Information processing apparatus, system and method, and storage medium and computer apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a computer device, and aims to implement color reproduction that prioritizes hue when hue is valued and that prioritizes metallic color sense when metallic color sense is valued. The information processing device of the present application includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a colorimetric measurement value obtained by colorimetric measurement of a color patch of a target color with metallic color sense by a colorimeter; a calculation unit configured to calculate at least two or more physical quantities including a metallic color value that indicates the magnitude of metallic color sense and a chroma value that indicates the magnitude of hue, based on the colorimetric measurement value acquired by the acquisition unit; a first determination unit configured to determine the priority order of each of the physical quantities of the target color; and a derivation unit configured to derive the color material amount of a metallic color material of an image forming device and the color material amount of a print color color material from the two or more physical quantities in the priority order.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a computer apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, in electronic photo printing, in addition to the conventional C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) color materials, special color color materials are sometimes used to expand color expression. For example, by using metallic color color materials having metallic luster such as gold toner and silver toner, and lustrous color materials such as pearl color materials and mica color materials, a color image having a sense of luster can be formed. In the following description, for convenience, the color formed by the lustrous color materials will be referred to as metallic color. The conventional metallic color printing mainly employs offset printing of lustrous color materials.

[0003] Offset printing uses a color sample patch commercially available for the purpose of printing a desired metallic color, and the user can specify the color through the color sample patch. As shown in Figure 17 , a color material that can reproduce the color sample patch is prepared, and printing is performed using the prepared color material. Here, the color registered in the color sample manual is referred to as spot color.

[0004] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 18 , electrophotographic printing forms an image by superimposing layers of toners of various colors. This has the advantage that, unlike offset printing, it does not require preparation of color materials and can be printed as needed, but has the disadvantage that, due to the superimposition order of the toners, the color of the lower layer toner is masked by the color of the upper layer toner. Also, in general, metallic toners using metal are more susceptible to masking than printing toners using pigments. Therefore, metallic toners are usually disposed in the lowermost layer closest to the paper.

[0005] Regarding the above-described technology, for example, Patent Literature 1 (JP Patent Application Publication No. 2019-004322) discloses a color conversion apparatus that includes: a reception unit configured to accept a plurality of colorimetric values obtained by measuring a target color image printed by offset printing from a plurality of directions; and a conversion unit configured to convert the plurality of colorimetric values accepted by the reception unit into colorimetric values including a value indicating an amount of a lustrous color material and a value indicating an amount of a color material other than the lustrous color material, in order to print using electrophotographic printing. In this color conversion apparatus, color measurement is performed on a patch of a metallic color that is a target from directions that are 15 degrees, 45 degrees, and 110 degrees from the direction of regular reflection, and the device values are converted so that the weighted average of the colorimetric differences in these three directions is minimized. That is, the technical solution of this Patent Literature 1 attempts to reproduce a metallic color taking into account the components in the direction of regular reflection and the direction of diffusion.

[0006] Generally, offset printing has a greater range of expression for metallic colors. This is because in offset printing, metallic ink is produced by toning between inks. In this regard, in electrophotographic printing, a metallic toner is formed as the lowermost layer, and a print color toner layer is formed thereon to produce a metallic color, and thus, if the amount of color material of the print color toner as the upper layer is large, the metallic toner layer of the lower layer is masked. In addition, since the color at this time is high saturation, it is judged that color tone is more emphasized than metallic color sense in electrophotographic printing. Here, the metallic color sense refers to the degree of metallic luster. That is, metallic colors can be classified into a type that emphasizes the reproduction of the metallic color sense or a type that emphasizes the reproduction of color tone such as brightness and saturation. For example, a color of high saturation emphasizes color tone, and a color of low saturation such as high light emphasizes the metallic color sense. In addition, in electrophotographic printing, the total amount of toner that can be developed is limited, and thus, in consideration of these factors, it is necessary to adopt a method suitable for the reproduction characteristics to be emphasized to obtain a device value. That is, it is preferable to put effort into the selection method of the device value, the search method, and the like, depending on whether the color that emphasizes color tone or the color that emphasizes the metallic color sense is selected.

[0007] However, in the technical solution disclosed in the above-described Patent Document 1, the weighted average of the difference in chroma value is used as the only evaluation value to calculate the device value, and thus, there is a problem in that the search method of the device value cannot be selected between the reproduction of color tone and the reproduction of the metallic color sense. SUMMARY

[0008] In view of the above-described circumstances, the present application provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a computer apparatus, and aims at being able to implement the reproduction of color tone preferentially when color tone is emphasized and the reproduction of the color of the metallic color sense preferentially when the metallic color sense is emphasized.

[0009] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object of the present application, the present application provides an information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a colorimetric measurement value obtained by colorimetric measurement of a color patch of a target color with a metallic color sense by a colorimeter; a calculation unit configured to calculate at least two or more physical quantities including a metallic color value indicating the degree of the metallic color sense and a chroma value indicating the degree of color tone, based on the colorimetric measurement value acquired by the acquisition unit; a first determination unit configured to determine the order of priority of each of the physical quantities of the target color; and a derivation unit configured to derive the amount of color material of a metallic color material and the amount of color material of a print color color material of an image forming apparatus from the two or more physical quantities in the order of priority.

[0010] The present application has an effect of being able to implement the reproduction of color tone preferentially when color tone is emphasized and the reproduction of the color of the metallic color sense preferentially when the metallic color sense is emphasized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which the embodiments relate.

[0012] Figure 2 is a hardware configuration block diagram of an information processing apparatus to which the embodiments relate.

[0013] Figure 3 is a hardware configuration block diagram of an image forming apparatus to which the embodiments relate.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the overall operation of an information processing system to which the embodiments relate.

[0015] Figure 5 is a functional configuration block diagram of an information processing apparatus to which the embodiments relate.

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the colorimetric measurement operation of a colorimeter to which the embodiments relate.

[0017] Figure 7 is a functional configuration block diagram of a color material amount derivation section of an information processing apparatus to which the embodiments relate.

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a permissible value of a metallic difference.

[0019] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a permissible value of a color difference.

[0020] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a color prediction model.

[0021] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an example spot color dictionary.

[0022] Figure 12 is a functional configuration block diagram of a controller to which the embodiments relate.

[0023] Figure 13 is a processing flowchart of a reproduction characteristic acquisition section of an information processing apparatus to which the embodiments relate.

[0024] Figure 14 is a processing flowchart of a permissible value decision section of an information processing apparatus to which the embodiments relate.

[0025] Figure 15 is a processing flowchart of an exploration section of an information processing apparatus to which the embodiments relate.

[0026] Figure 16 is a functional configuration block diagram of a controller to which the modified example relates.

[0027] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a flexographic printing.

[0028] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of electrophotographic printing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Embodiments of an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, a storage medium, and a computer program product according to the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present application is not limited to the following embodiments, and the constituent elements of the following embodiments include those which are apparent to those skilled in the art, substantially the same, and included in the so-called equivalent range. Various constituent elements can be omitted, replaced, changed, and combined without departing from the framework of the following embodiments.

