Color measurement sheet production method, color measurement sheet production program, printer manufacturing method and printer manufacturing program

Abstract

To solve the problem that the size of a color chart cannot be flexibly changed because the size of the color chart is a determined size.SOLUTION: In a method for producing a color measurement sheet by receiving the designation of a size of a medium from among a plurality of sizes and printing a color chart on the medium of the designated size by using a printer, when the size of a color measurement jig is regarded as A, a value corresponding to the size of a color measuring machine is regarded as B, and a first size, a second size, A-B, and a third size are regarded from the largest in a first direction in which the color measuring machine is moved by using the color measurement jig, the method prints the color chart in which the same number of patches are aligned in the first direction even in either size of the medium in the first direction of the first size or the second size, and if the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, it prints the color chart in which patches the number of which is smaller than in the case of the second size are aligned in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a color measurement sheet production method, a color measurement sheet production program, a printer production method, and a printer production program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for printing a color chart including patches of multiple colors by a printer. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for printing an image indicating the color measurement start position and the color measurement start direction of a color measurement device for each of the forward and backward passes of the color measurement device on a color chart. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-35239 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the size of the color chart is fixed and cannot be flexibly changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A method of producing a color measurement sheet for achieving the above-mentioned object includes accepting a specification of a medium size from a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size, and using a printer to print a color chart on the medium of the specified size to produce a color measurement sheet, in which when the size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is the direction in which a color measurement device is moved using the color measurement tool, is A, and a value corresponding to the size of the color measurement device is B, the sizes are the first size, the second size, AB, and the third size from the largest, the color chart is printed with the same number of patches lined up in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size, and when the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches lined up in the first direction than in the case of the second size.

[0006] In addition, a method for producing a color measurement sheet for achieving the above object includes accepting a designation of a size of a medium from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size, and using a printer to print a color chart on the medium of the designated size to produce a color measurement sheet, When color measurement is started from one end of a first direction, which is a direction in which a colorimeter is moved using a color measurement tool, and the size in the first direction measured when color measurement is ended at the other end is set as a threshold, and the sizes are set from the largest to the smallest are the first size, the second size, the threshold, and the third size, the color chart is printed with the same number of patches lined up in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size, and if the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches lined up in the first direction than in the case of the second size.

[0007] Furthermore, a printer production method for achieving the above-mentioned object includes accepting a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size, using a printer to produce a color measurement sheet by printing a color chart on the medium of the designated size, having a user manually measure the color chart on the color measurement sheet, creating adjusted color data based on the color measurement results, and storing the adjusted color data in the printer, wherein when the size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is the direction in which a color measurement device is moved using the color measurement tool, is A and a value corresponding to the size of the color measurement device is B, and the sizes from largest to smallest are the first size, the second size, AB, and the third size, the color chart is printed with the same number of patches lined up in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size, and when the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches lined up in the first direction than in the case of the second size.

[0008] Furthermore, a color measurement sheet production program for achieving the above-mentioned object is a color measurement sheet production program that causes a computer to function as follows: accept a specification of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; and use a printer to print a color chart on the medium of the specified size to produce a color measurement sheet. When the size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is the direction in which the color measurement device is moved using the color measurement tool, is A, and a value corresponding to the size of the color measurement device is B, and the sizes are the first size, the second size, AB, and the third size from the largest, the color chart is printed with the same number of patches lined up in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size, and when the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches lined up in the first direction than in the case of the second size.

[0009] Furthermore, a color measurement sheet production program for achieving the above-mentioned object is a color measurement sheet production program that causes a computer to function as follows: accept a specification of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; and use a printer to print a color chart on the medium of the specified size to produce a color measurement sheet. The program causes the computer to function as follows: when color measurement is started from one end of a first direction, which is the direction in which a color measurement device is moved using a color measurement tool, and the size in the first direction that is measured when color measurement is ended at the other end is set as a threshold value, and the sizes in the first direction that are measured from the largest are the first size, the second size, the threshold value, and the third size, the program prints the color chart with the same number of patches lined up in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size; and when the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the program prints the color chart with a smaller number of patches lined up in the first direction than in the case of the second size.

[0010] Furthermore, a printer production program for achieving the above-mentioned object is a printer production program that causes a computer to function as follows: accept a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; use a printer to produce a color measurement sheet by printing a color chart on the medium of the designated size; have a user manually measure the color chart on the color measurement sheet; create adjusted color data based on the color measurement results; and store the adjusted color data in the printer; when the size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is the direction in which a color measurement device is moved using a color measurement tool, is A, and a value corresponding to the size of the color measurement device is B, and the sizes from largest to smallest are the first size, the second size, AB, and the third size, the color chart is printed with the same number of patches lined up in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size, and when the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches lined up in the first direction than in the case of the second size. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system for producing color measurement sheets. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing the configuration of a computer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of a printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a colorimeter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which manual color measurement is performed using a color measurement tool. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which manual color measurement is performed using a color measurement tool. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a color measurement sheet. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of a color measurement sheet production process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a color measurement sheet production process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface. [Figure 14] 11 is a diagram for explaining a color measurement sheet in which the number of patches in a first direction is maximized. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a color measurement sheet S that prioritizes ease of color measurement operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color measurement using a color measurement tool. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color measurement using a color measurement tool. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color measurement using a color measurement tool. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color measurement using a color measurement tool. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color measurement using a color measurement tool. [Figure 21] 4 is a flowchart of a printer production process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Here, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Computer configuration: (1-2) Printer configuration: (1-3) Colorimeter configuration: (2) Production method of color measurement sheet: (3) Printer production method: (4) Other embodiments:

[0013] (1) System configuration:

[0014] 1 is a configuration diagram of a system capable of producing a color measurement sheet and producing a printer. The system includes a computer 10, a printer 20, and a colorimeter 30. The computer 10 generates print data for the color measurement sheet including a color chart and causes the printer 20 to print it.

[0015] In this embodiment, the color measurement sheet is used to create adjusted color data. The adjusted color data is profile data for printing in intended colors in the printer 20. For example, the adjusted color data is configured with an LUT or the like that associates colors in a device-independent color space (e.g., CIELAB values) with tone values ​​for each color of color materials used by the printer 20.

[0016] The user measures each patch included in the color chart on the color measurement sheet with the colorimeter 30. The computer 10 imports the color measurement results from the colorimeter 30 and creates adjusted color data by associating the gradation values ​​of each color of the color material used when printing each patch with color measurement values ​​such as CIELAB values. The system according to this embodiment has a function of adjusting the color chart included in the color measurement sheet based on the size of the medium specified by the user, thereby achieving efficient color measurement and color measurement with high operability.

[0017] (1-1) Computer configuration: 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer 10. In this embodiment, the computer 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, a non-volatile memory 10c, a display unit 10d, and an input unit 10e. The processor 10a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 10c to control each unit of the computer 10, the printer 20, and the colorimeter 30.

