Control parameter group setting program, information processing device and method for setting control parameter group

Abstract

To reduce effort and waste for setting a control parameter group for making an image forming apparatus print a print matter on a recording medium that is newly used with an output quality desired by a user.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A setting program causes a computer to execute: a display step of displaying a first evaluation value group to an output quality corresponding to a first control parameter group; an input step of receiving an input of a first expectation value group to the displayed output quality; a determination step of determining a second control parameter group corresponding to the first expectation value group on the basis of the first control parameter group, the first evaluation value group and the first expectation value group; and a setting step of setting the second control parameter group in an object recording medium if there is an input that satisfies an output quality when printing is performed on the object recording medium by using the second control parameter group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control parameter group setting program, an information processing device, and a control parameter group setting method for setting a control parameter group for controlling output quality in printing. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, large format printers are required to receive orders for a wide range of products to meet the needs of various product businesses, and it is desirable for them to be compatible with a variety of recording media. Users (e.g., printing companies) create recording media profiles by adjusting control parameters to ensure output quality suited to the intended use, such as printing at the highest quality or high-speed output, while accurately utilizing the characteristics of the recording media used. Recording media profiles include a control parameter group that includes various control parameters. Specifically, the control parameter group includes control parameters related to the print mode (number of passes, ink application amount, paper feed amount, etc.), control parameters related to fixing (fixing temperature, reaction liquid amount, etc.), and control parameters related to color processing (ICC profile, etc.). Users need to adjust these multiple control parameters to obtain the desired output quality. However, output quality includes incompatible quality characteristics (image quality, fixability, thermal deformation (expansion and contraction, etc.), and the relationship between each control parameter and output quality cannot be uniquely defined in advance for all recording media. For example, when you want to improve image quality, if you first set the "ink application amount" to be increased, the ink may not fix to the recording media. In this case, in order to avoid the phenomenon of the ink not fixing, the fixing temperature is set to be increased, but if the fixing temperature is raised too much, the recording medium itself may become deformed by heat. In order to avoid the phenomenon of the recording medium deforming, the fixing temperature is set to be decreased, but if the temperature is lowered too much, the ink may not fix to the recording medium again. In order to avoid the phenomenon of the ink not fixing again, if the "ink deposition amount" is set to be decreased, the image quality may ultimately decrease despite the objective of "improving image quality". As described above, it is extremely difficult to uniquely determine the values ​​of multiple control parameters to satisfy the user's own requirements for output quality. For this reason, when a user creates a new recording medium profile, the user checks the output quality by repeatedly printing test copies while empirically changing multiple control parameters until the user is satisfied. Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology.In other words, if a user prepares a print recording medium by himself, the system provides a means for the user to select a recording medium having a similar image processing method from among existing recording media, and adjusts the paper feed amount, which is one of the control parameters, and sets the adjusted amount to the prepared print recording medium. This makes it possible to logically add recording media. Patent Document 2 also discloses a technology that reduces user operations in repeated adjustment processes and test printing by providing at least a portion of information on past operation history as information to be fed back for subsequent adjustment processes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-20593 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-111075 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technology, when generating a new recording medium profile, it is necessary to repeatedly change multiple control parameters and perform test printing to check the output quality, which results in a lot of effort and waste.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to reduce the effort and waste involved in setting a group of control parameters for causing an image forming device to print a printed material on a newly used recording medium with the output quality desired by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a setting program for causing a computer to execute a program for setting a group of control parameters for controlling output quality in printing to a target recording medium, the setting program causing a computer to execute the following steps: a display step for displaying a first group of evaluation values ​​for output quality corresponding to a first group of control parameters; an input step for accepting input of a first group of expected values ​​for the displayed output quality; a determination step for determining a second group of control parameters corresponding to the first group of expected values ​​based on the first group of control parameters, the first group of evaluation values, and the first group of expected values; and a setting step for setting the second group of control parameters to the target recording medium if there is input indicating satisfaction with the output quality when printing on the target recording medium using the second group of control parameters. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the effort and waste involved in setting a group of control parameters for causing an image forming apparatus to print a printed material on a newly used recording medium with the output quality desired by a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram showing a system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] A functional block diagram showing an example of the system. [Diagram 5] 1 is a table showing an example of a recording medium profile management database. [Figure 6] Table showing an example of an adjustment history database [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a reference recording medium. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a first display / input screen for inputting a group of expected values ​​for the output quality desired by the user before test printing. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example for inputting a group of evaluation values ​​for the output quality of test printing; [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for generating a recording medium profile of a target recording medium. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for setting a group of control parameters. [Figure 12] An example of a flow of selecting initial values ​​of control parameters in the second embodiment [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an initial value selection screen for control parameters in the second embodiment; [Figure 14] An example of a flow when executing a test print in the third embodiment [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for notifying an overlap setting in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for notifying an approximation setting in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure.

[0010] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in a network environment of the present system. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing device 102 is connected to a first image forming device 100 and a second image forming device 101 via a network 103. In this embodiment, the number of image forming devices is two, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of image forming devices may be one or three or more. In the following, the name and symbol of the image forming device 100 will collectively refer to image forming devices such as the first image forming device 100 and the second image forming device 101. The number of information processing devices 102 is also one, but two or more may be included. In addition, as long as the functions of the information processing device 102 are incorporated in the image forming device 100, the information processing device 102 as a device separate from the image forming device 100 may not be included in the system.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is controlled by a processor 200 such as a CPU. The processor 200 operates based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM included in a ROM 201, or a control program or the like stored in an external memory 208. The processor 200 outputs an image signal including output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 207 via a system bus 203 and a printing unit I / F 205. The processor 200 is capable of executing communication processing with the information processing device 102 via an input unit 204, and can transmit information in the image forming apparatus 100 to the information processing device 102. The processor 200 can also receive data from the network 103 via the input unit 204, and can also output the received data to the printing unit 207. The RAM 202 functions as a main memory, a work area, or the like of the processor 200. The RAM 202 may also be configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 202 is also used as an output information development area and an environmental data storage area, and can also be used as a non-volatile memory by connecting a backup power supply. Access to an external memory 208 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or an IC card is controlled by a memory controller 206. The external memory 208 can be connected as an option, and stores information including font data, emulation programs, form data, and paper attribute information related to paper registered in the image forming apparatus 100. The operation unit 209 is also equipped with a panel that can display various information.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 102. The main body 307 has a processor 300 such as a CPU, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, a keyboard controller 304, a display controller 305, and a disk controller 306. The processor 300 reads various programs such as a control program, a system program, and an application program from an external memory 310 to the RAM 302 via the disk controller 306. The processor 300 executes the various programs read to the RAM 302 to perform various data processing, and controls display by the display 309. The processor 300 may read the control program and the like from the ROM 301. The processor 300 may be a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC. The processor 300 and the dedicated circuit are examples of a hardware circuit or a hardware processor. The disk controller 306 controls access to an external memory 310 such as an HDD, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB. The RAM 302 may be configured so that its capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM (not shown) and is mainly used as a work area for the processor 300. A keyboard controller 304 controls key input from a keyboard 308 or a pointing device (not shown). A display controller 305 controls display on a display 309.

