Printing system, image processing device, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which it is preferable that the number of execution of a color adjustment function having large down time is reduced by executing a simple color adjustment function minimizing down time and maintaining the present hue state according to a hue state of a printer, but it is difficult for a user to properly determine at which timing any one color adjustment function is executed.SOLUTION: An image processing device verifies a quality state of a color in printing in an image forming apparatus and enables the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes which adjust the quality state of the color in the image forming apparatus and have down time different from each other of the image forming apparatus. The image processing device controls the image forming apparatus to determine the color adjustment processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus as any one of the plurality of color adjustment processes according to the verified quality state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, an image processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In commercial printing, accurate reproduction of colors is required. Therefore, at the printing site, the color condition of the printing press is periodically inspected, and if the printing press is not in a state where it can accurately reproduce colors, the color condition is adjusted to maintain the printing press in a state where it can accurately reproduce colors.

[0003] One method for verifying the color quality of printed materials is to use a colorimeter to read a chart with several color patches printed on it, and compare the information read with color standards and criteria in the printing industry or with color standards and criteria established by printing companies themselves. With this method, the average color difference of all patches or the maximum color difference among all patches is generally calculated from the comparison results, and color quality is verified by determining whether the color difference is below a tolerance set by the user in advance. In addition to the average color difference and maximum color difference, verification conditions may also be determined from various other perspectives.

[0004] In addition, as a method for adjusting the color condition, there is a method in which the execution of a print job on a printing machine is generally stopped and the density and color gradation are corrected to match the color standard or criteria. The work of color adjustment takes a certain amount of time, and since print jobs cannot be executed during color adjustment, the downtime of the printing machine is large. Meanwhile, in recent years, in order to reduce the downtime for this color adjustment, a method has been proposed in which a color measurement sensor is installed in the printing machine, color patches are inserted at regular intervals while a print job is being executed, and the density is simply corrected. In addition, Patent Document 1 describes that the waiting time of the user during color adjustment is reduced by adjusting the image quality of the printing unit when a state is reached in which an operation in which the number of user operations is greater than a predetermined number is started. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-21820 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it becomes possible to execute time-consuming color adjustments while a user is performing time-consuming operations on a printing machine. This makes it possible to reduce the user's waiting time. However, the waiting time cannot be reduced unless the user performs time-consuming operations.

[0007] Ideally, it would be preferable to maintain the current color state by executing simple color adjustment functions that minimize downtime according to the color state of the printing press, thereby reducing the number of times that color adjustment functions that require large downtime are executed. However, it is difficult for a user to determine at their own discretion which color adjustment function should be executed and when.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to automatically execute appropriate color adjustment processing in accordance with the result of color verification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, an image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. a color verification means for verifying a color quality state during printing in the image forming apparatus; a color adjustment unit that can cause the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes each of which has a different downtime for the image forming apparatus, the color adjustment processes being a color adjustment process for adjusting a color quality state of the image forming apparatus; and a control means for controlling the color adjustment means to determine one of the plurality of color adjustment processes as the color adjustment process to be performed by the image forming apparatus, depending on the quality state verified by the color verification means. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, there is an advantage that appropriate color adjustment processing can be automatically performed in accordance with the quality state verified in the color verification.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a client computer, an automatic adjustment unit, an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a paper discharge device, and a database according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a client computer and an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information necessary for color verification stored in a database according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process of setting an optimal color adjustment function according to a result of color verification in the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a color verification screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a color verification result screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 2A shows an example of a color adjustment function table according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows an example of an association table between color verification results and color adjustment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting an optimal color adjustment function according to a result of color verification in a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10A shows an example of a color adjustment function table according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10B shows an example of an association table between color verification results and color adjustment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a color adjustment method setting screen for specifying a color adjustment method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting an optimal color adjustment function according to a result of color verification in a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a print job list to be processed by an image processing apparatus, which is stored in a database according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on a display unit of a client computer according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a plurality of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This printing system includes a client computer 101, image forming devices 102 and 102a, image processing devices 112 and 112a, and a database 117. Note that since the image forming devices 102 and 102a have the same hardware configuration, the components of the image forming devices are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the image processing devices 112 and 112a also have the same hardware configuration.

[0016] The client computer 101 is connected to image processing devices 112 and 112a and a database 117 on the same network via a network 118. The client computer 101 functions as an information processing device that performs printing processing, color verification instructions, and the like for the image processing devices 112 and 112a.

[0017] Information necessary for color verification (described in detail in FIG. 4 below) and color verification results are stored in a database 117 on the network, and the information is transmitted to the client computer 101 via the network 118. The information necessary for color verification and the color verification results may be stored and managed within the client computer 101, rather than in the database 117 on the network. Furthermore, the client computer 101 performs color verification by instructing the image processing devices 112, 112a via the network 118 to print and measure a chart on which color patches for color verification are arranged, based on the information that has been set during color verification.

[0018] The image forming apparatuses 102 and 102a are connected to the image processing apparatuses 112 and 112a via cables 113 and 114, respectively. The image forming apparatuses 102 and 102a include a UI panel (operation panel) 103, a paper feed deck 104, a paper feed deck 105, and a spectroscopic sensor 107. An option deck 106 having three paper feed stages is further connected to each of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 102a. The image forming apparatuses 102 and 102a are, for example, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses. The UI panel 103 is, for example, a user interface including a capacitive touch panel. The spectroscopic sensor 107 is a sensor that obtains information by irradiating a material with light and measuring the reflection, scattering, and absorption of the spectrum, and can be used to measure the color of a printed matter.

[0019] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to an automatic adjustment unit 108. The automatic adjustment unit 108 is connected to the image forming apparatus 102 via a cable 115. Furthermore, the automatic adjustment unit 108 is provided with two types of sensors, a spectroscopic sensor 109 and a CIS 110. The spectroscopic sensor 109 has the same role as the spectroscopic sensor 107 provided in the image forming apparatus 102. The CIS 110 is an abbreviation for Contact Image Sensor, and is an image reading sensor. The paper discharge device 111 is connected to the image forming apparatus 102a or the automatic adjustment unit 108 via a cable 116. Furthermore, the paper discharge device 111 is provided with several paper discharge trays, and is capable of stacking deliverables printed by the image forming apparatuses 102 and 102a.

[0020] A print job is generated by the client computer 101, transmitted to the image processing device 112, 112a via the network 118, and managed by the image processing device 112, 112a. The print job is then transmitted from the image processing device 112, 112a to the image forming device 102, 102a via the cable 113 and the cable 114, and the image forming device 102, 102a performs processing to print on paper. Note that the print job may be generated and managed by the image processing device 112, 112a, transmitted to each image forming device 102, 102a via the cable 113 and the cable 114, and managed by the image forming device 102, 102a. Also, a plurality of image forming devices 102, 102a may exist on the network 118.

[0021] Incidentally, the connection configuration of the client computer 101, the image forming apparatuses 102 and 102a, the image processing apparatuses 112 and 112a, and the database 117 according to this embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection configurations in addition to those shown in this embodiment.