[0018] The processor 10a may be configured as a single chip, may be configured as multiple chips, or may be configured as an SoC with various functional blocks. Also, for example, an ASIC may be used instead of a CPU, or a configuration in which a CPU and an ASIC work together may be used. When each device in this embodiment has a processor, the processor can be realized in various forms similar to the processor 10a.

[0019] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various communication protocols. The computer 10 can communicate with other devices (printer 20 and colorimeter 30) via the communication unit 10b. The communication unit 10b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the computer 10.

[0020] The display unit 10d is a display device that displays an arbitrary image. The input unit 10e is a device that the user operates to input. The computer 10 can be realized in various forms, and may be a stationary computer or a portable computer. In the former case, the display unit 10d can be configured, for example, as a display independent of the computer body, and the input unit 10e can be configured, for example, as a keyboard or a mouse independent of the computer body. In the latter case, the display unit 10d and the input unit 10e can be configured, for example, as a touch panel display integrated with the computer body. In either case, the user can operate the input unit 10e to input the user's intention while visually checking the images and characters displayed on the display unit 10d.

[0021] The processor 10a is capable of executing a color measurement sheet production program and a printer production program (not shown). By executing the color measurement sheet production program, the processor 10a determines the size of a color chart according to the size of a medium specified by the user, and generates color measurement sheet data 10c1 for printing the color measurement sheet. The processor 10a transmits the color measurement sheet data 10c1 to the printer 20, and causes the printer 20 to print the color measurement sheet.

[0022] Once the color measurement sheet is printed, the user measures each patch using the colorimeter 30. By executing the printer production program, the processor 10a acquires color measurement data 10c2 indicating the color measurement results obtained by the user. The processor 10a then creates adjusted color data 10c3 based on the color measurement data 10c2. These processes will be described in detail later.

[0023] (1-2) Printer configuration: 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 20. The printer 20 includes a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a non-volatile memory 20c, a printing unit 20d, and a UI unit 20e. The processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute a control program recorded in the non-volatile memory 20c to control each unit of the printer 20.

[0024] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with the computer 10 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printer 20 is able to communicate with the computer 10 via the communication unit 20b. The communication unit 20b may also include an interface for communicating with various types of removable memory attached to the printer 20.

[0025] The printing unit 20d is equipped with actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical components, etc. for printing on the medium. The sensors include sensors that detect various detection targets that may change in the printer 20. Examples include a sensor that detects the remaining amount of medium and a sensor that detects the remaining amount of color material for each color used for printing. In this embodiment, the printing unit 20d is equipped with a mechanism for recording color materials of predetermined colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.) on the medium, and prints various images by recording the amount of color material indicated by the print data on the medium.

[0026] Furthermore, the printing unit 20d is capable of printing on media of various sizes. In this embodiment, the printing unit 20d is capable of printing on at least three types of media, a first size, a second size, and a third size, but in this embodiment, a mode in which printing is possible on media of more sizes is assumed. Note that any size of media may be selectable, but in this embodiment, the size of the media can be selected from a number of predefined sizes (e.g., A3, B5, etc.). That is, the printing unit 20d includes a storage unit for storing media of various sizes, and is capable of transporting and printing on the stored media.

[0027] The UI unit 20e is composed of an input unit such as buttons or a touch panel provided on the housing of the printer 20, and a display unit that displays various information. A user can operate the input unit to give various instructions based on the information displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 20e.

[0028] In this embodiment, the adjusted color data 10c3 created by the computer 10 is transferred to the printer 20 and stored in the non-volatile memory 20c. That is, in this embodiment, the processor 20a refers to the adjusted color data 10c3 in the process of converting the colors such as RGB indicated by the print data to be printed into the amount of color materials. Of course, the color conversion referring to the adjusted color data 10c3 may be performed by the computer 10.

[0029] (1-3) Colorimeter configuration: 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the colorimeter 30. The colorimeter 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a non-volatile memory 30c, a sensor 30d, and a UI unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute a control program recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c to control each unit of the colorimeter 30.

[0030] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with the computer 10 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The colorimeter 30 is capable of communicating with the computer 10 via the communication unit 30b. The sensor 30d is a device that irradiates a target object with light of a predetermined color temperature and detects the spectral distribution of the reflected light. Based on the result read by the sensor 30d, the processor 30a obtains colorimetric values ​​(e.g., CIELAB values) that indicate the color of the target object by the colors in a device-independent color space.

[0031] The colorimetry values ​​indicating the acquired colorimetry results are associated with identification information of the patches, and are stored in the non-volatile memory 30c as colorimetry data 10c2. In this embodiment, the order in which the patches are arranged in the color chart of the colorimetry sheet is a predetermined order. The order in which the patches are measured by the colorimetry device 30 is determined to be in accordance with the arrangement order, and the user performs colorimetry using the colorimetry device 30 in accordance with the arrangement order. The processor 30a assumes that colorimetry has been performed in accordance with the arrangement order, and associates identification information with the colorimetry values ​​of each patch to produce colorimetry data 10c2.

[0032] The UI unit 30e is a button or the like provided on the housing of the colorimeter 30. A user can instruct the start of colorimetric measurement of each patch, etc., by operating the UI unit 30e. The processor 30a accepts the user's instruction based on the output information of the UI unit 30e.

[0033] In this embodiment, the user can select and use any one of a plurality of models of the colorimeter 30. Specifically, there are automatic colorimeter models that can automatically move the colorimeter 30, and manual colorimeter models that manually move the colorimeter 30. In addition, a colorimeter tool that assists measurement by the manual colorimeter model may be used. In other words, if the user owns a colorimeter tool that assists color measurement by the colorimeter 30, the user can perform manual color measurement using the colorimeter tool.

[0034] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are diagrams showing how manual color measurement is performed using a color measurement tool. Fig. 5 shows the color measurement tool 40 viewed from a direction perpendicular to a mounting surface F on which the color measurement sheet S is placed relative to the color measurement tool 40. Fig. 6 shows the color measurement tool 40 viewed from below in Fig. 5 along a direction parallel to the mounting surface F.

[0035] In this embodiment, the color measurement tool 40 has a structure in which the color measurement sheet S is placed on a rectangular mounting surface F. One of the four sides of the mounting surface is provided with a clip 41 for holding the color measurement sheet S. Two sides adjacent to the side on which the clip 41 is formed are provided with stoppers 42 for limiting the movement range of the color measurement device 30. In this embodiment, the stoppers 42 are rectangular members extending along the two sides of the mounting surface F, and restrict the movement of the color measurement device 30 so that the color measurement device 30 does not protrude from the mounting surface F by contacting the ends of the color measurement device 30 in the width direction (the left and right direction in FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0036] A guide portion 43 is provided between the stoppers 42. The guide portion 43 is a member extending from one stopper 42 to the other stopper 42 between the stoppers 42. In the guide portion 43, a groove 43a is formed in a direction parallel to the side of the mounting surface F on which the clip 41 is formed. A convex portion (not shown) is formed in the colorimeter 30, and the colorimeter 30 can move in the longitudinal direction of the groove 43a with the convex portion fitted in the groove 43a. That is, when the user performs continuous color measurement of the patches P arranged in the longitudinal direction of the groove 43a, the user can move the colorimeter 30 along a straight line by moving the colorimeter in the longitudinal direction of the groove 43a with the convex portion of the colorimeter 30 fitted in the groove 43a. Here, the longitudinal direction of the groove 43a is referred to as the first direction. The guide portion 43 can be slid in the longitudinal direction of the stoppers 42. Therefore, after the colorimeter 30 is moved in the first direction (row direction) to measure the colors from one end of the color chart to the other end, the guide portion 43 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (column direction). Then, the colorimeter 30 is moved again in the first direction (row direction) to measure the colors from one end of the color chart to the other end.