[0030] <Overall configuration of information processing system>

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. The overall configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 1

[0032] As shown in Figure 1 , the information processing system 1 includes an information processing apparatus 10, a controller 20, an image forming apparatus 30, and a colorimeter 40. The information processing apparatus 10, the controller 20, the image forming apparatus 30, and the colorimeter 40 can perform data communication with each other through a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0033] The information processing apparatus 10 is an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a workstation, which receives a colorimetric value of a target color measured by the colorimeter 40, derives a device value including a metallic silver color (Si) from the colorimetric value, and creates a spot color dictionary in which an association is established between the derived device value and the target color. Here, the target color refers to, for example, a color number 599 to 621 of a DIC color guide, or a color of a color patch (metallic color patch) of a color sample formed by offset printing by a PANTONE Metallic Coated Guide. The so-called device value is a five-color device value indicating a print color C, M, Y, K, plus a metallic silver color (Si). In addition, "metallic color feeling is large" and "metallic color value is large" are synonymous with "glossy feeling is high", and "color tone feeling is strong (large)" and "colorimetric value is large" are synonymous with "saturation is high" or "dark".

[0034] The controller 20 is an information processing apparatus such as a DFE (Digital Front End), which performs color conversion on a print job received from the information processing apparatus 10 using the spot color dictionary, and transmits image information subjected to the color conversion to the image forming apparatus 30 to perform print output.

[0035] ​The image forming apparatus 30 is a printing device that performs printing output of image data in accordance with the control of the controller 20. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 is taken as a device that performs printing operation in an electronic photograph printing manner.

[0036] The colorimeter 40 is an instrument such as a multi-angle spectrophotometer that performs colorimetric measurement of a metal color patch of a target color from a plurality of directions, and transmits the obtained colorimetric values to the information processing device 10.

[0037] <Hardware configuration of information processing system>

[0038] Figure 2 is a hardware structure diagram of the information processing device to which the present embodiment relates. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 2

[0039] As shown in Figure 2 , the information processing device 10 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 601, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 602, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 603, an auxiliary storage device 605, a media drive 607, a display 608, a network I / F 609, a keyboard 611, a mouse 612, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive 614.

[0040] The CPU 601 is an arithmetic device that controls the overall operation of the information processing device 10. The ROM 602 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs for the information processing device 10. The RAM 603 is a volatile storage device that is used as a work area of the CPU 601.

[0041] The auxiliary storage device 605 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD that stores the color prediction model and the spot color dictionary described later, as well as various data and programs, and the like. The media drive 607 is a device that controls the reading and writing of data in a recording medium 606 such as a flash memory in accordance with the control of the CPU 601.

[0042] The display 608 is a display device composed of liquid crystals or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or the like that displays various information such as a display cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image.

[0043] ​The network I / F 609 is an interface for data communication with the controller 20 and external devices such as the colorimeter 40 using a network N. The network I / F 609 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) corresponding to Ethernet (registered trademark), capable of communication based on TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol) and the like.

[0044] The keyboard 611 is an input device for selecting characters, numbers, various instructions, and moving a cursor, and the like. The mouse 612 is an input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing object, and moving a cursor, and the like.

[0045] The DVD drive 614 is a device for controlling reading and writing of information to and from a DVD 613 such as a DVD-ROM or a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable), which is an example of a removable storage medium.

[0046] The CPU 601, the ROM 602, the RAM 603, the auxiliary storage device 605, the media drive 607, the display 608, the network I / F 609, the keyboard 611, the mouse 612, and the DVD drive 614 described above are communicably connected to each other through a bus 610 such as an address bus and a data bus.

[0047] Figure 2 The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 shown is merely an example, but the present application does not necessarily include all Figure 2 the constituent elements shown, or the present application can include other constituent elements. The hardware configuration of the controller 20 corresponds to that shown. Figure 2

[0048] <Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Device>

[0049] Figure 3 is an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming device to which the embodiment relates. The hardware configuration of the image forming device 30 to which the present embodiment relates will be described below with reference to Figure 3

[0050] As shown in Figure 3 , the image forming device 30 is, for example, a tandem type printing device having a paper feed tray 700, a conveyance roller 701, an intermediate transfer belt 702, photosensitive drums 703C, 703M, 703Y, 703K, 703S, a transfer roller 704, and a fixing roller 705.

[0051] ​​The paper feed tray 700 is a tray that stores recording media such as paper for paper feeding. The conveyance roller 701 is a pair of rollers that conveys the recording media supplied from the paper feed tray 700 along a conveyance path to the transfer roller 704.

[0052] The intermediate transfer belt 702 is a loop-shaped belt on which an intermediate transfer image is formed by the photosensitive drums 703C, 703M, 703Y, 703K, 703S. Figure 3 In the drawing, the intermediate transfer belt 702 is rotated to the right, and various color toner images are sequentially formed in the order of the photosensitive drums 703K, 703C, 703M, 703Y, 703S.

[0053] The photosensitive drum 703C is a photosensitive drum that forms a cyan version of a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 702. The photosensitive drum 703M is a photosensitive drum that forms a magenta version of a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 702. The photosensitive drum 703Y is a photosensitive drum that forms a yellow version of a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 702. The photosensitive drum 703K is a photosensitive drum that forms a black version of a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 702. The photosensitive drum 703S is a photosensitive drum that forms a special color version of a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 702. Here, the so-called special color refers to a color of a lustrous color material such as a metallic color toner having a metallic luster, a pearl color material, and a mica color material. In addition, in order to form an intermediate transfer image on the intermediate transfer belt 702, the photosensitive drums 703S, 703Y, 703M, 703C, 703K are sequentially arranged from the upstream in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 702. In this way, various color toner images are formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 702, and the result becomes a full-color image as an intermediate transfer image. As for the photosensitive drums 703C, 703M, 703Y, 703K, 703S, when any photosensitive drum or a general term is indicated, it is simply referred to as "photosensitive drum 703". Here, the photosensitive drum 703 is configured to use CMYK colors as printing colors, but in addition to this, CMY colors can be used as printing colors, or R (red), B (blue), G (green) can be used instead of CMY colors as printing colors.

[0054] The transfer roller 704 transfers the full-color image (intermediate transfer image) formed on the intermediate transfer belt 702 to the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance roller 701. By the function of this transfer roller 704, the full-color image is formed (printed) on the recording medium. In this case, according to the order of the various colors of the intermediate transfer image formed on the above-described intermediate transfer belt 702, the layer of the metallic color in the full-color image formed on the recording medium becomes the lowermost layer, and becomes "underprint" using the color material of the metallic color.

[0055] The fixing roller 705 performs image fixation on the recording medium on which the full-color image is formed.

[0056] <Overall operation flow of information processing system>

[0057] Figure 4 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall operation flow of an information processing system according to the embodiment. The overall operation flow of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Figure 4

[0058] <Step Sll>

[0059] The user selects one or more metallic color patches as target colors from the color samples. Then, go to Step S12.

