Profile creation method, profile searching method, program, profile creation device, and setting information creation method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to appropriately create a new profile using a new medium or the like. A profile creation method for creating a device profile used in a process of generating print data representing an image printed by a printing apparatus (12), the profile creation method comprising: a search stage of searching from existing device profiles, i.e., existing profiles, in accordance with search conditions; and a profile creation stage of creating a new device profile on the basis of an existing profile selected in accordance with a search result in the search stage in which the printing device (12) performs color printing using inks of a plurality of colors, the new device profile being created on the basis of the existing profile selected in accordance with the search result in the search stage in which the printing device (12) performs color printing using the inks of the plurality of colors. A bleeding-occurring ink amount indicating an amount of ink for which bleeding of ink occurs on a medium is used as a search condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a configuration file making method, a configuration file searching method, a program, a configuration file making device and a setting information making method. Background Art

[0002] In printing devices such as inkjet printers, a method of managing colors using a configuration file (device configuration file) is widely used. In addition, a method of adjusting printer parameters based on measured values ​​associated with an existing paper configuration file when printing on a paper sheet using parameters associated with the existing paper configuration file is conventionally known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6727148 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] When printing is performed in a printing device such as an inkjet printer, it is preferred to use a configuration file created based on the characteristics of the medium used to perform high-quality printing. Therefore, for example, when a new type of medium (hereinafter referred to as new medium) is used, it is desirable to create a new configuration file that matches the medium. However, in order to create a new configuration file, a large amount of manpower and time are usually required. Therefore, in the past, a method for creating a new configuration file more easily and appropriately was desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration file creation method, a configuration file search method, a program, a configuration file creation device, and a method for creating setting information that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] The inventor of the present application has considered a method of creating a new configuration file (device configuration file) using an existing configuration file when using a new medium, and has considered searching for an existing configuration file having characteristics as close as possible to the desired characteristics.

[0010] However, in this case, for example, when the search conditions are made too detailed, the corresponding existing configuration files may not be found. In addition, it is also conceivable that the method for specifying the search conditions in this case becomes difficult. On the other hand, it is conceivable that the number of corresponding existing configuration files becomes huge when the search conditions are relaxed, so that, for example, the time required to read the configuration files becomes longer, and the search time becomes too long. In addition, it is also conceivable that in this case, it is difficult to find an existing configuration file that is close to the desired characteristics due to the relaxation of the search conditions. In contrast, the inventors of the present application have discovered that the existing configuration files can be appropriately searched by focusing on the amount of ink that has spread on the medium. In addition, it has been discovered that a new configuration file can be appropriately created using an existing configuration file selected by such a search.

[0011] In addition, the inventor of the present application has discovered the features required to obtain such an effect through further in-depth research, thereby completing the present invention. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is a profile creation method for creating a device profile used in the process of generating print data representing an image printed by a printing device, the profile creation method being characterized in that it includes: a search phase, searching from existing device profiles, i.e., existing profiles, according to a search condition; and a profile creation phase, creating a new device profile based on the existing profile selected according to the search result in the search phase, wherein the printing device is a device for color printing using multiple colors of ink, and in the search phase, a spread ink amount representing the amount of ink spread on a medium is used as the search condition.

[0012] If it is constructed in this way, it is possible to efficiently and appropriately search for an existing profile used in the creation of a new profile (device profile). In addition, it is possible to appropriately create a new profile. In addition, in this structure, in the profile creation stage, a new device profile is created by adjusting the color tone of an existing profile selected based on the search results in the search stage. In this case, it is possible to consider adjusting the color tone as needed. If it is constructed in this way, it is possible to appropriately create a new profile that can express the desired color while preventing bleeding.

[0013] Here, regarding the profile, it is desirable to be able to express desired colors in a printing device by using the profile. In addition, in this case, it is desirable to express various colors with an amount of ink within a range in which no bleeding occurs on the medium. Moreover, regarding these matters, it can be considered that by adjusting the color tone of an existing profile in the profile creation stage, the color expression can be adjusted relatively easily. However, in a case where bleeding occurs when using an existing profile, it is generally more difficult to make adjustments to express the desired color while preventing the bleeding. Therefore, in the search stage, by searching in a manner such that existing profiles with a high possibility of bleeding are not included in the search results, it is possible to efficiently and appropriately search for existing profiles. In addition, in this case, it can be considered to use the amount of ink that causes bleeding as a search condition in the search stage as described above.

[0014] In addition, in this structure, the configuration file preparation method also includes, for example, a chart printing stage. In the chart printing stage, a printing device is caused to print a chart including a pattern for confirming the amount of ink bleeding on a medium, and the pattern for confirming the amount of ink bleeding is a pattern for confirming the amount of ink bleeding. In addition, in this case, in the search stage, the input of the amount of ink bleeding is accepted from the user. If it is constructed like this, the amount of ink bleeding can be appropriately confirmed based on the chart including the pattern for confirming the amount of ink bleeding. In addition, by accepting the input of the amount of ink bleeding from the user in the search stage, the existing configuration file can be appropriately searched based on the amount of ink bleeding. In addition, in this structure, the amount of ink bleeding represents the amount of ink that has been blurred at the secondary color. It can be considered that the secondary color is a color obtained by mixing two colors of ink, etc. In addition, the pattern for confirming the bleeding includes a pattern that makes the concentration of the color of the secondary color different in multiple levels. If it is constructed like this, the amount of ink bleeding can be appropriately confirmed.

[0015] In addition, the search phase includes, for example, a first selection phase in which an existing profile is selected based on the amount of ink bleeding; and a second selection phase in which an existing profile selected in the first selection phase is selected based on conditions different from those in the first selection phase. In addition, in the first selection phase, an existing profile that can print with an amount of ink smaller than the amount of ink bleeding is selected. If configured in this way, the search in the search phase can be performed efficiently and appropriately.

[0016] In addition, it is also conceivable that in the chart printing stage, the printing device prints a chart including a color confirmation pattern on a medium, the color confirmation pattern being a pattern for confirming the color represented by the ink. In this case, in the search stage, the color measurement value obtained by measuring the color of the color confirmation pattern is also used as a search condition. If it is constructed like this, it is possible to search for a more appropriate profile as an existing profile to be used in the profile creation stage. In addition, in this case, the color confirmation pattern includes each color pattern, and each color pattern is a pattern that makes the amount of ink per unit area of ​​one color of the same color different in multiple levels. In addition, the color measurement value used in the search stage is a value obtained by measuring the color of each color pattern. If it is constructed like this, it is possible to appropriately use the color measurement value as a search condition in the search stage to search.

[0017] In addition, in this case, for example, it is conceivable that in the second selection stage of the search stage having the first selection stage and the second selection stage, the existing profile selected in the first selection stage is selected according to the color measurement value. In this case, the second selection stage includes a reference ink amount setting stage, a color difference calculation stage, and a profile selection stage. Moreover, in the reference ink amount setting stage, a reference ink amount used as a reference for the amount of ink per unit area is set. In this case, for each existing profile, the reference ink amount is set based on the existing profile. In addition, in the color difference calculation stage, the color difference corresponding to the existing profile is calculated. In this case, for each existing profile, the color difference between the profile corresponding color and the color measurement calculation color is calculated, the profile corresponding color is the color corresponding to the reference ink amount in the existing profile, and the color measurement calculation color is the color calculated based on the color measurement value as the color corresponding to the reference ink amount. Moreover, in the profile selection stage, the selection of the existing profile is performed according to the color difference calculated in the color difference calculation stage. If it is configured like this, the existing profile can be appropriately searched in the search stage. In this case, it is conceivable that the color difference of each color of the plurality of colors of ink used in the printing device and the color difference corresponding to the color of the medium are calculated for each existing profile in the color difference calculation stage. If configured in this way, the existing profile can be selected more appropriately in the profile selection stage.

