Color management device, color management system, and color management program

Abstract

To allow a printing operator even with limited knowledge of color easily perform color management on a printer.SOLUTION: A management device 30 includes: a first mode execution part 311 which executes a first mode for color management settings, including settings of a plurality of items related to a color management function of a printer, and a color management function after a plurality of steps; and a second mode execution part 312 which executes the second mode for color management settings and color management function by simplifying at least one of the processes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a color management device, a color management system, and a color management program. [Background technology]

[0002] In commercial printing, where large volumes of printing work are carried out, a technology is disclosed in which a color manager sets color management conditions to ensure the color quality of printed materials and calibrates the colorimetric values ​​of color patches printed as color samples against the color management conditions, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent document 1 states, "Color management conditions related to color accuracy management in the printing device are set, and the colorimetric values ​​of a color patch printed as a color sample by the printing device are obtained in correspondence with the time when the color patch was printed. A recommended calibration implementation cycle for the printing device is determined based on multiple colorimetric values ​​obtained at multiple printing times and the set color management conditions." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-217054 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, conventionally, color management is performed by a color manager by setting color management conditions for a printing device. However, daily color management in printing work is usually performed by a printing operator. If the printing operator is a part-timer or casual worker, he or she may lack knowledge about color. For this reason, with only one operation mode as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, problems arise in that the printing operator's work time increases and mistakes increase. For this reason, it is necessary to simplify the settings and operation procedures for daily color management.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable even a printing operator who lacks knowledge about color to easily perform color management of a printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention comprises a first mode execution unit that executes a first mode in which color management settings, including setting a plurality of items related to the color management function of a printing device, are performed through a plurality of steps, and the color management function is performed, and a second mode execution unit that executes a second mode in which color management settings are performed and the color management function is performed by simplifying at least one of the plurality of steps. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention having the above configuration, even a printing operator who lacks knowledge about colors can easily perform color management of a printing device. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color management system and a color management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a color management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a color verification setting screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a color verification setting screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a first mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen in a second mode of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration for color management settings in the color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management screen for various settings in the color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing various setting items of color management settings in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various setting items for profile creation and color verification in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various setting items of a printer in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various setting items of a custom target profile and a custom RGB file in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for adding a color management setting in a first mode in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a function execution process in a first mode in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a function execution process in a second mode in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a function restriction process for a second mode in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33]10 is a diagram showing an example of printer restriction data for a second mode in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 34] 11 is a diagram showing an example of function restriction data for a second mode in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color management setting restriction data for a second mode in a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functions or configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] <One embodiment> [Outline of the color management system and color management device] First, a schematic configuration of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a color management system 10 and a color management device 30 according to this embodiment. The color management system 10 includes at least one (two in FIG. 1) printing device 20 and a color management device 30. The color management device 30 is connected to each printing device 20 and has a color management function for the printing device 20. The printing device 20 is an image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium. There are multiple color management functions, including color verification, profile creation, calibration, maximum density adjustment, and density balance adjustment.

[0012] Color verification is a function for verifying the color of a printed matter by comparing the results of measuring the color of the printed matter with a color verification standard. Profile creation is a function that creates an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile from the results of measuring the colors of a printed document. Calibration is a function that adjusts the gradation of each color based on the results of measuring the color of a printed document. The maximum density adjustment is a function that adjusts the maximum density of each color based on the results of measuring the colors of the printed matter. The density balance adjustment is a function for correcting density unevenness (in-plane unevenness) based on the results of measuring the colors of the printed matter.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the color management device 30 includes a first mode execution unit 311, a second mode execution unit 312, and a storage device 36. The first mode execution unit 311 performs color management settings including settings of multiple items related to the color management function of the printing device 20 through multiple steps, and executes a first mode in which the color management function is performed. The second mode execution unit 312 performs color management settings by simplifying at least one step among the multiple steps, and executes a second mode in which the color management function is performed. Here, the multiple steps include various setting screens (FIGS. 3 to 8, 13 to 18, 23, and 24 described later) for setting multiple items related to the color management function of the printing device 20, and a setting process of various setting items on the various setting screens. In addition, the execution results of the first mode execution unit 311 and the second mode execution unit 312 are transmitted to the printing device 20, which is a management target, via a communication interface 37 shown in FIG. 2 described later. The execution results of the first mode execution unit 311 and the second mode execution unit 312 are information related to various color management settings made on various setting screens for the first mode and the second mode.

[0014] The first mode can be switched to the second mode by a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a predetermined button or link). When a problem occurs during execution, the second mode can be switched to the first mode by a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a predetermined button or link and inputting authentication information such as a password) if permitted by the first mode. When the second mode is switched to the first mode, the second mode execution unit 312 notifies the mode switch according to the notification method set in the first mode.

[0015] The first mode is operated by the color manager P1, and has various setting screens shown in Figs. 3 to 8, 13 to 18, 23, and 24 described below. The first mode execution unit 311 displays various setting screens for the first mode, and stores information on color management settings set by the color manager P1 in the first mode in the storage device 36. In addition, since the colors printed by the printing device 20 differ depending on the attributes (paper type, basis weight, color paper, etc.) of the recording medium such as paper used, the first mode execution unit 311 can set color management settings for each printing device 20. In addition, the first mode execution unit 311 can also set color management settings for each color management function.

[0016] The second mode is operated by the printing operator P2 and has various setting screens shown in Figs. 9 to 12 and 19 to 22 described later. The second mode has fewer setting screens than the first mode, and some setting screens with the same configuration have fewer setting items than the first mode. That is, the process of implementing color management settings in the second mode is simpler than the process in the first mode. The second mode execution unit 312 reads out information on the color management settings set by the color manager P1 in the first mode from the storage device 36 and displays various setting screens for the second mode. In addition, the second mode execution unit 312 selects the color management settings made by the first mode execution unit 311 and performs the color management function by changing some of the multiple items included in the selected color management settings.

[0017] Furthermore, the second mode execution unit 312 sets the selectable printing device 20 to automatic based on the printer restriction data registered in advance (see FIG. 33 described later), and sets the selectable color management function to automatic based on the function restriction data registered in advance (see FIG. 34 described later). For example, the second mode execution unit 312 sets the selectable color management function for each printing device 20 to automatic based on the function restriction data (see FIG. 34B described later), and sets the selectable printing device 20 to automatic for each color management function. Furthermore, for example, the second mode execution unit 312 can set the selectable color management function to automatic for the model number of the printing device 20 based on the printer restriction data (see FIG. 33A described later). Furthermore, the second mode execution unit 312 can set the selectable color management function to automatic for the serial number of the printing device 20 based on the printer restriction data (see FIG. 33B described later). Furthermore, the second mode execution unit 312 automatically sets a selectable colorimeter for measuring the color of a printed material output by the printing device 20 based on preregistered colorimeter restriction data (not shown). Furthermore, the second mode execution unit 312 automatically sets a selectable colorimeter chart and the number of patches of the colorimeter chart for each type of colorimeter based on preregistered color management setting restriction data (see FIG. 35 described later).

[0018] [Hardware configuration of color management device] Next, a hardware configuration of the color management device 30 according to this embodiment will be described. The color management device 30 is a terminal device such as a computer or tablet that is used by the color manager P1 or the printing operator P2 when performing color management of the printing device 20. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the color management device 30 according to this embodiment.