[0060] <Step S12>

[0061] Then, the user instructs the colorimeter 40 to perform a colorimetric measurement of the selected target color patch. At this time, the user can perform the colorimetric measurement by directly operating the colorimeter 40, or can cause the colorimeter 40 to perform the colorimetric measurement by operating the operation section (keyboard 611, mouse 612) of the information processing apparatus 10. Thus, the information processing apparatus 10 receives the colorimetric values from the colorimeter 40. Then, go to Step S13.

[0062] <Step S13>

[0063] The information processing apparatus 10 determines the priority order of the hue and the metallic color sense on the basis of the colorimetric values received from the colorimeter 40. Then, go to Step S14.

[0064] <Step S14>

[0065] The information processing apparatus 10 determines (derives) the five-color device values on the basis of the colorimetric values and the determined priority order. Then, go to Step S15.

[0066] <Step S15>

[0067] The information processing apparatus 10 registers the derived five-color device values in the spot color dictionary. Then, go to Step S16.

[0068] <Step S16>

[0069] The information processing apparatus 10 determines whether or not the derivation processing of the five-color device values of all the target colors (metallic colors) selected in Step Sll is completed. If the processing is completed (Step S16: YES), go to Step S17, and if the processing is not completed (Step S16: NO), return to Step S12.

[0070] <Step S17>

[0071] ​The information processing apparatus 10 registers the five-color device values derived for all the patches of the selected target color in the spot color dictionary, ends the creation of the spot color dictionary, and saves the spot color dictionary to the auxiliary storage device 605. Then, the process goes to step S18.

[0072] <Step S18>

[0073] The controller 20 acquires the print job according to the user's instruction. Then, the process goes to step S19.

[0074] <Step S19>

[0075] The controller 20 determines whether there is a spot color designation in the color designation in the received print job. If there is a spot color designation (step S19: YES), the process goes to step S20, and if there is no spot color designation (step S19: NO), the process goes to step S22.

[0076] <Step S20>

[0077] The controller 20 acquires the spot color dictionary saved in the auxiliary storage device 605 in the information processing apparatus 10. Then, the process goes to step S21.

[0078] <Step S21>

[0079] The controller 20 performs color conversion processing to convert the spot color designated in the print job to five-color device values using the acquired spot color dictionary. Then, the process goes to step S23.

[0080] <Step S22>

[0081] The controller 20 performs color conversion processing to convert the RGB value or CMYK value or the like designated in the print job to a device value corresponding to the image forming apparatus 30 using a general ICC (International Color Consortium) file.

[0082] <Step S23>

[0083] Then, the controller 20 sends the image data obtained by the color conversion processing to the image forming apparatus 30. Then, the process goes to step S24.

[0084] <Step S24>

[0085] The image forming apparatus 30 prints the image data received from the controller 20.

[0086] The information processing system 1 performs overall operation using the flow of steps S11 to S24 described above.

[0087] <Function Configuration and Operation of Information Processing Apparatus>

[0088] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of an example of the information processing apparatus to which the embodiments relate. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the colorimetric color measurement operation to which the embodiments relate. The functional configuration and operation of the information processing apparatus 10 to which the embodiments relate will be described below with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0089] As shown in Figure 5 , the information processing apparatus 10 has a colorimetric measurement value acquisition section 101 (acquisition section), a reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 (calculation section), a color material amount derivation section 103, a dictionary creation section 104 (creation section), a storage section 105, and an operation section 106.

[0090] The colorimetric measurement value acquisition section 101 is configured to acquire a plurality of colorimetric measurement values obtained by the colorimeter 40 measuring the color of the color patch of the target color (metallic color) from a plurality of directions via the network I / F 609, and to send the plurality of colorimetric measurement values to the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102. Here, the colorimetric measurement operation of the colorimeter 40 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 6 , while referring to . The colorimeter 40 is a multi-angle spectrophotometer, and by the colorimetric measurement process, when the direction of the regular reflection light of the light that is reflected by the color material layer CL formed on the print paper P (an example of recording medium) when the light obliquely (at a direction of 45 degrees from the normal line) emitted from the light source LS is set to 0 degrees, the colorimetric measurement value at a direction of 15 degrees, the colorimetric measurement value at a direction of 45 degrees of the divergent reflection light, and the colorimetric measurement value at a direction of 110 degrees of the same divergent reflection light are obtained. These colorimetric measurement values are, in particular, values based on the spectral reflectance at each direction.

[0091] Specifically, as described above, the colorimetric measurement value acquisition section 101 acquires the colorimetric measurement values at each of the directions of 15 degrees, 45 degrees, and 110 degrees of the color patch of the target color measured by the colorimeter 40.

[0092] The reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 is configured to calculate, from the plurality of colorimetric measurement values accepted from the colorimetric measurement value acquisition section 101, a "metallic color value" and a "colorimetric value" as two physical quantities (evaluation values), and to send them to the color material amount derivation section 103. The metallic color value is a physical quantity that numerically expresses the metallic color sense of the measurement target measured by the colorimeter 40, and is usually a value calculated from the colorimetric values measured from a plurality of directions. The colorimetric value is a physical quantity that numerically expresses the color tone size (colorimetric value) of the measurement target measured by the colorimeter 40. In the present embodiment, for example, the metallic color value is described as a Flop Index, which is a commonly used index for the measurement method of color caused by optical isotropy.

[0093] Figure 6The L value in the Lab value at the time of chroma measurement when the direction of the specular reflection light of the light irradiated from the light source LS in a direction of 45 degrees from the normal is 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 45 degrees, and 110 degrees is basically calculated by normalizing the difference between the L value at 15 degrees and the L value at 110 degrees with the L value at 45 degrees by the following equation (1).

[0094]

[0095] In the above equation (1), F.I represents a flip index, L*15 represents the L value at 15 degrees, L*45 represents the L value at 45 degrees, and L*110 represents the L value at 110 degrees. The flip index F.I is a physical quantity in which the larger the value, the greater the gloss (metallic color) feeling. On the other hand, the chroma value is the Lab value indicating the saturation and the density at 45 degrees of the conventional index. The metallic color value is not limited to the flip index, and can be replaced with other index values or evaluation values.

[0096] The color material amount derivation section 103 determines the priority order of the hue and the metallic color feeling using the metallic color value and the chroma value obtained by the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102, and derives the five-color device values (CMYKSi values) suitable for the priority order using the priority order and the color prediction model stored in the storage section 105, and sends them to the dictionary creation section 104. The configuration and operation of the color material amount derivation section 103 will be described below in detail.

[0097] The dictionary creation section 104 reads out the information of the target color (target color based on the chroma value obtained by the chroma measurement value acquisition section 101) from the storage section 105, creates a spot color dictionary in which the target color is associated with the five-color device values derived by the color material amount derivation section 103, and stores it in the storage section 105.

