Information processor, method thereof, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that when an input profile for color matching is created, the color matching accuracy in light highlight areas will decrease if the paper white of the color sample and the paper white of the profile are not the same.SOLUTION: The paper white of a color sample is compared with the paper white point information of all stored printer profiles. A printer profile with a small color difference from the paper white of the color sample is displayed as a candidate to use to create a color sample profile.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a color management system for performing color reproduction of a color sample. [Background technology]

[0002] To reproduce the colors of previously printed materials or color samples, there are methods to achieve color matching by adjusting the color quality of the image forming device or by changing the colors of the print data itself. Another method is to scan a color sample using a color measurement device or scanner that measures and scans the color of printed materials, and create an input profile for color matching that defines what colors should be produced based on the scan data and an output profile that describes the characteristics of the printed material. Users can reproduce the colors of the color sample by printing using the input profile for color matching that has been created.

[0003] Color matching is often performed mainly through subjective evaluation by the user. In this case, due to the characteristics of the human eye, the appearance of the entire image changes due to the influence of the white parts of the background of the printed image. Furthermore, light-colored highlight parts in particular in a printed image are influenced by the paper white, where nothing is printed. As a means of grasping the paper white, there is a method of detecting the paper white part from scanned data and calculating its characteristics (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-157971 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, when creating an input profile for color matching, if only the paper white of the color sample is taken into consideration, the color matching accuracy in highlighted areas will decrease if the characteristics of the paper white of the actual paper used for printing are different.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method that allows accurate color matching even if the characteristics of paper white differ. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program for causing a computer of an information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device to execute a control method, the control method comprising: a first acquisition step for acquiring image data generated by the image forming device by scanning a document; a specification step for identifying a paper white portion from the image data acquired in the acquisition step; a second acquisition step for acquiring one or more output profiles; a first display control step for displaying the previous or subsequent output profiles acquired in the second acquisition step based on information of the paper white portion identified in the specification step; and a first creation step for creating an input profile based on an output profile selected from the one or more output profiles displayed in the display control step and the image data acquired in the first acquisition step. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Even if the characteristics of the paper white are different, accurate color matching is possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a client computer and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a client computer and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] A software block diagram showing a connection system of each control unit of a client computer and an image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of data used to create an input profile for color matching stored in a client computer and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5]1 is an example of an execution screen when creating an input profile for color matching in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart for explaining a process flow for creating an input profile for color matching in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of data used to create an input profile for color matching stored in a client computer and an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart for explaining a process flow for creating an input profile for color matching in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of an execution screen when creating a new output profile in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart for explaining a process flow for creating an input profile for color matching in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart for explaining a process flow for creating an input profile for color matching in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] Examples of data stored in the client computer and the image forming apparatus in the fifth embodiment [Figure 13] An example of a print setting screen when printing using an input profile for color matching in the fifth embodiment [Figure 14] A flowchart for explaining a process flow of print settings when performing printing using an input profile for color matching in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a client computer and an image forming apparatus in this embodiment.

[0013] A client computer 0101 is connected via a network 0110 to an image forming apparatus 0102 on the same network.

[0014] When creating an input profile for color matching, the client computer 0101 requests the image processing device 0102 to obtain profile information, execute a scan, and obtain scan data, based on the set information, via the network 0110. These operations are executed by a control unit, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 0102 includes a UI panel 0103, a paper feed deck 0104, a paper feed deck 0105, and a scanner 0106. An option 0107 having three paper feed stages is also connected. The image forming apparatus 0102 is, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The UI panel 0103 is, for example, a user interface including a capacitive touch panel. The scanner 0106 has a platen on which a printed material is placed, and is capable of scanning a printed material placed thereon using a sensor and managing the scanned data.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 0102 further includes a paper discharge device 0108. The paper discharge device 0108 is connected to the image forming apparatus 0102 via a cable 0109. The paper discharge device 0108 further includes several paper discharge trays, and is capable of stacking products printed by the image forming apparatus 0102.

[0017] A print job is generated by a client computer 0101 and transmitted to an image forming apparatus 0102 via a network 0110, and the image forming apparatus 0102 performs processing to print on paper. There may be not only one image forming apparatus 0102 on the network 0110, but also a plurality of image forming apparatuses 0102.

[0018] Incidentally, the connection form between the client computer 0101 and the image forming apparatus 0102 shown in this embodiment is just an example, and it goes without saying that there are various other connection forms in addition to those shown in this embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the client computer 0101 and the image forming apparatus 0102 of this embodiment.

[0020] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 0201 controls and performs calculations in each part of the client computer 0101 via a system bus 0206. The CPU 0201 executes programs stored in a storage unit 0203 and loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 0202. The RAM 0202 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0201, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0201 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 0203 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the client computer is operating. The network interface (hereinafter, NW I / F) 0204 is connected to the NW I / F 0210 of the image forming apparatus 0102 on the network via the network 0110, and controls communication between the client computer 0101 and the image forming apparatus 0102. The display unit 0205 is a hardware configuration, and is a user interface for visually displaying information in the client computer 0101. For example, it is a monitor display.

[0021] The CPU 0207 controls and performs calculations in each section of the image forming apparatus 0102 via a system bus 0218. The CPU 0207 executes programs stored in a storage unit 0209 and loaded into a RAM 0208. The RAM 0208 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0207, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0207 or other temporary data storage area. The storage unit 0209 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the image forming apparatus is operating.

[0022] The NW I / F 0210 is connected to the NW I / F 0204 of the client computer 0101 via a cable 0110 , and controls communication between the client computer 0101 and the image forming apparatus 0102 .

