered manually, but the printer name may be acquired from the printer 30 by connecting to the printer 30 by specifying the IP address.

When the chart is colorimetrically measured, a plurality of copies are printed, all of the printed materials are colorimetrically measured, and a value obtained by averaging the colorimetric values is registered as the target value. selected.
When registering a comment in association with the created target, arbitrary characters are entered in the "comment" column 60. FIG. Note that this item may be entered arbitrarily.

The “print chart” button B11 is a button for outputting an instruction to print the chart selected in the “wedge/chart” column 55 with the printer 30 entered in the “printer” column 58 .
The "colorimetry" button B12 is a button for causing the colorimeter 20 to measure the chart and for receiving colorimetric values.
A “select print job” button B13 is pressed when selecting a print job in order to create a color verification target limited to the color gamut of the print job. That is, when creating a color verification target, if it is desired to limit the color gamut for color verification to the color gamut used by the print job, the print job is selected with the "select print job" button B13.
The "OK" button B14 is a button for confirming the setting of the target creation screen 50A.
The "Cancel" button B15 is a button for canceling the setting of the target creation screen 50A.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing target creation processing executed by the color verification device 10 .
On the target creation screen 50A shown in FIG. 13, when the expansion button 55A of the "wedge/chart" column 55 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 displays a target creation screen 50B shown in FIG. First, one or more profile charts (profile creation charts) and one or more wedge charts are displayed as a drop-down menu 55B (step S1). A wedge chart display area 55C and a profile chart display area 55D are provided in the drop-down menu 55B, and the sizes of the respective display areas 55C and 55D are predetermined.

The wedge chart display area 55C displays a list of wedges used in color verification and optional wedges registered by the user as wedge charts used to create a color verification target. "Wedge chart (for color verification target)" is displayed above the wedge chart display area 55C, indicating that the option in the wedge chart display area 55C is the wedge chart. The wedge chart display area 55C has a predetermined maximum number of displayable options (number of lines), and when the maximum number is exceeded, a scroll bar 55E is displayed for that range.

A profile chart display area 55D displays a list of profile charts used to create a custom target profile. "Profile chart (for custom target profile)" is displayed above the profile chart display area 55D, indicating that the option in the profile chart display area 55D is the profile chart. The profile chart display area 55D has a predetermined maximum number of options (number of lines) that can be displayed, and when the maximum number is exceeded, a scroll bar 55F is displayed for that range.

Next, the control unit 11 receives chart selection from the operation unit 13 (step S2). The user selects one of the charts in the “wedge/chart” column 55 .
The control unit 11 determines whether the chart selected in the "wedge/chart" column 55 is a wedge chart (step S3).

If the chart selected in the "wedge/chart" column 55 is a wedge chart (step S3; YES), the control unit 11 causes the "target type" column 56 to display "target for color verification" (step S4), the user is informed that a target for color verification is to be created.
FIG. 16 is a diagram of an area including a 'wedge/chart' column 55 and a 'target type' column 56 cut out from the target creation screen when the wedge chart is selected in the 'wedge/chart' column 55. As shown in FIG. Since "Japan Color 2011", which is one of the wedge charts, is selected in the "wedge/chart" column 55, "target for color verification" is displayed in the "target type" column 56. FIG.

Next, the control unit 11 acquires wedge data of the selected wedge chart from the storage unit 16 (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the CMYK values of each patch of the wedge ID corresponding to the selected wedge chart from the wedge patch value table T5.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to reflect the print job on the wedge (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the "select print job" button B13 has been pressed on the target creation screen 50A shown in FIG. 13 to select a print job.

If the print job is to be reflected on the wedge (step S6; YES), the control unit 11 acquires color information (CMYK values) from the selected print job (step S7), and determines the print job from the acquired color information. A color space to be used (color gamut used in the print job) is generated (step S8). Note that if there is a problem with the selected print job, an error may be displayed and the print job may be selected again or the process may be terminated.

Next, the control unit 11 calculates correction values for the CMYK values of each patch so that the color of each patch included in the wedge data acquired in step S5 fits within the color space of the print job (step S9). The control unit 11 converts the CMYK values of each patch into values within the color gamut of the print job, and obtains the CMYK values after conversion.

After step S9, or when the print job is not reflected on the wedge in step S6 (step S6; NO), when the input/selection of items other than arbitrary items is completed, the "OK" button B14 is changed from inactive to active. It changes, and it becomes possible to press the "OK" button B14.
When the "OK" button B14 is pressed, the control unit 11 confirms the setting items, and generates a wedge chart from the selected colorimeter, colorimetry conditions, and chart type (wedge data) (step S10). . Corrected wedge data (CMYK values after conversion) is used when the print job is reflected on the wedge. The control unit 11 causes the storage unit 16 to store the generated wedge chart.
At this point, the "OK" button B14 is deactivated, the "print chart" button B11 is activated, and the chart can be printed.

Next, when the "print chart" button B11 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 prints the wedge chart generated in step S10 with the printer 30 entered in the "printer" column 58. (step S11).
When the processing up to this point is completed, the "colorimetry" button B12 is activated, and the colorimetry can be started.