[0037] 7 is a diagram showing the color measurement sheet S. In this embodiment, the color measurement sheet S is a rectangular sheet, and a color chart CC consisting of multiple patches P is printed on one surface. The patches P are arranged in a direction parallel to one side of the rectangular color measurement sheet S, and furthermore, patches P are arranged in a direction perpendicular to said direction. If the number of patches P printed on one sheet is less than the predetermined number, multiple color measurement sheets S are printed.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal direction (row direction) corresponds to the first direction. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that color measurement is started from the patch P printed at the top in the column direction and at the leftmost in the row direction, and the colorimeter 30 is moved to the right along the first direction until the color measurement for one row is completed when the colorimeter 30 is moved to the right along the first direction and the color measurement for one row is completed. When the color measurement for one row is completed, the patch in the adjacent unmeasured row in the column direction is measured. When the patch in the unmeasured row is measured, the color measurement is started from the patch printed at the rightmost in the row direction, and the colorimeter 30 is moved to the left along the first direction until the color measurement for one row is completed when the color measurement for one row is completed. The user repeats the above operations to measure the patches in the order of arrangement. That is, the user moves the colorimeter 30 from left to right in the odd-numbered rows and moves the colorimeter 30 from right to left in the even-numbered rows.

[0039] 7, marks for preventing the wrong order of color measurement are printed together with the color chart CC. Specifically, the color measurement sheet S includes a first mark M1 indicating the start position of color measurement by the colorimeter 30 at one end in the first direction, and a second mark M2 indicating the start position of color measurement by the colorimeter 30 at the other end in the first direction.

[0040] Both the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 include a straight line extending in the first direction, i.e., the row direction, and a numerical value indicating which row it is. The intersection of the straight line and the patch is the starting position of the colorimetry of the patch. For example, the first mark M1, which is composed of the numerical value 1 and a straight line and is written at the top, indicates that the row is the first to be colorimetrically measured by the colorimetry device 30. The second mark M2, which is composed of the numerical value 2 and a straight line and is written second from the top, indicates that the row is the second to be colorimetrically measured by the colorimetry device 30. In FIG. 7, an example is shown in which the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, which indicate the order in which each row is colorimetrically measured, exist up to the 14th row. In this embodiment, the letters A to T, which are marks indicating the rows of the patches, are also shown in association with each row of the patches.

[0041] The number of patches in the first direction in the color chart CC (the number of patches in one row) may vary depending on the size of the medium, user specifications, etc., but the size of the patches is the same regardless of the size of the medium, user specifications, etc. In other words, the size of the patches is fixed to a predetermined size that is equal to or larger than the minimum size that can be measured by the colorimeter 30. Therefore, even if conditions such as the size of the medium and user specifications vary, each patch can be easily measured by the colorimeter 30.

[0042] (2) Production method of color measurement sheet: If the number of patches in the first direction in the color chart CC is fixed, the margins will increase in a large medium, and the number of media sheets will increase excessively, or many rows will need to be measured, which may reduce work efficiency. Also, not all users will necessarily use the color measurement tool 40. When not using the color measurement tool 40, users who are accustomed to color measurement using the colorimeter 30 tend to prioritize work efficiency in color measurement, while users who are not accustomed to color measurement tend to prioritize ease of work, and there may be various needs.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 10a changes the size of the color chart CC according to various needs to produce the color measurement sheet S. Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the production process of the color measurement sheet. The production process of the color measurement sheet is started in response to a predetermined execution start trigger, for example, a user operating the input unit of the computer 10 to input an execution instruction.

[0044] When the production process of the colorimetry sheet is started, the processor 10a accepts designations by the user (step S100). Specifically, the processor 10a accepts designations of the size of the medium and the model of the colorimetry device 30. In addition, if there are items that should be designated depending on the model of the colorimetry device 30, the processor 10a also accepts designations of those items.

[0045] To accept the designation for each item, the processor 10a controls the display unit 10d to display a user interface for accepting the designation. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user interface. In the user interface, a selection section B1 for selecting the medium size and a selection section B2 for selecting the model of the colorimeter 30 are provided on the right side of the screen.

[0046] In the medium size selection section B1, the user can specify the medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size. When the user selects the selection section B1 using the input section 10e, the processor 10a controls the display section 10d to display the selectable medium sizes. The first size, the second size, and the third size may be various sizes, but the sizes are arranged in descending order from largest to smallest. When the user specifies the medium using the input section 10e, the processor 10a assumes that the color chart CC will be printed on the medium of the specified size to produce the color measurement sheet S.

[0047] In the selection section B2 for the model of the colorimeter 30, the user can specify the model of the colorimeter 30. When the user selects the selection section B2 using the input section 10e, the processor 10a controls the display section 10d to display the selectable models of the colorimeter 30. The models include automatic colorimeter models and manual colorimeter models. When the user specifies the model of the colorimeter 30 using the input section 10e, the processor 10a assumes that the colorimeter sheet S will be produced using the specified model of the colorimeter 30.

[0048] When a manual colorimetry model is specified in the selection section B2, the processor 10a further controls the display section 10d to display an interface for inputting additional items. When an automatic colorimetry model is specified in the selection section B2, additional items are not displayed. Meanwhile, the processor 10a displays an icon showing an outline of the colorimetry sheet S on the left side of the user interface. In FIG. 10, an icon Ia of the colorimetry sheet S when the number of patches in one row is maximized is shown on the left side of the user interface. That is, FIG. 10 is a user interface displayed when an automatic colorimetry model is selected. When an automatic colorimetry model is used, even a user who is not familiar with colorimetry can easily perform colorimetry, so that the colorimetry sheet S is printed with the number of patches in one row maximized as shown in the icon Ia, and colorimetry can be performed with high efficiency. Image data of the icon displayed on the left side of the user interface is created in advance, and the processor 10a switches the icon according to the selection contents in the selection sections B1 and B2. However, since the number of patches is calculated in a process described below, the number of patches shown on the icon is not accurate, but the user can roughly recognize the color measurement sheet S from the size of the margins shown on the icon.

[0049] 11 to 13 are diagrams showing examples of a user interface that is displayed when a manual color measurement model is selected in selection section B2. In the user interfaces shown in Fig. 11 to 13, selection sections B1 and B2 are similar to the user interface shown in Fig. 10. Among the manual color measurement models, there are colorimeters 30 that do not use a color measurement tool 40 and colorimeters 30 that can perform color measurement using the color measurement tool 40.