[0013] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the processor 300 controls each unit connected to the main bus 303 via the main bus 303.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the present system including the image forming apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 102 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. First, the functional blocks in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The ROM 201 includes a recording medium information storage unit 407, a status information storage unit 408, a print job receiving unit 409, and a print execution unit 410. The recording medium information storage unit 407 stores information on general-purpose recording media supported by the image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as "recording medium information"). The status information storage unit 408 stores values ​​set by the user via the operation unit 209, such as the type of paper (recording medium) fed from each paper feed port and the width (size) of the paper, and values ​​automatically set within the image forming apparatus 100. The print job receiving unit 409 receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 102. The processor 200 checks the consistency between the print job and the information stored in the status information storage unit 408, and if there is no problem, causes the print execution unit 410 to execute the print process.

[0015] Next, the functional blocks in the information processing device 102 will be described. First, the recording medium profile management database (hereinafter referred to as "recording medium profile management DB") 400 stores recording medium information related to recording media printable by the image forming device 100 as a recording medium profile. The information processing device 102 may communicate with the image forming device 100 at any timing, acquire recording medium information from the recording medium information storage unit 407, and store it in the recording medium profile management DB 400. The information processing device 102 may also store recording medium information in the recording medium profile management DB 400 at the timing when a printer driver or dedicated application software having a recording medium profile management function is installed in the information processing device 102. Furthermore, the information processing device 102 may acquire a recording medium profile provided arbitrarily from a printer vendor or a recording medium vendor via the Internet, and store it in the recording medium profile management DB 400. The reference recording medium setting unit 402 accepts the selection of a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as "reference recording medium") whose recording medium profile is to be referenced when a new recording medium profile is generated from among the recording media whose recording medium profiles are stored in the recording medium profile management DB 400.

[0016] FIG. 7 is an example of a reference recording medium selection screen displayed on the display 309 by the reference recording medium setting unit 402. 700 is a reference recording medium selection screen, 701 is a recording medium information display unit, 702 is a recording medium group display unit, 703 is a "reference recording medium search" button, and 704 is an "OK" button. When generating a recording medium profile for a target recording medium such as a new recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a "target recording medium"), it is desirable to specify a recording medium whose physical properties are closest to those of the target recording medium as a reference recording medium for referring to the recording medium profile. By using a recording medium whose physical properties are closer to those of the target recording medium as a reference recording medium, it is possible to efficiently generate a recording medium profile for the target recording medium. This is because the values ​​of the control parameter group included in the recording medium profile of such a reference recording medium can be used as the initial values ​​of the control parameter group to be included in the recording medium profile of the target recording medium. For this reason, the recording medium information display unit 701 is provided with a recording medium group display unit 702 to facilitate the user's selection of a recording medium whose physical properties are close to those of the target recording medium, and displays the recording media in a hierarchical manner by classifying the recording media into several groups. FIG. 7 shows a reference recording medium selection screen in which the classification "adhesive vinyl" is selected and a list of multiple recording media classified as adhesive vinyl (such as "vinyl (banner)" and "vinyl (glued)") is displayed. When the "search for reference recording medium" button 703 is pressed by the user, a search screen in which the material, weight (grammage) and thickness of the recording medium can be specified is displayed, and the reference recording medium can be searched for using the information entered on the search screen. When the "OK" button 704 is pressed by the user, the recording medium selected at that time is determined as the reference recording medium. Then, a new record including a copy of the recording medium profile set for the reference recording medium is added to the recording medium profile management DB 400 as a record corresponding to the target recording medium.

[0017] The test print execution unit 405 generates a test print job based on the values ​​of the control parameter group set for the target recording medium, and transmits the test print job to the image forming apparatus 100. After the test print is completed, the evaluation value group receiving unit 406 receives an input of an evaluation value group for the output quality of the test print result by the user. Here, as described later, the evaluation value group includes one or more quality indexes. The processor 300 pairs the control parameter group used to generate the test print job with the evaluation value group input by the user for the printed matter based on the test print job. Then, the processor 300 associates the pair with the recording medium as an adjustment history and stores it in the adjustment history information database (hereinafter referred to as "adjustment history DB") 401. If the user inputs that the evaluation value group for the output quality of the test print result is not accepted, the display / input unit 403 uses a screen displayed to receive an input of an expected value group for the output quality desired by the user. Next, the control parameter determination unit 404 determines the value of the control parameter group corresponding to the expected value group for the output quality desired by the user based on the evaluation value group for the output quality of the test print result and the expected value group for the output quality desired by the user. Note that the control parameter determination unit 404 may also use the past adjustment history stored in the adjustment history DB 401 when determining the value of the control parameter group corresponding to the expected value group for the output quality desired by the user. Next, the test print execution unit 405 executes the test print using the value of the control parameter group determined in this way. When an input is received from the user indicating that the user is satisfied with the evaluation value group for the output quality of the test print, the control parameter group having the current value is determined as the control parameter group corresponding to the target recording medium. Then, the processor 300 updates the control parameter group in the recording medium profile included in the record of the target recording medium added to the recording medium profile management DB 400 with the determined control parameter group. This completes the process of generating the recording medium profile of the target recording medium.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of recording medium profile management information stored in the recording medium profile management DB 400. The recording medium profile management DB 400 may be called a recording medium profile management table. The recording medium profile management information includes fields ID 500, target recording medium 501, reference recording medium 502, control parameter group 503, and adjustment history 504. The ID 500 field is a field for storing an identifier of a record that stores the recording medium profile management information of each target recording medium. The target recording medium 501 field is a field for storing the name of the target recording medium. The reference recording medium 502 field is a field for storing the name of the recording medium (i.e., the reference recording medium) selected by the reference recording medium setting unit 402 for the target recording medium. The control parameter group 503 field is a field for storing the value of the control parameter group that constitutes the recording medium profile. The adjustment history 504 field is a field for storing one or more pairs of control parameter groups and corresponding evaluation value groups for output quality in a list format as shown in FIG. 6 described later. The ID of each record in the adjustment history DB 401 shown in FIG. 6 may be stored in a list format.