Next, when the "colorimetry" button B12 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the colorimeter 20 to measure the wedge chart, and the colorimetric data receiving unit 14 Colorimetric values are received from the colorimeter 20 (step S12).
When the colorimetry is completed, the colorimetry result is displayed in the "colorimetry result" column 61 as in the target creation screen 50C shown in FIG. 17, and the "OK" button B14 can be pressed.

Next, when the "OK" button B14 is pressed by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 creates a color verification target (step S13). The color verification target is information in which colorimetric values (L ^* a ^* b ^* values) are associated with the CMYK values of each patch included in the printed and colorimetric wedge chart. The control unit 11 causes the storage unit 16 to store the created color verification target.

Specifically, the control unit 11 adds a new record to the color verification target table T6 as information on the color verification target created this time.
The control unit 11 stores the newly generated color verification target ID in the "color verification target ID" field of the color verification target table T6.
The control unit 11 stores the wedge ID of the wedge used when creating the color verification target and the number of patches included in the wedge in the "wedge ID" field and the "number of patches" field, respectively.
The control unit 11 stores the color verification target name input in the "target name" column 52 in the "color verification target name" field.
The control unit 11 stores a CVT wedge ID for specifying the colorimetry result in the target value management table T7 of the color verification target in the "CVT wedge ID" field.
The control unit 11 sets the colorimeter ID corresponding to the colorimeter selected in the “colorimeter” field 53 and the “colorimeter condition ID” field to the “colorimeter ID” field and the “colorimeter condition ID” field, respectively. column 54 stores the colorimetric condition ID corresponding to the colorimetric condition selected. Each ID is obtained from the colorimeter table T1 and the colorimetry condition table T2.
The control unit 11 stores the creation date and creation time of the color verification target in the "creation date" field and the "creation time" field, respectively.
The control unit 11 stores the printer name of the printer 30 (the printer 30 that printed the chart when creating the color verification target) entered or selected in the “printer” field 58 in the “created printer name” field. The name of the printer 30 can be manually input or selected from a list of registered printers in the printer table T3. When selected from the printer list, the printer ID of the printer 30 is obtained from the printer table T3 and stored in the "created printer ID" field.
When the control unit 11 creates the color verification target in consideration of the color space of the print job, it stores the print job name in the "job name" field.
When a comment is entered in the "comment" column 60, the control unit 11 stores the comment in the "comment" field.
The control unit 11 stores the name of the user who performed the color adjustment (color matching) before creating the color verification target in the "adjustment user name" field. The adjustment user name may be entered when creating the color verification target, or may be registered as the user name of the logged-in user when creating the color verification target.

Further, the control unit 11 stores the colorimetry result of each patch in the target value management table T7 of the color verification target in association with the CVT wedge ID. Note that if the CMYK value correction values are calculated in step S9, the CMYK values after conversion are set to the "C value after conversion" and "M value after conversion" in the target value management table T7 of the color verification target. ”, “Y value after conversion”, and “K value after conversion” fields.

In step S3, if the chart selected in the wedge/chart column 55 is a profile chart (step S3; NO), the control unit 11 displays "custom target profile" in the "target type" column 56. (Step S14), the user is notified that a custom target profile will be created.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an area including a 'wedge/chart' column 55 and a 'target type' column 56 extracted from the target creation screen when the profile chart is selected in the 'wedge/chart' column 55. As shown in FIG. Since "IT8.7-4 CMYK", which is one of the profile charts, is selected in the "wedge/chart" column 55, "custom target profile" is displayed in the "target type" column 56. FIG.

Here, when the input/selection of items other than arbitrary items is completed, the "OK" button B14 changes from inactive to active, and the "OK" button B14 can be pressed.
When the "OK" button B14 is pressed, the control unit 11 confirms the setting items, and generates a profile chart from the selected colorimeter, colorimetry conditions, and chart type (step S15).
At this point, the "OK" button B14 is deactivated, the "print chart" button B11 is activated, and the chart can be printed.

Next, when the "print chart" button B11 is pressed by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 prints the profile chart generated in step S15 by the printer 30 entered in the "printer" column 58. (step S16).
When the processing up to this point is completed, the "colorimetry" button B12 is activated, and the colorimetry can be started.

Next, when the "colorimetry" button B12 is pressed by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the colorimeter 20 to measure the profile chart, Colorimetric values are received from the color device 20 (step S17).
When the colorimetry is completed, the colorimetry result is displayed, and the "OK" button B14 can be pressed.

Next, when the "OK" button B14 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 calculates the CMYK values and colorimetric values (L ^* a ^* b ^* value), an ICC profile is created and set as a custom target profile (step S18). The custom target profile includes information in which L ^* a ^* b ^* values are associated with lattice points (grids) in the CMYK color space. The control unit 11 causes the storage unit 16 to store the created custom target profile.
After step S13 or step S18, the target creation process ends.