[0022] In the following description, a system configuration including a client computer 101, an image forming apparatus 102, an automatic adjustment unit 108, a paper discharge apparatus 111, an image processing apparatus 112, and a database 117 will be described.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the client computer 101, the automatic adjustment unit 108, the image forming apparatus 102, the image processing apparatus 112, the paper discharge apparatus 111, and the database 117 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] First, the configuration of the client computer 101 will be described.

[0025] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 controls and performs calculations in each part of the client computer 101 via a system bus 206. The CPU 201 executes programs stored in a storage unit 203 and deployed in a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202. The RAM 202 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 201, and is used as a work area for the CPU 201 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 203 functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory when the client computer 101 is in operation. A network interface (hereinafter, NW I / F) 204 is connected to a NW I / F 238 of an image processing device 112 on the network via a network 118, and controls communication between the client computer 101 and the image processing device 112. The NW I / F 204 is also connected to a NW I / F 245 of a database 117 on the network via the network 118, and controls communication between the client computer 101 and the database 117. The display unit 205 is a user interface for visually displaying various pieces of information generated by the client computer 101. For example, it includes a monitor display.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 will be described.

[0027] The CPU 207 controls and performs calculations on each part of the image forming apparatus 102 via a system bus 219. The CPU 207 executes programs stored in a storage unit 209 and deployed in a RAM 208. The RAM 208 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 207, and is used as a work area for the CPU 207 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 209 functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory when the image forming apparatus 102 is in operation.

[0028] The NW I / F 210 is connected to a NW I / F 239 of the image processing device 112 via a cable 113, and controls communication between the image processing device 112 and the image forming device 102. The video I / F 211 is connected to a video I / F 240 of the image processing device 112 via a video cable 114, and controls communication of image data between the image processing device 112 and the image forming device 102.

[0029] The UI panel (operation panel) 212 is a hardware configuration of the UI panel 103 in FIG. 1, and is a user interface for performing general operations of the image forming apparatus 102. In the first embodiment, the UI panel 212 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel. The spectroscopic sensor 213 is a hardware configuration of the spectroscopic sensor 107 in FIG. 1, and measures the color of a printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus 102. The paper feed deck I / F 214 manages communication with and control of the paper feed deck 215. The paper feed deck 215 collectively refers to the paper feed decks 104, 105, and the option deck 106 in FIG. 1 as a hardware configuration. The engine I / F 216 manages communication with and control of the printer engine 217. The accessory I / F 218 is connected to an accessory I / F 226 of the automatic adjustment unit 108 via a cable 115, and further connected to an accessory I / F 233 of the paper discharge device 111. That is, the image forming apparatus 102 communicates with the automatic adjustment unit 108 and the paper discharge device 111 via the accessory I / Fs 218 , 226 , and 233 .

[0030] Next, the configuration of the automatic adjustment unit 108 will be described.

[0031] The CPU 221 controls and performs calculations on each part in the automatic adjustment unit 108 via a system bus 228. The CPU 221 executes programs stored in the storage unit 223 and deployed in the RAM 222. The RAM 222 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 221, and is used as a work area for the CPU 221 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 223 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during color measurement operations and adjustment operations. The spectroscopic sensor 224 is a hardware configuration of the spectroscopic sensor 109 in FIG. 1, and measures the color of a printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus 102. The CIS 225 is a hardware configuration of the CIS 110 in FIG. 1, and captures a printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus 102.

[0032] The accessory I / F 226 is connected to the accessory I / F 218 of the image forming apparatus 102 via a cable 115, and controls communication between and the automatic adjustment unit 108 and the image forming apparatus 102. The accessory I / F 227 is connected to the accessory I / F 233 of the paper discharge device 111 via a cable 116, and controls communication between and the automatic adjustment unit 108 and the paper discharge device 111.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the paper discharge device 111 will be described.

[0034] The CPU 229 controls and performs calculations for each section in the paper discharge device 111 via a system bus 234. The CPU 229 executes programs stored in a storage unit 231 and loaded in a RAM 230. The RAM 230 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 229, and is used as a work area for the CPU 229 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 231 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the paper discharge device 111 is in operation. The paper discharge unit 232 monitors and controls the paper discharge operation to the paper discharge trays provided in the paper discharge device 111, and the loading status of each tray. As described above, the paper discharge device 111 communicates with the image forming apparatus 102 and the automatic adjustment unit 108 via the accessory I / Fs 233, 218, and 227.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the image processing device 112 will be described.

[0036] The CPU 235 controls and performs calculations on each part of the image processing device 112 via a system bus 241. The CPU 235 executes a program stored in a storage unit 237 and loaded in a RAM 236. The RAM 236 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 235, and is used as a work area for the CPU 235 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 237 functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory when the image processing device 112 is in operation. The NW I / F 238 is connected to the NW I / F 204 of the client computer 101 and the NW I / F 245 of the database 117 via the network 118. The image processing device 112 communicates with the client computer 101 via the NW I / F 238 and the NW I / F 204. The image processing device 112 also communicates with the database 117 via the NW I / F 238 and the NW I / F 245. The NW I / F 239 is connected to the NW I / F 210 of the image forming apparatus 102 via a cable 113, and controls communication between the image processing device 112 and the image forming apparatus 102. The video I / F 240 is connected to the video I / F 211 of the image forming apparatus 102 via a video cable 114, and controls communication of image data between the image processing device 112 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the database 117 will be described.

[0038] The CPU 242 controls and performs calculations in each part of the database 117 via a system bus 246. The CPU 242 executes programs stored in a storage unit 244 and loaded in a RAM 243. The RAM 243 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 242, and is used as a work area for the CPU 242 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 244 functions as a temporary storage area and a work memory when the database 117 is in operation. The NW I / F 245 is connected to a NW I / F 204 of the client computer 101 on the network via the network 118, and controls communication between the database 117 and the client computer 101. The NW I / F 245 is also connected to a NW I / F 238 of the image processing device 112 on the network via the network 118, and controls communication between the database 117 and the image processing device 112.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the client computer 101 and the image processing device 112 according to the embodiment 1. The functions of the functional units shown in Fig. 3 are achieved by the CPUs of the client computer 101 and the image processing device 112 executing programs loaded in RAM.

[0040] A program for realizing the color management system 300 is installed in the storage unit 203 of the client computer 101, and when an instruction to execute the system is received, the program is loaded into the RAM 202 and executed by the CPU 201. The color management system 300 has a UI control unit 301, a color verification processing unit 302, a color adjustment processing unit 303, a data management unit 304, and a data transmission / reception unit 305. The UI control unit 301 outputs various user interfaces of the color management system 300 to the display unit 205 and controls processing for receiving input from a user. The color verification processing unit 302 controls processing for generating a verification job for performing color verification and transmitting it to the image processing device 112, and processing for verifying the color quality state at the time of printing in the image processing device 112 by comparing it with a reference value based on information on colors measured by the image forming device 102. The color adjustment processing unit 303 controls processing for determining a color adjustment function to be executed and setting it in the image processing device 112. The data management unit 304 controls processing for accessing and editing various information related to color verification and color adjustment. The data transmission / reception unit 305 controls the transmission and reception of data to and from the image processing device 112 .