[0019] Here, the reference recording medium is specified by the name of the reference recording medium, but the reference recording medium may be specified by the ID corresponding to the reference recording medium. By specifying the reference recording medium, the reference recording medium profile to be referenced can be specified.

[0020] For the target recording medium "vinyl (glued)" (ID: ID-A), no value is stored in the reference recording medium 502. This indicates that the recording medium profile of the target recording medium "vinyl (glued)" is not a recording medium profile created by the user. In other words, it indicates that the recording medium profile of the target recording medium "vinyl (glued)" is obtained from the recording medium information storage unit 407 or a dedicated application, or obtained from outside via the Internet. In addition, the control parameter group of the target recording medium "vinyl (glued)" (ID: ID-A) is "setting value group A". "Setting value group A" includes a control parameter group having values ​​recommended by the printer vendor or recording medium vendor for the target recording medium "vinyl (glued)". Furthermore, the name of the adjustment history of the target recording medium "vinyl (glued)" (ID: ID-A) is adjustment history A. Adjustment history A includes setting value group A and an evaluation value group defined for it by the printer vendor or recording medium vendor.

[0021] The reference recording medium for the target recording medium "Adhesive Vinyl_AB" (ID: ID-B) is "Vinyl (glued)". This indicates that the recording medium profile for "Adhesive Vinyl_AB" was generated by referring to the recording medium profile for "Vinyl (glued)". In addition, the adjustment history AB for the target recording medium "Adhesive Vinyl_AB" (ID: ID-B) stores a list of sets consisting of a set of setting values ​​AB, which are control parameter sets adjusted according to a user's expected values, and a set of evaluation values ​​corresponding to the setting values. Furthermore, the set of setting values ​​AB, which are control parameter sets for the target recording medium "Adhesive Vinyl_AB" (ID: ID-B), stores a set of control parameters having values ​​corresponding to the evaluation value set that the user himself is ultimately satisfied with.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the adjustment history DB 401 that stores the contents of the adjustment history 504 of the recording medium profile management DB 400. The adjustment history DB 401 may be called an adjustment history table. The adjustment history DB 401 includes fields such as ID 600, test print time 601, control parameter group 602, and evaluation value group 603. Here, an example of "adjustment history AB" which is the adjustment history 504 of the target recording medium "adhesive vinyl_AB" (ID-B) is shown. The ID 600 values ​​of the five records are "ID-B_10", "ID-B_11", ..., "ID-B_14", but the first four characters "ID-B" indicate that the adjustment history is the target recording medium "adhesive vinyl_AB" (ID-B). In other words, it indicates that the adjustment history is the details of "adjustment history AB" which is the adjustment history 504 of the target recording medium "adhesive vinyl_AB" (ID-B). However, for example, the ID field may be divided into a field having a value of "ID-B" (a field indicating a parent record) and the remaining fields (fields for identifying each record in the same list). Test print time 601 indicates the date and time when test printing corresponding to the adjustment history was performed. The control parameters 602 include, by way of example, the number of passes 6021, ink deposition amount 6022, fixing temperature 6023, and Rct amount 6024. The evaluation value group 603 includes, by way of example, color development 6031, fixability 6032, and thermal deformation 6033 as quality indexes.

[0023] Fig. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a control parameter group setting method for generating a recording medium profile of a target recording medium. The method according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 is realized, for example, by the processor 300 reading a control parameter group setting program stored in the ROM 301 into the RAM 302 and executing it. When the information processing device 102 starts, for example, a dedicated application and specifies a function for generating a new recording medium profile, the information processing device 102 starts the method according to this flowchart.

[0024] First, in S1001, the processor 300 generates a new record for the target recording medium, assigns a new ID, and saves it in ID 500 of the new record. Next, in S1002, the processor 300 inputs the name of the new recording medium and saves it in the target recording medium 501 of the new record.

[0025] Next, in S1003, the reference recording medium setting unit 402 realized by the execution of the program by the processor 300 executes the following process. That is, the reference recording medium setting unit 402 reads the reference recording medium 502 from the recording medium profile stored in the recording medium profile management DB 400, displays the reference recording medium selection screen 700, and accepts the selection of the reference recording medium.

[0026] Next, in S1004, the reference recording medium setting unit 402 copies the recording medium profile of the selected reference recording medium to a new record.

[0027] Next, in S1005, the reference recording medium setting unit 402 sets the values ​​of the control parameter group of the reference recording medium as the initial values ​​of the control parameter group of the new record.

[0028] Next, in S1006, the display / input unit 403 realized by the execution of the program by the processor 300 executes the following process. That is, the display / input unit 403 displays a first display / input screen (see FIG. 8) 800, and displays a group of evaluation values ​​of the output quality corresponding to a group of control parameters of initial values. Then, the display / input unit 403 accepts input of a group of expected values ​​for the first display / input screen 800 from the user. Here, the output quality desired by the user is the output quality desired by the user depending on the use or purpose.

[0029] FIG. 8 is an example of a first display / input screen 800 displayed by the display / input unit 403. 801 is a first display / input unit, 802 is a "control parameter direct adjustment" button, and 803 is a "test print" button. Here, an evaluation value group corresponding to the currently set value of the control parameter group is displayed. The user determines the evaluation value group of each quality index and the degree to which it should be changed. Then, the first display / input unit 801 accepts the input of the expected value group by the user. Note that in a state in which the control parameter group of the reference recording medium is set as an initial value, that is, immediately after starting the generation of the recording medium profile for the target recording medium, the evaluation value group already stored in the recording medium profile for the reference recording medium is displayed.

[0030] For example, when the evaluation value group for color development in the initial display is displayed as "★★★★☆", if the user decides that he would like to improve the color development a little more, the user can change this to "★★★★★." If there is no initial display of "★★★★☆", it would be difficult for a user who decides that he would like to improve the color development a little more to decide which setting to use, for example, from among "★★☆☆☆", "★★★☆☆", "★★★★☆", and "★★★★★."

