Information processing device, control method thereof, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To solve the problems in which: an operation of an information processing device is conventionally complicated until work by a colorimetry device is started by a colorimetry application, and an operation using an operation part of the information processing device interrupts a work flow line of the colorimetry device, or the like, for example, in the case that the operation part of the information processing device and the colorimetry device are used on the same disk.SOLUTION: An information processing device for performing colorimetry by using a colorimetry device for performing colorimetry of a colorimetric object on the basis of reflection light obtained by irradiating the colorimetric object with illumination light loads a control program of a connected colorimetry device before determining a colorimetry device to be used for colorimetry, and executes the control program to receive an operation event performed by the connected colorimetry device. It determines the colorimetry device as a targeted colorimetry device to be used in accordance with the received operation event, or makes the colorimetry device wait till use preparation, or determines it as the targeted colorimetry device to be used and requests calibration execution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a color measurement application, a color measurement system, an information processing apparatus, a color measurement apparatus, and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Companies that produce color printed materials, such as printing companies, regularly measure the color of printed materials in order to maintain the quality of the printed materials, and based on the color measurement results, they adjust the color tone of the printing apparatus that printed the printed materials. In such color tone adjustment of a printing apparatus, for example, original image data called a color chart is printed by the printing apparatus, and each color of each patch of the printed color chart is measured by a color measurement apparatus. Then, the color deviation amount between the actually measured value of the color of each patch and the target value of the color of each patch is evaluated, and the color tone adjustment of the printing apparatus is performed according to this evaluation result.

[0003] In addition, the management of the color printed by a printing apparatus has conventionally been performed based on the color of a sample chart and the sense of a craftsman, but the use of a color measurement apparatus has been increasing in order to manage more accurately. Under such circumstances, it has become important to reduce the burden on workers required for color measurement work for color management. For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique for reducing the trouble of connection operation by directly connecting a handy type color measurement apparatus to a user terminal or a cloud server is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in order to simplify the connection operation of such colorimeters, it is necessary for the colorimeter to store account information and control network connection, which increases the risk of information leakage by the colorimeter. Furthermore, performing color measurement properly is difficult with the colorimeter alone, so it is necessary to run a color measurement application on the user terminal and perform the work while checking the color measurement conditions on the screen.

[0006] Therefore, to avoid storing information that poses a risk of information leakage on the colorimeter, colorimeter applications are used instead, leading to an increased burden on colorimeter operators. For this reason, there is a need to alleviate this burden. When running the colorimeter application, operators use a pointing device to select and confirm the colorimeter to be used, and to initiate operations such as the device entering a standby state for use. Then, they switch from the pointing device to the colorimeter and operate the buttons on the colorimeter to perform calibration, measure the color of printed patches, etc. In this process, the operation of the pointing device from running the colorimeter application to starting work with the colorimeter is cumbersome. For example, when using the pointing device and colorimeter alternately on the same desk, the operation of the pointing device can obstruct the workflow of the colorimeter, adding to the burden on colorimeter operators.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that reduces the burden on colorimeter operators and facilitates colorimetering work using connected colorimetering devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, An information processing device that performs color measurement using a colorimetric device that measures the color of an object based on the reflected light obtained by irradiating the object with illumination light, Before determining which colorimeter to use for color measurement, a loading means is provided to load the control program of the connected colorimeter. Receiving means that executes the control program and receives operation events performed by the connected colorimeter, The system is characterized by having control means that, in response to the aforementioned operation event, determines the colorimeter as the target colorimeter to be used, or puts the colorimeter into standby mode until preparation for use is complete, or determines the colorimeter as the target colorimeter to be used and requests the execution of calibration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the process of determining the colorimeter to be used and transitioning to a standby state for preparation can be instructed without complicated operations, thus reducing the workload on the colorimeter operator.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] Figure (A) illustrates the configuration of a system including a host computer that executes a colorimetric application according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and a block diagram (B) illustrates the schematic hardware configuration of the host computer. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the colorimetric application according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the main body of the colorimeter according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A sequence diagram illustrating the color measurement application and the preparation process of the color measurement device by the color measurement device body according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit by a color measurement application according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure showing an example of a color measurement device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Flowchart for explaining the selection or confirmation process of a color measurement device implemented by a host computer executing a color measurement application according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Sequence diagram for explaining the process of S704 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Flowchart for roughly explaining the preparation process of a color measurement device implemented by a host computer executing a color measurement application according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] Figure showing an example of a color measurement system including a color measurement device and a host computer according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit of a host computer by a color measurement application according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] Sequence diagram for explaining the process until measuring the first row of patch rows in the color measurement process by a color measurement application and a color measurement device body according to Embodiment 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] In Embodiment 1, before determining the color measurement device to be used, the host computer (information processing device) loads control software (color measurement application) for controlling the color measurement device. Then, the color measurement application will be described by way of an example in which it determines the color measurement device to be used in response to a request from the color measurement device and shifts to a standby state for use preparation (for example, calibration standby). Note that the components described including the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

[0015] FIG. 1(A) is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a color measurement system including a host computer 102 that executes a color measurement application 106 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 101 prints (forms an image) on the image data received from the host computer 102, the mobile terminal 103, the server 104, etc. via the network 105 or held inside, and generates a color measurement object 109.

[0017] The color measurement application 106 is installed on the host computer 102 and operates on the host computer 102. The color measurement application 106 displays an application operation unit on the display unit 111 of the host computer 102 and is operated using an input unit 110 such as a pointing device, a keyboard, or a touch panel. Further, the color measurement application 106 uses the color measurement device 108 connected to the host computer 102 via the USB 107 to measure the patches of the color measurement object 109 printed by the image forming apparatus 101. Note that in the following description, the color measurement application 106 is configured to operate on the host computer 102, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration and may operate on any of the image forming apparatus 101, the mobile terminal 103, and the server 104, or may be configured to perform distributed processing in cooperation with these. Further, the color measurement device 108 is configured to be connected to the host computer 102 via the USB 107, but may be configured to be connected to the host computer 102 via the network 105.