[0041] Next, the function of the image processing device 112 will be described.

[0042] The image processing device 112 includes a UI control unit 306, a color verification processing unit 307, a color adjustment processing unit 308, a print job control unit 309, and a data transmission / reception unit 310. The UI control unit 306 controls output (e.g., image display) to an output device such as a display (not shown), and input from an input device such as a keyboard (not shown). The color verification processing unit 307 controls the process of transmitting color information of patches read by the spectral sensor 213 of the image forming device 102 or the spectral sensor 224 of the optional automatic adjustment unit 108 to the color management system 300. The color adjustment processing unit 308 controls the setting and execution of various color adjustment functions. The print job control unit 309 performs control necessary for the execution of a print job by the image forming device 102, such as management and analysis of print jobs received via the network 118, expansion into a raster image, and compression and decompression of images. Note that this print job includes not only deliverables created by a normal user, but also printing of a chart for color verification. A data transmission / reception unit 310 manages transmission and reception of various data between the client computer 101 and the image forming apparatus 102. A print job processed as necessary by the print job control unit 309 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 102 by the data transmission / reception unit 310. Note that the processes shown in the respective flowcharts described below are realized by the above-mentioned CPUs functioning as the respective functional units by executing programs expanded in the corresponding RAMs.

[0043] 4 is a diagram showing an example of information necessary for color verification stored in the database 117 according to the embodiment 1. The information is stored in the storage unit 244 of the database 117.

[0044] FIG. 4A shows an example of color reference data when performing color verification. Table 401 is an information table showing what information is stored for the color reference used when performing color verification. Reference ID 402 is ID information for distinguishing the stored color reference. In this example, a four-digit number is shown, but this is merely an example, and various other methods such as a random combination of characters may be used. Reference name 403 shows the name of the stored color reference. Printer 404 shows which printer (image forming device 102) is used to adopt the color reference and print to perform color verification. Tolerance value 405 shows what tolerance value is set for the stored color reference, such as average color difference, maximum color difference, etc. In this example, only the average color difference and maximum color difference are shown, but various other tolerance values ​​such as the average color difference in a gray area may be used.

[0045] FIG. 4B shows an example of data indicating what color reference values ​​are held for various color patches in each color reference shown in FIG. 4A. Table 406 is an information table in which color references are associated with what color patches they have. Reference ID 407 is ID information for indicating which color reference the information table is for. In this example, when a matching ID is searched for from reference ID 402 in FIG. 4A, it is found that this information table 406 is for a color reference called "JapanColor2011". Patch ID 408 is ID information for identifying a color patch. Reference numbers 409 to 412 indicate C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), and K (Black) in printing corresponding to each patch, respectively, and signal values ​​from 0 to 100 are stored. Reference numbers 413 to 415 indicate reference values ​​(Lab values) in the Lab color space set by the color reference in combinations of CMYK signal values, respectively. In this example, the reference values ​​are set as L = 53.70, a = -36.00, and b = -49.20 when the signal value combination is C = 100, and M, Y, K = 0. Different values ​​are set for each of these reference values.

[0046] Fig. 4(C) shows an example of color verification result data in which each color patch shown in Fig. 4(B) is printed, and the colorimetric values ​​of the printed patches and the color difference between the reference value and the colorimetric values ​​are added. In Fig. 4(C), data common to Fig. 4(B) is indicated by the same reference numbers.

[0047] Reference numerals 416 to 418 indicate color measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the color patches of each color. Reference numeral 419 indicates the color difference (ΔE) between the reference values ​​of reference numerals 413 to 415 and the color measurement values ​​of reference numerals 416 to 418.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing for setting an optimal color adjustment function according to the result of color verification in the system according to the first embodiment. Each processing step will be explained with reference to the color verification screen in Fig. 6, the color verification result screen in Fig. 7, and the color adjustment information in Fig. 8. Details will be described later, but S503, S504, S515, and S516 are processing steps executed by the image processing device 112 and the image forming device 102, and the other steps are processing steps executed by the color management system 300 of the client computer 101.

[0049] In S501, the color management system 300 receives an instruction to start execution of color verification. At this time, the UI control unit 301 displays the color verification execution screen shown in Fig. 6 on the display unit 205. At this time, the data management unit 304 acquires the color reference list shown in Fig. 4(A) from the database 117 via the network 118.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification screen according to the first embodiment.

[0051] On this screen, "JapanColor2001" with the reference ID "0001" mentioned above in FIG. 4(A) is selected in list box 601 as the color reference to be measured. When start button 602 is selected here, the color reference selected in list box 601 is set as the color reference to be measured. On the other hand, when cancel button 603 is selected, the settings on this screen are cancelled. When designation of the color reference selected in list box 601 is received from the user via UI control unit 301 and start button 602 is pressed, color verification processing unit 302 starts executing color verification. When cancel button 603 is pressed, color verification processing unit 302 cancels execution of color verification.

[0052] In S502, the color management system 300 transmits an instruction to print and measure the color of chart data for color verification to the image processing device 112. At this time, the color verification processing unit 302 acquires information on the color reference specified in the list box 601. For example, if the reference ID is "0001", the reference name "JapanColor2001", the printer "Printer A", and the allowable values ​​"average color difference: 2, maximum color difference 4" in FIG. 4A are acquired. Furthermore, the color patches used for this color reference and their reference value information table 406 (FIG. 4B) are acquired. Then, the color verification processing unit 302 creates chart data for color verification and transmits it as a print job for color verification to the image processing device 112 corresponding to the specified "Printer A" via the data transmission / reception unit 305.

[0053] As a result, in S503, the image processing device 112 transmits an instruction to print and measure the color of the received chart data to the image forming device 102, and acquires color information measured by the image forming device 102. At this time, the print job control unit 309 of the image processing device 112 transmits an instruction to print the received chart data for color verification to the image forming device 102 via the data transmission / reception unit 310. As a result, the CPU 207 of the image forming device 102 executes printing of the received chart data for color verification, and measures the color of the printed matter using the spectral sensor 107. Then, the CPU 207 of the image forming device 102 transmits the result of the color measurement (colorimetric data Lab) to the image processing device 112 via the cable 113. Thus, in S504, the image processing device 112 transmits the color information measured by the color management system 300. At this time, the color verification processing unit 307 of the image processing device 112 transmits the result of the color measurement (colorimetric data Lab) received to the color management system 300 via the data transmission / reception unit 310.

[0054] In S505, the color management system 303 receives the colorimetric color information. The data management unit 304 of the color management system 300 stores the received colorimetric results (colorimetric data Lab) in the RAM 202. At this time, the colorimetric results (colorimetric data Lab) may be transmitted to the database 117 instead of to the color management system 300, and the CPU 242 of the database 117 may store the colorimetric results in the RAM 243. In this case, the data management unit 304 of the color management system 300 acquires the colorimetric results (colorimetric data Lab) from the database 117 via the data transmission / reception unit 305, and stores them in the RAM 202.