[0031] In the first display / input screen 800 shown in FIG. 8, the "color development" indicating the degree of image quality can be displayed / input in five stages. Similarly, in the first display / input screen 800, the "fixability" indicating the degree of fixation of the ink to the recording medium can be displayed / input in five stages. In addition, in the first display / input screen 800, the "thermal deformation" indicating the degree of expansion / contraction with respect to the recording medium can be displayed / input in five stages. All of these three quality indexes indicate output quality. However, they are not limited to these and may be other quality indexes as long as they indicate output quality. The quality index for output quality may be a quality index corresponding to the physical properties or characteristics of the recording medium. In addition, the evaluation value group / expectation value group may be displayed / input in stages other than five stages. Furthermore, the screen for displaying / inputting the evaluation value group / expectation value group may be a screen for displaying / inputting the evaluation value group / expectation value group by numerical values, or may be a screen for displaying / inputting the evaluation value group / expectation value group by the position of a knob on a slide bar. Furthermore, by pressing a "control parameter direct adjustment" button 802, it may be possible to switch to a means for directly adjusting the settings of each control parameter in a conventional manner (not shown).

[0032] Returning to FIG. 10, the description will be continued. Next, in S1007 (determination step), the control parameter determination unit 404, which is realized by the execution of the program by the processor 300, performs the following process. That is, in S1006, the control parameter determination unit 404 obtains an increase or decrease in the expected value group input by the user for the evaluation value group initially displayed on the first display / input screen 800 for each quality index indicating the output quality. Then, the control parameter determination unit 404 performs a process of associating the increase or decrease with the control parameter group and determining the setting value of each control parameter. The details of the process of S1007 will be described later. Then, in S1008, if the user presses the "test print" button 803 arranged on the first display / input screen 800, the test print execution unit 405 performs the following process. That is, the test print execution unit 405 generates a test print job based on the setting value of the control parameter group, and causes the image forming apparatus 100 to execute test printing on the target print medium. If processor 300 detects that test printing is complete (S1009: YES), the process proceeds to S1010, where processor 300 displays second display / input screen 900 and accepts user input of a group of evaluation values ​​for the output quality of the test print results.

[0033] 9 shows an example of a second display / input screen 900 that accepts input of an evaluation value group for the output quality of a test print displayed by the evaluation value group accepting unit 406. Reference numeral 901 denotes a second display / input section, 902 denotes a “Continue” button, and 903 denotes a “Finish” button.

[0034] At this time, the group of expected values ​​for the output quality received in S1006 on the first display / input screen 800 may be initially displayed. By doing so, when inputting the group of evaluation values ​​for the output quality, the user can recognize the group of expected values ​​for the output quality that he or she desired before executing the test print.

[0035] As described later, if the result in S1012 is NO, the processes from S1006 to S1011 are repeated. From the current repetition, the evaluation value group for the output quality of the test print input by the user in the previous S1010 may be initially displayed.

[0036] Also, a means for switching between the above two types of initial display may be provided, which allows a more accurate determination of whether the actual test printing has produced a print result with the output quality indicated by the set of expected values ​​input by the user before the test printing is performed.

[0037] When an input of a group of evaluation values ​​by the user is accepted in S1010, the processor 300 advances the process to S1011. In S1011, the processor 300 stores a pair of the group of evaluation values ​​input by the user in S1010 and the values ​​of the group of control parameters determined in S1007 in the adjustment history DB 401 as the adjustment history 504. Additionally or instead of this, a record corresponding to this pair may be added to the adjustment history DB 401.

[0038] In S1012, when it is determined that the user has pressed the "Continue" button 902 arranged on the second display / input screen 900 (NO), the processor 300 returns the process to S1006 to continue the adjustment. In S1006, the first display / input screen 800 is displayed in an initial state that reflects the evaluation value group input by the user in S1010. This allows the user to continue the procedure for performing the adjustment work.

[0039] On the other hand, if the user presses the "Done" button 903 arranged on the second display / input screen 900 in S1012 (YES), it can be determined that the test print result has reached the output quality that the user is satisfied with. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to S1013, and the currently set control parameter group is determined as the control parameter group for the target recording medium. The processor 300 updates the control parameter group 503 of the record corresponding to the target recording medium in the recording medium profile management DB 400 with the control parameter group set when the process proceeds from S1012 to S1013. In other words, the processor 300 updates the control parameter group 503 of the record corresponding to the target recording medium in the recording medium profile management DB 400 with the control parameter group determined in the last executed S1007. This completes the adjustment work.

[0040] 10, when the user uses the first display / input screen in S1006, the user inputs a set of expected values ​​for the output quality desired by the user after checking a set of evaluation values ​​for the output quality corresponding to the currently set control parameters. Therefore, when determining a set of expected values ​​for the output quality desired by the user, the user can know how much difference should be made from the set of evaluation values ​​corresponding to the currently set control parameters.

[0041] Furthermore, the values ​​of the control parameters are updated in S1011 based on the difference between the expected values ​​input on the first display / input screen in S1006 and the evaluation values ​​input on the second display / input screen in S1010. Therefore, the values ​​of the control parameters can be updated so that the actual output quality approaches the output quality desired by the user.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed contents of the process (S1007) for determining the set value of each control parameter. First, the display / input unit 403 accepts the input of an evaluation value group for output quality according to the use or purpose (S1006), and then calculates the difference (increase or decrease) between the evaluation value group after the input and the expected value group before the input (S1101). That is, the difference between the evaluation value group and the expected value group for each quality index indicating the output quality is calculated. Immediately after starting the generation of the recording medium profile for the target recording medium, the evaluation value group included in the profile copied in S1004 is the evaluation value group before the input. If the adjustment work is already being repeated, the evaluation value group input by the user himself for the previous test print result in S1010 is the evaluation value group before the input. On the other hand, the evaluation value group input by the user in S1006 indicates which quality index the user wants to adjust and to what degree.

[0043] For example, in S1010, the user inputs "3" to the quality index "coloring" on the second display / input screen 900, and then in S1006 in the subsequent adjustment work, the user inputs "4" to the quality index "coloring" on the first display / input screen 800. In such a case, the difference (increase / decrease) for the quality index "coloring" becomes "+1".

[0044] Next, in S1102, past adjustment history is obtained from the adjustment history DB 401, and in S1103, increases / decreases in the expected values ​​for the evaluation values ​​are associated with the control parameter values ​​based on the past adjustment history and the settable ranges of each control parameter.

[0045] For example, the process of associating the quality index "color" with one of the control parameters, "ink deposition volume," in the case where it is desired to raise the quality index "color" by "+1" from level 3 to level 4 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the level of the evaluation value group of the quality index "color" input in S1006 is 3, and the value of the control parameter "ink deposition volume" corresponding to this is 90%. If the settable range of "ink deposition volume" is from 70% to 120% in 10% increments, the upper limit value of "ink deposition volume," 120%, corresponds to level 5, which is the maximum level of the quality index "color." Therefore, the "ink deposition volume" corresponding to level 4 of the quality index "color" can be narrowed down to the intermediate value between 100% and 110%. In other words, 90%+(120%-90%)×(4-3) / (5-3)=105% Therefore, the "ink deposition amount" corresponding to level 4 of the quality index "coloring" can be narrowed down to 100% to 110%, allowing for a margin of ±5%.