[0018] In addition, as a configuration of the present invention, it is also conceivable to use a configuration file search method, a program, a configuration file creation device, etc. having the same characteristics as above. In these cases, the same effects as above can be obtained.

[0019] In addition, regarding the characteristics of the present invention, it can be considered that the device configuration file is an example of information indicating settings used in the process of generating print data, that is, setting information. Moreover, in this case, the characteristics of the present invention can also be considered as the characteristics of a method for producing setting information. In this case, it can be considered that the present invention is a method for producing setting information for producing setting information, the setting information being information indicating settings used in the process of generating print data, the print data being data indicating an image printed by a printing device that uses ink for printing, the production method being characterized in that it includes: a search phase, searching from the existing setting information, that is, existing setting information, according to a search condition; and a setting information production phase, producing new setting information based on the existing setting information selected according to the search result in the search phase, in which the amount of ink spreading that indicates the amount of ink spreading on the medium is used as the search condition. If it is configured like this, the existing setting information to be used in the production of new setting information can be efficiently and appropriately searched. In addition, the new setting information can be appropriately produced thereby. In addition, as a structure of the present invention, a setting information search method, a program, a setting information production device, etc. having the same characteristics as the above-mentioned setting information production method can also be considered.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, when a new medium is used, a new configuration file can be appropriately created. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10 . Figure 1 (b) shows an example of the configuration of the printing device 12 in the printing system 10 . Figure 1 (c) shows an example of the structure of the head 102 in the printing device 12.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of selecting and creating a configuration file.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the search conditions specified at the time of searching in step S102 and step S114. Figure 3 (a) shows an example of a screen display for designating search conditions in step S102. Figure 3 (b) shows an example of a screen display for designating search conditions in step S114.

[0025] Figure 4This is a diagram showing an example of a chart that is printed by the printing device 12 in step S112 .

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of creating a new configuration file.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing a more specific example of the operation of controlling the PC 14 in step S206. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Next, refer to the attached Figure 1 Embodiments of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10 . Figure 1 (b) shows an example of the configuration of the printing device 12 in the printing system 10 . Figure 1 (c) shows an example of the structure of the head 102 in the printing device 12. In addition to the points described below, the printing system 10 and each structure of the printing system 10 of this example may have the same or similar features as those of a known printing system and each structure of a known printing system.

[0029] The printing system 10 of this example is a system for printing on a medium (media) 50 as a printing object by inkjet method, and the printing system 10 includes a printing device 12 and a control PC 14. The printing device 12 is an inkjet printer that performs printing operations of ejecting ink onto the medium 50, and performs the operation of printing on the medium 50 under the control of the control PC 14. The control PC 14 is a computer that controls the operation of the printing device 12, and controls the operation of the printing device 12 by supplying print data representing an image to be printed by the printing device 12 to the printing device 12. In addition, the control PC 14 generates print data by performing RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing, for example, and supplies the generated print data to the printing device 12. In addition, the control PC 14 of this example generates print data using a profile selected according to the ink used for the medium 50 and the medium 50. This profile can be considered as an example of a device profile used in the process of generating print data. The generation of print data can also be performed by a computer other than the control PC 14. In this case, the control PC 14 receives the print data from the computer and supplies the print data to the printing device 12 .

[0030] In addition, as described above, the printing system 10 of this example includes a printing device 12 and a control PC 14 as a plurality of devices. In a modified example of the structure of the printing system 10, for example, it is also considered that the printing system 10 is constituted by one device. In this case, for example, it is considered that a printing device 12 having a function of controlling the PC 14 is used. In another modified example of the structure of the printing system 10, it is also considered that the printing system 10 is constituted by three or more devices. In this case, for example, it is considered that the printing system 10 is constituted by a plurality of printing devices 12 and a control PC 14. In addition, for example, it is also considered that other devices having a part of the functions of the printing device 12 or the control PC 14 are further used, and the printing system 10 is constituted by three or more devices.

[0031] In addition, the printing device 12 of this example is an inkjet printer that uses multiple colors of ink to perform color printing, for example Figure 1 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the printing device 12 includes a head 102, a platen 104, a main scanning drive unit 106, a sub-scanning drive unit 108, and a control unit 110. The head 102 is a part that ejects ink onto the medium 50. For example, Figure 1 As shown in (c), the head 102 of this example has a plurality of inkjet heads 122. In addition, as the plurality of inkjet heads 122, as shown separately as inkjet heads 122y to k in the figure, there are inkjet heads 122 for inks of each color of yellow (Y color), magenta (M color), cyan (C color) and black (K color). In this case, the yellow, magenta, cyan and black inks are examples of inks of primary colors (process colors). The primary colors can be considered to be the basic colors in color printing. In addition, the yellow, magenta and cyan among these colors can be considered to be primary colors. The head 102 can also have a structure other than the inkjet head 122. For example, the head 102 can also have a colorimeter, etc. In this case, it can be thought that the colorimeter is used to measure the color of the chart printed in the printing device 12. The chart printed in the printing device 12 can be considered to be an image containing a pattern for confirming the operation related to printing, etc.

[0032] The platen 104 is a table-shaped member for placing the medium 50 on the upper surface, and holds the medium 50 in a state facing the plurality of inkjet heads 122 in the head 102. The main scanning drive unit 106 is a drive unit that causes the head 102 to perform a main scanning action. The main scanning action can be considered as an action of ejecting ink while moving relative to the medium 50 in the main scanning direction (the Y direction in the figure) pre-set in the printing device 12. It can be considered that causing the head 102 to perform a main scanning action is to cause the inkjet heads 122 in the head 102 to perform a main scanning action. When performing the main scanning action, the main scanning drive unit 106 causes the inkjet heads 122 of the head 102 to eject ink to a discharge position set according to the resolution of the print under the control of the control unit 110. The sub-scanning drive unit 108 is a drive unit that causes the head 102 to perform a sub-scanning action. The sub-scanning action can be considered as an action of moving relative to the medium 50 in the sub-scanning direction (the X direction in the figure) that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The sub-scanning operation can be considered as an operation of conveying the medium 50 in the sub-scanning direction during the interval of the main scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation of the head 102 can be considered as the sub-scanning operation of the inkjet head 122 of the head 102.

[0033] The control unit 110 is, for example, a part including a CPU in the printing device 12, and controls the operation of each part of the printing device 12. The control unit 110 of this example controls the operation of each part of the printing device 12 based on the printing data received from the control PC 14. According to this example, the printing device 12 can appropriately execute the operation of printing on the medium 50. In addition, the printing device 12 can also have a structure other than the above structure. For example, the printing device 12 can also have a fixing unit that fixes the ink to the medium 50. In this case, it is considered to use a fixing unit that matches the ink used in the inkjet head 122. For example, in the case of using an evaporation drying type ink that is fixed to the medium 50 due to the evaporation of the solvent, it is considered to use a heater that heats the medium 50 as the fixing unit. In addition, in the case of using an ultraviolet curing type ink that is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays, it is considered to use an ultraviolet light source as the fixing unit. In this case, it is considered to arrange the ultraviolet light source at a position adjacent to the inkjet head 122 in the main scanning direction.