[0018] Figure 1(B) is a block diagram illustrating the schematic hardware configuration of the host computer 102 according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] The CPU 121 executes programs deployed from the HDD 124 or ROM 122 to the RAM 123, controlling the overall processing of the host computer 102. The ROM 122 stores the boot program and various data. The RAM 123 temporarily stores various programs and data when the CPU 121 is executing its processing, and also provides a work area for storing various data used in the CPU 121's processing. The HDD 124 stores the aforementioned colorimetric application 106 and the control program (control software) for the colorimetric device described later. The input unit 110 and the display unit 111 are the same as in Figure 1(A). The USB interface (I / F) 125 connects the colorimetric device according to the embodiment via the USB 107.

[0020] Next, the functional configuration of the colorimetric application 106 executed by the host computer 102 will be described.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the colorimetric application 106 according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] The colorimetric application 106 has a front end 221 and a back end 231. The front end 221 has an operation module 222, etc., which has the functions of the user operation part displayed on the display unit 111. The back end 231 has functions other than user operation and has a control module 232 that comprehensively controls the entire colorimetric application 106, a control module 233 for the colorimetric device 108 that controls the colorimetric device 108, and a communication module 234 for communication with the colorimetric device 108, etc.

[0023] The operation module 222 displays the operation screen of a colorimetric application, such as the one shown in Figure 5, which will be described later, on the display unit 111. The operation module 222 updates the screen information upon receiving notifications from the input unit 110 for button presses on the application operation screen and selection notifications from the list of colorimetric devices, which will be described later. Furthermore, it notifies the control module 233 of the colorimetric device of events from the input unit 110. The operation module 222 also has the function of updating the screen information upon receiving notifications from the control module 233 of the colorimetric device.

[0024] The control module 232 controls the operation module 222, the colorimeter control module 233, and the communication module 234, and comprehensively controls the entire colorimeter application 106. The colorimeter control module 233 receives event notifications from the operation module 222 and controls the connected colorimeter 108 via the communication module 234. The colorimeter control module 233 also receives event notifications from the colorimeter 108 via the communication module 234 and notifies the operation module 222 of the occurrence of the event. It also makes new control requests to the colorimeter 108.

[0025] Furthermore, the details of the communication of operation event notifications, which are characteristic of this embodiment, between the front-end 221, back-end 231, and colorimeter 108, and the control in response to such operation event notifications, will be described later with reference to the sequence diagram in Figure 4.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 107 by the color measurement application 106 according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] This operation screen 500 has an area 501 that displays the work steps required for color measurement work, and a work step area 502 that shows the current work step.

[0028] First, we will give an overview of each work process displayed in the work process display area 501. However, only the preparation process of the colorimeter in Step 2, which is related to the features of this embodiment, will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0029] In Step 1, the color measurement conditions process, the system registers and selects chart information for the object to be measured based on notifications from the operation module 222. It also registers and selects information such as the method for comparing the color with the expected value, used to verify whether the color is within the expected range, and the tolerance value information for determining whether the comparison result is within acceptable limits, based on notifications from the operation module 222.

[0030] In Step 2, the colorimeter preparation process, the colorimeter application 106 requests a connection to the colorimeter. Furthermore, the selection and confirmation of the colorimeter to be used, and the execution of the colorimeter calibration are performed based on event notifications from the operation module 222 or the colorimeter. This completes the preparation of the parts related to the colorimeter. Note that Figure 5 highlights the current process as Step 2, the colorimeter preparation process.

[0031] In the color measurement process of Step 3, the color of the object to be measured is performed in response to a color measurement execution request from the color measurement device whose use was confirmed in the color measurement device preparation process of Step 2. At this time, in the work process content area 502, the layout of the chart, which is the object to be measured, is displayed, and information on the next target patch to be measured and the patches that have been measured or not yet completed is updated as needed according to the color measurement operation of the patches.

[0032] In Step 4, the color measurement completion process, the system receives notifications from the operation module 222 and performs tasks such as entering comments about the color measurement work and saving the color measurement results.

[0033] Next, we will explain the contents of the work process content area 502. Figure 5 shows the contents of the colorimeter preparation process in Step 2, which is related to the features of the embodiment.

[0034] The colorimeter list 503 displays a list of colorimeters available to the colorimeter application 106. Among the colorimeters supported by the colorimeter application 106, those currently recognized as connected are displayed in this colorimeter list 503. If multiple colorimeters are recognized, the target colorimeter can be changed via the input unit 110, which includes a pointing device, etc. It is also possible that colorimeters not currently recognized as connected are included in this list. Figure 5 shows the state where the colorimeter application 106 recognizes a connection with "Colorimeter A" and displays it in the colorimeter list 503.

[0035] The text display area 504 and image display area 505 related to the preparation of the colorimeter display device display information for the colorimeter display device currently selected in the colorimeter display device list 503. If there is currently no colorimeter display device that is recognized as connected and ready for use, the display area 504 displays a request to connect a colorimeter display device and information regarding the connection procedure. In this embodiment, the colorimeter display device is confirmed by the first press of the button on the colorimeter display device body, and calibration is performed by the second press, but this is not the only method. As shown in Figure 5, if there is an instruction in the prior procedure to set the colorimeter display device body in the dock and make it ready for calibration, the colorimeter display device may be confirmed and calibration may be performed with a single button press.