[0098] The storage section 105 stores the spot color dictionary created by the dictionary creation section 104, the information of the target color, and the color prediction model, and the like. The storage section 105 is realized by Figure 2 The auxiliary storage device 605 shown is realized.

[0099] The operation section 106 receives operation input. The operation section 106 not only receives operation of the information processing apparatus 10, but also can receive operation of the colorimeter 40. The operation section 106 is realized by Figure 2 The keyboard 611 and the mouse 612 shown are realized.

[0100] The above-described chroma measurement value acquisition section 101, the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102, the color material amount derivation section 103, and the dictionary creation section 104 are realized by Figure 2 The CPU 601 shown executes the program. Figure 5At least a part of the functional units of the information processing apparatus 10 shown by software (program) can also be realized by a hardware circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0101] Figure 5 The respective functional units of the information processing apparatus 10 shown are conceptual representations of functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, Figure 5 The plurality of functional units shown as independent functional units in the information processing apparatus 10 can be configured as one functional unit, and on the other hand, Figure 5 The functions possessed by one functional unit in the information processing apparatus 10 can also be divided into a plurality of functional units and configured as a plurality of functional units.

[0102] <Function configuration and operation of color material amount derivation unit of information processing apparatus>

[0103] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of an example of the color material amount derivation unit of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a metal difference allowable value. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a chroma value difference allowable value. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a color prediction model. Reference is made to Figures 7 to 10 for a description of the function configuration and operation of the color material amount derivation unit 103 of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0104] As Figure 7 shown, the color material amount derivation unit 103 of the information processing apparatus 10 has an allowable value determination unit 1031 (first determination unit, second determination unit), a color prediction model acquisition unit 1032, and an exploration unit 1033 (derivation unit).

[0105] The allowable value determination unit 1031 is used to determine allowable values of the metal color value difference and the chroma value difference described later, respectively. First, the allowable value determination unit 1031 determines which of the hue and the metallic color sense among the target color reproduction characteristics is given priority, based on the metal color value and the chroma value calculated by the reproduction characteristics acquisition unit 102. Here, with respect to the target color that is a metallic color, the following insight with respect to classification has been experimentally obtained.

[0106] Classification 1

[0107] The color for which the metallic color sense is given priority is a color having a high metallic color sense, a color having a low saturation, or a color that is a highlight color.

[0108] Classification 2

[0109] Colors with a hue priority are highly saturated colors or dark shades of the shadow family.

[0110] In other words, the permission value determination unit 1031 determines whether the target color belongs to Category 1 or Category 2 based on the metallic value and chromaticity value of the target color. If it belongs to Category 1, the permission value determination unit 1031 prioritizes the metallic feel as the first priority and the hue as the second priority. Conversely, if it belongs to Category 2, the permission value determination unit 1031 prioritizes the hue as the first priority and the metallic feel as the second priority.

[0111] Here, Figure 8 This is a curve representing the relationship between the permissible value (vertical axis) of the metallic color difference (an example of a difference) and the metallic color value of the target color (horizontal axis). Here, the metallic color difference is the difference between a given metallic color value and the metallic color value of its target color. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the curve of the permissible value of metallic color difference is valley-shaped, and the metallic color value on the horizontal axis can be divided into regions A, B, and C. That is, taking the bottom of the valley (the part corresponding to the boundary value X described later) as the boundary, the lower the metallic color value (i.e., the higher the chromaticity value), the larger the permissible value of the metallic color difference; conversely, the higher the metallic color value (i.e., the lower the chromaticity value), the larger the permissible value. As mentioned above, colors belonging to category one, "colors with high metallic hue, colors with low saturation, or colors with high gloss," mainly belong to region C. Colors belonging to category two, "colors with high saturation, or dark colors with shadows," mainly belong to region A. Colors belonging to regions A and C are difficult to reproduce in electrophotographic printing of the base color. The reason is that colors in region A are colors where the toner dosage in the upper layer is greater than that in the metallic color layer, thus blocking reflected light from the metallic color layer; colors in region C are colors with high gloss in the metallic color blocks of the target color formed in offset printing. On the other hand, colors belonging to region B are colors that are easily reproduced in electrophotographic printing of the base color. Therefore, the permissible value of the metallic color difference has the following shape: Figure 8 The valley shape shown sets a higher permissible value for the metallic color difference between regions A and C. Then, the permissible value determination unit 1031... Figure 8 The permissible value corresponding to the metallic value of the target color (the metallic value derived by the reproduction characteristic acquisition unit 102) in the curve shown is defined as the permissible value of the metallic value difference. Furthermore, the metallic value of the target color (i.e., the value corresponding to the metallic value of the target color most easily reproduced in the background color printing of electrophotographic printing) is... Figure 8In the case where the metal color value corresponding to the bottom of the valley of the graph is set as a boundary value X (a prescribed value, a second threshold value), the permission value decision section 1031 can prioritize the hue (chroma value) when the metal color value derived by the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 is less than the boundary value X, and can prioritize the metallic feel (metal color value) when the metal color value is equal to or greater than the boundary value X. Note that the method of deciding the priority order of the permission value decision section 1031 is not limited to the comparison of the metal color value and the boundary value X, and for example, the priority order can be decided by comparing the chroma value and a prescribed value Y (a third threshold value, a fourth threshold value). In other words, the permission value decision section 1031 can prioritize the hue (chroma value) when the color value derived by the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 is equal to or greater than the prescribed value Y, and can prioritize the metallic feel (metal color value) when the color value is less than the prescribed value Y.

[0112] Figure 9 A relationship between the permission value (vertical axis) of the chroma value difference (one example of the difference value) and the metal color value (horizontal axis) of the target color is shown. Here, the chroma value difference refers to the difference between a certain chroma value and the chroma value of the target value. As shown in FIG. 27, the permission value of the chroma value difference is a constant value regardless of the size of the metal color value of the target color. The permission value decision section 1031 decides the permission value of the chroma value difference (the metal color value difference and the chroma value difference are each a constant value) corresponding to the metal color value of the target color (the metal color value derived by the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102) based on the relationship curve shown in FIG. 27. Figure 9 Figure 9 Figure 9 The example shown in FIG. 27 is a constant value. The permission value decision section 1031 decides the permission value of the chroma value difference corresponding to the metal color value of the target color (the metal color value derived by the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102) based on the relationship curve shown in FIG. 27.

[0113] Then, the permission value decision section 1031 sends the decided priority order and the permission value of each of the metal color value difference and the chroma value difference to the search section 1033.