[0050] When the model of the colorimeter 30 selected by the user in the selection section B2 is a model that does not use the colorimeter tool 40, the processor 10a controls the display section 10d to display radio buttons B4 for the user to select the priority (see Figs. 11 and 12). Each of the radio buttons B4 is associated with a character string indicating the content to be specified by the radio button B4. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the user can select one of the options, "Prioritize maximizing the number of patches in one line" and "Prioritize ease of colorimetric operation in one line". The options are not limited to these, and for example, an option for specifying the size of the margin desired by the user may be provided.

[0051] Fig. 11 shows the state when the user selects the option "Prioritize maximizing the number of patches per line" using radio button B4. In this case, the number of patches per line is maximized and the white space in the row direction is minimized, so icon Ia similar to that in Fig. 10 is displayed on the left side of the user interface.

[0052] 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the user has selected the option of "prioritize ease of color measurement operation for one row" using radio button B4. In this case, a margin in the row direction is provided so that the movement of the colorimeter 30 is not hindered by a step caused by the thickness of the medium of the colorimeter sheet S. For this reason, the margin in the row direction is larger than when the number of patches in one row is maximized. The icon Ib shown on the left side of the user interface is designed to be recognizable as having a larger margin than the icon Ia shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0053] When the model of the colorimeter 30 selected by the user in the selection section B2 is a model capable of performing color measurement using the color measurement tool 40, the processor 10a controls the display section 10d to display a selection section B5 for allowing the user to select whether or not to use the color measurement tool 40 (see FIG. 13). In the selection section B5 for whether or not to use the color measurement tool 40, the user can specify whether or not to use the color measurement tool 40. When the user selects the selection section B5 using the input section 10e, the processor 10a controls the display section 10d to display "Yes" or "No" for the color measurement tool. When the user specifies "Yes" for the color measurement tool using the input section 10e, the processor 10a assumes that the color measurement tool 40 is used. FIG. 13 shows a user interface in the case of "Yes". In this case, the number of patches in one row is not maximized, so the icon Ib shown on the left side of the user interface is the same as that shown in FIG. 12, and it can be recognized that the margin is larger than that of the icon Ia shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. When the user specifies "none" for the color measurement tool using the input unit 10e, the processor 10a assumes that the color measurement tool 40 is not used. In this case, the processor 10a causes the user interface to display options using the radio button B4, similar to the cases of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0054] The user makes specifications using a user interface as shown in Figures 10 to 13. In addition, a print instruction button B3 is provided at the bottom right of the user interface. After the user makes various specifications using the user interface, when the user issues a print instruction using the print instruction button B3 using the input unit 10e, the processor 10a performs the processes in and after step S105.

[0055] In step S105, the processor 10a acquires the medium size Lp, the sensor size Ls, and the colorimeter size Lc. Specifically, the processor 10a acquires the medium size Lp in the first direction associated with the medium specified by the user in step S100. Furthermore, the processor 10a acquires the sensor size Ls and the colorimeter size Lc in the first direction associated with the model of the colorimeter specified by the user in step S100.

[0056] Next, in step S110, the processor 10a determines whether the model specified by the user is a manual colorimetry model. If it is determined in step S110 that the model specified by the user is not a manual colorimetry model, that is, if an automatic colorimetry model is specified, the processor 10a generates print data for a colorimetry sheet including a color chart in which the number of patches in the first direction (row direction) is maximized (step S115).

[0057] When an automatic color measurement model is used, even if the user is not familiar with color measurement, the color measurement can be easily performed. For this reason, in this embodiment, the color measurement sheet S is produced so that the color measurement can be performed most efficiently. In other words, the number of patches in the row direction is maximized. Specifically, the processor 10a considers the length obtained by subtracting the minimum margin size provided at both ends from the medium size Lp in the first direction as the range of the color chart CC in the first direction.

[0058] Then, the processor 10a maximizes the number of patches in the row direction by identifying the number of patches when patches of a predetermined size are arranged in the range without gaps. Furthermore, the processor 10a generates image data for arranging the number of patches in the row direction, arranging the patches in the odd-numbered rows from the left in the order of arrangement, and arranging the patches in the even-numbered rows from the right in the order of arrangement, and printing them. Furthermore, the processor 10a generates image data for printing numbers indicating rows and characters indicating columns in the margins, and generates print data by combining the image data for both.

[0059] When the print data is generated, the processor 10a performs printing based on the print data (step S140). That is, the processor 10a transmits the print data to the printer 20 and causes it to print the colorimetry sheet S. As a result, a colorimetry sheet S with a maximized number of patches in the row direction is printed, as shown by the icon Ia in the user interface of FIG. 10. Since the user can use the colorimetry sheet S to perform colorimetry with an automatic colorimetry model, the user can proceed with the colorimetry work with the number of colorimetry patches per row maximized, and the work can be carried out efficiently.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the model designated by the user is a manual color measurement model, the processor 10a determines whether or not the use of the color measurement tool 40 has been designated (step S120). If it is determined in step S120 that the use of the color measurement tool 40 has been designated, the processor 10a executes the process shown in Fig. 9. The process shown in Fig. 9 will be described later.

[0061] If it is determined in step S120 that the use of the color measurement tool 40 is not specified, the processor 10a determines whether or not the user has specified by using the radio button B4 to prioritize maximizing the number of patches in one row (step S125). If it is determined in step S125 that the user has specified that maximizing the number of patches in one row is prioritized, the processor 10a generates print data for a color measurement sheet including a color chart in which the number of patches in the first direction (row direction) is maximized (step S130). FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a color measurement sheet S in which the number of patches in the first direction is maximized. In FIG. 14, the color measurement sheet S is shown on the left side of the drawing, and a state in which the color measurement device 30 is placed at the left and right color measurement start positions in the first direction Dr is typically shown.

[0062] The sensor 30d of the colorimeter 30 has a sensor size Ls in the first direction Dr, and can measure a patch with the same width as the sensor size Ls. In this embodiment, there is no patch at the colorimeter start position, and colorimeter starts from the margin of the medium (however, text may be present in the margin). For this reason, colorimeter starts with one end of the sensor 30d aligned with one end of the medium in the first direction Dr, and the colorimeter 30 is moved toward the other end so that a patch appears immediately, allowing efficient colorimeter measurement in the first direction Dr. If the same arrangement is used at the other end, the number of patches in the first direction Dr can be maximized.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 10a obtains the chart size Lct in the first direction by subtracting the sensor size Ls of the sensor 30d, which is the size of the smallest margin at both ends, × 2, from the medium size Lp in the first direction Dr. Then, the processor 10a obtains the number of patches in the first direction by dividing the chart size Lct by the patch size in the first direction.

[0064] In FIG. 14, an example of sizes is shown on the right side. In this example, the medium size Lp is 500 mm. Also, because the sensor size Ls is 10 mm, the left margin Lml and right margin Lmr are both 10 mm. As a result, the chart size Lct is calculated as 500-10×2, which is 480 mm. Because the sensor size Ls is 10 mm and the patch size is 10 mm, the number of patches is 48 (=480 / 10).