[0019] 2, the color management device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a display device 34, an input device 35, a storage device 36, and a communication interface 37. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, the display device 34, the input device 35, the storage device 36, and the communication interface 37 are connected by a bus 38 so as to be able to transmit and receive information data to and from each other.

[0020] The CPU 31 reads out from the ROM 32 the program code of the software that realizes the various functions of the color management system 10, loads it into the RAM 33, and executes it. The CPU 31 includes a first mode execution unit 311 and a second mode execution unit 312. Note that a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) may be used instead of the CPU 31, or the CPU 31 and a GPU may be used together.

[0021] The ROM 32 is configured by a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory, and stores programs and data executed and referenced by the CPU 31.

[0022] The RAM 33 is configured with a storage medium such as a volatile memory, and temporarily stores information (data) necessary for each process performed by the CPU 31.

[0023] The display device 34 is, for example, a liquid crystal display monitor, and displays various setting screens relating to color management (see Figs. 3 to 28 described below) and the results of processing performed by the color management device 30. The input device 35 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and enables the color manager P1 or the printing operator P2 to input predetermined operations and give instructions. The display device 34 and the input device 35 are integrally formed, for example, as a touch panel.

[0024] The storage device 36 is configured as a computer-readable non-transient recording medium storing the program executed by the CPU 31, and is configured as a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage device 36 stores programs for the CPU 31 to execute each function, an OS (Operating System), a controller, and other programs and data. The storage device 36 also stores information on color management settings set in the first mode, various types of limiting data for the second mode (see Figs. 33 to 35 described later), and the like. Note that some of the programs and data stored in the storage device 36 may be stored in the ROM 32. Note that the computer-readable non-transient recording medium storing the program executed by the CPU 31 is not limited to an HDD, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM.

[0025] The communication interface 37 may be, for example, a network interface card (NIC), and various data may be transmitted and received between devices via a local area network (LAN) or dedicated line connected to a terminal of the NIC.

[0026] [Color verification setting screen for 1st mode] Next, the color verification setting screen of the first mode of the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. The setting screens shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 are displayed under the control of the first mode execution unit 311. The color manager P1 logs into the color management system 10 of the color management device 30, performs printer setting M11 shown in FIG. 23 described later, and then selects the printing device 20 to be color managed on a printer selection screen (not shown). After the printing device 20 to be color managed is selected, when the "Add" button or the "Edit" button is pressed on the management screen for profile creation and color verification setting M14 shown in FIG. 23 described later, the color verification setting screen V1 of the first mode shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Note that the configuration of the color verification setting screen of the first mode is not limited to the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, and may be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen V1 in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The color verification setting screen V1 (first mode color verification-1) shown in FIG. 3 is a first screen for setting each item related to color verification in the first mode of the color management system 10. As shown in FIG. 3, a setting section V11 for "colorimeter to be used", a setting section V12 for "lighting conditions", a setting section V13 for "averaging and number of color measurements", a setting section V14 for "color verification standard", and a setting section V15 for "chart to be printed" are displayed on the left side of the color verification setting screen V1. A display section V16 for "chart preview" is displayed on the right side of the color verification setting screen V1. In addition, a "back" button V17 and a "next" button V18 are displayed at the bottom of the color verification setting screen V1.

[0028] The "colorimeter to be used" setting section V11 is a combo box for specifying a colorimeter that will measure the printout (printed chart) output by the selected printing device 20. The combo box of the "colorimeter to be used" setting section V11 includes all colorimeters supported by the color management system 10. Note that the interval between the patches that make up the chart, i.e., the number of patches that make up the chart, varies depending on the type of colorimeter, so it is necessary to specify the colorimeter in the "colorimeter to be used" setting section V11.

[0029] The "lighting conditions" setting section V12 is a combo box for specifying the lighting conditions corresponding to the colorimeter set in the "colorimeter to be used" setting section V11. The "lighting conditions" include, for example, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 13655 M0, ISO 13655 M1, etc., and the selectable lighting conditions differ depending on the type of colorimeter.

[0030] The "Number of averaging and colorimetry" setting section V13 is a text box for setting the number of averaging and the number of colorimetry. The default values ​​for the number of averaging and the number of colorimetry are "1." If you want to reduce printing errors in the printing device 20, print the same number of printed copies as the number of averaging times entered, and measure the colors of each of the multiple printed copies. Also, if you want to reduce colorimetry errors in the colorimeter, measure the colors of the same printed copy the number of times entered.

[0031] The "color verification standard" setting section V14 is a combo box for specifying the color verification standard corresponding to the colorimeter set in the "colorimeter to be used" setting section V11. Examples of color verification standards include the verification standard (Fogra_Validation_Printing) of Fogra, a German printing-related organization certification body, and the Japan Color certification system (Japan_Color_Proof_Certification, etc.).

[0032] The "Chart to print" setting section V15 is a combo box for specifying a chart for color verification. Note that the charts that can be selected in the "Chart to print" setting section V15 differ depending on the color verification standard set in the "Color verification standard" setting section V14.

[0033] The "Chart Preview" display section V16 displays a preview of the chart specified in the "Chart to Print" setting section V15.

[0034] The "Back" button V17 is a button for returning to the screen before transitioning to the color verification setting screen V1. The "Next" button V18 is a button for transitioning to the next screen of the color verification setting screen V1 (a color verification setting screen V2 shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later). It should be noted that the "Back" button and the "Next" button on each of the subsequent screens function in the same manner as the "Back" button V17 and the "Next" button V18, respectively, and therefore a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen V2 in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The color verification setting screen V2 (first mode color verification-2) shown in FIG. 4 is the next screen to the color verification setting screen V1 described in FIG. 3. On the left side of the color verification setting screen V2, a "profile for calculation" setting section V21, a "level" setting section V22, a "paper color" setting section V23, and a "ΔE calculation method" setting section V24 are displayed. On the right side of the color verification setting screen V2, a "verification type and threshold" setting section V25 is displayed. In addition, a "back" button V26 and a "next" button V27 are displayed at the bottom of the color verification setting screen V2.

[0036] The "Profile for calculation" setting section V21 is a combo box for specifying a target profile to be used for calculating ideal values ​​of color measurement results. All target profiles set in the custom target profile setting M12 shown in FIG. 23, which will be described later, are displayed in the combo box of the "Profile for calculation" setting section V21.

[0037] The "Level" setting section V22 is a combo box for specifying "Standard" or "Custom." When "Standard" is selected, the values ​​of each condition of the color verification standard set on the color verification setting screen V1 shown in Fig. 3 (such as "Paper color," "ΔE calculation method," and "Verification type and threshold value") are used. When "Custom" is selected, the values ​​of each condition are changed without using the values ​​of the color verification standard set on the color verification setting screen V1 shown in Fig. 3.

[0038] The "paper color" setting section V23 is a combo box for specifying the color of the printing paper. The paper colors selectable in the "paper color" setting section V23 are determined by the set color verification standard, but can be changed by changing the level in the "level" setting section V22.

[0039] The "ΔE calculation method" setting section V24 is a combo box for specifying the calculation method for ΔE, which is the color shift between the color measurement results of the printed matter and the ideal value. ΔE calculation methods include, for example, ΔEab, ΔE94, ΔE00, etc. The calculation methods selectable in the "ΔE calculation method" setting section V24 are determined by the set color verification standard, but can be changed by changing the level in the "Level" setting section V22.