[0023] The scanner 0211 is a hardware component of the scanner 0106, and enables a printed material to be scanned using a sensor and handled as scan data. Some scanners are equipped with a mechanism called an ADF that automatically scans printed materials, while others are equipped with only a platen for reading printed materials. The UI panel 0212 is a hardware component of the UI panel 0103, and is a user interface for performing general operations of the image forming apparatus 0102. In this embodiment, the UI panel 0212 is equipped with a capacitive touch panel.

[0024] The paper feed deck I / F 0213 controls communication with and control of the paper feed deck 0214. The paper feed deck 0214 is a general term for the hardware configuration of the paper feed decks 0104 and 0105 and the option deck 0107. The engine I / F 0215 controls communication with and control of the printer engine 0216.

[0025] The accessory I / F 0217 is connected to the accessory I / F 0223 via the cable 0109. That is, the image forming apparatus 0102 communicates with the paper discharge apparatus 0108 via the accessory I / Fs 0217 and 0223.

[0026] The CPU 0219 controls and performs calculations in each section of the paper discharge device 0108 via a system bus 0224, and executes programs stored in the memory unit 0221 and loaded into the RAM 0220. The RAM 0220 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 0219, and is used as a work area for the CPU 0219 or other temporary data storage area. The memory unit 0221 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the paper discharge device is operating. The paper discharge unit 0222 monitors and controls the paper discharge operation to the paper discharge trays provided in the paper discharge device 0108, and the loading status of each tray.

[0027] The accessory I / F 0223 is connected to the accessory I / F 0217 via the cable 0109. That is, the paper discharge device 0108 communicates with the image forming device 0102 via the accessory I / Fs 0223 and 0217.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a software block diagram showing a connection system of the control units of the client computer 0101, the image forming apparatus 0102, and the paper discharge apparatus 0108.

[0029] The client computer 0101 has a profile creation processing unit 0301, a data management unit 0302, a print data input unit 0303, a data request unit 0304, a color difference calculation unit 0305, and a paper whiteness determination unit 0306. These control units exist in the RAM 0202 or the storage unit 0203 of the client computer 0101, and are executed by the CPU 0201.

[0030] The profile creation processing unit 0301 is called by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101, and creates an input profile for color matching and an output profile in which the characteristics of the printed matter are described. The data management unit 0302 is called by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101, and manages the profile, print data, and settings for profile creation within the client computer 0101. The print data input unit 0303 is called by the CPU 201 of the client computer 0101, and inputs print data to the image forming apparatus 0102. The data request unit 0304 is called by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101, and acquires a profile (described later in FIG. 4) stored in the image forming apparatus 0102 and data scanned using the scanner 0211. The color difference calculation unit 0305 is called by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101, and calculates the color difference between the paper white of the color sample and the paper white point of the profile. The paper-white specifying unit 0306 is called by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101, and specifies the paper-white portion from the scanned data based on the information of the print data.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 0102 has a print processing unit 0307 , a scanner control unit 0308 , and a data management unit 0309 , which exist in the RAM 0208 or the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102 and are executed by the CPU 0207 .

[0032] The print processing unit 0307 is called by the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 and performs print processing. The scanner control unit 0308 is called by the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 and performs scanning of printed materials using the scanner 0211. The data management unit 0309 is called by the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 and performs data management of the configuration and capability information of the image forming apparatus 0102, print jobs, scan data, and profiles.

[0033] The paper discharge device 0108 has a post-processing control unit 0310. The post-processing control unit 0310 exists in the RAM 0220 or the storage unit 0221 of the paper discharge device 0108, and is executed by the CPU 0219. The post-processing control unit 0310 is called by the CPU 0219 of the paper discharge device 0108, and discharges printed paper onto a tray.

[0034] 4 shows an example of print data, profiles, and setting values ​​used to create an input profile for color matching stored in the client computer 0101 and the image forming device 0102. This information is stored in the storage unit 0203 of the client computer 0101 and the storage unit 0209 of the image forming device 0102.

[0035] (a) in FIG. 4 is an example of print data that is the source of printing. It is stored in the memory unit 0203 of the client computer 0101. 0401 is an information table indicating what information the print data is stored as. 0402 is ID information for distinguishing the stored print data. In this example, a four-digit number is shown, but this is merely an example, and various other methods such as a combination of random characters may also be used. 0403 indicates the name of the print data. 0404 indicates what type of data the stored print data is, and for example, image data is stored.

[0036] FIG. 4B shows an example of a profile stored in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102. In FIG.

[0037] An example of a profile is an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile used for color adjustment. ICC profiles include source profiles and printer profiles. A source profile is used when RGB (or CMYK) data is converted once into a standardized L*a*b* (hereinafter referred to as Lab) space, and then this Lab data is converted again into a CMYK space suitable for the target printer. Source profiles include an RGB profile and a CMYK profile. If the acquired image data is an RGB image, the RGB profile is selected, and if it is a CMYK image, the CMYK profile is selected. A printer profile is created to match the color characteristics of an image forming device.

[0038] In this embodiment, the ICC profile is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the ICC profile, the CRD (Color Rendering Dictionary) adopted from the level 2 of PostScript proposed by Adobe and the color separation table in Photoshop can be used. An ICC profile consists of a header, tags, and their data. The tags include not only the color conversion table mentioned above, but also the white point (Wtpt) and a tag (gamt) that describes whether the color expressed by the Lab value defined in the profile is inside or outside the reproducible range of the hard copy.