[0046] Next, the process proceeds to S1104, and the past adjustment history is referred to. Specifically, it is obtained from the past adjustment history that the "ink deposition amount" corresponding to level 4 of the quality index "coloring" is 110%, and it is confirmed that this is within the range of 100% to 110%. Then, it is determined that the appropriate "ink deposition amount" after adjustment corresponding to level 4 of the quality index "coloring" is 110%. Note that, if there are multiple values ​​of "ink deposition amount" for the same level of the quality index "coloring" in the adjustment history, a value closer to the setting value before adjustment may be adopted as the adjusted value, taking into consideration the possibility that the combination with the setting value of other control parameters may have an effect. The processes from S1102 to S1104 are repeated for multiple control parameters included in the control parameter group, and each control parameter value is determined according to the increase or decrease of the expected value group relative to the evaluation value group. This ends the process of S1107.

[0047] With regard to the repetition of the above control parameters, the above process may be repeated for all control parameters included in the control parameter groups. Also, the above process may be repeated for only some of the control parameters included in each control parameter group. For example, for the quality index "coloring" indicating the output quality, it may be repeated for only "ink deposition amount" and "Rct amount". In other words, the setting parameters that affect each quality index indicating the output quality may be defined in advance, and the process may be repeated only for the defined setting parameters.

[0048] In addition, in S1103 and S1104, all past adjustment histories may be referred to, or only some of the adjustment histories may be referred to. For example, the difference between the value of each control parameter included in the control parameter group 602 in each adjustment history and the value of each control parameter included in the control parameter group corresponding to the evaluation value group before the user inputs the expected value group in S1006 is calculated. Then, adjustment histories with a small number of control parameters with differences may be used as the adjustment history to be referenced. For example, only adjustment histories with the number of control parameters with differences less than a predetermined threshold may be used as the adjustment history to be referenced. Also, only a predetermined number of adjustment histories in order of the number of control parameters with differences may be used as the adjustment history to be referenced. Furthermore, only one adjustment history with the smallest number of control parameters with differences may be used as the adjustment history to be referenced. Note that instead of the number of control parameters with differences, the number of control parameters with differences equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold may be used.

[0049] Here, when calculating the number of control parameters with differences, it is possible to check whether there is a difference for all control parameters, or to check whether there is a difference for only a pre-defined set of control parameters. For example, for the quality index "coloring," the control parameters for which value differences are checked may be narrowed down to control parameters that affect the quality index "coloring," such as "ink deposition amount" and "Rct amount," in order to narrow down the adjustment history to be referenced.

[0050] In the process of S1007, steps S1101 to S1104 may be repeated for all quality indexes indicating the output quality, or may be repeated for only some of the quality indexes, or may be performed for one quality index. Also, for one quality index, all control parameters may be adjusted, or only some adjustment parameters may be adjusted, or only one adjustment parameter may be adjusted. An example of the method of adjusting only some control parameters for one quality index is as described above.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the user inputs a group of evaluation values ​​for the output quality of the test print result and a group of expected values ​​for the output quality desired by the user. Therefore, even if the group of evaluation values ​​for the same output quality differs depending on the user, it is possible to set control parameters for the target recording medium to obtain a print result with output quality that can obtain the group of evaluation values ​​desired by the user. This reduces the amount of work required to check the output quality by repeating test printing while randomly adjusting the control parameters when generating a new recording medium profile. Furthermore, reducing the number of test printings reduces the waste of ink and paper.

[0052] <Second embodiment> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In this embodiment, the initial values ​​of the control parameters are set so as to be able to handle cases in which recording medium profiles for different purposes are generated for the same reference recording medium.

[0053] FIG. 12 is an example of a flow of selecting an initial value of a control parameter in the second embodiment. After the process of S1004 in FIG. 10, in S1201, the processor 300 checks whether a plurality of adjustment histories are stored from the adjustment history 504 of the reference recording medium selected in S1003. If there is only one adjustment history corresponding to the reference recording medium (S1201: NO), the processor 300 advances the process to S1005 as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if there are a plurality of adjustment histories corresponding to the reference recording medium (S1201: YES), the processor 300 advances the process to S1202. In S1202, the processor 300 displays the evaluation value group 603 included in each adjustment history side by side, and accepts the selection of any one of the adjustment histories by the user. In the following S1203, the processor 300 sets the value of the control parameter group included in the adjustment history selected by the user in S1202 as the initial value of the control parameter group of the new record. The processor 300 advances the process from S1203 to S1006.

[0054] FIG. 13 is an example of a control parameter initial value selection screen in the second embodiment. 1300 is a control parameter initial value selection screen, 1301 is an evaluation value group display section, 1302 is a "select from setting value" button, and 1303 is a "next" button. In FIG. 13, identification information included in the last three adjustment histories and evaluation value groups related to each quality index of output quality are displayed, but of course more adjustment histories may be displayed. From these adjustment histories, the user selects an adjustment history having an evaluation value group suitable for the output quality required according to the application or purpose. For example, when generating a recording medium profile that emphasizes color development, the user selects an adjustment history (ID: ID-B_22), and when generating a recording medium profile with small thermal deformation, the user selects an adjustment history (ID: ID-B_24).

[0055] Moreover, by pressing a "select from set value" button 1302, a screen may be displayed for directly selecting a control parameter group, rather than indirectly selecting a control parameter group via an evaluation value group.

[0056] When the user presses the "Next" button 1303, the control parameters included in the selected adjustment history are obtained from the adjustment history DB 401, and the values ​​of the obtained control parameters are set as the initial values ​​of the control parameters (S1203), and the process proceeds to S1006.

[0057] For example, assume that there are multiple adjustment histories for the target recording medium "adhesive vinyl_AB" shown in FIG. 5, and a new recording medium profile is generated for the same target recording medium "adhesive vinyl_AB". A new record is created in the recording medium profile management DB 400. In the new record, "adhesive vinyl_AB2" is set as the target recording medium, and "adhesive vinyl_AB" is set as the reference recording medium. In this case, since there are multiple adjustment histories for the reference recording medium "adhesive vinyl_AB", a YES determination is made in S1201, S1201 and S1203 are executed, and the process continues to S1006. In such a case, any of the multiple adjustment histories already generated for the same recording medium can be used.