[0036] The confirmation button 506 is a button that, via the input unit 110 including a pointing device, confirms the colorimeter selected in the colorimeter list 503 as the target colorimeter to be used, and transitions to a standby state for preparation for use (for example, a calibration standby state). When a colorimeter is confirmed, a pop-up notification (not shown) is displayed, and the colorimeter list 503 is grayed out. In Embodiment 1, a feature is that by pressing a button (details to be described later) on a colorimeter that has not been confirmed as the target colorimeter, the colorimeter on which the button was pressed is confirmed as the target colorimeter, and the system transitions to a standby state for preparation for use of that colorimeter. Furthermore, the feature is maintained even if, after confirming the colorimeter on which the button was pressed as the target colorimeter, the system transitions to calibration execution without going through a standby state for preparation for use.

[0037] The back button 507 is used to return to the previous step in the work process. In the case of Figure 5, if the colorimeter to be used has not yet been determined, it returns to the screen of the colorimeter conditions step in Step 1. If the colorimeter to be used has been determined, it returns to the point before the colorimeter was determined. The cancel button 508 is used to cancel the entire colorimeter work process.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example of a colorimeter 108 according to Embodiment 1.

[0039] Thus, the colorimeter 108 has a colorimeter body 60 and a dock 63 for placing the colorimeter body 60. The colorimeter body 60 has a rounded shape and has an opening (not shown) on its lower surface that is positioned relative to the object to be measured. The dock 63 has a white member 64 in a position where color measurement can be performed when the colorimeter body 60 is set.

[0040] The colorimeter unit 60 receives reflected light obtained by irradiating the object to be measured with illumination light from inside the unit, and measures the color of the object based on this reflected light. The colorimeter unit 60 also has a calibration function to stabilize the color measurement value of white by measuring the color of a white component 64 while it is placed on the dock 63. Alternatively, the colorimeter unit 60 may be configured to have a built-in white component 64 so that the calibration function of the colorimeter unit 60 can be performed even when it is not placed on the dock 63.

[0041] A button 61 is provided on the side of the colorimeter body 60, and above this button 61, a plurality of indicators (output units) 62, each having an LED (light-emitting diode) lamp or the like, are arranged.

[0042] Button 61 controls the execution of the colorimetric function or calibration function of the colorimetric device body 60 using its illumination light. When button 61 is pressed, a button press event is notified to the colorimetric application 106 running on the host computer 102 connected to the colorimetric device body 60 via USB 107. In Embodiment 1, this event notification is also used in situations other than those related to the use of the illumination light of the colorimetric device body 60, and can be used to give operation instructions to the colorimetric application 106 (such as confirming the colorimetric device to be used and instructing the start of preparation for using the colorimetric device).

[0043] Furthermore, the number of buttons is not limited to one; there may be multiple buttons, for example, separate buttons for controlling the illumination light of the colorimeter main unit 60 and buttons for controlling the colorimeter application 106.

[0044] The indicator 62 displays the control status of the colorimeter main unit 60. An example of indicator 62 illumination control is shown below, but the present invention is not limited thereto. One of the features of Embodiment 1 is that, when the connection between the colorimeter application 106 and the colorimeter 108 is established, the LED illumination control indicates that the colorimeter 108 to be used has changed from undetermined to determined and has entered a standby state for preparation for use. In this embodiment, an example of display output using the indicator 62 has been described as a way to express the change in status, but the present invention is not limited to this. Output may also be sound or voice from the colorimeter application 106 or a sound control unit (not shown) of the colorimeter main unit 60.

[0045] For example, in Embodiment 1, the LED is off when the connection between the colorimetric application 106 and the colorimetric device 108 is established, indicating a standby state until the colorimetric device 108 to be used by the colorimetric application 106 is determined.

[0046] When the colorimeter 108 to be used is determined, the indicator 62 stays lit, indicating that the target colorimeter 108 has been determined and that the colorimeter 108 is in a standby state for preparation for use (for example, a calibration execution standby state). Furthermore, during calibration execution or color measurement processing of the colorimeter 108, the indicator 62 blinks at short time intervals in a color corresponding to the execution result, indicating the success or failure of the execution result. If the calibration is successful, the indicator 62 blinks continuously, indicating that the colorimeter 108 is in a color measurement standby state.

[0047] Next, the configuration of the colorimeter device body 60 of the colorimeter device 108 will be described.

[0048] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the main body 60 of the colorimeter 108 according to Embodiment 1.

[0049] The colorimeter unit 60 includes, in addition to the buttons 61 and indicator 62 described in Figure 6, a control unit 301, a memory unit 305, a calculation unit 306, an illumination unit 307, a light receiving unit 308, a communication unit 309, and the like. The control unit 301 comprehensively controls the entire colorimeter unit 60 and includes a CPU 302, ROM 303, and RAM 304. The CPU 302 realizes the functions of the colorimeter unit 60 by operating according to the operation program stored in the ROM 303 or memory unit 305. The RAM 304 provides a workspace for the CPU 302 when it operates according to the operation program.

[0050] The illumination unit 307 is for irradiating the object to be measured 109 with illumination light, and the light receiving unit 308 has a sensor that receives the reflected light obtained by irradiating the object to be measured 109 with illumination light. There may be only one type of illumination light, or multiple types may be selected. The calculation unit 306 performs calculations for color measurement based on the reflected light received by the light receiving unit 308 using a known method. In Embodiment 1, the calculation unit 306 is implemented as part of the functions of the CPU 302 of the control unit 301. In Embodiment 1, the color measurement result from the calculation unit 306 is transmitted via the communication unit 309 to a color measurement application 106 running on a host computer 102 connected via USB. Alternatively, instead of the color measurement result from the calculation unit 306, the data received by the light receiving unit 308 may be transmitted to the color measurement application 106, and the color measurement calculation may be performed on the color measurement application 106 side. The storage unit 305 has non-volatile memory such as flash memory, NAND memory, or EEROM, and may be integrated into the control unit 301. The storage unit 305 stores calculation results from the arithmetic unit 306, etc. The communication unit 309 is a communication interface that connects to the colorimetric application 106 running on the host computer 102 via USB 107 and transmits and receives data. Note that the connection to the host computer 102 is not limited to USB, but may also be made by a wired or wireless network.