[0039] Image data input to the image forming apparatus 0102 does not necessarily adopt color expression in the Lab color space, and may be expressed in various data formats (color systems) such as RGB, CMYK, and CIE XYZ. Even among image data in a common data format, the perceived color of the original image to be reproduced by the image forming apparatus 0102 may differ depending on the characteristics of the input device (for example, due to the gamma value and color temperature settings of the monitor). For this reason, the input image data is once converted to Lab data expressed in a device-independent color space. Then, a command (CMYK signal) for causing the image forming engine to form an image is generated from the Lab'a'b' data in which the Lab data has been subjected to necessary correction. At this time, the input ICC profile is used for conversion from the color system of the input device to the Lab color space. The output ICC profile is used for conversion from the Lab color space to the color space (the space of values ​​that the CMYK signal can take) handled by the image forming engine. In this embodiment, CIE Lab is used as the device-independent color space, but other color spaces (for example, CIE1931 XYZ color space) may be used instead.

[0040] 0405 is an information table showing what information the profile is stored with. 0406 is ID information for distinguishing the stored profiles. 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. 0407 shows the type of profile. If the type is input, it is a profile showing what value is obtained when an input signal value, for example, C (Cyan) M (Magenda) Y (Yellow) K (Black) is converted into the Lab color space, which is a common color space. If the type is output, it is a profile showing what value is obtained when the Lab color space is converted into a CMYK value. If the type is scanner, it is a profile for scanning showing what value is obtained when the signal value of an image acquired using a scanner is converted into the Lab color space, which is a common color space. 0408 shows the name of the profile. 0409 shows paper white point information that the profile has. The profile is defined in a format called ICC. In this definition, the paper white point, which defines what value the paper white is in the profile in the Lab color space or XYZ color space, is a required element, and its contents are shown in 0409.

[0041] In Fig. 4, (c) is a color difference tolerance value used when comparing paper whiteness to be executed when creating an input profile for color matching. This set value is stored in the storage unit 0203 of the client computer 0101. 0410 is an information table showing what value the paper whiteness difference tolerance value is stored as. In this example, the tolerance value is set to 1.0, and if the color difference between the paper whiteness of the color sample and the paper white point of the profile is 1.0 or less, the profile is treated as a candidate profile when creating an input profile for color matching. The flow of processing for creating an input profile for color matching in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an execution screen when an input profile for color matching is created in this embodiment. (a) in FIG. 5 is a screen before scanning a color sample when creating an input profile for color matching. This screen is displayed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 on the display unit 0205 of the client computer 0101. 0501 shows the entire execution screen when creating an input profile for color matching. 0502 indicates an item for setting print data. 0503 is a button for selecting print data, and a list of print data candidates for selection is displayed in a drop-down list. The data name of the print data selected from the list is displayed. 0504 indicates an item for setting a scanner profile. 0505 is a button for selecting a scanner profile, and a list of scanner profiles for selection is displayed in a drop-down list. The profile displayed as a selection candidate is a profile whose type is "scanner" among profiles stored in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102. 0504 may be automatically set as one profile according to the image forming apparatus that performs scanning. Numeral 0506 is a button for executing a scan. By pressing the scan button 0506, the client computer 0101 instructs the image forming apparatus 0102 to execute a scan using the scanner 0211. Numeral 0507 indicates an item showing the scan result. Numeral 0508 indicates an area for displaying the scanned image as the scan result. Numeral 0509 indicates an item for setting an output profile. Numeral 0510 is a button for selecting an output profile, and displays a list of output profiles as selection candidates in a drop-down list. The profiles displayed as selection candidates are profiles whose type is "output" among the profiles stored in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102. Numeral 0511 is a cancel button. When the cancel button 0511 is pressed, the currently displayed screen is closed without creating an input profile for color matching. Numeral 0512 is a create button. When the create button 0512 is pressed, the creation of an input profile for color matching is executed.

[0043] FIG. 5B shows a screen after scanning a color sample when creating an input profile for color matching. This screen is displayed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 on the display unit 0205 of the client computer 0101. 0513 shows data scanned by pressing the scan button 0506 and using the scanner 0211 of the image forming apparatus 0102. The CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires the scanned data from the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102 and displays it on the display unit 0205. 0514 shows a list of output profile selection candidates. A paper white portion is identified from the scanned data, and candidates whose color difference between the paper white value and the paper white point of the profile is equal to or less than the allowable value are displayed as selection candidates in order of smallest color difference. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for creating an input profile for color matching. The following process is executed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 and the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 .

[0044] In S0601, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 stores in the RAM 0202 the print data selected by the user on the creation screen of the input profile for color matching as shown in FIG. 5. In S0602, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires the data 0404 of the print data selected in S0601 from the storage unit 0203. Next, in S0603, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires profile information present in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102 via the network 0110. In S0604, on the creation screen of the input profile for color matching as shown in FIG. 5, the user selects a profile whose type is "scanner" from the profiles acquired in S0603, and the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 stores in the RAM 0202. Next, in S0605, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether the scan button 0506 has been pressed. If it is determined in S0605 that the scan button 0506 has been pressed (S0605: Y), the process proceeds to S0606. If it is not determined in S0605 that the scan button 0506 has been pressed (S0605: N), the process proceeds to S0605 and waits for processing until it is determined that the scan button has been pressed.

[0045] In S0606, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 instructs the image forming apparatus 0102 to execute scanning via the network 0110. When the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 receives the instruction to execute scanning from the client computer 0101 via the network 0110, the CPU 0207 executes scanning of the printed matter using the scanner 0211 and stores the data in the storage unit 0209. Next, in S0607, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 instructs the image forming apparatus 0102 to acquire the scanned data via the network 0110. When the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 receives the instruction to acquire the scanned data from the client computer 0101 via the network 0110, the CPU 0207 transmits the scanned data stored in the storage unit 0209 to the client computer. The CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 temporarily stores the acquired scanned data in the RAM 0202.