[0058] Also, for example, assume that there is one adjustment history for the target recording medium "Adhesive Vinyl_AB" shown in FIG. 5, and a new recording medium profile is generated for the same target recording medium "Adhesive Vinyl_AB". A new record is created in the recording medium profile management DB 400. In the new record, "Adhesive Vinyl_AB2" is set as the target recording medium, and "Adhesive Vinyl_AB" is set as the reference recording medium. In this case, since there is one adjustment history for the reference recording medium "Adhesive Vinyl_AB", a NO determination is made in S1201, and processing continues to S1005. In such a case, the adjustment history already generated for the same recording medium can be used.

[0059] In this way, the control parameter group already set for the target recording medium is substituted as the initial values ​​of the control parameter group for the target recording medium, and then the values ​​of the control parameter group are adjusted. This provides the following advantages. That is, when attempting to set a new profile for a specific use or purpose, the values ​​of the control parameter group already set for a similar use or purpose can be set as the initial values ​​of the control parameter group to be adjusted. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of times adjustment and test printing are repeated.

[0060] In the above, an example has been described in which the target recording medium is also used as a reference recording medium, and the value of one of the two or more control parameter groups already set in the target recording medium is set as the initial value of the control parameter group of the target recording medium. However, this is not limited to this, and the present embodiment can also be applied to a recording medium other than the target recording medium as the reference recording medium. In other words, the value of one of the two or more control parameter groups already set in a recording medium other than the target recording medium can be set as the initial value of the control parameter group of the target recording medium.

[0061] <Third embodiment> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. This embodiment further reduces the number of times test printing is repeated.

[0062] 14 is a flowchart for explaining the processing added in the third embodiment to the processing in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, test printing is executed in S1008 immediately after the processing in S1007. In contrast, in this embodiment, processing is added between S1007 and S1008, and if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the processing does not proceed to S1008 but returns to S1006. This makes it possible to omit executing test printing if the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0063] 10, in S1401, the processor 300 checks whether there is an adjustment history 504 having a control parameter group 602 having the same values ​​as the control parameter group determined in S1007. If there is an adjustment history 504 having a control parameter group with matching values ​​(S1401: YES), the process proceeds to S1402. In S1402, the processor 300 displays on the screen a message notifying the user that test printing has been performed in the past using a control parameter group with the same values, together with a set of evaluation values ​​(past evaluation values) corresponding to the control parameter group having the same values.

[0064] FIG. 15 is an example of a display screen for notifying the user of overlapping settings in the third embodiment. 1500 is an overlapping setting notification screen, 1501 is an evaluation value group display section, 1502 is a "Back" button, and 1503 is a "Continue" button. The overlapping setting notification screen 1500 displays a message saying, "Test printing has been performed using the same control parameter group as the control parameter group corresponding to the input expected value group. The evaluation value group at that time is as shown below." Here, one set of evaluation value groups corresponding to the overlapping control parameter groups is displayed, but if there are multiple evaluation value groups for the overlapping control parameter groups, multiple evaluation value groups may be displayed. If the user decides to continue test printing with the same settings as the past control parameter group and presses the "Continue" button 1503 (S1403: Continue), the process proceeds to S1008 as usual, and test printing is performed. On the other hand, if the user decides to return to the first display / input screen 800 and reset the control parameter group, and presses the "Back" button 1502 (S1403: Back), the process returns to S1006. This makes it possible to avoid wasteful test printing that occurs when test printing is performed using control parameter groups that have the same values ​​in the process of repeating test printing.

[0065] Furthermore, if there is an adjustment history 504 having a control parameter group 602 having values ​​approximating the values ​​of the control parameter group determined in S1007 (S1401: NO, S1404: YES), the process proceeds to S1405. In S1405, the processor 300 displays on the screen a message notifying the user that test printing has been performed in the past with a control parameter group having approximating values, together with the evaluation values ​​corresponding to the approximating control parameter group.

[0066] For the process of extracting similar control parameter groups, an approximation range is defined in advance for each control parameter. If the difference between the value of the control parameter group determined in S1007 and the value of the control parameter group included in the control parameter group 602 is within the approximation range, it is determined that the two are similar. However, this determination may be made for all control parameters included in the control parameter group, or for some control parameters. The difference to be determined may be defined as the sum of the differences of each control parameter, may be defined as the distance between the two in a vector space spanned by the control parameters, or may be defined in other ways. The determination of approximation may be made using other methods.

[0067] FIG. 16 is an example of a display screen for notifying the user of approximate settings in the third embodiment. 1600 is an approximate settings notification screen. 1601 is an evaluation value group display section, 1602 is a "Close" button, 1603 is a "Back" button, and 1604 is a "Continue" button. The approximate settings notification screen 1600 displays a guide message saying, "Test printing has been performed using a control parameter group that is similar to the control parameter group corresponding to the input expected value group. The evaluation value group at that time is as shown below." The evaluation value group display section 1601 displays an evaluation value group (past evaluation value group) corresponding to the control parameter group that is similar to the control parameter group determined in S1007. The evaluation value group display section 1601 also displays the following information as to how much the control parameter value determined in S1007 is changed in order for the expected value group input in S1006 to match the displayed past evaluation value group. In other words, the specific numerical values ​​of approximate settings, such as "if the fixing temperature is increased by 10°C," are also displayed.

[0068] 16, three evaluation value groups are displayed. This corresponds to the fact that three evaluation value groups corresponding to control parameter groups whose values ​​are close to the control parameter group determined in S1007 are extracted. Here, the extracted past evaluation value group may be changed depending on the extraction method.

[0069] Next, when any of the "Approach" buttons 1602 is pressed by the user (S1406: YES), the processor 300 advances the process to S1407. In S1407, the processor 300 modifies the values ​​of the control parameter set determined in S1007 so as to approach the values ​​of the control parameter set corresponding to the past evaluation value set. Here, the control parameter set corresponding to the past evaluation value set is a control parameter set that approximates the control parameter set determined in S1007.

[0070] For example, the difference between the value of each control parameter included in the control parameter group held in association with the displayed past evaluation value group and the value of the same parameter included in the currently set control parameter group (i.e., the control parameter group determined in S1007) is calculated. Then, the same parameter included in the currently set control parameter group is corrected based on the difference so as to approach the control parameter included in the control parameter group held in association with the displayed past evaluation value group. For example, the same parameter included in the currently set control parameter group is corrected so as to change by 1 / 2 the difference. By adding such processing, it is possible to reduce the number of test printings required until the evaluation value group for output quality is satisfied by the user.