[0065] When the number of patches in the first direction is acquired, the processor 10a generates image data for arranging the patches in the odd-numbered rows in the order of arrangement from the left and in the even-numbered rows in the order of arrangement from the right. The color chart generated in this manner is a first pattern for starting color measurement by making the colorimeter 30 extend beyond the medium in the first direction. This first pattern can maximize the number of patches arranged in the first direction, making it possible to efficiently carry out color measurement work.

[0066] Furthermore, the processor 10a generates print data for the color measurement sheet S including the color chart. Specifically, the processor 10a generates image data indicating characters to be printed in the margins and combines the image data with the image data of the color chart. The processor 10a then generates print data for printing the combined image data. When the print data is generated, the processor 10a transmits the print data to the printer 20, and causes the color measurement sheet S to be printed (step S140). As a result, the color measurement sheet S is printed with the number of patches in the row direction maximized, as shown by the icon Ia in the user interface of FIG. 11. The user can perform color measurement using the color measurement sheet S, and therefore can proceed with the color measurement work with the number of color measurement patches per row maximized, and can proceed with the work efficiently.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S125 that the user has specified that maximizing the number of patches in one row is prioritized, the processor 10a generates print data for a color measurement sheet including a color chart with a number of patches that prioritizes ease of color measurement operation (step S135). Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining a color measurement sheet S that prioritizes ease of color measurement operation. Fig. 15 shows the color measurement sheet S on the left side of the drawing, and diagrammatically shows a state in which the color measurement device 30 is placed at the left and right color measurement start positions in the first direction Dr.

[0068] The sensor 30d of the colorimeter 30 has a sensor size Ls in the first direction Dr, and can measure a patch with the same width as the sensor size Ls. In this embodiment, there is no patch at the colorimeter start position, and colorimeter starts from the margin of the medium (however, text may be present in the margin). If the colorimeter 30 protrudes from the medium in the first direction at the colorimeter start position, the colorimeter 30 may tilt due to a step between the surface on which the colorimeter sheet S is placed and the surface of the colorimeter sheet S, or the colorimeter 30 may get caught on the step, requiring careful operation. However, if a margin is provided so that the colorimeter 30 does not protrude from the medium in the first direction, the colorimeter 30 is not affected by the step when the colorimeter 30 is set at the start position.

[0069] Therefore, when ease of color measurement is prioritized, color measurement is started from a state where one end of the colorimeter 30 is aligned with one end of the medium in the first direction Dr, and when the colorimeter 30 is moved from this position toward the other end, a patch immediately appears. For example, at the left end in the first direction, as shown in Fig. 15, the length from the left end of the colorimeter 30 to the right end of the sensor 30d is set as the left margin Lml. At the other end, the same arrangement is adopted, and the length from the right end of the colorimeter 30 to the left end of the sensor 30d is set as the right margin Lmr.

[0070] Therefore, the processor 10a calculates the size of the left margin Lml by the sensor size in the first direction Ls + (size Lc of the colorimeter 30 in the first direction - sensor size Ls in the first direction) / 2. Similarly, the processor 10a calculates the size of the right margin Lmr by the sensor size in the first direction Ls + (size Lc of the colorimeter 30 in the first direction - sensor size Ls in the first direction) / 2.

[0071] Furthermore, the processor 10a obtains the chart size Lct in the first direction by subtracting the left margin Lml and the right margin Lmr from the medium size Lp in the first direction Dr. Then, the processor 10a obtains the number of patches in the first direction by dividing the chart size Lct by the patch size in the first direction.

[0072] In FIG. 15, an example of sizes is shown on the right side. In this example, the medium size Lp is 500 mm. Furthermore, the size Lc of the colorimeter 30 is 70 mm, and the sensor size Ls is 10 mm, so the left margin Lml and right margin Lmr are both 40 mm (=10+(70-10) / 2). As a result, the chart size Lct is 420 mm (=500-40×2). Since the sensor size Ls is 10 mm and the patch size is 10 mm, the number of patches is 42 (=420 / 10).

[0073] When the number of patches in the first direction is acquired, the processor 10a generates image data for printing the patches in order from the left in odd-numbered rows and in order from the right in even-numbered rows. The color chart generated in this manner is a second pattern that allows the color measurement to be started in the first direction without the color measurement device 30 going beyond the medium. This second pattern allows the user to set the color measurement device 30 to the start position without being affected by unevenness in the medium, and even a user who is not familiar with color measurement can easily perform color measurement.

[0074] Furthermore, the processor 10a generates print data for the color measurement sheet S including the color chart. Specifically, the processor 10a generates image data indicating marks such as characters to be printed in the margins, and combines the image data with the image data of the color chart. The processor 10a then generates print data for printing the combined image data. When priority is given to ease of color measurement operation, the marks printed in the left and right margins are the first and second marks shown in FIG. 7.

[0075] When the print data is generated, the processor 10a transmits the print data to the printer 20 and causes it to print the color measurement sheet S (step S140). As a result, a color measurement sheet S is printed that allows the color measurement device to be set at the start position without being affected by steps, as shown by icon Ib in the user interface of Fig. 12. Since the user can start color measurement using the color measurement sheet S without considering steps, even an inexperienced user can easily proceed with the color measurement work.

[0076] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the use of the color measurement tool 40 is specified, the processor 10a generates a color chart using the relationship between the color measurement tool 40 and the medium by the process shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, the processor 10a acquires the tool size Lt (step S200). Specifically, the processor 10a acquires the tool size Lt in the first direction associated with the model of the color measurement tool 40 specified by the user in step S100.

[0077] Next, the processor 10a determines whether the medium size is equal to or larger than AB (step S205). Here, A is the size of the color measurement tool 40 determined according to the model of the color measurement tool 40, i.e., the tool size Lt. B is a value determined according to the model of the color measurement device 30 and according to the size of the color measurement device 30, and in this embodiment, is the size of the dead space that makes color measurement impossible by using the color measurement tool 40. In this embodiment, the size of the dead space is the color measurement device size Lc-sensor size Ls.

[0078] FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of a state where the colorimeter 30 is placed at the left end in the first direction by abutting against a stopper 42 on the left side in the first direction when the colorimeter 30 is used, and a state where the colorimeter 30 is placed at the right end in the first direction by abutting against a stopper 42 on the right side in the first direction when the colorimeter 30 is used. When the colorimeter 30 is used, the colorimeter 30 cannot be placed to the left of the left stopper 42, and cannot be placed to the right of the right stopper 42. Therefore, the size in the first direction that is measured when color measurement is started from the position of the colorimeter 30 at one end (e.g., the left end) shown in FIG. 16 and ended at the position of the colorimeter 30 at the other end (e.g., the right end) is the maximum size that can be measured in the first direction.