[0051] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the general process of preparing the colorimeter, which is performed when the host computer 102 executes the colorimeter application 106 according to Embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is achieved when the CPU 121 of the host computer 102 executes the colorimeter application 106.

[0052] First, in S901, the CPU 121 enters the preparation process for using the colorimeter, loading the control software for the colorimeter and installing it on the HDD 124. In this embodiment 1, the CPU 121 loads the control software for all models of colorimeters 108 supported by the colorimeter application 106. Alternatively, the CPU 121 may use a function provided by the OS running on the host computer 102 to determine which colorimeter is connected before loading the control software. In that case, the CPU 121 may obtain the name and device ID of the device connected to the host computer 102, determine whether the connected device is a colorimeter 108 supported by the colorimeter application 106, and limit the control software to be loaded. By suppressing the loading of unnecessary control software in this way, the utilization rate of memory resources such as the HDD 124 and RAM 123 of the host computer 102 by the colorimeter application 106 can be reduced.

[0053] Next, the process proceeds to S902, where the CPU 121 uses the functions of the loaded control software to acquire information about the colorimeter 108 connected to the host computer 102 via USB 107. Then, the process proceeds to S903, where the CPU 121 establishes a connection with the colorimeter 108. At this point, once the CPU 121 has established a connection with the colorimeter 108, it moves the colorimeter 108 to a confirmation waiting state. On the other hand, if the CPU 121 is unable to establish a connection with the colorimeter, it issues an error notification and repeats the process from S902 after the error is resolved.

[0054] Next, the process proceeds to S904, where the CPU 121 waits for notification of an event indicating that button 61 from the input unit 110 or the colorimeter 108 has been pressed. Once the event is received, the process proceeds to S905, where the CPU 121 confirms which colorimeter 108 to use. Then, it enters a calibration waiting state. The process then proceeds to S906, where the CPU 121 waits for notification of an event indicating that button 61 from the input unit 110 or the colorimeter 108 has been pressed. Once the event is received, the process proceeds to S907, where the CPU 121 performs the calibration upon receiving the notification. If the calibration is successful, the CPU 121 proceeds to the colorimeter process. If the calibration fails, the process in S907 is repeated.

[0055] Furthermore, the calibration standby state in S905 is not mandatory if the colorimeter 108 has a built-in white component and calibration can be performed within the colorimeter unit itself. Also, as mentioned above in Figure 5, the calibration standby state in S905 is not mandatory if there is an instruction in the prior procedure to set the colorimeter unit in the dock and put it into a device state where calibration can be performed. After the CPU 121 determines the colorimeter 108 to be used in S905, it may skip this calibration standby state and perform the calibration in S907 based on information such as the type and capabilities of the colorimeter 108. Similarly, in the device usage procedure 504 of the colorimeter application 106, if there is no additional work on the device between the work to determine the colorimeter to be used and the work to perform calibration, the calibration standby state may be skipped and the calibration in S907 may be performed. In these cases, the configuration is such that the colorimeter 108 to be used is determined and calibration is performed with a single notification from the input unit 110 in S904 or from the colorimeter 108.

[0056] The above is a flowchart showing the general processing steps for preparing the colorimeter, performed by the host computer 102 running the colorimeter application 106 and the colorimeter 108. It should be noted that a feature of Embodiment 1 is that the control software for the colorimeter is loaded before the "determine the colorimeter to be used" step, and the "determine the colorimeter to be used" step can be performed by notification from the colorimeter 108; therefore, the process is not limited to the flow shown in Figure 9.

[0057] Next, we will describe in detail the processing of the colorimetric application 106 and the colorimetric device 108 during standard operation, which is not an exception.

[0058] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of the preparation process for the colorimeter by the colorimeter application 106 and the colorimeter main unit 60 according to Embodiment 1. Here, when notification of a button 61 press is received from the colorimeter main unit 60, which has not yet been determined as the colorimeter to be used, the colorimeter main unit 60 is determined as the colorimeter to be used and the system transitions to a standby state for preparation for use. Note that the processing of the front end 221 and back end 231 of the colorimeter application 106 shown in Figure 4 is realized by executing using the CPU 121, ROM 122, RAM 123, etc. of the host computer 102. In addition, the processing of the colorimeter main unit 60 is realized by executing by the control unit 301 of the colorimeter main unit 60.

[0059] In S401, the front-end 221, having transitioned to the preparation process for the colorimeter, requests the back-end 231 to prepare the colorimeter. As a result, in S402, the back-end 231 loads control software for controlling the colorimeter 108. The back-end 231 then uses the functions of the loaded control software to acquire information about the colorimeter connected to the host computer 102 via USB 107.

[0060] Next, in S403, the backend 231 requests the colorimeter unit 60, whose connection to the host computer 102 has been confirmed, to initiate a connection with the colorimeter application 106. Then, in S404, the colorimeter unit 60 notifies the backend 231 of the connection result in response to the request to initiate a connection with the colorimeter application 106. As a result, in S405, the backend 231 receives the connection result notification from the colorimeter unit 60 and also notifies the frontend 221 of the connection result.

[0061] In S406, when the backend 231 receives notification of the connection result from the colorimeter main unit 60 and the connection is established, it enters a waiting state until the target colorimeter to be used is determined. At the same time, in S407, when the frontend 231 receives notification of the connection result from the backend 221 and the connection with the colorimeter 108 is established, it notifies the user that the colorimeter 108 with which the connection has been established is the colorimeter recognized by the colorimeter application 106. It then enters a waiting state until the colorimeter is determined.