[0071] If the user presses any of the "Close" buttons 1602 and then presses the "Continue" button 1604, the process proceeds to S1407=>S1403:Continue=>S1008. In this case, test printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 100 using the control parameter group corrected in S1407.

[0072] The reference recording medium may be selected by the information processing device without the user's selection. For example, a recording medium included in the same category as the target recording medium may be selected as the reference recording medium based on the name of the target recording medium.

[0073] <Fourth embodiment> As described in the second embodiment, a plurality of profiles may be set for the same recording medium and managed in separate records.

[0074] When multiple recording medium profiles are created for the same recording medium and are managed in multiple records in the recording medium profile management DB 400, the adjustment history 504 may be shared among these multiple records. As an operation, for example, when an adjustment history is added to one record, the same adjustment history may be added to another record.

[0075] The set of expected values ​​may include only one expected value, or may include multiple expected values. Similarly, the set of evaluation values ​​may include only one evaluation value, or may include multiple evaluation values. In the above embodiment, the information processing device 102 directly causes the image forming device 100 connected via the network 103 to perform test printing. However, this is not limited to the above, and another information processing device that has acquired the control parameter group determined by the information processing device 102 may cause the image forming device 100 to perform test printing.

[0076] The above-mentioned embodiment can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. It is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The CPU is not limited to one that performs all the processes by one CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes while appropriately coordinating with each other. The functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. It also includes a case where an OS running on a computer performs some or all of the actual processes based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are realized by the processes.

[0077] <Technical Features of the Present Disclosure> The present disclosure includes the following programs, methods, and configurations.

[0078] [Program 1] A setting program for causing a computer to execute a program for setting a control parameter group for controlling output quality in printing on a target recording medium, the program comprising: a display step of displaying a first group of evaluation values ​​for output quality corresponding to the first group of control parameters; an input step of receiving an input of a first group of expectations for the displayed output quality; a determining step of determining a second control parameter group corresponding to the first expected value group based on the first control parameter group, the first evaluation value group, and the first expected value group; a setting step of setting the second control parameter group to the target recording medium when an input indicating satisfaction with the output quality when printing on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group is received; to cause a computer to execute Configuration program.

[0079] [Program 2] the determining step determines the second set of control parameters by modifying the first set of control parameters based on the first set of evaluation values ​​and the first set of expected values; The setting program described in Program 1.

[0080] [Program 3] receiving an input of a second group of evaluation values ​​for output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the second group of control parameters; a storage step of storing the second control parameter group and the second evaluation value group as a pair as an adjustment history; and further causing the computer to execute the steps of: The setting program according to Program 1 or 2.

[0081] [Program 4] receiving an input of a second group of evaluation values ​​for output quality when the image forming apparatus performs test printing on the target recording medium using the second group of control parameters; further comprising an input step of accepting an input of a second group of expectations for output quality if there is an input indicating that the output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the second group of control parameters is not satisfactory, The setting program described in any one of Programs 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination step determines a third control parameter group corresponding to the second group of expected values ​​based on the second control parameter group, the second evaluation value group, and the second group of expected values.

[0082] [Program 5] the determining step determines the third set of control parameters by modifying the second set of control parameters based on the second set of evaluation values ​​and the second set of expected values; The setting program described in Program 4.

[0083] [Program 6] receiving an input of a third group of evaluation values ​​for output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the third group of control parameters; a storage step of storing the third control parameter group and the third evaluation value group as a pair as an adjustment history; and further causing the computer to execute the steps of: The setting program according to Program 4 or 5.

[0084] [Program 7] a copying step of copying a fourth control parameter group for a reference recording medium and a fourth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fourth control parameter group as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; A setting program according to any one of programs 1 to 6.

[0085] [Program 8] when there are a plurality of adjustment histories including the fourth control parameter group and a fourth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fourth control parameter group, further causing the computer to execute a duplication step of duplicating the fourth control parameter group and the fourth evaluation value group included in a selected adjustment history as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; The setting program described in Program 7.

[0086] [Program 9] a copying step of copying a fifth control parameter group for the target recording medium and a fifth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fifth control parameter group as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; A setting program according to any one of programs 1 to 8.

[0087] [Program 10] the fifth control parameter group is already set in the target recording medium; The setting program described in Program 9.

[0088] [Program 11] when there are a plurality of adjustment histories including a fifth control parameter group and a fifth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fifth control parameter group, further causing the computer to execute a duplication step of duplicating the fifth control parameter group and the fifth evaluation value group included in a selected adjustment history as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; The setting program according to Program 9 or 10.

[0089] [Program 12] if there is an adjustment history including a sixth control parameter group having the same values ​​as the second control parameter group and a sixth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the sixth control parameter group, displaying a message to that effect, the sixth evaluation value group, a first button, and a second button; accepting an input of a third group of expectations for output quality if the first button is pressed; when the second button is pressed, causing the image forming apparatus to perform test printing on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group; and further causing the computer to execute the steps of: A setting program according to any one of programs 1 to 11.

[0090] [Program 13] and when there is an adjustment history including a seventh control parameter group having values ​​similar to the second control parameter group and a seventh evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the seventh control parameter group, causing the computer to further execute a step of displaying a message to that effect, the seventh evaluation value group, a third button, a fourth button, and a fifth button. A setting program according to any one of programs 1 to 12.

[0091] [Program 14] and if the third button is pressed, causing the computer to further execute a step of accepting an input of a fourth group of expectations for output quality. The setting program described in program 13.

[0092] [Program 15] and when the fourth button is pressed, causing the computer to further execute a step of causing the image forming apparatus to perform test printing on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group. The setting program according to program 13 or 14.

[0093] [Program 16] and when the fourth button is pressed after the fifth button is pressed, modifying the second set of control parameters so as to approach the seventh set of control parameters, and causing the image forming apparatus to perform test printing on the target recording medium using the modified second set of control parameters. A setting program according to any one of programs 13 to 15.

[0094] [Program 17] the first group of expected values ​​and the first group of evaluation values ​​are for at least one of color development, fixability, and thermal deformation; A setting program according to any one of programs 1 to 16.

[0095] [Program 18] the group of control parameters includes at least one of a number of passes, an amount of ink applied, a fixing temperature, and an Rct amount as a control parameter; A setting program according to any one of programs 1 to 17.