[0040] In the verification type and threshold setting section V25, multiple verification types and thresholds corresponding to color verification standards can be specified. Verification types include, for example, "Maximum ΔE" and "Average ΔE" as shown in FIG. 4. A text box in which the corresponding threshold can be edited is displayed below each verification type. The threshold corresponding to the verification type can be changed by changing the "Level" in the "Level" setting section V22. When performing color verification, for example, if a "Maximum ΔE" threshold is set, the color verification result will be OK if the color deviation ΔE between the color measurement result of the printed matter and the ideal value is below that threshold.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen V3 in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The color verification setting screen V3 (color verification-3 in the first mode) shown in Fig. 5 is the next screen to the color verification setting screen V2 described in Fig. 4. A "paper tray selection" section V31 is displayed in the upper half of the color verification setting screen V3. A "profile to be applied when printing" setting section V32 and a "screen setting to be applied when printing" section V33 are displayed in the lower half of the color verification setting screen V3. In addition, a "back" button V34 and a "next" button V35 are displayed at the bottom end of the color verification setting screen V3.

[0042] In the "Paper feed tray selection" section V31, the paper feed tray to be used when printing a chart can be selected. The "Paper feed tray selection" section V31 has radio buttons, a "Paper feed tray" column, a "Paper size" column, a "Paper feed direction" column, a "Paper type" column, a "Basis weight" column, and a "Color paper" column. When any of the radio buttons in the "Paper feed tray selection" section V31 is selected, the setting value stored in each column corresponding to the radio button is selected. Note that in order to select a paper feed tray, the printing device 20 must support printing from the color management system 10. If the printing device 20 does not support printing from the color management system 10, only the paper size can be set in the "Paper feed tray selection" section V31.

[0043] In the "Profile to be applied when printing" setting section V32, the profile to be applied when printing can be selected. The "Profile to be applied when printing" setting section V32 has a radio button V321 for "CMYK target profile" and a radio button V322 for "CMYK source profile". A combo box is displayed below each of the radio buttons V321 and V322. When a radio button is selected, the combo box below the selected radio button becomes selectable (white). Also, the combo box below the unselected radio button becomes unselectable (gray). Note that CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key plate (black, ink). Also, if the printing device 20 does not support printing from the color management system 10, the combo boxes below the radio button V321 for "CMYK target profile" and the radio button V322 for "CMYK source profile" become unselectable (gray).

[0044] The "Screen settings to be applied when printing" section V33 is a combo box for specifying the screen to be applied when printing. The combo box displays, for example, "Screen 1 / Dot 190", "Screen 2 / Dot 175", "Stochastics / FM3", and "Custom Screen". Note that if the printing device 20 does not support printing from the color management system 10, the "Screen settings to be applied when printing" section V33 is unavailable (grayed out).

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen V4 in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The color verification setting screen V4 shown in FIG. 6 is the next screen to the color verification setting screen V3 described in FIG. 5. On the left side of the color verification setting screen V4, a display section V41 of "Chart to be printed", a display section V42 of "Type of colorimeter" and a display section V44 of "Paper attributes" are displayed. On the right side of the color verification setting screen V4, a selection section V45 of "Color verification method" and a "Start printing" button V46 are displayed. In addition, a "Back" button V47 and a "Next" button V48 are displayed at the bottom of the color verification setting screen V4.

[0046] The "Chart to print" display section V41 displays the chart set in the "Chart to print" setting section V15 of the color verification setting screen V1 shown in FIG.

[0047] The "colorimeter type" display section V42 displays the type of colorimeter set in the "colorimeter to be used" setting section V11 of the color verification setting screen V1 shown in FIG.

[0048] The "Number of copies" setting section V43 is a text box for setting the number of copies to be printed of the chart.

[0049] The "paper attributes" display section V44 displays the paper attributes set in the "paper feed tray selection" section V31 of the color verification setting screen V3 shown in FIG.

[0050] The "color verification method" selection section V45 has a radio button V451 for "print a chart and measure the colors," a radio button V452 for "measure a printed chart," and a radio button V453 for "read measured data." When the "print a chart and measure the colors" radio button V451 is selected, a method of printing a chart shown in the "printed chart" display section V41 and measuring the colors is selected. When the "measure a printed chart" radio button V452 is selected, a method of measuring the colors of a chart that has already been printed is selected. When the "read measured data" radio button V453 is selected, a method of reading and using the color measurement results of a chart that has already been measured is selected.

[0051] When the "Start Printing" button V46 is pressed, the chart displayed in the "Chart to Print" display area V41 is printed.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen V5 in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The color verification setting screen V5 (first mode color verification-5) shown in FIG. 7 is the next screen to the color verification setting screen V4 described in FIG. 6. On the left side of the color verification setting screen V5, a display section V51 for "colorimeter type" is displayed, a display section V52 for "lighting conditions" is displayed, and a "start color measurement" button V54 is displayed. On the right side of the color verification setting screen V5, a display section V55 for "color measurement results" is displayed, a display section V56 for "operation navigation" is displayed, and a "save color measurement data" button V57 is displayed. In addition, a "back" button V58 and a "next" button V59 are displayed at the bottom of the color verification setting screen V5.

[0053] The "colorimeter type" display section V51 displays the type of colorimeter set in the "colorimeter to be used" setting section V11 of the color verification setting screen V1 shown in FIG.

[0054] The "lighting conditions" display section V52 displays the lighting conditions set in the "lighting conditions" setting section V12 of the color verification setting screen V1 shown in FIG.

[0055] The "Chart to be used" display area V53 displays the chart to be used for color measurement. When color measurement is performed on the chart displayed in the "Chart to be used" display area V53, the color of the part being measured changes in real time. Also, the transparency of the chart before color measurement is 60%, and the transparency of the chart after color measurement becomes 0%. Also, if the column is incorrect during color measurement, an error dialog box is displayed.

[0056] When the "Start color measurement" button V54 is pressed, color measurement for the chart displayed in the "Chart to be used" display area V53 begins.

[0057] The "Color Measurement Results" display V55 displays the color measurement results for the chart displayed in the "Chart to Use" display V53. The "Color Measurement Results" display V55 displays the color measurement results corresponding to each patch that makes up the chart, from top to bottom. The "No." column shown in the figure is the number corresponding to the measured patch. The color measurement results for each patch also include columns for the measured "C%, " "M%, " "Y%, " "K%, " "Lab (ideal value)", and "Lab (measured value)". Lab (Lab color space) is a color space, where the "L" value represents brightness, and the "a" and "b" values ​​represent red and blue hue, respectively.

[0058] The "C%, " "M%, " "Y%", and "K%" columns display the ratio of the measured C, M, Y, and K pixels to all pixels in the patch, for example in percentage units. The "Lab (Ideal Value)" column displays the Lab ideal value for evaluating the pre-registered color measurement value for each patch on the chart. The "Lab (colorimetric value)" column displays the Lab colorimetric value corresponding to each patch on the chart.

[0059] The "Operation Navigation" display V56 displays the operation procedures required for color measurement. For example, if white calibration is required before color measurement, text to that effect is displayed.