[0062] Next, in S408, when the user presses button 61 on the colorimeter unit 60, the colorimeter unit 60 notifies the backend 231 that button 61 of the colorimeter unit has been pressed. As a result, in S409, while the backend 231 is waiting for the colorimeter unit to be confirmed, it receives notification from the colorimeter unit 60 that button 61 has been pressed and also notifies the frontend 221 that button 61 of the colorimeter unit has been pressed. Alternatively, instead of notifying the frontend 221 that button 61 of the colorimeter unit has been pressed, the configuration may be such that it is notified to confirm the colorimeter unit 60 on which button 61 was pressed as the colorimeter unit to be used.

[0063] Next, in S410, the backend 231 receives notification that button 61 has been pressed, identifies the colorimeter on which button 61 was pressed as the target colorimeter, and requests the identified colorimeter unit 60 to wait for calibration. As a result, in S411, the colorimeter unit 60 switches control to the calibration standby state. Also in S412, the backend 231 receives notification from the colorimeter unit 60 that button 61 has been pressed, identifies the target colorimeter, and switches to the calibration standby state. Also in S413, the frontend 221 receives notification from the backend 231 that button 61 of the colorimeter has been pressed, and identifies the target colorimeter as the colorimeter unit 60 on which the button was pressed. Then, by displaying a pop-up notification (not shown) and graying out the colorimeter list 503, the user is notified that the target colorimeter has been identified, and the system switches to the calibration standby state.

[0064] Next, in S414, the colorimeter unit 60, in a calibration standby state, receives notification from the user that button 61 on the colorimeter unit 60 has been pressed and notifies the backend 231 that button 61 on the colorimeter unit has been pressed. Next, in S415, the backend 231, in a calibration standby state for the colorimeter unit, receives notification from the colorimeter unit 60 that button 61 has been pressed and notifies the frontend 221 that button 61 on the colorimeter unit has been pressed. Alternatively, instead of notifying the frontend 221 that the button on the colorimeter unit has been pressed, it may be notified to perform calibration of the colorimeter unit.

[0065] Next, in S416, the backend 231, while in calibration standby mode for the colorimeter, receives notification from the colorimeter unit 60 that button 61 has been pressed and requests the colorimeter unit 60 to perform calibration. As a result, in S417, the colorimeter unit 60 performs calibration in response to this calibration request. At this time, in S418, the frontend 221, while in calibration standby mode for the colorimeter, receives notification from the backend 231 that button 61 on the colorimeter unit 60 has been pressed and notifies the user that calibration is being performed through a pop-up notification (not shown) or an animation (running animation).

[0066] Next, in S419, the colorimeter unit 60 notifies the backend 231 of the results of the calibration. As a result, in S420, the backend 231 receives notification of the calibration results from the colorimeter unit 60 and also notifies the frontend 221 of the calibration results. Then, in S421, if the calibration results are successful, the colorimeter unit 60 moves to a standby state before actually performing color measurement. Similarly, in S422, if the calibration results from the colorimeter unit 60 are successful, the backend 231 moves to a standby state before actually performing color measurement. Also, in S423, the frontend 221 notifies the user of the calibration results from the backend 231 via a pop-up notification (not shown) or the like. Then, in S424, if the calibration results from the backend 231 are successful, the frontend 221 moves from the preparation process of the colorimeter to the color measurement process in which actual color measurement is performed.

[0067] The above describes the processing of the preparation step for the colorimeter by the colorimeter application 106 and the colorimeter main unit 60 according to Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the colorimeter application 106 loads the control software for the colorimeter before determining which colorimeter to be used for color measurement. Then, before determining which measuring device to use, when it receives a press of an operation button from a connected colorimeter, it determines which colorimeter to use and moves that measuring device into a standby state for preparation for use. However, the present invention is not limited to the processing shown in the sequence in Figure 4, and as long as it does not deviate from the scope, it is acceptable as long as it follows the spirit of this embodiment. For example, even if, after determining which colorimeter the button was pressed as the target colorimeter, the system transitions to calibration execution without going into a standby state for preparation for use, it is still considered to follow the spirit of this embodiment.

[0068] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the colorimetric application 106 loads the control software for the colorimetric device before determining which colorimetric device to be used for color measurement. Then, before determining which measuring device to use, when the colorimetric application 106 receives a button press (first operation) on a connected colorimetric device, it determines that colorimetric device as the target colorimetric device. It then transitions to a standby state for preparing to use that colorimetric device (for example, a calibration standby state). When the operation button is pressed again, it requests that the colorimetric device perform calibration. Alternatively, before determining which measuring device to use, when the colorimetric application 106 receives a button press on a connected colorimetric device, it determines that colorimetric device as the target colorimetric device. It then requests that the colorimetric device perform calibration.

[0069] This allows users to operate the color measurement application using the buttons on the color measurement device, even before the target color measurement device is determined. This enables them to perform operations on the color measurement application (such as determining the color measurement device, transitioning to a standby state for preparation, or requesting calibration execution immediately after determining the color measurement device).

[0070] Furthermore, in color measurement work, the colorimeter unit 60 is often moved over a color chart or other paper object being measured, and measurements are taken repeatedly. Also, it is often operated in a limited workspace within a printing factory. In color measurement work in such environments, the amount and number of operations of the pointing device on the color measurement application can be reduced. This reduces the number of times the pointing device and the colorimeter unit 60 are switched, and the operation of the pointing device does not interfere with the operation of the colorimeter unit 60, thereby reducing the burden on the operator.