In the target creation process (see FIG. 14), when a chart is selected, a color verification target is created or a custom target is created depending on whether the selected chart is a wedge chart or a profile chart. Although the case of determining whether to create a profile has been described, based on the colorimetric results of the chart selected in the "wedge/chart" column 55, a color verification target or a custom target profile is created. It may be determined whether
Specifically, when an arbitrary chart registered by the user is selected in the "wedge/chart" column 55, the control unit 11 displays "(automatic selection)" in the "target type" column 56, and the chart Informs that it will automatically determine whether to register as a "color verification target" or a "custom target profile" at the time of colorimetry.

As one method for determining which of the "color verification target" and the "custom target profile" to register, the control unit 11 carefully examines the patches of the colorimetric chart to determine whether the color space of the printer 30 can be reproduced. or not. For example, in the case of the printer 30 equipped with CMYK toners, if the color space that can be expressed by the printer 30 with CMYK single colors and mixed colors can be reproduced with the patches of the selected chart, register with the "custom target profile", If it cannot be reproduced, register it as a "color verification target".

As another method for determining whether to register with the "color verification target" or the "custom target profile", the control unit 11 calculates the CMYK values and colorimetric values (L ^* a ^* b ^* values) are used to create an ICC profile, and using the ICC profile, the L ^* a ^* b ^* values are calculated from the CMYK values of each patch, and the calculated L ^* a ^* b ^* values and the actual colorimetric values If the color difference falls within a certain range, the created ICC profile is registered as a "custom target profile". Color values (L ^* a ^* b ^* values) are registered in association with each other.

Further, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an ICC profile can be created from the colorimetric results of the chart. If the ICC profile can be created, a custom target profile is created. may be to create a color verification target.

Also, when an arbitrary chart registered by the user is selected in the "wedge/chart" column 55, whether the major colors for configuring the outermost shell of the color space are included in the patches in the chart. Depending on whether or not, whether to create a "color verification target" or a "custom target profile" may be determined. Specifically, if the patches in the selected chart contain the dominant color, create a "custom target profile" and the patches in the selected chart do not contain the dominant color. In that case, create a "color verification target".

<Edit color verification target>
Next, editing of the color verification target will be described.
In the color verification target display area 41 of the target setting screen 40 (see FIG. 12), one of the color verification targets is selected by checking the check boxes C1 and C2, and the "edit" button B3 is pressed. Then, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a target edit screen 50D shown in FIG. Information when the color verification target is created is displayed on the target edit screen 50D. Reference numerals on the target edit screen 50D are the same as those on the target creation screens 50A to 50C. On the target edit screen 50D, a "target name" column 52, a "job name" column 57, and a "comment" column 60 can be edited. By pressing the "OK" button B14 after editing, the editing result is reflected.

<Delete color verification target>
Next, deletion of the color verification target will be described.
In the color verification target display area 41 of the target setting screen 40 (see FIG. 12), one or more color verification targets are selected by checking the check boxes C1 and C2, and the "delete" button B4 is pressed. A selected color verification target can be deleted.
In the target setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 12, the color verification target (Calendar Target) on the first line of the color verification target display area 41 is marked with a key mark 43. is prohibited.

<Creating color target settings>
Next, the creation of color target settings will be described.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a color target setting creation screen 70A displayed on the display unit 12 of the color verification device 10. As shown in FIG.
The color target setting creation screen 70A includes a "color target setting name" column 71, a "target" column 72, a "color verification wedge" column 73, a "colorimeter" column 74, a "colorimetry condition" column 75, and a "verification "Type" column 76, "Tolerance" columns 76A-76D, "CMYK Rendering Intent" column 77A, "RGB Source Profile" column 77B, "RGB Rendering Intent" column 77C, "Profile Chart" column 77D, "OK" A button B21, a "cancel" button B22, and the like are included.

In the "color target setting name" column 71, the name of the color target setting to be created is entered.
In the "target" column 72, a color verification target (color verification target, custom target profile, preset target profile) is selected.
In the "color verification wedge" column 73, a wedge used for color verification is selected.
In the "colorimeter" column 74 and "colorimetry conditions" column 75, the model number and colorimetry conditions of the colorimeter 20 used for colorimetry are selected, respectively.
In the "verification type" column 76, a verification type is selected.
Allowable values for each verification item are entered in the “allowable value” columns 76A to 76D.
In the "CMYK rendering intent" column 77A, the CMYK rendering intent at the time of creating the device link profile is selected.
In the "RGB source profile" column 77B, the RGB source profile at the time of creation of the device link profile is selected.
In the "RGB rendering intent" column 77C, the RGB rendering intent at the time of creating the device link profile is selected.
In the "profile chart" column 77D, the profile chart at the time of creating the device link profile is selected.
The "OK" button B21 is a button for confirming the settings on the color target setting creation screen 70A.
The "Cancel" button B22 is a button for canceling the setting of the color target setting creation screen 70A.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing color target setting creation processing executed by the color verification apparatus 10 .
On the color target setting creation screen 70A shown in FIG. 20, when the expansion button 72A of the "target" column 72 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 displays the color target setting creation screen 70B shown in FIG. , one or more target profiles and one or more color verification targets are displayed as a drop-down menu 72B (step S21). The drop-down menu 72B is provided with a color verification target display area 72C, a custom target profile display area 72D, and a preset target profile display area 72E. ing.