[0060] When the “save color measurement data” button V57 is pressed, the color measurement results are stored in the storage device 36 of the color management device 30.

[0061] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification setting screen V6 in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The color verification setting screen V6 (first mode color verification-6) shown in Fig. 8 is the next screen to the color verification setting screen V5 described in Fig. 7. On the left side of the color verification setting screen V6, a display section V61 of "Conditions used in color verification" and a display section V62 of "Verification details" are displayed. On the right side of the color verification setting screen V6, a display section V63 of "Verification results", a radio button V64 of "PDF" and a radio button V65 of "Spreadsheet software" and a "Report output" button V66 are displayed. In addition, a "Back" button V67 and a "Done" button V68 are displayed at the bottom of the color verification setting screen V6.

[0062] The "Conditions Used in Color Verification" display section V61 displays the conditions used in color verification, such as the color verification standard, paper color, ΔE calculation method, type of colorimeter, lighting conditions, and the number of averaging color measurements.

[0063] The "Verification Details" display section V62 displays the "Judgment Criteria," "Pass Value," "Actual Measured Value," and "Judgment Result." The "Judgment Criteria" is the verification type set in the "Verification Type and Threshold" setting section V25 of the color verification setting screen V2 shown in FIG. 4, and the "Pass Value" is the threshold value corresponding to the verification type. In the "Judgment Result," if the "Actual Measured Value" of ΔE exceeds the "Pass Value," information indicating failure (e.g., "Fail") is displayed. In addition, in the "Judgment Result," if the "Actual Measured Value" of ΔE is equal to or less than the "Pass Value," information indicating pass (e.g., "Pass") is displayed.

[0064] The "verification result" display section V63 displays the result of the color verification. Here, if all the "judgment results" are passed ("Pass"), the "verification result" display section V63 displays text ("Pass") and a mark (e.g., a double circle mark) indicating pass. If any of the "judgment results" are failed ("Fail"), the "verification result" display section V63 displays text and a mark indicating failure (e.g., a cross mark (failure) surrounded by a circle). Note that the display mode of the "verification result" is not limited to the above-mentioned display mode, and may be, for example, a mode in which only the text or the mark indicating the verification result is displayed.

[0065] When the "PDF" radio button V64 is selected and the "Report output" button V66 is pressed, various setting information and the verification results related to the color verification are output in PDF format. The various setting information and the verification results related to the color verification are displayed in the "Conditions used in color verification" display area V61, the "Verification details" display area V62, and the "Verification results" display area V63.

[0066] When the "Spreadsheet software" radio button V65 is selected and the "Report output" button V66 is pressed, various setting information regarding color verification and the verification results are output in the format of a spreadsheet software.

[0067] When the "Done" button V68 is pressed, the screen transitions to the upper screen of the color verification setting screen, that is, the management screen for profile creation and color verification setting having the configuration of the management screen shown in FIG. 24 described later.

[0068] [Color verification setting screen for 2nd mode] Next, the color verification setting screen of the second mode of the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Each setting screen shown in Figures 9 to 12 is displayed under the control of the second mode execution unit 312. Note that the configuration of the color verification setting screen of the second mode is not limited to the configuration examples shown in Figures 9 to 12, and may be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0069] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second mode color verification setting screen U1 (second mode color verification-1) of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. A "color management setting selection" section U11 is displayed in the center of the color verification setting screen U1. In addition, a "back" button U12 and a "next" button U13 are displayed at the bottom of the color verification setting screen U1.

[0070] The "Color Management Setting Selection" section U11 displays in a list the color management setting information that is set by the color manager P1 in the color management setting M15 shown in FIG. 23 described below and stored in the storage device 36. A radio button is placed at the beginning of each piece of color management setting information. The color management setting information includes the following information: "Setting Name," "Paper Tray," "Paper Size," "Paper Type," "Weight," "Colorimeter Type," and "Comments." Note that the color management setting information may include information other than the various setting information described above. When one of the radio buttons in the "Color Management Setting Selection" section U11 is selected, the color management setting information corresponding to the radio button is selected.

[0071] The "setting name" information is information indicating a name associated with the color management setting information set by the color manager P1 in the first mode, such as "name_1", "name_2", and the like. The "paper feed tray" information is information about the paper feed tray set by the color manager P1 in the first mode, such as "tray_1", "tray_2", and so on. The "paper size" information is information about the paper size set by the color manager P1 in the first mode, such as "A4", "A3", and so on. The "paper type" information is information about the type of paper set by the color manager P1 in the first mode, such as "plain paper." The "weight" information is information about the weight of the paper set by the color manager P1 in the first mode, for example, "136-176 g / m2". The information on the "type of colorimeter" is information on the type of colorimeter set by the color manager P1 in the first mode, for example, "manual colorimeter_1", "automatic colorimeter_1", and the like. The "comment" information displays comments such as explanations and notes regarding the color management setting information input by the color manager P1 in the first mode.

[0072] The "Back" button U12 is a button for returning to the screen before transitioning to the color verification setting screen U1. The "Next" button U13 is a button for transitioning to the next screen of the color verification setting screen U1 (a color verification setting screen U2 shown in FIG. 10, which will be described later). It should be noted that the "Back" button and the "Next" button on each of the subsequent screens function in the same manner as the "Back" button U12 and the "Next" button U13, respectively, and therefore a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the color verification setting screen U2 of the second mode of the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The color verification setting screen U2 (second mode color verification-2) shown in FIG. 10 is the next screen to the color verification setting screen U1 described in FIG. 9. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 10 with FIG. 6, the color verification setting screen U2 of the second mode has a similar configuration to the color verification setting screen V4 of the first mode, but has fewer setting items than the color verification setting screen V4, that is, fewer steps than the first mode. In the color verification setting screen U2 of the second mode shown in FIG. 10, the setting section U23 of "Number of copies to print" is in an unchangeable state. This is because the number of copies to print set in the setting section V43 of "Number of copies to print" of the color verification setting screen V4 of the first mode is used in the second mode. In addition, in the color verification setting screen U2 of the second mode, the only method that can be selected in the selection section U25 of "Color verification method" is "Print a chart and measure the color." Note that a description of each screen component that is the same as that of the second mode color verification setting screen U2 and the first mode color verification setting screen V4 will be omitted.

[0074] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second-mode color verification setting screen U3 of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The color verification setting screen U3 (second mode color verification-3) shown in Fig. 11 is the screen next to the color verification setting screen U2 described in Fig. 10. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 11 with Fig. 7, the second-mode color verification setting screen U3 has a similar configuration to the first-mode color verification setting screen V5. Therefore, a duplicated description of the second-mode color verification setting screen U3 will be omitted.

[0075] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second-mode color verification setting screen U4 of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The color verification setting screen U4 (second mode color verification-4) shown in Fig. 12 is the screen next to the color verification setting screen U3 described in Fig. 11. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 12 with Fig. 8, the second-mode color verification setting screen U4 has a similar configuration to the first-mode color verification setting screen V6. Therefore, a duplicated description of the second-mode color verification setting screen U4 will be omitted.