[0079] The value B corresponding to the colorimeter 30 is a value used to specify the maximum size. That is, when the colorimeter 30 is brought into contact with the stopper 42, the distance Ld from the end where the stopper 42 and the colorimeter 30 come into contact to the end of the sensor 30d on the stopper 42 side becomes a dead space that cannot be measured, and the dead space that cannot be measured exists at both ends in the first direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the value B is the distance Ld×2 between the stopper 42 and the sensor 30d when the colorimeter 30 is brought into contact with the stopper 42. Therefore, the processor 10a obtains the value B by (sensor size Ls+(colorimeter size Lc−sensor size Ls) / 2)×2.

[0080] When the values ​​A and B are defined as above, AB coincides with the size measured when color measurement is started from one end in the first direction and ended at the other end. Even if the medium size Lp is larger than the size, the dead space does not change, so the measurable size does not change. Therefore, even if the medium size Lp becomes larger than AB, the size of the color chart CC on the medium does not increase, and the margins become larger. On the other hand, when the medium size Lp is equal to or smaller than AB, the size of the color chart CC may vary depending on the medium size Lp. In this way, AB can be used as a threshold value.

[0081] In this embodiment, in order to branch the process using the threshold value, the processor 10a determines in step S205 whether the medium size Lp is equal to or larger than AB. If it is determined in step S205 that the medium size Lp is equal to or larger than AB, the processor 10a acquires the maximum chart size and margin when the tool is used (step S210). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, when the color measurement tool 40 is used, if the color measurement is started and ended with the colorimeter 30 abutting against the left and right stoppers 42 in the first direction, the color measurement range in the first direction is maximized. Therefore, the processor 10a acquires the maximum chart size Lct when the tool is used by tool size Lt-distance of dead space Ld×2-sensor size Ls×2. If the medium size Lp is equal to or larger than AB, the chart size Lct is a fixed value regardless of the size of the medium.

[0082] Furthermore, the processor 10a obtains the margin size by subtracting the chart size Lct from the medium size Lp. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the color measurement is performed by placing the medium at the center of the color measurement tool 40 in the first direction. Therefore, the processor 10a divides the margin size by 2 to obtain the left margin Lml and the right margin Lmr.

[0083] Next, the processor 10a generates print data for the color measurement sheet S including the color chart (step S220). Specifically, the processor 10a obtains the number of patches in the first direction by dividing the chart size Lct by the patch size in the first direction. When the number of patches in the first direction is obtained, the processor 10a generates image data for arranging the patches in the odd-numbered rows in order from the left, and for arranging the patches in the even-numbered rows in order from the right, and printing the patches.

[0084] Fig. 16 shows an example where the medium size Lp is equal to AB, and Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 show an example where the medium size Lp is larger than AB. The medium size Lp shown in Fig. 17 is larger than the medium size Lp shown in Fig. 18. Therefore, the medium size Lp shown in Fig. 17 is the first size, and the medium size Lp shown in Fig. 18 is the second size.

[0085] 16 to 18, actual size examples are shown on the right side. In these examples, the size Lc of the colorimeter 30 is 70 mm, the sensor size Ls is 10 mm, and the dead space distance Ld is 30 mm. Since the jig size Lt is 320 mm, the chart size Lct is 240 mm (= 320 - 30 × 2 - 10 × 2).

[0086] In the examples of Figures 16 to 18, the chart size Lct does not change, so the size of the margin is medium size Lp - chart size Lct. The size of the margin is divided equally between the left and right, so in the example of Figure 16, the size of the margin is 10 mm (= (260-240) / 2). Similarly, in the example of Figure 17, the size of the margin is 40 mm (= (320-240) / 2), and in the example of Figure 18, the size of the margin is 20 mm (= (280-240) / 2).

[0087] 16 to 18, the chart size Lct does not change, so the number of patches is always 24 (=240 / 10). Therefore, whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size larger than AB, a color chart with the same number of patches lined up in the first direction is printed.

[0088] When the number of patches in the first direction is acquired, the processor 10a generates image data for printing the patches arranged in order from the left in odd-numbered rows and arranged in order from the right in even-numbered rows. The color chart generated in the above manner is a first pattern for starting color measurement by making the colorimeter 30 protrude from the medium in the first direction (except when the medium size Lp=the jig size Lt). The first pattern allows as many patches as possible to be arranged in the first direction. When the colorimeter jig 40 is used, even a user who is not familiar with color measurement can easily perform color measurement. Therefore, if as many patches as possible are arranged in the first direction by the first pattern, the color measurement work can be performed efficiently.

[0089] Furthermore, the processor 10a generates print data for the color measurement sheet S including the color chart. Specifically, the processor 10a generates image data indicating marks such as characters to be printed in the margins, and combines the image data with the image data of the color chart. The processor 10a then generates print data for printing the combined image data. When the color measurement tool 40 is used, the marks printed in the left and right margins are the first and second marks shown in FIG. 7.

[0090] However, when using the color measurement tool 40, the size of the margin may vary depending on the size of the medium, so the size of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 may vary depending on the size of the medium. In contrast, the relative distance between the color chart CC and the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 is the same regardless of whether the medium size is the first size or the second size. That is, when the medium size Lp is larger than AB, the chart size Lct does not change even if the medium size Lp changes, so the distance between the color chart CC and the first mark M1 does not change. Similarly, the distance between the color chart CC and the second mark M2 does not change. Similarly, the distance between the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 does not change. Therefore, regardless of the medium size, the work can be performed at the same intervals.

[0091] When the print data is generated, the processor 10a transmits the print data to the printer 20 and causes it to print the color measurement sheet S (step S140). As a result, the color measurement sheet S is printed. Since the user can perform color measurement using the color measurement tool 40, even an inexperienced user can easily proceed with the color measurement work.

[0092] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the medium is placed at the center of the color measurement tool 40 in the first direction to perform color measurement, but the position where the medium is placed is not limited. For example, if the size of the medium becomes large and the color measurement device 30 can be moved from end to end in the first direction to perform color measurement even if the medium is placed left-justified, the color chart of the color measurement sheet S may be determined so that the medium is placed left-justified, as shown in FIG.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S205 that the medium size Lp is equal to or larger than AB, the processor 10a generates print data for a color measurement sheet including a color chart in which the number of patches in the first direction (row direction) is maximized (step S230). That is, if the medium size Lp is smaller than AB, color measurement is possible from one end of the medium to the other without being restricted by the stopper 42. Furthermore, when using the color measurement tool 40, even an inexperienced user can perform color measurement without being affected by unevenness in the medium.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the medium size Lp is smaller than AB, the number of patches in the first direction is maximized. Therefore, the process of step S230 is the same as the process of step S130 described above.

[0095] Specifically, the processor 10a obtains the chart size Lct in the first direction by subtracting the sensor size Ls of the sensor 30d, which is the size of the smallest margin at both ends, × 2, from the medium size Lp in the first direction Dr. Then, the processor 10a obtains the number of patches in the first direction by dividing the chart size Lct by the patch size in the first direction.