[0071] [Embodiment 2] The colorimeter 108 used in this embodiment includes both a manual colorimeter type, as shown in Figure 6, and an automatic colorimeter type that automatically pulls in the object to be measured and measures its color. Furthermore, the colorimeter conditions can be changed by attaching optional attachments to the colorimeter. Therefore, it is conceivable that multiple colorimeters be connected to the host computer 102, and the colorimeter application 106 would operate by using different colorimeters depending on the use case.

[0072] Figure 10 shows an example of a colorimetric system including a colorimetric device and a host computer 102 according to Embodiment 2.

[0073] In Figure 10, the host computer 102 is connected to two colorimeters. One of these is the manual colorimeter 108 (main unit 60 and dock 63) described in Embodiment 1, and the other is the automatic colorimeter 1000.

[0074] Therefore, Embodiment 2 will be described as an example in which the colorimetric application 106 recognizes connections with multiple colorimetric devices and performs control to select or confirm the colorimetric device to be used in response to a request from a colorimetric device. The basic configuration and processing flow of Embodiment 2 are almost the same as those of Embodiment 1 described above, and only the differences will be explained below.

[0075] First, in S402 of Figure 4, as described in Embodiment 1, if the connection between the host computer 102 and the multiple colorimeters is confirmed, the connection start request and connection result notification of the colorimeters are performed between each colorimeter in S403 to S405. As a result, the multiple colorimeters are displayed in the colorimeter list 503 in Figure 5 and become selectable. In Embodiment 2, the colorimeter 108 and colorimeter 1000 from Embodiment 1 are selectable, and it is assumed that colorimeter 108 is currently selected.

[0076] Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain the processing of button press notifications for colorimeters in the confirmation standby state of a colorimeter, considering the case where multiple colorimeters are connected to the colorimeter application 106, which is a feature of Embodiment 2.

[0077] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the selection or confirmation process of a colorimeter, which is performed when the host computer 102 according to Embodiment 2 executes the colorimeter application 106. The process shown in this flowchart is realized when the CPU 121 of the host computer 102 executes the colorimeter application 106.

[0078] This process is initiated when the CPU receives notification that button 61 has been pressed from a connected colorimeter. First, in S701, the CPU 121 determines whether the host computer 102 has started connecting with multiple colorimeters. If connections have been started with multiple colorimeters, the process proceeds to S702; if only one colorimeter has started connecting, the process proceeds to S703. In S702, the CPU 121 determines whether the colorimeter that notified the button 61 press is the colorimeter 108 currently selected in the colorimeter list 503. If it is the currently selected colorimeter 108, the process proceeds to S703; if the notification is from a colorimeter 1000 that is not currently selected, the process proceeds to S704. In S703, the CPU 121 confirms the colorimeter 108 that pressed the button as the colorimeter to be used and terminates this process. This is the same movement as the sequence diagram in Figure 4 described in Embodiment 1 above.

[0079] Meanwhile, in S704, CPU 121 changes the colorimeter selected in colorimeter list 503 to colorimeter 1000, which was selected when button 1001 was pressed. It also updates the text display area 504 and the image display area 505 with information related to the preparation of the colorimeter to reflect the information for colorimeter 1000.

[0080] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process of S704 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 8, processes common to Figure 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

[0081] In S408 of Figure 8, the backend 231 receives notification that a button has been pressed on a colorimeter and notifies the frontend 221 of this. Then, in S801, if the colorimeter on which the button was pressed is not the currently selected colorimeter, the frontend 221 selects the colorimeter 1000 on which the button was pressed and notifies the user.

[0082] In addition, in S704 of Figure 7, only the selected colorimeter is changed, and the front-end 221 and back-end 231 maintain a waiting state until the colorimeter is confirmed. In other words, they are waiting for notification of a button press from the colorimeter again, and when notification of a button press from the colorimeter is received again, the flowchart in Figure 7 is executed once more.

[0083] In addition, although S704 of Embodiment 2 states that the selected colorimeter is changed, by using an optional setting (not shown), the selected colorimeter may be changed to colorimeter 1000, and at the same time, colorimeter 1000 may be confirmed as the colorimeter to be used.

[0084] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, when the colorimetric application 106 recognizes the connection to multiple colorimetric devices, it can select or confirm the colorimetric device to be used in response to a request from a colorimetric device. This makes it possible to select or confirm a colorimetric device without operating the pointing device, even when multiple colorimetric devices are connected, thereby reducing the burden on the colorimetric operator.

[0085] [Embodiment 3] Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.

[0086] The colorimeter unit 60 receives reflected light obtained by irradiating the object to be measured with illumination light from inside the unit, and measures the color of the object based on this reflected light.

[0087] The colorimeter unit 60 has a scan measurement mode in which it slides over multiple patches arranged in a row on the object to be measured 109 from the moment the user presses the button 61 until the button is released, thereby measuring one row of patches. At this time, some light passes through the object to be measured 109, so the colorimeter unit 60 also receives light components that are reflected from the backing material of the object to be measured 109, such as a desk.

[0088] Therefore, in order to suppress the influence of differences in the operating environment of such colorimeters on the colorimeters, a backing board 1106, as shown in Figure 11, may be attached to the colorimeter 108. In that case, the colorimeter application 106 needs to explain how to use the backing board 1106. However, depending on the ownership status of the backing board 1106 and the proficiency level of the user using the backing board 1106, constantly displaying such an explanation can be cumbersome. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide such supplementary information through a dialog box. In such a case, however, the pointing device needs to be operated to close the dialog box, requiring the user to switch between the colorimeter and the pointing device, which presents a problem as it makes the operation cumbersome for the user.

[0089] Therefore, Embodiment 3 is characterized in that, when the colorimetric application 106 requires operation of the pointing device due to the display of a dialog box or the like, it can close the dialog box based on an event from the colorimetric device main unit 60. Since the basic configuration and processing flow of the device and system in Embodiment 3 are almost the same as those of Embodiment 1 described above, only the differences will be explained from here on.