[0096] [method] A method for setting a control parameter group for controlling output quality in printing to a target recording medium, comprising the steps of: a display step of displaying a first group of evaluation values ​​for output quality corresponding to the first group of control parameters; an input step of receiving an input of a first group of expectations for the displayed output quality; a determining step of determining a second control parameter group corresponding to the first expected value group based on the first control parameter group, the first evaluation value group, and the first expected value group; a setting step of setting the second control parameter group to the target recording medium when an input indicating satisfaction with the output quality when printing on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group is received; The method according to claim 1,

[0097] [composition] 1. An information processing apparatus that sets a control parameter group for controlling output quality in printing on a target recording medium, comprising: a display means for displaying a first group of evaluation values ​​for output quality corresponding to the first group of control parameters; an input means for receiving an input of a first group of expected values ​​for the displayed output quality; a determination means for determining a second control parameter group corresponding to the first expected value group, based on the first control parameter group, the first evaluation value group, and the first expected value group; a setting means for setting the second control parameter group to the target recording medium when an input indicating satisfaction with the output quality when printing on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group is received; Equipped with Information processing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 400 Recording medium profile management database 401 Adjustment History Database 402 Reference recording medium setting section 403 Display / Input section 404 Control Parameter Determination Unit 405 Test Print Execution Unit 406 Evaluation value group reception unit

Claims

1. A setting program for causing a computer to execute a method for setting a control parameter group for controlling output quality in printing to a target recording medium, the method comprising: a display step of displaying a first group of evaluation values ​​for output quality corresponding to the first group of control parameters; an input step of receiving an input of a first group of expected values ​​for the displayed output quality; a determining step of determining a second group of control parameters corresponding to the first group of expected values ​​based on the first group of control parameters, the first group of evaluation values, and the first group of expected values; a setting step of setting the second control parameter group to the target recording medium when there is an input indicating that the output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group is satisfactory; to cause a computer to execute Configuration program.

2. the determining step determines the second set of control parameters by modifying the first set of control parameters based on the first set of evaluation values ​​and the first set of expected values; The setting program according to claim 1 .

3. receiving an input of a second group of evaluation values ​​for output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the second group of control parameters; a storage step of storing the second control parameter group and the second evaluation value group as a pair as an adjustment history; and further causing the computer to execute the steps of: The setting program according to claim 1 .

4. receiving an input of a second group of evaluation values ​​for output quality when test printing is performed on the target recording medium using the second group of control parameters; further comprising an input step of accepting an input of a second group of expected values ​​for output quality if there is an input indicating that the output quality when printing on the target recording medium using the second group of control parameters is not satisfactory; 2. The setting program according to claim 1, wherein the determination step determines a third group of control parameters corresponding to the second group of expected values ​​based on the second group of control parameters, the second group of evaluation values, and the second group of expected values.

5. the determining step determines the third set of control parameters by modifying the second set of control parameters based on the second set of evaluation values ​​and the second set of expected values; The setting program according to claim 4.

6. receiving an input of a third group of evaluation values ​​for output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the third group of control parameters; a storage step of storing the third control parameter group and the third evaluation value group as a pair as an adjustment history; and further causing the computer to execute the steps of: The setting program according to claim 4.

7. a copying step of copying a fourth control parameter group for a reference recording medium and a fourth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fourth control parameter group as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; The setting program according to claim 1 .

8. when there are a plurality of adjustment histories including the fourth control parameter group and a fourth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fourth control parameter group, further causing the computer to execute a duplication step of duplicating the fourth control parameter group and the fourth evaluation value group included in a selected adjustment history as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; The setting program according to claim 7.

9. a copying step of copying a fifth control parameter group for the target recording medium and a fifth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fifth control parameter group as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; The setting program according to claim 1 .

10. the fifth control parameter group is already set in the target recording medium; The setting program according to claim 9.

11. when there are a plurality of adjustment histories including a fifth control parameter group and a fifth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the fifth control parameter group, further causing the computer to execute a duplication step of duplicating the fifth control parameter group and the fifth evaluation value group included in a selected adjustment history as the first control parameter group and the first evaluation value group, respectively; The setting program according to claim 9.

12. if there is an adjustment history including a sixth control parameter group having the same values ​​as the second control parameter group and a sixth evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the sixth control parameter group, displaying a message to that effect, the sixth evaluation value group, a first button, and a second button; accepting an input of a third group of expectations for output quality if the first button is pressed; when the second button is pressed, causing the image forming apparatus to perform test printing on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group; and further causing the computer to execute the steps of: The setting program according to claim 1 .

13. and when there is an adjustment history including a seventh control parameter group having values ​​similar to the second control parameter group and a seventh evaluation value group for output quality corresponding to the seventh control parameter group, causing the computer to further execute a step of displaying a message to that effect, the seventh evaluation value group, a third button, a fourth button, and a fifth button. The setting program according to claim 1 .

14. and if the third button is pressed, causing the computer to further execute a step of accepting an input of a fourth group of expectations for output quality. The setting program according to claim 13.

15. and when the fourth button is pressed, causing the computer to further execute a step of causing an image forming apparatus to perform test printing on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group. The setting program according to claim 13.

16. and when the fourth button is pressed after the fifth button is pressed, modifying the second set of control parameters so as to approach the seventh set of control parameters, and causing the image forming apparatus to perform test printing on the target recording medium using the modified second set of control parameters. The setting program according to claim 13.

17. the first group of expected values ​​and the first group of evaluation values ​​are for at least one of color development, fixability, and thermal deformation; The setting program according to claim 1 .

18. the group of control parameters includes at least one of a number of passes, an amount of ink applied, a fixing temperature, and an Rct amount as a control parameter; The setting program according to claim 1 .

19. A method for setting a control parameter group for controlling output quality in printing to a target recording medium, comprising the steps of: a display step of displaying a first group of evaluation values ​​for output quality corresponding to the first group of control parameters; an input step of receiving an input of a first group of expected values ​​for the displayed output quality; a determining step of determining a second group of control parameters corresponding to the first group of expected values ​​based on the first group of control parameters, the first group of evaluation values, and the first group of expected values; a setting step of setting the second control parameter group to the target recording medium when there is an input indicating that the output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group is satisfactory; The method according to claim 1,

20. 1. An information processing apparatus that sets a control parameter group for controlling output quality in printing on a target recording medium, comprising: a display means for displaying a first group of evaluation values ​​for output quality corresponding to the first group of control parameters; an input means for receiving an input of a first group of expected values ​​for the displayed output quality; a determination means for determining a second group of control parameters corresponding to the first group of expected values, based on the first group of control parameters, the first group of evaluation values, and the first group of expected values; a setting means for setting the second control parameter group to the target recording medium when an input is received indicating that the output quality when printing is performed on the target recording medium using the second control parameter group; Equipped with Information processing device.

Images