A list of color verification targets is displayed in the color verification target display area 72C. "Color verification target" is displayed above the color verification target display area 72C, indicating that the option in the color verification target display area 72C is the color verification target. In the color verification target display area 72C, the maximum number of displayable options (number of lines) is predetermined, and when the maximum number is exceeded, a scroll bar 72F is displayed for that range.

A list of custom target profiles is displayed in the custom target profile display area 72D. "Custom target profile" is displayed above the custom target profile display area 72D, indicating that the options in the custom target profile display area 72D are custom target profiles. The custom target profile display area 72D has a predetermined maximum number of displayable options (number of lines), and when the maximum number is exceeded, a scroll bar 72G is displayed for that range.

A list of preset target profiles is displayed in the preset target profile display area 72E. "Preset Target Profile" is displayed above the preset target profile display area 72E, indicating that the options in the preset target profile display area 72E are preset target profiles. The preset target profile display area 72E has a predetermined maximum number of displayable options (number of lines), and when the maximum number is exceeded, a scroll bar is displayed for that range.

Next, the control unit 11 receives selection of a target to be set for color target setting from the operation unit 13 (step S22). The user selects any one of the color verification target, custom target profile, and preset target profile displayed in the “target” column 72 .
The control unit 11 determines whether or not the target selected in the "target" column 72 is a color verification target (step S23).

If the target selected in the "target" column 72 is the target for color verification (step S23; YES), the control unit 11 specifies the wedge used when creating the target for color verification (step S24). ). Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the “wedge ID” corresponding to the color verification target ID of the selected color verification target from the color verification target table T6.

Next, the control unit 11 reflects the identified wedge in the "color verification wedge" column 73 (step S25). Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the “wedge name” corresponding to the “wedge ID” acquired in step S<b>24 from the wedge table T<b>4 and displays it in the “color verification wedge” column 73 . In this way, the control unit 11 automatically selects the wedge used when creating the color verification target, thereby prohibiting the selection of other wedges.

Next, the control unit 11 deactivates settings related to profile creation such as device link settings (step S26). For example, the control unit 11 can display a “CMYK rendering intent” column 77A, an “RGB source profile” column 77B, an “RGB rendering intent” column 77C, a “profile chart ' column 77D is grayed out to make it unselectable.

In addition, when a verification type for color verification is selected, the control unit 11 determines whether each verification item set for each verification type can be verified with the wedge used in the selected color verification target. determine whether or not Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires from the wedge table T4 whether or not each verification item can be verified with the identified wedge, and deactivates the setting of the allowable value of the verification item that cannot be verified (FALSE). (step S27). For example, the control unit 11 grays out the "permissible value" column 76D to disable input as in the color target setting creation screen 70A shown in FIG.

In step S23, if the target selected in the "target" column 72 is the custom target profile or the preset target profile (step S23; NO), the control unit 11 receives the wedge selection from the operation unit 13 (step S28). The control unit 11 displays the selected wedge in the “color verification wedge” column 73 .

Next, the control unit 11 activates settings related to profile creation (step S29). For example, the control unit 11 makes the “CMYK rendering intent” column 77A, the “RGB source profile” column 77B, the “RGB rendering intent” column 77C, and the “profile chart” column 77D selectable.

Also, the control unit 11 activates the setting of the allowable value of the verification item (step S30). For example, the control unit 11 makes the "permissible value" fields 76A to 76D of each verification item set according to the selected verification type ready for input.

After step S27 or step S30, the control unit 11 receives input or selection of each item of color target setting (step S31). When the input or selection of the items necessary for creating the color target setting is completed, the "OK" button B21 can be pressed.

Next, when the "OK" button B21 is pressed by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 creates color target settings (step S32).
Specifically, the control unit 11 adds a newly set color target setting record to the color target setting table T8 in the storage unit 16 .
The control unit 11 generates a color target setting ID and stores it in the "color target setting ID" field.
The control unit 11 stores the name input in the "color target setting name" column 71 in the "color target setting name" field.
The control unit 11 stores the target type (CVT/CTP/PTP) in the "target type" field.
When the target type is "CVT", the control unit 11 stores the color verification target ID corresponding to the color verification target selected in the "target" column 72 in the "color verification target ID" field.
When the target type is "CTP" or "PTP", the control unit 11 stores the target profile ID corresponding to the target profile selected in the "target" column 72 in the "target profile ID" field.
The control unit 11 stores the wedge ID corresponding to the wedge automatically or manually selected in the “color verification wedge” column 73 in the “wedge ID” field.
The control unit 11 stores the colorimeter ID corresponding to the colorimeter 20 selected in the “colorimeter” column 74 in the “colorimeter ID” field, and stores the colorimeter ID selected in the “colorimeter condition” column 75 . A colorimetric condition ID corresponding to the colorimetric condition is stored in the "colorimetric condition ID" field.
The control unit 11 stores the verification type selected in the "verification type" column 76 in the "verification type" field, and stores each verification item set according to the selected verification type in the "verification item" field. Then, the values entered in the "permissible value" columns 76A to 76D are stored in the "permissible value" field of each verification item.
The control unit 11 sets the IDs corresponding to the contents selected in the "CMYK rendering intent" column 77A, the "RGB source profile" column 77B, the "RGB rendering intent" column 77C, and the "Profile chart" column 77D to Stored in the "DLP CMYK rendering intent ID" field, the "DLP RGB source profile ID" field, the "RGB rendering intent ID" field, and the "profile chart ID" field.