[0046] Then, in S0608, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 identifies a portion of the scan data that corresponds to the paper white based on the print data data acquired in S0602 and the scan data acquired in S0607. The CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 identifies which portion of the scan data the print data data exists in by positioning. For example, the print data is transformed using affine transformation to identify which portion of the scan data the print data corresponds to. This method is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this method. After identifying the position of the print data in the scan data, it is confirmed which pixel exists in which position. At this time, the paper white of the print data (data in which all CMYK are 0% or data in which all RGB are 255 (white)) is identified. In addition, after identifying the position of the print data in the scan data, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 identifies the margin of the document other than the print data, and identifies the margin as the portion of the scan data that corresponds to the paper white. In S0609, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 judges whether the paper white was identified in S0608. If it is determined in S0609 that the paper white has been identified (S0609:Y), that is, if the paper white of the print data (data where all CMYK are 0% or data where all RGB are 255 (white)) and the margins of the document have been identified, the process proceeds to S0610. If it is determined in S0609 that the paper white has not been identified (S0609:N), that is, if the paper white of the print data (data where all CMYK are 0% or data where all RGB are 255 (white)) and the margins of the document have not been identified, the process proceeds to S0616.

[0047] In S0610, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 uses the scanner profile selected in S0604 to obtain a Lab value, which is a common color space value of the paper white portion of the scan data identified in S0608. Next, in S0611, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 extracts a profile whose type 0407 is "output" from the list of profile information acquired in S0603. In S0612, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 obtains a color difference from the value of the paper white point 0409 in the profile whose type 0407 is "output" extracted in S0611 and the Lab value of the paper white in the scan data calculated in S0610. The paper white point 0409 may be defined in the XYZ color space instead of the Lab color space. If the paper white point 0409 is defined in the XYZ color space, a conversion process to the Lab color space is performed before calculating the color difference. The calculation of color difference and conversion from XYZ color space to Lab color space are performed using a commonly used calculation method. Then, in S0613, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires the paper whiteness tolerance 0410 stored in the storage unit 0203. Then, in S0614, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether or not a profile exists in which the color difference between the paper white of the scan data calculated in S0612 and the paper white point of the profile is equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance acquired in S0613. If it is determined in S0614 that a profile with a color difference equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance exists (S0614: Y), the process proceeds to S0615. If it is not determined in S0614 that a profile with a color difference equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance exists (S0614: N), the process proceeds to S0616.

[0048] In S0615, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 displays the profiles that are equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance confirmed in S0614 as selection candidate profiles in order of smallest color difference on the display unit 0205. The selection candidate profiles are displayed as shown in 0514 in FIG.

[0049] In S0616, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 displays on the display unit 0205 a message indicating that sufficient color matching accuracy may not be obtained even if an input profile for color matching is created. Then, in S0617, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 displays on the display unit 0205 all profiles whose type 0407 is “output” among the profiles acquired in S0603 as candidate profiles for selection.

[0050] In S0618, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 stores in the RAM 0202 the profile selected by the user on the screen for creating an input profile for color matching as shown in FIG.

[0051] In S0619, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 judges whether or not the Create button 0512 is selected on the creation screen of the input profile for color matching as shown in FIG. 5. If it is judged in S0619 that the Create button 0512 is selected (S0619: Y), the process proceeds to S0620. If it is not judged in S0619 that the Create button 0512 is selected (S0619: N), the process proceeds to S0621. In S0620, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 creates an input profile for color matching to match the color sample, using the scan data acquired in S0607 and the information of the profile selected in S0618, and stores the created input profile for color matching in the storage unit 0203. Thereafter, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 transmits the created input profile for color matching to the image forming apparatus 0102 via the network 0110. When the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 receives the created input profile for color matching from the client computer 0101 via the network 0110, it stores the profile in the storage unit 0209. When the client computer issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus using the created input profile, the image forming apparatus can output a printout that accurately reproduces the color of the color sample.

[0052] In S0621, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether or not the cancel button 0511 has been selected on the creation screen for an input profile for color matching as shown in Fig. 5. If it is determined in S0621 that the cancel button 0511 has been selected (S0621:Y), the creation process for an input profile for color matching is interrupted and the series of processes ends. If it is not determined in S0621 that the cancel button 0511 has been selected (S0621:N), the process proceeds to S0619.

[0053] As described above, when a color sample is scanned to create an input profile for color matching in order to reproduce the color of the color sample, the paper white portion is identified from the scanned data. After that, from among the existing profiles, a profile having information on a paper white point that is less different from the paper white of the scanned data is extracted and used as a candidate for creating an input profile for color matching. This makes it possible to create an input profile for color matching that prevents a decrease in color matching accuracy in highlighted areas due to differences from the paper white of the color sample.

[0054] Second embodiment In the first embodiment, all profiles of type "output" held by the image forming apparatus 0102 are targeted as candidates for creating an input profile for color matching. However, profiles of type "output" are also affected by the color quality state of the image forming apparatus 0102 itself at the time of creating the profile. Therefore, if an input profile for color matching is created using a profile with an old creation date or a profile with an old last use date, the accuracy of the input profile for color matching may be reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which, instead of all profiles, profiles that also take into account the creation date and the last use date are targeted as candidates for creating an input profile for color matching. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, only differences are shown. A process flow for creating an input profile for color matching in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0055] 7 shows an example of a profile and setting values ​​used to create an input profile for color matching stored in the client computer 0101 and the image forming apparatus 0102. This information is stored in the storage unit 0203 of the client computer 0101 and the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102. 0405 to 0409 are the same as those in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] 7A shows an example of a profile stored in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102 in this embodiment. 0701 indicates the date and time when the profile was created. 0702 indicates the date and time when the profile was last used by the image forming apparatus 0102.