[0034] Next, the configuration file used in the control PC 14 and the like when generating printing data will be described in more detail. In this example, in the configuration file, for example, a color expressed by the Lab color system is associated with a color expressed by the color system corresponding to the ink. In this case, the color expressed by the color system corresponding to the ink can be considered to be a color expressed by the primary color used in the printing device 12. In addition, for example, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, which are colors expressed by the color system corresponding to the ink, it can be considered to use a value specified for each color within a prescribed range (for example, a range of 0 to 100). As such a configuration file, for example, a configuration file of a known format such as an ICC configuration file can be preferably used. In addition, in the control PC 14 and the like, a configuration file is selected based on the model of the printing device 12, the ink set representing the ink used in the printing device 12, the type of the medium 50, and the printing conditions. In this case, as the printing conditions, for example, the resolution of the printing, the number of passes, etc. can be considered to be used. The number of passes can be considered to be the number of main scanning operations in which the head 102 passes through a position facing a position in the medium 50.

[0035] In this case, even when printing is performed using the same model of printing device 12, if the ink set, medium 50 (type of medium 50) or printing conditions used are changed, the configuration file to be used also changes. Therefore, in the control PC 14, for example, the configuration file to be used is selected from a large number of configuration files prepared in advance according to various conditions based on the user's instructions, and the printing data is generated. However, it is also conceivable that, for example, when a new medium 50 (a new type of medium 50) is used, there is no suitable existing configuration file. And, in such a case, it is considered to create a new configuration file. In this example, for example, by Figure 2 Perform the actions shown to select and create a configuration file.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of selecting and creating a configuration file. When the printing system 10 of this example causes the printing device 12 to print on a new type of medium (new medium), Figure 2 The actions shown in the flowchart can be considered as an example of actions that are performed by a computer such as PC 14 according to a program. The computer can be considered to be a computer that generates print data. In addition, the program can also be a part of a program for generating print data. The computer in this example performs the following steps by following the program: Figure 2 In addition, in the following, for the convenience of explanation, Figure 2Among the operations shown, operations executed by a computer such as the control PC 14 will be described as operations of the control PC 14 .

[0037] exist Figure 2 In the operation shown, the control PC 14 first searches for an existing device configuration file (hereinafter referred to as an existing configuration file) to find a device configuration file that can be used when generating print data later (S102). In this case, the control PC 14 searches for the existing configuration file based on the model of the printing device 12 that performs printing, the ink set, the type of the medium 50, and the printing conditions. The search conditions specified when searching in step S102 will be described in more detail later.

[0038] Then, when an existing configuration file, i.e., a corresponding configuration file, that meets the specified search condition is found in step S102 (S104: "Yes"), the control PC 14 ends the selection of the configuration file. In this case, the control PC 14 uses the corresponding configuration file found by the search to generate the printing data. In addition, when the corresponding configuration file is not found in step S102 (S104: "No"), the control PC 14 confirms with the user whether to use a pre-prepared general configuration file (generic file) (S106). In this case, it can be considered that the generic configuration file is a configuration file that can be used universally for a variety of media 50. In addition, it can also be considered that the generic configuration file is not completely consistent with the search condition used in step S102 but can be used in the form when generating printing data. Then, in step S106, when the user determines to use the generic configuration file (S106: "Yes"), the control PC 14 ends the selection of the configuration file. In this case, the control PC 14 uses the generic configuration file to generate the printing data. In addition, in step S106 , when the user determines that the common configuration file is not to be used ( S106 : No), the PC 14 is controlled to create a new configuration file based on an arbitrary existing configuration file ( S108 ).

[0039] In the action of making a new configuration file, the control PC 14 first causes the printing device 12 to print a chart containing a specified pattern (S112). The action of step S112 in this example is an example of the action of the chart printing stage and the chart printing process. The chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S112 will be described in more detail later. In addition, in this case, based on the state of the chart printed in step S112, the search conditions to be used in the subsequent search of the configuration file are determined. In this example, the user determines a part of the search conditions by confirming the state of the chart. In addition, by measuring the color of the chart, at least a part of the other search conditions is determined. Then, the control PC 14 searches the existing configuration files according to the determined search conditions, thereby selecting an approximate configuration file (S114) as the configuration file to be used in the creation of the new configuration file. The action of step S114 in this example is an example of the action of the search stage and the search process. It can be considered that the approximate configuration file selected in step S114 is a configuration file whose characteristics are similar to those of the new configuration file to be created. The search conditions specified when searching in step S114 will be described in more detail later.

[0040] In addition, the control PC 14 adjusts the color tone of the approximate profile selected in step S114 as needed, thereby creating a new profile (S116). The action of step S116 in this example is an example of the action of the profile creation phase and the profile creation process. The action of step S116 can also be considered as the action of creating a new device profile based on the profile selected according to the search results in the search phase. The action of creating a new profile in step S116 will be described in more detail later. In addition, in this example, when a new profile is created in step S116, the control PC 14 then generates print data using the new profile. According to this example, a new profile can be appropriately created as needed. In addition, print data can be appropriately generated thereby.

[0041] Next, the search conditions specified when searching in step S102 and step S114 , the chart printed by the printing device 12 in step S112 , and the like are described in more detail. Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the search conditions specified when searching in step S102 and step S114. Figure 3 (a) shows an example of a screen display for designating search conditions in step S102. Figure 3 (b) shows an example of a screen display for specifying search conditions in step S114. Figure 3 The screen displays shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 are examples of screen displays that the control PC 14 shows to the user in order to accept the user's designation of search conditions.

[0042] In step S102 of this example, the control PC 14 displays, for example, Figure 3 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , a screen including a search word input unit 202, a plurality of search condition setting units 204, and a plurality of buttons 206 and 208 is shown. In addition, in this case, as a plurality of search condition setting units 204, a screen including five search condition setting units 204 is displayed in a manner of distinguishing them by adding reference numerals 204a to 204e in the figure. The search word input unit 202 in these structures is an input unit for inputting any language as a search keyword. The search word input unit 202 can be considered as an input unit for specifying a search keyword other than the items specified by the search condition setting units 204a to 204e using free words.

[0043] The search condition setting units 204a to 204e are setting units for specifying various items corresponding to the existing configuration files as search keywords. In addition, the search condition setting units 204a to 204e of this example set items used as search keywords by accepting the user's selection from pre-prepared options. More specifically, the control PC 14 allows the user to select the model of the printing device 12 through the search condition setting unit 204a. In addition, the user is allowed to select the ink set used in the printing device 12 through the search condition setting unit 204b. In addition, the user is allowed to select the type of medium 50 used in the printing device 12 through the search condition setting unit 204c. In the case of the illustrated example, regarding the type of medium 50, the control PC 14 allows the user to select the raw material of the medium 50. In addition, the control PC 14 allows the user to select the printing condition through the search condition setting unit 204d. In the case of the illustrated example, regarding the printing condition, the control PC 14 allows the user to select the resolution of the print. As the printing condition, the designation of conditions other than the resolution may also be accepted. In this case, for example, it is considered that in addition to the resolution, the number of passes may be specified. In addition, for example, it is also possible to accept a specification of whether the volume of ink (volume of droplets) ejected from the inkjet head 122 of the printing device 12 is set to only a predetermined volume or to be variable in multiple levels. In this case, it can be considered that making the volume of ink variable is to use a so-called variable point (VD) setting. In addition, the control PC 14 allows the user to select a provider (manufacturer of the medium 50) who provides the medium 50 through the search condition setting unit 204e.