In this system, in addition to conventional preset target profiles and custom target profiles, a color verification target that verifies only a specific color space can be selected as a color verification target.

<Create Tracking>
Next, the creation of tracking will be described.
FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing tracking creation processing executed by the color verification device 10 .
FIG. 24 shows an example of a tracking setting screen 80 displayed on the display section 12 of the color verification device 10. As shown in FIG.
The tracking setting screen 80 includes a tracking display area 81, a "create" button B31, an "edit" button B32, a "delete" button B33, a "close" button B34, and the like.
The tracking display area 81 displays a list of created trackings. Each tracking displayed in the tracking display area 81 is associated with check boxes C11 to C13. When editing or deleting each tracking, after checking the corresponding check boxes C11 to C13, The "edit" button B32 and the "delete" button B33 are pressed.
A "create" button B31, an "edit" button B32, and a "delete" button B33 are buttons for creating, editing, and deleting tracking, respectively.
The “close” button B34 is a button for closing the tracking setting screen 80. FIG.

When the "Create" button B31 of the tracking setting screen 80 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display the tracking creation screen 90 shown in FIG.
The tracking creation screen 90 includes a "tracking name" column 91, a "color target setting" column 92, a "branch" column 93, a "printer" column 94, a "printer serial number" column 95, an "OK" button B41, and a "cancel " button B42 and the like are included.
In the "tracking name" column 91, the name of the tracking to be created is entered.
In the "color target setting" column 92, the color target setting used for color verification is selected.
In the "branch" column 93, a branch (group) to which the printer 30 targeted for color verification belongs is selected.
In the "Printer" column 94, the printer 30 to be subjected to color verification is selected.
In the "printer serial number" column 95, the serial number of the printer 30 to be subjected to color verification is selected.
The “OK” button B41 is a button for finalizing the settings of the tracking creation screen 90. FIG.
The “Cancel” button B42 is a button for canceling the setting of the tracking creation screen 90. FIG.

First, the control unit 11 receives input of a tracking name from the operation unit 13 (step S41).
Further, the control unit 11 receives selection of color target setting from the operation unit 13 (step S42). In the "color target setting" column 92, created color target settings are displayed as options. The user selects one of the color target settings in the “color target setting” column 92 .
Further, the control unit 11 receives selection of the printer 30 from the operation unit 13 (step S43). The user selects one of the printers 30 in the “Printer” column 94 . Printers 30 may be selected by serial number. The control unit 11 also receives selection of a branch to which the printer 30 belongs from the operation unit 13 .

When the "OK" button B41 is pressed, the controller 11 associates the color target setting with the printer 30 and adds a new tracking record to the tracking table T9 (step S44). Specifically, the control unit 11 generates a new tracking ID, associates this tracking ID with the tracking name input in the "tracking name" column 91, and the tracking name selected in the "color target setting" column 92. The color target setting ID corresponding to the color target setting, the branch selected in the "branch" column 93, and the printer ID corresponding to the printer 30 selected in the "printer" column 94 are stored in the tracking table T9.

The system can assign which printers 30 to use for color verification with which color target settings. If the same color goal setting can be assigned to multiple printers 30 and it is desired to manage multiple printers 30 with the same color management goal, then the same color goal setting is used. It is also possible to assign a plurality of color target settings to one printer 30, and use a plurality of color target settings when it is desired to change the color management target according to the job or paper to be printed.

<Color verification>
Next, color verification will be described.
Once the tracking is created, the created tracking will be displayed on the dashboard screen and will be ready for color verification.
FIG. 26 shows an example of the dashboard screen 110 displayed on the display unit 12 of the color verification device 10. As shown in FIG. The dashboard screen 110 includes a printer display area 111, a tracking display area 112, a "color verification" button B51, a "history" button B52, a "report" button B53, and the like.

The printer display area 111 has a hierarchical structure in the order of company name, branch name, and printer name, and displays a list of printers 30 .
The tracking display area 112 displays a tracking list including the printer 30 selected in the printer display area 111 . The tracking display area 112 displays the name of tracking, the color target setting set for tracking, and the latest color verification result.

The “color verification” button B51 is a button for executing color verification using tracking (color target setting) selected in the tracking display area 112 .
The “history” button B52 is a button for displaying the history of color verification so far for the tracking selected in the tracking display area 112 .
A “report” button B53 is a button for displaying the latest color verification result for the tracking selected in the tracking display area 112 .