[0057] 7B shows the setting value used when determining whether a profile is a target for creating an input profile for color matching. This setting value is stored in the memory unit 0203 of the client computer 0101. 0703 indicates the validity period of the profile, and when determining whether a profile is a candidate for creating an input profile for color matching, profiles that are equal to or less than this setting value are targeted. The profile validity period 0703 is compared with the profile creation date and time 0701 and the last use date and time 0702, and if either one of these is within the profile validity period 0703, the profile is a candidate for creating an input profile for color matching.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when creating an input profile for color matching in this embodiment. The following processing is executed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 and the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102. Steps S0601 to S0621 are the same as those in Fig. 6 of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0059] In S0801, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires a setting value of the profile validity period 0703 from the storage unit 0203. Next, in S0802, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 extracts profiles acquired in S0611, whose profile creation dates 0701 and last use dates 0702 are within the profile validity period 0703 acquired in S0801. In S0803, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether or not a profile within the profile validity period 0703 acquired in S0801 exists as a result of the extraction in S0802. If it is determined in S0803 that a profile within the profile validity period 0703 exists (S0803: Y), the process proceeds to S0804. If it is not determined in 0803 that a profile within the profile validity period 0703 exists (S0803: N), the process proceeds to S0616, and from this point onwards, the same process as in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment is carried out.

[0060] In S0804, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 calculates a color difference from the value of the paper white point 0409 in the profile extracted in S082 and the Lab value of the paper white in the scan data calculated in S0610.

[0061] As described above, the subsequent processing is the same as that in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] As a result, it is possible to exclude profiles that were created a long time ago or profiles that were last used a long time ago from the profiles held by the image forming apparatus 0102 when creating an input profile for color matching. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of the input profile for color matching other than for paper white factors.

[0063] (Third embodiment) In the first embodiment, when creating an input profile for color matching, a profile in which the color difference between the color sample and the paper white point 0407 of the profile is equal to or less than the paper white difference tolerance 0410 is set as a candidate profile for creating an input profile for color matching. In this case, if there is no profile with a paper white difference tolerance of 0410 or less, a new profile may be created and used to create an input profile for color matching. When creating a new profile, the paper white of the color sample may be used as a reference to indicate what kind of paper should be used to print a chart for creating the profile and to create the profile. This embodiment shows such a configuration, and since the basic configuration is the same as the first embodiment, only the differences are shown. A process flow for creating an input profile for color matching in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows the screen displayed when creating a new output profile in the case where no profile is found whose color difference from the paper white of the color sample is less than the paper white difference tolerance when creating an input profile for color matching.

[0065] FIG. 9A shows a screen before scanning a chart for creating a new output profile. This screen is displayed on the display unit 0205 of the client computer 0101 by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101. 0901 shows the entire execution screen when creating an output profile. 0902 shows what kind of paper should be used to print the chart for creating the output profile. Based on the Lab value of the paper white of the color sample, what kind of paper should be used to print the chart for creating the output profile is presented. 0903 shows an item for setting a scanner profile. 0904 is a button for selecting a scanner profile, and displays a list of scanner profiles as selection candidates in a drop-down list. The profiles displayed as selection candidates are profiles whose type is "scanner" among the profiles stored in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102. 0905 is a button for executing scanning. Pressing the scan button 0905 instructs the client computer 0101 to the image forming apparatus 0102 to perform a scan using the scanner 0211. 0906 indicates an item showing the scan results. 0907 indicates an area for displaying the scanned image. 0908 is a cancel button. When the cancel button 0908 is pressed, an output profile is not created and the currently displayed screen is closed. 0909 is a create button. When the create button 0909 is pressed, an output profile is created and an input profile for color matching using that output profile is also created.

[0066] 9(b) shows a screen displayed after scanning a chart for creating a profile when creating a new output profile. This screen is displayed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 on the display unit 0205 of the client computer 0101. 0910 shows data scanned by pressing the scan button 0905 and using the scanner 0211 of the image forming apparatus 0102. The CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 obtains the scanned data from the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102 and displays it on the display unit 0205.

[0067] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for creating an input profile for color matching in this embodiment. The following processing is executed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 and the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102.

[0068] Since steps S0601 to S0621 are the same as those in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] In S1001, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 displays on the display unit 0205 the paper to be used when printing the chart for creating the output profile, based on the Lab value of the paper white of the scan data calculated in S0610. Then, in S1002, on the output profile creation screen as shown in Fig. 9, the user selects a profile whose type is "scanner" from the profiles acquired in S0603, and the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 stores this in the RAM 0202. Next, in S1003, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether the scan button 0905 has been pressed. If it is determined in S1003 that the scan button 0905 has been pressed (S1003: Y), the process proceeds to S1004. If it is not determined in S1003 that the scan button 0905 has been pressed (S1003: N), the process proceeds to S1003, where the process waits until it is determined that the scan button has been pressed.

[0070] In S1004, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 instructs the image forming apparatus 0102 to execute scanning via the network 0110. When the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 receives the instruction to execute scanning from the client computer 0101 via the network 0110, the CPU 0207 executes scanning of the printed matter using the scanner 0211 and stores the data in the storage unit 0209. Next, in S1005, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 instructs the image forming apparatus 0102 to acquire the scanned data via the network 0110. When the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 receives the instruction to acquire the scanned data from the client computer 0101 via the network 0110, the CPU 0207 transmits the scanned data stored in the storage unit 0209 to the client computer. The CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 temporarily stores the acquired scanned data in the RAM 0202.