[0090] Figure 11 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 107 of the host computer 102 by the color measurement application 106 according to Embodiment 3.

[0091] This operation screen 1100 has an area 1101 that displays the work steps required for the colorimetric work and a work step area 1102 that shows the current work step. Figure 11 shows the contents of the colorimetric process in Step 3, which is related to the features of this embodiment 3.

[0092] The work process display area 1101 highlights that the current process is Step 3, the color measurement process. The work process content area 1102 displays a text display area 1103 related to the color measurement process and a chart layout 1105 of the object to be measured. The text display area 1103 has a supplementary information dialog display button 1104 for manually displaying supplementary information. The chart layout 1105 updates information such as the next target patch to be measured, completed patches, and incomplete patches as needed in accordance with the patch color measurement operation.

[0093] Furthermore, the supplementary information dialog 1106, which displays the preparation information for the backing board, is automatically launched when the system transitions to the color measurement process in Step 3. This supplementary information dialog 1106 includes a checkbox 1107 for setting the dialog not to be displayed again. It also has an OK button 1108 for closing the dialog using a pointing device or similar.

[0094] While setting 1107 to prevent the dialog from appearing next time can discourage users from switching to a pointing device, it's often not used because users may not know how to redisplay the dialog.

[0095] Therefore, Embodiment 3 is characterized by maintaining the display of the dialog box for subsequent uses, and by closing the dialog box using a hard button on the measuring instrument, thereby achieving both maintenance of the amount of displayed information and improvement of operability. Furthermore, it is characterized by not increasing the number of button events by simultaneously executing the task of closing the dialog box with the button event for the next action, which is measurement.

[0096] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process up to the measurement of the first patch row in the color measurement process performed by the color measurement application 106 and the color measurement device body 60 according to Embodiment 3.

[0097] The processing of the front-end 221 and back-end 231 of the colorimetric application 106 shown in Figure 12 is realized by executing using the CPU 121, ROM 122, RAM 123, etc. of the host computer 102. The processing of the colorimetric device body 60 is realized by executing the control unit 301 of the colorimetric device body 60. Note that the preceding process of S1201 is the sequence of the preparation process for the colorimetric device shown in Figure 4, and the front-end 221 is in a state that has transitioned to the colorimetric process. The back-end 231 and the colorimetric device body 60 are in a colorimetric standby state.

[0098] First, when the colorimeter unit 60 receives a press of button 61 on the colorimeter unit 60 by the user, the colorimeter unit 60, which is in a colorimeter standby state, notifies the backend 231 in S1201 that button 61 of the colorimeter unit has been pressed. As a result, in S1202, the backend 231 also notifies the frontend 221 that button 61 of the colorimeter unit has been pressed. Note that at this time, instead of notifying the frontend 221 that button 61 of the colorimeter unit has been pressed, the system may be configured to notify it to close the currently displayed dialog box.

[0099] As a result, in S1203, the front-end 221 receives notification from the back-end 231 that the button 61 of the colorimeter has been pressed, and if there is a dialog box currently displayed, it takes control to close the dialog box.

[0100] Next, in S1204, the backend 231, in response to the notification that button 61 has been pressed, requests the colorimeter unit 60 to start the colorimetering process. As a result, in S1205, the CPU 302 of the colorimeter unit 60 performs a patch scan measurement while the user is holding down button 61, and saves the measurement result of each acquired patch to the RAM 304.

[0101] Then, in S1206, when the CPU 302 detects that the user has released the button 61 on the colorimeter unit 60, that is, that the user has stopped pressing the button 61, the CPU 302 notifies the backend 231 that the color measurement is complete.

[0102] As a result, in S1207, the backend 231 requests the colorimeter unit 60 for the colorimeter result. In response, in S1208, the CPU 302 of the colorimeter unit 60 notifies the backend 231 of the colorimeter result stored in the RAM 304. Then, in S1209, the backend 231 notifies the frontend 221 of the colorimeter result received from the colorimeter unit 60. Then, in S1210, the frontend 221 updates the display of the chart layout 1105 based on the colorimeter result received from the backend 231.

[0103] Note that for the scan measurement of the patch from the second line onward, there is no dialog displayed on the frontend 221, so no control to close the dialog occurs, but the same sequence will be repeated until the measurement of all lines is complete.

[0104] The above is a description of the color measurement process by the color measurement application 106 and the color measurement device body 60 according to Embodiment 3, up to the measurement of the first patch row.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the process shown in the sequence in Figure 12, and any method that adheres to the spirit of this embodiment without departing from its scope is acceptable. For example, in the sequence in Figure 12, pressing button 61 of the colorimeter once closed the dialog box and simultaneously started color measurement. However, this could be divided into two operations: one to close the dialog box and another to start color measurement.

[0106] Additionally, as another step, if a dialog box appears, it may be closed using the operation buttons on the colorimeter. Furthermore, when patch color measurement is completed for all rows, a measurement completion approval button (not shown) may be displayed on the operation screen 500 in Figure 5 to transition to the color measurement completion step in Step 4, and this can be executed using the operation buttons on the colorimeter.

[0107] In a series of processes using a colorimeter, when it is necessary to switch to a pointing device, controlling the color measurement application 106 using the operation buttons of the colorimeter is in accordance with the spirit of Embodiment 3. In particular, if control of application 106, such as closing a dialog box, is performed simultaneously with button events such as calibration, which is essential for work with a colorimeter, or during color measurement, it is in accordance with the spirit of Embodiment 3.