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing color verification execution processing executed by the color verification device 10 .
First, the control unit 11 receives selection of the printer 30 to be subjected to color verification from the operation unit 13 (step S51). The user selects the printer 30 from the printer display area 111 on the dashboard screen 110 .

Next, the control unit 11 acquires tracking information in which the printer ID corresponding to the selected printer 30 is set from the tracking table T9, and sets the color target associated with the selected printer 30. It is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S52). In this manner, the tracking display area 112 displays a list of trackings in which the selected printer 30 is set.

Next, the control unit 11 receives selection of color target setting from the operation unit 13 (step S53). The user selects the color target settings included in the tracking by selecting the tracking to be used for color verification from the tracking display area 112 . When tracking is selected, the "color verification" button B51 at the top of the dashboard screen 110 is activated, enabling transition to the color verification screen.

When the "color verification" button B51 is pressed by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color verification screen 120 shown in FIG.
The color verification screen 120 includes a "guidance" column 121, a "printer" column 122, a "color target setting" column 123, a "colorimeter" column 124, a "colorimetric condition" column 125, and a "color target setting information" column. 126, a "wedge print" button B61, a "colorimetry" button B62, and the like.

In the "guidance" column 121, a guidance explanation about the operation method is displayed according to the input state.
The printer 30 selected in the printer display area 111 of the dashboard screen 110 is displayed in the “printer” column 122 .
The “color target setting” column 123 displays the color target setting included in the tracking selected in the tracking display area 112 of the dashboard screen 110 .
In the "colorimeter" column 124 and the "colorimeter condition" column 125, the colorimeter 20 corresponding to the "colorimeter ID" included in the selected color target setting in the color target setting table T8, the "colorimeter The colorimetric conditions corresponding to "color condition ID" are displayed.
In the "color target setting information" column 126, information of the selected color target setting is obtained from the color target setting table T8 and displayed. Specifically, the target (the color verification target corresponding to the "color verification target ID" or the target profile corresponding to the "target profile ID"), the wedge corresponding to the "wedge ID", the "verification type", Each "verification item" and "allowable value" are displayed. Also, after color verification, the result for each “verification item” is also displayed.
The “wedge print” button B61 is a button for outputting an instruction to print the wedge chart used for color verification with the printer 30 displayed in the “printer” column 122 .
The "colorimetry" button B62 is a button for causing the colorimeter 20 to measure the wedge chart and receiving colorimetric values.

Next, the control unit 11 acquires wedge data included in the selected color target setting (step S54). Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the color target setting table T8, acquires the "wedge ID" corresponding to the selected color target setting, and wedge data (each patch ) are obtained from the wedge patch value table T5. If the target set in the selected color target setting is a color verification target and a specific print job is selected when creating the color verification target, refer to the color target setting table T8. to obtain the "color verification target ID" corresponding to the selected color target setting, and referring to the color verification target table T6 to obtain the "CVT wedge ID" corresponding to the "color verification target ID". Then, the wedge data (CMYK values after conversion) corresponding to this "CVT wedge ID" is obtained from the target value management table T7 of the color verification target.

Since the color target setting for which the color verification target is set includes the wedge used when creating the color verification target, another wedge can be selected as the wedge to be printed by the printer 30. can't.
Also, since the wedge selected when creating the color target setting is included in the color target setting for which the target profile is set, another wedge cannot be selected as the wedge to be printed by the printer 30. - 特許庁

Next, the control unit 11 generates a wedge chart from the wedge data (step S55). A wedge chart is an image file such as PDF or TIFF. If the wedge chart generated when creating the color verification target is stored in the storage unit 16, the wedge chart may be used.
When the wedge chart is generated, the "print wedge" button B61 is activated and the wedge chart can be printed.

Next, when the "wedge print" button B61 is pressed by the operation from the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the wedge chart generated in step S55 to be printed on the printer 30 displayed in the "printer" column 122. Print (step S56).
When the processing up to this point is completed, the "colorimetry" button B62 is activated, and the state becomes ready to start colorimetry.

Next, when the "colorimetry" button B62 is pressed by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the colorimeter 20 to measure the wedge chart, Colorimetric values are received from the colorimeter 20 (step S57). When the wedge chart is measured, color verification is performed for each verification item according to the target and verification type set in the color target setting.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the target used for color verification is a color verification target or a target profile (custom target profile or preset target profile) (step S58). That is, it is determined whether the target for color verification is set in the color target setting selected in step S53, or whether the target profile and wedge are set.

If the target used for color verification is the color verification target (step S58; YES), the control unit 11 selects the target value corresponding to the color verification target from the color verification target target value management table T7 as follows: The L ^* a ^* b ^* values of each patch are acquired (step S59).

In step S58, if the target used for color verification is the target profile (step S58; NO), the control unit 11 calculates the target value (L ^* a ^* b ^* value) of each patch from the target profile and wedge data. Calculate (step S60). Specifically, the control unit 11 converts the CMYK values of each patch included in the wedge data into L ^* a ^* b ^* values using the target profile.