[0096] In FIG. 20, an example of sizes is shown on the right side. In this example, the medium size Lp is 210 mm. Also, because the sensor size Ls is 10 mm, the left margin Lml and the right margin Lmr are both 10 mm. As a result, the chart size Lct is calculated as 210-10×2, which is 190 mm. Because the sensor size Ls is 10 mm and the patch size is 10 mm, the number of patches is 19 (=190 / 10). In this way, if the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, which is smaller than AB, a color chart will be printed in which fewer patches are lined up in the first direction than in the case of the second size.

[0097] When the number of patches in the first direction is acquired, the processor 10a generates image data for arranging the patches in the odd-numbered rows in the order of arrangement from the left and in the even-numbered rows in the order of arrangement from the right. The color chart generated in this manner is a first pattern for starting color measurement by making the colorimeter 30 extend beyond the medium in the first direction. This first pattern can maximize the number of patches arranged in the first direction, making it possible to efficiently carry out color measurement work.

[0098] Furthermore, the processor 10a generates print data for the color measurement sheet S including the color chart. Specifically, the processor 10a generates image data indicating characters to be printed in the margins and combines it with the image data of the color chart. The processor 10a then generates print data for printing the combined image data.

[0099] When the print data is generated, the processor 10a transmits the print data to the printer 20, and causes it to print the color measurement sheet S (step S140). As a result, a color measurement sheet S is printed in which the number of patches in the row direction is maximized, as shown by icon Ia in the user interface of Fig. 11. Since the user can perform color measurement using the color measurement sheet S, the user can proceed with the color measurement work in a state in which the number of color measurement patches per row is maximized, and the work can be carried out efficiently.

[0100] According to the present embodiment as described above, the size of the printed color chart is changed according to the size of the medium specified by the user. Therefore, in this embodiment, the size of the color chart is not limited to a fixed size, but can be flexibly changed. In addition, the number of patches included in the color chart can be changed according to the color measurement mode desired by the user. Therefore, it is possible to produce color measurement sheets that meet the various needs of users.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a designation of an automatic colorimetry model is accepted, a color chart in which the number of patches in the first direction (row direction) is maximized is printed on the colorimetry sheet S. On the other hand, when a designation of a manual colorimetry model is accepted, a color chart in which the number of patches in the first direction (row direction) is maximized or a color chart with more white space than the color chart and in which the number of patches is not maximized is printed.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a designation of a first colorimeter for a model that performs manual color measurement is accepted, a color chart with the following number of patches lined up in the first direction is printed when a designation of a second colorimeter for a model that performs automatic color measurement is accepted. With this configuration, in models that perform manual color measurement, it is possible to produce a variety of colorimeter sheets according to user needs.

[0103] (3) Printer production method: Using the colorimetry sheet S produced in the above manner, it is possible to produce a printer. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the printer production process. The user uses the colorimeter 30 to measure the patches included in the color chart CC on the colorimetry sheet S. At this time, the user measures the patches in a predetermined arrangement order. The colorimeter 30 associates the colorimetry results with patch identification information and stores them in the non-volatile memory 30c as colorimetry data 10c2. After the colorimetry is performed, the processor 10a acquires the colorimetry results from the colorimeter 30 (step S300). That is, the processor 10a acquires the colorimetry data 10c2 and stores it in the non-volatile memory 10c.

[0104] Next, the processor 10a creates adjusted color data 10c3 (step S305). Specifically, the gradation values ​​that specify the amount of color material when printing each patch that constitutes the color chart CC are associated with the identification information of the patch and stored in the non-volatile memory 10c. The processor 10a then creates adjusted color data 10c3 by associating the colorimetric value of each patch with the gradation value that indicates the amount of color material, and stores the data in the non-volatile memory 10c.

[0105] Next, the processor 10a saves the adjusted color data 10c3 in the printer 20 (step S310). That is, the processor 10a transmits the adjusted color data 10c3 created in step S305 to the printer 20 and stores it in the non-volatile memory 20c. As a result, the printer 20 can perform color conversion by referring to the adjusted color data 10c3 when printing. Through the above process, it is possible to produce a printer 20 that can print using the adjusted color data 10c3 for reproducing colors printed using the color measurement sheet S.

[0106] (4) Other embodiments: The above embodiment is an example for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, the color measurement may be started from a patch, not from a margin. In this case, for example, like the icon Ia shown in Figures 10 and 11, a patch can be placed at the position of the margin instead of the margins formed on the left and right in the first direction.

[0107] Also, the aspect of the color chart used for color measurement in the color measurement tool 40 may be selectable. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the color measurement sheet S is configured to be measured at the center in the first direction Dr as shown in Fig. 20, but the color measurement sheet S may be set on the color measurement tool 40 from the left or right. In this case, at the left or right end, the color measurement device 30 needs to be placed against the end of the stopper 42 to perform color measurement, which creates dead space, but the color measurement device 30 can be easily set at the start position of color measurement.

[0108] Furthermore, the configuration may allow the user to select between printing a color chart in which color measurement is started by moving the medium away from the end of the color measurement tool 40 at one end in the first direction, and printing a color chart in which color measurement is started by placing the medium against the end of the color measurement tool 40. With this configuration, the user can select whether to print a color chart that is easier to measure, or a color chart with a larger number of patches in the first direction.

[0109] The medium may be any medium on which the color chart is printed, and the size and type are not limited. At least a first size, a second size, and a third size may be specified as the size of the medium, but the size is not limited to these sizes. For example, any size may be specified. The type of medium is not limited, and may be selected according to the purpose of measuring the color chart. For example, if the color chart is measured to perform color management when printing on a white medium, the color chart is printed on the white medium. On the other hand, if the color chart is measured to perform color management when printing using a medium of a specific chromatic color, the color chart is printed on the medium of the specific chromatic color.

[0110] The color measurement sheet may be a medium on which a color chart is printed, and may also have other images printed thereon, such as a first pattern. The other images are not limited to the first pattern and the second pattern, and may include, for example, information indicating a cut line, a color measurement device, a printer model, and identification information of the color chart, etc. The color chart is an area including a plurality of patches, and the patches are arranged in two-dimensional directions, that is, a first direction and a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The size of the patch is not limited, but may be any size that can be measured by a color measurement device.

[0111] The color measurement tool is a tool for assisting the color measurement operation using a colorimeter, and has, for example, a mechanism for assisting the movement direction of the colorimeter to be a fixed direction (first direction). It is sufficient that the color measurement tool is configured so that any patch arranged in a two-dimensional direction can be measured by changing the mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the colorimeter.

[0112] The size A of the color measurement tool may be the maximum size of the medium that can be placed on the color measurement tool, and may be determined in advance by the color measurement tool. The value B according to the size of the color measurement device in the first direction is a value determined by the size of the color measurement device, and is a value for specifying the size that can be measured in the first direction. When the color measurement device is set on the color measurement tool and moved, it can be moved from a state in which the color measurement device is in contact with one end of the first direction to a state in which the color measurement device is in contact with the other end of the first direction. Therefore, the movement range at this time is the maximum range in which the color measurement device can move in the first direction, and the range that can be measured when moved within this range is the maximum size that can be measured in the first direction.