[0108] As described above, according to Embodiment 3, the colorimetric application 106 can be controlled by pressing an operation button from the colorimetric device, such as closing a screen that displays supplementary information such as a dialog box. Furthermore, the application 106 can be controlled in the same way as button events required for operations using the colorimetric device, such as calibration and color measurement, such as closing dialog boxes. As a result, operations such as closing dialog boxes can be performed without using a pointing device, thereby reducing the burden on the colorimetric operator.

[0109] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 60...Colorimeter main unit, 61...Button, 62...Indicator, 63...Dock, 101...Image forming apparatus, 102...Host computer, 106...Colorimeter application, 108...Colorimeter, 110...Input unit, 111...Display unit, 121...Host computer CPU, 301...Colorimeter control unit

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of performing color measurement using a color measurement device including a button and a light-emitting indicator, and capable of performing color measurement of an object based on reflected light obtained by irradiating an illumination light onto the object, comprising: An acquisition unit for acquiring identification information of a color measuring device connected to the information processing device; A determination unit for determining an application program corresponding to the color measurement device; a load means for loading the application program determined by the determination means; an execution means for executing the application program loaded by the loading means; a reception unit that receives an operation event of a user operation executed by the button of the color measurement device; a control means for controlling the information processing device to determine the color measurement device as a target color measurement device to be used in accordance with the application program determined by the determination means in response to the operation event, and to request the determined color measurement device to perform calibration; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines the color measuring device as the color measuring device to be used at the first operation event, and controls the control means to request the determined color measuring device to perform calibration at the next operation event.

3. The information processing device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means, in response to the operation event, determines the colorimetric device as the target colorimetric device to be used by the information processing device in accordance with the application program determined by the determination means, and as soon as it is determined as the target colorimetric device, controls the indicator of the colorimetric device to light up and requests the determined colorimetric device to perform calibration.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit for causing an output unit of the color measurement device to execute output to the effect that the color measurement device has been confirmed as the color measurement device to be used.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit performs display output or sound output.

6. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a unit for causing an output unit of the information processing apparatus to execute output to the effect that the color measuring apparatus has been determined to be the color measuring apparatus to be used.

7. When a plurality of color measurement devices are connected, the control means determines whether the operation event accepted by the acceptance means is an operation event from a color measurement device selected by the application program; The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that if the operation event is from a colorimetric device selected in the application program, the colorimetric device is determined to be the target colorimetric device to be used, and if the operation event is not from the colorimetric device selected in the application program, the information processing device is switched to connect to the colorimetric device that notified the operation event.

8. a display unit for displaying a screen for displaying information on a color measurement device selected by the application program; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen includes a dialogue displaying an explanation regarding an operation of the color measuring device.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a means for closing the dialog box in response to an operation event from a color measurement device selected by the application program.

10. A method for measuring the color of an object to be measured based on reflected light obtained by irradiating an illumination light onto the object to be measured, comprising: a color measuring device including a button and an indicator capable of emitting light; and a processor of an information processing device capable of measuring the color of the object to be measured based on reflected light obtained by irradiating the object to be measured with light; An acquisition unit for acquiring identification information of a color measuring device connected to the information processing device; A determination unit for determining an application program corresponding to the color measurement device; a load means for loading the application program determined by the determination means; an execution means for executing the application program loaded by the loading means; a reception unit that receives an operation event of a user operation executed by the button of the color measurement device; and a control means for controlling the information processing device to determine the color measuring device as the target color measuring device in accordance with the application program determined by the determination means in response to the operation event, and to request the determined color measuring device to perform calibration.

11. The program described in Claim 10, characterized in that the control means determines, at the first operation event, the colorimetric device as the target colorimetric device to be used, and at the next operation event, controls the determined colorimetric device to request calibration to be performed.

12. The program described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the control means, in response to the operation event, determines the colorimetric device as the target colorimetric device to be used by the information processing device in accordance with the application program determined by the determination means, and as soon as it is determined as the target colorimetric device, controls the indicator of the colorimetric device to light up and requests the determined colorimetric device to perform calibration.

13. A program described in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the program functions as an information processing device further having a means for causing an output unit of the colorimetric device to output an output indicating that the colorimetric device has been confirmed as the colorimetric device to be used.

14. The program according to claim 13, characterized in that the output unit performs display output or sound output.

15. The program described in Claim 13, characterized in that the program functions as an information processing device further having a means for causing an output unit of the information processing device to output an indication that the color measuring device to be used has been confirmed.

16. When a plurality of colorimetric devices are connected, the control means determines whether the operation event accepted by the acceptance means is an operation event from a colorimetric device selected by the application program, The program according to claim 10, characterized in that if the operation event is from a colorimetric device selected in the application program, the colorimetric device is determined to be the target colorimetric device to be used, and if the operation event is not from the colorimetric device selected in the application program, the program switches to connect to the colorimetric device that notified the operation event.

17. The information processing device further includes a display means for displaying a screen for displaying information on a color measuring device selected by the application program, 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the screen includes a dialogue for displaying an explanation regarding an operation of the color measuring device.

18. The program according to claim 17, characterized in that it functions as an information processing device further having a means for closing the dialog in response to an operation event from a colorimetric device selected in the application program.

19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. A control method for controlling an information processing device capable of performing color measurement using a color measurement device including a button and an indicator capable of emitting light, and capable of performing color measurement of an object to be measured based on reflected light obtained by irradiating an illumination light onto the object to be measured, comprising: acquiring identification information of a color measurement device connected to the information processing device; a determination step of determining an application program corresponding to the color measurement device; a loading step of loading the application program determined by the determining step; an execution step of executing the application program loaded by the loading step; a reception unit that receives an operation event of a user operation executed by the button of the color measurement device; a control step of controlling the information processing device to determine the color measurement device as a target color measurement device to be used in accordance with the application program determined in the determination step in response to the operation event, and to request the determined color measurement device to perform calibration; A control method comprising the steps of:

Images