[0055] Next, in S506, the color management system 300 compares the received color information with the reference value and verifies the color quality state. At this time, the color verification processing unit 302 calculates the color difference between the acquired color measurement result (color measurement data Lab) and the reference value Lab of the color reference acquired in S502, and stores the result in the RAM 202. The information stored at this time is, for example, the data shown in FIG. 4C described above. There are various calculation methods for color difference calculation, such as CIE76, CIE96, and CIE2000, and any calculation formula may be used. The color verification processing unit 302 calculates the average color difference and maximum color difference of all patches based on the obtained color difference calculation result, and stores the result in the RAM 202. Since the calculation of the average color difference and the maximum color difference is a common calculation method, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] Then, in S507, the color verification processing unit 302 compares the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference with the average color difference and maximum color difference of the tolerance of the color standard acquired in S502 to determine whether or not they exceed the tolerance. If the tolerance is not exceeded, the color quality state is good, and the color verification result is OK. On the other hand, if the tolerance is exceeded, the color quality state is poor, and the color verification result is NG, and the process proceeds to S513. In S513, the color adjustment processing unit 303 determines the color adjustment function to be set to "color adjustment function 1", and proceeds to S514.

[0057] If the tolerance is not exceeded in S507, the quality level is determined based on the difference between the average color difference and the maximum color difference of the color standard. Here, the quality levels A, B, C, and D are determined in order of decreasing difference.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification result screen according to the first embodiment.

[0059] The color verification result screen 701 is displayed on the display unit 205 via the UI control unit 302 at the timing when the judgment process of the color verification result is completed. This display may not be automatically performed, but may be performed according to a user's instruction. Reference number 702 indicates the judgment result of the color verification (OK, NG, quality level). Here, it is displayed that the color verification result is OK and the quality level is level A. Reference number 703 indicates basic information of the color verification (execution date and time, standard ID, standard name, printer). Reference number 704 indicates details of the verification result (average color difference, maximum color difference). Reference number 705 indicates the color measurement result of the color patch and the color difference information for each patch. When the user presses the export button 706, the color verification result is downloaded in a file format such as PDF or CSV. The close button 707 is a close button for closing the color verification result screen 701. In addition, in S506, the color management system 300 acquires information related to the color adjustment function to be executed subsequently.

[0060] Fig. 8(A) is a diagram showing an example of a color adjustment function table according to the embodiment 1, and Fig. 8(B) is a diagram showing an example of an association table between color verification results and color adjustment according to the embodiment 1. These pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 244 of the database 117, and are acquired by the data management unit 304 from the database 117 via the data transmission / reception unit 305.

[0061] Color adjustment function 801 in FIG. 8(A) indicates a color adjustment function that can be executed by this system. Two types of color adjustment functions, color adjustment function 1 and color adjustment function 2, can be executed here. Downtime 802 indicates information about the downtime of the image forming apparatus 102 due to the color adjustment function. Here, color adjustment function 1 has a long downtime (equal to or longer than a predetermined time), and color adjustment function 2 has a short downtime (shorter than the predetermined time). For example, color adjustment function 1 is a color adjustment function that stops execution of a print job in the image forming apparatus 102 described above and performs gradation correction and density correction. Color adjustment function 2 is a color adjustment function that performs density correction while executing a print job, and therefore has a short downtime.

[0062] The color verification result 803 in FIG. 8B indicates OK, NG, and quality levels A to D. The color adjustment 804 indicates whether or not color adjustment is necessary corresponding to each color verification result. If color adjustment is necessary, the value "necessary" is stored, and if not, the value "not necessary" is stored. The downtime 805 indicates the downtime when the color adjustment is performed. If the color adjustment 804 indicates that color adjustment is "necessary", the downtime of the color adjustment to be performed is stored. This downtime 805 corresponds to the downtime 802 in FIG. 8A. For example, it is defined that if the color verification result is OK and level A, color adjustment is not necessary, and if the color adjustment result is OK and level B, color adjustment is necessary and the downtime is short, and color adjustment function 2 is executed. In the example of FIG. 8, the downtimes 802 and 805 are associated with the color adjustment functions to be executed, but they may be associated by ID or the like as long as they can be uniquely associated. The subsequent processing steps are processing for executing color adjustment corresponding to the color verification result. In the example of Fig. 8, the difference between the average color difference and the maximum color difference of the color standard is compared with a threshold value that determines the quality level C, and if the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, i.e., less than level C, a color adjustment with a large downtime is selected. On the other hand, if the difference is less than the threshold value, i.e., equal to or greater than level C, a color adjustment with a small downtime is selected. In other words, if the quality level detected by the color verification result is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a color adjustment with a small downtime is selected, and if the quality level is less than the threshold value, a color adjustment with a large downtime is selected.

[0063] In S507, the color management system 300 judges whether the color verification result is OK or NG. The color verification processing unit 302 judges whether the color verification result is OK or not based on the result of the color verification in S506, and if it is OK, proceeds to S508, and if it is NG, proceeds to S513. In S508, the color management system 300 judges whether the quality level of the color verification result is A (the difference between the average color difference and the maximum color difference is the smallest). Here, the color verification processing unit 302 judges whether the quality level of the color verification result in S506 is A or not, and if the quality level is A, proceeds to S509, and if not, proceeds to S510. In S509, the color management system 300 determines that the color adjustment function to be set is "unnecessary". Specifically, the color verification processing unit 302 refers to the information in the color adjustment function table of Figure 8 (A) and the color verification result and color adjustment association table of Figure 8 (B) obtained in the preprocessing step, determines that the color adjustment function that should be set when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is A is "unnecessary," and proceeds to S514.

[0064] In S510, the color management system 300 determines whether the quality level of the color verification result is B or not. The color verification processing unit 302 determines whether the quality level of the color verification result of S506 is B or not, and if the quality level is B, proceeds to S511, and if not, proceeds to S512. In S511, the color management system 300 determines the color adjustment function to be set as "color adjustment function 2." At this time, the color verification processing unit 302 refers to the information in the color adjustment function table acquired in the pre-processing step and the association table between color verification result and color adjustment, determines that the color adjustment function to be set when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is B is "color adjustment function 2," and proceeds to S514.

[0065] Also, in S512, the color management system 300 determines whether the quality level of the color verification result is C. That is, in S512, the color verification processing unit 302 determines whether the quality level of the color verification result of S506 is C or not, and if the quality level is C, proceeds to S511, determines the color adjustment function to be set as "color adjustment function 2", and proceeds to S514.

[0066] On the other hand, if the quality level of the color verification result is not C in S512, the process proceeds to S513. In S513, the color management system 300 determines the color adjustment function to be set as "color adjustment function 1". At this time, the color verification processing unit 302 refers to the information of the color adjustment function table acquired in the pre-processing step and the association table between the color verification result and color adjustment, and determines that the color adjustment function to be set is "color adjustment function 1" when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is C, and when the color verification result is NG, and proceeds to S514. In S514, the color management system 300 transmits a setting instruction for the color adjustment function determined in any one of S509, S511, and S513 to the image processing device 112. Specifically, the color adjustment processing unit 303 transmits a setting instruction for the color adjustment function determined in any one of S509, S511, and S513 to the image processing device 112 via the data transmission / reception unit 305.