After step S59 or step S60, the control unit 11 calculates the color difference in each patch from the colorimetric values and target values (step S61).
Next, the control unit 11 calculates the value of each verification item from the calculated color difference (step S62). That is, the control unit 11 calculates how much each verification item deviates from the target.

Next, the control unit 11 compares the calculated value of each verification item with the permissible value of each verification item defined in the color target setting table T8, and causes the display unit 12 to display the color verification result to the user. Notify (step S63).
With the above, the color verification execution processing ends.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, at least one target profile and at least one color verification target are displayed on the display unit 12 as target options for color verification. Since selection of one target is accepted, it is possible to perform appropriate color verification according to the environment with accuracy required for color verification.

In addition, the target options for color verification are displayed as a drop-down menu, and each option is divided into groups of target profile and color verification target in the drop-down menu. It is easy to recognize whether it is a target profile or a color verification target.
In addition, since the size of the display area for the target profile and the size of the display area for the color verification target are respectively predetermined, when the number of target options increases, each display area becomes too large and difficult to see. can be prevented. If the number of target options increases, it can be handled by displaying a scroll bar.

Also, when the color verification target is selected as the target for color verification, the selected color verification target is set as the color target setting, and when the target profile is selected as the target for color verification, , a selection of wedges to be printed by the printer 30 can be accepted, and the selected target profile and the selected wedges can be set as color target settings.

Also, when a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing color verification, appropriate color verification can be performed according to the environment when the color verification target was created.
When a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing color verification, the control unit 11 selects a wedge other than the wedge corresponding to the set color verification target as a wedge to be printed by the printer 30. Prohibiting the selection of options prevents the wrong wedge from being selected.

Further, when a target profile and a wedge are set in the color target setting used when performing color verification, general-purpose color verification can be performed as compared to when a color verification target is set.

Also, when creating a target for color verification, the display unit 12 displays the chart for profile creation and the control wedge as options for charts to be printed, and accepts the selection of one chart from among them. You can create a target that suits your purpose.

Also, in creating the color verification target, colorimetric information about the wedge is acquired, and based on the acquired colorimetric information, the CMYK values of the wedge and the colorimetric information (L ^* a ^* b ^* values) are matched. You can create a color verification target attached.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 29 shows the system configuration in the second embodiment.
Color management systems 100A and 100B are installed at customer companies A and B, respectively, and have the same functions as the color management system 100 shown in the first embodiment. The color verification device 10, the colorimeter 20, the printer 30, and the communication network N belonging to each of the color management systems 100A and 100B are distinguished by adding "A" and "B" to their symbols.

The color verification device 10A and the color verification device 10B are connected for data communication via a communication network N2 such as the Internet. Since the color verification apparatuses 10A and 10B have the same configuration as the color verification apparatus 10 shown in the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is used and description thereof is omitted.

When the color verification target is created in the color verification device 10A, the control unit 11 of the color verification device 10A provides a control unit for selecting whether to share the created color verification target with the color verification device 10B. A screen is displayed on the display unit 12, and the user selects from the operation unit 13 whether or not to share the color verification target.
When sharing the color verification target is selected, the control unit 11 of the color verification device 10A transmits the color verification target to the color verification device 10B via the communication unit 15. FIG.

The color verification device 10B stores and uses the color verification target received from the color verification device 10A in the same manner as the color verification target created in the color verification device 10B. The customer company B can use the color verification target created by the customer company A to manage the colors of the printer 30B managed by the customer company B.

Similarly, the color verification target created by the color verification device 10B can also be used by the color verification device 10A.

Thus, according to the second embodiment, the color verification device 10A can communicate with another color verification device 10B having the same function as the color verification device 10A, and the color verification target can be communicated with another color verification device. It can be shared with the color verification device 10B.

In the second embodiment, the case where the two color verification apparatuses 10A and 10B share the color verification target has been described. good too. Also, only a specific client company or a specific user may be permitted to share the color verification target.

Further, in the second embodiment, by transmitting the color verification target from the color verification device 10A to the color verification device 10B, the color verification target created in the color verification device 10A can also be used in the color verification device 10B. However, the data of the color verification target itself is not transmitted to the color verification device 10B, and the color verification target stored in the color verification device 10A can be viewed from the color verification device 10B. The verification target may be acquired from the verification device 10A.

It should be noted that the description in each of the above embodiments is an example of the color verification device according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each unit that constitutes the device can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, a color verification device for performing color verification may be configured on the cloud. In this case, the user accesses the cloud through a browser or the like from an input/output terminal used by the user to perform color verification. Specifically, each display screen provided by the color verification device is displayed on the display unit of the input/output terminal, and various operations are performed on the operation unit of the input/output terminal. In addition, this system can register multiple customer companies, and manage printers, color verification targets, custom target profiles, color target settings, and tracking for each customer company. can be shared among customer companies.