[0071] In S1006, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether or not the Create button 0909 has been selected on an output profile creation screen such as that shown in Fig. 9. If it is determined in S1006 that the Create button 0909 has been selected (S1006: Y), the process proceeds to S1008. If it is not determined in S1006 that the Create button 0909 has been selected (S1006: N), the process proceeds to S1007.

[0072] In S1007, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether or not the cancel button 0908 has been selected on an output profile creation screen such as that shown in Fig. 9. If it is determined in S1007 that the cancel button 0908 has been selected (S1007: Y), the creation of the output profile and the creation of the input profile for color matching are interrupted, and the series of processes ends. If it is not determined in S1007 that the cancel button 0908 has been selected (S1007: N), the process proceeds to S1006.

[0073] In S1008, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 creates an output profile using the information of the scan data acquired in S1005. Thereafter, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 transmits the created output profile to the image forming apparatus 0102 via the network 0110. When the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 receives the created output profile from the client computer 0101 via the network 0110, the CPU 0207 stores the created output profile in the storage unit 0209. In S1009, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 creates an input profile for color matching based on the scan data acquired in S0607 and the information of the output profile created in S1008, and stores the input profile in the storage unit 0203. Thereafter, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 transmits the created input profile for color matching to the image forming apparatus 0102 via the network 0110. When the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102 receives the created input profile for color matching from the client computer 0101 via the network 0110 , the CPU 0207 stores the received profile in the storage unit 0209 .

[0074] As a result, when creating an input profile for color matching, if there is no profile with a paper whiteness difference tolerance of 0410 or less, a new profile is created. In addition, by using the created profile to create an input profile for color matching, it is possible to prevent a decrease in color matching accuracy even if there is a possibility that the color matching accuracy will decrease with a profile already held in the image forming apparatus 0102.

[0075] (Fourth embodiment) In the third embodiment, when printing a chart for creating an output profile, the type of paper to be used is presented based on the paper white value of the data obtained by scanning a color sample. However, due to a user's operational error, there is a possibility that the chart for creating an output profile is printed using paper with a paper white different from the expected one. Then, an output profile different from the expected one is created. To prevent this, in this embodiment, a printed chart for creating an output profile is scanned and an output profile is created using the data, but when scanning, a paper white portion is specified, and the value of the paper white portion is used to find the difference with the paper white value when the color sample is scanned, and it is confirmed whether an appropriate output profile can be created. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, only the differences are shown. Using FIG. 11, the flow of processing when creating an input profile for color matching in this embodiment will be described.

[0076] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when creating an input profile for color matching in this embodiment. The following processing is executed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 and the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102. Since steps S0601 to S0621 are the same as those in Fig. 6 of the first embodiment, and steps S1001 to S1009 are the same as those in Fig. 10 of the third embodiment, their explanations will be omitted.

[0077] In S1101, a portion corresponding to the paper white in the scan data acquired in S1005 is identified. The portion of the scan data where the data of the chart for creating a profile held by the image forming apparatus 0102 is present is identified by positioning, and the portion corresponding to the paper white in the scan data is identified based on the paper white of the print data (data in which all CMYK are 0) and the margin of the document. In S1102, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 uses the scanner profile selected in S1002 to obtain a Lab value, which is a common color space value of the paper white portion of the scan data identified in S1101. Then, in S1103, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 obtains a color difference from the Lab value of the paper white of the scan data calculated in S0610 and the Lab value of the paper white of the scan data calculated in S1102. In S1104, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 obtains the paper whiteness tolerance value 0410 stored in the storage unit 0203. Then, in S1105, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether the color difference calculated in S1103 is equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance value acquired in S1104. If it is determined in S1105 that the color difference is equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance value (S1105: Y), the process proceeds to S1006, and the subsequent processes are the same as those in FIG. 10 of the third embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted. If it is not determined in S1105 that the color difference is equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance value (S1105: N), the process proceeds to S1002, and information on the paper to be used when printing the chart for creating the output profile again is displayed. The subsequent processes are the same as those in FIG. 10 of the third embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted. If it is not determined in S1105 that the color difference is equal to or less than the paper whiteness tolerance value, a notification screen may be displayed to inform the user of this.

[0078] As described above, a chart for creating a profile is printed and scanned, and an output profile is created using that data, but the paper white area is identified during scanning, and the value of that paper white area is used to calculate the difference with the paper white value when a color sample is scanned. This makes it possible to reduce the creation of output profiles using paper that differs from the expected value due to user operation error.

[0079] Fifth embodiment In the first to fourth embodiments, when creating an input profile for color matching, a profile whose color difference with the paper white of the color sample is within the tolerance is used, thereby preventing a decrease in color matching accuracy in highlighted areas. However, if a user makes an operational mistake and uses paper different from the color sample when printing using the created input profile for color matching, the expected color matching accuracy cannot be obtained.

[0080] In this embodiment, when printing is performed using an input profile for color matching, the type of paper to be set is displayed in the paper settings in the print settings, thereby preventing failure to obtain the expected color matching accuracy. Since the basic configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, only the differences are shown. The flow of print setting processing when printing is performed using an input profile for color matching in this embodiment will be described using Figures 12, 13, and 14.

[0081] 12 shows an example of profiles stored in the client computer 0101 and the image forming apparatus 0102. This information is stored in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102.