[0067] Thus, in S515, the color adjustment processing unit 308 of the image processing device 112 sets the color adjustment function of the image processing device 112 based on the information of the color adjustment function to be set received via the data transmission / reception unit 310, and transmits an instruction to execute the color adjustment function to the image forming device 102. At this time, the color adjustment processing unit 308 sets the color adjustment function based on the setting instruction of the color adjustment function received by the data transmission / reception unit 310 of the image processing device 112. The color adjustment processing unit 308 also transmits the setting instruction of the color adjustment function to the image forming device 102 via the data transmission / reception unit 310. Note that if the setting of the color adjustment function in this processing step is the same as the currently set color adjustment function, the setting process may be skipped and only execution may be performed.

[0068] The process then proceeds to S516, where the image processing device 112 and the image forming device 102 execute the received color adjustment function. More specifically, the CPU 235 of the image processing device 112 functions as a color adjustment processing unit 308, and executes the color adjustment function based on the received instruction for the color adjustment function. For example, in the case of "color adjustment function 1", the execution of the job being printed is paused and color adjustment is executed. In addition, in the case of "color adjustment function 2", from the subsequent print job onwards, a simple adjustment function is executed by inserting a color verification chart at a predetermined interval while continuing printing.

[0069] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to execute an optimal color adjustment process according to the result of color verification. If the color quality state is good, a simple color adjustment function with little downtime is executed. This allows operation to maintain a good color state for as long as possible. Only when the quality state becomes poor can control be performed to execute a color adjustment process with a large downtime but capable of correcting to a reference value. This makes it possible to maintain color quality while increasing the productivity of the image forming apparatus as much as possible.

[0070] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, a screen is displayed to execute color verification and an instruction to execute color verification is received from a user, but the date and time for executing color verification may be set in advance, and color verification may be executed automatically at the specified date and time. By automating the execution of color verification in this way, it is possible to automate the execution of color verification and optimal color adjustment, thereby making it possible to improve efficiency.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the color management system 300 is described as on-premise software executed on the client computer 101, but it may be a service executed on the cloud. The functions of the color management system 300 may also be executed by the image processing device 112.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment 1, the color adjustment function to be executed is determined based on the index of color verification quality levels A to D. However, instead of the abstract concept of quality level, the color adjustment process to be executed may be determined based on, for example, the difference between the CMYK or Lab color value and the reference value.

[0073] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that a description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, a process of dividing the settings according to the result of color verification by taking into account the adjustment mode of the color adjustment function will be described. It will also be described that the color adjustment function set according to the result of color verification can be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0074] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process of setting an optimal color adjustment function according to the result of color verification in the system according to the second embodiment. Note that the same steps as those in Fig. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. Each processing step will be explained using the color adjustment information in Fig. 10 and the color adjustment setting screen in Fig. 11.

[0075] In S901, the color management system 300 compares the received color information with a reference value to verify the color quality state. This color verification processing step is the same as S506 described above, so a description thereof will be omitted. The difference from S506 in Fig. 5 described above is that the information related to the color adjustment function to be executed that is obtained is the color adjustment function table shown in Fig. 10(A) and the association table between color verification results and color adjustment shown in Fig. 10(B). This information is stored in the storage unit 244 of the database 117, and the data management unit 304 obtains it from the database 117 via the data transmission / reception unit 305.

[0076] Here, the difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 will be described.

[0077] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a color adjustment function table according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of an association table between color verification results and color adjustment according to the second embodiment.

[0078] An adjustment mode 1001 in FIG. 10(A) indicates an adjustment mode of the color adjustment function. Here, it is shown that the color adjustment function 2 has two adjustment modes, an "interrupt mode" and a "continuous mode". For example, the color adjustment function 2 is a function that performs density correction while a print job is being executed, and when it is operated in the "interrupt mode", it performs color measurement by inserting a color chart at a predetermined interval and performs correction. On the other hand, when it is operated in the "continuous mode", it performs color measurement by printing a color chart in the margin area of ​​the sheet of the print job and performs correction.

[0079] Interval 1002 indicates the interval at which a color chart is inserted when adjustment mode 1001 is the "interrupt mode." In the example of FIG. 10A, there are two types of settings: a setting for inserting a color chart every time 3000 sheets are ejected, and a setting for inserting a color chart every time 300 sheets are ejected. Downtime 1003 indicates information on downtime of the image forming apparatus 102 due to the color adjustment function. In FIG. 8A of the first embodiment, two types of downtime, large and small, were defined, but here, downtime settings are defined for the number of patterns of the color adjustment function, and are expressed as numerical values ​​from "1" to "4." The numerical value "1" means the shortest downtime, and the larger the numerical value, the longer the downtime, with "4" being the maximum.

[0080] In the example of FIG. 10A, the image forming apparatus 102 is defined to have a longer downtime in the "continuous mode" than in the "interrupt mode". As described above, the "continuous mode" prints a color chart in the margin of the sheet of the print job and performs color measurement and adjustment processing, so that no downtime due to adjustment processing occurs. However, whether or not there is an area for printing a color chart in the margin of the print job varies depending on the type of job. Therefore, the user needs to determine whether or not the "continuous mode" can be executed for each print job. Therefore, there is a possibility that downtime will be longer when switching adjustment processing. In view of this, in the second embodiment, the "continuous mode" is defined to have a longer downtime than the "interrupt mode". However, this may be changed depending on the user's usage environment.

[0081] Downtime 1004 in Fig. 10(B) indicates the downtime during execution of color adjustment corresponding to Fig. 10(A). For example, if the color verification result is OK and is level B, "interrupt mode" (insertion of a color chart every 3000 sheets) is executed in color adjustment function 2, which corresponds to downtime "1" in Fig. 10(A). Also, if the color verification result is OK and is level D, "continuous mode" of color adjustment function 2, which corresponds to downtime "3" in Fig. 10(A), is executed.

[0082] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a color adjustment method setting screen 1101 for designating a color adjustment method according to embodiment 2. This setting screen 1101 is displayed on the display unit 205 when the UI control unit 301 receives a display instruction from the user via a setting menu (not shown) of the color management system 300 or the like. This screen 1101 enables the user to arbitrarily define which color adjustment function is to be executed according to the result of color verification shown in the color adjustment function table in FIG. 10(A) and the association table between color verification result and color adjustment in FIG. 10(B).