[0044] In addition, button 206 is a button for accepting an instruction to start a search from the user. When button 206 is pressed by the user, the control PC 14 uses the items input or specified by the search word input unit 202 and the search condition setting units 204a to 204e as search keywords to search for existing configuration files. According to this example, it is possible to appropriately accept the designation of search conditions for searching for existing configuration files to be used when generating print data from the user. In addition, it is possible to appropriately search for existing configuration files. In addition, button 208 is a button for accepting an instruction to cancel the search from the user. When button 208 is pressed by the user, the control PC 14 terminates the action and does not perform the search.

[0045] In addition, when users Figure 3 In the case where only a value is input or specified for a part of the items in the display screen shown in (a), the control PC 14 searches the existing configuration files only according to the input or specified items. In the case where the user only selects the search condition setting parts 204a to 204e and does not input the search word input part 202, the control PC 14 searches the existing configuration files only according to the items selected in the search condition setting parts 204a to 204e. In addition, it is sometimes difficult for the user to determine the appropriate option for at least a part of the items accepted for designation by the search condition setting parts 204a to 204e. For example, it is also conceivable that it is difficult for the user to appropriately determine the raw material and manufacturer of the medium 50. Therefore, it is preferable that the options of the search condition setting parts 204 (for example, the search condition setting parts 204c and 204e) corresponding to such items include an option that does not show a specific selection item. As such an option, for example, it is conceivable to use an option that shows all or no selection, etc. If it is configured in this way, the user's selection can be more appropriately accepted.

[0046] In step S114 of this example, the control PC 14 displays, for example, Figure 3 Then, the control PC 14 displays to the user a colorimetric value setting section 212, a blurring condition setting section 214, and a plurality of buttons 216 and 218 as items related to data input. These items related to data input can be considered as items for accepting the designation of the search condition in step S114. The control PC 14 of this example accepts the input of the colorimetric value for the chart through the colorimetric value setting section 212. The control PC 14 of this example accepts the designation of a data file from the user through the colorimetric value setting section 212, and the data file shows the colorimetric value for the chart. Figure 2The colorimetric values ​​of a part of the chart printed by the printing device 12 in step S112 in the operation shown. In addition, the control PC 14 accepts the input of the colorimetric values ​​based on the user's instruction. The colorimetric values ​​accepted by the colorimetric value setting unit 212 will be described in more detail later in association with the content of the chart.

[0047] In addition, the control PC 14 accepts input of the amount of ink blurring from the user through the blurring condition setting unit 214. In this case, the amount of ink blurring can be considered to be the amount of ink that has blurred on the medium 50. The control PC 14 of this example accepts information indicating the amount of ink blurring at the secondary color through the blurring condition setting unit 214 as the amount of ink blurring. The secondary color can be considered to be a color obtained by mixing two colors of ink. In addition, the secondary color can also be considered to be a color obtained by mixing two different primary colors. For example, as in this example, when yellow, magenta, and cyan are primary colors, red (R color), green (G color), and blue (B color) that are colors obtained by mixing two of these colors can be considered to be secondary colors. In addition, the user inputs a numerical value in the blurring condition setting unit 214, whereby the control PC 14 of this example accepts input of the amount of ink blurring. In addition, in this case, the user inputs a numerical value based on the information obtained by the user through the blurring condition setting unit 214. Figure 2 In step S112 of the operation shown, the amount of ink bleeding is input based on the result of observing a portion of the chart printed by the printing device 12. The amount of ink bleeding received by the bleeding condition setting unit 214 will be described in more detail later in relation to the contents of the chart.

[0048] In addition, button 216 in the item related to data input is a button for setting more detailed search conditions. When the user presses button 216, control PC 14 displays a screen for setting the search conditions in more detail to the user. If it is configured in this way, the search conditions can be set in more detail as needed. In addition, button 218 is a button for accepting an instruction to start searching from the user. When the user presses button 218, control PC 14 uses the items input through colorimetric value setting section 212 and blurring condition setting section 214 as search keywords to search for existing profiles. In addition, thereby, control PC 14 searches for an approximate profile to be used in the creation of a new profile.

[0049] In addition, the control PC 14 displays a search result display unit 220 and a plurality of buttons 222 and 224 as items related to the search results to the user. The search result display unit 220 among these items is a display unit for displaying the search results. The control PC 14 of this example displays the results of the search performed by pressing the button 218 on the search result display unit 220, thereby notifying the user of the profile found as the approximate profile. In addition, the button 222 is a button for saving the search results. When the button 222 is pressed by the user, the control PC 14 saves the search results displayed on the search result display unit 220. In addition, the button 224 is a button for ending the search action. When the button 224 is pressed by the user, the control PC 14 ends the search. Figure 3 According to this example, it is possible to appropriately perform a search for an approximate profile to be used for creating a new profile.

[0050] Next, the chart printed by the printing device 12 in this example will be described in more detail. Figure 4 An example of a chart that the printer 12 prints in step S112 is shown. As described above, in this example, when a new configuration file is created, the PC 14 is controlled to cause the printer 12 to print a chart including a predetermined pattern. In this case, the PC 14 is controlled to cause the printer 12 to print a chart including a color confirmation pattern 302 and a bleeding confirmation pattern 304 on the medium 50, for example, as shown in the figure. The color confirmation pattern 302 can be considered to be a pattern for confirming the color expressed by the ink used in the printer 12. The bleeding confirmation pattern 304 can be considered to be a pattern for confirming the amount of ink bleeding.

[0051] In addition, the color confirmation pattern 302 of this example includes a plurality of color patterns 312c to 312k. Each color pattern 312c is a pattern that makes the amount of ink per unit area of ​​cyan ink different in multiple levels. Each color pattern 312m is a pattern that makes the amount of ink per unit area of ​​magenta ink different in multiple levels. Each color pattern 312y is a pattern that makes the amount of ink per unit area of ​​yellow ink different in multiple levels. Each color pattern 312k is a pattern that makes the amount of ink per unit area of ​​black ink different in multiple levels. It can also be considered that each color pattern 312c to 312k is a pattern that makes the amount of ink per unit area of ​​one color of the same color different in multiple levels, etc.

[0052] In addition, the pattern 304 for confirmation of the spread of the present example includes a plurality of secondary color patterns 314r to 314b. The secondary color patterns 314r to 314b can be considered as patterns that make the concentration of the secondary color different in a plurality of levels. With regard to the secondary color patterns 314r to 314b of the present example, a pattern is used that makes the concentration of red, green, and blue different in a plurality of levels, and the red, green, and blue are colors expressed by mixing two colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, which are primary color inks, in the same ratio. In this case, it can be considered that mixing the inks of the primary colors in the same ratio means mixing them in such a way that the amount of ink per unit area is consistent. In addition, it can be considered that making the concentration of the secondary color different in a plurality of levels means making the amount of ink per unit area of ​​the primary color used to express the secondary color different in a plurality of levels.

[0053] In addition, as described above, the control PC 14 of this example uses the colorimetric value and the amount of ink spread as search conditions for finding an approximate profile. Moreover, in this case, as the colorimetric value, the colorimetric value obtained by colorimetricing the color confirmation pattern 302 is used. It can be considered that colorimetricing the color confirmation pattern 302 is colorimetricing each color pattern 312c to 312k of the color confirmation pattern 302. In addition, the colorimetric measurement of the color confirmation pattern 302 can be performed using a known colorimeter. As such a colorimeter, a colorimeter provided in the printing device 12 can be preferably used. In addition, as the colorimeter, a colorimeter provided outside the printing device 12 can also be used.

