External controller and program

Abstract

To provide an external controller and a program to makes color adjustment for a printer efficient.SOLUTION: In a color management system 100, a color management device 10 as an external controller comprises a storage part that stores a color management preset (color management setting information) to which color management target settings, paper printing setting information, and printer information, including engine information indicating an engine 30 and controller information indicating a controller 40, are mapped for a plurality of printers 20A, 20B, ... that are configured with the engine 30 for printing on a paper and a controller 40 for generating raster data to be provided to the engine 30. The external controller controls the color management and adjustment functions of the engine 30 and the controller 40 based on the color management presets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an external control device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers have been calibrated for print density in order to improve gradation characteristics (see Patent Document 1). The printer described in Patent Document 1 prints according to a multi-tone gradation pattern, and determines multiple gradation levels at which the density characteristics during printing are linear, based on the detection results of the print density.

[0003] Some printers are composed of two elements: an engine that performs printing, and a controller that generates the raster data used for printing by the engine. With regard to color expression in a printer, the engine adjusts the maximum density and density balance from the viewpoint of machine stability. The controller also has a function for managing paper such as the paper feed tray. The controller creates profiles for each type of paper and adjusts density (calibration).

[0004] FIG. 14 shows a general color conversion process. The data of the print manuscript is expressed, for example, as CMYK values. 0 M 0 Y 0 K 0 The controller will select "C 0 M 0 Y 0 K 0 " is what the engine receives, "C 1 M 1 Y 1 K 1 At this time, if the controller has calibration data, the controller applies the calibration data and converts it to "C 2 M 2 Y 2 K 2" and then sent to the engine. Depending on the printer design, calibration may be performed on the engine side. In this case, the engine side will 1 M 1 Y 1 K 1 The calibration data is applied to "C 2 M 2 Y 2 K 2 " is converted to

[0005] In the engine, the maximum concentration and the concentration balance are adjusted, and "C 2 M 2 Y 2 K 2 " is "C 3 M 3 Y 3 K 3 " The maximum density adjustment is the adjustment of the density of the CMYK solid (for example, C=100%). The density balance adjustment is the adjustment of in-plane unevenness. 3 M 3 Y 3 K 3 The image is printed based on the

[0006] In this way, in a printer that is configured with an engine and a controller, in order to print a desired color during printing, the engine and the controller must be adjusted in advance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-212313 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, it is not enough to simply adjust the engine and the controller of the printer. In fact, unless the printer is adjusted to match the paper to be printed, it is difficult to obtain the colors that the user intends.

[0009] Until now, engine adjustments have been made with the aim of keeping the printer itself in good condition. Because of this, when adjusting the engine during actual operation, the user had to be aware of the paper they were about to print and either manually load the paper or check the loaded paper. Then, the user had to operate the printer's main panel to adjust the engine. Because adjustments were necessary every time the printing paper was changed, the user had to make adjustments from the main panel each time, while being aware of the paper.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems in the conventional technology described above, and an object of the present invention is to make color adjustment in a printer more efficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an external control device for a printer comprising an engine that prints on paper and a controller that generates raster data to be provided to the engine, the external control device including a control unit that controls the color management adjustment function of the engine and the color management adjustment function of the controller from outside the printer.

[0012] The invention described in claim 2 provides an external control device described in claim 1, which is provided with a memory unit that stores color management setting information in which color management target settings, paper printing setting information, and printer information including engine information indicating the engine and controller information indicating the controller are associated with each other, and the control unit controls the color management adjustment function of the engine and the color management adjustment function of the controller based on the color management setting information.

[0013] The invention described in claim 3 is an external control device described in claim 2, which is provided with a reception unit that receives a designation of paper printing setting information included in color management setting information stored in the memory unit, and the control unit controls the color management adjustment function of the engine and the color management adjustment function of the controller based on the color management target setting corresponding to the designated paper printing setting information.

[0014] The invention described in claim 4 is an external control device described in claim 2, in which the control unit acquires paper information managed by the controller from the controller, and updates the acquired paper information as part of the printer information including controller information indicating the controller stored in the memory unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 5 is an external control device described in claim 4, in which when the control unit is unable to obtain paper information managed by the controller from the controller, the control unit obtains paper information managed by the engine from the engine, and updates the obtained paper information as part of the printer information including engine information indicating the engine stored in the memory unit.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is an external control device described in claim 2, in which the control unit acquires paper information related to the printer from an external device other than the engine and the controller, and updates the acquired paper information as part of the printer information including engine information indicating the engine or controller information indicating the controller stored in the memory unit.

[0017] The invention described in claim 7 is an external control device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit obtains the latest paper information from the engine or the controller immediately before color management adjustment of the engine or color management adjustment of the controller, and if the paper to be targeted for the color management adjustment is not set in any of the paper feed trays of the printer, the control unit cancels the execution of the color management adjustment and notifies an error to the effect that the paper to be targeted for the color management adjustment is not set.

[0018] The invention described in claim 8 is the external control device described in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the paper information includes a list of paper feed trays and information indicating the paper type and paper feed direction for each of the paper feed trays.

[0019] The invention described in claim 9 is an external control device described in claim 1, wherein the color management adjustment function of the engine includes an adjustment function for the maximum density of the image printed by the engine, an adjustment function for the density balance, or an adjustment function for density, and the color management adjustment function of the controller includes an adjustment function for the density for each paper type of the image printed by the engine corresponding to the controller, or a profile creation function.

[0020] The invention recited in claim 10 is the external control device recited in claim 1, wherein the control unit automatically executes a color verification function after color management adjustment of the engine or color management adjustment of the controller is completed.

[0021] The invention described in claim 11 is an external control device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit has a function of searching for printers within the network and obtaining printer information for the printers, and after first color management setting information is stored in the memory unit, if a printer of the same model as the engine information and controller information contained in the first color management setting information is present within the network, the control unit reuses the first color management setting information to create second color management setting information including engine information and controller information for the printer of the same model.

[0022] The invention described in claim 12 is a program for causing a computer connected via a network to a printer consisting of an engine that prints on paper and a controller that generates raster data to be provided to the engine, to function as a control unit that controls the color management adjustment function of the engine and the color management adjustment function of the controller from outside the printer. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, color adjustment of a printer can be made more efficient. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a color management device. [Diagram 3] 6 illustrates an example of the data configuration of a printer information table. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a color management target setting table. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a color management preset table. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a printer information registration screen. [Figure 7A] 13 is an example of a color measurement setting screen. [Figure 7B] 13 is an example of a profile creation setting screen. [Figure 7C] 13 is an example of a color verification setting screen. [Figure 8A] 13 is an example of a color management preset registration screen. [Figure 8B] 13 is an example of a paper print setting screen. [Figure 8C] 13 is an example of a profile name setting screen. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a menu screen. [Figure 10]11 is a sequence diagram when a maximum density adjustment or a density balance adjustment is performed. [Figure 11A] 13 is an example of a paper feed tray selection screen. [Figure 11B] 13 is an example of a chart printing screen. [Figure 11C] 1 is an example of a color measurement screen. [Figure 11D] 13 is an example of a judgment result screen. [Figure 11E] 13 is an example of an adjustment screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for performing calibration or profile creation. [Figure 13A] 13 is an example of a color management preset list screen. [Figure 13B] 13 is an example of a chart printing screen. [Figure 13C] 1 is an example of a color measurement screen. [Figure 13D] 13 is an example of a result screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a general color conversion process in a printer composed of an engine and a controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an external control device and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0026] [Color Management System Configuration] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a color management system 100 in this embodiment. The color management system 100 includes a color management device 10 as an external control device, multiple printers 20A, 20B, ..., and a colorimeter 60. The color management device 10 and each of the multiple printers 20A, 20B, ... are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data with each other via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the printers 20A, 20B, ..., they will be referred to as "printers 20."