Although the above description discloses an example in which a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing each process, the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memory such as flash memory and portable recording media such as CD-ROM can also be applied. Also, a carrier wave may be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

10 Color verification devices 10A and 10B Color verification device 11 Control unit 12 Display unit 13 Operation unit 14 Colorimetry data reception unit 15 Communication unit 16 Storage unit 20 Colorimeter 30 Printer 40 Target setting screen 50A Target creation screen 50B Target creation screen 50C Target creation screen 70A Color target setting creation screen 70B Color target setting creation screen 80 Tracking setting screen 90 Tracking creation screen 100 Color management system 100A, 100B Color management system 110 Dashboard screen 120 Color verification screen N Communication network T1 Colorimeter table T2 Colorimetry condition table T3 Printer table T4 Wedge table T5 Wedge patch value table T6 Color verification target table T7 Color verification target target value management table T8 Color target setting table T9 Tracking table

Claims (11)

A color verification device communicable with an image forming device,
Equipped with a control unit,
The control unit
causing the image forming device to print a first wedge and obtaining first colorimetric information about the printed first wedge;
creating a color verification target based on the acquired first colorimetric information;
causing a display unit to display at least one target profile and at least one color verification target as options of targets for color verification of the image forming apparatus;
receiving selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target;
when a color verification target is selected as the one target, setting the selected color verification target as a color target setting;
receiving selection of a second wedge to be printed by the image forming apparatus when a target profile is selected as the one target, and setting the selected target profile and the selected second wedge as color target settings; ,
A color verification device that performs color verification of the image forming device based on the set color target setting. A color verification device communicable with an image forming device,
Equipped with a control unit,
The control unit
causing a display unit to display at least one target profile and at least one color verification target as options of targets for color verification of the image forming apparatus;
receiving selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target;
when a color verification target is selected as the one target, setting the selected color verification target as a color target setting;
receiving selection of a second wedge to be printed by the image forming apparatus when a target profile is selected as the one target, and setting the selected target profile and the selected second wedge as color target settings; ,
A color verification device that performs color verification of the image forming device based on the set color target setting. The control unit
When a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing the color verification, the first colorimetric information corresponding to the set color verification target is acquired and sent to the image forming apparatus. printing a first wedge corresponding to the set color verification target; acquiring second colorimetric information about the printed first wedge; performing color verification of the image forming apparatus based on the first colorimetric information and the second colorimetric information;
When a target profile and a second wedge are set in the color target setting used when performing the color verification, color information corresponding to the second wedge is obtained based on the set target profile and the second wedge. obtain, cause the image forming apparatus to print the set second wedge, obtain third colorimetric information about the printed second wedge, and combine the color information and the third colorimetric information 3. The color verification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color verification of the image forming apparatus is performed based on the color verification apparatus. When a color verification target is set in the color target setting used when performing the color verification, the control unit corresponds to the set color verification target as a wedge to be printed by the image forming apparatus. 4. The color verification device according to claim 3, wherein selection of options other than the first wedge to be selected is prohibited. 5. A color verification device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said target profile is a preset target profile and/or a custom target profile. The control unit displays options for the at least one target profile and the at least one color verification target as a drop-down menu in response to an operation on the area for accepting selection of the target for color verification, 6. The color verification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each option is displayed in the drop-down menu by being divided into groups of target profiles and color verification targets. a size of an area for displaying options of the target profile and a size of an area for displaying options of the color verification target are predetermined, and
7. The color according to claim 6, wherein for each group of the target profile and the color verification target, the control unit displays a scroll bar when options belonging to the group cannot be displayed in an area corresponding to the group. verification device. 8. The color verification device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said color verification device is capable of communicating with another color verification device having the same function as said color verification device, and shares a color verification target with said other color verification device. The color verification device according to item 1. The control unit
causing the display unit to display a profile creation chart and the first wedge as options for charts to be printed when creating a target for color verification;
Receiving selection of one chart from the displayed profile creation chart and the first wedge;
When the first wedge is selected as the one chart, causing the image forming apparatus to print the selected first wedge, and obtaining the first colorimetric information about the printed first wedge. ,
2. The color verification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a color verification target is created based on the acquired first colorimetric information. A color verification method executed by a control unit of a color verification device communicable with an image forming device, comprising:
displaying at least one target profile and at least one color verification target on a display unit as options of targets for color verification of the image forming apparatus;
accepting selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target;
When a color verification target is selected as the one target, the selected color verification target is set as a color target setting, and when a target profile is selected as the one target, the image forming apparatus and setting the selected target profile and the selected second wedge as color target settings;
performing color verification of the image forming apparatus based on the set color target setting;
Color verification methods, including In the computer of the color verification device that can communicate with the image forming device,
displaying at least one target profile and at least one color verification target on a display unit as options of targets for color verification of the image forming apparatus;
accepting selection of one target from the displayed target profile and color verification target;
When a color verification target is selected as the one target, the selected color verification target is set as a color target setting, and when a target profile is selected as the one target, the image forming apparatus and setting the selected target profile and the selected second wedge as color target settings;
performing color verification of the image forming apparatus based on the set color target setting;
program to run the

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