[0114] The color prediction model acquisition section 1032 acquires the color prediction model corresponding to the image forming apparatus 30 from the storage section 105 and sends the color prediction model to the color prediction model acquisition section 1032. Figure 10 The processing content of the color prediction model is shown. The color prediction model outputs the predicted metal color value and chroma value of the metallic color reproduced by the image forming apparatus 30 with the physical quantity representing the amounts of attachment with respect to the five-color device values (C, M, Y, K, Si) as input. The color prediction model is divided into a metal color value prediction model and a chroma value prediction model, the former being a model that outputs the metal color value of the reproduced metallic color based on the physical quantity representing the amounts of attachment with respect to the five-color device values, and the latter being a model that outputs the chroma value of the reproduced metallic color based on the physical quantity representing the amounts of attachment with respect to the five-color device values. In the case of the present embodiment, the metal color value prediction model outputs the flop index shown in the above formula (1) as the metal color value, and the chroma value prediction model outputs the Lab value representing the saturation in the 45-degree direction and the density as the chroma value.

[0115] ​​This section explains the method for creating a color prediction model. First, the image forming apparatus 30 prints color patches with various combinations of five-color device values. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown, colorimetric values ​​are obtained for each color patch from multiple directions using a colorimeter 40. The result is the acquisition of a metallic color value and a chromaticity value for each color patch. Then, based on these values, a metallic color value prediction model and a chromaticity value prediction model are created by inputting five-color device values. The color prediction models can use general functions as the functions applied to these color prediction models, such as multiple regression, neural networks, or interpolation using direct lookup tables. The created color prediction models are then stored in the storage unit 105.

[0116] The color prediction model can also be a model corresponding to the various types of paper used by the image forming apparatus 30.

[0117] The exploration unit 1033, based on the metallic color value and chromaticity value obtained by the reproduction characteristic acquisition unit 102, the priority order determined by the permission value determination unit 1031, and the respective permission values ​​of the metallic color value difference and chromaticity value difference, uses the color prediction model received from the color prediction model acquisition unit 1032 to derive the five-color device values ​​corresponding to the priority order and sends them to the dictionary creation unit 104. The processing performed by the exploration unit 1033 will be discussed below. Figure 15 The details are as follows.

[0118] <Operations of the Dictionary Creation Department of the Information Processing Unit>

[0119] Figure 11 This is an example diagram of a spot color dictionary. See below for reference. Figure 11 This embodiment describes the operation of the dictionary creation unit 104 of the information processing device 10.

[0120] First, the dictionary creation unit 104 reads information about the target color (the target color on which the chromaticity values ​​obtained by the chromaticity measurement value acquisition unit 101 are based) from the storage unit 105. This information is, for example, the color name. Then, the dictionary creation unit 104 creates a spot color dictionary by establishing a correlation between the five-color device values ​​obtained by the exploration unit 1033 and the read-out target color information (color name).

[0121] Figure 11 (a) is an example of a spot color dictionary that establishes an association between color names and Lab values, and (b) is an example of a spot color dictionary that establishes an association between color names and device values ​​for the four CMYK colors. The dictionary created by the dictionary creation unit 104 of the information processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment is... Figure 11 The four-color device values ​​shown in (b) plus Si (metallic silver), totaling five color device values, are associated with color names in a spot color dictionary. The dictionary creation unit 104 saves the created spot color dictionary in the storage unit 105.

[0122] <Function configuration and operation of the controller>

[0123] Figure 12 is a functional block diagram of an example of the controller according to the embodiment. The function configuration and operation of the controller 20 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 12

[0124] As shown in Figure 12 , the controller 20 has a dictionary acquisition section 201, a print job acquisition section 202, and a color conversion section 203.

[0125] The dictionary acquisition section 201 is configured to acquire the spot color dictionary stored in the storage section 105 of the information processing apparatus 10 and send it to the color conversion section 203.

[0126] The print job acquisition section 202 is configured to acquire the print job from the outside (e.g., the information processing apparatus 10 or the like) and send it to the color conversion section 203.

[0127] The color conversion section 203 is configured to perform color conversion processing to convert the spot color specified in the print job into a five-color device value using the spot color dictionary received from the print job acquisition section 202. The color conversion section 203 is configured to send the image data obtained by the color conversion processing to the image forming apparatus 30.

[0128] The above-described dictionary acquisition section 201, print job acquisition section 202, and color conversion section 203 are implemented by execution of a program by the CPU 601 as shown in Figure 2 Figure 12 Among the functional sections of the controller 20 shown in

[0129] In addition, the functional sections of the controller 20 shown in Figure 12 are conceptually shown as functions, but are not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of functional sections shown in Figure 12 as independent functional sections in the controller 20 can be configured by one functional section. On the other hand, the functions of one functional section shown in Figure 12 in the controller 20 can be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional sections.

[0130] <Processing flow of the reproduction characteristic acquisition section of the information processing apparatus>

[0131] Figure 13 is a processing flowchart of an example of the reproduction characteristic acquisition section of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The processing flow of the reproduction characteristic acquisition section of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 13 ​​, the processing flow of the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 of the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 is included in the processing of step S12 shown in FIG. 8. Figure 4

[0132] <Step S121>

[0133] The reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 of the information processing apparatus 10 acquires the multiple chroma measurement values measured by the colorimeter 40 from the color patch of the target color (metallic color) in multiple directions, which are acquired by the chroma measurement value acquisition section 101. Then, the processing proceeds to step S122.

[0134] <Step S122>

[0135] The reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 calculates the metallic color value Sof and the chroma value Eof from the acquired multiple chroma measurement values using the above calculation method. Then, the processing proceeds to step S123.

[0136] <Step S123>

[0137] The reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 sends the calculated metallic color value Sof and the chroma value Eof to the color material amount derivation section 103.

[0138] The reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 performs the processing according to the flow of steps S121 to S123 above.

[0139] <Processing flow of the permission value decision section of the information processing apparatus>

[0140] Figure 14 is a processing flowchart of an example of the permission value decision section of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing flow of the permission value decision section 1031 of the color material amount derivation section 103 of the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 14 , the processing flow of the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 of the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 is included in the processing of step S12 shown in FIG. 8. Figure 4

[0141] <Step S131>

[0142] First, the permission value decision section 1031 of the color material amount derivation section 103 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives the metallic color value Sof and the chroma value Eof corresponding to the metallic color patch of the target color, which are calculated by the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102. Then, the processing proceeds to step S132.

[0143] <Step S132>

[0144] The permission value decision section 1031 determines whether the metallic color value Sof of the target color is equal to or greater than the boundary value X. Here, the boundary value X is, as described above, the value at which the color material amount of the target color is equal to or greater than the boundary value X. Figure 8 ​​The metallic value corresponding to the bottom of the permissible value curve of the metallic value difference. If the metallic value Sof of the target color is above the boundary value (step S132: Yes), proceed to step S133; if it is below the boundary value (step S132: No), proceed to step S134.

[0145] <Step S133>

[0146] When the metallic color value Sof of the target color is above the boundary value X, the permission value determination unit 1031 sets the metallic color value Sof as the first priority and the chromaticity value Eof as the second priority. Then it proceeds to step S135.

[0147] <Step S134>

[0148] When the metallic color value Sof of the target color is less than the boundary value X, the permissible value determination unit 1031 sets the color value Eof as the first priority and the metallic color value Sof as the second priority. Then proceed to step S135.