[0076] [Profile creation screen for the first mode] Next, the profile creation screen in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 18. Each setting screen shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 18 is displayed under the control of the first mode execution unit 311. Note that the configuration of the profile creation screen in the first mode is not limited to the configuration examples shown in Fig. 13 to Fig. 18, and may be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0077] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first mode profile creation screen F1 (first mode profile creation-1) of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 13 with Fig. 3, each component of the first mode profile creation screen F1 is the same as each component except for the "color verification standard" setting section V14 of the first mode color verification setting screen V1, and therefore a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Note that the chart that can be selected in the "chart to print" setting section F14 of the first mode profile creation screen F1 is the chart used for profile creation.

[0078] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first mode profile creation screen F2 of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The first mode profile creation screen F2 (first mode profile creation-2) shown in Fig. 14 is the next screen to the first mode profile creation screen F1 described in Fig. 13.

[0079] On the left side of the profile creation screen F2, a "Whether to create a device link profile" selection section F21, a "General profile creation settings" section F22, and an "RGB-CMYK device link profile settings" section F23 are displayed in that order from the top. Also, on the right side of the profile creation screen F2, a "CMYK-CMYK device link profile settings" section F24 is displayed.

[0080] The "Whether to create a device link profile" selection section F21 has a "Yes" radio button and a "No" radio button. When the "Yes" radio button is selected, it is set that a device link profile will be created. In this case, the "General profile creation settings" section F22, the "RGB-CMYK device link profile settings" section F23, and the "CMYK-CMYK device link profile settings" section F24 are displayed. When the "No" radio button is selected, it is set that a device link profile will not be created. In this case, only the "General profile creation settings" section F22 is displayed, and the "RGB-CMYK device link profile settings" section F23 and the "CMYK-CMYK device link profile settings" section F24 are not displayed. Note that RGB is an abbreviation combining the initials of Red, Green, and Blue.

[0081] The "General Profile Creation Settings" section F22 has a combo box for black (UCR / GCR). In this combo box, you can select UCR (Under Color Removal) or GCR (Gray Component Replacement). UCR prevents excessive use of toner in shadow areas. GCR stabilizes the quality of gray in highlight areas.

[0082] The "RGB-CMYK device link profile setting" section F23 has an "RGB source profile" combo box F231 and an "RGB rendering intent" combo box F232. In the "RGB source profile" combo box F231, a typical preset profile or a registered custom profile can be selected. In the "RGB rendering intent" combo box F232, a rendering intent supported by the printing device 20 can be selected.

[0083] The "CMYK-CMYK device link profile setting" section F24 has a "target profile" combo box F241 and a "CMYK rendering intent" combo box F242. The "CMYK-CMYK device link profile setting" section F24 also has a "intermediate muddy removal" setting section F243 and a "solid color retention" setting section F244.

[0084] In the "Target Profile" combo box F241, a representative preset profile, a registered custom profile, etc. In the "CMYK Rendering Intent" combo box F242, a rendering intent supported by the printing device 20 can be selected.

[0085] The "Intermediate Muddyness Removal" setting section F243 has check boxes corresponding to each of the colors "K", "C", "M", "Y", "R", "G", and "B". Intermediate muddyness removal is set for colors corresponding to checked check boxes. The "Solid Color Retention" setting section F244 has check boxes corresponding to each of the colors "K", "C", "M", "Y", "R", "G", and "B". Solid Color Retention is set for colors corresponding to checked check boxes.

[0086] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first mode profile creation screen F3 (first mode profile creation-3) of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The first mode profile creation screen F3 (first mode profile creation-3) shown in Fig. 15 is the screen next to the first mode profile creation screen F2 described in Fig. 14. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 15 with Fig. 5, each component of the first mode profile creation screen F3 is the same as each component of the first mode color verification setting screen V3 other than the setting section V32 for "Profile to apply when printing", and therefore repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0087] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first mode profile creation screen F4 of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The first mode profile creation screen F4 (first mode profile creation-4) shown in Fig. 16 is the screen next to the first mode profile creation screen F3 described in Fig. 15. The profile creation screen F4 shown in Fig. 16 has the same configuration as the first mode color verification setting screen V4 shown in Fig. 6, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0088] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first mode profile creation screen F5 of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The first mode profile creation screen F5 (first mode profile creation-5) shown in Fig. 17 is the screen next to the first mode profile creation screen F4 described in Fig. 16. The profile creation screen F5 shown in Fig. 17 has the same configuration as the first mode color verification setting screen V5 shown in Fig. 7, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0089] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first mode profile creation screen F6 of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The first mode profile creation screen F6 (first mode profile creation-6) shown in Fig. 18 is the next screen to the first mode profile creation screen F5 described in Fig. 17.

[0090] The profile creation screen F6 displays a "profile list" display area F61 and a "profile registration" button F62. In addition, a "back" button F63 and a "done" button F64 are displayed at the bottom of the profile creation screen F6.

[0091] The "profile list" display section F61 has a display section F611 for the created "printer profile," a display section F612 for the "RGB-CMYK profile," and a display section F613 for the "CMYK-CMYK profile."

[0092] The "Printer Profile" display section F611 has a combo box for selecting a created printer profile, and a "Download" button. When the "Download" button is pressed, the printer profile selected in the combo box is downloaded in file format.

[0093] The "RGB-CMYK profile" display section F612 has a combo box that allows the user to select a created RGB-CMYK profile, and a "Download" button. When the "Download" button is pressed, the RGB-CMYK profile selected in the combo box is downloaded in file format.

[0094] The "CMYK-CMYK profile" display section F613 has a combo box for selecting a created CMYK-CMYK profile, and a "Download" button. When the "Download" button is pressed, the CMYK-CMYK profile selected in the combo box is downloaded in file format.

[0095] When the “Register Profile” button F62 is pressed, the various profiles selected in the “Profile List” display area F61 are registered in the printing device 20.

[0096] When the "Done" button F64 is pressed, the screen transitions to the upper screen of the profile creation screen, that is, a management screen for profile creation and color verification settings having the configuration of the management screen shown in FIG. 24 described later.

[0097] [Profile creation screen for the second mode] Next, the profile creation screen in the second mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19 to Fig. 22. The setting screens shown in Fig. 19 to Fig. 22 are displayed under the control of the second mode execution unit 312. Note that the configuration of the profile creation screen in the second mode is not limited to the configuration examples shown in Fig. 19 to Fig. 22, and may be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0098] 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second mode profile creation screen G1 (second mode profile creation-1) of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The profile creation screen G1 has the same configuration as the second mode color verification setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 9, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0099] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen G2 in the second mode of the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The profile creation screen G2 (second mode profile creation-2) shown in FIG. 20 is the next screen to the profile creation screen G1 described in FIG. 19. The profile creation screen G2 has the same configuration as the color verification setting screen U2 in the second mode shown in FIG. 10, so a duplicated description will be omitted. Also, as can be seen by comparing the profile creation screen G2 in the second mode with the profile creation screen F4 in the first mode shown in FIG. 16, the profile creation screen G2 has the same configuration as the profile creation screen F4. However, the profile creation screen G2 has fewer setting items than the profile creation screen F4, that is, it has fewer steps than the first mode.