[0083] A combo box 1102 specifies a color adjustment method when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is A. A combo box 1103 specifies a color adjustment method when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is B. A combo box 1104 specifies a color adjustment method when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is C. A combo box 1105 specifies a color adjustment method when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is D. A combo box 1106 specifies a color adjustment method when the color verification result is NG. Combo boxes 1107, 1108, and 1109 specify the operation mode of the color adjustment method, that is, "interrupt mode" or "continuous mode". The combo boxes 1102 to 1106 are displayed when a color adjustment method for which an operation mode can be specified is specified. Combo boxes 1110 and 1111 specify a chart insertion interval that can be specified when the operation mode is "interrupt mode". Combo boxes 1110 and 1111 are displayed when the operation mode is set to "interrupt mode" in combo boxes 1107 to 1109. An OK button 1112 sets the color adjustment function input on this setting screen 1101. A cancel button 1113 cancels the settings on this screen 1101. In the example of FIG. 11, if the color verification result is OK and the quality level is A, the color adjustment method is "unnecessary", and if the color verification result is OK and the quality level is B, the color adjustment method is "adjustment method 2", the operation mode is "interrupt mode", and the chart insertion interval is "2000" per sheet.

[0084] In this way, the user can arbitrarily set and change the color adjustment information that is predefined by the color management system 300. In Fig. 10, the color verification result and the color adjustment function are associated with each other using downtime 1003 in Fig. 10(A) and downtime 1004 in Fig. 10(B) as keys. However, if the user is to be able to customize using the setting screen 1101 in Fig. 11, the association should be made using an ID or the like.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 9, in S510, the color management system 300 judges whether the quality level of the color verification result is B or not. The color verification processing unit 302 judges whether the quality level of the color verification result judged in S901 is B or not, and if the quality level is B, proceeds to S902. In S902, the color verification processing unit 302 determines the color adjustment function to be set as "color adjustment function 2" and the adjustment mode as "interrupt mode". At this time, the color verification processing unit 302 refers to the information of the color adjustment function table of FIG. 10(A) acquired in the pre-processing step and the association table between the color verification result and color adjustment of FIG. 10(B). Then, when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is B, it determines the color adjustment function to be set as "color adjustment function 2" and the adjustment mode as "interrupt mode".

[0086] The process then proceeds to S903, where the color verification processing unit 302 determines the chart insertion interval to be set. At this time, the color verification processing unit 302 refers to the information in the color adjustment function table in Fig. 10(A) acquired in the pre-processing step and the association table between color verification results and color adjustment in Fig. 10(B). Then, when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is B, the color verification processing unit 302 determines the chart insertion interval to be set as "3000". When the color verification result is OK and the quality level is C, the color verification processing unit 302 determines the chart insertion interval to be set as "300".

[0087] In addition, in S512, the color management system 300 determines whether the quality level of the color verification result is C or not, and if the quality level is C, proceeds to S902 described above, and if not, proceeds to S904. In S904, the color verification processing unit 302 determines the color adjustment function to be set to "color adjustment function 2" and the adjustment mode to be "continuous mode". At this time, the color verification processing unit 302 refers to the information in the color adjustment function table of FIG. 10(A) acquired in the preprocessing step and the association table between color verification results and color adjustment of FIG. 10(B). Then, when the color verification result is OK and the quality level is D, it determines that the color adjustment function to be set is "color adjustment function 2" and the adjustment mode is "continuous mode".

[0088] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the adjustment mode of the color adjustment function is set according to the result of color verification, and further, it is possible to execute the optimal color adjustment process taking into consideration the difference in downtime of the image forming apparatus. In addition, since the user can customize the color adjustment function set according to the result of color verification, it becomes possible to set the color adjustment function more flexibly according to the user environment.

[0089] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that descriptions of the same configurations as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted. In the third embodiment, a process of displaying a warning in accordance with the margin state of a print job of the image forming apparatus 102 when the adjustment mode of the color adjustment function described in the second embodiment is the "continuous mode" will be described.

[0090] Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the process of setting an optimal color adjustment function according to the result of color verification in the system according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 12, the same processes as those in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Each processing step will be explained using the print job list information in Fig. 13 and the warning screen in Fig. 14.

[0091] In S514, the color management system 300 transmits a setting instruction for the color adjustment function determined in any one of S509, S513, or S902 to S904 to the image processing device 112. As a result, in S1201, the CPU 207 of the image forming device 102 functions as the color adjustment processing unit 308 and determines whether the received color adjustment function is "color adjustment function 2" and the adjustment mode is "continuous mode". If the color adjustment function to be set and received via the data transmission / reception unit 310 is "color adjustment function 2" and the adjustment mode is "continuous mode", the process proceeds to S1202, and if the color adjustment function is not "color adjustment function 2" and the adjustment mode is not "continuous mode", the process proceeds to S515.

[0092] In S1202, the CPU 207 functions as the data transmission / reception unit 310, acquires print job list information that stores information on print jobs held by the image processing device 112, and acquires information on print jobs to be printed by the image forming device 102. At this time, the data transmission / reception unit 310 acquires the print job list information stored in the database 117 via the network 118.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print job list to be processed by the image processing apparatus 112 and stored in the database 117 according to the third embodiment.

[0094] Job ID 1301 is identification information that uniquely identifies a print job, job name 1302 is the name of the print job, and data path 1303 is a reference path to the print job data. Number of sheets 1304 is the number of sheets output per job, number of copies 1305 is the number of copies printed in that job, and status 1306 is the status of the print job, storing one of "printing," "printed," or "waiting to be printed." Paper size 1307 is the size of paper output in that print job, paper type 1308 is the type of paper used in that print job, and single-sided 1309 is setting information for single-sided or double-sided printing. Post-processing 1310 indicates setting information for post-processing such as binding, and margins 1311 indicate margin information for the paper printed in the print job.

[0095] Status 1306 indicates the status of the print job, with "Printed" indicating that printing has been completed by the image forming apparatus 102, "Printing" indicating that printing is currently being performed, and "Waiting to be printed" indicating that printing has not yet been performed. Margin 1311 indicates information on the margin areas at the top, bottom, left, and right of the print sheet surface of the print job. Note that instead of storing margin 1311 in the print job list information, the system may calculate how many millimeters the margin will be using print job data referenced by data path 1303, paper size 1307, and layout information (not shown).

[0096] The print job control unit 309 determines that the print job with the status 1306 of the print job list information being "waiting to print" and the smallest job ID 1301 is the job to be printed next by the image forming apparatus 102. In the example of FIG. 13, since there are two job IDs 1301 with the status 1306 being "waiting to print", "22" and "23", the print job with the job ID 1301 being "22" is determined to be the job to be printed next by the image forming apparatus 102. Note that although the jobs are printed in ascending order of job ID here, a value indicating the printing order may be defined separately from the job ID. The reason for acquiring information on the print job to be printed next in S1202 is that when the color adjustment function received in S1201 is set, it becomes effective from the next print job. If the timing when the color adjustment function setting becomes effective is immediate, job information with the status 1306 being "printing" may be acquired in S1202.

[0097] Next, the process proceeds to S1203, where the CPU 207 functions as the print job control unit 309 and determines whether the margin 1311 of the acquired print job information is equal to or greater than a threshold. At this time, the print job control unit 309 acquires the margin 1311 of the print job information acquired in S1202, compares it with a threshold predefined in the system, and if the margin 1311 is greater than the threshold, it determines that there is a margin available for patch printing, and proceeds to S515. On the other hand, if the margin 1311 is smaller than the threshold, it determines that there is no margin available for patch printing, and proceeds to S1204. In the example of FIG. 13, the margin 1311 "2 mm" of the job ID 1301 "22" is acquired, and if the threshold is 5 mm, for example, it is determined that there is no margin available for patch printing.