[0149] <Step S135>

[0150] The license value determination unit 1031 determines the license value based on the above. Figure 8 The curve shown defines the permissible value corresponding to the metallic value Sof of the target color as the permissible value ΔStol for the difference in metallic values. The permissible value determination unit 1031 determines the permissible value based on the above... Figure 9 The curve shown defines the permissible value corresponding to the metallic value of the target color as the permissible value ΔEtol for the chromaticity difference. Then proceed to step S136.

[0151] <Step S136>

[0152] The permission value determination unit 1031 sends the priority order of the determination, as well as the permission value ΔStol for the metallic color difference and the permission value ΔEtol for the chromaticity difference, to the exploration unit 1033.

[0153] The permission value determination unit 1031 performs the processing according to the above steps S131 to S136.

[0154] <Processing flow of the exploration section of the information processing device>

[0155] Figure 15 This is an example of a processing flowchart of the exploration section of an information processing apparatus according to an implementation method. The following references... Figure 15 This section explains the processing flow of the exploration unit 1033 of the color material quantity export unit 103 in the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment. The processing of the exploration unit 1033 includes the above-described... Figure 4 In the process shown in step S14.

[0156] <Step S141>

[0157] First, the search section 1033 of the color material amount derivation section 103 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives the priority order, and the allowable value of the metallic color value difference ΔStol and the allowable value of the color difference difference ΔEtol from the allowable value decision section 1031. Then, go to step S142.

[0158] <Step S142>

[0159] In addition, the search section 1033 also receives the metallic color value Sof and the color difference value Eof of the target color calculated by the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102. Then go to step S143.

[0160] <Step S143>

[0161] The color prediction model acquisition section 1032 acquires the color prediction model (metallic color value prediction model and color difference value prediction model) corresponding to the image forming apparatus 30 from the storage section 105, and sends it to the search section 1033. Then, the search section 1033 receives the color prediction model from the color prediction model acquisition section 1032. Then go to step S144.

[0162] <Step S144>

[0163] The search section 1033 acquires the combination of N five-color device values (C, M, Y, K, Si) from the smaller side of the color difference value difference of the color difference value Eof of the target color using the color difference value prediction model. As a result, the search section 1033 obtains N color difference value differences ΔErep_1, ΔErep_2, …, ΔErep_N corresponding to each combination of five-color device values. Here, the reason why the combination of N five-color device values is acquired according to the color difference value difference of the color difference value is that if it is acquired according to the metallic color value difference of the metallic color value, the reproducibility of the target color can be greatly damaged. Then go to step S145.

[0164] <Step S145>

[0165] Next, the search section 1033 acquires N metallic color values Srep_1, Srep_2, …, Srep_N from the combination of N five-color device values using the metallic color value prediction model. Then go to step S146.

[0166] <Step S146>

[0167] Then, the search section 1033 acquires the difference between the metallic color value Sof of the target color and the N metallic color values Srep_1, Srep_2, …, Srep_N, that is, N metallic color value differences ΔSrep_1, ΔSrep_2, …, ΔSrep_N. Then go to step S147.

[0168] <Step S147>

[0169] Next, the search section 1033 determines whether there is a metallic color value difference of the allowable value ΔStol or less among the N metallic color value differences ΔSrep_l, ΔSrep_2,..., ΔSrep_N corresponding to the combination of the N five-color device values. When there is a combination of five-color device values having a metallic color value difference of the allowable value ΔStol or less (step S147: YES), let the number thereof be M, and proceed to step S148. On the other hand, when there is no combination of five-color device values having a metallic color value difference of the allowable value ΔStol or less (step S147: NO), proceed to step S149.

[0170] <Step S148>

[0171] Next, the search section 1033 determines whether there is a color difference value of the allowable value ΔEtol or less among the M color difference values corresponding to the combination of the M five-color device values. When there is a combination of five-color device values having a color difference value of the allowable value ΔEtol or less (step S148: YES), let the number thereof be Q, and set the Q five-color device values as the processing target of the next step S151, and proceed to step S151. On the other hand, when there is no combination of five-color device values having a color difference value of the allowable value ΔEtol or less (step S148: NO), proceed to step S150.

[0172] <Step S149>

[0173] When there is no metallic color value difference of the allowable value ΔStol or less among the N metallic color value differences ΔSrep_l, ΔSrep_2,..., ΔSrep_N corresponding to the combination of the N five-color device values, the search section 1033 extracts the combination of five-color device values corresponding to the smallest color difference value among the color difference values corresponding to the combination of the N five-color device values. That is, since there is no five-color device value having a metallic color value difference of the allowable value ΔStol or less in step S147, the search section 1033 extracts the combination of five-color device values having the smallest color difference value regardless of the priority order determined by the allowable value determination section 1031. Then, proceed to step S154.

[0174] <Step S150>

[0175] When there is no combination of five-color device values having a color difference value of the allowable value ΔEtol or less among the M color difference values corresponding to the combination of the M five-color device values, the search section 1033 sets the M five-color device values as the processing target of the next step S151. Then, proceed to step S151.

[0176] <Step S151>

[0177] Next, the search section 1033 determines whether the priority order accepted from the permission value decision section 1031 indicates that the metallic color value is first (metallic color value priority). When the priority order of the metallic color value is first (when the metallic color value priority is first) (step S151: YES), the process proceeds to step S152. On the other hand, when the priority order of the chroma value is first (chroma value priority) (step S151: NO), the process proceeds to step S153.

[0178] <Step S152>

[0179] The search section 1033 extracts (derives) a combination of five color device values corresponding to the combination of five color device values corresponding to the smallest metallic color value difference among the metallic color value differences corresponding to the Q combinations of five color device values (M combinations of five color device values when step S150 is performed). Then, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0180] <Step S153>

[0181] The search section 1033 extracts (derives) a combination of five color device values corresponding to the combination of five color device values corresponding to the smallest chroma value difference among the chroma value differences corresponding to the Q combinations of five color device values (M combinations of five color device values when step S150 is performed). Then, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0182] <Step S154>

[0183] The search section 1033 sends the derived five color device values to the dictionary creation section 104.

[0184] The search section 1033 performs the process according to the flow of steps S141 to S154 above.

[0185] In step S142, if the chroma value Eof is extremely high (for example, exceeds a prescribed value η (first threshold value) that can be judged to be extremely high) obtained from the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102, the search section 1033 can also derive five color device values (set the device value of Si to 0) so that the toner color material of Si (metallic silver) is not used as a base color for printing.

[0186] In the information processing apparatus 10 described above, the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 obtains two physical quantities, the metallic color value and the chroma value, from the plurality of chroma measurement values obtained from the chroma measurement value acquisition section 101, but is not limited thereto. For example, the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 can obtain two or more physical quantities including the metallic color value and the chroma value as evaluation values from the plurality of chroma values, in which case the permission value decision section 1031 decides the priority order and the permission value for each physical quantity, and the search section 1033 derives the five color device values according to the priority order, each physical quantity, and the permission value.