[0100] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen G3 in the second mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The profile creation screen G3 (second mode profile creation-3) shown in Fig. 21 is the screen next to the profile creation screen G2 described in Fig. 20. The profile creation screen G3 has the same configuration as the color verification setting screen U3 in the second mode shown in Fig. 11, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0101] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a profile creation screen G4 in the second mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. The profile creation screen G4 (second mode profile creation-4) shown in Fig. 22 is the next screen after the profile creation screen G3 described in Fig. 21. The components of the profile creation screen G4 other than the "profile list" display area G41 are the same as the components of the profile creation screen F6 in the first mode shown in Fig. 18, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0102] The "profile list" display section G41 has a display section G411 for a "printer profile" created in the first mode, a display section G412 for an "RGB-CMYK profile", and a display section G413 for a "CMYK-CMYK profile".

[0103] The "Printer Profile" display section G411, the "RGB-CMYK Profile" display section G412, and the "CMYK-CMYK Profile" display section G413 each display the profile selected on the first mode profile creation screen F6 shown in Fig. 18. The "Profile List" display section G41 only displays the profile selected in the first mode, so each combo box is unselectable (gray).

[0104] 22 is a configuration for the case where various profiles can be registered in the printing device 20. If various profiles cannot be registered in the printing device 20, a "Download" button is displayed in each of the "RGB-CMYK profile" display area G412 and the "CMYK-CMYK profile" display area G413, as in the first mode profile creation screen F6 shown in FIG. 18. By pressing the "Download" button to download each profile, the downloaded profile can be registered in the printing device 20.

[0105] [Example of color management settings screen] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of a color management setting screen in the first mode of the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color management setting screen M1 in the color management system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0106] The color management setting screen M1 displayed by the first mode execution unit 311 has a printer setting M11 and a custom target profile setting M12, as shown in FIG. 23. The color management setting screen M1 also has a custom RGB source profile setting M13, a profile creation and color verification setting M14, and a color management setting M15. The color management setting screen M1 displays the dependency relationship (connection relationship in the figure) between the color management setting, the profile creation and color verification setting, the printing device setting, and the profile setting used in the profile creation. Specifically, the printer setting M11 (printing device setting), the custom target profile setting M12, and the custom RGB source profile setting M13 (profile setting) are the lowest level settings. The profile creation and color verification setting M14 is a higher level setting than the custom target profile setting M12 and the custom RGB source profile setting M13. The color management setting M15 is a higher level setting than the printer setting M11 and the profile creation and color verification setting M14. Moreover, when each of the block buttons M11 to M15 displayed on the color management setting screen M1 is pressed, a management screen corresponding to each setting section is displayed.

[0107] The management screen of the printer settings M11 can register the identification information (name, ID (Identification, etc.) of all printing devices 20. In addition, the printer settings M11 can set the IP (Internet Protocol) address, authentication settings, communication settings, etc. of the printing device 20 for the printing device 20 that supports printing from the color management system 10. The configuration of the management screen of the printer settings M11 will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

[0108] The management screen for custom target profile settings M12 can manage target profiles that are preset and supported by the color management system 10, as well as target profiles added by a user such as the color manager P1. Note that target profiles added by the user can be used in profile creation and color verification settings M14. Note that the configuration of the management screen for custom target profile settings M12 will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

[0109] The management screen for custom RGB source profile settings M13 can manage RGB source profiles supported by the color management system 10 as presets, and RGB source profiles added by a user such as the color manager P1. The RGB source profiles added by the user can be used in profile creation and color verification settings M14. The configuration of the management screen for custom RGB source profile settings M13 will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

[0110] The management screen for profile creation and color verification settings M14 can manage the type of colorimeter used, the profile creation chart, color verification standards, etc. The profiles registered on the management screen for profile creation and color verification settings M14 do not depend on the printing device 20. In other words, the profile creation and color verification settings M14 do not have a profile setting function that differs depending on the printing device 20. Furthermore, since color verification is performed using a chart to which a profile is applied, the color verification settings are managed as the same settings as the profile creation settings. The configuration of the management screen for profile creation and color verification settings M14 will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

[0111] The management screen for color management settings M15 can manage printer settings M11, profile creation and color verification settings M14, paper attributes, and various settings that depend on the printing device 20. When the color management settings are determined, each setting required for profile creation and color verification is uniquely determined. The color management settings include settings for items that affect the color of the printed matter output by the printing device (e.g., paper attributes, etc.) and items that do not affect the printed matter (e.g., paper feed tray, etc.). In addition, the management screen for color management settings M15 can set different profile names, etc. to be registered in profile creation, corresponding to the printing device 20. Note that when the color management system 10 operates in the second mode, a user such as the printing operator P2 cannot manage the color management settings.

[0112] Next, the configurations of the management screens for printer settings M11, custom target profile settings M12, custom RGB source profile settings M13, profile creation and color verification settings M14, and color management settings M15 will be described. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management screens for various settings in the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. Since the management screens for various settings have the same configuration, in Fig. 24, the management screen M2 will be described as the management screen for various settings.

[0113] The management screen M2 has a name M21 of the management screen, a setting selection section M22 displayed below the name M21, and an "Add" button M23, an "Edit" button M24, and a "Delete" button M25 displayed in the upper right corner of the setting selection section M22.

[0114] In the name M21, for example, “Printer setting management,” “Custom target profile setting management,” “Custom RGB source profile setting management,” “Profile creation and color verification setting management,” and “Color management setting management” are displayed as “XXX Management.”

[0115] The setting selection unit M22 has a radio button, a "Name" column, and a "Setting item" column for each setting. The "Name" column displays the name of the setting. The "Setting item" column displays the names of each item set in the setting linked to the "Name". When a radio button corresponding to the "Name" column is selected, the setting having that "Name" is selected. Note that the "Setting item" column may display not only the name of the item, but also an explanation of the item, etc.

[0116] When the "Add" button M23 is pressed, a new setting screen (not shown) is displayed. When various setting information is input and confirmed on the new setting screen, the new setting is added to the setting selection section M22. When the "Edit" button M24 is pressed, an edit screen (not shown) for the selected setting (radio button is selected) is displayed. On the edit screen for settings, the setting information for the setting item can be changed. When the "Delete" button M25 is pressed, the setting that is selected (the radio button is selected) is deleted and is no longer displayed in the setting selection section M22.

[0117] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing various setting items for color management settings in the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. When management screen M2 is a management screen for color management settings, the name of the color management setting is displayed in the "Name" column of setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24. Furthermore, each item stored in the "Item" column of the color management setting shown in Fig. 25 is displayed in the "Setting Item" column of setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24. Note that the contents stored in the "Notes" column shown in Fig. 25 may be displayed in the "Setting Item" column of setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24 as an explanation of the item.

[0118] Fig. 26 is a diagram showing various setting items for profile creation and color verification settings in the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. When the management screen M2 is a management screen for profile creation and color verification settings, the names of the profile creation and color verification settings are displayed in the "Name" field of the setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24. Also, each item stored in the "Item" field of the profile creation and color verification settings shown in Fig. 26 is displayed in the "Setting Item" field of the setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24. Note that the contents stored in the "Notes" field shown in Fig. 26 may be displayed in the "Setting Item" field of the setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24 as an explanation of the item.