[0054] In addition, for the amount of ink bleeding in the search condition of this example, the value determined by the user based on the bleeding confirmation pattern 304 is used. It can be considered that the value determined by the user based on the bleeding confirmation pattern 304 is a value determined by the user based on the state of the secondary color patterns 314r to 314b in the bleeding confirmation pattern 304. In addition, in this case, the user confirms the state of the secondary color patterns 314r to 314b by observation, etc., and determines the concentration of the color at the part where bleeding that becomes a problem in the required printing quality occurs, thereby determining the amount of ink bleeding. In addition, as in this example, when the bleeding confirmation pattern 304 includes secondary color patterns 314r to 314b corresponding to a plurality of secondary colors (red, green, and blue), it can also be expected that the concentration of the color that causes bleeding will also differ depending on the color. In such a case, the amount of ink bleeding is determined based on the density of the color in which bleeding occurs with the smallest amount of ink among the secondary color patterns 314 r to 314 b .

[0055] According to this example, the colorimetric value and the amount of ink bleeding used as the search condition can be appropriately confirmed based on the chart printed by the printing device 12. In addition, it is possible to appropriately search for an existing profile to be used as an approximate profile when creating a new profile. In this case, by printing a chart including the color confirmation pattern 302 and the bleeding confirmation pattern 304 on a single medium 50, it is possible to appropriately obtain information required for the search. Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to appropriately create a new profile without printing a large number of charts.

[0056] The specific structure of the chart printed by the printing device 12 is not limited to Figure 4 The illustrated structure can be subjected to various changes. For example, the printing device 12 can also print a chart that also includes patterns other than the color confirmation pattern 302 and the bleeding confirmation pattern 304. In this case, it is also preferable to use a chart that fits within the range of a sheet of medium 50. In addition, it can be considered that the bleeding confirmation pattern 304 used in this example is a pattern for confirming the maximum amount of ink that has been bleeding. As the bleeding confirmation pattern 304, it is preferable to use a pattern that is the same as or similar to the pattern in the known ink limit chart. In addition, the bleeding confirmation pattern 304 can also include a pattern for confirming the bleeding of colors other than secondary colors. In addition, it is also considered that the bleeding confirmation pattern 304 further includes a pattern for confirming the bleeding of secondary colors obtained by setting the mixing ratio of primary colors to a ratio other than the same ratio. In addition, as also described above, the control PC 14 of this example performs a control operation based on the chart printed by the printing device 12. Figure 2 The operation of step S114 in the operation shown in the figure selects an approximate profile to be used in creating a new profile. Then, the operation of step S116 adjusts the color tone as needed based on the approximate profile, thereby creating a new profile. In this case, the printing device 12 performs, for example, Figure 5 Follow the steps shown to create a new configuration file.

[0057] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of creating a new configuration file, and shows an example of more detailed operations performed in step S114 and step S116. In this example, the control PC 14 first receives input of a search keyword that specifies a search condition for selecting a similar configuration file (S202) during the operation of selecting a similar configuration file based on the chart (S114). The control PC 14 displays a search result to the user, for example. Figure 3 The screen described in (b) above accepts the color measurement value and the amount of ink bleeding for the chart as search keywords.

[0058] In addition, following the action in step S202, the control PC 14 searches for an existing configuration file based on the input search keyword. In addition, as the action of the search, the control PC 14 of this example performs a bleeding reference selection (S204) for selecting an existing configuration file based on the amount of ink bleeding, and a color reference selection (S206) for selecting an existing configuration file based on the color measurement value. Regarding the actions in steps S204 and S206, it can be considered that the selection of an existing configuration file is to select an existing configuration file searched based on the search keyword. In addition, the action of step S204 of this example is an example of the action of the first selection stage and the first selection process. The action of step S206 is an example of the action of the second selection stage and the second selection process. The second selection stage and the second selection process can be considered to be the following stages or processes: for the existing configuration file selected in the first selection stage or the first selection process, selection is performed under conditions different from those in the first selection stage or the first selection process.

[0059] In addition, the control PC 14 of this example selects an existing profile that can be printed with an amount of ink less than the amount of ink bleeding from the existing profiles through the action in step S204 according to the amount of ink bleeding. In this case, it can be considered that the action of step S204 is an action to exclude the profile with a high possibility of bleeding. In addition, in step S206, the control PC 14 only sets the existing profile selected in step S204 as the object of search to perform the search, thereby selecting the existing profile according to the color measurement value. If it is constructed like this, the existing profile can be searched efficiently and appropriately. The action of selecting the existing profile in steps S204 and S206 will be described in more detail later. In addition, the control PC 14 of this example determines the existing profile to be used as the approximate profile based on the selection result in step S206, and outputs the existing profile as the search result (S208). In step S206 of this example, the control PC 14 decides to use any one of the existing profiles as the approximate profile.

[0060] In addition, following the operation in step S208, the control PC 14 creates a new profile based on the approximate profile (S116). In addition, the control PC 14 in this example causes the printing device 12 to further print a chart while performing the operation of creating a new profile (S210), and confirms whether there is a problem with the color tone in the printed chart (S212). In this case, in step S210, the control PC 14 uses the existing profile selected as the approximate profile in step S208 to generate print data representing a prescribed chart, and supplies it to the printing device 12, thereby causing the printing device 12 to print the chart. In addition, in this case, the printing device 12 prints the chart using the medium 50 to which the newly created profile is applied.

[0061] The chart printed by the printer 12 in step S210 can be considered to be a chart for confirming the color expressed by using the approximate profile. Figure 2 The purpose of the chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S112 is different from that of the chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S112. In addition, as also described above, in this example, by selecting an existing profile based on the amount of ink bleeding in step S204, an approximate profile that does not cause bleeding in the medium 50 used is selected. Therefore, it can be considered that the chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S210 is a chart mainly used for color confirmation. In addition, in this case, as the chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S210, it is possible to consider using a chart with a pattern different from that of the chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S112. In addition, depending on the quality required for printing, etc., it is also considered to use the same chart as the chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S112 as the chart that the printing device 12 prints in step S210.

[0062] In step S212, the control PC 14 checks whether there is a problem with the color tone in the chart based on the color measurement result obtained by colorimetrically measuring the chart using a colorimeter. In this case, the control PC 14 checks whether there is a problem with the color tone in the chart by displaying the color measurement result on a monitor or the like and accepting the judgment result of the user. In addition, the control PC 14 may automatically check whether there is a problem with the color tone in the chart based on a preset reference, for example, without accepting the judgment result of the user. In addition, as the colorimeter in step S212, it is conceivable to use the same colorimeter as the colorimeter used in the color measurement of the chart printed by the printing device 12 in step S112. In addition, according to the structure of the printing system 10, as the colorimeter used in step S212, a colorimeter different from the colorimeter used in the color measurement of the chart printed by the printing device 12 in step S112 may be used. In addition, the control PC 14 in step S212 may check whether there is a problem with the color tone in the chart based on the result obtained by the user confirming the chart by observation, for example, without using the color measurement result of the colorimeter. In this case, the control PC 14 receives the result of checking the chart from the user, and checks whether or not there is a problem with the color tone in the chart.

[0063] In addition, it can be considered that if there is no problem with the color tone in step S212 (S212: Yes), the approximate profile can be used directly. Therefore, in this case, the control PC 14 directly uses the approximate profile to create (generate) a new profile. In this case, the control PC 14 copies the existing profile selected as the approximate profile, and creates a new profile by appropriately setting the type of the corresponding medium 50, the name of the medium 50, etc. for the copied profile.