[0113] The value B is a value for specifying the maximum size that can be measured, and is a value according to the size of the colorimeter in the first direction. That is, the dead space that cannot be measured at both ends in the first direction varies according to the size of the colorimeter in the first direction. Therefore, it is sufficient to indicate the dead space by the value B. The value B may be a value that includes a margin in the size of the colorimeter in the first direction, or may be a value calculated from the sizes of each part of the colorimeter in the first direction. In any case, the value B is a value according to the size of the colorimeter in the first direction, and is a value that is determined by a common rule regardless of the model of the colorimeter. Therefore, if the size of the colorimeter varies depending on the model of the colorimeter, the value B according to the size of the colorimeter also varies according to the size of the colorimeter.

[0114] In a color chart in which the number of patches arranged in the first direction is determined by the medium, the method of determining the number of patches changes based on a certain reference. The reference may be, for example, size A minus size B. The reference may also be, for example, the size in the first direction measured by moving a colorimeter in the first direction using a color measurement tool, starting color measurement at one end in the first direction, and ending color measurement at the other end.

[0115] Furthermore, the above-mentioned system, program, and method may be realized as a single device or may be realized by using parts of multiple devices, and include various aspects. In addition, they can be modified as appropriate, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention can also be established as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in the same way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10...computer, 10a...processor, 10b...communication unit, 10c...non-volatile memory, 10c1...colorimetry sheet data, 10c2...colorimetry data, 10c3...adjusted color data, 10d...display unit, 10e...input unit, 20...printer, 20a...processor, 20b...communication unit, 20c...non-volatile memory, 20d...printing unit, 20e...UI unit, 30...colorimetry device, 30a...processor, 30b...communication unit, 30c...non-volatile memory, 30d...sensor, 30e...UI unit, 40...colorimetry tool, 41...clip, 42...stopper, 43...guide unit, 43a...groove

Claims

1. Accepting a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; A method for producing a color measurement sheet, comprising the steps of: printing a color chart on the medium of a specified size using a printer to produce a color measurement sheet, A is a size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is a direction in which the color measurement device is moved using the color measurement tool, and B is a value according to the size of the color measurement device, When the sizes are, in order from the largest, the first size, the second size, A-B, and the third size, printing the color chart in which the same number of patches are arranged in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size; If the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches arranged in the first direction than in the case of the second size. How color measurement sheets are produced.

2. The size of the patch is the same regardless of the size of the medium. A method for producing the color measurement sheet according to claim 1 .

3. Further printing on the medium a first mark indicating a start position of color measurement by the colorimeter at one end in the first direction and a second mark indicating a start position of color measurement by the colorimeter at the other end; a relative distance between the color chart and the first mark and the second mark is the same regardless of whether the color chart is the first size or the second size; A method for producing the color measurement sheet according to claim 1 .

4. Accepting a designation of the model of the color measurement tool; A size A of the color measurement tool is determined according to the model of the color measurement tool. A method for producing the color measurement sheet according to claim 1 .

5. Accepting a designation of the model of the colorimeter; determining B, which is a value according to the size of the colorimeter, according to the model of the colorimeter; A method for producing the color measurement sheet according to claim 1 .

6. When a designation of a first colorimeter of a model that performs color measurement manually is accepted, when a designation of a second colorimeter of a model that performs color measurement automatically is accepted, the color chart is printed with the following number of patches arranged in the first direction: A method for producing the color measurement sheet according to claim 5.

7. a user is prompted to select a first pattern in which the color measurement is started by causing the colorimeter to extend beyond the medium in the first direction, and a second pattern in which the color measurement can be started without causing the colorimeter to extend beyond the medium; A method for producing the color measurement sheet according to claim 1 .

8. a user is prompted to select printing of the color chart in which color measurement is started by moving the medium away from an end of the color measurement tool at one end in the first direction, or printing of the color chart in which color measurement is started by placing the medium against the end of the color measurement tool; A method for producing the color measurement sheet according to claim 1 .

9. Accepting a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; A method for producing a color measurement sheet, comprising: printing a color chart on the medium of a specified size using a printer to produce a color measurement sheet, A size in a first direction, which is a direction in which a colorimeter is moved using a color measurement tool, is set as a threshold value when color measurement is started from one end of the first direction and color measurement is ended at the other end of the first direction; When the first size, the second size, a threshold value, and the third size are taken in order from the largest size, printing the color chart in which the same number of patches are arranged in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size; If the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches arranged in the first direction than in the case of the second size. How color measurement sheets are produced.

10. Accepting a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; Using a printer, a color chart is printed on the medium of a specified size to produce a color measurement sheet; having a user manually measure the color of the color chart on the color measurement sheet; Create adjusted color data based on the color measurement results, A method for producing a printer, comprising the steps of: storing the adjusted color data in a printer; A is a size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is a direction in which the color measurement device is moved using the color measurement tool, and B is a value according to the size of the color measurement device, When the sizes are, in order from the largest, the first size, the second size, A-B, and the third size, printing the color chart in which the same number of patches are arranged in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size; If the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches arranged in the first direction than in the case of the second size. Printer production methods.

11. Computer, Accepting a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; A color measurement sheet production program that causes a printer to print a color chart on the medium of a specified size to produce a color measurement sheet, A is a size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is a direction in which the color measurement device is moved using the color measurement tool, and B is a value according to the size of the color measurement device, When the sizes are, in order from the largest, the first size, the second size, A-B, and the third size, printing the color chart in which the same number of patches are arranged in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size; If the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches arranged in the first direction than in the case of the second size. A program for producing colorimetric sheets that enables a computer to function like this.

12. Computer, Accepting a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; A color measurement sheet production program that causes a printer to print a color chart on the medium of a specified size to produce a color measurement sheet, A size in a first direction measured by starting color measurement from one end of the first direction, which is a direction in which the colorimeter is moved using the color measurement tool, and ending color measurement at the other end of the first direction is set as a threshold value; When the first size, the second size, a threshold value, and the third size are taken in order from the largest size, printing the color chart in which the same number of patches are arranged in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size; If the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches arranged in the first direction than in the case of the second size. A program for producing colorimetric sheets that enables a computer to function like this.

13. Computer, Accepting a designation of a medium size from among a plurality of sizes including a first size, a second size, and a third size; A color measurement sheet is produced by printing a color chart on the medium of a specified size using a printer. having a user manually measure the color of the color chart on the color measurement sheet; Create adjusted color data based on the color measurement results, A production program for a printer that functions to store the adjusted color data in a printer, A is a size of the color measurement tool in a first direction, which is a direction in which the color measurement device is moved using the color measurement tool, and B is a value according to the size of the color measurement device, When the sizes are, in order from the largest, the first size, the second size, A-B, and the third size, printing the color chart in which the same number of patches are arranged in the first direction regardless of whether the size of the medium in the first direction is the first size or the second size; If the size of the medium in the first direction is the third size, the color chart is printed with a smaller number of patches arranged in the first direction than in the case of the second size. A printer production program that makes the computer function like this.

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