[0082] Reference numeral 1201 denotes an information table showing what information the profile is saved as. Reference numeral 1202 denotes ID information for distinguishing saved profiles. Reference numeral 1203 denotes the type of profile. If the type is input, it denotes what value is obtained when an input signal value, for example, C (Cyan) M (Magenda) Y (Yellow) K (Black) is converted into the Lab color space, which is a common color space. If the type is output, it denotes what value is obtained when the Lab color space is converted into a CMYK value. If the type is scanner, it denotes what value is obtained when the signal value of an image acquired using a scanner is converted into the Lab color space, which is a common color space. If the type is color matching, it denotes that the profile is used for color matching printing. Reference numeral 1204 denotes the name of the profile. Reference numeral 1205 denotes paper white point information that the profile has. The profile is defined in a format called ICC. In this definition, the paper white point, which is a definition of the value of paper white in the profile in the Lab color space or XYZ color space, is essential, and the contents are shown in 1205.

[0083] FIG. 13 shows the print settings screen when printing using an input profile for color matching.

[0084] This screen is displayed on the display unit 0205 of the client computer 0101 by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 .

[0085] Reference numeral 1301 indicates the entire print setting screen. Reference numeral 1302 indicates the name of the print job for which the user is setting the print settings. Reference numeral 1303 indicates that the items displayed below 1303 are related to the print settings. Reference numeral 1304 indicates that the setting item of the input profile in the print settings. Reference numeral 1305 is a button for selecting an input profile, and displays a list of input profiles as selection candidates or input profiles for color matching in a drop-down list. Reference numeral 1306 indicates that the setting item of the output profile in the print settings. Reference numeral 1307 is a button for selecting an output profile, and displays a list of output profiles as selection candidates in a drop-down list. Reference numeral 1308 indicates that the setting item of the paper in the print settings. Reference numeral 1309 is a button for selecting the paper, and displays a list of papers as selection candidates in a drop-down list. Reference numeral 1310 indicates what type of paper should be set in the paper setting 1308. Reference numeral 1310 is displayed only when an input profile for color matching is set in the setting item 1304 of the input profile. Reference numeral 1311 is a cancel button. When the cancel button 1311 is pressed, the print settings are not made and the currently displayed screen is closed. A print button 1312 is displayed. When the print button 1312 is pressed, printing of the print job is started with the currently set print settings.

[0086] 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of print setting processing when printing using an input profile for color matching in this embodiment. The following processing is executed by the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 and the CPU 0207 of the image forming apparatus 0102.

[0087] In S1401, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 stores print data selected by the user on a print setting screen as shown in Fig. 13 in the RAM 0202. In S1402, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires the contents of the print data selected in S1401 from the storage unit 0203. Next, in S1403, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires profile information present in the storage unit 0209 of the image forming apparatus 0102 via the network 0110. In S1404, on a print screen as shown in Fig. 13, the user selects a profile whose type is "input" or "color matching" from the profiles acquired in S1403, and the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 stores the profile in the RAM 0202. In S1405, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 determines whether the type of the profile selected in S1404 is "color matching". If it is determined in S1405 that the type of profile is "color matching" (S1405: Y), the process proceeds to S1406. If it is not determined in S1405 that the type of profile is "color matching" (S1405: N), the process ends.

[0088] In S1406, the CPU 0201 of the client computer 0101 acquires the paper white point 1205 of the profile selected in S1404. Next, in S1407, based on the paper white point value acquired in S1406, the paper characteristics to be set in the paper settings of the print settings are displayed as a message on the display unit 0205. The paper characteristics to be set are, for example, pale paper, etc.

[0089] As described above, when making print settings using an input profile for color matching, the characteristics of the paper to be set are displayed based on the paper white point information of the input profile for color matching. This prevents the expected color matching accuracy from being not achieved due to user operation errors.

[0090] (Other embodiments) The configuration may be a combination of one or more of each of the first to fifth embodiments described above.

[0091] A recording medium on which the program code of the software for realizing the above-mentioned functions is recorded may be supplied to the system or device, and the computer (CPU, MPU) of the system or device may read and execute the program code stored in the recording medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium will realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the storage medium on which the program code is stored will constitute the above-mentioned device.

[0092] Examples of storage media for supplying the program code include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and DVDs.

[0093] In addition, the above-mentioned functions may be realized not only by the computer executing the read program code, but also by the OS running on the computer performing all or part of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0094] Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium may be written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and a CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform part or all of the actual processing based on instructions in the program code to realize the above-mentioned functions.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0097] (Configuration 1) A program for causing a computer of an information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device to execute a control method, The control method a first acquisition step of acquiring image data generated by the image forming apparatus by scanning an original; a step of identifying a paper white portion from the image data acquired in the first acquisition step; a second acquisition step of acquiring one or more output profiles; a first display control step of displaying the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition step based on information on the paper white portion identified in the identification step; a first creation step of creating an input profile based on an output profile selected from the one or more output profiles displayed in the first display control step and the image data acquired in the first acquisition step.

[0098] (Configuration 2) 2. The program according to configuration 1, wherein the control method further comprises an instruction step of instructing the image forming apparatus to execute a scan using a selected scan profile.

[0099] (Configuration 3) The program described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that in the display control process, the one or more output profiles are displayed based on the Lab values ​​of the paper white portion identified by the identification means and the values ​​of the paper white portion of the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition process.

[0100] (Configuration 4) The program described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that in the display control process, the one or more output profiles are displayed based on the Lab values ​​of the paper white portion identified by the identification means, the Lab values ​​of the paper white portion of the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition process, and a predetermined tolerance value.