[0119] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing various setting items of the printer settings in the color management system 10 according to this embodiment. When management screen M2 is a management screen for printer settings, the name of the printer setting is displayed in the "Name" column of the setting selection section M22 shown in FIG. 24. Furthermore, each item stored in the "Item" column of the printer setting shown in FIG. 27 is displayed in the "Setting item" column of the setting selection section M22 shown in FIG. 24. Note that the contents stored in the "Notes" column shown in FIG. 27 may be displayed in the "Setting item" column of the setting selection section M22 shown in FIG. 24 as an explanation of the item.

[0120] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing various setting items of the profile setting in the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. When the management screen M2 is a management screen for custom target profile setting or custom RGB source profile setting, the name of the profile setting is displayed in "Name" of the setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24. In addition, each item stored in the "Item" column of the profile setting shown in Fig. 28 is displayed in the "Setting Item" column of the setting selection section M22 shown in Fig. 24.

[0121] [Procedure for adding color management settings in the first mode] Next, a description will be given of the procedure for adding a color management setting in the first mode in the color management system 10. Fig. 29 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adding a color management setting in the first mode in the color management system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0122] First, the color manager P1 logs into the color management system 10 (step S11).

[0123] Next, the color administrator P1 presses the "Add" button M23 on the printer setting management screen (see FIG. 24 and FIG. 27) to add the printer setting (step S12).

[0124] Next, the color manager P1 adds color management settings other than the printer settings to the color management setting screen M1 (step S13). The color management settings other than the printer settings are the custom target profile settings M12, the custom RGB source profile settings M13, the profile creation and color verification settings M14, and the color management settings M15 shown in FIG.

[0125] Next, the color manager P1 logs out (step S14). After the process of step S14, the process of adding color management settings in the first mode ends.

[0126] [Procedure for executing functions in the first mode] Next, a description will be given of the procedure for executing a function in the first mode in the color management system 10. Fig. 30 is a flow chart showing the procedure for executing a function in the first mode in the color management device 30 according to this embodiment.

[0127] First, the color manager P1 logs into the color management system 10 (step S21).

[0128] Next, the color administrator P1 presses the "Add" button M23 on the printer setting management screen (see FIG. 24 and FIG. 27) to add the printer setting (step S22).

[0129] Next, the color manager P1 selects the target printer, that is, the target printing device 20 (step S23).

[0130] Next, the color manager P1 selects a function to be performed, such as color verification, profile creation, etc. (step S24).

[0131] Next, the color manager P1 executes the selected function in the first mode (step S25). In this process, when execution of the first mode is started by the operation of the color manager P1, the first mode execution unit 311 stores the color management setting information set by the color manager P1 in the storage device 26, and executes the selected color management function in the first mode. After the process of step S25, the function execution process of the first mode ends.

[0132] [Procedure for executing functions in the second mode] Next, a description will be given of the procedure for executing a function in the second mode in the color management system 10. Fig. 31 is a flow chart showing the procedure for executing a function in the second mode in the color management device 30 according to this embodiment.

[0133] First, the printing operator P2 logs into the color management system 10 (step S31).

[0134] Next, the printing operator P2 selects the target printer, that is, the target printing device 20 (step S32).

[0135] Next, the printing operator P2 selects a function to be performed, such as color verification, profile creation, etc. (step S33).

[0136] Next, the printing operator P2 executes the selected function in the second mode (step S34). In this process, when execution of the second mode is started by the operation of the printing operator P2, the second mode execution unit 312 selects the color management setting set by the color manager P1 from the storage device 26 and displays the selected color management setting on each setting screen of the second mode. In addition, the second mode execution unit 312 executes the selected color management function in the second mode based on the color management setting set on each setting screen by the printing operator P2. After the processing of step S34, the function execution processing of the second mode ends.

[0137] [Procedure for function restriction processing] Next, the procedure of the function restriction process in the color management device 30 will be described. The function restriction is basically a restriction for the second mode, and is automatically set based on various data related to the function restriction linked to the login ID of the print operator P2 who operates the second mode (see Figs. 33 to 35 described later). The color manager P1 can also customize the function restriction. Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the function restriction process for the second mode in the color management system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0138] First, the second mode execution unit 312 of the color management device 30 acquires the identification information (ID) of the login user (step S41). Note that there are two types of login to the color management system 10: login requiring input of a user ID and password, and login as a public user requiring no authentication. Public users exist from the beginning of the system. For a user who requires a user ID and password to log in, the user ID and password must be created in advance by the color administrator P1.

[0139] Next, the second mode execution unit 312 restricts printers (printing devices 20) that cannot be selected by the logged-in user based on printer restriction data (see FIG. 33, described below) stored in the storage device 36 (step S42).

[0140] Next, the second mode execution unit 312 restricts functions that cannot be selected by the logged-in user based on function restriction data (see FIG. 34 described later) stored in the storage device 36 (step S43).

[0141] Next, the second mode execution unit 312 restricts color management settings that cannot be selected by the logged-in user based on color management setting restriction data (see FIG. 35) stored in the storage device 36 (step S44). After the processing of step S44, the function restriction processing for the second mode ends.

[0142] Next, various data related to functional restrictions in the color management system 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 33 to 35. Note that the various data described below is managed for each logged-in user, and illustrations and descriptions of data that manages the correspondence with the identification information of the logged-in user will be omitted. Also, the configurations of the various data described below are not limited to those shown in the figures, and can be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0143] Fig. 33 is a diagram showing an example of printer restriction data for the second mode in the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The printer restriction data includes printer model number restriction data and printer serial number restriction data. Fig. 33A shows the printer model number restriction data. Fig. 33B shows the printer serial number restriction data.

[0144] As shown in Figure 33A, the data on printer model number restrictions has a "Printer model number restrictions" column D11 and a "Login user" column D12. The "Printer model number restrictions" column D11 stores the printer model number, i.e., the model number of the printing device 20, for example, "XXXXXX." The "Login user" column D12 stores information indicating whether or not the logged-in user can select a printer having the printer model number stored in column D11, for example, "0" indicating that it cannot be selected, or "1" indicating that it can be selected.

[0145] As shown in Figure 33B, the data on printer serial number restrictions has a "Printer serial number restrictions" column D21 and a "Login user" column D22. The "Printer serial number restrictions" column D21 stores the printer serial number, that is, the serial number of the printing device 20, for example, "YYYYYYYY." The "Login user" column D22 stores information indicating whether the printer having the printer serial number stored in column D21 can be selected by the logged-in user, for example, "0" indicating that it cannot be selected, or "1" indicating that it can be selected.

[0146] Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of function restriction data for the second mode in the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The function restriction data includes basic function restriction data and specific printer-based function restriction data. Fig. 34A shows the basic function restriction data. Fig. 34B shows the specific printer-based function restriction data.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 34A, the basic function restriction data has a "basic function restriction" column D31 and a "login user" column D32. The "basic function restriction" column D31 stores color management function names, such as "profile creation" and "color verification." The "login user" column D32 stores information indicating whether the function stored in column D31 can be selected by the logged-in user, such as "0" indicating that it cannot be selected, or "1" indicating that it can be selected.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 34B, the data on functional restrictions on a specific printer basis has a column D41 for "functional restrictions on a specific printer basis" and a column D42 for "login user". The column D41 for "functional restrictions on a specific printer basis" stores the function name of color management for each printer (printing device 20). For example, "profile creation" and "color verification" corresponding to "Printer_1" and "Printer_2", respectively, are stored. The column D42 for "login user" stores information indicating whether or not the printer function stored in the column D41 can be selected by the login user, for example, "0" indicating that it cannot be selected, or "1" indicating that it can be selected. The data on functional restrictions on a specific printer basis is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 34B, and may be, for example, data on whether or not the login user can select each printer (printing device 20) for each function.