[0098] In S1204, the CPU 207 functions as the color adjustment processing unit 308, and transmits a warning display notification to warn that there is no margin available for patch printing to the color management system 300. At this time, the color adjustment processing unit 308 transmits the warning display notification to the color management system 300 via the data transmission / reception unit 310.

[0099] As a result, in S1205, the color management system 300 displays a warning screen based on the received warning display notification. At this time, based on the warning display notification received via the data transmission / reception unit 305, the UI control unit 301 displays the warning screen on the display unit 205.

[0100] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit 205 of the client computer 101 according to the third embodiment.

[0101] This warning screen warns that when the color adjustment function "Color Adjustment Function 2" and the adjustment mode "Continuous Mode" are set, the patches used in "Continuous Mode" cannot be printed in the margins of the print job. If the mode is automatically switched to "Continuous Mode", the patches may be printed on the print surface, resulting in a printing error, so a warning like this is displayed in advance to inform the user of this.

[0102] Then, the process proceeds to S1206, where the CPU 207 determines whether or not to continue setting the color adjustment function. At this time, the CPU 207 functions as the UI control unit 301, and if it receives a notification that the user has confirmed on the warning screen and pressed "Yes" 1401, it determines that the setting of the color adjustment function is to be continued, and proceeds to S515. On the other hand, if it receives a notification that "No" 1402 has been pressed, it determines that the setting of the color adjustment function is to be canceled, and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0103] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the adjustment mode of the color adjustment function is set to the "continuous mode" based on the result of color verification, it is possible to display a warning to the user in consideration of the margins of the print job. This makes it possible to prevent adjustment patches from being automatically printed when a print job that does not have margins is executed.

[0104] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0105] The present specification and drawings disclose the following printing system, image processing device, and program.

[0106] [Item 1] a color verification means for verifying a color quality state during printing in the image forming apparatus; a color adjustment unit that can cause the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes each of which has a different downtime for the image forming apparatus, the color adjustment processes being a color adjustment process for adjusting a color quality state of the image forming apparatus; a control unit that controls the color adjustment unit to determine one of the plurality of color adjustment processes as a color adjustment process to be performed by the image forming apparatus according to the quality state verified by the color verification unit; 13. An image processing device comprising:

[0107] [Item 2] The image processing device described in item 1, characterized in that the control means determines to execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time if the quality state is below a threshold, and to execute a second color adjustment process in which the downtime is shorter than the predetermined time if the quality state is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0108] [Item 3] The image processing device described in item 1 or 2, characterized in that the color verification means causes the image forming device to print a chart on which color patches for color verification are arranged, reads the chart to calculate the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color patches, and verifies the quality condition by comparing the average color difference and maximum color difference with the average color difference and maximum color difference of the allowable values ​​of the color standard.

[0109] [Item 4] The image processing device described in item 3, characterized in that the control means determines a quality level based on the difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color standard, and determines to have the color adjustment means execute one of the multiple color adjustment processes based on the quality level.

[0110] [Item 5] The image processing device described in item 2, characterized in that the first color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts the color quality state by stopping execution of a print job of the image forming device, and the second color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts the color quality state while continuing execution of the print job of the image forming device.

[0111] [Item 6] The image processing device described in item 3, characterized in that the control means determines to have the color adjustment means execute one of the plurality of color adjustment processes depending on the quality state, even if the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference meet the tolerance values ​​of the color standard.

[0112] [Item 7] The image processing device described in item 3, characterized in that, when the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference do not satisfy the tolerance of the color standard, the control means determines to have the color adjustment means execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

[0113] [Item 8] The image processing device described in item 3, characterized in that the multiple color adjustment processes further include a first adjustment mode in which a chart for color verification is inserted at a predetermined interval to adjust the quality of the colors at the time of printing, and a second adjustment mode in which color patches for color verification are printed in the margin areas at the top, bottom, left, and right of the printing sheet surface printed in the print job to adjust the quality of the colors at the time of printing.

[0114] [Item 9] The image processing device described in item 8, characterized in that the control means determines a quality level based on the difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color reference, and determines the color adjustment process to be executed by the color adjustment means and the first adjustment mode or the second adjustment mode based on the quality level.

[0115] [Item 10] 10. The image processing device according to item 9, further comprising: a setting means for setting a color adjustment process to be executed by the color adjustment means based on the quality level determined by the control means, and the first adjustment mode and the second adjustment mode.

[0116] [Item 11] 11. The image processing device according to item 10, wherein the setting means further sets the predetermined interval.

[0117] [Item 12] The image processing device described in any one of items 8 to 11, further comprising a display means for acquiring margin information on the top, bottom, left and right of the printing sheet surface printed by the image forming device when the second adjustment mode is set, and displaying a warning screen for prompting a user to confirm the color adjustment process if there is no margin area equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0118] [Item 13] A printing system including an image processing device and an image forming device that executes a print job from the image processing device and performs printing, The image processing device includes: a color verification unit for verifying a color quality state during printing in the image forming apparatus; a color adjustment unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes each of which has a different downtime for the image forming apparatus, the color adjustment processes being for adjusting a color quality state of the image forming apparatus; and a control unit that controls the color adjustment unit to determine one of the plurality of color adjustment processes as a color adjustment process to be performed by the image forming apparatus according to the quality state verified by the color verification unit, The image forming apparatus includes: A printing system comprising: a unit for executing a color adjustment process instructed by the color adjustment unit.

[0119] [Item 14] The printing system described in item 13, characterized in that the control means determines to execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time if the quality condition is below a threshold, and determines to execute a second color adjustment process in which the downtime is shorter than the predetermined time if the quality condition is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0120] [Item 15] The printing system described in item 13 or 14, characterized in that the color verification means causes the image forming device to print a chart on which color patches for color verification are arranged, reads the chart to calculate the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color patches, and verifies the quality condition by comparing the average color difference and maximum color difference with the average color difference and maximum color difference of the allowable values ​​of the color standard.

[0121] [Item 16] The printing system described in item 15, characterized in that the control means determines a quality level based on the difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color standard, and determines to have the color adjustment means execute one of the multiple color adjustment processes based on the quality level.

[0122] [Item 17] The printing system described in item 14, characterized in that the first color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that stops execution of a print job on the image forming device and adjusts the color quality state, and the second color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts the color quality state while continuing execution of the print job on the image forming device.

[0123] [Item 18] A program for causing an image processing device to execute a color verification process for an image forming device, a color verification step of verifying a color quality state during printing in the image forming apparatus; a color adjustment step for instructing the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes each having a different downtime for the image forming apparatus, the color adjustment process being a color adjustment process for adjusting a color quality state of the image forming apparatus; a control step of controlling the image forming apparatus to determine, in accordance with the quality state verified in the color verification step, one of the plurality of color adjustment steps as a color adjustment process to be performed by the image forming apparatus in the color adjustment step; A program comprising:

[0124] [Item 19] The program described in item 18, characterized in that the control step controls to execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time if the quality state is below a threshold, and to execute a second color adjustment process in which the downtime is shorter than the predetermined time if the quality state is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0125] [Item 20] The program described in item 18 or 19, characterized in that the color verification process causes the image forming device to print a chart on which color patches for color verification are arranged, reads the chart to calculate an average color difference and a maximum color difference of the color patches, and verifies the quality condition by comparing the average color difference and maximum color difference with the average color difference and maximum color difference of the allowable values ​​of a color standard.