[0187] As described above, in the information processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the colorimetric measurement value acquisition section 101 acquires the colorimetric measurement value measured by the colorimeter 40 on the color patch of the target color with metallic color sense, the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102 calculates at least two or more physical quantities including the metallic color value indicating the size of the metallic color sense and the chroma value indicating the size of the hue from the colorimetric measurement value acquired by the colorimetric measurement value acquisition section 101, the permission value decision section 1031 decides the priority order of each physical quantity of the target color, and the exploration section 1033 derives the color material amounts (pantone values) of the metallic color material and the printing color material in the image forming apparatus 30 from the two or more physical quantities according to the priority order. Thereby, in the case where the hue is valued, the hue-priority color can be reproduced, and in the case where the metallic color sense is valued, the metallic color sense-priority color can be reproduced.

[0188] <Modified Example>

[0189] The information processing system 1 of the modified example will be described below, focusing on the difference from the information processing system 1 of the above-described embodiment. In the information processing system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the color material amount derivation section 103 of the information processing apparatus 10 decides whether the metallic color sense is prioritized or the hue is prioritized. In this regard, in the information processing system 1 of the present modified example, how to perform the operation of manually setting by the user whether the metallic color sense is prioritized or the hue is prioritized will be described. The overall configuration of the information processing system 1 of the present modified example and the hardware configuration of each constituent element are the same as those described in the above-described embodiment.

[0190] Figure 16 is an example of the functional configuration of the controller involved in the modified example. The functional configuration and operation of the controller 20a involved in the present modified example will be described below with reference to Figure 16

[0191] In the present modified example, the permission value decision section 1031 of the color material amount derivation section 103 of the information processing apparatus 10 does not decide the priority order according to the metallic color value accepted from the reproduction characteristic acquisition section 102. Then, the exploration section 1033 of the color material amount derivation section 103 derives the pantone values when the metallic color value is prioritized and the pantone values when the chroma value is prioritized by the same method as that of the above-described embodiment, and sends both of the pantone values to the dictionary creation section 104. Then, the dictionary creation section 104 creates a spot color dictionary in which the metallic color value is prioritized (hereinafter also referred to as a metallic color sense-priority spot color dictionary) by associating between the pantone values in which the metallic color value is prioritized accepted thereby and the information of the target color. Further, the dictionary creation section 104 creates a spot color dictionary in which the chroma value is prioritized (hereinafter also referred to as a hue-priority spot color dictionary) by associating between the pantone values in which the chroma value is prioritized accepted thereby and the information of the target color. Then, the dictionary creation section 104 saves the created metallic color sense-priority spot color dictionary and the hue-priority spot color dictionary to the storage section 105. ​

[0192] As Figure 16 shown in FIG. 20, the controller 20a has a dictionary acquisition section 201, a print job acquisition section 202, a color conversion section 203, and a priority order setting section 204 (setting section). The operations of the print job acquisition section 202 and the color conversion section 203 are the same as those described in the above embodiment.

[0193] The priority order setting section 204 is used to set the priority order of the metallic color sense priority or the hue priority in accordance with the operations of the keyboard 611 and the mouse 612 of the controller 20a. The priority order setting section 204 sends the set priority order to the dictionary acquisition section 201. The priority order setting section 204 can also set the priority order in accordance with the operations of the keyboard 611 and the mouse 612 (i.e., the operation section 106) of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0194] The dictionary acquisition section 201 acquires the spot color dictionary corresponding to the priority order accepted from the priority order setting section 204 from the storage section 105 and sends it to the color conversion section 203. Specifically, in the case where the priority order is indicated to be the metallic color sense priority, the dictionary acquisition section 201 acquires the spot color dictionary for the metallic color sense priority from the storage section 105, and in the case where the priority order is indicated to be the hue priority, acquires the spot color dictionary for the hue priority from the storage section 105.

[0195] Here, although the color conversion section 203 converts the spot color designated by the print job into the five-color device values using the spot color dictionary for the certain reproduction characteristic priority acquired by the dictionary acquisition section 201, it is not limited thereto. For example, the priority order of the metallic color sense priority or the hue priority can be set for each object (each color) included in the print job by the function of the priority order setting section 204.

[0196] The above-described dictionary acquisition section 201, print job acquisition section 202, color conversion section 203, and priority order setting section 204 are realized by the CPU 601 executing the program as shown in FIG. 21. Figure 2 Figure 16 Among the functional sections of the controller 20a shown in FIG. 20, at least a part of the functional sections realized by software (program) can also be realized by a hardware circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0197] Figure 16 The functional sections of the controller 20a shown in FIG. 20 conceptually show the functions and are not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of functional sections illustrated as independent functional sections in the controller 20a shown in FIG. 20 can be configured by one functional section. Figure 16 Figure 16 On the other hand, the functions of one functional section in the controller 20a shown in FIG. 20 can be divided into a plurality of functions and configured by a plurality of functional sections. ​​

[0198] As described above, the information processing system 1 of the present modification can reproduce metallic colors as target colors in accordance with the reproduction characteristics required by the user, since the spot color dictionary is created in accordance with the priority order specified by the user.

[0199] Although in the present modification, the metallic color priority spot color dictionary and the hue priority spot color dictionary created by the dictionary creating section 104 in advance are used in accordance with the priority order set by the priority order setting section 204, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the priority order setting function of the priority order setting section 204 can be provided as a function of the information processing apparatus 10, and by this function, the priority order of whether metallic color sense priority or hue priority is set in accordance with the operation of the keyboard 611 and the mouse 612 of the user, and by the dictionary creating section 104, the spot color dictionary corresponding to the set priority order is created.

[0200] In the above-described embodiment and modification, the image forming apparatus 30 using metallic color toners such as silver toner and gold toner for printing has been described as an object, but the present application is not limited to this, and an image forming apparatus using a lustrous color material such as pearl color material, in which the color tone differs depending on the observation direction, for printing can be an object.

[0201] In the above-described embodiments and modified examples, in a case where at least any one of the respective functional sections of the information processing apparatus 10 and the controller 20, 20a is realized by executing a program, the program is provided in advance in a ROM or the like. In addition to this, in the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 and the controller 20, 20a can be provided as a file in an installable form or an executable form, recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modified examples can also be configured so as to save the program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 and the controller 20, 20a on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provide it by downloading via the network. Further, the above-described embodiments and modified examples can be configured so as to provide or distribute the program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 and the controller 20, 20a via a network such as the Internet. In the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 and the controller 20, 20a is configured as a module including at least any one of the above-described respective functional sections, and as actual hardware, the respective functional sections are loaded onto the main storage device (RAM 603) by the CPU 601 reading the program from the above-described storage device (e.g., the ROM 602, the auxiliary storage device 605, or the like) and executing it.