[0027] The color management device 10 is configured with a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. A color management application program is installed in the color management device 10. The color management device 10 holds information on the color management target settings (target configuration) of each printer 20, and manages the colors of each printer 20.

[0028] The printer 20 prints an image on paper based on image data for cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The printer 20 is composed of an engine 30 (main body) and a controller 40. Some printers 20 also include an in-line colorimeter 50. In FIG. 1, the printer 20A includes the in-line colorimeter 50, and the printer 20B does not include the in-line colorimeter 50.

[0029] The engine 30 includes one or more paper feed trays and performs printing on the paper fed from the paper feed trays. The engine 30 includes an engine control unit 31, a memory unit 32, and the like. The engine control unit 31 controls each unit of the engine 30. The engine control unit 31 has a color management adjustment function for the engine 30. The storage unit 32 stores various data related to the color management adjustment function of the engine 30. For example, the storage unit 32 stores paper information related to the printer 20 including the engine 30, adjustment values ​​related to maximum density adjustment, adjustment values ​​related to density balance adjustment, and the like.

[0030] The controller 40 generates raster data to be provided to the engine 30. The controller 40 performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on print data created by various application software, and converts the data into raster data. The controller 40 includes a controller control unit 41, a memory unit 42, and the like. The controller control section 41 has a color management adjustment function of the controller 40 . The storage unit 42 stores various data related to the color management adjustment function of the controller 40. The storage unit 42 stores paper information related to the printer 20 including the controller 40, adjustment values ​​(calibration values) related to density adjustment for each paper type, profiles for each paper type, and the like.

[0031] The in-line colorimeter 50 is provided on the paper transport path in the printer 20 downstream of the functional unit in the engine 30 where printing is performed. The in-line colorimeter 50 measures the color of an image printed by the printer 20 and obtains color measurement values ​​(L * a * b * Output the value, etc.

[0032] The colorimeter 60 is connected to the color management device 10 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. The colorimeter 60 measures the colors of the patches included in the chart printed by the printer 20, and obtains color measurement values ​​(L * a * b * Output the value, etc.

[0033] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the color management device 10. The color management device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a color measurement data receiving unit 16.

[0034] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the processing operations of each unit of the color management device 10. Specifically, the CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the storage unit 15, loads them into the RAM, and performs various processes in cooperation with the programs.

[0035] The display unit 12 includes a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc. The display unit 12 displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 11.

[0036] The operation unit 13 includes a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 13 outputs operation signals input by key operations on the keyboard and operations on the pointing device to the control unit 11. In addition, when the operation unit 13 includes a touch panel layered on the display unit 12, the operation unit 13 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 11 according to the position of a touch operation by the operator's finger or the like.

[0037] The communication unit 14 is configured with a network interface, etc. The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data to and from external devices, such as the printer 20, connected via a communication network.

[0038] The storage unit 15 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 15 stores various processing programs and various data such as parameters and files required for executing the programs. For example, a color management application program and the like are stored in the storage unit 15. The color management application provides a user interface for issuing execution instructions to each color management adjustment function of the printer 20, checking color measurement results, inputting adjustment values, etc. The color management application also guides the user through the order of each process in each color management adjustment function.

[0039] The storage unit 15 stores a printer information table T1, a color management target setting table T2, and a color management preset table T3.

[0040] The printer information table T1 is a table for managing the printer information of the multiple printers 20 in the color management system 100. 3 shows an example of the data configuration of printer information table T1. In printer information table T1, the printer name, model name, serial number, IP address, main unit administrator password, status, installation location, communication settings, authentication settings, paper information, etc. are associated with each printer 20.

[0041] “Printer name” is the name of the printer 20 . “Model name” is the model name of the printer 20 . “Serial number” is the serial number of the printer 20. “IP address” includes “IP address of engine” and “IP address of controller.” “IP address of engine” is an example of engine information indicating the engine 30. “IP address of controller” is an example of controller information indicating the controller 40. The "main unit administrator password" is the administrator password for the printer 20 main unit (engine 30). "Status" is information that indicates the state of the printer 20. "Status" can be either online or offline. "Installation location" is the location where the printer 20 is installed. "Communication settings" is information that indicates the communication settings of the printer 20. "Communication settings" include SSL (ON / OFF), SSL port, and RAW print port. "Authentication settings" is information that indicates the authentication settings of the printer 20. "Authentication settings" includes authentication (ON / OFF) and public user (ON / OFF). "Paper information" is information related to the paper used in the printer 20. "Paper information" is information indicating the type of paper, which paper feed tray the paper is in, etc. "Paper information" includes the paper feed tray, paper profile, paper size, paper feed direction, paper type, paper basis weight, paper color, punch holes, etc.

[0042] The color management target setting table T2 is a table for managing color management target settings (target configurations) used in the color management device 10 (color management application). 4 shows an example of the data configuration of color management target setting table T2. In color management target setting table T2, a color management target setting name, color measurement setting, profile creation setting, color verification setting, etc. are associated with each color management target setting.

[0043] "Color management target setting name" is the name of the color management target setting. The "colorimetry settings" are settings related to colorimetry, including the colorimeter used, the colorimetry conditions, and the number of times colorimetry is averaged. When obtaining colorimetric values, multiple copies of a wedge or chart are printed, and the colorimetric values ​​are averaged for each patch, taking into consideration stability during printing. The "colorimetric averaging count" is the number of copies of a wedge or chart used for this averaging. The "colorimetric averaging count" is a value designated by the user.

[0044] The "profile creation settings" are settings related to the creation of a profile. The "profile creation settings" include the profiling chart, UCR / GCR, and Device Link Profile (DLP) creation settings. A "profiling chart" is a chart used for creating a profile (profiling). "UCR (Under Color Removal)" is the process of replacing CMY in the shadow areas with black (K). "GCR (Gray Component Replacement)" is the process of replacing CMY in the highlight to shadow areas, that is, all gradation areas, with black (K). The basic concept of UCR and GCR is the same. "DLP creation settings" include RGB-CMYK DLP (RGB source profile, RGB rendering intent), CMYK-CMYK DLP (target profile, CMYK rendering intent, remove intermediate turbidity, preserve solid colors). "Intermediate muddiness removal" is a setting that reproduces colors that were composed only of a single color before color conversion so that they are composed only of that color after color conversion. "Maintain solid" is a setting that reproduces solid areas before color conversion in the same color after color conversion.

[0045] The "color verification setting" is a setting related to the color verification setting. The "color verification setting" includes a standard name, a color verification wedge, a calculation setting, a judgment item, and a tolerance. "Calculation settings" include substrate consideration (absolute / relative) and dE calculation formula (dE00, dEab, etc.). "Judgment items and tolerances" are the judgment items and their tolerances defined in the standard. "Judgment items and tolerances" may be set stricter or looser depending on the customer's operation.