[0149] Furthermore, the restrictions on the second mode are not limited to the various restrictions described above, and for example, the colorimeter selectable by the login user can be automatically restricted based on preregistered colorimeter restriction data (not shown). Furthermore, the color management system 10 can automatically restrict the number of patches permitted to the login user for the type of the selected colorimeter. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of color management setting restriction data for the second mode in the color management system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 35, the color management setting restriction data has a column D51 for "type of colorimeter" and a column D52 for "number of patches permitted to the login user". The column D51 for "type of colorimeter" stores information indicating the type of the colorimeter, such as "Colorimeter_1", "Colorimeter_2", etc. The column D52 for "number of patches permitted to the login user" stores the number of patches permitted to the login user when using a colorimeter having the type of colorimeter stored in the column D51, such as "Max", "120", etc. Here, "Max" is the maximum number of patches permitted by the colorimeter. When limiting the number of patches to a maximum number of patches permitted by the colorimeter, a number smaller than "Max", for example "120" as shown in the figure, is set.

[0150] [effect] As described above, the color management system 10 of the color management device 30 according to the present embodiment has a first mode operated by a color manager and a second mode operated by a printing operator who lacks knowledge about color. In the first mode, the color manager performs various settings related to color. The various color settings set by the color manager are stored in the color management device 30. In the second mode, the selectable printing device 20 and the selectable color management functions are automatically restricted for each printing operator who logs into the color management system 10 based on various data related to the function restrictions of the color management system 10 registered in advance. Then, in the second mode in which the printing operator selects the selectable printing device 20 and the function, and the process is simplified, the printing operator can perform color management by simply selecting various color settings set by the color manager and performing simple color settings. Therefore, according to the color management system 10 of the color management device 30 according to the present embodiment, even a printing operator who lacks knowledge about color can easily perform color management of the printing device.

[0151] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other applications and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. For example, the above-described embodiments have described in detail and specifically the configurations of the color management device and color management system in order to easily explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace part of the configurations of the embodiments described here with the configurations of other embodiments, and it is also possible to add the configurations of other embodiments to the configurations of one embodiment. In addition, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configurations of the embodiments with other configurations. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other.

[0152] In addition to the functions described in the above embodiment, for example, the second mode execution unit 312 of the color management device 30 may have a function of checking whether the color management function has been executed according to a set schedule. With this function, when the color management function has been executed according to the set schedule, the second mode execution unit 312 notifies the completion of execution of the color management function according to the notification method (e.g., email, etc.) set in the first mode. Furthermore, when the color management function could not be executed according to the set schedule, the second mode execution unit 312 notifies the incomplete execution of the color management function according to the notification method set in the first mode. Note that the settings of the notification method, the set schedule, etc. can be set by the color manager P1 in the first mode.

[0153] Furthermore, the second mode execution unit 312 of the color management device 30 may have a support function for performing color management. For example, the second mode execution unit 312 may change the background color of each launched setting screen to a different color depending on the shortcut for launching the color management function, the settings of the printing device 20, the color management settings, etc. By using this support function, it is possible to prevent the wrong selection of shortcuts for printer settings, color management settings, etc. Note that the support function is not limited to the above functions, and other support functions may be included.

[0154] Furthermore, if an error occurs when executing the color management function, the second mode execution unit 312 of the color management device 30 may notify details of the error according to the notification method set in the first mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 10: color management system, 20: printing device, 30: color management device, 311: first mode execution unit, 312: second mode execution unit

Claims

1. a first mode execution unit that performs color management settings including settings of a plurality of items related to a color management function of the printing device through a plurality of steps and executes a first mode that performs the color management function; a second mode execution unit that executes a second mode in which at least one of the steps is simplified to perform the color management setting and the color management function. Color management device.

2. The second mode execution unit selects the color management setting performed by the first mode execution unit, and performs the color management function by changing a part of the plurality of items included in the selected color management setting. The color management device of claim 1 .

3. The color management functions include a plurality of functions, such as color verification, profile creation, calibration, maximum density adjustment, and density balance adjustment. The color management device of claim 2 .

4. The printing device is present in a plurality of The color management device of claim 3 .

5. The first mode execution unit can perform the color management setting for each of the color management functions and the color management setting for each of the printing devices. The color management device of claim 4.

6. The second mode execution unit sets the selectable printing device to automatic based on preregistered printer restriction data, and sets the selectable color management function to automatic based on preregistered function restriction data. The color management device according to claim 5 .

7. The second mode execution unit sets the color management function selectable for each of the printing devices to automatic based on the function restriction data, and sets the selectable printing devices for each of the color management functions to automatic. The color management device of claim 6.

8. The second mode execution unit can automatically set the selectable color management function for the model number of the printing device based on the printer restriction data, and can automatically set the selectable color management function for the serial number of the printing device. The color management device of claim 6.

9. The second mode execution unit automatically sets a selectable colorimeter as a colorimeter for measuring the color of a printed matter output by the printing device based on preregistered colorimeter restriction data. The color management device of claim 6.

10. The second mode execution unit automatically sets a selectable color measurement chart and a number of patches of the color measurement chart for each type of the colorimeter based on preregistered color management setting limit data. The color management device of claim 9.

11. The first mode execution unit displays a dependency relationship between the color management setting, the profile creation and color verification setting, the printing device setting, and a profile setting used in the profile creation. The color management device of claim 4.

12. The color management settings include settings for items that affect the color of the printed matter output by the printing device and settings for items that do not affect the printed matter. The color management device of claim 1 .

13. The first mode can be switched to the second mode by a predetermined operation. The color management device of claim 1 .

14. The second mode can be switched to the first mode by a predetermined operation when permitted by the first mode. The color management device of claim 1 .

15. When the second mode is switched to the first mode, the second mode execution unit notifies the user of the mode switch in accordance with a notification method set in the first mode. The color management device of claim 14.

16. When an error occurs during execution of the color management function, the second mode execution unit notifies details of the error according to a notification method set in the first mode. The color management device of claim 1 .

17. The second mode execution unit is when the color management function has been executed according to a set schedule, notifying the completion of execution of the color management function according to a notification method set in the first mode; If the color management function could not be executed according to the schedule, the non-execution of the color management function is notified according to the notification method. The color management device of claim 1 .

18. The second mode execution unit changes the background color of each of the launched setting screens to a different color in accordance with shortcuts for launching the color management function, the setting of the printing device, and the color management setting, respectively. The color management device of claim 1 .

19. a printing device for forming an image on at least one recording medium; a first mode execution unit that performs color management settings including settings of a plurality of items related to a color management function of the printing device through a plurality of steps and executes a first mode for performing the color management function; a second mode execution unit that executes a second mode in which at least one of the steps is simplified, the color management setting is performed, and the color management function is performed. Color management system.

20. A process of performing color management settings including settings of a plurality of items related to a color management function of the printing device through a plurality of steps, and executing a first mode for performing the color management function; A process of executing a second mode in which at least one of the steps is simplified to set the color management and perform the color management function. A color management program for running on a computer.

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