[0064] In addition, in step S212, when there is a problem with the color tone (S212: "No"), the control PC 14 corrects the color tone of the approximate profile (S214). In step S214 of this example, the control PC 14 adjusts the color tone by adjusting the value of the ink amount limit set for each color of the ink. It can be considered that the value of the ink amount limit is a value corresponding to the amount of ink ejected per unit area when printing at a pre-set concentration of 100%. By adjusting the value of the ink amount limit, the amount of ink ejected per unit area when printing at a concentration other than 100% also changes according to the adjustment amount. In addition, by adjusting the value of the ink amount limit separately for each color of the ink, the color tone can be adjusted appropriately. In step S214 of this example, the control PC 14 causes the printing device 12 to print any image selected by the user and causes the user to confirm. In addition, in this case, the control PC 14 makes the values ​​of the ink amount limit different from each other and causes the printing device 12 to print the same image. Then, the user is prompted to select an image with an appropriate color tone, and the selection result is received from the user, thereby determining the adjustment amount of the ink amount limit value. If it is constructed in this way, the color tone can be adjusted appropriately. In this case, in step S214, the printing of the image and the adjustment of the ink amount limit value can be repeated multiple times according to the required printing quality, etc. If it is constructed in this way, the color tone can be adjusted appropriately with higher accuracy.

[0065] In addition, when the color tone is adjusted in step S214, the control PC 14 reflects the result of the color tone adjustment on the existing profile selected as the approximate profile to create a new profile. In this case, the control PC 14 copies the existing profile selected as the approximate profile, and creates a new profile by appropriately setting the type of the corresponding medium 50, the name of the medium 50, etc. for the copied profile and further reflecting the result of the color tone adjustment. According to this example, when a new medium 50 is used, a new profile can be appropriately created.

[0066] In addition, in a modified example of the action of controlling PC 14, it is also possible to consider appropriately changing the above-mentioned action. For example, in step S206, controlling PC 14 may also select a plurality of existing profiles. In this case, in step S208, controlling PC 14 may also select a plurality of existing profiles as approximate profiles. In addition, in this case, controlling PC 14 performs steps S210 to S214 on a plurality of approximate profiles, and finally selects any one approximate profile during these actions. Then, a new profile is created based on the approximate profile. In the case of such a configuration, a new profile can also be appropriately created.

[0067] Next, the operation of selecting an existing profile in step S204 and step S206 will be described in more detail. As described above, the control PC 14 of this example selects an existing profile based on the amount of ink bleeding, and selects the result of the selection based on the color measurement value, thereby determining an approximate profile. Then, a new profile is created based on the approximate profile. If configured in this way, a new profile that can express a desired color while preventing bleeding can be appropriately created.

[0068] In step S204 of this example, the control PC 14 performs the following operations based on the secondary color patterns 314r to 314b (see FIG. 3 ) in the blurring confirmation pattern 304 selected by the user. Figure 4 ) is used to exclude the existing profile in which bleeding occurs, and select another existing profile. In this case, the control PC 14 excludes the existing profile that includes a setting for using an ink that is greater than the amount of ink that causes bleeding for any one color. In addition, thereby, the control PC 14 excludes the existing profile in which bleeding is likely to occur. Regarding the existing profile, it can be considered that the setting for using an ink that is greater than the amount of ink that causes bleeding for any one color means that when the existing profile is used to represent any one color, ink greater than the amount of ink that causes bleeding will be used. In addition, it can also be considered that when the existing profile is used, bleeding occurs when printing is performed at a pre-set concentration of 100% for any one color. In addition, in this case, it can be considered that the amount of ink when printing at a concentration of 100% is the amount of ink when the input value of the color is 100 (the ink volume when 100 is input). Therefore, the operation of step S204 can be considered to exclude existing profiles whose ink volume when input 100 is greater than the ink bleeding amount.

[0069] In addition, the control PC 14 of this example also prepares parameters used in the selection of the existing profile to be performed later during the operation in step S204. In addition, as preparation of such parameters, the control PC 14 performs interpolation of color measurement values, calculation of the amount of ink per unit area, etc. In this case, the interpolation of color measurement values ​​can be considered as an operation to prepare parameters used in the operation to be performed later in step S206. In addition, the control PC 14 of this example performs the color confirmation pattern 302 for each color pattern 312c to 312k (see Figure 4) is interpolated. As each color pattern 312c~312k, a pattern in which the concentration of the color changes at a predetermined step size (for example, about 5%) is considered. In addition, as also described above, each color pattern 312c~312k of this example is a pattern in which the amount of ink per unit area is different in multiple levels. Therefore, it can be considered that the color measurement value used in this example represents the color measured corresponding to the amount of ink per unit area. Moreover, in this case, the control PC 14 uses a method such as linear interpolation to interpolate the color measurement value for each color pattern 312c~312k, thereby generating data representing the relationship between the color measurement value and the amount of ink with a smaller step size (pitch) (for example, about 1%). In addition, in this case, as the color measurement value, for example, a color of the Lab color system is considered. In addition, it can be considered that the calculation of the amount of ink per unit area in the preparation of the parameters performed in the control PC 14 is an action to calculate the amount of ink used in the existing configuration file to express various colors. In step S204 , the control PC 14 compares the amount of ink with the amount of ink causing bleeding, thereby eliminating existing profiles with a high possibility of causing bleeding as described above.

[0070] In addition, it is also possible to consider making the amount of ink ejected by the inkjet head 122 of the printing device 12 variable. In this case, it can be considered that the inkjet head 122 can eject ink at multiple levels of capacity that are different from each other. Moreover, in this case, as an existing profile, it is also possible to consider using a profile that takes into account the capacity of multiple levels of ink. In addition, in this case, in the above-mentioned calculation of the amount of ink per unit area, it is also possible to consider calculating the amount of ink based on the existing profile taking into account the capacity of multiple levels of ink. If it is configured like this, even in the case of using the inkjet head 122 that can eject ink at multiple levels of capacity, etc., it is possible to appropriately exclude the existing profile that has a high possibility of bleeding.

[0071] In step S206 of this example, the control PC 14 further selects the existing profiles that are not excluded in step S204 based on the colorimetric values ​​obtained by interpolation as described above. Figure 6 The actions shown are to perform the selection of an existing configuration file.

[0072] Figure 61 is a flowchart showing an example of more specific actions of the control PC 14 in step S206. In step S206 of this example, the control PC 14 compares the color measurement value for the chart with the color represented when the existing profile is used. In addition, in this comparison, the comparison is made in such a way that the amount of ink per unit area is consistent. The control PC 14 first sets a reference ink amount (S302) used as a reference for the amount of ink per unit area for each existing profile selected in step S204 based on the existing profile. The action of step S302 of this example is an example of the action of the reference ink amount setting stage and the reference ink amount setting process. In addition, in step S302, the control PC 14 sets the amount of ink ejected per unit area when printing is performed using the existing profile at a predetermined concentration as the reference ink amount for each existing profile. The control PC 14 of this example uses a concentration of 100% as the prescribed concentration. In this case, it can also be considered that the reference ink amount is the amount of ink when the input value of the color is 100 (the ink volume when 100 is input), etc.