[0046] A color management preset (color management setting information) is information in which a color management target setting, printer information, and paper print setting information are associated with each other. A color management preset is a data set for color management. The color management preset table T3 is a table for managing color management presets. 5 shows an example of the data configuration of the color management preset table T3. In the color management preset table T3, each color management preset is associated with a color management preset name, a color management target setting name, a printer name, paper printing setting information, a name setting when creating a profile, and the like.

[0047] "Color management preset name" is the name of the color management preset. The "color management target setting name" is information for linking with the "color management target setting" constituting the color management preset. Details of the "color management target setting" are obtained from the color management target setting table T2 based on the "color management target setting name." The "printer name" is information for linking with the "printer information" that configures the color management preset. Details of the "printer information" are obtained from the printer information table T1 based on the "printer name".

[0048] The "paper print setting information" includes paper information of the paper that is the subject of color management and printing settings. The "paper information" includes the paper feed tray, paper profile, paper size, paper feed direction, paper type, paper basis weight, paper color, punch holes, and the like. "Print settings" include the screen, number of copies (number of times color measurement is averaged), profile to be applied during color verification (DLP / target profile), etc.

[0049] "Name settings when creating a profile" includes default names for each profile (printer profile, CMYK-CMYK DLP, RGB-CMYK DLP).

[0050] The colorimetric data receiving unit 16 receives the colorimetric values ​​(L * a * b * Receive data (values, etc.).

[0051] The control unit 11 cooperates with a color management application program to control color management of each printer 20 connected via a communication network. The control unit 11 performs color management of the printer 20, which is composed of two elements: an engine 30 and a controller 40.

[0052] The control unit 11 has a printer management function. The control unit 11 holds information about the engine 30 and the controller 40 of the printer 20 so that they can connect to each other. The control unit 11 checks the connection availability status of each of the engine 30 and the controller 40, issues adjustment instructions to each of them, issues instructions to print wedges or charts, issues color measurement instructions to the inline colorimeter 50, registers created profiles, and so on.

[0053] The control unit 11 searches for the printer 20 within the communication network, and acquires printer information for the printer 20. Specifically, the control unit 11 searches for the engine 30 and the controller 40 of the printer 20 within the same network as the color management device 10. The control unit 11 acquires the printer information from the engine 30 or the controller 40, and manages the acquired printer information. The printer information includes the IP address of the engine 30, the IP address of the controller 40, the printer name, the serial number, paper information, etc.

[0054] The control unit 11 controls the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 and the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 from outside the printer 20.

[0055] The control unit 11 controls the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 and the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 based on color management presets (color management setting information).

[0056] The control unit 11 receives designation of paper printing setting information included in the color management preset (color management setting information) stored in the storage unit 15. That is, the control unit 11 functions as a receiving unit. The control unit 11 controls the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 and the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 based on the color management target setting associated with the specified paper print setting information.

[0057] The color management adjustment function of the engine 30 includes an adjustment function related to the maximum density or an adjustment function related to the density balance of an image printed by the engine 30. The color management adjustment function of the engine 30 may also include an adjustment function related to density (calibration function). The color management adjustment function of the controller 40 includes an adjustment function (calibration function) related to the density of an image printed by the engine 30 corresponding to the controller 40 for each paper type, or a profile creation function.

[0058] The control unit 11 acquires paper information managed by the controller 40 from the controller 40. The control unit 11 updates the paper information acquired from the controller 40 as part of the printer information including controller information that indicates the controller 40 stored in the storage unit 15.

[0059] When the control unit 11 is unable to acquire, from the controller 40, the paper information managed by the engine 30, from the engine 30. The control unit 11 updates the paper information acquired from the engine 30 as part of the printer information stored in the storage unit 15, which includes engine information indicating the engine 30.

[0060] It should be noted that the color management system 100 may have a dedicated paper management device outside the printers 20 that manages the paper information of each printer 20. For example, the dedicated paper management device manages the printer name and paper information for each printer 20 in association with each other. In this case, the control unit 11 obtains the paper information from the dedicated paper management device, giving priority over the controller 40 or the engine 30. The control unit 11 acquires paper information related to the printer 20 from an external device (a dedicated paper management device) other than the engine 30 and the controller 40. The control unit 11 updates the acquired paper information as part of the printer information stored in the storage unit 15, including engine information indicating the engine 30 or controller information indicating the controller 40.

[0061] The control unit 11 acquires the latest paper information from the engine 30 or the controller 40 immediately before color management adjustment by the engine 30 or the controller 40. If the target paper for the color management adjustment is not set in any of the paper feed trays of the printer 20, the control unit 11 cancels the execution of the color management adjustment and notifies an error that the target paper for the color management adjustment is not set.

[0062] The paper information includes a list of one or more paper feed trays that the printer 20 has, and information indicating the paper type and paper feed direction for each of the paper feed trays.

[0063] The control unit 11 executes a color verification function for the printer 20. Specifically, the control unit 11 causes the engine 30 constituting the target printer 20 to print a color verification chart based on a color management target setting associated with the printer 20. The control unit 11 acquires the colorimetric values ​​of each patch in the printed chart. Based on the acquired colorimetric values, the control unit 11 determines whether the colors printed by the printer 20 satisfy the color management target setting (color verification). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether the values ​​calculated for each judgment item are equal to or less than the allowable value based on the colorimetric values. The control unit 11 notifies the user of the result of the color verification.

[0064] [Color Management System Operation] Next, the operation of color management system 100 will be described.

[0065] (Printer information registration) First, the registration of printer information will be described. A user registers a printer 20 owned by the company to which the user belongs or by the user himself / herself on a color management application in the color management device 10. When a user issues an instruction to start registering printer information by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 of the color management device 10 searches for a target printer 20 within the same network. The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a list of printers 20 within the same network as the search results.

[0066] The user selects the printer 20 to be registered from a list of printers 20 by operating the operation unit 13. The control unit 11 acquires information from the engine 30 and controller 40 of the selected printer 20 via the communication unit 14, and displays the acquired information on the display unit 12. For example, the control unit 11 acquires from the engine 30 or the controller 40 the IP address of the engine 30, the IP address of the controller 40, the serial number of the printer 20, the installation location, paper information, communication settings, authentication settings, and the like.

[0067] At this time, the control unit 11 basically acquires the paper information stored in the memory unit 42 from the controller 40 via the communication unit 14. The paper information includes information about the paper feed trays provided in the printer 20, and information about the paper set in each paper feed tray (paper profile, paper size, paper feed direction, paper type, paper basis weight, paper color, punch holes, etc.). However, if the control unit 11 is unable to acquire the paper information from the controller 40, it acquires the paper information stored in the memory unit 32 from the engine 30 via the communication unit 14. The paper information is acquired in advance for future use. Therefore, at this point, the control unit 11 does not display the paper information on the display unit 12. Note that the control unit 11 may display the paper information on the display unit 12 at this timing to allow the user to confirm it.

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a printer information registration screen. 6 shows an example of a printer information registration screen 70. The printer information registration screen 70 includes a printer name input field 71, an administrator password input field 72, and the like.

[0069] The user operates the operation unit 13 to input additional required items (printer name, administrator password, etc.). The control unit 11 associates the information acquired from the engine 30 or the controller 40 with the information input by the user, and registers the information in the printer information table T1 in the storage unit 15. In this way, the registration of the printer information is completed.