[0126] [Item 21] The program described in item 20, characterized in that the control process determines a quality level based on the difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color standard, and determines to execute one of the multiple color adjustment processes by the color adjustment process based on the quality level.

[0127] [Item 22] The program described in item 19, characterized in that the first color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that stops execution of a print job on the image forming device and adjusts the color quality state, and the second color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts the color quality state while continuing execution of the print job on the image forming device.

[0128] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 101: client computer; 102, 102a: image forming apparatus; 103: UI panel; 107: spectroscopic sensor; 108: automatic adjustment unit; 109, 213, 224: spectroscopic sensor; 110: CIS; 111: paper ejection device; 112, 112a: image processing apparatus; 117: database; 300: color management system; 302, 307: color verification processing unit; 303, 308: color adjustment processing unit

Claims

1. a color verification means for verifying a color quality state during printing in the image forming apparatus; a color adjustment unit that can cause the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes each of which has a different downtime for the image forming apparatus, the color adjustment processes being a color adjustment process for adjusting a color quality state of the image forming apparatus; a control unit that controls the color adjustment unit to determine one of the plurality of color adjustment processes as a color adjustment process to be performed by the image forming apparatus according to the quality state verified by the color verification unit; 13. An image processing device comprising:

2. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines to execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time if the quality state is below a threshold, and determines to execute a second color adjustment process in which the downtime is shorter than the predetermined time if the quality state is equal to or greater than the threshold.

3. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the color verification means causes the image forming device to print a chart on which color patches for color verification are arranged, reads the chart to calculate an average color difference and a maximum color difference of the color patches, and verifies the quality condition by comparing the average color difference and maximum color difference with an average color difference and a maximum color difference of an allowable value of a color standard.

4. 4. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control means determines a quality level based on the difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color reference, and determines to have the color adjustment means execute one of the plurality of color adjustment processes based on the quality level.

5. 3. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein the first color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts a color quality state by stopping execution of a print job of the image forming device, and the second color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts a color quality state while continuing execution of the print job of the image forming device.

6. 4. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control means determines to have the color adjustment means execute one of the plurality of color adjustment processes depending on the quality state, even if the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference satisfy the tolerance values ​​of the color standard.

7. 4. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control means determines, when the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference do not satisfy the tolerance of the color standard, to have the color adjustment means execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

8. 4. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of color adjustment processes further include a first adjustment mode in which a chart for color verification is inserted at a predetermined interval to adjust the quality of the colors during printing, and a second adjustment mode in which color patches for color verification are printed in the margin areas at the top, bottom, left, and right of the printing sheet surface printed in the print job to adjust the quality of the colors during printing.

9. 9. The image processing device according to claim 8, wherein the control means determines a quality level based on a difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color reference, and determines the color adjustment process to be executed by the color adjustment means and the first adjustment mode or the second adjustment mode based on the quality level.

10. 10. The image processing device according to claim 9, further comprising a setting unit that sets a color adjustment process to be executed by the color adjustment unit based on the quality level determined by the control unit, and sets the first adjustment mode and the second adjustment mode.

11. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said setting means further sets the predetermined interval.

12. The image processing device according to claim 8, further comprising a display means for acquiring, when the second adjustment mode is set, margin information on the top, bottom, left and right of the printing sheet surface printed by the image forming device, and displaying a warning screen for prompting a user to confirm the color adjustment process if there is no margin area equal to or greater than a threshold value.

13. A printing system including an image processing device and an image forming device that executes a print job from the image processing device and performs printing, The image processing device includes: a color verification unit for verifying a color quality state during printing in the image forming apparatus; a color adjustment unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes each of which has a different downtime for the image forming apparatus, the color adjustment processes being for adjusting a color quality state of the image forming apparatus; and a control unit that controls the color adjustment unit to determine one of the plurality of color adjustment processes as a color adjustment process to be performed by the image forming apparatus according to the quality state verified by the color verification unit, The image forming apparatus includes: A printing system comprising: a unit for executing a color adjustment process instructed by the color adjustment unit.

14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein the control means determines to execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time if the quality state is below a threshold, and determines to execute a second color adjustment process in which the downtime is shorter than the predetermined time if the quality state is equal to or greater than the threshold.

15. The printing system according to claim 13, characterized in that the color verification means causes the image forming device to print a chart on which color patches for color verification are arranged, reads the chart to calculate an average color difference and a maximum color difference of the color patches, and verifies the quality condition by comparing the average color difference and maximum color difference with an average color difference and a maximum color difference of an allowable value of a color standard.

16. The printing system according to claim 15, wherein the control means determines a quality level based on the difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color standard, and determines to have the color adjustment means execute one of the plurality of color adjustment processes based on the quality level.

17. 15. The printing system according to claim 14, wherein the first color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts a color quality state by stopping execution of a print job of the image forming device, and the second color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts a color quality state while continuing execution of the print job of the image forming device.

18. A program for causing an image processing device to execute a color verification process for an image forming device, a color verification step of verifying a color quality state during printing in the image forming apparatus; a color adjustment step for instructing the image forming apparatus to execute a plurality of color adjustment processes each having a different downtime for the image forming apparatus, the color adjustment process being a color adjustment process for adjusting a color quality state of the image forming apparatus; a control step of controlling the image forming apparatus to determine, in accordance with the quality state verified in the color verification step, one of the plurality of color adjustment steps as a color adjustment process to be performed by the image forming apparatus in the color adjustment step; A program comprising:

19. 20. The program according to claim 18, wherein the control step controls to execute a first color adjustment process in which the downtime is equal to or longer than a predetermined time if the quality state is below a threshold, and to execute a second color adjustment process in which the downtime is shorter than the predetermined time if the quality state is equal to or greater than the threshold.

20. The program according to claim 18, characterized in that the color verification process includes having the image forming device print a chart on which color patches for color verification are arranged, reading the chart to calculate an average color difference and a maximum color difference of the color patches, and comparing the average color difference and maximum color difference with an average color difference and a maximum color difference of an allowable value of a color standard to verify the quality condition.

21. The program according to claim 20, characterized in that the control step determines a quality level based on the difference between the calculated average color difference and maximum color difference and the average color difference and maximum color difference of the color reference, and determines to execute one of the plurality of color adjustment processes by the color adjustment step based on the quality level.

22. 20. The program according to claim 19, wherein the first color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts the color quality state by stopping execution of a print job of the image forming device, and the second color adjustment process is a color adjustment process that adjusts the color quality state while continuing execution of the print job of the image forming device.

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