[0073] In addition, following the action in step S302, the control PC 14 calculates the color difference (ΔE) corresponding to the existing profile for each existing profile (S304). The action of step S304 in this example is an example of the action of the color difference calculation stage and the color difference calculation processing. In addition, in step S304 in this example, the control PC 14 calculates the color corresponding to the reference ink volume in the existing profile, that is, the profile corresponding color, and the colorimetric calculation color based on the colorimetric value for each existing profile. Then, the control PC 14 calculates the color difference between the profile corresponding color and the colorimetric calculation color. As the profile corresponding color and the colorimetric calculation color in this example, the value representing the color by the Lab colorimetric system, that is, the Lab value, is used. In addition, the profile corresponding color can be considered to be the color corresponding to the reference ink volume in the existing profile, etc. In this example, as the profile corresponding color, the Lab value corresponding to the concentration of 100% in the existing profile is used according to the color of the ink. In this case, it can also be considered that the profile corresponding color is the Lab value corresponding to the ink volume when 100 is input in the existing profile, etc.

[0074] In addition, as the colorimetric calculation color, a colorimetric value in which the amount of ink corresponding to the colorimetric value is close to the reference ink amount among the colorimetric values ​​interpolated as described above is used. In this case, the colorimetric calculation color can be considered to be a color calculated by performing the above-mentioned interpolation process, etc. In addition, the colorimetric calculation color can also be considered to be a color calculated based on the colorimetric value as a color corresponding to the reference ink amount. The control PC 14 of this example selects, for each reference profile, a colorimetric value in which the amount of ink corresponding to the colorimetric value is closest to the reference ink amount for the existing profile from the data of the colorimetric values ​​interpolated. Then, the Lab value representing the selected colorimetric value is used as the colorimetric calculation color to calculate the color difference between the color corresponding to the profile and the colorimetric calculation color. In addition, the control PC 14 of this example performs such a color difference calculation for each color of the ink used in the printing device 12, thereby calculating the color difference between the color corresponding to the profile and the colorimetric calculation color for each color of CMYK.

[0075] In addition, in step S304 of this example, the control PC 14 calculates the color difference in the state where the ink is not ejected, in addition to calculating the color difference of each color of the ink for each existing profile. The color difference in the state where the ink is not ejected can be considered to be the color difference of the color of the medium 50 in the state where the ink is not attached. The color difference in the state where the ink is not ejected can also be considered to be the color difference corresponding to the color of the medium 50 (the background color of the medium 50). In addition, the color difference in the state where the ink is not ejected can also be considered to be the color difference corresponding to the color difference of the so-called paper white. The control PC 14 of this example calculates the color difference in the state where the ink is not ejected based on the color corresponding to the profile corresponding to the case where the ink concentration is 0% and the color calculated by color measurement.

[0076] In addition, following the action in step S304, the control PC 14 selects an existing profile to be used as an approximate profile based on the color difference calculated in step S304 (S306). The action of step S306 in this example is an example of the action of the profile selection stage and the profile selection process. In addition, in step S306, the control PC 14 selects an existing profile to be used as an approximate profile based on the color difference, its variance, etc. calculated for each color of ink using a preset calculation formula. In addition, in this case, the selection of the existing profile is performed by further considering the background color of the medium 50 based on the color difference in the state where the ink is not ejected. According to this example, the existing profile to be used as the approximate profile can be appropriately selected.

[0077] Next, a supplementary explanation related to the structure described above is given. As also described above, in this example, when a new medium 50 for which there is no corresponding existing profile is used, the control PC 14 selects an approximate profile from the existing profiles based on the amount of ink bleeding and the color measurement value. Then, the color tone of the approximate profile is adjusted as needed to create a new profile corresponding to the new medium 50. Moreover, in this case, by searching for an approximate profile to be used in creating a new profile based on the amount of ink bleeding and the color measurement value, it is possible to efficiently and appropriately search for an approximate profile to be used in creating a new profile. In addition, this makes it possible to efficiently and appropriately create a new profile.

[0078] In addition, in this regard, with regard to the profile, it is generally expected that the desired color can be expressed in the printing device 12 by using the profile. In addition, in this case, it is expected that various colors can be expressed with the amount of ink in the range where no bleeding occurs on the medium 50. Moreover, it can be considered that in the case of making a new profile based on an existing profile, it is relatively easy to make some adjustments during the process of making the profile, such as the adjustment of the hue described above, regarding the expression of the color. In contrast, the amount of ink that causes bleeding is closely related to the absorbency of the medium 50, etc., and therefore, it can be generally considered that there is little room for adjustment. Therefore, in the case of making a new profile based on an existing profile, if the existing profile is used directly, bleeding will occur, it is generally difficult to make adjustments to express the desired color while preventing bleeding. In contrast, the control PC 14 of this example excludes the existing profile with a high possibility of bleeding according to the amount of ink that causes bleeding as described above. Then, the control PC 14 sets the existing profile that has not been excluded as an object to search according to the color measurement value. If configured in this way, it is possible to more appropriately select an existing profile to be used as an approximate profile.

[0079] In addition, as also described above, in the action of searching based on the colorimetric value, operations such as setting the reference ink amount and calculating the color difference are performed for each existing configuration file. Therefore, when the number of existing configuration files that are the objects of the search increases, the time required for the search may become huge. In contrast, according to this example, by setting only the existing configuration files selected based on the amount of ink bleeding as the object and searching based on the colorimetric value, it is also possible to appropriately prevent the time required for the search from becoming huge. Therefore, according to this example, it is also possible to search for existing configuration files more efficiently. In addition, as can be understood from the matters described above, in this example, for example, the amount of ink bleeding and the colorimetric value can be confirmed by printing a chart once. Therefore, based on this point, the selection of an approximate configuration file can also be performed efficiently. In addition, depending on the structure of the printing system 10, the quality required for printing, etc., the chart can be printed multiple times as needed to confirm the amount of ink bleeding and the colorimetric value.

[0080] In addition, it can be considered that, in the case of only considering the selection of an approximate profile used in the preparation of a new profile corresponding to the new medium 50, it is sufficient to screen the existing profiles with attention to the raw material of the medium 50. In addition, it can be considered that by screening in this way, it is possible to select an existing profile that is less likely to cause bleeding and has a low need for adjusting the color tone. However, in this case, it can be considered that it is difficult to select the optimal approximate profile because the existing profiles that become the target are limited to a small number. In contrast, in this example, by searching based on the amount of bleeding and the color measurement value, an approximate profile can be selected from more existing profiles, not limited to the existing profiles for the medium 50 of the same raw material. In addition, in this case, as described above, by further considering the color difference in the state where the ink is not ejected, a more appropriate approximate profile can be selected by considering the background color of the medium 50. In addition, as also described above, in this example, the color tone of the approximate profile is adjusted as needed. With this configuration, even when appropriate printing cannot be performed on a new medium 50 by simply using the approximate profile, a new profile corresponding to the new medium can be appropriately created. In addition, new profiles corresponding to a plurality of new media 50 can be appropriately created.

[0081] In addition, as described above, the computer such as the control PC 14 in this example can be considered to function as a configuration file creation device. Moreover, in this case, it can be considered that the configuration file creation device includes a processing unit that performs operations corresponding to the search processing and configuration file creation processing described above. In this case, it can be considered that the configuration file creation device includes a search processing unit and a configuration file creation processing unit. In addition, in this case, it can be considered that at least a part of the control PC 14 (for example, a CPU, etc.) functions as these processing units by operating according to a program that controls the operation of the control PC 14, etc.