[0070] (Color management goal setting) Next, the user registers color management target settings (target configuration) on the color management application. Color management target settings define color measurement settings, color verification settings, and profile creation settings based on standards, etc., for how the customer will perform color management.

[0071] When the user issues an instruction to add a color management target setting by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color measurement setting screen. 7A shows an example of a color measurement setting screen 80. The color measurement setting screen 80 includes a color management target setting name input field 81, a color measurement device selection field 82, a color measurement condition selection field 83, a color measurement averaging count input field 84, a next button 85, and the like. The user operates the operation unit 13 to set various pieces of information such as the color management target setting name, the colorimeter, the color measurement conditions, and the number of times color measurement is averaged.

[0072] When the user presses the next button 85 on the color measurement setting screen 80 by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a profile creation setting screen. 7B shows an example of a profile creation setting screen 90. The profile creation setting screen 90 includes a profiling chart selection field 91, a UCR / GCR selection field 92, an RGB source profile selection field 93, an RGB rendering intent selection field 94, a target profile selection field 95, a CMYK rendering intent selection field 96, an intermediate muddyness removal selection field 97, a solid color retention selection field 98, a next button 99, and the like. The user operates the operation unit 13 to set various pieces of information such as a profiling chart, UCR / GCR, RGB-CMYK DLP creation conditions, and CMYK-CMYK DLP creation conditions.

[0073] When the user presses the next button 99 on the profile creation setting screen 90 by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color verification setting screen. 7C shows an example of a color verification setting screen 110. The color verification setting screen 110 includes a color verification chart selection field 111, a target profile selection field 112, a standard name selection field 113, a background consideration selection field 114, a custom level selection field 115, a dE calculation formula selection field 116, tolerance input fields 117A to 117G for each judgment item, a check box 118, etc. The check box 118 is checked when customizing the tolerance. When the user checks the check box 118 and selects "custom" in the custom level selection field 115, each tolerance can be changed. The user operates the operation unit 13 to set various pieces of information such as a color verification chart (color verification wedge), a target profile, a standard name, calculation settings (background consideration, dE calculation formula), and tolerances.

[0074] The user instructs completion of registration of the color management target settings by operating the operation unit 13. Then, the control unit 11 associates the information set on the colorimetry setting screen 80, the profile creation setting screen 90, and the color verification setting screen 110, and registers them in the color management target setting table T2 of the storage unit 15. In this way, the registration of the color management target settings is completed.

[0075] (Color Management Preset Settings) Finally, the user sets a color management preset on the color management application. The color management preset is used to adjust the color of the printer 20 in accordance with the color management target setting and perform color management. The color management preset is a data set for managing the printer 20, the color management target setting, and the paper printing setting information in association with each other.

[0076] When the user issues an instruction to add a color management preset by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color management preset registration screen. 8A shows an example of a color management preset registration screen 120. The color management preset registration screen 120 includes a color management preset name input field 121, a printer selection field 122, a color management target setting selection field 123, a details button 124, a next button 125, and the like. The user inputs a color management preset name and selects a registered printer 20 and color management target setting through operation from the operation unit 13. The control unit 11 obtains printer information corresponding to the selected printer 20 from the printer information table T1 in the storage unit 15. The control unit 11 obtains each piece of information of the selected color management target setting from the color management target setting table T2 in the storage unit 15. When the details button 124 is pressed, the contents of the selected color management target setting are displayed.

[0077] When the user presses the next button 125 on the color management preset registration screen 120 by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a paper print setting screen. 8B shows an example of the paper print setting screen 130. The paper print setting screen 130 includes a chart paper information display field 131, a tray selection button 132, a paper profile selection button 133, a manual setting button 134, a number of copies input field 135, a screen selection field 136, a next button 137, and the like. Paper information about the paper on which the chart is printed is displayed in the chart paper information display field 131. The charts include an adjustment chart, a profiling chart, a color verification wedge, and the like. When the tray selection button 132 is pressed, paper information associated with each paper feed tray of the printer 20 selected in the printer selection field 122 (see FIG. 8A) is retrieved from the printer information table T1 and displayed. The user can set the paper information for chart paper by selecting one of the pieces of paper information displayed. When the paper profile selection button 133 is pressed, the paper information associated with the paper profile of the printer 20 selected in the printer selection field 122 is retrieved from the printer information table T1 and displayed. The user can set the paper information for chart paper by selecting any paper information from the displayed paper information. When the manual setting button 134 is pressed, a paper information setting screen is displayed. The user can set the paper information for the chart paper by selecting each item on the setting screen.

[0078] The control unit 11 can automatically determine whether the paper is coated or plain, etc., based on the "target profile" included in the "color management target setting" selected in the color management target setting selection field 123 (see FIG. 8A). The control unit 11 can also automatically determine whether the paper is A3 / Tabloid or A4 / Letter, etc., based on the "color verification wedge." The control unit 11 may automatically specify the paper feed tray in which the appropriate paper is set, based on the results of these determinations.

[0079] In the number of copies input field 135, a value linked to the number of color measurement averaging times is set. The user operates the operation unit 13 to select a screen for printing settings in the screen selection field 136 . The information set on the paper print setting screen 130 is registered as "paper information" or "printing settings" of the "paper print setting information" that constitutes the color management preset.

[0080] When the user presses the next button 137 on the paper print setting screen 130 by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a profile name setting screen. 8C shows an example of a profile name setting screen 140. The profile name setting screen 140 includes a printer profile name input field 141, a CMYK-CMYK device link profile input field 142, an RGB-CMYK device link profile input field 143, a color verification application profile selection field 144, a done button 145, and the like. The user inputs the default names of the profiles (printer profile, CMYK-CMYK device link profile, RGB-CMYK device link profile) used when creating the profiles through operation unit 13. The user also selects the profiles (device link profile, target profile) to be applied during color verification through operation unit 13.

[0081] The user presses the complete button 145 on the profile name setting screen 140 by operating the operation unit 13. Then, the control unit 11 associates the information set on the color management preset registration screen 120, the paper print setting screen 130, and the profile name setting screen 140, and registers them in the color management preset table T3 of the storage unit 15. In this way, the registration of the color management preset is completed.

[0082] By registering the color management preset, the color management device 10 is ready for color management. Next, a specific example of color adjustment will be described.

[0083] The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a list of printers 20 registered in the printer information table T1 in the storage unit 15. At this time, the control unit 11 checks the connection status (online / offline) of each printer 20, and displays the connection status in a status field on the list. The control unit 11 also grays out printers 20 with an "offline" connection status on the list so that they cannot be selected as targets for color management.

[0084] When the user selects one of the printers 20 as the target for color management from this list screen, the control unit 11 causes a menu screen to be displayed on the display unit 12. The menu screen is a screen on which various tools for color adjustment and color management are arranged. At this time, the control unit 11 obtains the latest paper information from the selected printer 20, and updates the paper information corresponding to that printer 20 in the printer information table T1.

[0085] 9 shows an example of the menu screen 150. The menu screen 150 includes a "maximum density adjustment" icon 151, a "density balance adjustment" icon 152, a "calibration" icon 153, a "profile creation" icon 154, a "color verification" icon 155, and the like.