[0202] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0203] 1 Information processing system

[0204] 10 Information processing apparatus

[0205] 20, 20a Controller

[0206] 30 Image forming apparatus

[0207] 40 Colorimeter

[0208] 101 Colorimetric value acquisition section

[0209] 102 Reproduction characteristic acquisition section

[0210] 103 Color material amount derivation section

[0211] 104 Dictionary creation section

[0212] 105 Storage section

[0213] 106 Operation section

[0214] 201 Dictionary acquisition section

[0215] 202 print job acquisition section

[0216] 203 color conversion section

[0217] 204 priority order setting section

[0218] 601 CPU

[0219] 602 ROM

[0220] 603 RAM

[0221] 605 auxiliary storage device

[0222] 606 recording medium

[0223] 607 medium drive

[0224] 608 display

[0225] 609 network I / F

[0226] 610 bus

[0227] 611 keyboard

[0228] 612 mouse

[0229] 613 DVD

[0230] 614 DVD drive

[0231] 700 paper feed tray

[0232] 701 conveyance roller

[0233] 702 intermediate transfer belt

[0234] 703, 703C, 703K, 703M, 703S, 703Y photosensitive drum

[0235] 704 transfer roller

[0236] 705 fixing roller

[0237] 1031 license value decision section

[0238] 1032 color prediction model acquisition section

[0239] 1033 exploration section

[0240] CL color material layer

[0241] LS light source

[0242] N network

[0243] P paper

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, characterized by, Possessing an acquisition unit configured to acquire a colorimetric measurement value obtained by colorimetric measurement of a color patch of a target color having a metallic color sense using a colorimeter; a calculation unit configured to calculate at least two or more physical quantities including a metallic color value indicating a size of the metallic color sense and a chroma value indicating a size of a hue based on the colorimetric measurement value acquired by the acquisition unit; and a first determination unit configured to determine a priority order of the physical quantities of the target color; and an derivation unit configured to derive a color material amount of a metallic color material and a color material amount of a print color color material from the two or more physical quantities in the priority order without determining the priority order again.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation unit calculates the metallic color value based on the colorimetric measurement values of the color patch in a plurality of directions. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second determination unit configured to determine a permissible value corresponding to each of the physical quantities, The derivation unit acquires the color material amounts of a plurality of metallic color materials and a color material amount of a print color color material using a color prediction model that predicts each of the physical quantities from the color material amounts of the metallic color material and the print color color material, and derives the color material amount in which each of the differences between each of the physical quantities corresponding to the target color and each of the physical quantities of the target color is equal to or smaller than the permissible value of the difference for the metallic color value, as the smallest color material amount in which the difference for the highest-priority physical quantity in the priority order is the smallest. 4.The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the metallic color value and the chroma value of the target color based on the colorimetric measurement values, and the second determination unit sets the permissible value of the difference for the metallic color value higher as the metallic color value of the target color is higher than a predetermined value, and sets the permissible value of the difference higher as the metallic color value of the target color is lower than the predetermined value. The image forming apparatus performs printing by base color printing of a metallic color material. The derivation unit sets the color material amount of the metallic color material to 0 when the chroma value of the target color exceeds a first threshold value.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first determination unit determines the priority order of the physical quantities of the target color based on at least any one of the two or more physical quantities of the target color.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein 8.The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the calculation unit calculates the metallic color value and the chroma value of the target color based on the colorimetric measurement values, 7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first determination unit determines the priority order of the metallic color value and the chroma value of the target color based on the metallic color value of the target color. 9.The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the calculation unit calculates the metallic color value and the chroma value of the target color based on the colorimetric measurement values, The first determination unit sets the priority order of the metallic color value higher than the priority order of the chroma value when the metallic color value of the target color is equal to or larger than a second threshold value, or the chroma value of the target color is smaller than a third threshold value. ​ ​ ​ ​ 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the calculation section calculates the metallic color value and the color value of the target color from the chromaticity value, the first decision section decides that the priority order of the color value is higher than that of the metallic color value when the color value of the target color is equal to or higher than a fourth threshold value.

11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, the first decision section decides the priority order of each physical quantity of the target color in accordance with an operation on an operation section.

12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Further comprising a creation section configured to create a dictionary that associates the color material amount and the target color corresponding to the color material amount, which are output by the output section.

13. An information processing system, characterized by comprising: Further comprising the information processing apparatus according to claim 12; a controller configured to generate image data that converts a target color specified in a print job into a color material amount of a metallic color material and a color material amount of a printing color color material using the dictionary; and the image forming apparatus configured to print and output the image data.

14. An information processing system, characterized by comprising: Further comprising the information processing apparatus, the controller, and the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the output section being configured to output the color material amount when each of the physical quantities is prioritized, respectively, the information processing apparatus further comprising a creation section configured to create a dictionary that associates each of the color material amounts when each of the physical quantities is prioritized and the target color corresponding to each of the color material amounts, the controller comprising a setting section configured to set the priority order of each physical quantity of the target color in accordance with an operation on an operation section, respectively, the controller being configured to generate image data that converts a target color specified in a print job into a color material amount of a metallic color material and a color material amount of a printing color color material using the dictionary corresponding to the priority order set by the setting section.

15. An information processing method characterized by comprising: Further comprising an acquisition step of acquiring a colorimetric measurement value obtained by colorimetric measurement of a color patch of a target color having a metallic color sense using a colorimeter; a calculation step of calculating at least two or more physical quantities including a metallic color value indicating a size of a metallic color sense and a chromaticity value indicating a size of a hue based on the colorimetric measurement value acquired in the acquisition step; and a decision step of deciding a priority order of each physical quantity of the target color; and an output step of outputting a color material amount of a metallic color material and a color material amount of a printing color color material of an image forming apparatus from the two or more physical quantities in accordance with the priority order without deciding the priority order again.

16. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a program executable by a computer to perform the following steps, an acquisition step of acquiring a colorimetric measurement value obtained by colorimetric measurement of a color patch of a target color having a metallic color sense using a colorimeter; a calculation step of calculating at least two or more physical quantities including a metallic color value indicating a size of a metallic color sense and a chromaticity value indicating a size of a hue based on the colorimetric measurement value acquired in the acquisition step; and a decision step of deciding a priority order of each physical quantity of the target color; and an output step of outputting a color material amount of a metallic color material and a color material amount of a printing color color material of an image forming apparatus from the two or more physical quantities in accordance with the priority order without deciding the priority order again.

17. A computer apparatus having a storage device and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 16. The storage device holds a program which is executed by the processor, and the computer device implements the steps of, an acquisition step of acquiring a colorimetric measurement value obtained by colorimetric measurement of a color patch of a target color having a metallic color sense by a colorimeter; a calculation step of calculating at least two or more physical quantities including a metallic color value indicating a size of a metallic color sense and a chroma value indicating a size of a hue, based on the colorimetric measurement value acquired in the acquisition step; and a decision step of deciding a priority order of the physical quantities of the target color; and a derivation step of deriving a color material amount of a metallic color material and a color material amount of a print color color material of an image forming apparatus from the two or more physical quantities in the priority order without re-determining the priority order.

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