[0101] (Configuration 5) The program described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that in the display control process, an output profile in which the color difference of the paper white portion identified by the identification means and the paper white portion of one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition process is equal to or less than a predetermined value is displayed.

[0102] (Configuration 6) The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a second display step of displaying a message indicating that there is no output profile having a color difference of a predetermined value or less, based on the color difference between the paper white portion identified in the identification step and the paper white portion of the output profile acquired in the second acquisition step.

[0103] (Configuration 7) The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a second creation step of creating a new output profile if there is no output profile having a color difference of a predetermined value or less based on the color difference between the paper white portion identified in the identification step and the paper white portion of the output profile acquired by the second acquisition means.

[0104] (Configuration 8) 8. The program according to configuration 7, further comprising a notification step of notifying a user of a paper to be used when creating an output profile in the second creation step.

[0105] (Configuration 9) 9. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein in the first display control step, the one or more profiles are displayed based on a validity period of the output profile.

[0106] (Configuration 10) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that in a first creation process, an input profile for reproducing the same color tone as the original is created based on an output profile selected from one or more output profiles displayed in the display control process and image data acquired by the first acquisition means.

[0107] (Configuration 11) 11. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the second acquisition step acquires the one or more output profiles from the image forming apparatus.

[0108] (Configuration 12) 12. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the output profile is a profile indicating what values ​​are obtained when the Lab color space is converted into C (Cyan) M (Magenta) Y (Yellow) K (Black) values, and the input profile is a profile indicating what values ​​are obtained when CMYK is converted into the Lab color space, which is a common color space.

[0109] (device 1) An information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device, a first acquisition unit that acquires image data generated by the image forming apparatus by scanning a document; A specifying unit that specifies a paper white portion from the image data acquired by the acquiring unit; A second obtaining means for obtaining one or more output profiles; a first display control means for displaying the one or more output profiles acquired by the second acquisition means based on information on the paper white area identified by the identification means; a first creation means for creating an input profile based on an output profile selected from one or more output profiles displayed by the display control means and image data acquired by the first acquisition means.

[0110] (Method 1) A control method executed by an information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring image data generated by the image forming apparatus by scanning an original; a step of identifying a paper white portion from the image data acquired in the acquisition step; a second acquisition step of acquiring one or more output profiles; a first display control step of displaying the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition step based on information on the paper white portion identified in the identification step; A control method comprising: a first creation step of creating an input profile based on an output profile selected from the one or more output profiles displayed in the display control step and the image data acquired in the first acquisition step.

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer of an information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device to execute a control method, The control method a first acquisition step of acquiring image data generated by the image forming apparatus by scanning an original; a step of identifying a paper white portion from the image data acquired in the first acquisition step; a second acquisition step of acquiring one or more output profiles; a first display control step of displaying the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition step based on information on the paper white portion identified in the identification step; a first creation step of creating an input profile based on an output profile selected from one or more output profiles displayed in the first display control step and the image data acquired in the first acquisition step.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the control method further comprises an instruction step of instructing the image forming apparatus to execute scanning using a selected scanning profile.

3. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first display control process, the one or more output profiles are displayed based on the Lab values ​​of the paper white portion identified by the identification means and the values ​​of the paper white portion of the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition process.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first display control process, the one or more output profiles are displayed based on the Lab values ​​of the paper white portion identified by the identification means, the Lab values ​​of the paper white portion of the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition process, and a predetermined tolerance value.

5. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first display control step displays an output profile in which the color difference between the paper white portion identified by the identification means and the paper white portion of one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition step is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

6. 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising a second display step of displaying a message indicating that there is no output profile having a color difference of a predetermined value or less based on the color difference between the paper white portion identified in the identification step and the paper white portion of the output profile acquired in the second acquisition step.

7. The program according to claim 1, further comprising a second creation step of creating a new output profile if there is no output profile having a color difference below a predetermined value based on the color difference between the paper white portion identified in the identification step and the paper white portion of the output profile acquired by the second acquisition means.

8. 8. The program according to claim 7, further comprising a notification step of notifying a user of a paper to be used when creating an output profile in the second creation step.

9. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the first display control step further displays the one or more profiles based on a validity period of the output profile.

10. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that in a first creation step, an input profile for reproducing the same color tone as the original is created based on an output profile selected from one or more output profiles displayed in the display control step and the image data acquired by the first acquisition means.

11. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second acquisition step acquires the one or more output profiles from the image forming apparatus.

12. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the output profile is a profile that indicates what values ​​are obtained when a Lab color space is converted into C (Cyan) M (Magenta) Y (Yellow) K (Black) values, and the input profile is a profile that indicates what values ​​are obtained when CMYK is converted into the Lab color space, which is a common color space.

13. An information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device, a first acquisition unit that acquires image data generated by the image forming apparatus by scanning a document; A specifying unit that specifies a paper white portion from the image data acquired by the first acquiring unit; A second obtaining means for obtaining one or more output profiles; a first display control means for displaying the one or more output profiles acquired by the second acquisition means based on information on the paper white portion identified by the identification means; a first creation means for creating an input profile based on an output profile selected from one or more output profiles displayed by the first display control means and image data acquired by the first acquisition means.

14. A control method executed by an information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring image data generated by the image forming apparatus by scanning an original; a step of identifying a paper white portion from the image data acquired in the first acquisition step; a second acquisition step of acquiring one or more output profiles; a first display control step of displaying the one or more output profiles acquired in the second acquisition step based on information on the paper white portion identified in the identification step; A control method comprising: a first creation process for creating an input profile based on an output profile selected from the one or more output profiles displayed in the first display control process and the image data acquired in the first acquisition process.

Images