[0086] As described with reference to FIG. 14, in color adjustment, first the engine 30, which is the foundation, is adjusted, and then the controller 40 is adjusted. Therefore, there is a basic order to color adjustment. To establish the foundation, the maximum density of each solid color of CMYK is adjusted for the engine 30, and then the density balance (unevenness within the paper surface) is adjusted so that the density can be maintained across the entire paper. Next, calibration (density adjustment) is performed for the controller 40 for each standard and paper type, and each profile is created. Calibration also includes adjustment for daily fluctuations.

[0087] (Maximum density adjustment) First, the maximum density adjustment (Maximum Density) will be described. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram when the maximum density adjustment or density balance adjustment is executed. When the user presses the "maximum density adjustment" icon 151 on the menu screen 150 (see FIG. 9) on the color management application, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a paper feed tray selection screen for the printer 20 that is subject to color management.

[0088] 11A shows an example of a paper feed tray selection screen 160. The paper feed tray selection screen 160 includes a paper feed tray list field 161 and the like. The control unit 11 references the printer information table T1 in the storage unit 15, and causes the paper feed tray list field 161 to display, for each paper feed tray, paper information corresponding to the printer 20 subject to color management. The control unit 11 also references the color management preset table T3 in the storage unit 15, and identifies a color management preset corresponding to the printer 20 subject to color management. In other words, the user's specification of a printer 20 subject to color management corresponds to the specification of a color management preset.

[0089] In the paper feed tray list field 161, the most suitable option (paper feed tray) is automatically selected by default based on the "paper print setting information" set in the "color management preset". At this time, the control unit 11 acquires the latest paper information from the engine 30 or controller 40 constituting the printer 20 subject to color management via the communication unit 14. The control unit 11 determines whether or not the paper that is the target of the color management adjustment is set in a paper feed tray provided in the printer 20 subject to color management based on the acquired paper information. If suitable paper is not set in any of the paper feed trays of the printer 20, the control unit 11 cancels the execution of the color management adjustment (maximum density adjustment). In this case, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display an error message indicating that the paper that is the target of the color management adjustment is not set. In this way, the control unit 11 alerts the user by notifying them of the error.

[0090] The paper feed tray list field 161 displays paper information (paper profile, paper size, paper feed direction, paper type, basis weight, and paper color) of the paper set in each paper feed tray. The user can check the paper information of the paper set in each paper feed tray. Note that the display of the paper information in the paper feed tray list field 161 may be omitted.

[0091] The user specifies a paper feed tray from the paper feed tray list field 161 by operating the operation unit 13 (step S1). The color management preset to be used is also determined (corresponding to "specifying a color management preset"). Specifically, when only one color management preset is set for a printer 20 that is subject to color management, the paper information (paper type, etc.) is also uniquely determined, and the corresponding paper tray is automatically selected in the paper tray list column 161. When multiple color management presets are set for the printer 20 that is subject to color management, if there is only one piece of paper information (paper type, etc.) for the paper set in the paper feed tray, conversely, a unique color management preset is automatically determined from the specified paper feed tray. If multiple color management presets are set for the printer 20 subject to color management, and paper of multiple paper information (paper types, etc.) is set in the paper feed tray, the user selects the paper feed tray from the paper feed tray list field 161. The color management preset is determined from the printer 20 subject to color management and the paper print setting information specified by the selected paper feed tray. 11A, when a paper feed tray can be automatically selected, the paper feed tray is automatically selected according to the above rules. On the other hand, when a paper feed tray cannot be automatically selected, the user is required to manually select a paper feed tray in the paper feed tray list field 161 of the paper feed tray selection screen 160 and proceed to the next step.

[0092] The control unit 11 sets the specified paper feed tray as the paper feed tray in which the paper to be managed is set (step S2). The control unit 11 also acquires a "color management target setting" corresponding to the "paper printing setting information" including the specified paper feed tray from the color management preset corresponding to the printer 20 to be managed. In other words, the control unit 11 controls the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 based on the color management target setting associated with the paper feed tray (paper printing setting information) specified by the user.

[0093] Next, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a chart print screen. 11B shows an example of a chart print screen 170. The chart print screen 170 includes a chart preview field 171, a paper selection field 172, a color measurement method selection field 173, and the like. In the chart preview field 171, a preview of the chart for maximum density adjustment is displayed. In the paper selection field 172, the paper to be used for maximum density adjustment is selected. In the color measurement method selection field 173, it is selected whether to print a chart and measure the colors, or to measure the colors of a printed chart. The user selects the paper and color measurement method on the chart print screen 170 .

[0094] The user presses the next button 174 on the chart print screen 170 to instruct execution of maximum density adjustment (step S3). The control unit 11 transmits an instruction to execute maximum density adjustment to the engine 30 via the communication unit 14 (step S4). The instruction to execute maximum density adjustment includes a chart designation and an instruction to print the chart. The control unit 11 transmits an instruction to execute maximum density adjustment to the engine 30 according to the "color management target setting" and "paper printing setting information" included in the "color management preset".

[0095] The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 controls each part of the engine 30 to print a chart for maximum density adjustment (step S5). The chart for maximum density adjustment includes solid density patches of each color of CMYK. Note that if measuring the color of a printed chart is selected in the color measurement method selection field 173, the chart is not printed.

[0096] Next, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color measurement screen (step S6). 11C shows an example of a color measurement screen 180. The color measurement screen 180 includes a color measurement result field 181, a next button 182, and the like. The user measures the color of each patch of the maximum density adjustment chart using the colorimeter 60 (step S7). Note that the "colorimeter" set in the "colorimeter settings" of the "color management target settings" is selected as the colorimeter 60 to be used for color measurement by default. The control unit 11 connects to the colorimeter 60 via the colorimetric data receiving unit 16, and receives colorimetric results (colorimetric values ​​and density values) from the colorimeter 60. The control unit 11 causes the colorimetric results of each patch to be displayed in the colorimetric result field 181 on the colorimetric screen 180.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may transmit the color measurement results to the printer 20 (engine 30) via the communication unit .

[0098] The user checks the color measurement values, and if there are no problems, presses the next button 182 on the color measurement screen 180. In response to pressing of the next button 182, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the measurement result of the maximum density for each of the colors CMYK satisfies a predetermined standard (step S8). The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a determination result screen (step S9). 11D shows an example of a judgment result screen 190. The judgment result screen 190 includes a judgment details field 191, a comprehensive judgment result field 192, a next button 193, and the like. The result of comparing the target value (dD Max.) for each of the CMYK colors with the measurement result (density value) and the judgment result for each color are included in the judgment details column 191. The target value is determined in advance for each paper type. In the overall judgment result column 192, "Fail" or "Pass" is displayed as the overall judgment result.

[0099] When the user presses the next button 193 on the determination result screen 190 by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display an adjustment screen. 11E shows an example of an adjustment screen 200. The adjustment screen 200 includes an adjustment value input field 201 and the like. Based on the determination result, the user adjusts the density setting of the engine 30. The user inputs an adjustment value for each of the CMYK colors in the adjustment value input field 201 by operating the operation unit 13 (step S10). The control unit 11 transmits an instruction to register the adjustment value of the maximum density adjustment to the engine 30 via the communication unit 14 (step S11).

[0100] If the previous judgment result is "Fail", the control unit 11 of the color management device 10 instructs the engine 30 to start executing maximum density adjustment again, and repeats this operation until all colors become "Pass".