[0082] In addition, in the above, with respect to the configuration file used in the generation of print data, the action of searching for an existing configuration file, the action of creating a new configuration file as needed, etc. are mainly described. Moreover, in this case, the configuration file can also be considered as an example of setting information that is information indicating settings used in the process of generating print data. In addition, in this case, the existing configuration file described above can be considered as an example of existing setting information, that is, existing setting information. The action of creating a new configuration file based on the existing configuration file can be considered as an example of the action of the setting information creation stage. The setting information creation stage can be considered as a stage of creating new setting information based on the existing setting information selected according to the search results in the search stage, etc.

[0083] In addition, in a modified example of the structure of the printing system 10, for example, it is also possible to consider using setting information other than the configuration file. In a modified example of the structure of the printing system 10, it is also possible to consider using, for example, one color of ink (for example, black ink) to perform monotone (monochrome / tone) printing by the printing device 12. Moreover, in this case, it is possible to consider using setting information indicating settings used in generating print data for causing the printing device 12 to perform monotone printing. In addition, as such setting information, it is possible to consider using, for example, information for adjusting the value of the ink amount limit and the shade at the variable point (VD). In addition, in this case, for example, when a new medium 50 is used, it is possible to consider creating new setting information that can perform monotone printing with better image quality as needed. In this case, it is also possible to consider having the printing device 12 print a chart containing a pattern for confirming bleeding and confirming the amount of ink generated by bleeding. In addition, it is possible to consider searching for existing setting information based on the amount of ink generated by bleeding and creating new setting information based on the existing setting information selected based on the search result. If it is configured in this way, more appropriate setting values ​​can be used in the new setting information for the amount of ink, the setting value at the variable point, etc. In addition, in the above-mentioned operation, creating the new setting information may also be creating a file (setting file) representing the new setting information. In this case, as a file representing the setting information, it is possible to consider using a file in a format corresponding to the content of the setting information. In addition, for example, in order to improve the versatility of processing (setting method, etc.) between the case of color printing, it is also possible to consider using a file representing the setting information in the same format as the configuration file.

[0084] Industrial Applicability

[0085] The present invention can be suitably applied to, for example, a configuration file creation method and the like.

[0086] Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 10: Printing system; 102: Head; 104: Platen; 106: Main scanning drive unit; 108: Sub-scanning drive unit; 110: Control unit; 12: Printing device; 122: Inkjet head; 14: Control PC; 202: Search word input unit; 204: Search condition setting unit; 206: Button; 208: Button; 212: Color measurement value setting unit; 214: Bleeding condition setting unit; 216: Button; 218: Button; 220: Search result display unit; 222: Button; 224: Button; 302: Color confirmation pattern; 304: Bleeding confirmation pattern; 312: Each color pattern; 314: Secondary color pattern; 50: Medium.

Claims

1. A configuration file creation method for creating a device configuration file used in a process of generating print data representing an image to be printed by a printing device, the configuration file creation method comprising: In the search phase, searching is performed from the existing device configuration files, i.e., the existing configuration files, according to the search conditions; as well as In the configuration file making phase, a new device configuration file is made based on the existing configuration file selected according to the search result in the search phase. The printing device is a device for color printing using inks of multiple colors. In the search phase, the amount of ink spreading which indicates the amount of ink spreading on the medium is used as the search condition.

2. The configuration file making method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further includes a chart printing stage, in which the printing device prints a chart including a bleeding confirmation pattern on the medium, wherein the bleeding confirmation pattern is a pattern for confirming the amount of ink bleeding. In the search phase, an input of the amount of ink bleeding is accepted from a user.

3. The configuration file making method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The amount of ink bleeding refers to the amount of ink bleeding at a color obtained by mixing two colors of ink, that is, a secondary color. The blurring confirmation pattern includes a pattern in which the density of the secondary color is varied in a plurality of levels.

4. The configuration file making method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The search phase includes: In a first selection stage, the existing configuration file is selected according to the ink spreading amount; and In the second selection stage, the existing configuration file selected in the first selection stage is selected according to conditions different from those in the first selection stage. Here, in the first selection stage, the existing profile that can print with an amount of ink smaller than the amount of ink bleeding is selected.

5. The configuration file making method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further includes a chart printing stage, in which the printing device prints a chart including a color confirmation pattern on the medium, wherein the color confirmation pattern is a pattern for confirming the color represented by the ink. In the search phase, a colorimetric value obtained by colorimetrically measuring the color confirmation pattern is also used as the search condition.

6. The configuration file making method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The color confirmation pattern includes color patterns, and the color patterns are patterns in which the amount of ink per unit area of ​​one color ink of the same color is different in a plurality of levels. The color measurement value used in the search phase is a value obtained by measuring the color of each color pattern. The search phase includes: In a first selection stage, the existing configuration file is selected according to the ink spreading amount; and In the second selection stage, for the existing configuration file selected in the first selection stage, selection is made according to the color measurement value, The second selection stage includes: a reference ink amount setting stage of setting a reference ink amount used as a reference for the amount of ink per unit area, wherein in the reference ink amount setting stage, for each of the existing configuration files, the reference ink amount is set based on the existing configuration file; a color difference calculation stage, calculating the color difference corresponding to the existing profile, in which the color difference between the profile corresponding color and the colorimetric calculation color is calculated for each of the existing profiles, the profile corresponding color being the color corresponding to the reference ink amount in the existing profile, the colorimetric calculation color being the color calculated based on the colorimetric value as the color corresponding to the reference ink amount; and In the profile selection stage, the existing profile is selected according to the color difference calculated in the color difference calculation stage.

7. The configuration file making method according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the color difference calculation phase, the color difference of each color of the plurality of colors of ink used in the printing apparatus and the color difference corresponding to the color of the medium are calculated for each of the existing profiles.

8. The configuration file making method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the profile creation phase, a new device profile is created by adjusting the color tone of the existing profile selected according to the search result in the search phase.

9. A profile search method for searching for a device profile used in a process of generating print data representing an image to be printed by a printing device, the profile search method comprising: The method comprises a search phase, in which a search is performed from the existing device configuration files according to the search conditions. in, The printing device is a device for color printing using inks of multiple colors. In the search phase, the amount of ink spreading which indicates the amount of ink spreading on the medium is used as the search condition.

10. A program for causing a computer to create a device profile, the device profile being a device profile used in a process of generating print data representing an image to be printed by a printing device, the program being characterized in causing the computer to perform the following process: Search processing, searching from the existing device configuration files, i.e., existing configuration files, according to the search conditions; and a configuration file creation process of creating a new device configuration file based on the existing configuration file selected according to the search result in the search process, in, The printing device is a device for color printing using inks of multiple colors. In the search process, the amount of ink blurring that indicates the amount of ink blurring that has occurred on the medium is used as the search condition.

11. A profile creating device for creating a device profile used in a process of generating print data representing an image to be printed by a printing device, the profile creating device being characterized by executing the following process: Search processing, searching from the existing device configuration files, i.e., existing configuration files, according to the search conditions; and a configuration file creation process of creating a new device configuration file based on the existing configuration file selected according to the search result in the search process, in, The printing device is a device for color printing using inks of multiple colors. In the search process, the amount of ink blurring that indicates the amount of ink blurring that has occurred on the medium is used as the search condition.

12. A method for producing setting information, the setting information being information indicating settings used in a process of generating print data, the print data being data indicating an image printed by a printing device that prints using ink, the method comprising the following steps: In a search phase, searching from existing setting information as the existing setting information according to the search condition; as well as In the setting information creation phase, new setting information is created based on the existing setting information selected according to the search result in the search phase. In the search phase, the amount of ink spreading which indicates the amount of ink spreading on the medium is used as the search condition.

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