[0101] The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 stores the adjustment value of the maximum density adjustment transmitted from the color management device 10 in the storage unit 32, and updates the adjustment value (step S15). Here, a case has been described in which the user manually inputs the adjustment values, but the control unit 11 (color management application) may automatically predict the adjustment values ​​and set the adjustment values.

[0102] On the other hand, if the printer 20 includes an in-line colorimeter 50, the following process is performed instead of steps S6 to S11. After the engine 30 prints the chart (step S5), the engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 instructs the in-line colorimeter 50 to perform color measurement (step S12). Note that the "colorimeter" set in the "colorimeter setting" of the "color management target setting" is selected by default as the in-line colorimeter 50 to be used for color measurement. The in-line colorimeter 50 measures the color of each patch of the chart for maximum density adjustment. The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 obtains the colorimetric results (colorimetric values ​​and density values) from the in-line colorimeter 50 (step S13). The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 compares the measured density with a target value for each of the colors CMYK, and automatically determines an adjustment value (step S14).

[0103] The engine control unit 31 stores the determined adjustment value of the maximum density adjustment in the storage unit 32, and updates the adjustment value (step S15).

[0104] After step S15, the engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 transmits information indicating that the maximum density adjustment has been completed to the color management device 10 (step S16). The control unit 11 of the color management device 10 causes the display unit 12 to display a completion screen of the maximum density adjustment (step S17).

[0105] Note that even when the printer 20 is equipped with an in-line colorimeter 50, the control unit 11 of the color management device 10 may obtain color measurement results from the printer 20 and display the color measurement results on the display unit 12. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may compare the measured density with a target value for each color of CMYK and automatically determine an adjustment value.

[0106] (Density balance adjustment) Next, density balance adjustment will be described. The general flow of density balance adjustment is the same as that of maximum density adjustment (see FIG. 10). Here, the case of manual color measurement will be explained.

[0107] When the user presses the "Density balance adjustment" icon 152 on the menu screen 150 (see FIG. 9) on the color management application, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a setting screen for the colorimeter and the screen. On the setting screen, the default value for the colorimeter is "Colorimeter" included in "Colorimetry Settings" of "Color Management Target Settings" of the "Color Management Preset" corresponding to the printer 20 to be color managed. On the setting screen, the default value for the screen is "Screen" included in "Printing Settings" of "Paper Printing Setting Information" of the "Color Management Preset". The user changes the colorimeter and the screen by operating the operation unit 13 as necessary.

[0108] Next, the control unit 11 accepts the user's selection of a paper feed tray, as in the case of the maximum density adjustment, and displays a preview of a chart for density balance adjustment. The control unit 11 may accept the selection of a chart from among a plurality of types of charts. When the control unit 11 receives an instruction to print the chart, it transmits an instruction to execute density balance adjustment to the engine 30 via the communication unit 14. The instruction to execute density balance adjustment includes a designation of the chart and an instruction to print the chart.

[0109] The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 controls each part of the engine 30 to print a density balance adjustment chart. The density balance adjustment chart has patches of the same density arranged at multiple positions on the paper for each color of CMYK. The density balance adjustment chart is used to suppress density unevenness within the paper surface.

[0110] The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color measurement screen. The user uses the colorimeter 60 to measure the color of each patch on the chart for density balance adjustment. The control unit 11 connects to the colorimeter 60 via the color measurement data receiving unit 16, receives the color measurement results from the colorimeter 60, and displays the color measurement results. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may transmit the color measurement results to the printer 20 (engine 30) via the communication unit .

[0111] Next, the control unit 11 calculates an adjustment value for adjusting the density balance (unevenness within the paper surface) based on the color measurement result. Factors that cause unevenness within the paper surface include the screen, paper type, and basis weight. The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a screen for registering the adjusted density balance as a "profile." In response to a registration instruction from the user, the control unit 11 registers the density balance adjustment value (profile) in the engine 30 together with the setting values ​​of the screen, paper type, basis weight, etc. This profile is automatically selected according to the paper type during normal printing, or is manually specified during print settings.

[0112] Up to this point, the adjustments were made to the engine 30, based on the paper that the engine 30 supports. The next steps of calibration and profile creation (profiling) are adjustments made in the controller 40. In the controller 40, colors are adjusted and managed for a wide variety of papers based on color management target settings created in accordance with the final print product.

[0113] (calibration) Next, calibration (adjustment function for density for each paper type) will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram when performing calibration or profile creation. When the user presses the “calibration” icon 153 on the menu screen 150 (see FIG. 9) on the color management application, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color management preset list screen.

[0114] 13A shows an example of a color management preset list screen 210. The color management preset list screen 210 includes a color management preset list field 211, a next button 212, etc. The control unit 11 refers to the color management preset table T3 in the storage unit 15, and causes the color management preset list field 211 to display a list of color management presets including the printers 20 that are subject to color management. The user designates one of the color management presets from the color management preset list field 211 by operating the operation unit 13 (step S21). In this way, the user designates the "paper feed tray" and "color management target setting" to be used. The control unit 11 sets the "color management target setting" and "paper feed tray" included in the specified color management preset (step S22). In other words, the control unit 11 controls the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 based on the color management target setting associated with the color management preset (paper print setting information) specified by the user.

[0115] When the user presses the next button 212 on the color management preset list screen 210 by operating the operation unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a chart print screen. 13B shows an example of a chart print screen 220. The chart print screen 220 includes a chart preview field 221, a number of copies input field 222, a chart paper information display field 223, a color measurement method selection field 224, a next button 225, and the like. In the chart preview field 221, a preview of the calibration chart is displayed. The number of copies to be printed in the calibration is input in the number of copies input field 222 . The chart paper information display field 223 displays paper information about the paper on which the chart is printed. In the color measurement method selection field 224, it is selected whether to print a chart and measure the colors, to measure the colors of a printed chart, or to read data that has already been measured. The user operates the operation unit 13 to perform various settings on the chart print screen 220 .

[0116] The user presses the next button 225 to instruct execution of the calibration (step S23). The control unit 11 transmits an instruction to execute the calibration to the controller 40 via the communication unit 14 (step S24). The instruction to execute the calibration includes an instruction to print the chart. The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 transmits an instruction to print a calibration chart to the engine 30 (step S25).

[0117] The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 controls each unit of the engine 30 to print a chart for calibration (step S26). The chart for calibration includes a patch group showing a plurality of densities (tones) for each color of CMYK. Note that if the color measurement method selection field 224 is used to select a printed chart for color measurement or to select to read data that has already been measured, the chart is not printed.

[0118] Next, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color measurement screen (step S27). 13C shows an example of a color measurement screen 230. The color measurement screen 230 includes a color measurement result field 231, a next button 232, and the like. The user measures the color of each patch on the calibration chart using the colorimeter 60 (step S28). The control unit 11 connects to the colorimeter 60 via the colorimetric data receiving unit 16, and receives colorimetric results (colorimetric values ​​and density values) from the colorimeter 60. The control unit 11 causes the colorimetric results of each patch to be displayed in the colorimetric result field 231 on the colorimetric screen 230.

[0119] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may transmit the color measurement results to the printer 20 (controller 40) via the communication unit .

[0120] When the user presses the next button 232 on the color measurement screen 230, the control unit 11 calculates a calibration value for adjusting the density based on the color measurement result (step S29). The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a result screen (step S30). 13D shows an example of a result screen 240. The result screen 240 includes an output concentration graph display field 241, a maximum concentration display field 242, a done button 243, and the like. The control unit 11 displays a graph of output density versus input in the output density graph display field 241. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a density graph for each of the CMYK colors. It may be possible to switch whether or not to display each graph of the density before calibration, the density after calibration, and the target density.

[0121] The first time, an uncalibrated density curve is displayed in the output density graph display field 241. If this density curve is in line with the target curve, no additional work is required. On the other hand, if the density curve deviates from the target curve, the chart is printed again, color measurement is performed, and the density graph is displayed again. In the maximum density display field 242, the maximum density is displayed for each of the CMYK colors.

[0122] Before printing the chart again, the controller 40 may calculate and adjust the difference between the target curve and the density curve based on the colorimetric values. In this case, the control unit 11 of the color management device 10 only needs to request the controller 40 to reprint the chart and re-execute the calibration.

[0123] The user presses the completion button 243 on the result screen 240 to instruct the execution of registration of the calibration values ​​(step S31). The control unit 11 transmits an instruction to register the calibration value to the controller 40 via the communication unit 14 (step S32). The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 stores the calibration values ​​transmitted from the color management device 10 in the storage unit 42, and updates the calibration values ​​(step S37).

[0124] On the other hand, if the printer 20 includes an in-line colorimeter 50, the following process is performed instead of steps S27 to S32. After the chart is printed by the engine 30 (step S26), the engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 notifies the controller 40 of the completion of printing (step S33). The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 instructs the in-line colorimeter 50 to perform color measurement (step S34). The in-line colorimeter 50 measures the color of each patch of the calibration chart. The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 obtains the colorimetric results (colorimetric values ​​and density values) from the in-line colorimeter 50 (step S35). The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 calculates a calibration value for adjusting the density based on the color measurement result (step S36).

[0125] The controller control unit 41 stores the calculated calibration value in the storage unit 42, and updates the calibration value (step S37).

[0126] After step S37, the controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 transmits information indicating that the calibration has been completed to the color management device 10 (step S38). The control unit 11 of the color management device 10 causes the display unit 12 to display a calibration completion screen (step S39).

[0127] (Create a profile) Next, the creation of a profile for each paper type will be described. The general adjustment flow for profile creation is similar to that for calibration (see Figure 12). Here, we will explain the case of manual color measurement.

[0128] When the user presses the “Create Profile” icon 154 on the menu screen 150 (see FIG. 9) on the color management application, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color management preset list screen. The user operates the operation unit 13 to specify one of the color management presets from the list screen. The control unit 11 sets the "color management target setting" and "paper feed tray" included in the specified color management preset. The control unit 11 causes a preview of a chart for creating a profile to be displayed, and causes the display unit 12 to display a setting screen relating to printing or color measurement. The user sets various settings related to printing or color measurement. The user instructs profiling to be performed. The control unit 11 transmits an instruction to create a profile to the controller 40 via the communication unit 14. The instruction to create a profile includes an instruction to print a chart. The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 transmits a print instruction for a chart for creating a profile to the engine 30. At this time, the controller control unit 41 issues the print instruction without applying an existing profile on the controller 40 side as the print setting.

[0129] The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 controls each unit of the engine 30 to print a chart for creating a profile. The chart for creating a profile includes a group of patches of multiple colors. For each patch, a target chromaticity (L * a * b * The values, etc., are determined in advance.

[0130] Next, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a color measurement screen. The user uses the colorimeter 60 to measure the color of each patch on the chart for creating a profile. The control unit 11 connects to the colorimeter 60 via the color measurement data receiving unit 16, receives the color measurement results from the colorimeter 60, and causes the display unit 12 to display the color measurement results. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may transmit the color measurement results to the printer 20 (controller 40) via the communication unit .

[0131] The control unit 11 calculates a profile based on the color measurement result. The control unit 11 causes the display unit 12 to display a screen showing the results of the profile creation. The user instructs execution of profile registration. The control unit 11 transmits a profile registration instruction to the controller 40 via the communication unit 14. The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 stores the profile transmitted from the color management device 10 in the storage unit 42, and updates the profile. From then on, when printing a document, the user can specify the registered profile and print with the profile applied.

[0132] (Common color management adjustment function) The control unit 11 communicates with the engine 30 or the controller 40 immediately after any of the color management adjustment functions is selected from the menu screen for each color management adjustment function. Then, the control unit 11 obtains the latest paper information from the engine 30 or the controller 40 and updates the printer information of the corresponding printer 20. At this time, the control unit 11 checks the color management preset associated with the printer 20 and determines whether or not the paper specified in the color management target setting of each color management preset is set in the paper feed tray of the printer 20. If the paper specified in the color management target setting is not set in the paper feed tray, the control unit 11 stops the color management adjustment work and displays a warning screen on the display unit 12. The control unit 11 urges the user to check and set the paper by displaying the warning screen. Furthermore, if the paper information for each printer 20 is managed by an external device (a dedicated paper management device), the control unit 11 obtains the paper information from the external device.

[0133] (Color verification function) Next, the color verification function will be described. When the user presses the "color verification" icon 155 on the menu screen 150 (see FIG. 9) on the color management application, the control unit 11 executes the color verification function for the printer 20 that is subject to color management. Since the "color management preset" has already been selected during color management adjustment, the control unit 11 starts execution of the color verification function with that "color management preset" selected.

[0134] The control unit 11 reads out the setting value of "Color Verification Setting" from the "Color Management Target Setting" included in the "Color Management Preset". The control unit 11 also reads out the setting values ​​of "Paper Information" and "Printing Settings" from the "Paper Printing Setting Information" included in the "Color Management Preset". The control unit 11 causes the printer 20 to which the "color management target setting" is applied to print a color verification chart (patch group) corresponding to the "color management target setting." The control unit 11 specifies the color verification chart, and sends a print instruction for the chart, including setting information such as the paper feed tray, screen, number of copies, and profile to be applied during color verification, to the controller 40 constituting the printer 20 subject to color management. Before sending an instruction to print the chart, the control unit 11 may cause the display unit 12 to display a preview of the chart or a setting screen including an input field for the number of copies.

[0135] The controller control unit 41 of the controller 40 sends a print instruction for the color verification chart to the engine 30. The engine control unit 31 of the engine 30 controls each unit of the engine 30 to print a color verification chart. The color verification chart includes a group of patches of multiple colors.

[0136] The color measurement operation of the color verification chart is similar to the color measurement of the chart for color management adjustment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 11 compares the color measurement results with the color verification standards and / or their respective tolerance values, and judges whether or not the colors printed by the printer 20 satisfy the color management target settings. The control unit 11 causes the judgment results to be displayed on the display unit 12. The color verification judgment result screen includes, for each judgment item, the tolerance values, values ​​calculated from the color measurement values, judgment results (Fail / Pass), etc.

[0137] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the color management device 10 controls the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 and the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 from outside the printer 20. Conventionally, the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 had to be operated by the user from the main body panel of the printer 20. In contrast, the control unit 11 can control the color management adjustment functions of the engine 30 and the controller 40 from outside the printer 20. This allows the control unit 11 to make color adjustment of the printer 20 more efficient.

[0138] The control unit 11 controls the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 and the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 based on color management presets (color management setting information). The control unit 11 can control the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 and the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 based on color management target settings associated with printer information or paper print setting information.

[0139] The control unit 11 controls the color management adjustment function of the engine 30 and the color management adjustment function of the controller 40 based on the color management target setting associated with the specified paper print setting information. The control unit 11 can improve the efficiency of color adjustment of the printer 20 by performing color adjustment while automatically selecting paper in accordance with the color management target setting. The user can operate the color adjustment work of the printer 20 from a color management application.

[0140] The control unit 11 can update the paper information acquired from the controller 40 as part of the printer information including the controller information indicating the controller 40 stored in the storage unit 15.

[0141] The control unit 11 can update the paper information acquired from the engine 30 as part of the printer information including the engine information indicating the engine 30 stored in the storage unit 15.

[0142] The control unit 11 can update the paper information acquired from the dedicated paper management device as part of the printer information, including engine information indicating the engine 30 or controller information indicating the controller 40, stored in the storage unit 15.

[0143] The control unit 11 acquires the latest paper information from the engine 30 or the controller 40 immediately before color management adjustment of the engine 30 or color management adjustment of the controller 40. If the target paper for the color management adjustment is not set in any of the paper feed trays of the printer 20, the control unit 11 stops execution of the color management adjustment and notifies the user of an error that the target paper for the color management adjustment is not set. By acquiring the latest paper information from the printer 20 immediately before color management adjustment, the control unit 11 can inform the user of the fact that the target paper is not set. Thus, the control unit 11 can efficiently perform color adjustment of the printer 20.

[0144] The control unit 11 can control an adjustment function related to the maximum density or an adjustment function related to the density balance of an image printed by the engine 30. In addition, when the engine 30 has an adjustment function related to density (calibration function), the control unit 11 may be able to control the density adjustment function of the engine 30. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can control an adjustment function (calibration function) related to the density of an image printed by the engine 30 corresponding to the controller 40 for each paper type, or a profile creation function.

[0145] The above description of the embodiment is merely an example of the external control device and the program according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0146] For example, the control unit 11 of the color management device 10 may automatically execute the color verification function after the color management adjustment of the engine 30 or the color management adjustment of the controller 40 is completed. Since the "color management preset" is already selected during the color management adjustment, the control unit 11 starts the execution of the color verification function with the "color management preset" selected. Specifically, the control unit 11 automatically displays an operation screen for accepting an instruction to execute color verification on the display unit 12 at the timing when the color management adjustment of the engine 30 or the controller 40 is completed. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may automatically start the execution of the color verification function for the printer 20 at the timing when the color management adjustment of the engine 30 or the controller 40 is completed. In addition, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the color verification function after a series of color management adjustments (maximum density adjustment, density balance adjustment, calibration, and profile creation) in the printer 20 are completed. The specific processing of the color verification function is the same as that described above, and therefore will not be described. This allows the control unit 11 to smoothly execute color verification of the printer 20 after the color management adjustment of the printer 20 is completed.

[0147] In addition, the control unit 11 may use the "color management target setting" included in the registered "color management preset" to register it as "another color management preset" by associating it with another printer 20. Specifically, the control unit 11 stores a first color management preset (first color management setting information) in the storage unit 15 (color management preset table T3) in response to an operation by a user. After the first color management preset is stored in the storage unit 15, the control unit 11 determines whether a printer 20 of the same model as the engine information and controller information included in the first color management preset exists in the network. For example, the control unit 11 determines that the printer 20 is the same model when the "model name" of the printer 20 is the same. When the printer 20 of the same model exists in the network, the control unit 11 uses the first color management preset to create a second color management preset (second color management setting information) including engine information and controller information related to the printer 20 of the same model. The control unit 11 stores the created second color management preset in the color management preset table T3 of the storage unit 15. This allows the control unit 11 to create a "color management preset" that is compatible with the same model of printer 20 by reusing a registered "color management preset."

[0148] Furthermore, calculation of adjustment values ​​in each color management adjustment function may be performed by any of the control unit 11 of the color management device 10, the engine control unit 31 of the engine 30, and the controller control unit 41 of the controller 40.

[0149] In addition, the programs for executing the processes in each device may be stored in a portable recording medium. Also, a carrier wave may be used as a medium for providing program data via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10 Color management device 11 Control section 12 Display section 13 Control section 14 Communications Department 15 Storage section 16 Colorimetric data receiver 20 Printers 20A, 20B,... Printer 30 Engine 31 Engine control unit 32 Storage section 40 Controller 41 Controller control section 42 Storage section 50 In-line colorimeter 60 Colorimeter 100 Color Management System T1 Printer Information Table T2 Color Management Goal Setting Table T3 Color Management Preset Table

Claims

1. A printer that is composed of an engine that prints on paper and a controller that generates raster data to be provided to the engine, an external control device including a control unit that controls the color management adjustment function of the engine and the color management adjustment function of the controller from outside the printer;

2. a storage unit that stores color management setting information in which a color management target setting, paper print setting information, and printer information including engine information indicating the engine and controller information indicating the controller are associated with each other; The external control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls a color management adjustment function of the engine and a color management adjustment function of the controller based on the color management setting information.

3. a reception unit that receives designation of paper print setting information included in the color management setting information stored in the storage unit, The external control device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls a color management adjustment function of the engine and a color management adjustment function of the controller based on the color management target setting associated with the specified paper printing setting information.

4. The external control device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit acquires paper information managed by the controller from the controller, and updates the acquired paper information as part of printer information including controller information indicating the controller stored in the memory unit.

5. 5. The external control device according to claim 4, wherein when the control unit is unable to obtain paper information managed by the controller from the controller, the control unit obtains paper information managed by the engine from the engine, and updates the obtained paper information as part of the printer information including engine information indicating the engine stored in the memory unit.

6. The external control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit acquires paper information related to the printer from an external device other than the engine and the controller, and updates the acquired paper information as part of printer information including engine information indicating the engine or controller information indicating the controller stored in the memory unit.

7. The external control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit obtains the latest paper information from the engine or the controller immediately before color management adjustment of the engine or color management adjustment of the controller, and if the paper to be targeted for the color management adjustment is not set in any of the paper feed trays of the printer, the control unit cancels execution of the color management adjustment and notifies an error that the paper to be targeted for the color management adjustment is not set.

8. The external control device according to claim 4 , wherein the paper information includes a list of paper feed trays, and information indicating a paper type and a paper feed direction for each of the paper feed trays.

9. the color management adjustment function of the engine includes an adjustment function related to a maximum density of an image printed by the engine, an adjustment function related to a density balance, or an adjustment function related to a density; The external control device according to claim 1 , wherein the color management adjustment function of the controller includes an adjustment function relating to density for each paper type of an image printed by the engine corresponding to the controller, or a profile creation function.

10. The external control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit automatically executes a color verification function after the color management adjustment of the engine or the color management adjustment of the controller is completed.

11. the control unit has a function of searching for a printer within a network and acquiring printer information of the printer; 3. The external control device according to claim 2, wherein after first color management setting information is stored in the memory unit, if a printer of the same model as the engine information and controller information contained in the first color management setting information is present within the network, the control unit reuses the first color management setting information to create second color management setting information including engine information and controller information relating to the printer of the same model.

12. A printer that is composed of an engine that prints on paper and a controller that generates raster data to be provided to the engine, and a computer that is connected via a network, A program for causing the color management adjustment function of the engine and the color management adjustment function of the controller to function as a control unit that controls the color management adjustment function of the controller from outside the printer.

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